The Tennessee Crew (Left to Right): Mariah Carey ("Krystal"), Russell Schaumburg (Screenwriter), Adam Rothenberg ("Carter"), Ethan Peck ("Ellis"), Lance Reddick ("Frank"), Aaron Woodley (Director), Lee Daniels (Producer)The world premiere of the film
Tennessee, starring Mariah Carey, took place last night, April 26, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The film's cast and crew attended the premiere as well as A-list actors such as Robert DeNiro (festival founder), Ben Kingsley and Edie Falco. Also present were Mariah's friends Trey Lorenz, Maryann Tatum, Sherry Tatum, Rachel McIntosh, Nick Cannon and Da Brat. At the end of the film's screening, a Q&A was held with the producer, director, writer and actors. Mariah answered questions about her appearance in the film and the song she wrote for it - "Right To Dream". She talked about writing the lyrics with Willie Nelson over the phone and writing the music with her keyboard player, Eric Daniels.
Below are details about the film from the
official movie site:
PLOT SYNOPSISCarter Armstrong (Adam Rothenberg) and his younger brother Ellis (Ethan Peck) only have each other. They live in the mountains outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a trailer home. A discontent cabbie, Carter numbs his existence with alcohol while Ellis photographs the mountains around them. Their lonely lives are shattered when Ellis is diagnosed with acute leukemia, which can only be treated with a bone marrow transplant from a matching donor. After discovering Carter is not a match they decide to return to their childhood home in East Tennessee to find the abusive father from whom they fled many years earlier.
Their journey takes them through Texas where they meet Krystal (Mariah Carey), a local waitress who dreams of becoming a country singer. Fleeing her loveless marriage, Krystal takes pity on the weary brothers and agress to drive them as far as Nashville.
The trio embark on a fateful road trip - Carter and Ellis in search of a father who may be the only chance of saving the younger brother's life; and Krystal longing to fulfill her musical aspirations. Along their journey, an emotional bond develops amongst the travelers as they cut across state lines, managing to elude Frank (Lance Reddick), Krystal's state trooper husband. Krystal becomes an unlikely guardian, watching over Ellis as she and Carter race him to Tennessee to get the care that he needs.
Once they reach Nashville, Ellis's condition continues to deteriorate and Carter is unable to locate their father. Carter's search takes him back through the places, the people, and memories of his youth -- his days as a star quarterback, his first love, his violent home life.
As unforeseeable events unfold, Ellis's health becomes critical; Carter begins to make peace with his past; and Krystal pursues her musical career.
CASTCarter Armstrong - Adam Rothenberg
Ellis Armstrong - Ethan Peck
Krystal - Mariah Carey
Frank - Lance Reddick
Karen - Michele Harris
Roy - Bill Sage
Young Carter - Ryan Lynn
Laurel - Melissa Benoist
FILMMAKERSDirector - Aaron Woodley
Producer - Lee Daniels
Screenplay - Russell Schaumburg
Director of Photography - David Greene, CSC
Production Designer - Aidan Leroux
Editor - Steve Edwards
Composer - Mario Grigorov
Costume Designer - Deborah Everton
Executive Producers - Sarah Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness, Lisa Cortes, Dave Robinson, Damon Dash, Jane Kosek, Tom Heller
Co-Executive Producers - Brad Kaplan, Chris Ridenhour
Casting - Billy Hopkins, Suzanne Crowley, Kerry Barden, and Paul Schnee
Co-Prodcuer - Valerie Hoffman
Makeup Dept. Head - Pamela Roth
Mariah Daily Journal was able to send 12 lucky fans to the premiere and we are happy to share some of their reports with you as well as other fans who attended the premiere. Please note that some of the film reviews may reveal details of the movie plot.
Contest Winners
Rachel Garcia - Contest WinnerPremiere ReportTonight was absolutely, hands down, the best night of my life!!! Mariah went through the usual celebrity red carpet press interviews and photos, and then entered the theater. All the MariahDaily winners were seated together in the back center section (with a perfect view of the screen). Robert DeNiro was 6 rows in front of us. I couldn't spot where Mariah was sitting. When the opening credits came on, the audience respectfully clapped for the two male lead actors, Adam Rothenberg (Carter) and Ethan Peck (Ellis), but when Mariah's name appeared, the audience cheered and aplauded much louder.
After the screening and a question-and-answer with the filmakers and cast, Mariah came back into the theater to meet with some of the kids who are from Camp Mariah, her Fresh Air Fund camp. She was so sweet and engaging with the 20 excited kids. Da Brat and Trey Lorenz were floating around the theater too. I presented Mariah with a bouquet of lilies (wrapped in her colors of "pink, yet lavender"). We took a picture together and chatted for a few seconds. She is so down to earth (and totally stunning in person), and looked directly into my eyes while we talked. I congratulated her for
E=MC² and
Tennessee and she replied her thanks very genuinely. I was tongue-tied most of the time (what do you say to someone you completely idolize?), but I think I made it clear that I am so proud of her accomplishments. Thank you again for selecting me to attend this event. I am so incredibly happy now, you can't imagine.
