Wild Canaries
| Wild Canaries | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lawrence Michael Levine |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by | Lawrence Michael Levine |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Michael Montes |
| Cinematography | Mark Schwartzbard |
| Edited by | Sofi Marshall |
Production company |
Little Teeth Pictures |
| Distributed by | Sundance Selects |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Wild Canaries is an American comedy film directed, produced and written by Lawrence Michael Levine. It stars Levine, Sophia Takal, Alia Shawkat, Jason Ritter and Annie Parisse. The film had its world premiere premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 8, 2014.[1] The film was released in a limited release and through video on demand on February 25, 2015 courtesy of Sundance Selects.[2]
Synopsis
Barri (Sophia Takal) and Noah (Lawrence Michael Levine) are a couple who suspect the mysterious death of their neighbor Sylvia (Marylouise Burke). With their friend Jean (Alia Shawkat), they investigate the crime and discover secrets in the apartment. Anthony (Kevin Corrigan) becomes the prime suspect.
Cast
- Sophia Takal as Barri
- Lawrence Michael Levine as Noah
- Alia Shawkat as Jean
- Jason Ritter as Damiel
- Annie Parisse as Eleanor
- Kevin Corrigan as Anthony
- Marylouise Burke as Sylvia
- Lindsay Burdge as Annabell
- Eleonore Hendricks as Molly
- Jennifer Kim as Lori
- Kent Osborne as Calvin
- Bob Byington as Disgruntled Filmmaker
- Helen Merino as Real Estate Broker
Release
The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 8, 2014. On December 23, 2014, it was announced that Sundance Selects had acquired distribution rights for the film with a planned 2015 release.[3] The film was released in a limited release and on video on demand beginning on February 25, 2015.[2] The film went on to premiere at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10, 2014, and various other film festivals throughout 2014.[4]
Controversy
A theater in Sandpoint, Idaho refused to screen the film, due to the film not receiving an MPAA rating, the owner stated that the film "contained subject matter not in keeping with the standards of the Panida and I have chosen to cancel screenings for Friday and Saturday matinee. I apologize for any inconvenience." The owner also claimed IFC Films did not make them aware of the content, however, cast member Sophia Takal took to her official Facebook account stating: "Wild Canaries has no nudity, no sex scenes. It has two scenes where a guy is smoking marijuana. It has two lesbian main characters. It's hard not to jump to the conclusion that that's why they pulled it."[5]
References
- ↑ "SXSW Film Review: ‘Wild Canaries’". Variety. August 7, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- 1 2 ""A Poisoned Valentine to New York": Talking to Wild Canaries Writer-Director Lawrence Michael Levine". The L Magazine. February 25, 2015.
- ↑ "Sundance Selects Acquires Screwball Murder Mystery 'Wild Canaries'". Indiewire. December 23, 2014.
- ↑ "Wild Canaries Screenings". Wild Canaries Movie.
- ↑ "Lesbian Themed IFC Film 'Wild Canaries' Banned by Idaho Theater". The Wrap. April 20, 2015.