For two decades, Sarah Polley has been desperately trying to adapt Margaret Atwood's book about a young woman who was abused, mistreated and silenced in the mid-1800s. By the time the 38-year-old actor-turned-writer/director brought the author's 1996 historical novel Alias Grace to the small screen – the six-hour miniseries began streaming on Netflix in early November – she had no idea she'd end up discussing the very same issues taking place in the 21st century. "I was imagining when I did press for [this], I would be introducing this as a conversation,...
- 11/7/2017
- Rollingstone.com
From Jack the Ripper to John Wayne Gacy to Aileen Wuornos, the horrific legacies of serial killers have managed to both appall and intrigue, as people attempt to explore and understand the darkest depths of the human psyche. Hollywood has mined this territory for years, with dozens of scripted true-crime movies and TV series exploring the “why” of those who snap.
But why are we so obsessed? Alex Wolff, who stars in the new movie My Friend Dahmer, about the high school years of the notorious mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer, has a theory. “People are interested in seeing how things happen and maybe finding out what things could be different,” he tells Et. “Like, what is it about him that’s so different from me, or my next-door neighbor who seems a little bit off? That’s why people are interested in seeing the birth of things like this -- for their own comfort, for their own life...
But why are we so obsessed? Alex Wolff, who stars in the new movie My Friend Dahmer, about the high school years of the notorious mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer, has a theory. “People are interested in seeing how things happen and maybe finding out what things could be different,” he tells Et. “Like, what is it about him that’s so different from me, or my next-door neighbor who seems a little bit off? That’s why people are interested in seeing the birth of things like this -- for their own comfort, for their own life...
- 11/3/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Becky Lea Nov 3, 2017
Sarah Polley's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace is now on Netflix and nothing short of a triumph. Spoilers ahead in our review...
Warning: contains book and series spoilers.
See related Paddington 2 review Paul King interview: Paddington 2
There is a quilt pattern, mentioned in Alias Grace, called Attic Windows, which is an exercise in shifting perspectives. To look at the quilt one way is to see a collection of closed boxes, but to look at it from another finds you looking at open boxes. A quilt such as this one is stitched together from various materials, each one individual but in service of the larger pattern. To see one part of the quilt is to only see one aspect of it. A quilt must be seen in its entirety in order to appreciate the pattern effect as a whole. Alias Grace is a similar kind of construction,...
Sarah Polley's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace is now on Netflix and nothing short of a triumph. Spoilers ahead in our review...
Warning: contains book and series spoilers.
See related Paddington 2 review Paul King interview: Paddington 2
There is a quilt pattern, mentioned in Alias Grace, called Attic Windows, which is an exercise in shifting perspectives. To look at the quilt one way is to see a collection of closed boxes, but to look at it from another finds you looking at open boxes. A quilt such as this one is stitched together from various materials, each one individual but in service of the larger pattern. To see one part of the quilt is to only see one aspect of it. A quilt must be seen in its entirety in order to appreciate the pattern effect as a whole. Alias Grace is a similar kind of construction,...
- 11/2/2017
- Den of Geek
Sarah Gadon on How Margaret Atwood's Work Resonates in Hollywood’s Truth-Telling Climate (Exclusive)
In light of the recently amplified conversation surrounding sexual harassment and sexual assault in Hollywood, Margaret Atwood’s 1996 novel, Alias Grace, feels at once timely and timeless. The new six-part Netflix miniseries, set in 19th-century Canada, tussles with a lot of the same themes that are making headlines today: female agency, abortion, immigrant rights and class tensions.
Adapted by Sarah Polley for the screen, Alias Grace weaves in and out of the life of Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and servant girl who finds herself thrust into the public spotlight as a “celebrated murderess” after her master and his mistress are brutally killed at their farm. Grace and stableman James McDermott are both convicted of the crime. But while McDermott (Kerr Logan) is hanged, Grace is sentenced to life imprisonment. A church committee sets out to prove her innocence, citing hysteria or psychological issues (Grace cannot recall committing the murders), enlisting the help of Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft), a physician...
Adapted by Sarah Polley for the screen, Alias Grace weaves in and out of the life of Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and servant girl who finds herself thrust into the public spotlight as a “celebrated murderess” after her master and his mistress are brutally killed at their farm. Grace and stableman James McDermott are both convicted of the crime. But while McDermott (Kerr Logan) is hanged, Grace is sentenced to life imprisonment. A church committee sets out to prove her innocence, citing hysteria or psychological issues (Grace cannot recall committing the murders), enlisting the help of Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft), a physician...
- 11/1/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
For someone who has established such an illustrious and prolific career from crafting stories rife with nuanced themes of identity, gender, and complacency, Margaret Atwood has a fairly disenchanted view of narrators. Namely, she believes that none of them should be taken at face value.
“I don’t think anyone is a reliable narrator — in real life or anywhere else,” she told audiences Thursday night at the Tiff world premiere of “Alias Grace.” “Who tells the absolute truth all the time? There was a movie made where people were cursed with having to tell the absolute truth all the time and the result was… not pretty.”
The upcoming six-part miniseries from the Canadian Broadcast Corporation and Netflix is based on Atwood’s novel of the same name, and is a pet project from producer and actress Sarah Polley, who started trying to option the rights when she was just 17 years old.
“I don’t think anyone is a reliable narrator — in real life or anywhere else,” she told audiences Thursday night at the Tiff world premiere of “Alias Grace.” “Who tells the absolute truth all the time? There was a movie made where people were cursed with having to tell the absolute truth all the time and the result was… not pretty.”
The upcoming six-part miniseries from the Canadian Broadcast Corporation and Netflix is based on Atwood’s novel of the same name, and is a pet project from producer and actress Sarah Polley, who started trying to option the rights when she was just 17 years old.
- 9/15/2017
- by Amber Dowling
- Indiewire
"It’s strange to reflect that of all the people living in that house, I was the only one left alive in six months time."
Netflix has released the first trailer for their upcoming new miniseries, Alias Grace. The series is based on Margaret Atwood's Gothic historical fiction about a real-life murder that took place in 1843 Canada. Here's the synopsis:
The six-hour miniseries follows Grace Marks, a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery, in 1843.
Grace Marks seems like such a fascinating character that is presented as both a victim and a culprit. I haven't read the book, but the series looks like it could be really good and worth checking out.
The series stars Sarah Gadon in the lead role, Paul Gross as her master,...
Netflix has released the first trailer for their upcoming new miniseries, Alias Grace. The series is based on Margaret Atwood's Gothic historical fiction about a real-life murder that took place in 1843 Canada. Here's the synopsis:
The six-hour miniseries follows Grace Marks, a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery, in 1843.
Grace Marks seems like such a fascinating character that is presented as both a victim and a culprit. I haven't read the book, but the series looks like it could be really good and worth checking out.
The series stars Sarah Gadon in the lead role, Paul Gross as her master,...
- 9/8/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Just ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Netflix has released a new trailer for Alias Grace, its six-part limited series inspired by the true story of convicted murderer Grace Marks. Sarah Gadon stars as Marks, a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who – along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) – finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 double murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross)…...
- 9/8/2017
- Deadline TV
Netflix released the first teaser for its six-hour historical fiction, murder miniseries “Alias Grace” on Monday, based on the novel by “The Handmaid’s Tale” author Margaret Atwood. The novel, published in 1996, blends fiction and reality. Atwood was inspired by the 1843 Upper Canadian murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin). Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) and James McDermott (Kerr Logan) were charged with the crime. McDermott was hanged while Marks was sentenced to life in prison. The question remained though whether Marks was involved with the murder itself or was just an accessory. She was eventually (spoiler?...
- 7/24/2017
- by Carli Velocci
- The Wrap
Hulu hit a homerun this spring with its first foray into prestige television, the superb adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” And now, Netflix is getting into the Atwood adaptation game.
Based on the author’s award-winning 1996 novel of the same name, “Alias Grace” is inspired by the true story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a servant in Upper Canada who was accused, alongside James McDermott (Kerr Logan), of the notorious 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).
Continue reading First Trailer For Netflix’s Margaret Atwood Adaptation ‘Alias Grace’ at The Playlist.
Based on the author’s award-winning 1996 novel of the same name, “Alias Grace” is inspired by the true story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a servant in Upper Canada who was accused, alongside James McDermott (Kerr Logan), of the notorious 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).
Continue reading First Trailer For Netflix’s Margaret Atwood Adaptation ‘Alias Grace’ at The Playlist.
- 7/18/2017
- by Anthony Casella
- The Playlist
Margaret Atwood fans are getting another adaptation of the legendary author’s novels this year, and if you thought “The Handmaid’s Tale” was super-Canadian, “Alias Grace” will blow you away.
Read More: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Cast Reveals What It Feels Like to Destroy America and Become Gilead’s Power Couple (Spoilers)
Written and produced by Sarah Polley and directed by Mary Harron, “Alias Grace,” according to the official Netflix synopsis, “tells the story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who — along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) — finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).”
Polley’s transition from in front of the camera to behind it has given us lovely works like “Take This Waltz,” and Harron was of...
Read More: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Cast Reveals What It Feels Like to Destroy America and Become Gilead’s Power Couple (Spoilers)
Written and produced by Sarah Polley and directed by Mary Harron, “Alias Grace,” according to the official Netflix synopsis, “tells the story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who — along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) — finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).”
Polley’s transition from in front of the camera to behind it has given us lovely works like “Take This Waltz,” and Harron was of...
- 5/18/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
This spring, Hulu‘s stunning adaptation of Margaret Atwood‘s “The Handmaid’s Tale” has become one of the major television talking points among critics and audiences, and the good news for both is that another one of the author’s works is coming to the small screen, and it also looks like it’ll pack a wallop.
Penned by Sarah Polley (“Away From Her,” “Take This Waltz“) and directed by Mary Harron (“American Psycho“), Netflix‘s “Alias Grace” is inspired by the true story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who — along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) — finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).
Continue reading First Look: Netflix’s Margaret Atwood Adaptation ‘Alias Grace,’ Written By Sarah Polley...
Penned by Sarah Polley (“Away From Her,” “Take This Waltz“) and directed by Mary Harron (“American Psycho“), Netflix‘s “Alias Grace” is inspired by the true story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who — along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) — finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 murders of her employer, wealthy farmer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin).
Continue reading First Look: Netflix’s Margaret Atwood Adaptation ‘Alias Grace,’ Written By Sarah Polley...
- 5/18/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
It was announced earlier this year that writer, director and actress Sarah Polley (“Stories We Tell,” “Take This Waltz”) would be adapting and producing the beloved Margaret Atwood novel “Alias Grace” as a six part mini-series for Netflix, starring Sarah Gadon, Anna Paquin, Paul Gross, and now, David Cronenberg.
Read More: ‘Alias Grace’: Sarah Polley Helming Margaret Atwood Miniseries for Netflix
“Alias Grace” is based on the real-life 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada, and the controversial convictions of two household servants, Grace Marks and James McDermott. It is told from the point of view of a fictional narrator, Dr. Simon Jordan, who is researching the case. While McDermott was faced with the death sentence, Grace Marks was sentenced to life in prison, despite her undetermined involvement in the crime. She was absolved of the crime 30 years later.
Read More: David Cronenberg: Why...
Read More: ‘Alias Grace’: Sarah Polley Helming Margaret Atwood Miniseries for Netflix
“Alias Grace” is based on the real-life 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada, and the controversial convictions of two household servants, Grace Marks and James McDermott. It is told from the point of view of a fictional narrator, Dr. Simon Jordan, who is researching the case. While McDermott was faced with the death sentence, Grace Marks was sentenced to life in prison, despite her undetermined involvement in the crime. She was absolved of the crime 30 years later.
Read More: David Cronenberg: Why...
- 9/7/2016
- by Annakeara Stinson
- Indiewire
Anna Paquin has joined the Netflix/CBC miniseries “Alias Grace,” TheWrap has learned. The show tells the story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery (Paquin) in 1843. Nancy is Kinnear’s housekeeper and lover, and while she initially befriends Grace, she begins to resent Grace and becomes increasingly jealous of Kinnear’s affection for her. Nancy eventually fires Grace in a fit of rage and is later found brutally murdered.
- 8/16/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Margaret Atwood adaptations are coming to streaming services in waves. Hulu previously announced a 10-episode series adaptation of her 1985 novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” starring Elisabeth Moss. This past June, Netflix and CBC greenlit a six-hour miniseries adaptation of her novel “Alias Grace,” written and produced by Sarah Polley (“Stories We Tell,” “The Last Waltz”) and directed by Mary Harron (“American Psycho”). Today, Netflix and CBC announce that the miniseries will star Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin.
Read More: ‘Alias Grace’: Sarah Polley Helming Margaret Atwood Miniseries for Netflix
Based on factual events “Alias Grace” follows the 1843 murders of wealthy Thomas Kinnear and his housemaid and lover Nancy Montgomery (played by Paquin). They were supposedly killed by two servants: Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) a poor, young Irish immigrant and stable hand James McDermott. McDermott was ultimately hanged and Marks was sentenced to life in prison. There’s much controversy over...
Read More: ‘Alias Grace’: Sarah Polley Helming Margaret Atwood Miniseries for Netflix
Based on factual events “Alias Grace” follows the 1843 murders of wealthy Thomas Kinnear and his housemaid and lover Nancy Montgomery (played by Paquin). They were supposedly killed by two servants: Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) a poor, young Irish immigrant and stable hand James McDermott. McDermott was ultimately hanged and Marks was sentenced to life in prison. There’s much controversy over...
- 8/16/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Sarah Gadon is going from Hulu to Netflix. The Canadian actress has been tapped to topline Netflix's Margaret Atwood drama Alias Grace, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Gadon, who most recently co-starred opposite James Franco in Hulu's Stephen King limited series 11.22.63, will play Grace Marks in the streaming giant and Canadian broadcaster CBC's adaptation of Atwood's award-winning novel. Published in 1996, Alias Grace follows Grace Marks, a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear, and
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- 6/28/2016
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Streaming giant Netflix has announced plans to team with Halfire Entertainment and Canadian broadcaster CBC for the six-hour scripted true-crime miniseries "Alias Grace" based on the 1996 non-fiction book by Margaret Atwood.
