Memorandum
TO:
STONE Distribution List
FROM:
Overture Films National Publicity
DATE:
September 9, 2010
RE:
STONE Press Reactions Memo #11
Below please find reactions from advance press screenings of STONE. We will
continue to circulate reactions as they become available. Entries in bold indicate
the most recent.
**Please note, these reactions are for feedback purposes only and are not
cleared for advertising use.
PRESS REACTIONS
Ed Douglass
COMINGSOON.NET
“A little slow but I generally liked the performances especially Milla Jovovich and
Edward Norton... the movie also looked great and it really had a very unique tone
to it, which is hard to put into words (similar to Jack Goes Boating).”
Rick Florino
ARTISTDIRECT.COM
“Stone is a hypnotic modern film noir that's simultaneous cunning, clever and
complex. Edward Norton gives his most intense performance since American
History X andPrimal Fear, while Robert DeNiro once again proves why he's a
legend with a tremblingly tangible examination of a frayed character. Milla
Jovovich is elegantly entrancing and sexy setting the new standard for a femme
fatale. This is one of the best thrillers of 2010.”
Steven Farber
FREELANCE - (LA TIMES, NY TIMES, MOVIELINE), LAFCA, UCLA EXTENSION
PROFESSOR)
“The film has great performances, though I had some problems with credibility. I
was not quite convinced De Niro would fall for the trap. But it is always a pleasure
to see these two actors.”
Jeffrey Lyons
KNBC/LYONS DEN RADIO
“Hard to get a handle on this one; very depressing, yet Norton was sensational.
And boy does the camera love Milla. Didn't believe for a second that De Niro's
character would bed her, however. Quite sobering, though.”
Ralph Appelbaum
FILMMAKER SYMPOSIUM
“It disturbed the HELL out of me. But I guess you have to go through the darkness
to see the light.”
Stephen Whitty
NEWARK STAR-LEDGER
“I liked the film. I thought it was really unusual – I can see it being as
disappointment if you just go in thinking it's going to be a prison/noir kind of
thing, but I really liked the way it went off on this spiritual direction.”
Rachel Wells
CNN
“I honestly thought it was a little slow at first during the set up but then I ended
up really, really liking it!! EVERYONE acting their pants off. Such good acting. Had
no idea Jovovich had it in her, very impressive.”
Ryan Jay
WESEEMOVIES.COM/MOXIE Q
“I liked it a lot - it was intense for a slow burn movie. Milla blew me away - to
stand out against Bob & Edward on screen cannot be an easy feat and she did it! I
really enjoyed it and am recommending it!!”
OLD REACTIONS:
Andre Chautard
FREELANCE
“I thought the opening scenes with Ed Norton were really strong -- very well-acted and
well-written. As the film went on, it didn't feel like the changes in the characters were
developed enough, and by the end it was unclear what the four characters were feeling or
what their motivations were. I like ambiguity in films, but this just felt like patchy
characterization. It's a great premise, but the film didn't end up working for me.”
Drew McWeeny
HITFIX
“I thought ‘Stone’ was amazing. Nothing I expected from it, and Milla alone makes the
movie a must-see. But De Niro? Awesome. I didn't know he still had it in him.”
Josh Stecker
SCRIPT MAGAZINE
“I LOVED IT. Powerful. Can see Norton with a few noms. Excited to interview Angus next
week.”
Jeanne Wolfe
PARADE
“Stone is an astounding movie. De Niro… Norton.. Milla all out of this world and surprising.
Every character in the movie was outstanding. I found myself riveted and involved and left
shaking my head, “OMG I finally saw an outstanding movie. What a relief!” Can’t say
enough good things.”
Eli Kooris
FREELANCE
STONE was excellent. I kind of want to see it again. incredible performances. And who is the
director?
Sasha Perl-Raver
POPCORN BIZ
“Whenever I can enjoy some time in the dark with Edward Norton is time well spent.”
Robin Reinhardt Locke
ROBIN REINHARDT TALENT (BOOKER)
“It’s a heavy and interesting movie. Edward is amazing- and what he did with his character
was amazing. De Niro also had a lot of shining moments and Milla’s performance was a true
surprise. I wish they took her character even further. In general, I found myself scratching
my head about the film. I thought the beginning scene with De Niro’s character was a
disconnect from the rest of the film. And in all, it moved very slowly to me.”
Jeffrey Wells
HOLLYWOOD ELSEWHERE
“I was seriously impressed with Stone. I was actually kind of floored by it. It's way better
than I expected. It goes beyond what I thought any film could or would be allowed to do in
today's market. It presents moral/spiritual issues and past nightmares and demons and
asks you, the viewer, to decide where the real morality and salvation lie.
Edward Norton starts out as a scurvy opportunistic con but gradually became the good guy,
De Niro was the fiend start to finish, and Jovovich was indeed "the alien." Or at the very
least the film allowed me to believe that.
