HBO Films has acquired the exclusive North American rights to the acclaimed Harry Haft biopic “The Survivor” from New Mandate Films and BRON Studios, in association with Baltimore Pictures, Endeavor Content, USC Shoah Foundation and Creative Wealth Media.

I’m hopeful they will give “The Survivor” a theatrical run before or with its HBO/HBOMax run. Ben Foster is said to be incendiary in this film, and it’s been buzzed as one of Levinson’s best. That’s saying a lot looking at his resume from “Diner” through the outstanding “The Humbling” with Al Pacino. Levinson also has an award-studded resume with HBO on films he’s made for them. And let’s never forget “Rain Man.” And “Tin Men.” And “Avalon.” And “Good Morning Vietnam.” And “Wag the Dog.” Wow.

Based on the book “Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano” by Alan Haft, the film was directed by Academy Award®-winner Barry Levinson (HBO’s “Paterno,” “You Don’t Know Jack” and “The Wizard of Lies”), whose previous HBO films have amassed a combined 26 Emmys®, with a script by Justine Juel Gillmer (“The 100”).

“The Survivor” is based on the incredible true story of Harry Haft, who, after being sent to Auschwitz, survives not only the unspeakable horrors of the camp, but the gladiatorial boxing spectacle he is forced to perform with his fellow prisoners for the amusement of his captors. Unbeknownst to those who try to destroy him, Haft is driven by the most important reason any man has to survive, a quest to reunite with the woman he loves. After a daring escape, he makes his way to New York, where he succeeds in using his boxing skills to establish a name for himself in the hopes of finding his one true love. His indomitable spirit lands him in the ring with boxing legends like Rocky Marciano as he fights to make sense of his past and reclaim the life that was stolen from him.

“The Survivor” stars Ben Foster (“Leave No Trace,” “Hell or High Water”) as Harry Haft, with Vicky Krieps (“Phantom Thread”), Billy Magnussen (“No Time to Die”), Peter Sarsgaard (“Jackie”), Saro Emirze (“Wilsberg”), Dar Zuzovsky (“Hostages”), Danny DeVito (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), and John Leguizamo (“Latin History for Morons”) rounding out the cast.

For Levinson and Foster it’s a reunion, too. Ben got his start with Levinson in “Liberty Heights” 20 years ago.

Big news in Hollywood last night for Amazon Studios and George Clooney: they screened George’s new movie, “The Tender Bar” at the Directors Guild, and no less than Jackson Browne entertained the crowd afterwards with songs of his included on the soundtrack.

“Tender Bar” stars the scene stealing Ben Affleck, who could find himself in the Oscar race possibly in the supporting category. The film is based on J.R. Moehringer’s bestselling memoir of a young man from Long Island fulfilling his dream to become a writer. I’d say more but reviews are embargoed until October 10th. Affleck did come and do the red carpet, and yes Jennifer Lopez accompanied him, although she sat on the DGA’s round bench in the lobby and was on her phone while her beau did his thing.

The film also stars the wonderful Lily Rabe, daughter of the late Jill Clayburgh and the living legend playwright David Rabe, who’s been a theater star in New York for years but now maybe will have her breakthrough moment in Hollywood. Also featured are the beloved Christopher Lloyd, and the discovery of the year, the adorable Daniel Raneiri, who plays the young JR; Tye Sheridan is the older one. William Monahan wrote the script and George’s longtime partner Grant Heslov and Ted Hope produced.

Amazon head Jennifer Salke introduced George who briefly introduced the film by saying, “when the discourse is do difficult it’s nice to make a film that’s so opposite. It’s hard to talk about a film that you haven’t seen, we come off as knuckleheads, so if you don’t like it.” George quipped, “blame Ted Hope.”

The after party was at the Sunset Tower hotel, Jackson Browne performed,. He has songs in the film. Clooney made no effort to hide that he is an unabashed fan. “Jackson is a poet; I did a mix tape of his every time I broke up with a girl. When he was 16, Jackson wrote this song ‘These Days.’ Sixteen! If I could have, I would have had every song of his in the film. This incredibly gifted man who has made all of us over the years reflect, be happy and be moved. Now we get a chance to hear him live. I’ve never gotten to do it so I get to say it out loud, ladies and gentleman Jackson Browne!”

Browne wowed the crowd by performing the songs in the film, including “These Days,” “For Everyman” and “My Opening Farewell.” For the last tune, Jackson momentarily forgot the lyrics and joked, “hey it happens sometimes, this is when I strum the guitar more.” He quickly got back on track much to the crowd’s delight, with George cheering him on. “The Tender Bar” will be in LA & NY Theaters on December 17th, nationwide on December 22nd and on Amazon Prime on January 7th.

Photos c2021 Showbiz411 by Leah Sydney