Freak Show (film)
Freak Show | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Trudie Styler |
Written by |
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Based on | Freak Show by James St. James |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Dante Spinotti |
Edited by | Sarah Flack |
Music by | Dan Romer |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | IFC Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 91 minutes[1] |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $2 million[2] |
Freak Show is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Trudie Styler and written by Patrick J. Clifton and Beth Rigazio, based on the novel of the same name by James St. James. The film stars Alex Lawther, Abigail Breslin, AnnaSophia Robb, Ian Nelson, Celia Weston, Laverne Cox and Bette Midler.
The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2017. It was released on January 12, 2018, by IFC Films.
Cast[]
- Alex Lawther as Billy Bloom, a funny, good-hearted teenager and the new student at an ultra-conservative high school[3]
- Eddie Schweighardt as young Billy Bloom
- Abigail Breslin as Lynette, the head cheerleader and high school queen bee, and Billy's rival[4][5]
- Bette Midler as Muv, Billy's mother[6]
- Larry Pine as Billy's father[4]
- AnnaSophia Robb as Blah Blah Blah[6] / Mary Jane
- Ian Nelson as Mark "Flip" Kelly, Billy's friend[6]
- Lorraine Toussaint as Flossie, Billy's nanny[6]
- Laverne Cox as Felicia, a reporter[4]
- Willa Fitzgerald as Tiffany[4]
- Celia Weston as Florence
- Walden Hudson as Bib Oberman
Production[]
On October 2, 2015, it was announced that Trudie Styler would make her directorial debut with the young adult LGBT film Freak Show, based on the novel of same name by James St. James.[6] Patrick J. Clifton and Beth Rigazio adapted the novel, while producers on the film would be Celine Rattray, Charlotte Ubben, and Styler through Maven Pictures along with Drew Barrymore and Nancy Juvonen's Flower Films, and Jeffrey Coulter and Bryan Rabin.[6]
Principal photography on the film began on October 27, 2015 in New York City.[7][4] Dan Romer composed the film's score.[8]
Release[]
The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2017.[9][10] Shortly after, IFC Films acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.[11] It was released on January 12, 2018.[1]
Reception[]
As of June 2020, the film holds a 54% approval rating on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 41 reviews with an average rating of 5.62/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Freak Show relies on engaging performances and obviously good intentions to cover for its clichéd story and uneven direction – and for some viewers, it may well be enough."[12] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 54 out of 100, based on 8 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[13]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Freak Show". IFC Films. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (February 13, 2017). "Trudie Styler talks directing 'Freak Show' ahead of Berlin premiere". Screen Daily. Screen International. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ Jaafar, Ali (October 20, 2015). "Alex Lawther Set To Topline Trudie Styler's 'Freak Show'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e McNary, Dave (October 29, 2015). "Abigail Breslin, Laverne Cox Join LGBT Film 'Freak Show'". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (November 23, 2015). "Abigail Breslin Lands Lead Role In 'Freak Show' Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Busch, Anita (October 2, 2015). "Trudie Styler To Direct Bette Midler, Others In LGBT Film 'Freak Show'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ SSN Insider Staff (October 30, 2015). "On the Set for 10/30/15: Keanu Reeves Starts on John Wick Sequel, Seth Rogen and Zac Efron Wrap Up Neighbors 2". SSN Insider. Archived from the original on November 1, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
- ^ "Dan Romer Scoring Trudie Styler's 'Freak Show'". Film Music Reporter. January 31, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
- ^ "Freak Show". 2017: Programme. Berlin International Film Festival. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ Roxborough, Scott (January 13, 2017). "Berlin Film Festival Reveals Final Films in Generations Sidebars Aimed at Young Audiences". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 3, 2017.
- ^ Busch, Anita (May 19, 2017). "IFC Films Picks Up Trudie Styler's Feature Directing Debut 'Freak Show'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ "Freak Show (2018)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "Freak Show Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
External links[]
- 2017 films
- English-language films
- 2017 comedy-drama films
- 2017 directorial debut films
- 2017 LGBT-related films
- 2010s coming-of-age comedy-drama films
- 2010s high school films
- 2010s teen comedy-drama films
- American coming-of-age comedy-drama films
- American films
- American high school films
- American teen comedy-drama films
- American teen LGBT-related films
- Cross-dressing in American films
- Films based on American novels
- Films based on young adult literature
- Films directed by Trudie Styler
- Films produced by Trudie Styler
- Films scored by Dan Romer
- Films set in New York City
- Films shot in New York City
- Flower Films films
- Gay-related films
- LGBT-related comedy-drama films
- LGBT-related coming-of-age films