Blackbird (2019 film)
Blackbird is a 2019 American drama film directed by Roger Michell, from a screenplay by Christian Torpe. It is a remake of the Danish film Silent Heart. It stars Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Mia Wasikowska, Lindsay Duncan, Rainn Wilson, Bex Taylor-Klaus, and Sam Neill.
Blackbird | |
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![]() Official poster | |
Directed by | Roger Michell |
Produced by |
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Screenplay by | Christian Torpe |
Based on | Silent Heart by Bille August |
Starring | |
Music by | Peter Gregson |
Cinematography | Mike Eley |
Edited by | Kristina Hetherington |
Production company |
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Distributed by | Screen Media Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 98 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Box office | $808,707 |
It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2019. It was released on September 18, 2020, by Screen Media Films.
Premise
A dying mother assembles her family to spend a final weekend together before she ends her life.
Cast
- Susan Sarandon as Lily
- Kate Winslet as Jennifer
- Mia Wasikowska as Anna
- Sam Neill as Paul
- Lindsay Duncan as Liz
- Rainn Wilson as Michael
- Bex Taylor-Klaus as Chris
- Anson Boon as Jonathan
Production
The remake was announced in July 2018, with Kate Winslet, Diane Keaton and Mia Wasikowska cast to play members of the family. Roger Michell was announced as director, with filming initially set to begin in August.[1]
Filming began in October, with Keaton replaced by Susan Sarandon, and Sam Neill, Rainn Wilson, Bex Taylor-Klaus and Lindsay Duncan cast in supporting roles.[2] The beachside house used in the film is located next to Winslet's own home near West Wittering in West Sussex, with the South Coast of England doubling for The Hamptons.[3]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2019.[4] In May 2020, Screen Media Films acquired distribution rights to the film.[5] It was released on September 18, 2020.[6]
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 61% based on reviews from 87 critics. The site's critics consensus states: "Blackbird wastes its premise on shallow storytelling, though its splendid cast adds heart to a sensitive subject."[7] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 53 out of 100, based on reviews from 18 critics, indicating "mixed of average reviews".[8]
References
- Fleming Jr., Mike; Hipes, Patrick (July 17, 2018). "Kate Winslet, Diane Keaton & Mia Wasikowska To Star In 'Silent Heart' Remake 'Blackbird', With Roger Michell Directing". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
- N'Duka, Amanda (October 17, 2018). "Susan Sarandon Replaces Diane Keaton In Next Roger Michell Film; Sam Neill, Rainn Wilson, Bex Taylor-Klaus + More Join Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
- Mitchell, Wendy (September 6, 2019). "How did the English South Coast stand in for the Hamptons in Roger Michell's 'Blackbird'?". Screendaily.com. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
- Fleming Jr, Mike (23 July 2019). "Toronto Fest 2019 Starpower: Hanks' Mr Rogers, Bale-Damon's Ford V Ferrari, Phoenix' Joker, Streep's Laundromat, Eddie Murphy's Dolemite, Daniel Craig's Knives Out, Kidman's Goldfinch Among Premieres". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
- D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 12, 2020). "Screen Media Takes Susan Sarandon-Kate Winslet Ensemble Film 'Blackbird'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- Billington, Alex (August 17, 2020). "New US Trailer for Ending-Life Drama 'Blackbird' with Susan Sarandon". First Showing. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
- "Blackbird (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- "Critic reviews for Blackbird". Metacritic. Retrieved September 26, 2020.