Choose Connor (a.k.a. The Politician)

domesticelefant · 03 Aug 08 :: 09:20

Me too.

larry-411 · 03 Aug 08 :: 20:04

I liked it too. I generally despise trailers for being too spoilery and/or including many of the best jokes/dramatic moments in the movie -- understanding, of course, that the idea is to get butts in the seats.

In this case, I feel that they did a good job of avoiding those dilemmas.

There's even a (teeny) moment of Chris's scene in there.

TeeJay · 03 Aug 08 :: 20:41

larry-411 wrote:

There's even a (teeny) moment of Chris's scene in there.

Yep, I noticed.

-TeeJay

TheCentralScrutinizer · 03 Aug 08 :: 21:23

He was in the old trailer too, I believe.

larry-411 · 04 Aug 08 :: 05:18

BIG news:

Although Strand is primarily known as a DVD distributor, I just got word that Choose Connor will be released theatrically in LA, NY, and DC in October.

Stay tuned for details.

P.S. This came from the writer/director/producer of the film.

TheCentralScrutinizer · 04 Aug 08 :: 06:35

Awesome. Can't wait for the DVD announcement.

domesticelefant · 04 Aug 08 :: 17:44

October? Cool.

larry-411 · 22 Sep 08 :: 01:30

UPDATE: I just got back from a week in L.A., during which (among many other things) I saw Lost Dream (for the 3rd time -- a different cut each time) and Speech and Debate twice. That's the play with Michael Welch, Aaron Himelstein, and Mae Whitman.

I spent a lot of time with Michael and Aaron and had a blast. There will be a LOT of news forthcoming, some involving Chris.

But...for now...the update to my post above is that Choose Connor will be released theatrically in the US by Strand Releasing on October 10. This comes from Aaron, who is the producer of the film.

TheCentralScrutinizer · 22 Sep 08 :: 01:59

Do we know where and how many theaters? Hope the Chris news is about his project with Aaron, Cafe Chaos. It sounded like a lot of fun. We'll be out there seeing the play and Mike and Aaron and Chris, (others too, hoepfully) in less than two weeks ourselves. We've heard nothing but raves about Speech & Debate. Ryanne said she really enjoyed meeting you, Larry.

larry-411 · 22 Sep 08 :: 02:10

At the moment we know it will likely be LA, NY, and DC. So at least 3 theaters. It might get into 2-3 or more in LA and NY.

I'm not allowed to get into specifics about the "project," what it's about, or who's in it -- all I can say is that Aaron has written, produced, and directed a TV pilot and was on his way to a "very important meeting" with a 3-letter company when I last saw him. That's all I'm allowed to say publicly.

You'll love the play! I took pictures at the Opening Night afterparty, candids and posed, and did a photoshoot involving Michael and socks. I'll post about the play and other stuff separately.

Ryanne was so much fun to hang out with. We ate a lot, went shopping, and met Ryan Merriman. I just wish I could have stayed longer. I got some pics of her and me with Ryan, too. Great guy.

TheCentralScrutinizer · 22 Sep 08 :: 02:16

Any word on a Choose Connor DVD?

Are you saying Chris is involved in this mystery project of Aaron's?

larry-411 · 22 Sep 08 :: 02:27

Sisterdebmac wrote:

Any word on a Choose Connor DVD?

No, not yet, but probably by the end of January. That's completely unofficial, though.

Are you saying Chris is involved in this mystery project of Aaron's?

No, just saying he did a pilot. That's really all I can say for now. But stay tuned (pun intended) for more news (hopefully).

TheCentralScrutinizer · 22 Sep 08 :: 02:39

Oh well. Woulda been cool.

larry-411 · 22 Sep 08 :: 02:58

Sisterdebmac wrote:

Oh well. Woulda been cool.

Don't rule it out. I just can't say anything.

TheCentralScrutinizer · 22 Sep 08 :: 03:02

We've been trying to wish Chris back to TV for about 3 years now. That's not gonna change until it happens. Maybe he'll have something to tell us when we see him. He's supposed to have something lined up for November, but he hasn't told anyone what it is.

larry-411 · 17 Oct 08 :: 18:18

Hey everyone.

Choose Connor opens today in Los Angeles and Irvine, California. In addition to Chris, the film stars Steven Weber, Alex Linz, Escher Holloway, John Rubinstein, Erick Avari, April Grace, Don McManus, Diane Delano, Rosalee Mayeux and Richard Reihle among others. Luke Eberl wrote and directed the film. Michael also was involved -- he has a small cameo and is thanked twice in the credits. You may see more of him on the DVD extras .

