Bella Ramsey is opening up about the early days of their career, where they were rejected based on appearance.
The “Last of Us” star, who is non-binary and gender fluid, recalled a time when their acting skills were essentially overlooked because they didn’t have the “look.”
“I was told [in] one of my first auditions ever… the director really liked me but I didn’t get the part because I didn’t have the ‘Hollywood look,'” Ramsey said in an interview clip that was shared to Twitter by a user named Kettle. “That’s something that I’ve always found very interesting.”
Read More: ‘The Last Of Us’ Star Bella Ramsey Opens Up About ‘Painful’ Online Bullying
bella ramsey saying they didn’t get casted in a project because they didn’t have the “Hollywood look” makes me feel so sad pic.twitter.com/JY564J0XS6
— kettle ༂ (@sourkettle) March 25, 2023
Nonetheless,...
The “Last of Us” star, who is non-binary and gender fluid, recalled a time when their acting skills were essentially overlooked because they didn’t have the “look.”
“I was told [in] one of my first auditions ever… the director really liked me but I didn’t get the part because I didn’t have the ‘Hollywood look,'” Ramsey said in an interview clip that was shared to Twitter by a user named Kettle. “That’s something that I’ve always found very interesting.”
Read More: ‘The Last Of Us’ Star Bella Ramsey Opens Up About ‘Painful’ Online Bullying
bella ramsey saying they didn’t get casted in a project because they didn’t have the “Hollywood look” makes me feel so sad pic.twitter.com/JY564J0XS6
— kettle ༂ (@sourkettle) March 25, 2023
Nonetheless,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Lena Dunham’s “Catherine Called Birdy” brings vibrancy and color to her adaptation of Karen Cushman’s beloved novel. Rich reds and blues fill the medieval world and fictional town of Stonebridge.
The film, nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and Critics Choice Award, stars Bella Ramsey as a 14-year-old who rebels against the patriarchy when her father, played by Andrew Scott, proclaims she is to be married off. When building the aesthetics, Dunham wanted to steer clear of the “grays and browns” associated with medieval history.
Speaking via Zoom from London, Dunham says, “This film is very much about the domestic life of women and children, and it was exciting to think about how we look at medieval life in a more feminine way.”
The film’s poster reflects everything about Dunham’s vision, but her mother, artist Laurie Simmons, designed her own artwork for the movie that didn...
The film, nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and Critics Choice Award, stars Bella Ramsey as a 14-year-old who rebels against the patriarchy when her father, played by Andrew Scott, proclaims she is to be married off. When building the aesthetics, Dunham wanted to steer clear of the “grays and browns” associated with medieval history.
Speaking via Zoom from London, Dunham says, “This film is very much about the domestic life of women and children, and it was exciting to think about how we look at medieval life in a more feminine way.”
The film’s poster reflects everything about Dunham’s vision, but her mother, artist Laurie Simmons, designed her own artwork for the movie that didn...
- 1/12/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
For writer-director Lena Dunham, Karen Cushman’s 1994 Newbery Honor-winning YA novel Catherine, Called Birdy is almost a sacred text. Following the comic exploits of a young girl in 13th century England, Cushman’s book is an irreverent take on being a teenage girl at a time when such an identity left young women powerless and beholden to the men in their lives — first their fathers, then their husbands.
Lena Dunham
Bella Ramsey (pictured above, with co-star Joe Alwyn) stars as the 14-year-old title character who rebels against the patriarchy as best as she can when her father (Andrew Scott) announces that she is to be married to a wealthy husband in order to save the family from financial ruin. As she fends off potential suitors to her parents’ dismay, she finds her own voice as a witty, rambunctious young woman who has the...
For writer-director Lena Dunham, Karen Cushman’s 1994 Newbery Honor-winning YA novel Catherine, Called Birdy is almost a sacred text. Following the comic exploits of a young girl in 13th century England, Cushman’s book is an irreverent take on being a teenage girl at a time when such an identity left young women powerless and beholden to the men in their lives — first their fathers, then their husbands.
Lena Dunham
Bella Ramsey (pictured above, with co-star Joe Alwyn) stars as the 14-year-old title character who rebels against the patriarchy as best as she can when her father (Andrew Scott) announces that she is to be married to a wealthy husband in order to save the family from financial ruin. As she fends off potential suitors to her parents’ dismay, she finds her own voice as a witty, rambunctious young woman who has the...
- 1/1/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bella Ramsey has come a long way in six years, since her first appearance in Game Of Thrones wowed audiences, going on to win her legions of fans. Her starring role in The Worst Witch and her work in His Dark Materials have demonstrated her ability to appeal to teenage audiences, making her the natural choice for this adaptation of Karen Cushman’s best selling book. She slides easily into the role of an ebullient 14-year-old aristocrat living life to the max in Medieval England and resisting all pressure to grow up until the fateful day when she learns that her dissolute father, who has squandered the family fortune, plans to marry her off in an effort to restore it.
If you’re not feeling up to contending with the reality of 14-year-old girls, this won’t be a film for you. Birdy is very full on, full of energy and determined to get.
If you’re not feeling up to contending with the reality of 14-year-old girls, this won’t be a film for you. Birdy is very full on, full of energy and determined to get.
- 12/19/2022
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Lena Dunham says she primarily sticks to the script when directing, but finds that a few improvisational takes can add some pretty great moments to a film.
“I always, when I’m directing, tend to do a few takes totally to script and one take with a little bit of improv and then I’ll grab the best moments from that improvised take. It might just be a glance or a cough or a line,” Dunham told Women in Film CEO Kirsten Schaffer during Wrap Women’s Power Women Summit panel, Spotlight Conversation: View from the Director’s Chair.
Dunham then offered an analogy to further explain her directing choice: “The dish is the script and the improv is the garnish. You don’t change the substance of the scene but it’s a great way to add texture and realism. My favorite films are the ones where you’re...
“I always, when I’m directing, tend to do a few takes totally to script and one take with a little bit of improv and then I’ll grab the best moments from that improvised take. It might just be a glance or a cough or a line,” Dunham told Women in Film CEO Kirsten Schaffer during Wrap Women’s Power Women Summit panel, Spotlight Conversation: View from the Director’s Chair.
Dunham then offered an analogy to further explain her directing choice: “The dish is the script and the improv is the garnish. You don’t change the substance of the scene but it’s a great way to add texture and realism. My favorite films are the ones where you’re...
- 12/13/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix) All Quiet on the Western Front
Director Edward Berger has taken a fresh crack at Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 World War I novel, the first German-language adaptation of the antiwar classic.
Blonde (Netflix) Blonde
Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe biopic, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel, has garnered raves and pans in equal measure. Oates herself tweeted on Sept. 30 in support of the movie, saying “not all films are obliged to be uplifting in their conclusions.”
Bones and All (United Artists) Bones and All
Luca Guadagnino’s ’80s-set feature is based on Camille DeAngelis’ 2015 novel and follows a pair of young cannibals in love as they roam the U.S.
Catherine Called Birdy (Prime Video) Catherine Called Birdy
Lena Dunham adapted the 1994 Karen Cushman novel about a 13th-century teenager who rebels against the patriarchy. “What I...
All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix) All Quiet on the Western Front
Director Edward Berger has taken a fresh crack at Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 World War I novel, the first German-language adaptation of the antiwar classic.
Blonde (Netflix) Blonde
Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe biopic, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel, has garnered raves and pans in equal measure. Oates herself tweeted on Sept. 30 in support of the movie, saying “not all films are obliged to be uplifting in their conclusions.”
