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Rick Alverson on Jeff Goldblum with Tye Sheridan in The Mountain: "He is using the boy as a refractive mechanism to validate himself, to show his worth."

In the final instalment of my in-depth conversation with Rick Alverson on The Mountain, he reveals that he is a fan of the films of Robert Bresson, Catherine Breillat, Michael Haneke, Bruno Dumont (Bernard Pruvost in Li'l Quinquin), and Claire Denis, and why Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker and John Cassavetes' A Woman Under The Influence are "huge" for him. He names Udo Kier as Frederick being the body of The Mountain, Jeff Goldblum's Dr. Fiennes the mind, and Denis Lavant the spirit, with Tye Sheridan's Andy as the son, and credits Frederick Wiseman's Titicut Follies as an influence for one of the numbers in the film.

Rick Alverson on The Mountain: "Essentially, the film is separated into mind, body and spirit.

The Mountain director Rick Alverson: "There's a lot of parallels between the lobotomy and filmmaking." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze

In the first instalment of my in-depth conversation with Rick Alverson on The Mountain, co-written with Person To Person director Dustin Guy Defa and Colm O'Leary (The Comedy), shot by Lorenzo Hagerman (Entertainment), starring Jeff Goldblum and Tye Sheridan (Alexandre Moors's The Yellow Birds), with Hannah Gross (Michael Almereyda's Marjorie Prime), Udo Kier, and Denis Lavant (a Leos Carax and Emmanuel Bourdieu favourite), we discuss what "interrupting the trigger" means to him, "parallels between lobotomy and filmmaking", a Django Reinhardt number, and the role the threshold move plays. Rick confided to me that he is a "big Perry Como fan" and that he was "reared on all that Disney stuff" when I brought up a scene that reminded me of Snow White.

Rick Alverson on Denis Lavant: "He's more poetic than I am.

Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to Rick Alverson’s The Mountain, starring Tye Sheridan, Denis Lavant, Udo Kier, Hannah Gross and Jeff Goldblum. The drama, which had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, will have its North American premiere Friday in Sundance’s Spotlight sidebar.

Set in 1950s America, the film follows the story of an introverted young man, played by Sheridan, who is employed as a photographer by a doctor (Goldblum) who's on a tour promoting a controversial lobotomy procedure.

The Mountain was written by Alverson, Dustin Guy Defa and Colm O'Leary, and produced ...

Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to Rick Alverson’s The Mountain, starring Tye Sheridan, Denis Lavant, Udo Kier, Hannah Gross and Jeff Goldblum. The drama, which had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, will have its North American premiere Friday in Sundance’s Spotlight sidebar.

Set in 1950s America, the film follows the story of an introverted young man, played by Sheridan, who is employed as a photographer by a doctor (Goldblum) who's on a tour promoting a controversial lobotomy procedure.

The Mountain was written by Alverson, Dustin Guy Defa and Colm O'Leary, and produced ...

‪Denis Lavant‬ on Hannah Gross (Susan) and Tye Sheridan (Andy) in Rick Alverson's The Mountain: "A great love story." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze

Denis Lavant, having just come back from Upstate New York where he was working on Rick Alverson's The Mountain, starring Jeff Goldblum with Hannah Gross (Michael Almereyda's Marjorie Prime) playing his daughter and Tye Sheridan (Alexandre Moors's The Yellow Birds) her boyfriend, spoke with me about his first experience in making a Us feature film.

A Leos Carax and Emmanuel Bourdieu favourite, Denis Lavant, plays a "spirit man, a shaman" in Alverson's latest endeavour, co-written with Person to Person director Dustin Guy Defa (Caveh Zahedi's The Show About The Show) and Colm O'Leary (The Comedy).

Denis Lavant on the cast of The Mountain: "My daughter is named Hannah Gross, who is Canadian and the Dr. Fiennes is the great actor Jeff Goldblum.

Rick Alverson’s films don’t tend to lend themselves to easy elevator pitches or punchy plot descriptions, and the “Entertainment” and “The Comedy” filmmaker’s ambitious next film, “The Mountain,” keeps with that trend. When it was first announced, the period drama, which he wrote alongside Dustin Guy Defa and Colm O’Leary, was billed as the story of “a young man who lost his mother and was raised by his emotional stunted father goes to work with his mentor, a doctor who performs lobotomies and shock therapy.”

