Fall Film Picks

Election season got you down? Take a break from the antics and escape to your local movie theater. This fall's film lineup looks as diverse as it does diversionary. The following should be well worth catching:

'Sully' - Sept. 9 
Most people know that Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was hailed a hero after landing his impaired aircraft on the Hudson River, saving all passengers on board. But few know about the subsequent, controversial investigation that went on behind closed doors. Clint Eastwood directs, and Tom Hanks stars. Brace for impact. 

'Denial' - Sept. 30
This film's tagline says it all: "The whole world knows the Holocaust happened. Now she needs to prove it." "She" was historian Deborah Lipstadt, who was accused of libel when she declared David Irving a Holocaust denier in 1996. The action evolved into two trials: one within the courtroom — and the other in the court of public opinion. Mick Jackson directs a stellar cast, including Rachel Weisz, Timothy Spall and Tom Wilkinson.  

'The Girl on the Train' - Oct. 7
Unemployed, alcoholic divorcée (Emily Blunt) commutes daily on the train, which happens to pass by her ex-husband's (Justin Theroux) home. When she accidentally witnesses a shocking betrayal, things get out of control. Also stars Rebecca Ferguson, Luke Evans and Hayley Bennett. Directed by Tate Taylor. All aboard. 

'Tower' - Oct. 12
Keith Maitland directs this film about a mass shooting, back before the term dominated newscasts. In 1966, a Marine sniper, perched on a clock tower at the University of Texas, killed 14 people. In this eclectic account of the tragedy, Maitland creates a vivid documentary employing rotoscopic animation, witness interviews and archival footage. Ironically, a state law allowing concealed weapons on college campuses went into effect on the 50th anniversary of the horrific event. 

TOWER Trailer from keith maitland on Vimeo.

'The Accountant' - Oct. 14
Ben Affleck portrays a mathematics savant working as an accountant for crooks, who's swayed by CPA (Anna Kendrick) to uncook the books. In doing so, he sees himself as a Robin Hood figure, harboring violent tendencies. With mathematical precision, he begins eliminating the bad guys. And as director Gavin O'Connor observes, "He's incredibly efficient."

'Christine' - Oct. 14
This true story will literally hit home. In Sarasota, 1974, 29-year-old Channel 40 news reporter Christine Chubbuck (Rebecca Hall) reported she felt pressured to deliver more sensational stories. She then committed one of the most disturbing acts in the history of live television by committing suicide during a live broadcast. This shocking story of a severely troubled and competitive woman is directed by Antonio Campos. 

'Fire at Sea' - Oct. 21
Documentarian Gianfranco Rosi explores the European migrant crisis on Italy's most southern island, Lampedusa. Those fleeing war and genocide in Africa, Asia and the Middle East make the perilous journey, risking their lives. The firsthand accounts from the brave people who have survived are hopeful and heartbreaking. More than 15,000 men, women and children have died in transit. 

'American Pastoral' - Oct. 28
Ewan McGregor makes his directorial debut in this crime drama based on Philip Roth's novel of the same name. A successful man's idyllic life comes apart at the seams when his 16-year-old politically minded daughter commits a deadly miscalculation during the Vietnam War. McGregor stars alongside Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning.

'Elle' - Nov. 11
The ever-fetching Isabelle Huppert stars as a ruthless businesswoman who is attacked and raped. Plenty of twists and turns play out as she seeks revenge in the most peculiar ways. The script is described as "deliciously morbid." Director Paul Verhoeven returns to his bait-and-switch filmmaking method, which has been long awaited. Think "Basic Instinct."

'Manchester by the Sea' - Nov. 18
In this dark drama, Casey Affleck plays a man who disappears after a family tragedy. He's lured back home when his brother dies, and he's forced to confront his past. The film was a huge success at Sundance, and Affleck's performance has been called career-defining. Rounding out a brilliant cast is Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Matthew Broderick and Gretchen Mol. Kenneth Lonergan directs.  

Dates are subject to change