By LILA SEIDMAN | Reporter
Palisadian A-lister Ben Affleck put on all his hats—director, writer, actor—for his Cagney-inspired 1920s gangster flick, “Live By Night,” set for limited release Christmas Day—ideal timing for those who like to spike their eggnog with gunfire.
Photo courtesy of Appian Way
Set in Prohibition-era Boston, police superintendent’s son-turned-bad apple Joe Coughlin (Affleck) abandons law and order for illicitly gained money and power, ascending the criminal corporate ladder from bootlegger to feared Florida gangster. But what happens when all the shooting, underhanded dealings and double crossing come back to bite him? Karma, it turns out, is not a gangster’s best friend.
The supporting cast includes Zoe Saldana, Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Scott Eastwood, Chris Cooper, Titus Welliver and Anthony Michael Hall. Robert Richardson (“The Hateful Eight,” “The Aviator”) was tapped for director of photography.
Affleck’s last directorial effort, “Argo” (2012), scooped up three Academy Awards, including best picture, but the last film he starred in, “The Accountant” (2016), fizzled at the box office (despite critical acclaim). Oscar buzz for the Dennis Lehane novel-based “Live By Night” has been somewhat stunted: reviews and social media commentary have been embargoed for the film until just before its release.
The movie is due for wide release Jan. 13.
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