And while’s that a relatively meaty description of an Alverson film, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Just ask the guy playing that lobotomy-giving doctor: Jeff Goldblum.

The actor, who’s next heard in this week’s “Isle of Dogs,” has a packed schedule, including both big budget sequels like “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and the intriguing “The Mountain.

While there are undoubtedly starrier titles on our list of the The 21 Best Films Of 2014 We've Already Seen, the real pleasure of moviegoing is discovering hidden gems and new talents, and that's exactly what happened last year when we stumbled across "Hide Your Smiling Faces." It's a film that we praised in our review from the Tribeca Film Festival last year as one that "skillfully articulates the inexpressible; the weird, beautiful struggle that is life," and while the movie earned an award from the National Society Of Film Critics as one of the best Films Still Awaiting U.S. Distribution, the good news is a deal has been struck. And a trailer is here to give a taste of what to expect. Directed by Daniel Patrick Carbone, and starring Ryan Jones, Nathan Varnson, Thomas Cruz, Christina Starbuck, Colm O'Leary, and Chris Kies, the film tells the story of two adolescent brothers who grapple with life,...

Premiering to enthusiastic reviews at the Berlin Film Festival (world premiere) and the Tribeca Film Festival (North American premiere), writer-director Daniel Patrick Carbone's debut feature "Hide Your Smiling Faces" is finally coming to theaters on March 28th. This coming-of-age story has been described as a "dreamlike portrait of adolescence unfolding over one hot, hazy summer." In his rave review, The Playlist's Rodrigo Perez writes that the film "skillfully articulates the inexpressible; the weird, beautiful struggle that is life." The film stars mostly unknown actors, including the talented young newcomers Ryan Jones, Nathan Varnson, and Thomas Cruz, in addition to Christina Starbuck, Colm O'Leary, and Chris Kies. Watch the trailer below for what appears to be an eerie yet poetic drama of youth that has been compared to Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life." The recent winner for Best New Director at the 36th Starz Denver Film Festival, "Hide Your Smiling Faces...

Factory 25 has acquired worldwide rights to the Rick Alverson-directed drama "New Jerusalem," which has played at the Rotterdam and SXSW film festivals this year. The specialty distributor will release the film digitally Nov. 30 along with a weeklong run at Brooklyn’s Videology theater followed by theatrical expansion. "New Jerusalem" stars Will Oldham and Colm O'Leary in the story of the friendship between an Irish immigrant coming to America after fighting in Afghanistan and an Evangelical Christian who tries to help him. Alverson co-wrote the screenplay with O'Leary and produced with Courtney Bowles. Executive producers include Chris Swanson, Darius Van Arman, Jonathan Cargill and Ben Swanson. Read More: Factory 25 Acquires North American Digital Rights to the Melissa Leo Drama 'Francine' Brooklyn-based Factory 25 has recently released "Francine," "The Oregonian," "Wah Do Dem" and "Make out...

Director: Rick Alverson Writers: Rick Alverson, Robert Donne, Colm O'Leary Starring: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, James Murphy, Gregg Turkington, Kate Lyn Sheil, Alexia Rasmussen, Jeff Jensen The Comedy is the case study of Swanson (Tim Heidecker); a privileged thirty-something slacker hipster from the affluent Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. With his father withering away in hospice care, Swanson faces the inevitable inheritance of the family’s estate. Due to his complete lack of responsibilities as well as unlimited free time, Swanson has a desensitized perception of the world around him. He pushes social buttons and boundaries with the same abrasive curiosity of a child poking a dead animal with a stick, and plods through life with a drag on those around him. Swanson and his group of friends are reminiscent of the house destroying, gang of teenagers (The Wormsley Common Gang) in Graham Greene's short story The Destructors,...

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year's Festival, March 9 - 17, 2012 in Austin, Texas. We are also pleased to reveal the world premiere of Emmett Malloy's documentary Big Easy Express as our Closing Night Film, which follows a train ride unlike any other with Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show. Big Easy Express will screen on Saturday, March 17. The program will also include the world premiere of Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' 21 Jump Street, screening in the Centerpiece slot on Monday, March 12. The 2012 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of celebrating ambitious experimentation with risk takers both in front of and behind the camera, and a deep immersion into cultural touchstones. The Midnighters feature section and the Short Film program will be announced on February 8.

