Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Big news from the Asheville Cinema Festival’s Executive Director, Wyman Tannehill:
Our 2012 Closing Night Film, Quartet, is the directorial debut of Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman. The film premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival to three standing ovations. It has been hailed by critics as one of the year’s best ensemble casts with fantastic performances throughout. This is no surprise considering the cast is comprised of acclaimed, multiple award-winning actors (Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay) who were under the direction of Hoffman, a two-time Best Actor Academy Award winner (plus 52 other acting awards).
Quartet is the story of a home for retired opera singers that is disrupted with the arrival of a former star (Smith) who also happens to be an eternal diva and the former wife of a resident. Not only is there praise for the sharp, charming script, but also for Hoffman’s deft ability to keep such an incredible group of strong actors perfectly in sync with the film’s tone. Quartet is not being released nationwide until January. This North Carolina premier of the film is one of the first U.S. screenings.
The screening will take place Sunday, November 4 at 7:00pm at the Regal Biltmore Grande. Advance Tickets for Quartet and Opening Night Film Silver Linings Playbook will be available for purchase on Monday, October 8 at www.AshevilleCinemaFestival.com. The festival’s other films will be announced on Thursday, October 11.
Quartet‘s release is so far off that neither an official trailer nor poster has been released. Take a look at two stills from the film below.