Film ReviewI thought overall that the film
Tennessee was very well done, and MC's role was crafted just right. Mariah really stuck to her character's personality and played with believable conviction.
Her character, Krystal, was a depressed and abused woman living a trapped life in rural, decrepit Texas. She was a waitress at a dingy diner, pulling double shifts and spending all her tip money for booze for her husband Frank (played by Lance Reddick). Frank was an abusive alcoholic whose character's role mirrored the father that the two brothers (Ellis and Carter) had to flee years before.
Ellis and Carter provided Krystal the opportunity to abandon her horrible life in Texas and flee the domestic violence and the stiffling trapped feeling that was getting in the way of her dreams. The trio headed to Tennessee where Ellis and Carter were on a mission to find their father and where Krystal could pursue her burgeoning singer/songwriter career. Krystal gets to perform a song in a club ("The Right to Dream", which is a stunningly beautiful and poignant song), and she finally feels the validation of her talent and hard work. Mariah didn't oversing or try to show off her instrument, but rather, sung it as Krystal would, someone who was clearly talented but had not fully refined her voice through proper training. Mariah kept the song in her medium range, but occasionally hit high octave notes (but not the huge power notes she is so well-known for). When the song appears in the film, it is a turning point for several characters.
The topics the film covered were generally somber (domestic violence, alcoholism, cancer, poverty), but it also intertwined triumphant topics (escaping bad situations, true love, the bonds of friendship, loving brotherhood, fufilling your dreams). Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality of the filmmaking and the acting of the whole cast. The film was very engaging and you get right into the story, and really connect with the characters.
Tiffany Chunat - Contest WinnerPremiere ReportThe
Tennessee premiere was awesome! Once I was finally able to be directed to the right place to pick up tickets and they handed them out to the Mariah Daily winners, we made it in just in time to hear the end of Lee Daniel's introduction speech and get seated for the start of the movie. During the opening credits when the names of the actors, producers, etc. were coming up, the crowd would cheer for each one. When Mariah's name appeared on screen, I think she got the loudest cheers of all.
After the movie was over, Lee Daniels came on stage to do a Q&A segment and he introduced and brought up the cast, writer, and director. Most of the questions were directed at either Lee Daniels or Mariah. Among other things, she talked about being thankful for being able to be in the movie and the fact that she will play a social worker in Lee's next film.
As we all filed out of the theater, me and a few fellow fans caught a glimpse of an area behind some curtains where it looked like Mariah and the other actors were. We asked some security guards if we could go back and see her but they said it was too crowded. Fortunately for us, one of them directed us back into the theater where M was going to have a quick meet and greet with some kids from the Fresh Air Fund. All of her background singers and Da Brat were inside too. When she came in, all the kids went crazy but Mariah wasn't intimidated. She posed for pictures with all of them and even asked them to let her into the middle of the row where she could sit amongst all of them. She was so great to them and before she walked out we got our chance to get some pictures with her and let her know that we thought she did an amazing job!
As I've experienced before with her, Mariah was so genuine and appreciative of her fans. Even as her bodyguards try to rush her out and not allow pictures, she stops with almost everyone and makes them feel like she really cares. She's amazing! Thank you Mariah Daily for a great experience!
Film ReviewThe movie overall was great even though the story was pretty heavy. Mariah did such a great job with a role that is completely different than what she normally is. Her character is an unglamorous (yet still beautiful), southern girl. She kept up a consistent and very convincing accent throughout the whole movie. Although she plays an aspiring singer, that was not the main focus of the movie and I think that is great for showing her diverse talent - it was not a music movie or a Mariah voice showcase and you could focus more on her acting ability. The song that she did sing (and that she also wrote and produced as always) was amazing! It also plays in full at the end when the credits roll.
Paolo Romero - Contest WinnerPremiere ReportI arrived about 5PM sharp to the BMCC Theater. As the line was quite long outside, any industry, contest-winners, and VIPs were allowed entrance prior to the 7PM show time. I was escorted in the red carpet by one of the very friendly Tribeca Film Festival people to the Industry Concierge where I was to pick up my ticket for Tennessee. Every person working the venue was quite professional and friendly. After picking up my ticket, I ended up running into other contest-winners from MariahDaily and mingled together as we waited for the arrival of Mariah on the red carpet.
As the full cast of
Tennessee arrived one by one including the man behind it all Robert DeNiro, they were interviewed by massive paparazzi and television telecasts such as ET. When the red carpet tent suddenly turned from dim lighting to a blast of lighting flashes everyone knew who had arrived. Mariah arrived promptly at 6PM dressed in classic jeans and a white blouse. She truly played the part of an actress and put aside the festive dresses and went for the casual look. It took about 30 minutes for her to just walk down the red carpet which was only about a half block long. After she completed "the walk", everyone pretty much went inside the theater to get ready for the premiere.
I, along with some friends who already had tickets to the premiere, was lucky enough to sit behind Mariah during the whole movie! It was nerve-wrecking, exciting, and O.O.C. all at the same time. I could not believe I was actually sitting literally behind her along with her crew of Da Brat and friends. I can honestly say I missed the first 20 minutes of the movie because I was just in total awe of what was happening.
After the movie, they did Q&A with the cast on the stage and Mariah was asked questions such as: "Where can we find the song she had sung in the movie." She didn't quite hear the 3 part question that was asked to her so she never got to tell where lambs can download the song. After the Q&A, the theater and red carpet pretty much emptied out. As my friends and I were about to leave I spotted a friend who is a photographer on the red carpet and revealed to me that Mariah would come out again. As the red carpet was becoming empty in preparation for the next film to be shown, a few minutes passed and Mariah surely came on the red carpet once again.
She even stopped, took a picture, and had a mini-convo with me in regards to what song was my favorite and what I feel should be the next single. As I stated "Migrate", she stated that "I don't think they are going to put that one out." I then opted for what I already felt was the next single and said "That Chick" and she agreed. When I stated "That Chick was a great track and a festive one," she looked back at me as she started to walk away smiled and said "It definitely is festive!"
Film ReviewThis journey of two young brothers and an aspiring singer couldn't have been told better than by Aaron Woodley, the director of
Tennessee. As we are taken for a ride, literally from state to state until they reach their destination (Tennessee), Mariah Carey playing as Krystal Evans becomes a mother-figure to the two brothers in their journey for a bone-marrow transplant from their father.
Mariah plays a southern waitress that pursues a life she is even unsure of as she travels with Ellis played by Ethan Peck and Carter played by Adam Rothenberg. Mariah nails the southern accent which seemingly comes out natural in this film produced by Lee Daniels. Her warmth towards Ellis, who is suffering from Leukemia is believable and strong. Her role in the movie is so significant that when the brothers split ways with Krystal at their destination, her return at the end of the film is a welcome one.
Similar to her role as Raychel in
Wisegirls, another independent film that won critics over in 2002, Mariah showcases she can throw down when it's game time. We almost forget this is Mariah Carey until she enters a singing competition at a local bar to win some cash to finally get Ellis and Carter where they need to be. One relevant attribute Mariah displays in this film is her determination to get the brothers to Tennessee. Though she gets physically abused by her husband Frank played by Lance Reddick, she doesn't show a drop of selfishness in her journey with Ellis and Carter.
Danny Foglia - Contest WinnerPremiere ReportFirst off I want to say a GIANT THANK YOU to MariahDaily for selecting me to attend the
Tennesee premiere. I had never been to such an event with all of the cameras, media people, and of course the actors themselves. While on the red carpet I was able to stand nearly 10 feet away from the actors in the movie (Adam, Ethan, and of course Mariah though she was completely mobbed by the media). And as I'm walking to my seat, I see none other than Robert DeNiro, who I saw earlier on the red carpet, sitting on one of the end seats. I was thinking to myself 'can this be real'!? My favorite movie of all time is
Goodfellas, so it really was an incredible moment for me. So after a few quick words from Lee Daniels and Aaron Woodley (producer and director of the film), the movie began. Right from the start, I was impressed with the acting and direction. It did not seem like an indie film, but a film that could and SHOULD be released in theatres. It would be a shame if the public couldn't see Mariah acting in her best movie role to date. Not a sign of Mariah Carey was present, she completely transformed into the character of Krystal. One of the best moments in the film was when we finally heard "Right to Dream". It's a very emotional song and I know fans who have been waiting for an acoustic Mariah song will not be dissapointed. There were some very emotional scenes, and I shed a tear twice during the movie. The acting was emotional and believable, the script was great, and the message it gave was something that Mariah has written about several times in her music already. It really is an inspiring film and I hope that it is released so more people have the opportunity to see it.
Afterwards, my friend Ronnie introduced me to Trey Lorenz! And I also met MaryAnn, Sherry, and Rachel. I also saw Mark Sudack walk right in front of me. It was a moment I'll never forget, thanks again to Mariahdaily for 'making this happen'.