Bones and All (United Artists) Bones and All
Luca Guadagnino’s ’80s-set feature is based on Camille DeAngelis’ 2015 novel and follows a pair of young cannibals in love as they roam the U.S.
Catherine Called Birdy (Prime Video) Catherine Called Birdy
Lena Dunham adapted the 1994 Karen Cushman novel about a 13th-century teenager who rebels against the patriarchy. “What I...
- 11/24/2022
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When costume designer Julian Day met “Catherine Called Birdy” screenwriter-director Lena Dunham, “we always talked about this idea of having a sort of Coachella vibe, or Glastonbury vibe, and we wanted to make it accessible for a modern audience, but still stay true to the ideas of what medieval Britain was about.” Watch our exclusive video interview with Day above.
SEEOscar Best Picture Gallery: History of Every Academy Award-Winning Movie
Based on the 1994 young adult novel by Karen Cushman, “Catherine Called Birdy” tells the story of the title character (played by “Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey), a headstrong 14-year-old girl living in the 13th century and fighting against her father’s attempts to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. Though the story is set more than 700 years ago, it has an anachronistic style and tone, and Birdy herself has a modern sensibility that rebels against the standards of her time.
SEEOscar Best Picture Gallery: History of Every Academy Award-Winning Movie
Based on the 1994 young adult novel by Karen Cushman, “Catherine Called Birdy” tells the story of the title character (played by “Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey), a headstrong 14-year-old girl living in the 13th century and fighting against her father’s attempts to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. Though the story is set more than 700 years ago, it has an anachronistic style and tone, and Birdy herself has a modern sensibility that rebels against the standards of her time.
- 11/16/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
If you want to be scared this Halloween season you won’t need to stray too far from movie theaters—or even leave the house, if you don’t want to. October brings two vampire series, numerous horror movies, and a reunited Key and Peele as demons.
But if you don’t want to be scared, you’ve got options too. The end of the month brings a second season of The White Lotus (which will undoubtedly be scary in its own way) and, in theaters, you can find an...
But if you don’t want to be scared, you’ve got options too. The end of the month brings a second season of The White Lotus (which will undoubtedly be scary in its own way) and, in theaters, you can find an...
- 10/19/2022
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
Standing on the roof of The Grove’s parking structure, writer-director Lena Dunham took in the lavish details of Friday’s influencer-packed VIP screening of her new Prime Video film “Catherine Called Birdy,” clearly delighted by the Ren-Faire-meets-rave vibe that Amazon created to capture the film’s blend of 13th Century setting and contemporary tone.
“I’m not above doing all the activities,” enthused Dunham, clad in a billowy blue hoop skirt that essentially precluded sitting down yet matched the event’s old-new ethos by also prominently displaying her tattoos. “I just went and got some jewelry engraved.”
Dunham’s immersion in “Birdy’s” world goes back to reading the source material – Karen Cushman’s beloved 1994 YA novel – for the first time when she was 10 years old.
“There’re certain books when you’re a little kid that make you feel like you’re capable of taking on the world...
“I’m not above doing all the activities,” enthused Dunham, clad in a billowy blue hoop skirt that essentially precluded sitting down yet matched the event’s old-new ethos by also prominently displaying her tattoos. “I just went and got some jewelry engraved.”
Dunham’s immersion in “Birdy’s” world goes back to reading the source material – Karen Cushman’s beloved 1994 YA novel – for the first time when she was 10 years old.
“There’re certain books when you’re a little kid that make you feel like you’re capable of taking on the world...
- 10/8/2022
- by Scott Huver
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
In honor of its newest release Catherine Called Birdy, Amazon Prime Video transformed the top of The Grove parking lot in Los Angeles into a medieval-themed festival on Friday night, where writer-director Lena Dunham also made an appearance to take in the sights.
“This is my dream — I don’t go out very much but if I were going to, it would be to a medieval rave, and now it’s happening,” Dunham told The Hollywood Reporter of the experience — dubbed “Birdyfest” — which saw staff in character as medieval townspeople and booths for psychics, tarot card reading, hair braiding, candle rolling and massages, along with an apothecary and themed treats like turkey legs and jousting potatoes. “There’s two very appealing men dressed as blacksmiths with soot on their bodies. Let’s just say I’m not mad at any of it, as the kids say.
In honor of its newest release Catherine Called Birdy, Amazon Prime Video transformed the top of The Grove parking lot in Los Angeles into a medieval-themed festival on Friday night, where writer-director Lena Dunham also made an appearance to take in the sights.
“This is my dream — I don’t go out very much but if I were going to, it would be to a medieval rave, and now it’s happening,” Dunham told The Hollywood Reporter of the experience — dubbed “Birdyfest” — which saw staff in character as medieval townspeople and booths for psychics, tarot card reading, hair braiding, candle rolling and massages, along with an apothecary and themed treats like turkey legs and jousting potatoes. “There’s two very appealing men dressed as blacksmiths with soot on their bodies. Let’s just say I’m not mad at any of it, as the kids say.
- 10/8/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Note: The following contains spoilers for Catherine Called Birdy.
Director Lena Dunham described Karen Cushman’s “Catherine Called Birdy” as a work ingrained in her DNA with a world easy to bring to the screen and populate, but she did want to give the story a more hopeful ending.
Dunham’s film follows Cushman’s story pretty closely, which focuses on young Lady Catherine, who goes by Birdy (Bella Ramsey), daughter of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). Birdy’s impending arranged marriage to some random stranger drives the film’s plot, as she does everything humanly possible to turn off her suitors.
“The last act shifts pretty significantly from the book, and that just had to do with a real desire to be able to leave Birdy’s character in a better place than we found her,” Dunham said in a recent interview with TheWrap. “The book has a beautiful ending,...
Director Lena Dunham described Karen Cushman’s “Catherine Called Birdy” as a work ingrained in her DNA with a world easy to bring to the screen and populate, but she did want to give the story a more hopeful ending.
Dunham’s film follows Cushman’s story pretty closely, which focuses on young Lady Catherine, who goes by Birdy (Bella Ramsey), daughter of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). Birdy’s impending arranged marriage to some random stranger drives the film’s plot, as she does everything humanly possible to turn off her suitors.
“The last act shifts pretty significantly from the book, and that just had to do with a real desire to be able to leave Birdy’s character in a better place than we found her,” Dunham said in a recent interview with TheWrap. “The book has a beautiful ending,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
This review originally ran in conjunction with the film’s world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
Karen Cushman’s children’s novel “Catherine, Called Birdy” is written in the form of the diary of a 14-year-old girl living in England in 1290. Cushman was most interested in exploring the details of what it was like to live as a young girl during the Middle Ages, whereas this film adaptation of the book, which was written and directed by Lena Dunham, retains the setting but filters everything through Dunham’s very narrow modern sensibility. The result is listless, plodding and self-congratulatory.
During much of the Obama administration, you couldn’t avoid seeing or reading something about Dunham and her HBO TV series “Girls,” which was over-promoted and relentlessly picked apart online. That show was at its best when it satirized the self-absorbed behavior of its young characters on the go...
Karen Cushman’s children’s novel “Catherine, Called Birdy” is written in the form of the diary of a 14-year-old girl living in England in 1290. Cushman was most interested in exploring the details of what it was like to live as a young girl during the Middle Ages, whereas this film adaptation of the book, which was written and directed by Lena Dunham, retains the setting but filters everything through Dunham’s very narrow modern sensibility. The result is listless, plodding and self-congratulatory.
During much of the Obama administration, you couldn’t avoid seeing or reading something about Dunham and her HBO TV series “Girls,” which was over-promoted and relentlessly picked apart online. That show was at its best when it satirized the self-absorbed behavior of its young characters on the go...
