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Miss Sloane

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Miss Sloane
A redhaired woman in a dark blue suit. The image is split into a white side and a dark side, and an image of the capitol similarly in light and dark is shown below
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJohn Madden
Written byJonathan Perera
Produced by
Starring
CinematographySebastian Blenkov
Edited byAlexander Berner
Music byMax Richter
Production
companies
Distributed byEuropaCorp
Release dates
  • November 11, 2016 (2016-11-11) (AFI Fest)
  • November 25, 2016 (2016-11-25) (United States)
  • March 8, 2017 (2017-03-08) (France)
Running time
132 minutes[1]
Countries
  • United States
  • France
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$13–18 million[2][3][4]
Box office$9.1 million[5]

Miss Sloane is a 2016 American political thriller film directed by John Madden and written by Jonathan Perera. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alison Pill, Jake Lacy, John Lithgow, and Sam Waterston. The film follows Elizabeth Sloane, a fierce lobbyist, who fights in an attempt to pass gun control legislation.

The film had its world premiere on November 11, 2016, at the AFI Fest, and began a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 25, 2016, by EuropaCorp, before expanding wide on December 9, 2016. It was released in France on March 8, 2017. It received generally positive reviews, with Chastain's performance being particularly praised. It was a box office bomb, grossing only $9 million against its $13–18 million budget.

Plot

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Elizabeth Sloane is a workaholic cutthroat lobbyist who has been called before a congressional hearing led by Senator Ronald Sperling to answer questions about possible violations of Senate ethics rules during her tenure at Washington D.C. lobbying firm Cole Kravitz & Waterman.

Three months and one week earlier, Sloane's firm is approached by gun manufacturing representative Bill Sanford to lead the opposition to the proposed Heaton-Harris bill that would expand background checks on gun purchases, specifically by targeting female voters. Sloane ridicules Sanford's idea and is later approached by Rodolfo Schmidt, the head of rival lobbying firm Peterson Wyatt, to instead lead the effort in support of the bill. Sloane agrees and takes most of her staff along with her, though her closest associate Jane Molloy refuses to leave.

At Peterson Wyatt, Sloane selects Esme Manucharian to conduct the majority of the firm's media appearances, and they begin to make significant progress in garnering votes for the bill. Sloane confronts Esme with knowledge of her background as having survived a school shooting. Even though Esme does not want to disclose the information, Sloane reveals Esme's secret during a live television debate. Later, Esme is held up at gunpoint while leaving her office, but her attacker is shot dead by another civilian who is legally carrying a gun. Gun rights supporters capitalize on this event, which causes the Heaton-Harris bill to lose support in the Senate. This is compounded by the news of the Senate inquiry into Sloane's lobbying practices.

Returning to the congressional hearing, Senator Sperling produces a form requesting approval of overseas travel for a Senator. It was filed by a non-profit organization but completed in Sloane's handwriting, indicating she violated Senate ethics rules with her involvement, as a lobbyist, in arranging the travel. In answer to other questions, Sloane swears under oath that she has never practiced illegal wiretapping.

In her final statement at the hearing, Sloane admits she anticipated the opposition might attack her personally if Peterson Wyatt made too much progress with the Heaton-Harris bill. She reveals that she had someone (Molloy, her former assistant) secretly working for her, and that she did use a wiretap – which recorded Senator Sperling accepting bribes from her former boss George Dupont.

Ten months later, Sloane is visited by her lawyer in prison. The bill passed, Dupont and Sperling are under investigation and he has petitioned for her early release. He asks if it was worth career suicide, she answers: better than suicide by career.

