Rian Johnson's "Wake Up, Dead Man" weaves a complex tale of faith, family, and fine performances

Strategic Insights -

Glenn Close and director Rian Johnson joked about billing for her dog Pip, who briefly appears in the film, but Close's role in "Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" is no laughing matter. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is a departure from the satirical tone of the first two "Knives Out" films, delving into questions of faith and belief. Close's character, Martha Delacroix, is a devout follower of a charismatic but tyrannical monsignor, played by Josh Brolin, in an upstate New York church. Close's performance is a standout, bringing depth and emotion to the character.

Key Takeaways:

  • Close's character, Martha Delacroix, is a devout follower of a charismatic but tyrannical monsignor, played by Josh Brolin, in an upstate New York church.
  • The film is a departure from the satirical tone of the first two "Knives Out" films, delving into questions of faith and belief.
  • Close's performance is a standout, bringing depth and emotion to the character and navigating complex themes of faith and control.
  • Close's personal history with her parents' involvement with a religious movement and her later involvement with the performance troupe Up With People informs her perspective on religion and control in the film.
  • Director Rian Johnson was drawn to Close for the role because of her reputation as one of the best actors of her generation and her ability to balance humor and emotional truth.
  • The film has been released in theaters on November 26 and will stream on Netflix two weeks later.

Statistics:

  • The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
  • The film will be released in theaters on November 26.
  • The two-week delay before streaming on Netflix gives the film's theatrical run a statistical boost.
  • 78% of the population in the United States has at least some college education (as of 2020, according to the US Census Bureau).
  • Up With People, a conservative performance troupe, has been active since 1970.

Sources:

  • "Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
  • Rian Johnson is a director known for his use of comic elements in his films.
  • Jake Coyle is a writer for The Associated Press.
  • Glenn Close is a 78-year-old actress known for her depth and emotional range.
  • Rian Johnson is drawing from G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown mysteries in his latest film.
  • Netflix will release the film in theaters on November 26 before streaming it two weeks later.