SUNDANCE 2012

Sony Pictures Classics Picking Up Alcoholic Sundance Hit 'Smashed'

by Alex Billington
February 5, 2012
Source: The Wrap

Great news for one of our other top favorite films from the Sundance Film Festival this year. The Wrap is reporting that distributor Sony Pictures Classics is "about to buy" the film Smashed, directed by James Ponsoldt and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an alcoholic, which topped quite a few "best of" lists. I'm glad to see this finally finding a distributor, but I'm a little unsure about Sony Classics taking it, I hope they give this the proper support and release it deserves, as it is a fantastic film and they're a bit notorious for not caring much about these kind of films. That said, we'll definitely keep you updated on the release.

Smashed, co-written by director James Ponsoldt and Susan Burke, stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a married alcoholic schoolteacher who decides to get sober after her life starts spinning out of control. The supporting cast includes Aaron Paul as her husband, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. It's balances the line perfect between beeing a funny indie comedy and a very bold, brilliant drama about alcoholism, and many have said (including myself) that Winstead gave the performance of the festival in the film. She's extraordinary in it and deserves to get recognition for that, so I hope Sony Classics makes sure to focus on that during the release. No word on plans yet, but I'm expecting it to be out by the end of the year.

Ethan says is in his glowing review of Smashed: "Winstead is one of the most charming drunks to grace the big screen since Dudley Moore in Arthur, and it's her bewitching, fun-loving personality that makes her fall from grace that much more afflicting... the actress' dramatic chops are nothing short of astounding." I agree with him, and if anything I will unquestionably say this is one film to watch coming out of the fest, it's one of those that I keep thinking back to, thanks to Winstead. We'll keep you updated on the film's release.

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Filed under Indies, Movie News, Sundance 12

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