Ronald Bronstein
Ronald Bronstein | |
|---|---|
Ronald Bronstein (right), with Josh Safdie of the Safdie brothers | |
| Born | United States |
| Occupation(s) | Filmmaker, screenwriter, editor and actor |
| Spouse | Mary Bronstein |
Ronald Bronstein is an American film director, screenwriter, editor and actor. He directed, wrote and edited the independent film Frownland (2007). He is a frequent collaborator of the Safdie brothers, best known for being a co-writer and co-editor on the films Good Time (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019).
Early Life
Bronstein grew up in the North Shore of Long Island.[1]He described his family growing up as "functional and supportive."[2]
He attended NYU Film school but dropped out.[3]
Career
Debut and Early Career
While working on his first feature, Bronstein worked as a projectionist at various art houses around New York City.[4]
He made his debut in 2007 with the film Frownland.[5][6]He directed, wrote and edited the film. It received critical acclaim and won the Special Jury Award at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. The film has been described by critics as one of the most bold, original and important independent films of the century.[7][8][9]In 2022, it was released as part of The Criterion collection.[10]
He worked on the film Yeast in 2008 as an assistant and editor. His wife, Mary Bronstein directed and stars in the film. The film also stars Greta Gerwig. Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie appear in the film.
Collaboration with the Safdie Brothers
Bronstein first met the Safdie Brothers at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. Josh was struck by a speech Bronstein had made at the awards ceremony about anti-careerism and was introduced to him afterwards.[11] They shared a mutual interest for documentary-like fictions and in film making as a behavioral experiment.[12]
In 2009, he began his creative partnership with the Safdie Brothers with the film Daddy Longlegs. He co-wrote, edited and also appeared in the film as an actor. He won a Gothan Award for Breakthrough actor.
In 2014, he co-wrote and co-edited Heaven Knows What.
In 2017, he co-wrote and co-edited the film Good Time starring Robert Pattinson.
In 2019, he co-wrote and co-edited Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. The development and writing process was over 10 years, involving 160 drafts.[1] He won an Independent Spirit Award for best editing, sharing the award with Benny Safdie.
After the Safdie Brothers ended their directing partnership in 2024, he continued to collaborate with the Safdies' on individual projects. He is a co-writer, editor and producer for Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme starring Timothee Chalamet.[13] It is set to be released on December 25, 2025 by A24.
Bronstein formed Central Pictures, a production company alongside Josh Safdie and Eli Roth in 2024.[14] He is also a partner in Elara Pictures with the Safdie Brothers.[15]
Personal
He is married to actress Mary Bronstein.[16]
Filmography
- Feature films
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Editor | Colloboration with Safdie Brothers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Frownland | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 2008 | Yeast | Assistant | No | Yes | No | |
| 2009 | Daddy Longlegs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Also actor |
| 2011 | Eyes Find Eyes | No | No | No | No | Actor |
| 2014 | Heaven Knows What | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Also actor |
| 2017 | Good Time | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2019 | Uncut Gems | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2022 | Funny Pages | No | No | No | Producer | |
| 2025 | Marty Supreme | No | Yes | Yes | Josh | Also producer |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | SXSW Film Festival | Special Jury Award | Frownland | Won |
| Gotham Awards | Best Film Not Playing At Theater Near You | Won | ||
| 2008 | Independent Spirit Awards | Someone to Watch Award | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Gotham Awards | Breakthrough Actor | Daddy Longlegs | Won |
| 2011 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Male Lead | Nominated | |
| 2016 | John Cassavetes Award | Heaven Knows What | Nominated | |
| Best Editing | Nominated | |||
| 2018 | Good Time | Nominated | ||
| 2020 | Best Screenplay | Uncut Gems | Nominated | |
| Best Editing | Won |
References
- ^ a b "Uncut Gems was Written and Co-Edited in a Projection Booth". www.moviemaker.com. December 24, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Walters, Ben (October 21, 2008). "Frownland, a 16mm love letter to film-making". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Owens, Kim (November 28, 2007). "Frownland (Ronald Bronstein)". Kaffeine Buzz. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "Turning That Smile Upside Down". The New York Sun. March 7, 2008. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "25 New Faces". Filmmaker Magazine. Summer 2007. Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Kipp, Jeremiah (March 7, 2008). "Notes From Underground: An Interview with Frownland Writer-Director Ronald Bronstein | The House Next Door". Slantmagazine.com. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Sherman, Betsy (June 3, 2025). "Film Review: "Frownland" -- An Invisible Person Made Intimately Visible". The Arts Fuse. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Brody, Richard (March 8, 2023). "Reviving a Modern Mumblecore Classic". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Cole, Matt Zoller Seitz, Jake (August 12, 2022). "'Frownland' Blu-ray Review: The Criterion Collection". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Frownland". The Criterion Collection. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Marjorie, Baumgarten (July 16, 2010). "Family Album - A chaotic childhood inspires the Safdie brothers Daddy Longlegs". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Lim, Dennis (May 13, 2010). "Growing Up With Dad, Distilled With Bite". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 20, 2024). "Timothée Chalamet Movie 'Marty Supreme' Set For Christmas Day 2025". Deadline. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (October 28, 2024). "'Skinamarink' Director Kyle Edward Ball Teams With A24 for Next Horror Film 'The Land of Nod' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Ushe, Naledi. "Benny Safdie confirms Safdie brothers split, calls change with brother Josh 'natural progression'". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ Brody, Richard (March 8, 2023). "Reviving a Modern Mumblecore Classic". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X.
External links