Author: Chris P
Location: IL
Jonestown
A Paramount Pictures/Weinstein Co. Film
Directed by George Clooney
Based on the Documentary "Jonestown: The Life and Death of People's Temple"
Adapted by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Sean Durkin
Produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Harvey Weinstein
Cinematography by William Goldenberg
Editing by Stephen Mirrione
Music by Mark Isham
Main Cast:
George Clooney as Congressman Leo Ryan
Kevin Spacey as Rev. Jim Jones
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Jackie Spiere
Ryan Gosling as Tim Carter
Anne Hathaway as Deborah Layton
David Oyelowo as Stanley Clayton
Octavia Spencer as Christine Miller
and
Rose Byrne as Grace Carter
Tagline: "Based on a True Story."
Synopsis: California 1978. Congressman Leo Ryan (Clooney) has achieved a reputation for his unique approach in the political sphere. His charming yet stern cadence and persistence brought upon a tremendous sense of trust within the San Francisco district. Allowing him to pursue inquires inside the conditions of local education and prison facilities. One investigation, however, involving the practices of People's Temple (a religious organization) has caused fear in the community. A year ago, it's enigmatic leader, Rev. Jim Jones (Spacey), fled to Guyana with 1,000 followers after initial reports surfaced surrounding the mistreatment of several members. Allegations of beatings, suicide drills, plus sexual assaults have detrimental effects on the church's once thriving image and paints Jones as a manipulative monster. Such accusations including testimony from recent defector Deborah Layton (Hathaway), a rape victim, whose association with the "Concerned Relatives" group become the catalyst in Ryan's interest for the case. Though apprehension from legal aide, Jackie Spiere (Gyllenhaal) stirs doubt with colleagues, the Congressman and his delegates travel to Jonestown, the Temple's new settlement, determined to uncover wrong doings...
Jonestown, Guyana. Rev Jim Jones used to sympathize with society. As a poverty stricken child, he grew to favor the integration of races while discovering solace through the apostolic method of worship. With a charismatic demeanor, he strengthened his mission's appeal to lower class citizens by establishing personal relationships with members. But as power grew, so did narcissism. Plus a disdain for the government and media. In Jonestown, Jones has etched out a sense of paranoia among his massive congregation. Loyalty tests, captivity, propaganda, and overall tension demonstrate his ability to orchestrate chaos in a once burgeoning climate of peace. Not to mention, Jones' mental, physical, state are losing shape to a drug addiction. Which add to an increasing bizarre behavior.
Despite Jones' evident deterioration, former Vietnam vet, Tim Carter (Gosling), a commission staffer, is still optimistic about the church's future. His devoted wife Grace (Byrne) recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and their commitment to the Temple have brought together a close bond between the young couple. Still in disbelief over sexual advances Jones made to him years prior, Carter's inquisition into the moral standards of his leader quietly linger. For Stanley Clayton (Oyelowo), his involvement with the Temple is a way of escaping the harrowing reminder of alcoholism. His temper, though, is received negatively by Jones who disciplines him with arranged physical beatings. Unlike Clayton, Christine Miller (Spencer)'s defiant unwillingness to give in is met with amusement. Her strong-willed independence and sharp tongue sparks heated jealousy among other Temple members. She isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone...
November 18. Once in Jonestown, Ryan and his delegates are greeted to a celebratory reception. However, it is soon matched with Jones' hostile suspicions. He believes their visit is not only a conspiracy to further destroy the church's stature in the media but to rescue captive members desiring a way back home. His affirmation is correct when a note is passed to an official stating "...Please help us get out of Jonestown". Also when Ryan's reassurance of safety ignites hope. From then on, turmoil breaks loose. More defectors leave the compound using Ryan as a protection shield. This betrayal infuriates Jones and he plans an attack on Ryan's delegation. Soon, Ryan is assaulted by a hysterical Temple member and mentally shaken. His committee is then whisked away to board Port Kaituma airstrip. Here, they'll meet their end by the hands of gun wielding assailants who attempt to murder the passengers in cold blood..
Back in the pavilion, when word of Ryan's demise hits Jones, his commission prepare an elaborate "revolutionary suicide" in fear of succumbing to scrutiny and capitalism. With this, he convinces his congregation to drink a cyanide concocted death punch to protest against their enemies. Christine Miller opposes to the idea by resisting Jones's assertions and divulging his hypocrisies. Her argument is shot down when the members begin inflicting the poison in an organized manner. Miller is forcibly injected with the liquid as Stanley Clayton watches in horror. He then witnesses as each member convulse in violent seizures one by one. Tim Carter races to the save his wife and child, but before he interjects Grace has slipped their baby a taste of the deadly potion. They both die in his arms. Overcome with grief, Tim, Stanley, and a few others manage to escape into the jungles leaving behind 913 dead Temple members. Jonestown is the tragic story of potential hope brought down by the corruption of an evil man.