Film Review - heavily contains plot details / spoilersThe movie begins about 16 years back in Tennesee, where Carter (Adam Rothenberg) finds his abusive/drunken father beating his mom in their home. A fight ensues between Carter and his father (who ends up getting knocked out) and he and his mother quickly pack their things and leave their home, not looking back. Then we are in the present day in New Mexico. Carter's mom had passed away by then, and only he and his younger brother Ellis, an aspiring photographer, are left. Ellis is later diagnosed with leukemia, and is in need of a bone-marrow transplant. Carter is not able to provide for him, so they both decide to travel back to Tennesee to find their father. Along the way, their car breaks down and while it is being repaired, they stop at a diner where Krystal (Mariah) is working. She is having a tough time doing her job, her boss is mean, and she just seems very unhappy. Ellis senses this and tries to convince her to come with them on their way to Tennesee. He also hears her sing outside of the diner, and tells her that she has got an excellent voice and should be playing in Nashville. She invites them over to their house to stay the night so that they can freshen up and sleep until they form a plan to get back on their way to Tennesee. When they arrive, Krystal's abusive and drunken husband (Lance Reddick) who is also a cop, immediately starts to beat on Krystal, not knowing that Carter and Ellis in the next room. He chokes her up against the wall and continues to torment her with words all because she bought the wrong kind of juice. After she tells him that there are people in the living room, he stops and tells them that Krystal 'belongs to him' and that they are not to touch anything in the house that belongs to him. They stay the night, but in the middle of the night Krystal decides to pack up and run. She wakes them up and they leave quickly before her husband wakes.
The next scene takes place in a bar in Oklahoma. It was just a scene of dancing, singing, and drinking basically. At one point, Carter while dancing with Krystal, flashes back to he and his old girlfriend dancing to the same song several years back when he was still in high school. It prompts him to start to touch Krystal in an inappropriate way, and she gets very angry at this and leaves the bar. By this time, her husband realizes that she has ran away and he, being a cop, uses his authority to track down the license plate number of the car. Krystal hears on the radio inside of the motel lobby that 2 white males are wanted for kidnapping her, and she quickly wakes them up, trades in her car at a used car shop, and they continue on their journey east.
Later on she arrives in Nashville and phones a friend who she knows living there from a payphone. She does not answer but leaves a message saying she is in Tennesee. Her friend calls her cell phone, which is left at home, and her husband finds out that she is in Tennesee. While there, Krystal was going to pawn her guitar so that Ellis and Carter, who are near broke now, can have some money. But Carter quickly stops her, because he finds an ad for a singer/songwriter contest inside of a bar. She then performs "Right to Dream". During the performance, her husband enters the bar and sits down. She stares right at him while singing, and the words about being free and being her own person make her husband realize that she was right for leaving. I will not reveal the ending to the film, so go see it!
RobbieFilm ReviewI thought the movie was pretty good. It's a slow moving character driven story. The central theme of the movie is abuse and freeing yourself from it, and the song Mariah wrote sort of ties that theme together.
The strength of the film was the chemistry of the two brothers and Krystal. Mariah is really, really good in this. She's natural and totally warms up the screen. It's another situation like
Wisegirls where when she exits towards the last third, you miss her and look forward to when she comes back. At its best, the 3 characters journey reminded me of shades of
Y Tu Mama Tambien (in terms of the chemistry between the two boys and a girl on a journey).
[The song "Right To Dream"] is not really country and it's very Mariah. She said she wrote it on the telephone with Willie, so it's unclear how much he contributed (at the end of the movie, it's credited as written by Mariah Carey, produced by Mariah Carey) but I think that was an oversight.
The vocals are whispery/jittery which I think is where Mariah attempted to make it sound like someone less confident. A line from the lyrics is "I've got a right to dream". In the movie, it's just her on stage with a guitar and a guy with a harmonica. It also plays at the end credits, so there is a full studio version.
DennyPremiere ReportI arrived at almost 6pm, Mariah was already there. I was lucky to be able to get one of the 3 last tickets. The movie is great. The real attraction in the movie is Mariah. Her acting is even better than in
Wisegirls, you even forget it's MC. The audience responded really well.
After the movie ended, the cast, producer, director and screenwriter went on the stage and answered some questions. MC got energetic applauses when she appeared. Mariah was very humble when asked about her projects and she said that she just has the new album (she didn't even say its name) and that this is not about her, but about the movie, and she's happy to be there for it. She also said about the song in the movie that it was a collaboration with Willie Nelson, but they collaborated by phone so it has to be determined how much of a collaboration it was. Lee Daniels said that she's gonna be in his new project,
Push. Then we waited for her to come outside, and she signed stuff, including my movie ticket and then she said "they're making me go" and left.
Fan Photos & Videos - Red Carpet and Q&A