Then again I don't think I'm succumbing to an impression. Frances Conroy did start the
fire, she did figure out what had been happening with Jovovich, and she was fanatically
religious and all. Norton did leave Jovovich. He was converted to a mystical realm -- he
was in an enlightened place toward the end.
I was expecting (and had been led to believe by the trailer) a much more routinely-written
formulaic film. De Niro, I thought, would be exposed and prosecuted for compromising his
office and Norton/Jovovich would be the culprits behind the burning and perhaps go after
him in some other way.
The more I think about it, the more astonished I am that such a film was even made in this
day and age. Best and bravest role De Niro has had in ages. Curran is a bold, bold
director. Astonishing. And very well shot and cut. A work of very high distinction.
Wow....what a film.
Sue Solomon
THE VIEW
“Wonderful acting (Edward Norton was brilliant as always), engrossing story, interesting
character development, but ending was-well I don't know what- sad and depressing. I think
I wanted a bigger payoff, but the film certainly stays with you and makes you think.
Ultimately, it seems that Norton’s Stone was possibly the only honest one.”
Marshall Fine
HOLLYWOOD AND FINE.COM/HUFFINGTON POST
“I thought the film was very powerful.”
Joshua Rothkopf
TIME OUT NEW YORK/PENTHOUSE
“Wow what a thinker (in a good way!). I loved the score by Jon Brion.”
Steve Bernie
YES NETWORK’S ‘CENTER STAGE’
“I think it is going to be a busy award season for this film! The first scene with Norton and
De Niro was OUTSTANDING – that would be the submission clip I'd send to the Academy!
Thought it was impressive and really loved every performance.”
Myron Kendal
CNN
“My wife and I were both bowled over by STONE. What acting! And a good plot. I didn't find
it slow at all. We've been recommending it to many!”
Susan Granger
SSG SYNDICATE
“I liked it a lot and thought it was very well made. Thought the ending was a little abrupt,
but otherwise great!”
Joanna Langfield
THE MOVIE MINUTE/AWFJ.COM
“Bleak and not necessarily in a good way. However, I thought the four of them were terrific.
De Niro always is, but the big surprise to me was Milla. Pretty vibrant stuff there. Love
Edward: he always knocks me out and here, he does it again....he always manages to be as
bold as he can be in a part without overdoing it. Amazing.”
Michael Lee
RADIO FREE
“I liked it. Like I said, I thought this was a comeback for Edward Norton in terms of doing
his hardcore transformative acting thing, reminiscent of his Primal Fear/Rounders/American
History X/Fight Club days. Milla Jovovich was good too--her character was clearly
manipulative, but you were also never really sure if she was dangerous and/or psychotic,
which I liked.
I kind of felt that De Niro was doing his generic De Niro routine from the past 30 years, but
whatever. It still works sometimes. And it's ideal in that context of a two-man stage play
kind of set up. I loved that explosive scene in the beginning where Mabry throws aside the
pleasantries and basically tells Stone to sit down and shut up. People were asking me today
at the MACHETE junket about what I saw last night, and I've been saying that STONE is one
of those films worth seeing just so you can enjoying the 1-on-1 acting.”
Nancy Mills
MILLS SYNDICATE
“It was a pretty provocative film. Edward Norton continues to amaze and impress me.
Everyone was good, and Milla Jovovich was surprisingly good. Didn’t much care for all the
religious radio stuff but realize it’s important for the story.”
Franz Lids
FREELANCER/NEW YORK TIMES
“I really liked Milla Jovovich and Edward Norton was fun to watch (channeling Eminem). Not
sure I bought into Robert De Niro, though – the character or his interpretation.”
Richard Turner
WALL STREET JOURNAL
“I thought there were great performances, especially by Milla Jovovich. Movie is a tough
slog though with all that heavy-handed philosophizing in the script. I am not sure if it will
really find an audience, but it is well made.”
AWAITING REACTION:
Rosalind Jarrett/SAG
Melinda Arons
NIGHTLINE
“I thought it was really good and did a great job dealing with some very dark themes. The
performances were all excellent.”
Meena Charaipotra
FREELANCER
“Wow, what an draining film, my brain was exhausted afterwards, in a good way though (I
think)! I thought the acting by De Niro was amazing. He really delivered and made the
character three-dimensional. I think that anyone who has had a real spiritual epiphany can
look at Edward Norton's character of Stone and not question his motives. Everything
became so clear to him and his journey finally made sense. However, the rest of the
viewers are left wondering if he or isn't he "a changed man." Very "Primal Fear"-ish. I like
Milla but didn't love her in this role…it was a lot of pouting and flirty smiling. Ultimately, I
found the film interesting and thought provoking but kind of hard to watch.”