Press Section: "Jonestown", George Clooney's new thought provoking yet moving story on the horrific massacre of 1978, is the most poignant film of the year . The movie is an insightful look into the investigation and lives of individuals whose experiences inside the infamous compound, changed the course of history forever. With Clooney's sharp but emotional direction and the screenplay's complex narrative, the film not only delves deep into the psychological aspects of Jones' madness but the political implications as well.
Leading the ensemble as Congressman Leo Ryan, Clooney gives a commanding performance of a man determined to unveil the truth. Clooney's assured restraint and quiet ease bring an eerie intensity in scenes with Spacey's menacing Rev. Jim Jones, the People's Temple's leader. Spacey delivers a terrifying depiction of a manipulative but charismatic monster with gravitas and pitch perfect mannerisms. His cunning sinister demeanor is disturbing and unforgettable. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays legal aide Jackie Spiere as a cerebral young woman internally dreading the potential deaths of her colleagues. Her strong presence is essential to the film's political plot line. In a supporting role, Ryan Gosling is Tim Carter, a man whose religious convictions are betrayed by the evil destruction of his superior. The sequence where Gosling comforts his devoted wife Grace, played by the devastating Rose Byrne, as she dies from poison is a heartbreaking moment. David Oyelowo is a standout playing Stanley Clayton, a rebellious young man who faces the consequences of his behavior. His physical affectations of a broken spirit struggling to find composure in the middle of chaos is a daring demonstration of bravery. Anne Hathaway is effective in a minor role as Deborah Layton, a People's Temple defector who was sexually assaulted. Hathaway's expressions show sorrow and a great deal of pain. Finally, as the defiant Christine Miller, Octavia Spencer is tour de force as a woman willing to defy death by the hands of Jones. Her fierce, strong willed, portrayal is a scene stealing role that will have audiences trembling with passion.
Overall, "Jonestown" is an authentic and outstanding film with amazing performances, writing, and directing which shouldn't be missed.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - George Clooney
Best Actor - George Clooney
Best Actor - Kevin Spacey
Best Actress - Maggie Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor - Ryan Gosling
Best Supporting Actor - David Oyelowo
Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway
Best Supporting Actress - Octavia Spencer
Best Supporting Actress - Rose Byrne
Best Adapted Screenplay
And In All Technical Categories
Location: IL
Jonestown
A Paramount Pictures/Weinstein Co. Film
Directed by George Clooney
Based on the Documentary "Jonestown: The Life and Death of People's Temple"
Adapted by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Sean Durkin
Produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Harvey Weinstein
Cinematography by William Goldenberg
Editing by Stephen Mirrione
Music by Mark Isham
Main Cast:
George Clooney as Congressman Leo Ryan
Kevin Spacey as Rev. Jim Jones
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Jackie Spiere
Ryan Gosling as Tim Carter
Anne Hathaway as Deborah Layton
David Oyelowo as Stanley Clayton
Octavia Spencer as Christine Miller
and
Rose Byrne as Grace Carter
Tagline: "Based on a True Story."
Synopsis: California 1978. Congressman Leo Ryan (Clooney) has achieved a reputation for his unique approach in the political sphere. His charming yet stern cadence and persistence brought upon a tremendous sense of trust within the San Francisco district. Allowing him to pursue inquires inside the conditions of local education and prison facilities. One investigation, however, involving the practices of People's Temple (a religious organization) has caused fear in the community. A year ago, it's enigmatic leader, Rev. Jim Jones (Spacey), fled to Guyana with 1,000 followers after initial reports surfaced surrounding the mistreatment of several members. Allegations of beatings, suicide drills, plus sexual assaults have detrimental effects on the church's once thriving image and paints Jones as a manipulative monster. Such accusations including testimony from recent defector Deborah Layton (Hathaway), a rape victim, whose association with the "Concerned Relatives" group become the catalyst in Ryan's interest for the case. Though apprehension from legal aide, Jackie Spiere (Gyllenhaal) stirs doubt with colleagues, the Congressman and his delegates travel to Jonestown, the Temple's new settlement, determined to uncover wrong doings...
Jonestown, Guyana. Rev Jim Jones used to sympathize with society. As a poverty stricken child, he grew to favor the integration of races while discovering solace through the apostolic method of worship. With a charismatic demeanor, he strengthened his mission's appeal to lower class citizens by establishing personal relationships with members. But as power grew, so did narcissism. Plus a disdain for the government and media. In Jonestown, Jones has etched out a sense of paranoia among his massive congregation. Loyalty tests, captivity, propaganda, and overall tension demonstrate his ability to orchestrate chaos in a once burgeoning climate of peace. Not to mention, Jones' mental, physical, state are losing shape to a drug addiction. Which add to an increasing bizarre behavior.
