BEN IS BACK Continues This Week

BEN IS BACK Continues This Week

Lucas Hedges is shaping up to be one of the finest young actors of this generation. Earning himself an Oscar nomination for his performance in MANCHESTER BY THE SEA soon after his twenty-first birthday, Hedges continued to showcase his talents with supporting roles in acclaimed films such as LADY BIRD and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Hedges most recently stars in BEN IS BACK, which is continuing its run at the Hopewell Theater through January 23rd. Screening dates can be found here, with a “Crybaby Matinee” taking place on Thursday, January 17th at 11 am.

BEN IS BACK centers around 19 year-old Ben Burns (Hedges) who unexpectedly returns home to his family’s suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben’s mother, Holly (Julia Roberts), is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother’s undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe. BEN IS BACK also stars Courtney B. Vance (The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) and Kathryn Newton (LADY BIRD).

Hedges, and his father Peter, who wrote and directed BEN IS BACK, were recently interviewed by the New York Times about the process of making the film and their relationship working together. One interesting point that’s revealed in the piece is that Lucas never actually wanted to work together with his father. It might make sense not working to work closely with a family member, but Peter Hedges isn’t any old amatuer, he’s actually a well respected novelist, playwright, screenwriter, director, and producer. Some of his credits include: WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE (Screenwriter) and PIECES OF APRIL (Screenwriter and Director)

Lucas finally came around to the idea of working on the film after he read the script, as an act of general support initially, but then he found himself being blown away by it. Lucas said it was difficult as first being directed by his father as he, “was only ready to listen to him direct if he said what [Lucas] wanted him to say.” The rest of the article explores why the two Hedges’ are so drawn to the process of acting and filmmaking and it makes for a fascinating read. For the full write-up, click here, and make sure to catch BEN IS BACK, playing through next Wednesday at the Hopewell Theater.

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