Brent Simon
H MAGAZINE
“I dug STONE. Found it a bit slow but a fairly willful psychological seduction, if that makes
sense.”
Joshua Horowitz
MTV
“I had some problems with the main story/script. I was more interested in the back story of
De Niro's character (ie. that haunting opening scene) than the conniving couple, although
Milla was very good.”
Bilge Ebiri
NEW YORK MAGAZINE
“Have to say, I didn't much care for STONE. I liked De Niro's performance, and I thought
Jovovich was OK, but the rest just didn't work for me.”
Elliot Kotek
MOVING PICTURES MAGAZINE
“A few years ago we got “In the Bedroom” and “The Deep End,” and I don't think we've had
any slow-burn indie thrillers of this calibre for a while. I haven't been a fan of the recent
work of these actors but feel they totally brought their A games, thoroughly engaging. Milla
gave a tour de force performance, and the sound design is incredible -foreboding, haunting,
and echoes truthfully without being disruptive. Really dug it.”
Stephen Rebello
FREELANCE/PLAYBOY
“ I loved the mood of the movie -- the constant flow of religious talk radio juxtaposed with
the deep hypocrisies of the characters – De Niro better than he's been in a long time,
Frances Conroy so interesting -- movie's got a great weight and "feel"; a real world set up
here -- Jovovich surprised me. It took me time to deal with Norton's thing; kept taking me
out of the movie and focusing on his acting instead of just his being the character, but he
won me over. Good performances. Glad I saw it.”
Lyman Ward & Timothy Blake
SAG FILM SOCIETY
“We loved it and want it for our screening series!”
Karina Longworth
LA WEEKLY
“I was definitely impressed with the performances in Stone, particularly Milla and De Niro.”
Dave Karger
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
“The performances were ok; I did like the script but the film did not work for me.”
Reverend Kim Dorr
BEL AIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“I enjoyed the film and felt it was thought-provoking. The film does not speak well to
Christianity and in fact, paints it in a very negative light. But I understand this film is not
intended to be Christianity-based, and is not the paragon of Christianity- rather is about
spiritual awakening. I found it intriguing how De Niro’s character was feeding himself this
diet rooted in Christianity but his soul was not processing it. The fundamental theme is not
about faith but ones quest (and struggle) to find it. It did a nice job of portraying the
journey to spiritual enlightenment. However, due to the sex/language/nudity, we would not
be able to screen the film for our Church Screening Series.”
Jose Martinez
VENICE MAGAZINE
“Honestly, the film felt too long an too slow. I preferred when Norton played this role
opposite Richard Gere. And I didn’t care for his accent. Really, that's what he came up with?
I thought the women in the film were better. Not my thing to tell the truth.”
Kathy Heintzelman
MORE
"I thought the movie was really well done, kind of mesmerizing, with great performances -but very bleak, of course. Norton and De Niro were great together and separately and
Jovovich was kind of a revelation, very strong. (Frances Conroy was good too but most of
the time I preferred not to think about what her character was going through.) It seems like
a tough sell and maybe a hard movie to recommend to people but it really succeeds in what
it sets out to do, I think."
Sabrina McFarland
FREELANCE/PEOPLE
"I thought this film was sophisticated, smart and suspenseful. Well-worth the price of
admission to see cinematic treasures Robert De Niro and Edward Norton (loved his stylish
cornrows!) in this fresh, thought-provoking, gripping drama about mind-bending betrayal.
Totally kept me on the edge of my seat on what would happen next. A truly superb
screenplay from the opening flashback sequence to haunting dialogue like "we're all God's
co-workers". Great cinematographic shots, including the sexually suggestive scenes
between De Niro and the lovely Milla Jovovich. The audience demographic may be skewed
more to early Gen-Xers, Baby Boomers and older, but that's fine, since this segment of the
population is an often overlooked group on the filmmaking scene. They still love to go to the
movies and they've got lots of economic power - at least what's left of it!"
Mitzie Rothzeid
PGA
"I liked the film, it is like an old fashioned character study/ thriller, these days it is all about
kidnapping and torture, and this was vastly more interesting. I am not sure about branding
it an independent film- That also sets up expectations but certainly a solid thriller and
deserves a larger audience than art house. Norton is awesome."
Rip Georges
LA TIMES MAGAZINE
“I thought Milla was fantastic and that was pretty serious company from an acting point of
view .... I’m so proud to have her on the cover and I think the story will be quite strong.”
Mark Harris
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY/NEW YORK MAGAZINE
“I think the most honest thing for me to say about the movie is that my feelings were
mixed; I thought the performances were very strong, particularly Norton, and I was very
much held by the first half...but for me it played out in a kind of uneasy place between the
complicated two-man character study that the dialogue and storytelling seems to indicate it
is, and the thriller that the music and, at times, the direction seemed to want it to be. I'm
always happy to see a film that's more than one thing at once, but there were moments
when I thought the film itself was being indecisive about its goals.”