- 10/7/2022
- by Dan Callahan
- The Wrap
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
’80s Horror
While the new release horror offerings are lacking this month, leave it to The Criterion Channel to deliver the ultimate series for the season. ’80s Horror features a great number of classics and underseen titles, including films by John Carpenter (Prince of Darkness), Tobe Hooper (The Funhouse), David Cronenberg (Scanners), Michael Mann (The Keep), and Paul Schrader (Cat People), along with Wolfen, The Slumber Party Massacre, Near Dark, Vampire’s Kiss, Tetsuo: The Iron Man, and many more. Get ready for some thrills.
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel
Atlantis (Ben Russell)
Piecing together a whirlpool of shimmering images from a trip to Malta, experimental filmmaker Ben Russell raises the fabled utopian city of Atlantis from the sea. Russell’s...
’80s Horror
While the new release horror offerings are lacking this month, leave it to The Criterion Channel to deliver the ultimate series for the season. ’80s Horror features a great number of classics and underseen titles, including films by John Carpenter (Prince of Darkness), Tobe Hooper (The Funhouse), David Cronenberg (Scanners), Michael Mann (The Keep), and Paul Schrader (Cat People), along with Wolfen, The Slumber Party Massacre, Near Dark, Vampire’s Kiss, Tetsuo: The Iron Man, and many more. Get ready for some thrills.
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel
Atlantis (Ben Russell)
Piecing together a whirlpool of shimmering images from a trip to Malta, experimental filmmaker Ben Russell raises the fabled utopian city of Atlantis from the sea. Russell’s...
- 10/7/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Nowadays, medieval reimaginings about a spunky modern girl ahead of her time are a dime a dozen. Call it the "Arya" effect, but as long as YA has existed (maybe even longer), so has the headstrong female character who bucks gender norms and only wants to play in the mud or with swords. And Birdy, the title character of the charming but slight "Catherine Called Birdy," appears to fall too easily into this category. But writer-director Lena Dunham, dipping her toes into family comedy territory for the first time, imbues "Catherine Called Birdy" with enough irreverence and absurdity to give star Bella Ramsey the chance to soar beyond her fellow "strong female characters" — even if the movie is not quite as dazzling as she is.
Based on the beloved 1994 children's novel of the same name by Karen Cushman, "Catherine Called Birdy" follows the struggles of the rabble-rousing Lady Catherine or,...
Based on the beloved 1994 children's novel of the same name by Karen Cushman, "Catherine Called Birdy" follows the struggles of the rabble-rousing Lady Catherine or,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
‘Catherine Called Birdy’ Is the Family-Friendly Feminist Medieval Comedy We Needed, and So Much More
Around the midway point of Catherine Called Birdy, Lena Dunham’s deliriously fun yet pointed adaptation of Karen Cushman’s YA book, our hero — a 14 year-old named Catherine, nicknamed (surprise!) “Birdy,” played remarkably and brilliantly by Bella Ramsey — begins to list off what girls are not allowed to do. They can’t go on crusades, cut their hair or be horse trainers. They aren’t permitted to be monks or go to hangings; forget about drinking in public houses or, God forbid, they laugh very loud. All strictly verboten.
Nestled...
Nestled...
- 9/23/2022
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
When it comes to recreating the distant past onscreen, all we can really do is guess at how things looked based on what evidence is left behind. Our imagination of medieval and medievalist settings are in large part based on the wind-blasted shells of castles and the arch stonework of cathedrals, which means that, whether you’re in King’s Landing or King Henry’s court, all too often the medieval world is nasty, brutal, and short on color. It’s gray and black and occasionally scorched by firelight, as if nobody worked in primary colors until Da Vinci.
But looking at the time period this way is a little bit like extrapolating what an animal looks like based just on its bones — you miss the things that actually give it shape and character and life. Among the many virtues of “Catherine Called Birdy” is that Lena Dunham’s adaptation...
But looking at the time period this way is a little bit like extrapolating what an animal looks like based just on its bones — you miss the things that actually give it shape and character and life. Among the many virtues of “Catherine Called Birdy” is that Lena Dunham’s adaptation...
- 9/23/2022
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
Catherine Called Birdy, director Lena Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman’s bestselling novel, lands in select theaters this weekend. It’s 13th century England. You’re a teenage girl who just discovered that your father plans to marry you off to save his financial situation. You don’t want to be married, not given the marriages you see around you. What do you do? If you’re young Birdy, you come up with a plan to scare off every potential...
- 9/23/2022
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
‘Ticket To Paradise’ first weekend, plus ‘Avatar’ re-release.
Olivia Wilde’s thriller Don’t Worry Darling heads the new films at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, with attention finally turning to the film itself after several weeks of extraneous gossip.
The Warner Bros film is opening in 697 cinemas, making it the widest opening in the territory for a film directed by a woman – ahead of the 691 locations of Olivia Newman’s Where The Crawdads Sing in July.
It will then expand to 783 cinemas in the UK and Ireland across its first week.
Written by Katie Silberman, Carey Van Dyke and Shane Van Dyke,...
Olivia Wilde’s thriller Don’t Worry Darling heads the new films at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, with attention finally turning to the film itself after several weeks of extraneous gossip.
The Warner Bros film is opening in 697 cinemas, making it the widest opening in the territory for a film directed by a woman – ahead of the 691 locations of Olivia Newman’s Where The Crawdads Sing in July.
It will then expand to 783 cinemas in the UK and Ireland across its first week.
Written by Katie Silberman, Carey Van Dyke and Shane Van Dyke,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
I love, love, love the new movie “Catherine Called Birdy” from director Lena Dunham (“Girls”). Based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Karen Cushman, the film tells the story of Birdy, a 14-year-old girl in and her fight to be free like a bird in 13th-century England. Birdy is played by
The post “Catherine Called Birdy” appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
The post “Catherine Called Birdy” appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
- 9/23/2022
- by manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Dir: Lena Dunham. Starring: Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Billie Piper, Joe Alwyn, Dean-Charles Chapman, Ralph Ineson, Isis Hainsworth, Russell Brand. 12A, 108 minutes.
In Lena Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman’s Nineties children’s novel, we meet a young maiden in the 1290s, Lady Catherine aka Birdy (Bella Ramsey). She’s sweet, rambunctious and utterly blithe when it comes to her privilege. Nestled inside a workman’s cart, on the way to see her friend Aelis (Isis Hainsworth), she wonders what life must be like for the peasant class. She finds them exquisitely fascinating, “so simple… so passionate… so toothless”.
Catherine Called Birdy, paired with Sharp Stick, still unreleased in the UK, form Dunham’s first features since 2010’s Tiny Furniture. She's back and armed to the teeth with millennial ennui, her usual trademarks retooled only to suit her tween audience. The honesty is there. The acerbic wit. The semi-intentional...
In Lena Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman’s Nineties children’s novel, we meet a young maiden in the 1290s, Lady Catherine aka Birdy (Bella Ramsey). She’s sweet, rambunctious and utterly blithe when it comes to her privilege. Nestled inside a workman’s cart, on the way to see her friend Aelis (Isis Hainsworth), she wonders what life must be like for the peasant class. She finds them exquisitely fascinating, “so simple… so passionate… so toothless”.
Catherine Called Birdy, paired with Sharp Stick, still unreleased in the UK, form Dunham’s first features since 2010’s Tiny Furniture. She's back and armed to the teeth with millennial ennui, her usual trademarks retooled only to suit her tween audience. The honesty is there. The acerbic wit. The semi-intentional...
- 9/22/2022
- by Clarisse Loughrey
- The Independent - Film
After years as one of the most polarizing figures in entertainment, Lena Dunham is finally taking the win.
