WALKING IN THE RAIN (Josh P. of Chicago, IL)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Screenplay by John Logan
Based on the book “Be My Baby” by Ronnie Spector
Produced by Graham King, Martin Scorsese and Tim Headington
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Cinematography by Robert Richardson
Main Cast:
Salli Richardson (Ronnie Spector)
Giovanni Ribisi (Phil Spector)
Paula Patton (Estelle Bennett)
Kerry Washington (Nadra Telly)
Sacha Baron Cohen (Jeff Barry)
Illeana Douglas (Ellie Greenwhich)
Jared Leto (George Harrison)
Tagline: “Adored, ’till eternity.”
Synopsis: Among the many talented musical groups that popped up in the 1960s, the Ronettes were not only one of the most prolific but also one of the most notorious. Despite their talent, all of their actions were shrouded by the personal relationship between the group’s manager, mega producer Phil Spector (Giovanni Ribisi) and the lead singer Ronnie (Salli Richardson). As the popularity of the group climbed with hits written by Phil’s writing partners Jerry (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Ellie (Rachel Griffiths), the control Phil had over Ronnie grew more and more, and coupled with his infamous high standards in talent, it drove a groove between Ronnie and the other bandmates, her sister Estelle (Paula Patton) and Nadra (Kerry Washington).
Things would come to a head during their tour in England, and Ronnie began seeking the affection for many of the talents there. Phil would become consumed with jealousy and rage when he finally catches her in a conversation with George Harrison (Jared Leto). That breaking point would eventually lead their relationship coming to a boiling point, and after the recording of the group’s last big hit, “Walking in the Rain”, Ronnie and Phil would soon dissolve their relationship, leaving the music to stand in place of the vitriol.
Press Section: After pumping so much ‘60s rock and roll music in his past films, the chance for Martin Scorsese to take on a biopic about one of the era’s greatest talents is a perfect match. His touch as a director is present in every scene, giving way to stylish flashes and fierce intensity that have made him a star director already. At the center, there are absolutely powerful performances from Ribisi and Richardson, Richardson in particular as she carries nearly all the emotional weight of the film. Even though her singing is dubbed, the intensity she brings to this character struggling in an impossible situation is sincerely felt. Ribisi perfectly captures the searing control freak nature of Spector in a believable way. Paula Patton shines as the supportive sister who tries to reason with her ill relative, and Leto offers charm and insightful charisma in a near cameo of a famous musician near to Scorsese’s heart. John Logan’s script is well crafted, and as a period musical spectacle, all the other artistic elements are used in full force.
Awards Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Best Actor: Giovanni Ribisi
Best Actress: Salli Richardson
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto
Best Supporting Actress: Paula Patton
Best Adapted Screenplay: John Logan
Screenplay by John Logan
Based on the book “Be My Baby” by Ronnie Spector
Produced by Graham King, Martin Scorsese and Tim Headington
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Cinematography by Robert Richardson
Main Cast:
Salli Richardson (Ronnie Spector)
Giovanni Ribisi (Phil Spector)
Paula Patton (Estelle Bennett)
Kerry Washington (Nadra Telly)
Sacha Baron Cohen (Jeff Barry)
Illeana Douglas (Ellie Greenwhich)
Jared Leto (George Harrison)
Tagline: “Adored, ’till eternity.”
Synopsis: Among the many talented musical groups that popped up in the 1960s, the Ronettes were not only one of the most prolific but also one of the most notorious. Despite their talent, all of their actions were shrouded by the personal relationship between the group’s manager, mega producer Phil Spector (Giovanni Ribisi) and the lead singer Ronnie (Salli Richardson). As the popularity of the group climbed with hits written by Phil’s writing partners Jerry (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Ellie (Rachel Griffiths), the control Phil had over Ronnie grew more and more, and coupled with his infamous high standards in talent, it drove a groove between Ronnie and the other bandmates, her sister Estelle (Paula Patton) and Nadra (Kerry Washington).
Things would come to a head during their tour in England, and Ronnie began seeking the affection for many of the talents there. Phil would become consumed with jealousy and rage when he finally catches her in a conversation with George Harrison (Jared Leto). That breaking point would eventually lead their relationship coming to a boiling point, and after the recording of the group’s last big hit, “Walking in the Rain”, Ronnie and Phil would soon dissolve their relationship, leaving the music to stand in place of the vitriol.
Press Section: After pumping so much ‘60s rock and roll music in his past films, the chance for Martin Scorsese to take on a biopic about one of the era’s greatest talents is a perfect match. His touch as a director is present in every scene, giving way to stylish flashes and fierce intensity that have made him a star director already. At the center, there are absolutely powerful performances from Ribisi and Richardson, Richardson in particular as she carries nearly all the emotional weight of the film. Even though her singing is dubbed, the intensity she brings to this character struggling in an impossible situation is sincerely felt. Ribisi perfectly captures the searing control freak nature of Spector in a believable way. Paula Patton shines as the supportive sister who tries to reason with her ill relative, and Leto offers charm and insightful charisma in a near cameo of a famous musician near to Scorsese’s heart. John Logan’s script is well crafted, and as a period musical spectacle, all the other artistic elements are used in full force.
Awards Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Best Actor: Giovanni Ribisi
Best Actress: Salli Richardson
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto
Best Supporting Actress: Paula Patton
Best Adapted Screenplay: John Logan
