Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
03-02-18, 08:44 AM
#1
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Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
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Luc Besson has set his next film.
Lionsgate and EuropaCorp have closed a co-production deal for Besson’s next action film, which will be titled “Anna.” Lionsgate will also distribute the pic.
EuropaCorp will produce the film, while Lionsgate will distribute it. The movie starts production this November and will be released under Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label.
The pic stars Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, and newcomer Sasha Luss, as Anna.
“We are delighted to be reunited with Luc and his EuropaCorp team on another exciting, action-packed film featuring an A-list cast,” said Lionsgate MPG chairman Patrick Wachsberger and president of acquisitions and co-productions Jason Constantine. “Luc is a visionary filmmaker with whom we are proud to extend our longstanding relationship.”
Besson’s new project is the first film to be produced under EuropaCorp’s new mandate post “Valerian.”
During last month’s shareholders meeting, EuropaCorp’s CEO Marc Shmuger outlined the outfit’s aim to focus on making action thrillers and science-fiction films, in line with the company’s DNA, along the lines of “Taken,” “Lucy,” “The Professional” and “The Fifth Element.”
On top of shrinking its slate to two to three English-language films a year, a source close to the company told Variety that EuropaCorp will now work with more modest budgets ranging from $25 million to $35 million.
Going forward, Besson is expected to be more creatively involved in all of EuropaCorp’s projects.
Aside from Besson’s next directorial outing, EuropaCorp is also actively developing a sequel to Scarlett Johansson-starrer “Lucy” whose script has already been written by Besson, according to Shmuger.
Besson directed the Scarlett Johansson-starrer “Lucy” and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” He also co-wrote and produced the hit action franchise “Taken.” Marc Shmuger will produce the upcoming project on behalf of EuropaCorp.
Evans was most recently seen in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Fast and Furious 8.” He can be seen next in “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” in theaters this Friday.
Mirren recently starred in “Collateral Beauty,” and can be seen next in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.”
Peter Nichols of Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler & Feldman negotiated the deal for Luc Besson and also represents Luss. Mirren is represented by CAA, Evans by WME and United Agents in the U.K., and Murphy by ICM Partners, The Lisa Richards Agency and Lou Coulson Associates.
Lionsgate and EuropaCorp have closed a co-production deal for Besson’s next action film, which will be titled “Anna.” Lionsgate will also distribute the pic.
EuropaCorp will produce the film, while Lionsgate will distribute it. The movie starts production this November and will be released under Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label.
The pic stars Helen Mirren, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, and newcomer Sasha Luss, as Anna.
“We are delighted to be reunited with Luc and his EuropaCorp team on another exciting, action-packed film featuring an A-list cast,” said Lionsgate MPG chairman Patrick Wachsberger and president of acquisitions and co-productions Jason Constantine. “Luc is a visionary filmmaker with whom we are proud to extend our longstanding relationship.”
Besson’s new project is the first film to be produced under EuropaCorp’s new mandate post “Valerian.”
During last month’s shareholders meeting, EuropaCorp’s CEO Marc Shmuger outlined the outfit’s aim to focus on making action thrillers and science-fiction films, in line with the company’s DNA, along the lines of “Taken,” “Lucy,” “The Professional” and “The Fifth Element.”
On top of shrinking its slate to two to three English-language films a year, a source close to the company told Variety that EuropaCorp will now work with more modest budgets ranging from $25 million to $35 million.
Going forward, Besson is expected to be more creatively involved in all of EuropaCorp’s projects.
Aside from Besson’s next directorial outing, EuropaCorp is also actively developing a sequel to Scarlett Johansson-starrer “Lucy” whose script has already been written by Besson, according to Shmuger.
Besson directed the Scarlett Johansson-starrer “Lucy” and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” He also co-wrote and produced the hit action franchise “Taken.” Marc Shmuger will produce the upcoming project on behalf of EuropaCorp.
Evans was most recently seen in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Fast and Furious 8.” He can be seen next in “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” in theaters this Friday.
Mirren recently starred in “Collateral Beauty,” and can be seen next in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.”
Peter Nichols of Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler & Feldman negotiated the deal for Luc Besson and also represents Luss. Mirren is represented by CAA, Evans by WME and United Agents in the U.K., and Murphy by ICM Partners, The Lisa Richards Agency and Lou Coulson Associates.
Besson has been posting a decent amount on Instagram.
04-10-19, 03:47 PM
#2
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re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
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Beneath Anna Poliatova’s striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the world’s most feared government assassins. An electrifying thrill ride unfolding with propulsive energy, startling twists and breathtaking action, ANNA introduces Sasha Luss in the title role with a star-studded cast including Academy Award Winner Helen Mirren, Cillian Murphy, and Luke Evans.
In Theaters June 21.
In Theaters June 21.
05-16-19, 11:51 PM
#6
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
When I saw the trailer before John Wick 3, I really thought they were going to say her name was Mathilda.