Her fourth feature film, the Medieval-set teen comedy “Catherine Called Birdy,” has enjoyed nearly universal praise from critics. She puts all doubts to bed with her latest, an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s YA novel, one of Dunham’s favorite childhood reads that was originally published in 1994.
Filtered through Dunham’s undeniable comedic voice, Cushman’s novel becomes a cheeky romp through a charmingly anachronistic Medieval Britain. With “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey as the charismatic lead and Andrew Scott (Aka Hot Priest) as her wry foil of a father, “Catherine Called Birdy” is an unmitigated delight. And that’s exactly how Dunham feels about the warm responses her film is receiving.
“I can’t believe I’m saying something was an unmitigated joy, but it really was,” Dunham told IndieWire...
Her fourth feature film, the Medieval-set teen comedy “Catherine Called Birdy,” has enjoyed nearly universal praise from critics. She puts all doubts to bed with her latest, an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s YA novel, one of Dunham’s favorite childhood reads that was originally published in 1994.
Filtered through Dunham’s undeniable comedic voice, Cushman’s novel becomes a cheeky romp through a charmingly anachronistic Medieval Britain. With “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey as the charismatic lead and Andrew Scott (Aka Hot Priest) as her wry foil of a father, “Catherine Called Birdy” is an unmitigated delight. And that’s exactly how Dunham feels about the warm responses her film is receiving.
“I can’t believe I’m saying something was an unmitigated joy, but it really was,” Dunham told IndieWire...
- 9/21/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
This evening the Curzon Mayfair in London played host to the UK Premiere of Amazon Prime Video’s Catherine Called Birdy. The affair was attended by Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn, Isis Hainsworth, Michael Woolfitt, Archie Renaux, Rita Bernard-Shaw, Mimi M Khayisa, Paul Kaye, Russell Brand and director Lena Dunham. Dunham adapted the 1994 novel of the same name by Karen Cushman for this new addition into the relatively paltry pantheon of mediaeval comedies.
Catherine Called Birdy will be released on Amazon Prime Video on the 7th of October, 2022. Scott Davis and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet. Here are their interviews.
Catherine Called Birdy Premiere Interviews
Plot:
A 14 year old girl in medieval England navigates through life and avoiding potential suitors her father has in mind.
The post Catherine Called Birdy Premiere Interviews – Bella Ramsey, Joe Alwyn, Andrew Scott, Lena Dunham & more on the new historical comedy appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Catherine Called Birdy will be released on Amazon Prime Video on the 7th of October, 2022. Scott Davis and Ethan Hart were on the red carpet. Here are their interviews.
Catherine Called Birdy Premiere Interviews
Plot:
A 14 year old girl in medieval England navigates through life and avoiding potential suitors her father has in mind.
The post Catherine Called Birdy Premiere Interviews – Bella Ramsey, Joe Alwyn, Andrew Scott, Lena Dunham & more on the new historical comedy appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 9/20/2022
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Toronto film festival: The Girls creator handles an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s much-loved novel with wit and creativity
Catherine Called Birdy, Lena Dunham’s thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of the millennial YA classic by Karen Cushman, opens in the mud. Fourteen-year-old Catherine, played with gusto by Game of Thrones’s Bella Ramsey, rolls in the dirt with her village friends, relishing the filth that coats her clothes, her cherubic face, her curtain of dark hair. The year is 1290, in the English shire of Lincoln, and Catherine is about the enter the muck that is adolescence – an indignity and a romp that Dunham, who captured both in the unfairly dismissed HBO series Girls, turns into a delicious treat.
It’s a welcome return for Dunham, whose previous feature as a writer-director this year, Sharp Stick, her first since 2011’s Tiny Furniture, was a strange disappointment. Whereas Sharp Stick’s coming-of-age plot,...
Catherine Called Birdy, Lena Dunham’s thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of the millennial YA classic by Karen Cushman, opens in the mud. Fourteen-year-old Catherine, played with gusto by Game of Thrones’s Bella Ramsey, rolls in the dirt with her village friends, relishing the filth that coats her clothes, her cherubic face, her curtain of dark hair. The year is 1290, in the English shire of Lincoln, and Catherine is about the enter the muck that is adolescence – an indignity and a romp that Dunham, who captured both in the unfairly dismissed HBO series Girls, turns into a delicious treat.
It’s a welcome return for Dunham, whose previous feature as a writer-director this year, Sharp Stick, her first since 2011’s Tiny Furniture, was a strange disappointment. Whereas Sharp Stick’s coming-of-age plot,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Adrian Horton
- The Guardian - Film News
Lena’s Dunham’s new film Catherine Called Birdy represents a difficult case for this critic. The overwhelming feeling of “it’s simply not for me” throughout the runtime makes it an instance of having to determine if what rang as false or annoying was simply a personal failing. And there’s certainly passion here: Dunham made her personal investment clear before the screening, noting how reading the young adult book by Karen Cushman as an alienated 10-year-old weirdo in 1996 was a life-transforming event. And speaking as one who was definitely a 10-year-old weirdo themselves, the passion is observed, if not totally felt.
Living in 13th-century England, Birdy (Bella Ramsey) is an obnoxious, opinionated, but also intelligent and animal-loving 14-year-old who causes quite the stir amongst all the adults in her life, including of course her exasperated father Sir Rollo (Andrew Scott) and mother Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). With her family in need of money,...
Living in 13th-century England, Birdy (Bella Ramsey) is an obnoxious, opinionated, but also intelligent and animal-loving 14-year-old who causes quite the stir amongst all the adults in her life, including of course her exasperated father Sir Rollo (Andrew Scott) and mother Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). With her family in need of money,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
Who could have possibly anticipated that, nearly a decade ago when “Girls” creator and star Lena Dunham announced in an early episode of the ground-breaking HBO series that her Hannah Horvath might “be the voice of my generation. Or at least a voice. Of a generation” that she really meant that she was the voice of…medieval tweens?
Dunham’s fourth film adapts Karen Cushman’s lauded 1994 YA novel “Catherine, Called Birdy” into Starring “Games of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey in the title role, the film — set in medieval England — follows young Catherine as she navigates her way through a world uninterested (and unaccustomed) to caring about the whims and wishes of its women.
If this sounds at all staid to you, you really must read Cushman’s novel, which is fresh and funny in so many ways. And then, you really must see Dunham’s film, which is her best yet,...
Dunham’s fourth film adapts Karen Cushman’s lauded 1994 YA novel “Catherine, Called Birdy” into Starring “Games of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey in the title role, the film — set in medieval England — follows young Catherine as she navigates her way through a world uninterested (and unaccustomed) to caring about the whims and wishes of its women.
If this sounds at all staid to you, you really must read Cushman’s novel, which is fresh and funny in so many ways. And then, you really must see Dunham’s film, which is her best yet,...
- 9/11/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
In her second directorial effort this year, Lena Dunham forgoes the adult themes of Sharp Stick to tell a more traditional coming-of-age story about a headstrong teenage girl living in medieval times. A significant departure from most of her previous work, the playfully broad Catherine Called Birdy, premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, is a sincere effort at the sort of classic young adult films that populated the 90s and early 2000s. Young-adult storytelling has always been more than brooding love triangles and devastating wars, but in a post-Hunger Games world it’s easy to forget the smaller, more personal stories. Luckily, Dunham has no trouble remembering Karen Cushman’s 1994 novel on which this film is based, capturing the book’s humorous diary format with cheeky voiceover narration.
In the early 1200s, Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey) is a girl on the cusp of womanhood.
