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Frank Capra: Mr. America

Frank Capra: Mr. America
Directed byMatthew Wells
Written byMatthew Wells
Produced byNick Varley
CinematographyOscar Oldershaw
Edited byIsobel Goodrich
Music byRoly Witherow
Release date
  • 1 September 2023 (2023-09-01) (Venice)

Frank Capra: Mr. America is a 2023 British documentary film written and directed by Matthew Wells, at his feature film debut. It premiered out of competition at the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival. The film focuses on director Frank Capra's personal life and career, through film clips, interviews, and Capra's home movies.[1] Interwees include Alexander Payne, Jeanine Basinger, Tom Rothman, and Joseph McBride.[2]

Production

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The film marked the feature film debut of Matthew Wells, who had previously directed a series of shorts about Stanley Kubrick.[2] It is also the first film produced by Ten Thousand 86, a company founded by Park Circus founder Nick Varley.[2] The film was fully funded by Sony Pictures.[1]

Release

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The film had its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in the Venice Classics sidebar.[2][3] It was also screened at the 2024 Glasgow Film Festival,[4][5] and the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival, with Wells and Basinger presenting the film.[6]

Reception

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Deadline's film critic Matthew Carey praised the director's non-apologethic approach and the film as a 'nuanced portrait [which] offers a fresh perspective' on Capra.[7] Glenn Kenny described the film as 'cogent and moving'.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b Volonte, James (30 August 2023). "Documentary 'Frank Capra: Mr. America' Discusses Famed Director's Complex Life; Set To Be Released In Venice". MXDWN. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Halligan, Fionnuala (1 September 2023). "'Frank Capra: Mr America': Venice Review". Screen International. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  3. ^ Finos, Arianna (20 August 2023). "Frank Capra, la vita è ancora meravigliosa". la Repubblica (in Italian). Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  4. ^ Kermode, Jennie (2 March 2024). "Frank Capra: Mr America (2023)". Eye for Film. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  5. ^ McArthur, Derek (1 March 2024). "Frank Capra: Mr America is a reminder of a Hollywood with humanity". The Herald. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Frank Capra: Mr. America (2023)". Turner Classic Movies. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  7. ^ Carey, Matthew (1 September 2023). "'Frank Capra: Mr. America' Review: Documentary Gives Penetrating Insight Into Filmmaker Who Made Classics But Also Named Names – Venice Film Festival". Deadline. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  8. ^ Kenny, Glenn (5 September 2023). "Venice Film Festival 2023: Biennale College and Recommended Movies". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
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