Michael Sarnoski's new take on the not-so-jolly outlaw, "The Death of Robin Hood," opens this weekend from A24. It's a revisionist historical epic—or an epic about revisionist history, as IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich aptly put it—that portrays Hugh Jackman's Robin Hood as an almost sociopathic figure, seemingly without remorse when he sticks arrows in children's heads or thrusts torches down the throats of enemies.
So far, it seems, he doesn't, as the film shifts from a brutal historical thriller to a contemplative, philosophical drama in which Robin Hood, under the tutelage of a saintly abbess (Jodie Comer), looks back on his bloody legacy.
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On the latest episode of IndieWire's "Screen Talk" podcast, hosts Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio discuss the film, in which Jackman delivers a performance that's as revealing as possible (except for the hair and makeup that mimics wounds), creating a completely different version of the iconic criminal you think you know. Reviews are mixed, with Metacritic hovering around 60, but we both recommend it. Just be prepared if you think this is a purely violent film about the past. The second half, which Ryan says delves into depth and sentimentality without always hitting the mark, will be more challenging for audiences than the film's opening scenes (and its marketing campaign) suggest.
Death of Robin Hood needs support from audiences and critics to become an awards contender; its mastery of the historical atmosphere is superb at every level, and that's perhaps A24's best argument for promoting the film this fall. But for now, it needs box office support and positive critical reviews.
In another podcast episode, Anne discusses Toy Story 5, a fast-paced film like a champagne toy—airy and sweet, but with serious consequences for kids and toys. Nothing could top Toy Story 3, but Andrew Stanton comes close. Randy Newman's witty score makes the Buzz Lightyear episodes incredibly funny. And Conan O'Brien voices a cheeky new character: a potty training device named Smarty Pants.
Ryan is distributing Sofia Takal's feature film, "First Act," which stars Ella Beattie, the daughter of Warren and Annette Bening, as a young high school actress who falls under the influence of a devious acting teacher, played by Ari Greiner. His methods aren't Stanlislavski or Meisner-style, but rather include seduction and psychosexual manipulation. The film has an Eve Harrington/Margo Channing-esque kitsch edge, which will appeal to both sophisticated independent audiences and even streaming service viewers (quite possibly). The film is currently seeking a buyer.
Also, after last week's Screen Talk episode with Ronan Farrow, we finally got to see Steven Spielberg's Reveal Day.
Listen to the episode below or on your preferred podcast platform.