Cast

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Production

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The film was written by Jonathan Perera, a lawyer and first time screenwriter. Perera was inspired after watching an interview with lobbyist Jack Abramoff.[6] In September 2015, it was announced that Jessica Chastain had been set to star in the film, with John Madden directing. Ben Browning produced, under his FilmNation Entertainment banner, and Patrick Chu executive produced, while EuropaCorp produced and financed the film, and handles worldwide distribution.[7] In January 2016, it was announced that Alison Pill,[8] Jake Lacy, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw had joined the cast.[9][10] In February 2016, Douglas Smith, Mark Strong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sam Waterston, John Lithgow, and Enis Esmer also joined,[11][12][13] and in March 2016, Meghann Fahy joined the cast of the film as well.[14] Max Richter composed the film's score.[15]

To prepare for her role, Chastain read books by Jack Abramoff and met women lobbyists in Washington, DC to get a sense of what they do.[16] Perera used his own mother as the basis of the Sloane character.[17]

Principal photography began on February 12, 2016, in Toronto.[18][19] Production in Toronto wrapped on March 30, 2016.[20] In April 2016, additional shooting took place in Washington, D.C.[21][22] Principal photography concluded on April 6, 2016.[23]

Release

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In August 2016, two images of Chastain were released.[24][25] The film had its world premiere at the AFI Fest on November 11, 2016,[26] and also screened at the Napa Valley Film Festival on November 13, 2016.[27] The film was originally scheduled to be released on December 9, 2016,[28] and was later moved up to November 25.[5]

Reception

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Box office

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Miss Sloane grossed $3.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $5.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $9.1 million.[5]

The film began its wide release alongside the openings Office Christmas Party and The Bounce Back, and the wide expansion of Nocturnal Animals. The film was projected to gross $2–4 million in its wide opening weekend, but ended up making only $1.8 million, finishing 11th at the box office.[29][2] Miss Sloane is ranked number 75 by per-theater average on Box Office Mojo's list of "Worst Opening Weekend" films released since 1982.[5]

Critical response

[edit]
Jessica Chastain's performance was particularly praised.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 76% based on 191 reviews, with an average rating of 6.53/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "Miss Sloane sits squarely on the shoulders of Jessica Chastain's performance – and she responds with awards-worthy work that single-handedly elevates the film."[30] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 64 out of 100, based on 41 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[31] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[32]

Variety's Peter Debruge wrote: "Miss Sloane is a talky, tense political thriller, full of verbal sparring and fiery monologues, undone by a really dumb ending. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t smart for most of its running time."[33]

Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter wrote "So intriguing are the driven, smart and compromised characters, and so infinite are the dramatic possibilities at the intersection of big business and politics, that a vastly expanded small-screen take built around these characters, and others like them, would be quite welcome."[34]

Accolades

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List of awards and nominations
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Alliance of Women Film Journalists December 21, 2016 Bravest Performance Jessica Chastain Nominated [35][36]
Golden Globe Awards January 8, 2017 Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama Jessica Chastain Nominated [37]
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association December 5, 2016 Best Portrayal of Washington D.C. Miss Sloane Nominated [38]

