John McLaughlin Movies
Director Sacha Gervasi adapts Stephen Rebello's book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho to explore the relationship between the legendary British director (Anthony Hopkins) and his wife Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), who played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the making of her husband's terrifying 1960 classic Psycho. Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Janet Leigh and James D'Arcy portrays Anthony Perkins in a film also featuring Jessica Biel, Danny Huston, Toni Collette, and Ralph Macchio. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) enters into an intense battle of wills with a talented and ambitious new arrival (Mila Kunis) who seems intent on edging her out of the spotlight in this supernatural-flavored psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky. Nina covets the role of the Swan Queen in a production of Swan Lake by acclaimed theater director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel). The harder Nina works to win the part, however, the more overwhelmed she becomes by her suspicions that talented newcomer Lily (Kunis) is intent on stealing it away from her. As the production draws near and Nina struggles to master the duel roles of the White Swan and the Black Swan, she grows increasingly unstable to the point where she finds it difficult to distinguish fantasy from reality. Though her burgeoning friendship with the unconventional Lily helps Nina to jettison her perfectionist instincts and find her footing as the Black Swan, the closer she gets to perfecting the role, the further her sanity erodes until she begins to experience a bizarre and profound transformation. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, (more)
- 2009
The Fountain director Darren Aranofsky takes the helm for this psychological thriller detailing the averse relationship between a veteran dancer and a fierce rival. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, often regarded as one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century, is brought to the screen in this made-for-TV feature, produced in collaboration with the A&E Cable Network in the United States, and Granada Entertainment in Great Britain. Nick Carraway (Paul Rudd) is a young bond salesman who rents a cottage near the mansion of the wealthy but reclusive Jay Gatsby (Toby Stephens). In time, Nick gets to know his neighbor, who has accumulated a vast fortune through vague, suspect means, but has carefully forged an outward image of refinement and charm. Years ago, before he left to fight in World War I, Gatsby was a poor man named Gatz and was in love with a beautiful woman from a wealthy family, Daisy (Mira Sorvino). When he returned, Gatz was determined to remake himself so that he might be seen fit to someday win her hand, even though Daisy had by this time married the socially prominent but boorish Tom Buchanan (Martin Donovan). Gatsby has yet to give up on his romantic dream and enlists Nick, who is distantly related to Daisy, in his plan. This production marked the fourth time that The Great Gatsby had been committed to film -- the best known version being Jack Clayton's 1974 adaptation, featuring Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toby Stephens, Mira Sorvino, (more)
- 1994
- R
An elderly retired violinist befriends a troubled young woman in this touching, sensitively performed drama. Armin Mueller-Stahl stars as Joseph Kopple, a former professional musician who has withdrawn into a quiet life after the death of his wife. Remaining mostly isolated, Kopple stays at home, playing his violin in the evenings for entertainment. This routine is disrupted, however, when he witnesses a violent fight between his neighbor, Eddie (Adrian Pasdar), and his girlfriend Charlotte (Olivia d'Abo). Kopple takes an interest in the young woman, eventually taking her in when he learns that she has no place to stay. The gentle Kopple possesses a traditional, European restraint, while Charlotte is tough and jaded. Nevertheless, the two soon become close companions, sharing their pain and finding unexpected solace in each other. Director Bob Balaban uses his acting background to draw strong performances from his cast, particularly Mueller-Stahl, whose sensitive portrayal of Kopple proves the film's greatest asset. Despite the potentially sentimental subject matter, these performances ensure that the film presents a believably complex and affecting portrayal of the feelings surrounding old age. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Armin Mueller-Stahl, Maureen Stapleton, (more)
- 1989
- R
The future of the insurance business is profiled in this horror/thriller, where agents literally collect heads if members don't pay their premiums. ~ John Bush, Rovi
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