While walking the floor of the American Film Market (AFM) this morning, Steve was able to grab some images and synopses for a few upcoming films.  Briefly:

  • Rush – Director Ron Howard’s 1970s drama focuses on the rivalry between Formula 1 racers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl).  The film opens September 20th, 2013.
  • Can a Song Save Your Life? – This uplifting music-centered drama comes from Once director John Carney and centers on the relationship between a struggling musician (Keira Knightley) and a music producer (Mark Ruffalo) in New York City.  The cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld, Adam Levine, and Catherine Keener.
  • Thérèse – This adaptation of the classic novel stars Elizabeth Olsen as a young woman trapped in an arranged marriage who conspires with her lover (Oscar Isaac) to dispose of her sickly cousin husband (Tom Felton).  Jessica Lange also stars.

Hit the jump to check out images and detailed synopses for all three films. 

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Here’s the synopsis for Rush:

Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, RUSH portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy James Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Niki Lauda.  Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, RUSH follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error.

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Here’s the synopsis for Can a Song Save Your Life?:

From the director of the Academy Awards Winning film ONCE (Best Original Song), CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE? stars Academy Award Nominees Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Hailee Steinfeld, and Catherine Keener.  Anthony Bregman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, OUR IDIOT BROTHER) will produce with Judd Apatow (BRIDESMAIDS, KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD) executive producing.

Seduced by dreams of making it in the big city, Gretta (Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend move to New York to pursue their passion for music.  She’s heartbroken when he dumps her for the fame and fortune of a big solo contract, leaving Gretta all on her own.  Her world takes a turn for the better when a down-on-his-luck record producer (Ruffalo) stumbles upon her singing in a local bar and is immediately captivated by her raw talent and inspiring authenticity—they may be each other’s last chance to turn their lives around.  Somewhere between friendship and their love of music, the two strangers strike a chord that captures the hearts of everyone around them, proving that every great story has its own soundtrack.

 

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Here’s the slightly spoilerly synopsis for Thérèse:

A romantic thriller set in the lower depths of 1860’s Paris, THERESE is a tale of obsessive love, adultery, murder and revenge based on Emile Zola’s scandalous novel THERESE RAQUIN.

Sexually repressed, beautiful and young, Therese (Olsen) is trapped in a loveless arranged marriage to her sickly cousin Camille (Felton).  Spending her days working behind the counter of the family’s small shop with her husband’s domineering mother, Madame Raquin (Lange), an occasional dominos night is her only distraction.

When Camille brings home Laurent (Isaac), a charming and handsome childhood friend, Therese is drawn in by his primitive sexuality and overwhelming presence.  A secret and risky affair quickly evolves into an insatiable obsession, and Therese is finally alive.  Dominated and controlled solely by their lust, they soon plot to remove the only obstacle to their freedom – the unsuspecting Camille.

After a terrible “accident” takes Camille, Laurent quickly assumes his place as Therese’s new husband and Madame’s loving son.  But guilt consumes the murderous pair, their desire unraveling into suspicion and mistrust while they torment each other with threats of confession.  Watching as they spiral out of control, Madame comes to realize the horrific truth and Therese must finally face the tragic consequences of her own reckless passion.

Here are links to our other AFM coverage: