Acclaimed Star:: Emma Thompson is a highly decorated actress with two Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, and Damehood status.
Film Overview:: 'Late Night' (2019) stars Thompson as a veteran late-night TV host who hires a new writer (Mindy Kaling) to diversify her writers' room and save her show.
Strong Reception:: The film received positive reviews, scoring 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore from audiences.
Underperformance:: Despite critical acclaim and a star-studded cast including John Lithgow and Hugh Dancy, the comedy underperformed at the box office, earning $22.4 million globally.
Why this matters:: The film tackles important themes like women in media, aging in the entertainment industry, and the necessity of adaptation and listening to diverse voices.
Emma Thompson, a stalwart of British and international cinema, boasts a career filled with iconic roles in films like *Howards End*, *Sense and Sensibility*, and *The Remains of the Day*. While many of her performances are celebrated, the 2019 comedy-drama *Late Night* often flies under the radar.
Written by Mindy Kaling (known for *The US Office* and *The Mindy Project*) and directed by Nisha Ganatra, *Late Night* offers a sharp look inside the world of late-night television. Thompson plays Katherine Newbury, a pioneering but fading host facing replacement. Kaling plays Molly Patel, the diversity hire brought in to shake things up. The film explores the challenges women face in male-dominated fields, the pressure to stay relevant, and the importance of embracing change. As Thompson noted in an interview with NPR, her character Katherine is compelling because she's flawed but capable of growth, recognizing the need to adapt rather than remaining a static 'evil boss' archetype.
Premiering at Sundance in 2019, *Late Night* was acquired by Amazon Studios for a hefty $13 million. Critics praised its wit, performances, and timely themes (80% on Rotten Tomatoes). However, like many recent comedies, it struggled to find a large audience in cinemas, grossing just $22.4 million worldwide. Despite this, those who've seen it often praise it as a thoughtful and funny film.
What is 'Late Night' about?
It's a 2019 comedy-drama where a legendary but struggling late-night talk show host (Emma Thompson) hires a young, optimistic female writer (Mindy Kaling) to help modernize her show and save her career.
Who stars in 'Late Night'?
Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling lead the cast, which also includes John Lithgow, Hugh Dancy, Reid Scott, and Amy Ryan.
Where can I watch 'Late Night' tonight?
The film is scheduled to air on BBC Two and be available on the BBC iPlayer in the UK at 11:35 PM on Wednesday, March 26th.
Catch an acclaimed, yet overlooked, comedy-drama featuring strong performances.
Gain insight into the dynamics and challenges within the entertainment industry, particularly for women.
Reflect on themes of career longevity, adaptation, and the value of diverse perspectives.
*Late Night* offers a humorous yet insightful look at the entertainment world. Do you think films tackling diversity and change in the workplace are becoming more common?
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Source: Manchester Evening News
Watch On: BBC iPlayer (Availability may vary by region and time)
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