Nicole Kidman, Viola Davis and Ethan Hawke were among the celebrities who brought star power to the Tribeca Film Festival in New York over the weekend.
On Friday, (April 15) Oscar winner Julianne Moore helped her director husband, Bart Freundlich, celebrate the world premiere of his film “Wolves” starring Michael Shannon, Carla Gugino and newcomer Taylor John Smith.
The film set in the 70s, is centered around a high school basketball star and his family dysfunctional family.
“I think this is a deeply personal film for Bart. I think Bart’s a very intelligent filmmaker and I think he really understands people very well. I was very drawn to this – to the dialogue and I was very drawn to this family. I think even in all its dysfunction it’s a very touching beautiful family,” said Shannon.
On the red carpet, Freundlich explained the multi-layered message of the film.
“I think what people will experience when they watch this movie, hopefully, if my goals are achieved, is an emotionally satisfying journey watching this kid, played by Taylor John Smith, come of age and make decisions one has to make to become your own individual and leave your parents behind. But what they’ll also see is exciting New York City basketball and a ton, as you can see, of New York City characters.”
Nicole Kidman was joined on the red carpet with her husband, Keith Urban at the U.S. premiere of “The Family Fang” on Saturday (April 16).
The film is actor Jason Bateman’s sophomore directing effort.
“Jason has a pretty loose vibe, he’s very easy going. He kind of just creates, because he comes from that comedy background, he knows how to just be very, very natural. And that’s probably, he makes it seem very easy. He directed one film before, ‘Bad Words,’ and this is his second film that he directed,” said Kidman who also produced the film.
“It was fantastic just watching him. I mean, he obviously has a massive career ahead of him as a not just an actor, but a director,” she added.
Kidman and Bateman play brother and sister in the film that takes an odd, crazy and funny look at families.
“We shot the film here, so it’s really cool that it’s playing this festival. And just to be a part of this festival at all is really an honor. We were really thrilled to be invited,” said Bateman.
Later that night, Alicia Silverstone, Molly Ringwald and James Franco celebrated the worldpremiere of “King Cobra.”
Emmy winner Viola Davis took a break from her “How to Get Away With Murder” television duties to celebrate the world premiere of “Custody” on Sunday (April 17).
The movie deals with the difficult times families have when they go through the court system, however, it’s told from the point of view of the judges.
The movie was filmed in New York, which Davis said added to the story.
“You can’t recreate New York. It’s another character in and of itself. It’s another beast in and of itself, you know? And so it became another character to be either defeated or embraced.”
The Tribeca Film Festival will run from April 13-24.