"SXSW has long been a haven for bold...

Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry, shot by Bob Gruen in 1977

Rock 'N' Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen

screens as part of 24 Beats per Second

SXSW Film has just announced its features lineup for the 2012 edition, running March 9 through 17. We already knew that the Opening Night Film would be Drew Goddard's The Cabin in the Woods. For its Closing Night Film, the festival will host the world premiere of of Emmett Malloy’s documentary Big Easy Express (more below). The lineup, with descriptions from the festival:

Narrative Feature Competition

Booster

Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin. When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted. Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail. (World Premiere)

Eden

Director: Megan Griffiths, Screenwriters: Richard B. Phillips, Megan Griffiths, Story by: Richard B. Phillips & Chong Kim.

Attendees of South by Southwest 2012 are in for a treat. 130 feature films will screen at the Austin, Texas festival taking place March 9-17. Among them are 65 World Premieres, 17 North American Premieres and 10 U.S. Premieres. The organization already announced [1] Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon's The Cabin in the Woods would open the festival (the movie is phenomenal [2]) and today the majority of the remaining line up has been revealed. One of the highlights is the unbelievably smart and hilarious 21 Jump Street, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. Both of those are World Premieres. Other highlights include The Hunter, Killer Joe, The Babymakers, frankie goes boom, God Bless America, The Imposter, The Raid, Bernie and Casa de mi Padre just to name a few. After the jump, read descriptions of all the films that have been announced so far. Before I copy and paste the rest of the list, a few minor notes.

The Sundance Institute revealed their Us and World Cinema Dramatic and Documentary competition titles today for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. The question, of course, is which films will break out this year after the 2011 Sundance Film Festival brought titles such as ,i>Martha Marcy May Marlene, Pariah, Like Crazy and Take Shelter to the forefront. I have never attended the Sundance Film Festival, primarily because I have never heard good things about the experience, plus it means I can save my money for my trip to Cannes where I have typically seen the some of the best films Sundance had to offer including Blue Valentine two years ago and Martha Marcy May Marlene this year. Which means it serves as a good way for me to find films to make sure I add to my Cannes 2012 must see list... can you figure out which ones they may be? When it...

Sean (Colm O'Leary), An Irish immigrant in America returns from military service in Afghanistan to find his heart and mind in disarray. He is befriended by Ike (Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), a strong willed Evangelical Christian who endeavors to ensure his salvation. A meditation on frailty, mutual need and friendship, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. [Synopsis courtesy of SXSW] [indieWIRE invited directors ...

Sean (Colm O'Leary), An Irish immigrant in America returns from military service in Afghanistan to find his heart and mind in disarray. He is befriended by Ike (Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), a strong willed Evangelical Christian who endeavors to ensure his salvation. A meditation on frailty, mutual need and friendship, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. [Synopsis courtesy of SXSW] [indieWIRE invited directors ...

Sean (Colm O'Leary), An Irish immigrant in America returns from military service in Afghanistan to find his heart and mind in disarray. He is befriended by Ike (Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), a strong willed Evangelical Christian who endeavors to ensure his salvation. A meditation on frailty, mutual need and friendship, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. [Synopsis courtesy of SXSW] [indieWIRE invited directors ...

Sean (Colm O'Leary), An Irish immigrant in America returns from military service in Afghanistan to find his heart and mind in disarray. He is befriended by Ike (Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), a strong willed Evangelical Christian who endeavors to ensure his salvation. A meditation on frailty, mutual need and friendship, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. [Synopsis courtesy of SXSW] [indieWIRE invited directors ...

The South by Southwest Film Festival has announced their features lineup for the 2011’s Festival, which will take place March 11th to the 19th in Austin Texas. Read the full press release after the jump. SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers. The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week. “This is the most exciting moment for us. After a fantastic festival of discovery in 2010, we can finally unveil the line up for this year’s event,” says Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. “SXSW prides itself on taking chances, sifting for...

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year's Festival, March 11 - 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers. The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week.

"This is the most exciting moment for us. After a fantastic festival of discovery in 2010, we can finally unveil the line up for this year's event," says Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. "SXSW prides itself on taking chances, sifting for films that are the seedlings of the next generation of must-see artists. This year's line up is full of emerging voices and filmmakers who transcended the resources they had on hand, often with an alchemist's touch."

Over the course of nine days, 130 features will...