Maggie Buckley
ALLURE
“The film was well done but it was too depressing for me. Milla was good but not a movie I
could tell anyone I know to go and see.”
Kevin Lally
FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
“I had a mixed reaction. It’s good to see Robert De Niro in a dramatic role that stretches
him a bit more than his recent films. But I found the movie so drab and downbeat and all
the main characters so generally unappealing that I can’t say I was entertained. And Ed
Norton’s performance was a little too show-offy for my taste. Wish I could say I liked it
more.”
Amy Taubin
FILM COMMENT
“Dear De Niro was quite good but it was all a bit heavy handed. And since when have
Episcopalians been religious fanatics or the Protestant denomination of choice for the
working class. Maybe in Australia.”
Thom Geier
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"It’s an interesting film, the rare film that tries to grapple with religious themes in an
earnest way. But despite the really talented cast, I’m not sure that it really works the way it
should — and the director seems to want to both play up the thriller elements of the story
(particularly with the soundtrack) and to downplay them at the same time."
Leah Rozen
FREELANCE
"Sorry but I didn't really like the movie much. I don't think the direction very effectively
served the material and it just didn't work for me."
Claire Connors
SHAPE
"Well, I can't say it is the feel good movie of the year! I loved Edward Norton though and
will see just about anything he is in, but this was quite the downer and not sure how I
ultimately felt about it. Milla is quite pretty in it and thought she did a nice job."
Jonathan Landman
NEW YORK TIMES
Does not offer reactions.
Peter Travers
ROLLING STONE
“Found it fascinating. De Niro more committed than I’ve seen him in years. Norton is stellar.
Milla is the big surprise
John Powers
VOGUE
“I'm not quite sure what to make of it. It strikes me, to be honest, as good in parts and
ambitious in theme but more than a little pretentious. I like the way it shifts our
perceptions of things -- the way that we realize that, in consciousness terms, De Niro is
actually the stone, not Stone. I think he gives a good performance, and so does Ed N.
(when he's not being self-congratulatory cool -- a problem of his), and their interplay is
quite well written. There's some sly humor in it, too. I do think John Curran's a good
director -- indeed, I was on the jury that gave him the Fipresci prize at Toronto back in
1998. But it's a tricky movie because it doesn't go where you expect it to go (which is a
virtue, I think, but makes it a hard sell) and because it aims a bit higher than it actually
jumps.”
Annette Insdorf
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY & 92nd STREET Y
“I found STONE to be an enigmatic, powerful drama with riveting performances by Edward
and De Niro. It's sharply directed, with fine attention to detail. The sound design is
intense, from the bee buzzing against the screen of the opening scene, to the cacophony of
talk radio in the background, to pounding percussion as Jack enters the jail.
I appreciated how, at the end, Stone is freed, but it seems like Jack is still imprisoned by his
own cramped life. De Niro's performance implodes while Norton's explodes, and their
scenes together have an electricity.”
David Nugent
HAMPTONS FILM FESTIVAL
“I really liked STONE and it gave me a ton to think about over the weekend. The
performances were all fantastic, loved some of Curran’s decisions and I think the script was
excellent too. Loved the opening scene of the younger Mabrys, it really set up your distrust
of Jack nicely for the rest of the film. I also liked how ambiguous some of the major points
were (did Stone light the fire, or did Madelyn?) so it leaves you contemplating it for ages
after the lights come up. It was a very well made film.”
Mickey Rapkin
GQ
“I’m not too sure what to say about STONE. I felt it was solid but it may be a little too long
and intense for the lack of payoff at the end. I thought all three performances were really
strong. However, I felt like I have see Edward play this dual role before. I was shocked my
Milla’s performance. It was very strong and I wasn’t expecting it. This role takes her to the
next level in her career.”
David Schwartz
MUSEUM OF MOVING IMAGE
“I think my feeling is quite simple — it’s all about De Niro. I thought Norton’s
dangerous/unpredictable/violent/sensitive character was a bit too familiar and not really
convincing, and the women were caricatures. The filmmaking was fairly strong, although a
bit overwrought. But De Niro is really great in the film — it’s the best dramatic performance
from him in quite a long time (many years). It’s a fascinating character, and he really brings
it to life in a way that evokes his earlier great performances, but adds something new. I
would really just try to focus everything on him.”
Karen Durbin
NEW YORK TIMES/ELLE
“I thought they were all good performances but I'm very mixed on the film.”
**Karen was under deadline and will supply more of a reaction soon, but thought we’d want
to see this now. Still following up with Ann Kolson but she generally does not provide
reactions although will try to gleam what she thought through Karen.
Jenny He, Anne Morra, Josh Sigle
MoMA
All three MoMA curators declined to give an official reaction. However, Sean Egan at MoMA
said everyone has been raving about the film around the office and they offered us a
membership screening slot.