In her second directorial effort this year, Lena Dunham forgoes the adult themes of Sharp Stick to tell a more traditional coming-of-age story about a headstrong teenage girl living in medieval times. A significant departure from most of her previous work, the playfully broad Catherine Called Birdy, premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, is a sincere effort at the sort of classic young adult films that populated the 90s and early 2000s. Young-adult storytelling has always been more than brooding love triangles and devastating wars, but in a post-Hunger Games world it’s easy to forget the smaller, more personal stories. Luckily, Dunham has no trouble remembering Karen Cushman’s 1994 novel on which this film is based, capturing the book’s humorous diary format with cheeky voiceover narration.
In the early 1200s, Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey) is a girl on the cusp of womanhood.
- 9/11/2022
- by Jourdain Searles
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Lena Dunham admits that she isn’t the first to attempt an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s beloved young adult novel Catherine Called Birdy. “If you could look up Catherine Called Birdy, some teenagers have like made their own movie versions of it on YouTube,” says Dunham.
And while she may not have been the first, Dunham likely had the biggest budget for her outing. Backed by Working Title and set for release on Amazon on Sept. 23, Birdy saw Dunham and her cast, which includes Game of Thrones break-out Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn, and Billy Piper, filming on location in a period-appropriate castle in England with all the necessary accouterments for its medieval shoot: horses, swords, and lots of mud.
The movie, which will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept 11, follows a rebellious teenager in 13th century England...
Lena Dunham admits that she isn’t the first to attempt an adaptation of Karen Cushman’s beloved young adult novel Catherine Called Birdy. “If you could look up Catherine Called Birdy, some teenagers have like made their own movie versions of it on YouTube,” says Dunham.
And while she may not have been the first, Dunham likely had the biggest budget for her outing. Backed by Working Title and set for release on Amazon on Sept. 23, Birdy saw Dunham and her cast, which includes Game of Thrones break-out Bella Ramsey, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn, and Billy Piper, filming on location in a period-appropriate castle in England with all the necessary accouterments for its medieval shoot: horses, swords, and lots of mud.
The movie, which will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept 11, follows a rebellious teenager in 13th century England...
- 9/10/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Luis Felber’s life changed in January 2021 when a mutual friend set him up on a blind date with Lena Dunham. The Winchester, U.K.-born son of a North London Jewish businessman father and Peruvian painter mom, Felber was at first hesitant, having been in lockdown for most of the year, writing love songs on his iPhone for his group Atttawalpa.
“I wasn’t in a place where I was looking for love,” the 36-year-old musician explains, revealing he’d never seen an episode of “Girls,” though his mom and sister were big fans. “Covid wasn’t exactly the sexiest time to meet someone. We texted for two days before we hung out. We’re not one-word types… we throw our emotions at the phone and our fingertips
“Literally, the moment I met Lena I was infatuated with her. I just wanted to talk to her forever. I feel...
“I wasn’t in a place where I was looking for love,” the 36-year-old musician explains, revealing he’d never seen an episode of “Girls,” though his mom and sister were big fans. “Covid wasn’t exactly the sexiest time to meet someone. We texted for two days before we hung out. We’re not one-word types… we throw our emotions at the phone and our fingertips
“Literally, the moment I met Lena I was infatuated with her. I just wanted to talk to her forever. I feel...
- 9/9/2022
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
After perusing our massive, 60-film, two-part fall preview, there shouldn’t be too many surprises on our first monthly highlights of the season. While September is often thought of as prelude to awards-season favorites, there are also a number of stellar, smaller-scale offerings we hope don’t get lost in the cracks––including a rather strong honorable mentions list to follow. Check out our picks below.
12. Petrov’s Flu (Kirill Serebrennikov; Sept. 23)
Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been invited to back-to-back Cannes, premiering Petrov’s Flu last year and Tchaikovsky’s Wife this year. The former is finally getting a U.S. release, and Rory O’Connor said in his review, “Petrov’s Flu opens on a stuffy commute—a Moscow bus in the early years of post-Soviet Russia. The eponymous protagonist is already bent over a handrail, stricken with his affliction. The mood is fevered, almost circus-like, the lighting like pea soup. In a moment of madness,...
12. Petrov’s Flu (Kirill Serebrennikov; Sept. 23)
Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has been invited to back-to-back Cannes, premiering Petrov’s Flu last year and Tchaikovsky’s Wife this year. The former is finally getting a U.S. release, and Rory O’Connor said in his review, “Petrov’s Flu opens on a stuffy commute—a Moscow bus in the early years of post-Soviet Russia. The eponymous protagonist is already bent over a handrail, stricken with his affliction. The mood is fevered, almost circus-like, the lighting like pea soup. In a moment of madness,...
- 9/2/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Prime Video has debuted the trailer for Lena Dunham’s adaptation of ‘Catherine Called Birdy.’
Based on the book by Karen Cushman, the story unfolds in 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever, adventurous, and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways. Her imagination, defiance, and deep belief in her own right to independence put her on a collision course with her parents. When the vilest suitor of all arrives, they are presented with the...
Based on the book by Karen Cushman, the story unfolds in 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever, adventurous, and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways. Her imagination, defiance, and deep belief in her own right to independence put her on a collision course with her parents. When the vilest suitor of all arrives, they are presented with the...
- 8/11/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
A good year for Lena Dunham fans, most of all those who crave films about a girl’s unusual, tempestuous coming-of-age. With the excellent Sharp Stick (about which we recently spoke to Dunham) still rolling into theaters, a fall release looms for Catherine Called Birdy, her adaptation of Karen Cushman’s beloved children’s novel—suggesting a tamer project than her latest, but that’s a) not saying much and b) hardly suggesting a change of pace.
Being that Catherine concerns a girl (in England circa 1290) who must fight off suitors her parents sell her to for money, the material seems suited to Dunham’s interest in gender roles and autonomy. But (just as importantly) the preview looks plainly funny, with the added bonus that Amazon’s money is clearly well-geared towards creating a period piece.
With Catherine opening in select release on September 23 and hitting Prime October 7, watch the...
Being that Catherine concerns a girl (in England circa 1290) who must fight off suitors her parents sell her to for money, the material seems suited to Dunham’s interest in gender roles and autonomy. But (just as importantly) the preview looks plainly funny, with the added bonus that Amazon’s money is clearly well-geared towards creating a period piece.
With Catherine opening in select release on September 23 and hitting Prime October 7, watch the...
- 8/10/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Different century, same search for gender equality.
Lena Dunham’s third feature film “Catherine Called Birdy” is set in a Medieval English village in 1290, where teenage Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey) is assigned the task of finding a husband. Her father (Andrew Scott) is determined to capitalize on the marriage of his eldest daughter Catherine in order to save their manor. The only issue? Tween Catherine refuses to comply.
“Would I choose to die rather than be forced to marry?” Catherine (Ramsey) says in the trailer. “I do not think either option is appealing. Or fair.”
Written and directed by Emmy nominee Dunham and adapted from Karen Cushman’s novel of the same name, “Catherine Called Birdy” will premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival before debuting in theaters September 23 before streaming globally on Prime Video October 7.
Joe Alwyn, Ralph Ineson, Billie Piper, Isis Hainsworth, and Russell Brand also star in the coming-of-age period piece.
Lena Dunham’s third feature film “Catherine Called Birdy” is set in a Medieval English village in 1290, where teenage Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey) is assigned the task of finding a husband. Her father (Andrew Scott) is determined to capitalize on the marriage of his eldest daughter Catherine in order to save their manor. The only issue? Tween Catherine refuses to comply.
“Would I choose to die rather than be forced to marry?” Catherine (Ramsey) says in the trailer. “I do not think either option is appealing. Or fair.”
Written and directed by Emmy nominee Dunham and adapted from Karen Cushman’s novel of the same name, “Catherine Called Birdy” will premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival before debuting in theaters September 23 before streaming globally on Prime Video October 7.
Joe Alwyn, Ralph Ineson, Billie Piper, Isis Hainsworth, and Russell Brand also star in the coming-of-age period piece.
- 8/10/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Amazon Studio’s Prime Video is charging into the fall season with a bevy of awards contending and crowd pleasing movies, the list of dates which you can find below.
Many of these will be having splashy world premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival, i.e. My Policeman, Lena Dunham’s Catherine Called Birdy, with the Ryan White documentary Good Night Oppy receiving an international premiere in the Great White North. Two of these titles already made their world premieres at Sundance, i.e. Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny from this past year, and Shana Feste’s Run Sweetheart Run which made its debut in Park City during the pre-pandemic 2020 edition.
A select number of titles are receiving a limited theatrical release before their streaming drop date as noted below.
Said Julie Rapaport, head of movies, Amazon Studios tells Deadline, “This slate reflects our commitment to providing customers a wide variety of entertaining,...
Many of these will be having splashy world premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival, i.e. My Policeman, Lena Dunham’s Catherine Called Birdy, with the Ryan White documentary Good Night Oppy receiving an international premiere in the Great White North. Two of these titles already made their world premieres at Sundance, i.e. Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny from this past year, and Shana Feste’s Run Sweetheart Run which made its debut in Park City during the pre-pandemic 2020 edition.
A select number of titles are receiving a limited theatrical release before their streaming drop date as noted below.
Said Julie Rapaport, head of movies, Amazon Studios tells Deadline, “This slate reflects our commitment to providing customers a wide variety of entertaining,...
- 8/1/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It is based on the book by Karen Cushman.
Lena Dunham’s adventure comedy Catherine Called Birdy is the latest world premiere announced for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
The Prime Video title is set in a Medieval English village and follows the youngest daughter of a noble family as she comes up with innovative ways to put off potential suitors from her father.
Catherine Called Birdy is directed and written by Dunham, best known for TV series Girls, and based on the book by Karen Cushman. Dunham also produces along with Working Titles’ Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan,...
Lena Dunham’s adventure comedy Catherine Called Birdy is the latest world premiere announced for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
The Prime Video title is set in a Medieval English village and follows the youngest daughter of a noble family as she comes up with innovative ways to put off potential suitors from her father.
Catherine Called Birdy is directed and written by Dunham, best known for TV series Girls, and based on the book by Karen Cushman. Dunham also produces along with Working Titles’ Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan,...
- 7/25/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
It’s already been a busy year for Lena Dunham. Her last movie, “Sharp Stick,” had its world premiere (albeit a virtual one) at Sundance in January, and it hits theaters later this week. But Dunham’s next movie is already gearing up for release, and now that one has a festival premiere, too (in-person this time).
Read More: ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ First Look Clip: Lena Dunham’s Medieval Comedy Arrives In October
“Catherine Called Birdy,” Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman‘s beloved 1995 children’s novel, will have its world premiere at TIFF this September.
Continue reading ‘Catherine, Called Birdy’: Lena Dunham’s Latest Has Its World Premiere At TIFF In September at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ First Look Clip: Lena Dunham’s Medieval Comedy Arrives In October
“Catherine Called Birdy,” Dunham’s adaptation of Karen Cushman‘s beloved 1995 children’s novel, will have its world premiere at TIFF this September.
Continue reading ‘Catherine, Called Birdy’: Lena Dunham’s Latest Has Its World Premiere At TIFF In September at The Playlist.
- 7/25/2022
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Click here to read the full article.
Lena Dunham’s Catherine Called Birdy, an adaptation of the director’s favorite childhood book of the same name about a 13-year-old English girl coming of age in 1290 A.D., is set to have a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Written and directed by the Girls star-creator from Karen Cushman’s historical coming-of-age novel, the film will hit cinemas on Sept. 23, ahead of an Amazon Prime Video debut on Oct. 7.
Catherine Called Birdy is set in the medieval English village of Stonebridge. Lady Catherine, known as Birdy, has as her playground Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days.
Her greedy father sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy is spirited, clever and adventurous and ready to put off any...
Lena Dunham’s Catherine Called Birdy, an adaptation of the director’s favorite childhood book of the same name about a 13-year-old English girl coming of age in 1290 A.D., is set to have a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Written and directed by the Girls star-creator from Karen Cushman’s historical coming-of-age novel, the film will hit cinemas on Sept. 23, ahead of an Amazon Prime Video debut on Oct. 7.
Catherine Called Birdy is set in the medieval English village of Stonebridge. Lady Catherine, known as Birdy, has as her playground Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days.
Her greedy father sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy is spirited, clever and adventurous and ready to put off any...
- 7/25/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Toronto International Film Festival adds another world premiere in the mix: Lena Dunham’s medieval coming-of-age comedy “Catherine Called Birdy.”
TIFF previously announced “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical drama “The Fabelmans” to debut at the 47th edition of the festival this September.
“Catherine Called Birdy” stars “Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey as the title character, who finds herself as a tween bride to save her family’s name in the Middle Ages.
Per an official synopsis: “The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land.
TIFF previously announced “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical drama “The Fabelmans” to debut at the 47th edition of the festival this September.
“Catherine Called Birdy” stars “Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey as the title character, who finds herself as a tween bride to save her family’s name in the Middle Ages.
Per an official synopsis: “The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land.
- 7/25/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lena Dunham’s medieval kids comedy film “Catherine Called Birdy” is set to make its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival this September.
Based on the 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman, “Catherine Called Birdy” is set in England during the year 1290, and focuses on Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey), the youngest child of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). When Catherine’s parents attempt to fix their financial woes by marrying her off to a wealthy man, she counteracts by scaring off her potentials suitors, resulting in tension between the spirited and independent young woman and her traditional parents.
The cast also includes Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Joe Alwyn, Isis Hainsworth, Dean-Charles Chapman and Paul Kaye, with Dunham appearing in a supporting role. Dunham directed, wrote the screenplay and produces via her Good Thing Going Banner. Working Title Films is also backing the project, and Eric Fellner,...
Based on the 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman, “Catherine Called Birdy” is set in England during the year 1290, and focuses on Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey), the youngest child of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and Lady Aislinn (Billie Piper). When Catherine’s parents attempt to fix their financial woes by marrying her off to a wealthy man, she counteracts by scaring off her potentials suitors, resulting in tension between the spirited and independent young woman and her traditional parents.
The cast also includes Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Joe Alwyn, Isis Hainsworth, Dean-Charles Chapman and Paul Kaye, with Dunham appearing in a supporting role. Dunham directed, wrote the screenplay and produces via her Good Thing Going Banner. Working Title Films is also backing the project, and Eric Fellner,...
- 7/25/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
“Catherine Called Birdy,” the latest film from writer-director Lena Dunham, will make its world premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Bella Ramsey (“Game of Thrones”) takes on the titular role of Lady Catherine (better known as “Birdy”) in the adaptation of Karen Cushman’s 1995 novel. A high-spirited and fiercely independent teenager, Birdy was perhaps born into the wrong time and place – the Medieval village of Stonebridge, to be exact. As the youngest child of Lady Aislinn and Lord Rollo, she’s supposed to marry a wealthy man to save the family from financial destitution. Birdy keeps inventing new ways to foil her father’s plan, until a particularly heinous suitor forces her parents to choose between their greed and their daughter’s happiness.
