fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-themOpening in most theaters is the fantasy adventure Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them directed by David Yates and starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Ezra Miller, Jon Voight, Dan Fogler, Carmen Ejogo and Alison Sudol. The film’s original music is composed by James Newton Howard (The Hunger GamesThe Sixth SenseKing KongMaleficent). WaterTower Music has released a soundtrack album in various different formats and editions. Check out our previous article for the full album details.

the-edge-of-seventeenAlso opening wide is the coming-of-age comedy drama The Edge of Seventeen written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, produced by James L. Brooks and starring Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner and Hayden Szeto. Atli Orvarsson (Hansel & Gretel: Witch HuntersVantage PointThe Mortal Instruments: City of Bones) has composed the film’s original score. Sony Masterworks has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as songs by Santigold, Aimee Mann, The Struts, A$AP Ferg & more. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details.

bleed-for-thisAlso opening nationwide is the drama Bleed for This written and directed by Ben Younger and starring Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal, Ted Levine, Ciarán Hinds, Jordan Gelber and Amanda Clayton. The film’s original music is composed by singer/songwriter Julia Holter. Milan Records has released a soundtrack album featuring Holter’s score, as well as songs by Willis Earl Beal, Billy Squire, George Michael, Audio Two and Bad Company. Check out our previous news article for the full album details and to learn more about the Open Road Films release.

manchester-by-the-seaOpening in limited release is the drama Manchester By the Sea written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, Kyle Chandler, Gretchen Mol and C.J. Wilson. Lesley Barber (You Can Count on MeMansfield ParkThe Moth Diaries) has composed the film’s original music. Milan Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as the classical pieces featured in the movie. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details. Also visit Film Music Magazine and GoldDerby for recent interviews with Barber about her work on the project.

nocturnal-animalsAlso opening in limited release is the drama Nocturnal Animals written and directed by Tom Ford and starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Karl Glusman and Michael Sheen. The film’s original music is composed by Abel Korzeniowski (A Single ManPenny DreadfulW.E.). Back Lot Music and Silva Screen Music have released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score. Check out our previous article for the full album details and also visit Gold Derby and AXS for interviews with Korzeniowski about his work on the film.

bastille-dayAlso opening in select theaters is the thriller The Take directed by James Watkins and starring Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte Le Bon, Kelly Reilly and Jose Garcia. Alex Heffes (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Last King of ScotlandState of Play11.22.63) has composed the film’s original music. Mercury Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as the original song The Road Less Travelled performed by Idris Elba & Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) earlier this year when the movie opened overseas under the title Bastille Day. Click here for the full album details. The thriller is being distributed in the U.S. by High Top Releasing.

street-cat-named-bobAlso opening in select cities is the British comedy A Street Cat Named Bob directed by Roger Spottiswoode and starring Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt and Anthony Head. The film’s original music is composed by David Hirschfelder (ElizabethShineAustraliaThe Railway ManThe Water Diviner). Sony Masterworks has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as the original songs from the movie written by Charlie Fink from the indie band Noah and the Whale and performed by lead actor Treadaway. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details.

ali-and-ninoAnother limited release this week is the romantic drama Ali and Nino directed by Asif Kapadia, written by Christopher Hampton and starring María Valverde, Mandy Patinkin, Adam Bakri, Connie Nielsen and Homayoun Ershadi. Dario Marianelli (AtonementPride and PrejudiceAnna KareninaV for VendettaKubo and the Two Strings) has composed the film’s original music. No word yet on a soundtrack release. Ali and Nino tells the love story between a Muslim boy and a Christian Georgian girl, in Baku, Azerbaijan against the backdrop of World War I. The drama premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is being released in U.S. theaters and on VOD by IFC Films. Visit the official movie website for more information.

life-on-the-lineAlso opening in limited release is the action drama Life on the Line directed by David Hackl and starring John Travolta, Kate Bosworth, Devon Sawa, Julie Benz, Gil Bellows, Ryan Robbins and Sharon Stone. The film’s original music is composed by Jeff Toyne (Dirty GirlRogueYou Me Her). No soundtrack album has been announced. Life on the Line follows a crew of eccentric linemen who do the high-wire work of fixing the electrical grid and are hit by a sudden deadly storm. The drama is being released in theaters and on VOD by Lionsgate Premiere.

hunter-gathererAlso opening in select theaters is the indie drama Hunter Gatherer written and directed by Josh Locy and starring Andre Royo, George Sample III, Kellee Stewart and Ashley Wilkerson.  Keegan DeWitt (I’ll See You in My DreamsDivorce, Morris from AmericaListen Up Philip) has composed the film’s original music. A soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score is now available. Check out our previous news article for the full album details and to learn more about the Orchard release.