Elena Howe
LA TIMES
“De Niro, Norton, and Milla were all good, and the movie was quite involving. Will let you
know what we hope to pursue for Sneaks. I’ll likely need to get a reporter in now to see it
as well!”
Sarah Consagra
VANITY FAIR
“It’s hard for me to flatly say that I “enjoyed” the film, because I think anyone’s response to
"Stone" would be far more complex than that. Buried beneath the film’s gruesome plot-line
is a web of questions about the meanings of religion, sin, redemption, and reincarnation. I
left the screening room feeling like I needed to hunker down with a paper and pen and draw
out a map of all of the film’s sounds and images, so that I might decode Curran and
McLachlan’s message(s) to viewers.
Needless to say, there is certainly a lot of material to be mulled over (and potentially
written about!) from "Stone." As for the acting, I thought that the relationship between
Norton and De Niro, "Stone"’s primary focus, was riveting. In addition, I loved Milla
Jovovich’s performance—I haven’t seen much of her before and I find her extremely
talented. She gave me the chills. I noted viewers around me shaking their heads as she
ranted on screen, showing, presumably, that they felt similarly. Because the film focused
almost entirely on those four essential characters mentioned in the synopsis, there were
really no "new and noteworthy" actors on whom to report.
So, "Stone" is one of those profound films that make one “think” after leaving the theater. I
couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for the full one hundred and five minutes of "Stone,"
and it has certainly made an impression on me, considering my current contemplation of it,
now, nearly twenty-four hours later! I don’t think that the film would be easily captured in a
short review or brief mention, but that’s just my opinion; it seems impossible to
satisfactorily discuss it without piecing over miniscule details, motifs, and metaphors.
All in all, I would recommend seeing it for its acting, but only if you’re ready to brace
yourself for some mental work and gore-y content…”
Will McCord
THE PICTURE HOUSE
“I enjoyed the film quite a bit. De Niro and Norton’s performances were amazing. I wasn’t
very familiar with Milla but I thought she was extraordinary in this film.”
Sean Egan
MoMA
“I enjoyed the film. The performances were the best part by far, especially Jovovich, who
has really come into her own recently”
Susan Engel
92nd STREET Y
“I loved the film! De Niro gives, as you know, an amazing award-worthy performance.”
Ross McCammon
ESQUIRE
“I was really impressed with Jovovich. I think this is a really important film for her career.
She showed she can take on a lot. And Frances Conroy: amazing. Had a hard time adjusting
to seeing Norton in that role. De Niro was just De Niro. Amazing to watch. The film affected
me a lot. Have been thinking about it the last couple days. Enjoyed the second half a lot
more than the first.”
Justin Rigby
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (Film Curator Executive Assistant)
“I enjoyed the film, even if it was a bit depressing. I thought the performances were good
all around, although the wife of De Niro’s character could have been developed more or left
out entirely, in my opinion. Ultimately, I feel like Ed Norton’s character comes across the
best in the end. In the beginning, he does not come across so well, but by the end, you see
that everyone else is just as if not more so despicable than he was before jail. I found that
reversal very interesting.”
Karl Rozemeyer
NEW YORK TIMES SYNDICATE
“Of late De Niro has been more closely associated with animated family fare, turgid
comedies and slow plodding dramas that have not always sparked, but here in STONE he
delivers one of his finer performances in years, especially in the explosive first scene
between him and Norton. Edward Norton is consistently a great performer and masterfully
shows Stone’s personal, internal awakening.
But for me the revelation was Milla Jovovich. I thought her slow-burn Lucetta was
wonderfully understated and unnerving. A kindergarten teacher with the proclivities of a
nymphomaniac and the off-kilter temperament of schizophrenic – all delivered with joie de
vivre and a winning smile. A breakout performance for her.
I appreciated the use of the bee and buzzing leitmotiv throughout but thought the
(fictitious?) religion of Zukangor could perhaps have had more exposition. I was particularly
impressed by the cinematography by Maryse Alberti, who is better known for a string of
great docs. Angus MacLachlan’s great writing was most evident in some of the snappy
dialogue, especially between De Niro and Norton.”
Daniel Shepard
INSIDE THE ACTOR’S STUDIO (James Lipton Assistant)
“I enjoyed the film immensely. It was a joy to see Norton and De Niro onscreen together
again. I thought Norton's performance was inspiring, bold and risky. I was very interested in
his transformation. I loved his choices. De Niro, as always, was wonderfully subtle.
Watching his character's slow, repressive decline made his presence in the later scenes that
much more palpable. The friction between Frances Conroy (who can change a scene with
her eyes) and De Niro was the best kind of tension. And Milla Jovovich really did something
in this film that I haven't seen from her onscreen. Her seductress was hard to say no to,
both for De Niro and myself (and I'm assuming any audience that sees this film). I hope to
see her in another role like this. There's a lot going on there.
