“Where there’s smoke there’s fire” can be an annoying idiom in the world of movie journalism (or fan blogging or whatever you want to call it set photo speculation these days), because it can be the broadest excuse for 2+2=5 logic. But in the case of Susanne Bier’s long-delayed film “Serena” starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, the writing has been scrawled visibly on the wall for more than a year. When first announced, “Serena”— a Depression-era-set drama about newlyweds running a timber business in North Carolina, which is complicated when the wife cannot bear children — was a film to keep an eye on. But even as the movie moved into post-production, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper became even bigger stars, and it was assumed “Serena” would become an Oscar contender.
Not to be, it seems. Shot in 2012, the film spent months in post-production. While many assumed the movie would show up at various prestige film festivals, Venice, Cannes, etc. “Serena” would appear at none of them (the film makes its worldwide premiere at the London Film Festival next month just ahead of its regular U.K. release). It didn’t take long for industry word to get out that Bier had a turkey on her hands. And when smaller indie company Magnolia quietly bought the picture, rather than one of the larger awards players (Magnolia’s not exactly a company known for Oscar releases), it became clear that “Serena” was going to be an indie art house attraction at best.
“Serena” was shot two and a half years ago at this point, even before “American Hustle,” which was released in 2013. According to a new THR article, Magnolia will release the film in the first quarter of 2015, which likely means a January or February release, probably a NY/LA limited release with day-to-date VOD release.
According to THR’s report, “Serena” was rejected by several buyers before it was picked up by Magnolia. The movie will not receive an Oscar qualifying run this year and it’s apparently been cut beyond repair. “The film was so edited, it made no sense," one anonymous buyer is quoted as saying. Another anonymous studio buyer described the movie as "uneven, particularly Lawrence’s [descent into madness]."
Frankly, this shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention, but that hasn’t stopped fan sites from asking and assuming “Serena” was still a viable contender. It sounds like Magnolia should be announcing a firm date in the next few weeks or months. “Serena” premieres October 13 at the BFI London Film Festival. The movie will then be released October 24 in the U.K. and will begin rolling out internationally afterwards.
@Tim
It\’s not about faith or otherwise. That\’s part of Magnolia\’s business model. if you\’re looking at Magnolia to release a film wide across the country… well, you have the wrong company. That\’s not going to happen.
And don\’t mistake that it WOULD happen if Serena was with a major studio– there\’s a reason it\’s not.
just one time, I wish Magnolia would show faith in their product and give a full theatrical release to something without a day and date VOD premiere.
I\’m 100% sure the film is still a good film. And 200% or something that Jennifer Lawrence still gives an Oscar-worthy performance, despite the film not being released in U.S. before the Oscar season.
Its funny how till a few months back every one was saying how she is playing completely different persons in her movies n now suddenly she is being typecast ?? I agree Her contractual mystique role dint impress many but she did her best in that blue suit. Other than that all her roles have lot of depth and complexity them. People\’s expectations of her have become so high like after watching first few times they say is terrific n after some more views they say she is overrated. She is the same only people have watched her till they have become bored of her roles.her upcoming movies r all novel based n she is set to play some heavy roles. She is only 24 for godsake n while doubting her abilities see what her age group girls r doing .n people who are losing about her losing fan support .. I have to say that Jen is such a powerful person a a common person cant fathom it. She operates through a set of extraordinary qualities like honesty authenticity humility blind courage n kindness . Thats why people around her love her n r inspired by her . She is an ideal role model n any mature person knows how rare it is to find such person let alone a celebrity n Hollywood certainly knows it. Heinous Crime has been committed on her n others n I hope she doesn\’t hurt herself n becomes her normal self again..the world atleast for people who know her would be a awefully sad place without her sense of fun n smile..
A mess. No one wanted to select this movie at Cannes Film Market last year
Thomas yes come to Jens aid, call me out, but you never said one thing about this article. The article points out that Jens performance was bad and the story is illogical. The article also tells us that the character that Jen portrays is just like every character she has ever gone and so what if she can play mature parts? Is she not mature, is that what you are implying. Jen is a socialite and not the best actress in existance there are many better actress out there but not as many as likeable as Jen and that is why you are in defense of her. AH was mediocre, Jen\’s performance was uncontrolled and she dropped her accent so many time its unbelievable but they nominated her again for an Oscar. This film proves that Jen isnt unstoppable and that she needs to work at her craft, not guild on her fame. But by all means believe what you like, fangirl forever and watch everything she is in regardless of quality because hay thats what watching films is all about. You go for the Celebrity right?
Im not impressed by the opinions of those who not identify themselves. With the exception of Like Crazy, none of her movies are boring. Because she can play characters older than herself, jealous individuals say she is miscast. Jennifer Lawrence is one of the great actors of our generation and she is being unjustibly attacked by mean-spirited individuals.
I\’ll wait to form my own judgment. An uneven Jennifer is still a heck of a lot more interesting than virtually anyone else. And what does an anonymous buyer know anyway. The buy all manner of garbage and think it\’s gold.
Agreed Jen isn\’t all that and time will tell if she is capable. At this time she is terrible type cast regardless of genre. Jen always plays larger then life strong female characters that descend in to darkness and nothing original. Most of Jen\’s films in development have a similar theme which is terrible boring. If she isn\’t careful she will soon became irrelevant like Gwyn proabable why she is hooking up with Gwyn\’s ex. THG and her romantic relationships are the only things keeping her afloat and after Chris Jen will lose fans and support just like Kstew. I would not be surprised if MJ box office takes a bashing with all this negative PR, parents have a say.
There\’s no link to the "THR report."