PROFILE
FROM Emma Donoghue
Lenny Abrahamson and Emma Donoghue: Room Room , the new movie based on Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, tells the story of a mother, played by Brie Larson, and her son Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay. Larson is now Oscar nominated for Best Actress, as are Donoghue and Lenny Abrahamson for writing and directing, respectively. As the movie begins, Jack and his mother are celebrating his birthday, but there's no ordinary party as he turns five. His mother was kidnapped years earlier, and has long been held in a small shed. Having been raped repeatedly by her captor, she has given birth to Jack. She has devoted her considerable imagination to raising him in as nurturing an environment as possible, given that they are trapped in Room -- the only world Jack has ever known. Lenny Abrahamson, the director of Room, is an Irish filmmaker who got his start making beer commercials. His movies include the 2014 dark comedy, Frank, in which Michael Fassbender wears a giant paper mache head for most of the film. Not exactly mainstream fare. Director Lenny Abrahamson and actor Jacob Tremblay on the set of "Room." Courtesy of A24 Abrahamson was one of several filmmakers interested in making a movie version of Donoghue's Room, and he knew he wasn't an obvious choice. But Donoghue was particular about how the story should be told on the screen -- so much so that she decided to try writing a screenplay herself even before her book was published in 2010. The two teamed up after Abrahamson wrote Donoghue a long letter explaining his vision for the film. Donoghue was impressed with the literary nature of his letter and the fact that he understood her references to Plato in the book. Their subsequent friendship and creative partnership on the film has defied the conventional wisdom that authors shouldn't adapt their own books for the screen.
Lenny Abrahamson & Emma Donoghue on 'Room' Room , the new movie based on Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, tells the story of a mother, played by Brie Larson, and her son Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay. Both are already acting contenders in the awards race. As the movie begins, Jack and his mother are celebrating his birthday, but there's no ordinary party as he turns five. His mother was kidnapped years earlier, and has long been held in a small shed. Having been raped repeatedly by her captor, she has given birth to Jack. She has devoted her considerable imagination to raising him in as nurturing an environment as possible, given that they are trapped in Room -- the only world Jack has ever known. The director of Room, which won the People's Choice Award at this year's Toronto Film Festival, is Lenny Abrahamson, an Irish filmmaker who got his start making beer commercials. His movies include the 2014 dark comedy, Frank, in which Michael Fassbender wears a giant paper mache head for most of the film. Not exactly mainstream fare. Abrahamson was one of several filmmakers interested in making a movie version of Donoghue's Room, and he knew he wasn't an obvious choice. But Donoghue was particular about how the story should be told on the screen -- so much so that she decided to try writing a screenplay herself even before her book was published in 2010. Writer Emma Donoghue on the set on "Room" Photo courtesy of A24 The two teamed up after Abrahamson wrote Donoghue a long letter explaining his vision for the film. Donoghue was impressed with the literary nature of his letter and the fact that he understood her references to Plato in the book. Their subsequent friendship and creative partnership on the film has defied the conventional wisdom that authors shouldn't adapt their own books for the screen.
Recommended
Terrorism in London: Lessons for the US This weekend’s terrorist attack in London left seven people dead and almost 50 injured. London police fatally shot the attackers, and ISIS claimed responsibility.
'Dandelion and Quince,' food and crime, 'All About Eggs' Sarah Lohman talks about the murder and historic recipes that form the backbone of her new book, “Ohio 1910,” and Rachel Khong shares highlights from Lucky Peach’s last cookbook, “All About Eggs.” Michelle Mckenzie tells us how to cook oft-forgotten fruits, veggies and herbs, and Jonathan Gold reviews AR Cucina in Culver City. Plus: raspberries at the market and a special guest DJ set from Alton Brown.
Shaking up the USDA, 'The Beef Cookbook' and 'Tartine All Day' Peggy Lowe explains why Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is rattling rural America. Dario Cecchini talks future plans for Chianti ramen, and Richard Turner shares cuts from “PRIME: The Beef Cookbook.” Writer Matthew Sedacca looks at the controversy behind liquid smoke. Jonathan Gold tries Chengdu-style dishes, and Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine fills us in on the latest. Plus, chef Michael Beckman shares a recipe for cactus confit.
Why did Jared Kushner want a back channel with Russians? News broke Friday that President Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, tried setting up a back channel between the Trump transition team and the Russian government. What are the consequences for Kushner, President Trump, and the investigation into Russian meddling?