Despite Jones' evident deterioration, former Vietnam vet, Tim Carter (Gosling), a commission staffer, is still optimistic about the church's future. His devoted wife Grace (Byrne) recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and their commitment to the Temple have brought together a close bond between the young couple. Still in disbelief over sexual advances Jones made to him years prior, Carter's inquisition into the moral standards of his leader quietly linger. For Stanley Clayton (Oyelowo), his involvement with the Temple is a way of escaping the harrowing reminder of alcoholism. His temper, though, is received negatively by Jones who disciplines him with arranged physical beatings. Unlike Clayton, Christine Miller (Spencer)'s defiant unwillingness to give in is met with amusement. Her strong-willed independence and sharp tongue sparks heated jealousy among other Temple members. She isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone...
November 18. Once in Jonestown, Ryan and his delegates are greeted to a celebratory reception. However, it is soon matched with Jones' hostile suspicions. He believes their visit is not only a conspiracy to further destroy the church's stature in the media but to rescue captive members desiring a way back home. His affirmation is correct when a note is passed to an official stating "...Please help us get out of Jonestown". Also when Ryan's reassurance of safety ignites hope. From then on, turmoil breaks loose. More defectors leave the compound using Ryan as a protection shield. This betrayal infuriates Jones and he plans an attack on Ryan's delegation. Soon, Ryan is assaulted by a hysterical Temple member and mentally shaken. His committee is then whisked away to board Port Kaituma airstrip. Here, they'll meet their end by the hands of gun wielding assailants who attempt to murder the passengers in cold blood..
Back in the pavilion, when word of Ryan's demise hits Jones, his commission prepare an elaborate "revolutionary suicide" in fear of succumbing to scrutiny and capitalism. With this, he convinces his congregation to drink a cyanide concocted death punch to protest against their enemies. Christine Miller opposes to the idea by resisting Jones's assertions and divulging his hypocrisies. Her argument is shot down when the members begin inflicting the poison in an organized manner. Miller is forcibly injected with the liquid as Stanley Clayton watches in horror. He then witnesses as each member convulse in violent seizures one by one. Tim Carter races to the save his wife and child, but before he interjects Grace has slipped their baby a taste of the deadly potion. They both die in his arms. Overcome with grief, Tim, Stanley, and a few others manage to escape into the jungles leaving behind 913 dead Temple members. Jonestown is the tragic story of potential hope brought down by the corruption of an evil man.
Press Section: "Jonestown", George Clooney's new thought provoking yet moving story on the horrific massacre of 1978, is the most poignant film of the year . The movie is an insightful look into the investigation and lives of individuals whose experiences inside the infamous compound, changed the course of history forever. With Clooney's sharp but emotional direction and the screenplay's complex narrative, the film not only delves deep into the psychological aspects of Jones' madness but the political implications as well.
Leading the ensemble as Congressman Leo Ryan, Clooney gives a commanding performance of a man determined to unveil the truth. Clooney's assured restraint and quiet ease bring an eerie intensity in scenes with Spacey's menacing Rev. Jim Jones, the People's Temple's leader. Spacey delivers a terrifying depiction of a manipulative but charismatic monster with gravitas and pitch perfect mannerisms. His cunning sinister demeanor is disturbing and unforgettable. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays legal aide Jackie Spiere as a cerebral young woman internally dreading the potential deaths of her colleagues. Her strong presence is essential to the film's political plot line. In a supporting role, Ryan Gosling is Tim Carter, a man whose religious convictions are betrayed by the evil destruction of his superior. The sequence where Gosling comforts his devoted wife Grace, played by the devastating Rose Byrne, as she dies from poison is a heartbreaking moment. David Oyelowo is a standout playing Stanley Clayton, a rebellious young man who faces the consequences of his behavior. His physical affectations of a broken spirit struggling to find composure in the middle of chaos is a daring demonstration of bravery. Anne Hathaway is effective in a minor role as Deborah Layton, a People's Temple defector who was sexually assaulted. Hathaway's expressions show sorrow and a great deal of pain. Finally, as the defiant Christine Miller, Octavia Spencer is tour de force as a woman willing to defy death by the hands of Jones. Her fierce, strong willed, portrayal is a scene stealing role that will have audiences trembling with passion.
Overall, "Jonestown" is an authentic and outstanding film with amazing performances, writing, and directing which shouldn't be missed.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - George Clooney
Best Actor - George Clooney
Best Actor - Kevin Spacey
Best Actress - Maggie Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor - Ryan Gosling
Best Supporting Actor - David Oyelowo
Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway
Best Supporting Actress - Octavia Spencer
Best Supporting Actress - Rose Byrne
Best Adapted Screenplay
And In All Technical Categories