Here's when and where it's playing:

Los Angeles
Laemmle's SUNSET 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
www.laemmle.com
Showtimes: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:40
Luke will be doing a Q&A after the 7:00 screening tonight (Friday) and
the 7:00 screening tomorrow (Saturday) at the Sunset 5
STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT, WILL ONLY PLAY UNTIL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23RD

Irvine
Edwards' WESTPARK 8
3755 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92606
www.edwardscinemas.com
Showtimes: 12:50, 3:30, 7:10, 10:00
Luke will be doing a Q&A after the 3:30 screening tomorrow (Saturday) at
the Westpark 8.

You can view the trailer here:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/chooseconnor/

You can also find more info about the movie/cast/crew here:

www.chooseconnor.com

"Choose Connor" won the Jury Award for Best American Independent at
the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival, and has screened in competition
at numerous other festivals, including the CineVegas, Rome, Woodstock, Outfest,
Omaha, Byron Bay, New Filmmakers, Method Fest and Newport Beach Film
Festivals. It was named one of the the best undistributed films of
2007 by the New York Press.

In addition, here is some positive notice the film has received:

"Luke Eberl's "Choose Connor" is a real stunner, an unusual
coming-of-age story that packs a wallop in unexpected ways. It is all
the more remarkable because writer-director-editor and co-producer
Eberl was only 20 when he made it.

Eberl has both a dryly cynical grasp of how the world of politics can
work and a gift for complex characterization coupled with an ability
to draw from actors spot-on portrayals of much range and depth. He can
suddenly unleash a jolting fear yet not let his film lapse into a
standard suspense thriller; he is skilled at the visual as well as the
verbal, a filmmaker of formidable powers of persuasion.

After a prologue that is daringly disturbing, Eberl cuts to a
middle-school graduation where U.S. Senate candidate Lawrence Connor
(Steven Weber) gives a speech and presents 15-year-old Owen (Alex
Linz) with an award -- and ends up recruiting the admiring Owen as the
spokesman for his youth campaign. Owen is a brainy but innocent
idealist bedazzled by a glib politician who sees himself heroically
walking a tightrope between high principle and necessary compromise.

That Owen learns politics can be a dirty business -- and hidden within
that world much darker secrets -- is not all that shocking, but what
makes "Choose Connor" so special and unsettling is the consistent
adroitness and perfect timing with which Eberl makes his revelations.
As equally impressive as Weber in the role of Connor is Escher
Holloway as his troubled adopted nephew, a talented artist of dark
visions."
--The Los Angeles Times

"Draws you in by creeping you out ... What makes the journey
compelling is the relaxed chemistry between the young actors and an
insistently apprehensive tone that pervades even the most prosaic
exchanges ... The filmmaker's choices - long, easy takes instead of
jumpy camerawork, spare background music instead of a mood-pop
soundtrack - smoothly evoke a world of backslapping cronyism. Here
business and politics share more than financial interests, and
idealism and innocence rarely go unpunished."
-- The New York Times

"Strong thesping and solid mise-en-scene."
-- Variety

"A Brilliantly devised political thriller."
-- Movie Maker Magazine

"For politics what "Wall Street" did for capitalism. It shows us with
subtlety and finesse how the people in power, blinded by the
spotlight, begin to lose sight of the people they're supposed to
serve."
-- Las Vegas Weekly

"This excellent independent film exposes the corrupt politicians that
support American capitalism, and simultaneously rails at the
white-collar Americans who support them ... This film compares
favorably with much bigger pictures with similar themes, such as Tony
Gilroy's Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney."
-- Political Affairs Magazine

"The performances and the writing were in perfect synch and created a
provocative and timely (and timeless) examination of politics."
-- Trevor Groth, Sundance Film Festival Senior Programmer

"There is nothing more thrilling than seeing a young director ascend
to the ranks of the majors. Twenty-one year old Luke Eberl, the
writer/director of CHOOSE CONNOR has successfully launched himself as
a serious filmmaker. Writer/director Luke Eberl makes some extremely
wise choices, fleshing out the demons while blanketing them with so
much outward respectability that they may never be exposed. Owen
Norris, as the spokesman for youth becomes a suburban celebrity. His
likeness is on posters; he's in television ads. His parents feel the
afterglow of their son's new found recognition. Owen does his job so
well that the campaign starts to swing in Connor's direction. By the
end of the film he has opened Pandora's box. The storyline is both
original and unnerving. Steven Weber, a fine actor who is always
remembered for his starring role on "Wings", rises to the political
heights, making Larry Connor both charming and menacing. In the scenes
where he allows us to glimpse his weaknesses, his loneliness, his
inability to genuinely connect with his constituents, he almost makes
us feel sorry for him. Escher Holloway as Caleb has the right amount
of sexual intensity, innocence lost, and friendship found."
--- Jetsetters Magazine

"Choose Connor is Alex Linz's first real chance to show the world what
he has as an actor, and Linz nails his role... Eberl's voice could
become a vital new one for cinema... he is definitely a name to keep
an eye on."
--The Film Lot