References

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  1. ^ "MISS SLOANE (15)". British Board of Film Classification. November 28, 2016. Archived from the original on November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  2. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 7, 2016). "'Office Christmas Party' Hopes To Bring Cheer To Another Dull Weekend; 'La La Land' Tunes Up – Box Office Preview". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022. Before P&A, Miss Sloane cost $13M.
  3. ^ Thompson, Anne (November 23, 2016). "Jessica Chastain Reveals How She Lobbies for Powerful Women — Including Herself — As 'Miss Sloane'". IndieWire. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  4. ^ "Miss Sloane (2016) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d "Miss Sloane (2016)". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
  6. ^ Moore, Roe. "INTERVIEW: Jonathan Perera on Writing Miss Sloane". Script Magazine. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  7. ^ Donnelly, Matt (September 12, 2015). "Jessica Chastain Gun-Control Thriller 'Miss Sloane' Sells to EuropaCorp in Toronto". TheWrap. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  8. ^ Kroll, Justin (January 6, 2016). "Alison Pill to Co-Star With Jessica Chastain in Gun Control Drama 'Miss Sloane'". Variety. Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  9. ^ Sneider, Jeff (January 7, 2016). "'Carol's' Jake Lacy Joins Jessica Chastain in Gun Control Movie 'Miss Sloane' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  10. ^ Kit, Borys (January 25, 2016). "'Concussion' Star Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Talks to Join Gun-Control Drama 'Miss Sloane' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  11. ^ Busch, Anita (February 11, 2016). "Douglas Smith Joins Jessica Chastain's Team In 'Miss Sloane'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  12. ^ Penderson, Erik (February 26, 2016). "Bill Milner & Maisie Williams Boot Up 'iBoy'; Ennis Esmer Joins 'Miss Sloane'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  13. ^ Hunter, Craig (February 18, 2016). "John Madden's Political Thriller MISS SLOAN Starts Shooting With Jessica Chastain". ScreenRelish. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ Busch, Anita (March 8, 2016). "Meghann Fahy Joins Jessica Chastain's Team In 'Miss Sloane'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  15. ^ "'Max Richter to Score John Madden's 'Miss Sloane'". Film Music Reporter. August 25, 2016. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  16. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (November 12, 2016). "Interview: Jessica Chastain on Miss Sloane and the Interesting World of Female Lobbyists". Awards Daily. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  17. ^ Brayson, Johnny (December 1, 2016). "'Miss Sloane' Is Based On A Real Person, But Not In The Way You Think". Bustle. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 24, 2019.
  18. ^ Chastain, Jessica (February 12, 2016). "And it begins #MissSloane #firstday". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2016 – via Instagram.
  19. ^ Lesnick, Silas (February 18, 2016). "Production Begins on Miss Sloane, Starring Jessica Chastain". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  20. ^ Chastain, Jessica (March 30, 2016). "Thats a wrap #Toronto ! Off to do a bit of press for @thehuntsman , then Ill meet the gang in DC for some additional shooting. This is a very special film. Its a great pleasure to be working again with #JohnMadden He's a wonderful man and a great teacher. #MsSloane #TheDebt pic by #SebastianBlenkov". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2016 – via Instagram.
  21. ^ Siddiqui, Faiz (March 9, 2016). "What's a D.C. Circulator bus doing in Toronto?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  22. ^ Morales, Wilson (April 6, 2016). "Gugu Mbatha-Raw Talks Concussion DVD, & Civil War Drama Free State Of Jones". Blackfilm.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  23. ^ "On the Set for 4/8/16: Ridley Scott & Michael Fassbender Start 'Alien: Covenant', Benedict Cumberbatch Wraps 'Doctor Strange'". SSN Insider. April 8, 2016. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  24. ^ McGovern, Joe (August 16, 2016). "Jessica Chastain on the gun lobby thriller Miss Sloane". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  25. ^ Jaugernauth, Kevin (August 16, 2016). "First Look: Jessica Chastain In Oscar Contender 'Miss Sloane'". The Playlist. Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  26. ^ Lang, Brent (October 24, 2016). "'Miss Sloane' to World Premiere at AFI Fest (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  27. ^ "Miss Sloane". Napa Valley Film Festival. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  28. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 13, 2016). "Jessica Chastain Thriller 'Miss Sloane' To Debut During Awards Season". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 15, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  29. ^ Mendelson, Scott (November 14, 2016). "Weekend Box Office: 'Office Christmas Party' Sets Record, 'Miss Sloane' Bombs". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  30. ^ "Miss Sloane (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on September 27, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  31. ^ "Miss Sloane Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  32. ^ CinemaScore [@CinemaScore] (December 9, 2016). "The grade is in for @MissSloaneMovie! Congratulations on a great grade @jes_chastain! #CinemaScore #TheGrade" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2017 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Debruge, Peter (November 12, 2016). "Film Review: 'Miss Sloane'". Variety.
  34. ^ Todd McCarthy (November 11, 2016). "'Miss Sloane': Film Review | AFI Fest 2016". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  35. ^ Merin, Jennifer (December 16, 2016). "2016 AWFJ EDA Award Nominees". Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  36. ^ Hannett, Michelle (December 16, 2016). "'Arrival', 'La La Land', 'Hell or High Water' Among The Nominees for the 2016 AWFJ EDA Awards". We Are Movie Geeks. Archived from the original on November 22, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  37. ^ "Golden Globes 2017: The Complete List of Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. December 12, 2016. Archived from the original on December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  38. ^ Gordon, Tim (December 3, 2016). "The 2016 WAFCA Awards". Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
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