06-19-19, 04:56 PM
#7
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Comes out this weekend, no reviews yet. Looks like an ok way to kill some time, but I fully expect bad reviews. RT prediction: 34%
Bonus prediction: WhySoBlu will love it, no matter how bad it is
Bonus prediction: WhySoBlu will love it, no matter how bad it is
06-19-19, 05:07 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
If I have time, I’ll see it.
06-19-19, 11:29 PM
#11
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
ANNA AKA: Jennifer Lawrence turned us down cause she just did Red Sparrow.
Ill rent it if If reviews are mostly positive.
Ill rent it if If reviews are mostly positive.
06-20-19, 09:03 PM
#12
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Saw “Anna” tonight and I enjoyed it. Had gone in with low expectations since I thought “Valerian” was terrible, but I’ll admit I did enjoy “Lucy” for the bonkers direction Besson went with it.
I liked Sasha Luss a lot - sure, she’s ridiculously hot but she managed to carry the movie as title character Anna. I had no complaints about her performance through the length of the movie, and she seemed like she gave a lot to the role. Otherwise, the movie would have turned grating really quick if she was lacking.
Helen Mirren was great - she hammed it up as a no nonsense KGB officer, but it worked. I’d probably watch a whole movie of her just playing that character
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Overall, I’d describe this movie as a La Femme Nikita caper movie with more action set pieces. You can definitely tell the John Wick influences, but by no means is it a full actioner - you’ve probably seen the key action set pieces in the trailer. In the end, I’d probably watch it again when it comes out on video and recommend it worth a watch.
I liked Sasha Luss a lot - sure, she’s ridiculously hot but she managed to carry the movie as title character Anna. I had no complaints about her performance through the length of the movie, and she seemed like she gave a lot to the role. Otherwise, the movie would have turned grating really quick if she was lacking.
Helen Mirren was great - she hammed it up as a no nonsense KGB officer, but it worked. I’d probably watch a whole movie of her just playing that character
.Overall, I’d describe this movie as a La Femme Nikita caper movie with more action set pieces. You can definitely tell the John Wick influences, but by no means is it a full actioner - you’ve probably seen the key action set pieces in the trailer. In the end, I’d probably watch it again when it comes out on video and recommend it worth a watch.
06-20-19, 09:33 PM
#13
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Watched it this evening and can't believe how similar it is to Red Sparrow. It might as well be a reboot of that movie.
06-20-19, 09:51 PM
#14
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06-21-19, 03:11 AM
#15
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
I’m not sure what movie the other poster saw, but there is literally a total of zero training scenes in “Anna” + a lot more fighting and headshots. It’s also tonally quite different - more of a caper vibe (and probably too much in this vein for those who’ve seen it: my crowd made an audible groan at the final placard - it might have been one use of the gimmick too much). More assassin than honeypot (although that comes into play as well).
Other than the female Russian spy thing, not the same at all? Not trying to be a defender of this movie, but the other poster is making an extremely simplified comparison between the two.
Other than the female Russian spy thing, not the same at all? Not trying to be a defender of this movie, but the other poster is making an extremely simplified comparison between the two.
06-21-19, 03:26 AM
#16
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Caught a showing of this and I'm surprised to say that I was thoroughly entertained by it. It's basically La Femme Nikita Redux (with a pinch of Red Sparrow and Atomic Blonde thrown in for good measure), but with a sexier heroine, an amusing detour into the world of fashion models, and a much, much higher body count (but sadly, no Jean Reno as the Cleaner).
As a thespian, Sasha Luss is certainly no threat to Charlize Theron or Scarlett Johansson, but besides being smokin' hot, she does a better than adequate job in the title role and manages to be fairly convincing in the action sequences (for a skinny model, that is). Helen Mirren (whom I didn't even recognize at first) is a real hoot as Anna's Russian handler and pretty much walks away with this movie acting-wise, but there is solid support from Cillian Murphy and Luke Evans.
The plot takes a while to get going and has some clunky dramatic scenes (eg. the pre-spy stuff with her sleazy Russian boyfriend) and a wonky non-linear narrative that repeatedly jumps back and forth in time in a way that seems pretty unnecessary at first, but which eventually has a decent payoff. The storyline also has more twists and turns than the last two M. Night Shyamalan movies combined, but I kind of enjoyed the absurdity and playfulness of it all.
Even though I enjoyed Lucy, it was kind of lacking on the action front, so I'm tempted to say this is Besson's most entertaining movie since The Professional. Of course, if sexual assault allegations against Besson are proven true, I will disavow any positive comments I've made about this movie and will chalk up its heavy-handed feminist overtones (female fighting for her freedom/independence in a male dominated world) to being mere lip service from a Max Landis-style douchebag.
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As a thespian, Sasha Luss is certainly no threat to Charlize Theron or Scarlett Johansson, but besides being smokin' hot, she does a better than adequate job in the title role and manages to be fairly convincing in the action sequences (for a skinny model, that is). Helen Mirren (whom I didn't even recognize at first) is a real hoot as Anna's Russian handler and pretty much walks away with this movie acting-wise, but there is solid support from Cillian Murphy and Luke Evans.
