Jay Kelly, a drama in which a movie star reflects on his life on and off screen, is also a celebration of the magic of cinema. Keeping the theme of the Noah Baumbach film alive, Netflix is offering “Jay Kelly” in special screenings at historic movie theaters around the world.
Like many of Netflix’s fall awards nominees, “Jay Kelly” will receive an exclusive theatrical release before debuting on the streaming service. However, the company is adapting the venue to “reflect the mood and theme of the film and serve as an homage to the Golden Age of Cinema.” Shot and printed on 35mm Kodak film stock, “Jay Kelly” will be shown in 35mm in select locations. Screening attendees will be provided with a limited edition film program.
“It is extremely meaningful that ‘Jay Kelly’ will be shown in so many historic movie theaters around the world,” Baumbach said in a statement. “Going to see a movie in these theaters is a special moviegoing experience that should be cherished and supported. ‘Jay Kelly’ is, in a way, a celebration of the medium, and this theatrical release feels like yet another celebration.”
In addition to Netflix’s historic theaters The Egyptian and Paris, other participating venues include Vista (Los Angeles), Nighthawk Cinema (Brooklyn), Music Box (Chicago), River Oaks Theater (Houston), Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael, California), State Theater (Traverse City, Michigan), Michigan Theater (Ann Arbor), and Mayan Theater. (Denver), Hollywood Theater (Portland), Coolidge Corner (Boston), Grand Lake Theater (Oakland), Tower Theater (Sacramento), Plaza Theater (Atlanta), Mexican National Cineteca (Mexico City), Victoria Eugenia Theater (San Sebastian), Picturehouse Central (London), Stella Cinema Rasmines (Dublin), Delphi Filmpalast (Berlin), Cinerama Empire (Geneva), Ritz Cinemas (Sydney), Shinbungeiza (Tokyo). Netflix notes that many of these theaters have been restored to their former glory.
“Jay Kelly” stars George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup and Laura Dern. Since its debut at the Venice Film Festival, the film has been tipped as a major Oscar contender. Other Netflix films scheduled for exclusive theatrical release this fall ahead of the service’s launch include Kathryn Bigelow’s “House of Dynamite” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein.”
“Jay Kelly” will be released in theaters on November 14th and on Netflix on December 5th.