As far as the directing, I am a huge fan of Curran's work. After seeing THE PAINTED VEIL a
few years ago it was a treat to get to see Norton and Curran team up again. I liked his
direction, very understated, very slow. The pace laid this underlying foundation for every
scene that really took a long hard look at the "shades of grey"/"thin line between judge and
judged" theme. There were so many little moments that I really can't get out of my head
like De Niro in the bathroom standing by a hand-dryer that's going full blast, while he stares
off into space, not even drying his hands. Or the scene where Frances and De Niro are on
the porch of their home and she's telling a story about their granddaughter, and he's
"gone". His face is blank and he's staring at the field across the street and she asks "where
have you gone?" which is then followed by a painstaking moment of silence as she waits for
him to snap out of it, but he never does.
I can't wait to read this script. Angus MacLachlan is a writer that I've been excited about
since JUNEBUG. This is a great follow-up and I remember thinking about the similarities
between this film and JUNEBUG as I was watching. One scene that really stuck out was
when De Niro was giving the eulogy at his brother's funeral and he mentions the scar on his
brother's forehead. The scar that he gave his brother by throwing a hammer at him. A big
scene in JUNEBUG was when the younger brother (Ben McKenzie) hit his older brother
(Alessandro Nivola) in the head with a hammer while they were in the garage arguing. If
that was a possible recurrence, it was a treat.”
Luke Sader
TAVIS SMILEY
“I liked it. Really great story. De Niro and Ed Norton were excellent. I was never a fan of
Milla’s before, but man, this is the best thing I’ve seen her do. She was also excellent and it
was nice to see her in this type of role- it showcases a different side of her acting. Frances
is always great.”
Rebecca Sinn
FREELANCE (Formerly at Interview)
“I’m still contemplating how I feel from STONE. But, even with corn rows Edward Norton
doesn't disappoint. He's such a talented actor. I found that there was such a good buildup
in the story - we watched both De Niro and Norton’s characters evolve and evolve but the
ending disappointed me. I thought the story line was quite intriguing; the questions
addressed individually by each character were so spiritual and provoking. I just left with
confusion and so many unanswered questions it is unsettling. The film direction and use of
the lens was quite appealing and added even further depth to the story.”
Bryan Alexander
FREELANCER/TIME
“It’s a worthy movie. Beautifully shot, ponderous, very deep. It wasn’t my cup of tea all the
way through, but De Niro and Norton were amazing. Norton does this really interesting
thing with his throat. I imagine it’ll get very good reviews but it’s tough to slog through.”
Peter Martin
ESQUIRE
“I’m not really sure how I feel about it. I’m a big Ed Norton fan, and it’s hard not to like
DeNiro, but I’m not sure that I really felt for anyone in the movie. Maybe that was the point,
though.”
Caryn James
MARIE CLAIRE
“I'll see De Niro & Norton in anything, but I'm afraid this didn't really work for me. I thought
the script was pretty ragged and Norton's performance was over-the-top loony, not in a
good way. However, I think some will like the performances and I imagine opinions on the
film will be split down the middle”.
Tom Snyder
THEOLOGIAN/MOVIEGUIDE
“I did not like this picture. I thought the ending was depressing and too abstract so
whatever message it was supposed to convey was lost. Also, not liking any of the
characters, I could not see who would want to see the movie unless it was someone who
just wanted to feel superior to the characters.
Also, in Christianity, the lessons to life and fellowship with God and other people are found
in the Bible, so studying it and performing the worship and rituals and behavior it
prescribes, especially those in the New Testament, is the best advice the priest probably
would have given Robert De Niro's character. It also didn't make sense that his character
would listen to all the religious programming on the radio and not attempt to follow much of
it, if any of it, especially if he truly wanted to improve his life and get closer to God, which is
what he told his pastor in the pastor's office.”
RELIGIOUS LEADERS:
Jeffrey Overstreet
LOOKINGLCOSER.ORG/MUSE MAGAZINE
**Jeffrey is also an award winning film critic, author of four novels, a speaker and magazine
editor.
“I loved the movie!”
Jeffrey was impressed by the performances. He loved the message that Christians who
follow scripture with no soulfulness will pay for it. He felt the talk radio element was
relevant.
He did not think the movie should be marketed directly to a faith based community per se,
that because of the cursing and sexuality it would be hard to endorse but that it should be a
discovery for more intellectual and liberal persons who would simply be drawn to the more
philosophical and theological elements pieces.
Below is a collective response from our liberal evangelical screening in Seattle, Washington.