Also Read:
How Lena Dunham and Her ‘Sharp Stick’ Cast Embraced the ‘Toxic’ and ‘Messy’ Aspects of Women’s Lives (Video)
Ramsey is...
Bella Ramsey (“Game of Thrones”) takes on the titular role of Lady Catherine (better known as “Birdy”) in the adaptation of Karen Cushman’s 1995 novel. A high-spirited and fiercely independent teenager, Birdy was perhaps born into the wrong time and place – the Medieval village of Stonebridge, to be exact. As the youngest child of Lady Aislinn and Lord Rollo, she’s supposed to marry a wealthy man to save the family from financial destitution. Birdy keeps inventing new ways to foil her father’s plan, until a particularly heinous suitor forces her parents to choose between their greed and their daughter’s happiness.
Also Read:
How Lena Dunham and Her ‘Sharp Stick’ Cast Embraced the ‘Toxic’ and ‘Messy’ Aspects of Women’s Lives (Video)
Ramsey is...
- 7/25/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
“Sharp Stick” is here to beat the “inborn judgment and shame around female desire” out of a stigmatized culture.
So says writer, director, and star Lena Dunham, who helms her sophomore feature that debuted at Sundance this year. “Sharp Stick” centers on caregiver Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth), who strikes up an affair with her married boss Josh (Jon Bernthal). Yet when Josh returns to his wife Heath (Dunham), Sarah Jo is thrown into a tailspin of self-exploration and sexual healing. Watch the trailer for the film below.
“It’s a joke as old as celluloid that the minute we spot a sexually active girl in a horror movie, we know she’s going to die in a blood death,” Dunham said in a statement on the film. “She’s let someone touch her below the neck, and so she’s marked for murder. But there’s a more subtle crime...
So says writer, director, and star Lena Dunham, who helms her sophomore feature that debuted at Sundance this year. “Sharp Stick” centers on caregiver Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth), who strikes up an affair with her married boss Josh (Jon Bernthal). Yet when Josh returns to his wife Heath (Dunham), Sarah Jo is thrown into a tailspin of self-exploration and sexual healing. Watch the trailer for the film below.
“It’s a joke as old as celluloid that the minute we spot a sexually active girl in a horror movie, we know she’s going to die in a blood death,” Dunham said in a statement on the film. “She’s let someone touch her below the neck, and so she’s marked for murder. But there’s a more subtle crime...
- 6/23/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lena Dunham Film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ Gets Theatrical Release, Amazon Premiere Date – First Look
Amazon today unveiled the first clip from its Lena Dunham film, Catherine Called Birdy, also announcing that it will hit theaters on September 23, in advance of its Prime Video debut on October 7.
The film written and directed by Dunham is based on Karen Cushman’s children’s novel of the same name. It’s set in the year 1290, in the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, and follows Lady Catherine aka Birdy (Bella Ramsey), the youngest child of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever and adventurous, and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways.
The film written and directed by Dunham is based on Karen Cushman’s children’s novel of the same name. It’s set in the year 1290, in the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, and follows Lady Catherine aka Birdy (Bella Ramsey), the youngest child of Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott) and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever and adventurous, and ready to put off any suitor that comes calling in increasingly ingenious ways.
- 5/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lena Dunham’s Medieval Coming-of-Age Movie ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ Unveils First Look, Release Date
Lena Dunham’s next film “Catherine Called Birdy” will play in theaters before landing on Amazon Prime.
The movie has been scheduled to open Sept. 23 in select cinemas and Oct. 7 on Amazon’s streaming service Prime Video.
Dunham wrote and directed the medieval coming-of-age story, which is based on Karen Cushman’s children’s book. Bella Ramsey, best known for playing the fierce Lyanna Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” stars as the title character alongside a cast that includes Billie Piper and Andrew Scott.
Here’s the official logline: “The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to...
The movie has been scheduled to open Sept. 23 in select cinemas and Oct. 7 on Amazon’s streaming service Prime Video.
Dunham wrote and directed the medieval coming-of-age story, which is based on Karen Cushman’s children’s book. Bella Ramsey, best known for playing the fierce Lyanna Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” stars as the title character alongside a cast that includes Billie Piper and Andrew Scott.
Here’s the official logline: “The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and the Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to...
- 5/18/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Lena Dunham’s latest film “Catherine, Called Birdy” has been in the works for 13 years — almost the exact age as the historical YA novel’s heroine. Dunham writes, directs, and executive produces the coming-of-age Prime Video film, adapted from Karen Cushman’s 1996 novel of the same name. The film premieres in theaters September 23 and debuts on Prime Video October 7. Watch the first footage from the long-awaited film below.
“Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey stars as the titular precocious Birdy, who is set to be married off for money so that her father (Andrew Scott) can save their English manor in the year 1290. Joe Alwyn, Ralph Ineson, Billie Piper, and Isis Hainsworth also star.
Dunham, who debuted her sophomore feature effort “Sharp Stick” at Sundance 2022 and also celebrated the 10th anniversary of “Girls” this year, has deemed “Catherine, Called Birdy” the “most ambitious project” of her career to date.
“I...
“Game of Thrones” alum Bella Ramsey stars as the titular precocious Birdy, who is set to be married off for money so that her father (Andrew Scott) can save their English manor in the year 1290. Joe Alwyn, Ralph Ineson, Billie Piper, and Isis Hainsworth also star.
Dunham, who debuted her sophomore feature effort “Sharp Stick” at Sundance 2022 and also celebrated the 10th anniversary of “Girls” this year, has deemed “Catherine, Called Birdy” the “most ambitious project” of her career to date.
“I...
- 5/18/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It’s been a decade since Lena Dunham was the voice of her generation. Or, well, a voice of a generation.
HBO series “Girls” revolutionized the TV landscape when it premiered on April 15, 2012. The series, created by Dunham, who also starred in, executive-produced, wrote, and directed the show, first debuted at SXSW before its TV premiere and eventual five Emmy Award nominations that year. Jenni Konner served as co-showrunner and producer while Judd Apatow also executive produced.
“Girls” stars Dunham as 20-something struggling writer Hannah Horvath, who has one foot in adolescence thanks to an allowance from her parents. After she’s informed she’s been financially cut off two years after graduating from a liberal arts college, Hannah embarks on navigating New York City by experiencing one mistake at a time.
Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, and Allison Williams play Hannah’s eccentric and at times codependent circle of friends.
HBO series “Girls” revolutionized the TV landscape when it premiered on April 15, 2012. The series, created by Dunham, who also starred in, executive-produced, wrote, and directed the show, first debuted at SXSW before its TV premiere and eventual five Emmy Award nominations that year. Jenni Konner served as co-showrunner and producer while Judd Apatow also executive produced.
“Girls” stars Dunham as 20-something struggling writer Hannah Horvath, who has one foot in adolescence thanks to an allowance from her parents. After she’s informed she’s been financially cut off two years after graduating from a liberal arts college, Hannah embarks on navigating New York City by experiencing one mistake at a time.
Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, and Allison Williams play Hannah’s eccentric and at times codependent circle of friends.
- 4/15/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Rising British actor Isis Hainsworth has been cast in one of the major roles in Lena Dunham’s feature film “Catherine Called Birdy” for Amazon.
Hainsworth has just finished shooting one of the lead roles in “Metal Lords,” the first film for Netflix from “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. She also appeared in Philippa Lowthorpe’s comedy-drama “Misbehaviour” and Autumn de Wilde’s period comedy “Emma.”