"It's really pretty startling that a work of such insight and maturity
was written and directed by Luke Eberl who isn't even 21 years old.
"Choose Connor" has much going on both on the surface and under and
Eberl's a confident director who allows both areas to grow and breathe
on their own. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's an
overall feeling of creepiness to the whole film. As things play out on
screen, they do become downright creepy, but way before that there's a
sense that at any minute, the phony congressman Connor could snap…or
fall apart. I was impressed with the tone of the entire film and Eberl
deserves kudos for that. Excellent directing coupled with a smart
script and solid acting make "Choose Connor" a movie worth your time."
---Film Threat

"Eberl's smart, concise script and steady direction are propped up by
a slew of star-making performances, most notably Linz and Holloway.
Linz is the perfect nerd with ambition, a kind of mini-Bill Gates of
the political world, shouldering the burden of being a kid at the
center of an adult film about an adult world with an almost eerie
ease. Holloway is nothing short of a revelation, conveying the twisted
innards of a disturbed individual with an adroit sense of timing. He
doesn't lose his cool so much as he loses his cool facade and replaces
it with one just enough above room temperature to make him sweat. It's
this bottled-up boil that makes Choose Connor so compelling -- it's as
controlled as a nuclear test site."
-- Las Vegas City Life

"A level of insight that rivals the great political drama writing of
TV's "The West Wing" and Robert Altman's Secret Honor. This is a
slow-burn political thriller of great complexity that not only rings
true to life but also packs one hell of a surprising punch."
-- Michael Lerman, Philadelphia Film Festival

Last edited by larry-411 (17 Oct 08 :: 18:41)

TeeJay · 17 Oct 08 :: 18:41

Thanks, Larry, I've updated the info on our front page. Does that mean the movie's only gonna show in LA and Irvine? Wasn't there gonna be a release in two other cities? Any news on the DVD release? I doubt any of us here on the board is gonna be able to see the movie in these two theaters.

-TeeJay

larry-411 · 17 Oct 08 :: 18:51

TeeJay wrote:

Thanks, Larry, I've updated the info on our front page. Does that mean the movie's only gonna show in LA and Irvine? Wasn't there gonna be a release in two other cities? Any news on the DVD release? I doubt any of us here on the board is gonna be able to see the movie in these two theaters.
-TeeJay

Great!

It is still set to expand to NY and DC, although part of it will depend on how well it does in LA. No word on a DVD date yet.

larry-411 · 27 Oct 08 :: 01:46

CHOOSE CONNOR
DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT
251 South Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

=======================================

NOVEMBER 1- 6th
2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 PM
$10 (except $5 election special on Nov 4th)

-----------------------------------------------------

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th- BEER, POLITICS, & PIZZA

- WATCH THE ELECTION COVERAGE ON THE BIG SCREEN

- CHEAP BEER & PIZZA

- FREE ADMISSION

- Screening of CHOOSE CONNOR @ 9 PM- tickets $5

*Meet filmmaker Luke Eberl for Q&A on Nov. 4th after 9 p.m. screening following the election coverage*

www.myspace.com/downtownindependent

Last edited by larry-411 (27 Oct 08 :: 02:01)

larry-411 · 01 Nov 08 :: 22:31

Choose Connor is now playing in Washington, DC and downtown Los Angeles.

Washington, DC
Now through this Thursday, November 6th at:
Landmark's E Street Cinema
555 11th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
1:10 PM, 4:10 PM, 7:10 PM, 9:30 PM, and 11:55 PM
www.landmarktheatres.com
202-452-7672
Writer/director Luke Eberl will be at the 7:10 showing tonight, Saturday 11/1, for a Q&A.

Los Angeles
Now through this Thursday, November 6th
Downtown Independent
251 South Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Between 2nd and 3rd streets
Daily Showtimes at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM except on
Tuesday, November 4th, when there will election coverage all day
followed by a screening of at 9 PM, which Eberl will attend for a Q&A.

TheCentralScrutinizer · 02 Nov 08 :: 20:17

Very cool!

domesticelefant · 02 Nov 08 :: 20:48

January 13th? Cool!
Tina, that's an early birthday present for us!

TeeJay · 02 Nov 08 :: 23:28

Yeah, if that date's correct and things work out, we might actually have the DVD in our hands on our birthdays. Cross your fingers! (Axelmusic isn't listing it yet.)

-TeeJay

BiggestChrisMarquetteFan · 03 Nov 08 :: 05:21

I can't wait until it comes out on DVD. I hope Chris has a big role in it.

larry-411 · 03 Nov 08 :: 05:50

BiggestChrisMarquetteFan wrote:

I can't wait until it comes out on DVD. I hope Chris has a big role in it.

It's not. I don't post spoilers, of course, so I won't get into specifics. He only has one scene. But it is the pivotal scene in the whole movie.

Chris Marquette Message Board

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