The story follows Grace Marks, a poor and young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer and housekeeper in 1843.
McDermott was hanged, while Marks was sentenced to life imprisonment. She became one of the most enigmatic and notorious women of 1840s Canada and was eventually exonerated after thirty years in jail.
The series will introduce a fictional young doctor who researches the case and falls in love with Marks. He soon becomes obsessed with her as he seeks to reconcile his perception of the mild-mannered woman he sees with the savage murder of which she has been convicted.
Sarah Polley ("Away From Her...
The story follows Grace Marks, a poor and young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer and housekeeper in 1843.
McDermott was hanged, while Marks was sentenced to life imprisonment. She became one of the most enigmatic and notorious women of 1840s Canada and was eventually exonerated after thirty years in jail.
The series will introduce a fictional young doctor who researches the case and falls in love with Marks. He soon becomes obsessed with her as he seeks to reconcile his perception of the mild-mannered woman he sees with the savage murder of which she has been convicted.
Sarah Polley ("Away From Her...
- 6/22/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The Canadian actor turned writer and director will adapt Atwood’s 1996 book, Alias Grace, into a miniseries, with American Psycho’s Mary Harron directing
Netflix has teamed with Sarah Polley (director of Away From Her) and Mary Harron (American Psycho) for a new true-crime series, based on a novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, about convicted murderer Grace Marks. Polley, who last directed the acclaimed documentary Stories We Tell, will write and produce the six-hour miniseries, with Harron on board as director.
Alias Grace, bearing the same title as Atwood’s 1996 book, will tell the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in upper Canada, who along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer and his housekeeper. Marks was eventually exonerated after 30 years, while McDermott was hanged for the crimes.
Continue reading...
Netflix has teamed with Sarah Polley (director of Away From Her) and Mary Harron (American Psycho) for a new true-crime series, based on a novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, about convicted murderer Grace Marks. Polley, who last directed the acclaimed documentary Stories We Tell, will write and produce the six-hour miniseries, with Harron on board as director.
Alias Grace, bearing the same title as Atwood’s 1996 book, will tell the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in upper Canada, who along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer and his housekeeper. Marks was eventually exonerated after 30 years, while McDermott was hanged for the crimes.
Continue reading...
- 6/21/2016
- by Nigel M Smith
- The Guardian - Film News
Fans of crime drama, prepare to get excited. Netflix continues on its streak of original productions with a mini-series adaptation of Alias Grace, the best-selling novel by world-renowned author Margaret Atwood. Sarah Polley (Away From Her, Stories We Tell) will write and produce, and Mary Harron (American Psycho, I Shot Andy Warhol) is set to direct. The novel is based on the 19th century true story of Grace Marks, a poor Irish immigrant who worked in Upper Canada (now Ontario) as a domestic servant. She and another servant, James McDermott, were convicted of the murders of of their employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. McDermott was hanged for the crime, while Marks spent 30 years in prison. It was one of the most...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 6/21/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Canadian director and actress Sarah Polley, along with Noreen Halpern’s Halfire Entertainment, will adapt Margaret Atwood’s novel “Alias Grace” into a six-hour miniseries for Netflix. Deadline reports that Polley will write and produce the series while Mary Harron will direct the project.
Read More: Watch: Sarah Polley Interviews Greta Gerwig About Noah Baumbach’s ‘Frances Ha’ In 17-Minute Criterion Feature
“Alias Grace” follows the true story of poor Irish immigrant Grace Marks who, along with domestic servant James McDermott, was convicted of murdering her employer Thomas Kinnear and housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in 1843. While James was hanged, Grace received life imprisonment for her role in the crime. The conviction was highly controversial and Grace’s role in the murder was up for strong debate as to whether she took an active part in the crime or if she was simply an accessory. She was later exonerated after 30 years in jail.
Read More: Watch: Sarah Polley Interviews Greta Gerwig About Noah Baumbach’s ‘Frances Ha’ In 17-Minute Criterion Feature
“Alias Grace” follows the true story of poor Irish immigrant Grace Marks who, along with domestic servant James McDermott, was convicted of murdering her employer Thomas Kinnear and housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in 1843. While James was hanged, Grace received life imprisonment for her role in the crime. The conviction was highly controversial and Grace’s role in the murder was up for strong debate as to whether she took an active part in the crime or if she was simply an accessory. She was later exonerated after 30 years in jail.
- 6/21/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
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