Hampton Habitues

POWERS OF PERSUASION

On the hunt for a super dark comedy about ambition, greed and power? Then look no farther than “The Politician.” Touted as a “Glee”-meets-“Election,” the newest series from Ryan Murphy dishes the dirt on political treachery and intrigue, and it stars Amagansett’s own Gwyneth Paltrow.Though it’s not her first rodeo with Murphy (she guest starred on “Glee” and is married to his producing partner, Brad Falchuk), we believe it’s her inaugural acting role playing someone’s mom. In this case, it’s as Georgina Hobart, the mother of a high school student who is pathologically driven to become President of the United States. Now streaming on Netflix, the series also stars Ben Platt in the lead, plus Zoey Deutch, Lucy Boynton and the legendary Jessica Lange. Looks yummy. 

PLAYING POLITICS

Even former President Bill Clinton is getting a dose of the TV treatment. The frequent East End visitor, who hung around to ump for awhile at this year’s 71st annual Artists and Writers Charity Softball Game at Herrick Field in East Hampton, seemed to have spent quite a bit of quality time in the Hamptons this summer. We’re not sure quite what to think of it but it has been confirmed that the 42nd President of the United States will be in the spotlight yet again this time next year, courtesy of F/X in “Impeachment: American Crime Story.” The limited-run series will star Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp, Annaleigh Ashford as Paula Jones and Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky is also serving as producer alongside Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and others. Do these guys ever sleep? Whew! No word yet on who will play the Clintons. 

A HIGH BARRE 

Bridgehampton’s favorite supermodel was set on hitting her stride on small screens everywhere too, but an on-set injury has caused Christie Brinkley to sit the next one out on the newest season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” No worries for fans of the “Sports Illustrated” stunner though as she’s okay, though she did break her arm during rehearsal. Fortunately, she’s kept it in the family and found her own nearly identical replacement with daughter, Sailor Brinkley-Cook. “Showbiz is all about getting a break, and Sailor and I both got one on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ this season,” says the cover girl. “Sailor joined the cast when I got mine … ouch.” .

OSCAR BAIT

Looking to the big screen, many are saying that this might just be Scarlett Johansson’s year to earn her first Academy Award. Two favorites from the Amagansett resident (and Montauk too, if you count the house of fiancée, Colin Jost) are coming to theaters, and screens at this year’s Hamptons International Film Festival from October 10 through 14, are “JoJo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story.” “JoJo” is a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother, played by Johansson, is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. The problem, aside from the obvious, is that his only friend is an imaginary one and none other than Adolf Hitler. The film also stars Sam Rockwell and Roman Griffin Davis. Even darker, but just as compelling, is “Marriage Story” by Noah Baumbach. The film stars Johansson and Adam Driver as a couple going through a coast-to-coast divorce. That film also showcases Water Mill’s Alan Alda (yay!), Laura Dern and Ray Liotta. Can’t wait to see this one!

GOOD ART

Lastly, since we’re on the subject of HIFF, and we always love to end on a positive note, let’s give a hearty round of applause to artist Toni Ross, who is the recipient of this year’s Dick Cavett Artistic Champion Award. The Wainscott-based sculptor and painter, whose work has been shown all over the world, is just as highly regarded for her philanthropic efforts. A founding member of the Hamptons International Film Festival, which got its start back in 1993, as well as of The Hayground School, she’s also half of the namesake of legendary East Hampton eatery Nick & Toni’s.