Attendees:
Greg Wright – Hollywood Jesus.com
Jeff Kings – Associate Dean of Theology/SPU
Christine Chaney – Chair of English Department/SPU
Jennie Spohr – Christian reviewer
Atticus Kelly – Senior Pastor Crosspoint Churches (he ministers to prisons and said the
prison scenes were right on – especially when Stone finds the pamphlet)
The general consensus was that Stone is extremely well-done with stand-out performances
by De Niro and Norton. They felt it was complex, realistic and a real “workout”; Not for
general audiences and very art-house. At times the film was a bit heavy-handed but at its
best it reminded people of Magnolia.
That said, They were honest we would be challenged to be endorsed through WOM of
religious leaders because of the sex and frequent cursing. Also Ed Norton’s character finds
redemption in spiritualist that appeared closer to Buddhism than a Christian faith.
They felt the message was this: Mindless church-going folks going through Scriptures by
rote get their reckoning. Redemption is possible. Transformation of Stone character was
believable (cues were subtle-hairstyle goes from harsh to soft)
The women in the audience felt the film was a misogynistic presentation of women. The
feminists in the group had a problem with female roles – especially Milla as the Temptress
(Eve character).
They felt the film was very suspenseful. The evangelical voices were a reminder of the
crackpots in the faith community.
Harry Knowles
AINT IT COOL NEWS
“I love the film. Something, awfully rare this summer. So bless you for giving me a bit of
quality in the midst of mediocrity. STONE is just great acting from all involved. Which was
especially awesome to see from Milla. I love Edward and De Niro in this. Tremendous work
by both, though especially Edward.”
Elvis Mitchell
NPR, “The Treatment”
“It's a smart and tough minded film. Not sure what it took to rouse De Niro from his
sleepwalking, but the bitterness he shows is like a living thing. It's as if he's addressing
what Stone represents rather than who the character is which he doesn’t see until it’s too
late. That last street encounter is chilling. Milla was good.”
Nicole Laporte
DAILYBEAST.COM
“I really liked this movie. Norton and Milla Jovovich were total standouts. I mean, I was
really astounded by them. De Niro was being De Niro- always great. Francis Conroy was
also compelling. It’s an intense and beautiful film that transports you.”
Jean Oppenheimer
AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER
“I was mixed about STONE. Very good acting; De Niro actually “acted,” rather than
coasting through the movie. I’m not sure I bought him having the affair with the wife of
one of his “client” prisoners. He must have considered that Jovovich could: 1) tell her
husband, and/or 2) threaten to — or actually -- blackmail him. I had difficulty believing
that he would cross that line, knowing the potential consequences.
I liked how “sinful” (not just guilty, but actually sinful) he felt and I guess one could argue
that by falling apart emotionally and taking stupid risks (leaving his house in the middle of
the night to go see Jovovich) that the story followed a believable path. But I had trouble
accepting that he would even START the affair.”
Michael Ordona
FREELANCE (LA TIMES)
“Very well acted by all, especially Norton, whose performance keeps you guessing before
winning you over. His threat when leaving De Niro's office, which I believe he did not follow
up on, is a good example of the film's sound internal logic (he said he would continue to
lose his temper but was trying to be a better person). The film seems to be about how De
Niro's character destroys himself, how he is too unbending to withstand real force - hence
the endless Bible references. It does feel like a small indie that happens to have top stars in
it.
However, its pacing is downright lugubrious. It doesn't quite achieve the atmosphere it
seems to be reaching for, and certainly isn't suspenseful on those rare occasions it seems to
try for that. I'd say the pacing is the film's main problem.
So my reaction is a general positive, but qualified - my attention span is significantly longer
than most, and I like movies outside the Hollywood formula.”
Steve Brill,
FORMER FOUNDER/EIC BRILL’S CONTENT & FOUNDER OF COURT TV
“Congrats on STONE. What a movie! I'm thrilled to be among the first to see it. Those
performances are incredible. The trio...Mila, Edward and De Niro....that's what movies are
all about! It was so exciting to see De Niro operating on such a high level again. I think a
broad audience will really appreciate this movie for that reason alone. Edward is sort of
startlingly brilliant. And it is a thrill to see him inhabit his role so deeply. Mila is a genuine
revelation. I know I sound like a hyperbolic, sound bite critic. But I really feel this way. It
was so energizing to see this level of work on screen. The script and Curran's direction
were spot on. Textured, nuanced....intriguing, gut-wrenching...and oddly lyrical. Wow. So
there. Deal with it. Thanks for letting me see it. I can't wait for others to get the chance.”
Mark Olsen
FREELANCE (LA TIMES)
“I feel weird for saying this, but I really liked it. I found it interesting how it stays at a very
specific level of tension throughout the whole film but never releases it. You’re just waiting
for a huge climactic scene that never really happens. It’s a bold artistic move. I was also
fascinated with how Edward seemed to have a whistle in his voice. How’d he do that? Milla
captivated my attention. She pulled off the tonal shifts in the film very well and thought she
had a powerful performance. This role gave her more to offer as an actress.”