The plot takes a while to get going and has some clunky dramatic scenes (eg. the pre-spy stuff with her sleazy Russian boyfriend) and a wonky non-linear narrative that repeatedly jumps back and forth in time in a way that seems pretty unnecessary at first, but which eventually has a decent payoff. The storyline also has more twists and turns than the last two M. Night Shyamalan movies combined, but I kind of enjoyed the absurdity and playfulness of it all.
Even though I enjoyed Lucy, it was kind of lacking on the action front, so I'm tempted to say this is Besson's most entertaining movie since The Professional. Of course, if sexual assault allegations against Besson are proven true, I will disavow any positive comments I've made about this movie and will chalk up its heavy-handed feminist overtones (female fighting for her freedom/independence in a male dominated world) to being mere lip service from a Max Landis-style douchebag.
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Last edited by Perkinsun Dzees; 06-21-19 at 03:46 AM.
06-21-19, 06:22 AM
#17
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Not getting great reviews...I did like the trailer, but seems like a rental to me. It's going to get crushed by Toy Story 4 this weekend anyway, but maybe it will do good numbers overseas.
06-21-19, 10:20 AM
#18
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
I kinda liked Red Sparrow, think it's underrated ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’m not sure what movie the other poster saw, but there is literally a total of zero training scenes in “Anna” + a lot more fighting and headshots. It’s also tonally quite different - more of a caper vibe (and probably too much in this vein for those who’ve seen it: my crowd made an audible groan at the final placard - it might have been one use of the gimmick too much). More assassin than honeypot (although that comes into play as well).
Other than the female Russian spy thing, not the same at all? Not trying to be a defender of this movie, but the other poster is making an extremely simplified comparison between the two.
What? Have YOU watched Red Sparrow? There's plenty of similarities besides it being about female Russian spy. I'll spoiler this since it involves the plot
I’m not sure what movie the other poster saw, but there is literally a total of zero training scenes in “Anna” + a lot more fighting and headshots. It’s also tonally quite different - more of a caper vibe (and probably too much in this vein for those who’ve seen it: my crowd made an audible groan at the final placard - it might have been one use of the gimmick too much). More assassin than honeypot (although that comes into play as well).
Other than the female Russian spy thing, not the same at all? Not trying to be a defender of this movie, but the other poster is making an extremely simplified comparison between the two.
Spoiler:
06-21-19, 01:42 PM
#19
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
A person who disliked “Red Sparrow” might end up liking “Anna” (or the opposite) because they are different movies. The premise is similar, but the execution is different enough.
06-21-19, 03:14 PM
#20
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Caught a showing of this and I'm surprised to say that I was thoroughly entertained by it. It's basically La Femme Nikita Redux (with a pinch of Red Sparrow and Atomic Blonde thrown in for good measure), but with a sexier heroine, an amusing detour into the world of fashion models, and a much, much higher body count (but sadly, no Jean Reno as the Cleaner).
06-21-19, 09:40 PM
#21
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Yeah, I own a copy of Red Sparrow, and no, one is not a remake of the other. The tones are entirely different, not to mention the execution of it. If you want to go that route in describing things, go for it, but it’s deceiving because you make it sound like it’s the same exact movie.
A person who disliked “Red Sparrow” might end up liking “Anna” (or the opposite) because they are different movies. The premise is similar, but the execution is different enough.
Let me ask you this...when someone says two movies are similar, how often do you think they are referring to the "tone" instead of the story line? Very rarely, and only when it's some wanna-be film critic/snob
06-21-19, 10:14 PM
#22
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
Oh, the tone and execution are different, but you acknowledge that the movies share similar plots. You've really made a great argument for yourself!
Let me ask you this...when someone says two movies are similar, how often do you think they are referring to the "tone" instead of the story line? Very rarely, and only when it's some wanna-be film critic/snob
Let me ask you this...when someone says two movies are similar, how often do you think they are referring to the "tone" instead of the story line? Very rarely, and only when it's some wanna-be film critic/snob
06-21-19, 10:21 PM
#23
Banned by request
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
greydttwo, don’t get Osiris started about Walter Goggins, he can get edgy about that as well.
Watched this earlier today, it was typical Luc Besson fare in the vein of La Femme Nikita and Lucy. But hey, what else were we expecting. If you like those, you’ll like this.
Every Luc Besson flick like this is better than Red Sparrow.
Watched this earlier today, it was typical Luc Besson fare in the vein of La Femme Nikita and Lucy. But hey, what else were we expecting. If you like those, you’ll like this.
Every Luc Besson flick like this is better than Red Sparrow.
06-22-19, 01:01 AM
#24
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Anna (2019, D: Besson) S: Sasha Luss, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Helen Mirren
I just got back from this and I loved it. Sasha Luss was captivating as hell and moved like a gazelle during those action scenes - graceful as a motherfucker. Definitely going to get this on BD. Oh, and the short haired girl was smoking hot as well.