“As the impossible Claire, the longtime character actor Rebecca Schull (a 90-year-old playing 92) is spectacular.” – The New York Times
The survivors of four generations of a Jewish family are rocked to their core when the family’s beloved 92-year-old matriarch makes a stunning confession in THE LAST, noted independent filmmaker and distributor Jeff Lipsky’s seventh feature film. Remarkable nonagenarian actress Rebecca Schull (Wings, United 93, Little Children) anchors an ensemble cast that includes Tony Award-winning actor Reed Birney (The Humans, House of Cards), AJ Cedeño, Jill Durso and Julie Fain Lawrence, in a riveting, provocative family drama about a Holocaust survivor, albeit one with a shocking twist.
So much fun chatting to the passionately inspired Writer/Director Jeff Lipsky – (Twelve Thirty, Flannel Pajamas, Childhood’s End ).
It’s wonderful to see Rebecca Schull performing. She was one of my favorite character’s from ‘Wings’.
Jeff Lipsky. Yes, finally I got to write a starring role for my MUSE! This is the fourth film I’ve made with Rebecca, the others include: Twelve Thirty, Molly’s Theory of Relativity and Flannel Pajama’s with Julianne Nicholson. We’ve always remained friends, and I always dreamed I would be able write a part in a story that she could star in.
How did you make the move from ‘Film Distributor’ to ‘Film Maker’?
Jeff Lipsky. I was fortunate to have met John Cassavetes when I distributed his films, A Woman Under the Influence, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night. He took me under his wing and became my mentor. He was the kindest, most generous and loyal man. He always had a helping hand for aspiring filmmakers.
Who else has inspired your filmmaking career?
Jeff Lipsky. Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen and Mike Leigh.
Did you ever see ‘Hour of the Wolf’? That was the scariest movie I have ever seen!
Jeff Lipsky. Yes, it is an amazing film. My favorite Ingmar Bergman film is Cries and Whispers, (IMDB pro-rating 8.1 with an 89% approval on Rotten Tomatoes). I am still inspired by Mike Leigh’s Secrets and Lies, (IMDb pro-rating 8.0 with a 95% approval from Rotten Tomatoes). It won the ‘Palme d’or’ at Cannes, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Like these great artist’s, I aspire to make films that move people.
What was the catalyst that inspired you to write this film?
Jeff Lipsky. My goal is to create films that are challenging and provocative. My concern is not so much about the audience liking the film, but never to be able to forget it. I want them to keep thinking about it, and talking about it, and telling their friends about it. I always write roles for strong female characters and families in crisis. There are true elements to this story, and as I began to research the last Nazi’s, who are being uncovered and returned to Germany for trial, more and more elements of my story became real. It was amazing!
Thank you Jeff!
Perhaps most recognized for her role as the cynical “Fay” in the NBC television series Wings, Rebecca Schull is an enormously respected veteran of all areas of the acting profession. Schull has appeared in notable television performances for over 25 years, from Newhart and St. Elsewhere in the 80’s, to Wings, to roles on Frasier and Law & Order. Since the late 1990’s she has also brought her talents to a string of feature films that include Analyze This and Analyze That with Billy Crystal, Paul Greengrass’s United 93, Odd Couple II, and Little Children with Kate Winslet.
Jeff Lipsky co-founded October Films, Lot 47 Films, and Adopt Films. During his storied distribution career, he released such iconic films as Hester Street, My Dinner With Andre, My Life As A Dog, Stranger Than Paradise, Sid & Nancy, L.I.E., Barbara, Sister, and Mike Leigh’s High Hopes and Life Is Sweet. He made his directorial debut with Childhood’s End (Official Selection, San Sebastian Film Festival) in 1997 and The Last marks his seventh feature film.
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