Paul Edwards
THE PAUL EDWARDS PROGRAM/WLQV 1500 DETROIT
(Christian radio show host and Reformed Baptist Pastor, also the radio voice featured in the
film)
“I enjoyed STONE very much and think it is a great conversation starter within the Christian
community. While some of the more traditional, older Evangelical Christians will take issue
with the film, I think many will embrace the questions that are raised and will be able to
have a real conversation about it. At the heart of the film is the fundamental, prime
theological question: How can man be right with God and himself? Without preaching or
pushing one specific answer, it showcases each character’s struggle to answer that question
and along the way, the audience is forced to consider it as well. I am proud to be a part of
this film and look forward to future discussions about it.”
Bob Kolker
NY MAGAZINE
"I thought it was excellent. The film manages to create an entirely new kind of character
with what could have been very familiar territory. Stone is both very dangerous and very
grounded and real. And De Niro's character seemed very new for him too. Someone
approaching old age who is deeply adrift, completely deaf to the world around him, and
unable to come to terms with the self-destructive and careless and cruel things he is
capable of. I loved the listening theme of the whole movie, starting with that bee. De Niro's
character has spent his life going through the motions and shutting out much of what's
around him, and he never develops a moral center and finally he can't control himself
anymore. Edward's character, meanwhile, becomes quite the listener by the end. He's so
hyper-intuitive he can make almost anything happen, and by the end it seems that power
may have even humbled him a little (but not completely, I think). Great work.
In scope, feel and ambition, this reminded me of "The Crossing Guard" and "The Indian
Runner", sharply focused and well-observed characters who happen to be on collision
courses with each other."
Stuart Levine
DAILY VARIETY
“It didn’t work for me. There seemed to be such an illogical leap that the audience has to
take. De Niro’s character is very solemn, glum and he had a way of keeping a wall up so he
could just do his job and deal with these criminals day in and day out for the last 30 years. I
didn’t find Norton’s character to be so impactful that he would then sleep with Milla’s
character. Yes, she’s quite pretty, but her character downright harassed him in the
beginning, and she appears to be a bit wacko. What would motivate him to sleep with her?
I was more intrigued with the beginning flashback scene and the end with the grown
daughter. It may have been a better movie if they explored that relationship more or delved
deeper into the mother’s character. The performances seem just fine but nothing stood out
to me. Norton’s performance was reminiscent of Primal Fear. I liked De Niro better in
“Everyone’s Fine” and Milla’s performance doesn’t scream awards attention to me.”
Jenelle Riley
BACK STAGE
“I was so-so on the film. I was thrown off by the opening scene. Found it a little too on the
nose. I would have preferred to learn about De Niro’s character as the film played out rather
than being shown that he was an unlikable guy from the get-go. Additionally, I felt the
whole bee in the window scene was a little heavy handed. I wasn’t surprised to find out that
it was based on a play as it seemed “stagey.” I also felt like there were 3 different
openings….first being with the flashback, then the church scene and then the credits roll
which I thought was odd. I had trouble deciphering what the film was trying to say. Never
knew if Edward’s character really made a transformation or if he was conning De Niro the
entire time. I just wasn’t sure what to feel.
With that being said, the acting was great, particularly Milla’s performance. She was a
pleasant surprise and kind of out-acted the guys in my opinion. And Frances Conroy is
always wonderful.”
Leonard Maltin
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT/REELZ CHANNEL
“To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about it. I am a huge fan of both Edward and Robert and will
watch them in just about anything. And although I thought they were compelling, I found
the characters to be very unpleasant. It was hard for me to become attached to them and
to care about their story. There was no rooting interest and/or relatability. I was definitely
not bored and felt for Francis Conroy’s character, but overall I did not care for it.”
Harlan Jacobson
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, USA TODAY, FILM COMMENT, TALK CINEMA
“This is a very, very accomplished piece of work. Very well nuanced in script and
performances, which were wonderful. Having a reveal at the start of the film, I think is not a
bad decision in a film like this. Very much an Overture film, in its thematic spine of new age
spiritual quest and redemption--treading a fine line that could seem like proselytizing, but
staying I think on the literary side of things. What you have is a cross between any number
of 4 character marital plays by Mamet or Albee or Altman, and redemptive pieces like Dead
Man Walking. I think it's reasonable to mount an Academy campaign, but slowly, letting the
press "discover" it in Toronto, and then mounting a full court press at the end of the year
and into the Oscars. Handled right, the film could go to the Oscars in several categories,
most easily in all the above the line categories, including first performances and direction,
screenplay, etc. Even handled right, the film could go nowhere but into a ditch--the press
might not be able to abide it and pigeonhole it for unclear reasons, not unlike Goats, which
attenuated the Overture house outlook inside a funny script. It has a really interesting shot
at a bigger profile. I liked it a lot.”
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