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Flipping the Script on: Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘Third Star’

Benedict Cumberbatch in "Third Star"

Welcome to “Flipping the Script,” a monthly column where I will reconsider recent films that have been panned, frowned upon, or simply under appreciated. I believe that movies should speak to us on a deep, personal level, and this column will consist of films that have done that for me despite widespread derision or apathy. Join me on my noble quest for cinematic redemption! This month we go on the search for the Third Star!

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Los Angeles Film School Spotlights Oscar Nominated Scribes

 It was a film centric Monday for me, as I started the day co-hosting Behind The Lens with film critic/interviewer debbie lynn elias over at Adrenaline Radio, where we discussed the new documentaries Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of and Energizing Our World (narrated by Edward James Olmos, whom we interviewed on the show).

But the day was far from over, as I trekked to Hollywood to catch an evening discussion with this year’s Oscar nominated screenwriters. The “Q&A With Jeff Goldsmith” event took place at The Los Angeles Film School, a venue which, along with being an educational institution, also offers up free screenings and discussions for the general public.

Pictured (L-R) Damien Chazelle, Anthony McCarten, Graham Moore, E. Max Frye, Jeff Goldsmith, Alex Dinelaris Jr., Jason Hall, Dan Gilroy.
Pictured (L-R) Damien Chazelle, Anthony McCarten, Graham Moore,
E. Max Frye, Jeff Goldsmith, Alex Dinelaris Jr., Jason Hall,
Dan Gilroy. Credit: The Los Angeles Film School

Although Foxcatcher scribe E. Max Frye humorously complained to Goldsmith that the group was much funnier during their Santa Barbara International Film Festival panel, Monday evening’s discussion was definitely informative. Each scribe reflected on the most challenging moments of their screenwriting careers and broke down the challenges of creating their respective narratives.

Along with Frye, the attendees included writers Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”), Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”) Graham Moore (“The Imitation Game”), Alex Dinelaris Jr. (“Birdman”), Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler), and Jason Hall (“American Sniper”).

Graham Moore - Writer, "The Imitation Game."
Graham Moore – Writer, “The Imitation Game.” Credit: The Los Angeles Film School
Damien Chazelle, Writer/Director of "Whiplash" (Credit: The Los Angeles Film School)
Damien Chazelle, Writer/Director of “Whiplash” (Credit: The Los Angeles Film School)

For more information on the Oscar nominated screenwriters panel and The Los Angeles Film School, click here.

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‘The Imitation Game’ To Receive “Ensemble” Award At Palm Springs Fest

The Imitation Game, a WWII set feature that centers on code breaker Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), will receive the Ensemble Performance Award at the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

The cast members, along with Cumberbatch, include Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, and Mark Strong. The Awards Gala takes place Saturday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

“The Imitation Game is one of the very best ensembles to grace the screen this season,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley lead an outstanding cast in The Imitation Game, a film about Alan Turing as he attempts to crack Germany’s Enigma machine. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is proud to present the entire cast of The Imitation Game with the Ensemble Performance Award.”

Other honorees that will receive awards at the event include Julianne Moore (Still Alice), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything), and J.K. Simmons (Whiplash).

PSIFF runs January 2-12. For more info, please go to its official site.