EXCLUSIVE CLIP: Kate Beckinsale proves she's more than just another pretty face in 'Nothing but the Truth'

News broke late last week that creditors have forced Yari Film Group Releasing, the distribution arm of Bob Yari's studio, into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, effectively shutting down the already small operation.

Many good people are being hurt by Yari's collapse, including several with whom I have worked quite closely, and I feel for them above all else. That being said, I can't help but also feel for the individuals associated with the two 2008 films for which Yari was — and, if only nominally, still is — handling distribution and Oscar campaigns, "What Doesn't Kill You" and "Nothing but the Truth." Both are first-rate productions that are arguably worthy of awards recognition, but unquestionably worthy of an audience, and will now struggle to attract either.

Over the course of this awards season, I have gotten to know and like the distinguished writer-director Rod Lurie, who produced "What Doesn't Kill You" and produced, wrote, acted in and directed "Nothing but the Truth." Rod, I suspect, is reeling from this turn of events, not because he feels sorry for himself, but because he is so proud of the performances in both films and has been so hopeful that the actors would be celebrated — especially Kate Beckinsale for her work in "Nothing but the Truth," which has caused me and everyone else who previously appreciated her only for her extraordinary beauty to look at her with a newfound respect for her immense talent, as well.

(For a brief glimpse at Beckinsale in character as a newspaper reporter who is forced to choose between going to jail and revealing a source, check out the brief clip at the top of this post. While I'm pleased to be able to share it with you, I must also emphasize that it doesn't begin to even remotely capture the depth of Lurie's film, generally, or Beckinsale's performance, specifically. For that, you really must, quite literally, tune in from beginning to end.)

With just over a month to go until the announcement of Oscar nominations, there is good news and bad news for Yari, Rod, Kate and associates. The bad news is that "What Doesn't Kill You" and "Nothing but the Truth" are only playing in two theaters at the moment, the Crest in Los Angeles and the Times Square E-Walk in New York City. The good news, though, is that voters have already received DVD screeners of both films, so they have no excuse not to check them out.

Correction: In a previous version of this post, I referred to the Yari Film Group as the studio "best known for distributing the best picture winner 'Crash.'" In fact, the studio — then known as Bob Yari Productions — helped to finance but did not distribute the film, and so the post has been amended to reflect that.

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Clip: Yari Film Group

Comments

[Ian]

Kate was good Snow Angels as well which got very little attention. Anyone who has followed her career a little bit knows she's more than a pretty face.

[graeme]

Yeah, she was fantastic in "Snow Angels" but that film is totally forgotten. I hope she gets a nom for this. I've seen the film and she's fantastic. Definitely Oscar-worthy.

[Sheldon]

As someone who has followed Ms Beckinsale's career ever since her brilliant work in John Schlessinger's "Cold Comfort Farm," [think a pure romantic comedy, but imagined by Terry Gilliam, and you'll have some idea of its brilliance], I can assure you that a good many people were already well aware of her immense talents some thirteen years ago.

[Montague]

Kate is phenomenal in this performance and deserves to be nominated for an OSCAR. She shows true depth and emotion. Her range as an actress is incredible. She also deserved accolade acknowledgment for her role in Snow Angels which also proved her amazing range as an artist.