First Reformed (2017)

About First Reformed

"First Reformed" is an American drama film, directed by Paul Schrader. The plot revolves around an ex-military chaplain, Toller, troubled by the loss of his son. Toller's life takes a dramatic turn when a young parishioner and her radical environmentalist husband come to him for counseling.

Making / Production

Directed by Paul Schrader and produced by Jack Binder, Greg Clark, Gary Hamilton, Victoria Hill, David Hinojosa, Frank Murray and Deepak Sikka. The cinematography was done by Alexander Dynan and the film was edited by Benjamin Rodriguez Jr.

Actors

• Ethan Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller: He gave an uplifting performance filled with quiet pain and inner turmoil.
• Amanda Seyfried as Mary: Seyfried perfectly portrays a woman grappling with personal and social tragedies.
• Cedric the Entertainer as Pastor Jeffers: His compelling performance added an interesting dynamic to the drama.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "First Reformed" was premiered at the 74th Venice International Film Festival.
• This was the fourth film Ethan Hawke and Paul Schrader have collaborated on.

Awards

The film was nominated for several awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It also won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 74th Venice International Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Courage is the solution to despair. Reason provides no answers. We don't know what the future will bring. We have to choose despite uncertainty. Wisdom is holding two contradictory truths in our mind, simultaneously, Hope and Despair."

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting score for "First Reformed" was composed by Lustmord.