In “Catherine Called Birdy,” Hainsworth will play Catherine’s closest friend, Aelis, with their friendship being at the heart of the film. Working Title, in association with Dunham’s Good Thing Going banner, is producing the medieval coming-of-age comedy, which also stars “I Hate Suzie’s” Billie Piper, “Fleabag’s” Andrew Scott and “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey.
Dunham wrote the screenplay, which is adapted from the 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman. The coming-of-age story, set in 13th century England,...
Hainsworth has just finished shooting one of the lead roles in “Metal Lords,” the first film for Netflix from “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. She also appeared in Philippa Lowthorpe’s comedy-drama “Misbehaviour” and Autumn de Wilde’s period comedy “Emma.”
In “Catherine Called Birdy,” Hainsworth will play Catherine’s closest friend, Aelis, with their friendship being at the heart of the film. Working Title, in association with Dunham’s Good Thing Going banner, is producing the medieval coming-of-age comedy, which also stars “I Hate Suzie’s” Billie Piper, “Fleabag’s” Andrew Scott and “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey.
Dunham wrote the screenplay, which is adapted from the 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman. The coming-of-age story, set in 13th century England,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Joe Alwyn and Dean-Charles Chapman have joined the cast of Catherine Called Birdy, which has Lena Dunham writing and directing. Andrew Scott and Bella Ramsey are also on board. The project is a Working Title Films production in association with Good Thing Going with Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Jo Wallett producing. Liz Watson and Michael P. Cohen are serving as executive producers.
Based on Karen Cushman’s novel, the story follows the adventures of a teenage girl in medieval England as she navigates through life and tries to avoid the arranged marriages her father maps out for her. Chapman plays Birdy’s older brother and Alwyn will play her uncle.
The film is currently in production.
Alwyn is best known for roles in films like The Favourite and the recently released Harriet. He recently signed on to star in the Hulu limited series Conversations With Friends. Best known...
Based on Karen Cushman’s novel, the story follows the adventures of a teenage girl in medieval England as she navigates through life and tries to avoid the arranged marriages her father maps out for her. Chapman plays Birdy’s older brother and Alwyn will play her uncle.
The film is currently in production.
Alwyn is best known for roles in films like The Favourite and the recently released Harriet. He recently signed on to star in the Hulu limited series Conversations With Friends. Best known...
- 4/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this month the news was unveiled that Lena Dunham was making her return to feature filmmaking, secretly shooting a project in quarantine entitled Sharp Stick starring Taylour Paige, Scott Speedman, Jon Bernthal, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Now, a project she was attached to as early as 2014, when she was in the midst of starring, writing, directing, and producing Girls, is resurfacing.
Catherine, Called Birdy, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Karen Cushman, is a 13th-century England-set comedy following Birdy as she comes of age and forms her own path, particularly resisting the arranged marriages planned by her father. It’s now been announced that Billie Piper, the Olivier-award winning star of the recent HBO Max series I Hate Suzie, will be joined by Andrew Scott of Fleabag fame and Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey. As scripted and directed by Dunham, Ramsey will play the title...
Catherine, Called Birdy, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Karen Cushman, is a 13th-century England-set comedy following Birdy as she comes of age and forms her own path, particularly resisting the arranged marriages planned by her father. It’s now been announced that Billie Piper, the Olivier-award winning star of the recent HBO Max series I Hate Suzie, will be joined by Andrew Scott of Fleabag fame and Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey. As scripted and directed by Dunham, Ramsey will play the title...
- 3/27/2021
- by Stephen Hladik
- The Film Stage
Billie Piper has joined the cast of Lena Dunham’s feature adaptation of “Catherine, Called Birdy” for Working Title and Amazon.
Piper stars in the medieval coming-of-age comedy opposite “Fleabag’s” Andrew Scott and “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey. The film, written and directed by Dunham, is in the early stages of production.
“Catherine, Called Birdy” has been a longtime passion project for Dunham, who first announced plans to adapt the award-winning 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman into a film in 2014. The coming of age story, set in 13th century England, follows a 14-year-old girl named Catherine (Ramsey) who “bucks against convention,” namely the arranged marriages her father (Scott) has planned out for her. Piper will play Catherine’s mother.
Working Title, in association with Dunham’s Good Thing Going banner, is producing the project.
Earlier this month, Variety exclusively reported that Dunham recently wrapped a secret feature titled,...
Piper stars in the medieval coming-of-age comedy opposite “Fleabag’s” Andrew Scott and “Game of Thrones” breakout Bella Ramsey. The film, written and directed by Dunham, is in the early stages of production.
“Catherine, Called Birdy” has been a longtime passion project for Dunham, who first announced plans to adapt the award-winning 1994 children’s novel by Karen Cushman into a film in 2014. The coming of age story, set in 13th century England, follows a 14-year-old girl named Catherine (Ramsey) who “bucks against convention,” namely the arranged marriages her father (Scott) has planned out for her. Piper will play Catherine’s mother.
Working Title, in association with Dunham’s Good Thing Going banner, is producing the project.
Earlier this month, Variety exclusively reported that Dunham recently wrapped a secret feature titled,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Girls creator and star Lena Dunham is gearing up to shoot longtime passion project Catherine, Called Birdy in the UK.
Dunham has scripted and will direct the film which will follow the adventures of a teenage girl in Medieval England as she navigates through life and tries to avoid the arranged marriages her father maps out for her.
UK powerhouse Working Title is producing with Joe Wallett (Emma) and Dunham’s banner Good Thing Going. Rebecca and Pet Sematary DoP Laurie Rose is also aboard.
According to online casting calls, the coming-of-age comedy is aiming to shoot between March and May 2021, including at locations in Shropshire, Wales and Gloucester. There’s no word yet on lead casting but we hear the script is a fun one.
The story is adapted from Karen Cushman’s well-received children’s novel from 1994. Published in diary format, the poignant and funny book won the...
Dunham has scripted and will direct the film which will follow the adventures of a teenage girl in Medieval England as she navigates through life and tries to avoid the arranged marriages her father maps out for her.
UK powerhouse Working Title is producing with Joe Wallett (Emma) and Dunham’s banner Good Thing Going. Rebecca and Pet Sematary DoP Laurie Rose is also aboard.
According to online casting calls, the coming-of-age comedy is aiming to shoot between March and May 2021, including at locations in Shropshire, Wales and Gloucester. There’s no word yet on lead casting but we hear the script is a fun one.
The story is adapted from Karen Cushman’s well-received children’s novel from 1994. Published in diary format, the poignant and funny book won the...
- 2/2/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Just over a year after splitting with her longtime producing partner Jenni Konner, Lena Dunham has launched a new production company, Good Thing Going, which will be based at Dunham’s longtime home, HBO, where she is under an exclusive first-look deal. The company is already working on a full slate of projects across film, television, theater and podcasting.
Based out of New York, the Good Thing Going team is headed by Michael P. Cohen, President and Manager to Dunham; Liz Watson, Head of Development & Production based in NY and the UK; Marissa Diaz, Head of Development & Production based in La; and Soham Joglekar Development Coordinator in NY.
The Girls creator was most recently in the UK directing the pilot for HBO’s new banking crisis drama series Industry, from writers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, produced by Bad Wolf and Good Thing Going. The show is set in the...
Based out of New York, the Good Thing Going team is headed by Michael P. Cohen, President and Manager to Dunham; Liz Watson, Head of Development & Production based in NY and the UK; Marissa Diaz, Head of Development & Production based in La; and Soham Joglekar Development Coordinator in NY.
The Girls creator was most recently in the UK directing the pilot for HBO’s new banking crisis drama series Industry, from writers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, produced by Bad Wolf and Good Thing Going. The show is set in the...
- 8/21/2019
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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