September Brings Diverse Film Releases from Spinal Tap to Pynchon

September 2023 marks a significant shift in the film landscape as a variety of new releases transition from the summer blockbuster season to more serious, award-season contenders. This month features a mix of biographical documentaries, adaptations of literary works, and a long-awaited sequel, showcasing stories that delve into the complexities of morality, fame, and social issues.

Exploring Complicated Lives

One of the notable documentaries this month is “Riefenstahl,” directed by Andres Veiel. The film investigates the controversial life of German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, who gained notoriety for her propaganda films during the Nazi regime. Using a combination of archival footage and post-war interviews, Veiel seeks to confront the moral implications of Riefenstahl’s work. As noted by NPR’s Daniel Jonah Wolpert, the film raises critical questions about her complicity in Nazi atrocities, stating, “any criminal evidence against Leni Riefenstahl remains tantalizingly circumstantial, even if the circumstances themselves were indisputably criminal.” This documentary is currently screening in limited theaters.

Another adaptation making waves is “The Long Walk,” which is based on Stephen King’s earliest work, originally written in the late 1960s. Directed by Francis Lawrence, known for “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” the film portrays a dystopian America where young men participate in a deadly walking contest. This adaptation arrives in theaters on September 12, 2023, after many years of failed attempts by other directors, including George A. Romero. Alison Willmore from Vulture describes the film as a “sad spectacle” that serves as a critique of capitalist expectations.

Comedy and Controversy Collide

For those seeking humor, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” returns more than 40 years after the original film, “This Is Spinal Tap.” Directed by Rob Reiner, who reprises his role as documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi, the sequel reunites original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. The film, which releases on September 12, 2023, aims to capture the spirit of the original while addressing the evolution of music documentaries in the age of streaming.

In the realm of true crime, “Predators,” directed by David Osit, tackles the public’s fascination with deviant behavior. The documentary focuses on Chris Hansen, known for his controversial reality series “To Catch a Predator,” which aired in the early 2000s. The film questions the societal allure of true crime narratives and is set to hit theaters on September 19, 2023. As noted by Guy Lodge from Variety, Hansen’s approach to confronting potential sex offenders raised ethical questions, making this documentary a thought-provoking exploration of justice and morality.

Finally, Paul Thomas Anderson returns with “One Battle After Another,” loosely adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland.” This film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, shifts the story’s setting from the 1980s to the present, exploring themes of political polarization and social issues. Premiering on September 26, 2023, DiCaprio emphasizes that at its core, the film tells a father-daughter story amidst a politically charged environment.

As September unfolds, audiences can expect a diverse array of films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion on pressing societal issues.