Cinematical Late Night: Buried, Splinter Cell, Gary Busey and Sandra Bullock's Oscar Plans
Filed under: Fandom
- If you've been dying to see Ryan Reynolds buried alive, mark your calendars for September 24th, 2010; that's when Lionsgate will be dropping the much-buzzed Sundance hit Buried into theaters.
- Should Sandra Bullock make good on her claim that she's going to have husband Jesse James weld her Best Actress Oscar to the hood of her car, she'll instantly become my new favorite person. Sorry, Tron Guy, your reign had to come to an end some day.
- This Shining infused Cuckoo Clock isn't a real product, but if you happen to know where artist Chris Dimino lives, it could be yours. Please just don't tell the police that Cinematical advocates breaking and entering.
- The duo behind Logorama, the awesome animated short film that just took home an Oscar, will be making a live-action Splinter Cell movie. It might be only 20 minutes long, but hey, I'll take a live-action Splinter Cell no matter the length.
Histoire de Serge Gainsbourg: Seven Memorable Moments
Filed under: Foreign Language, Independent, Fandom, Trailers and Clips
The Édith Piaf biopic La Vie en Rose omitted a significant part of the singer's history: life in Nazi-occupied France -- a time where Piaf was a regular performer at German forces social gatherings and many considered her to be a traitor. Later she would claim to be a member of the Resistance, but she would always be suspect.
Screenwriter and cartoonist Joann Sfar is following suit with his directorial debut, Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque), about the life of legendary French singer-songwriter, actor and director, Serge Gainsbourg. The film made its French premiere in January and stars Eric Elmosnino as the chanteur -- following his beginnings in Nazi-occupied Paris, through his song-writing career in the 60's, to his death in 1991. Early reviews for the film have indicated that Sfar may have glossed over the turbulent 80's -- a darker period in Gainsbourg's life where he grew more aloof, alcoholic and his charming bad-boy behavior became a lot less tolerable for many.
While Sfar has indicated his film is not intended to be a straightforward biopic: "It's not the truth about Gainsbourg that interests me, but his lies," the director has said -- it seems odd that he would make a film about such a prominent figure and neglect to even touch upon this part of his life. Gainsbourg was a brilliant, complex and influential artist, and these controversial moments were part of what made him such a beautiful and tragic figure.
After the jump, check out seven memorable moments in the musician's provocative life that may or may not be included in Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque), but will be sure to entertain nonetheless. If you know anything about Gainsbourg, then you can probably guess that some of these videos may be NSFW.
Doc Talk: 'Tales from the Script'
Filed under: Documentary, Scripts, Steven Spielberg, Michael Moore, Columns, Cinematical Indie
I implore any prospective or fledgling screenwriters out there to see the new documentary Tales from the Script. And afterward, if you still feel like attempting to break into that highly competitive and rarely rewarding side of the movie business, then it's possible this is indeed the right dream and career for you. As Taxi Driver and Raging Bull scribe Paul Schrader says in the film, "if you can be happy doing anything else, do that."
Tales from the Script is basically just a supplement to the recently published book of the same name by Peter Hanson and Paul Robert Herman (or vice versa, the book can be seen as the companion piece to the film). Hanson also directed the documentary, which features interviews with a number of celebrated screenwriters, including Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption), Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) and William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), as well as lesser-knowns like low-budget action scribe Michael January (CIA II: Target Alexa), Golden Age Oscar-winner Melville Shavelson (Houseboat) and My Favorite Year screenwriter Dennis Palumbo, who ultimately quit the field and became a psychotherapist.
Palumbo may be the only one who quit, but at times the other talking heads in the film seem to be on the verge of doing the same. Honestly, the whole point of the film appears to be a response to a statement from John Carpenter, who was one of Hanson's first interviews. He says that "if you knew what was gonna come, you wouldn't do it." Well, kids, here's what terrible things came with the careers of your favorite screenwriters: starvation on the way to success, starvation after success, lack of respect, lack of control, lack of credit, unwanted credit and disheartening interactions with anyone from Uwe Boll to Steven Spielberg.
Remembering the Corey Haim That Was
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy, Obits
As Scott Weinberg shared this morning, Corey Haim died last night from an apparent accidental overdose. He was 38.
This was, of course, no shock. The actor had been struggling with drugs for most of his life, having told the media that it all started when he smoked his first joint while working on The Lost Boys twenty-three years ago. Haim hit it big, fell into B-movie hell, spent all his cash on drugs, and then struggled to fight his way out of addiction and financial turmoil. Unfortunately, reuniting with buddy Corey Feldman in the last handful of years and allowing his life to become reality show fodder wasn't the best move, branding him as a desperate and emotionally tarnished actor past his prime.
But it wasn't always that way. Like Scott, Haim held a special place in my heart. He was the one young actor I followed beyond a project or two, although it's only now that I realized how short of a span it was -- Lucas, The Lost Boys, License to Drive, Watchers, Dream a Little Dream, and Prayer of the Rollerboys getting released in just four years. But Hollywood moved a lot more slowly back then, and I had a lot of time to relish in Haim appreciation. When a friend gifted me with a 2-inch thick binder full of Haim pictures, I wallpapered part of my bedroom with them, his spark camouflaging some truly dark and dreary '70s wallpaper. It was that same spark that made me follow my favorite Corey until he drowned into struggling obscurity through the '90s.
Indie Roundup: 'Mercy,' 'Breathless' (Yeah, That One)
Filed under: Classics, Drama, Foreign Language, Independent, Deals, Box Office, Distribution, Cinematical Indie
Deals. Scott Caan stars in Mercy, which has been picked up by IFC Films, according to indieWIRE. Caan, who also wrote and produced, plays a romance novelist "who doesn't believe in love." Until, I'm sure, he meets the right woman, possibly the beautiful and mysterious title character (Wendy Glenn). Caan's real-life father, the legendary James Caan, plays his fictional father. Mercy will close this year's Gen Art Film Festival, which Erik Davis recently explained is the coolest thing ever. The film will be available on demand on April 28 before opening theatrically in New York and Los Angeles.
Also due in theaters this spring: Jean-Luc Godard's original, daring, influential Breathless. For the first time in its 50 years of existence, the film has been restored, making the new wave look new again. After debuting at the inaugural TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood next month, it will open at New York's Film Forum on May 28 before rolling out nationally, courtesy of Rialto Pictures. I first saw Breathless at the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles many moons ago, and it left me stunned, so I'm very happy that a new generation will be able to experience Breathless the way it was meant to be seen.
Online / On Demand Viewing. If you're not 'mock-doc' averse, you'll want to take a look at What the Funny?, a new web series by Lynn Shelton that's debuting exclusively on Babelgum this week. Shelton made the bromance male relationship flick Humpday, so she knows a little bit about dry and humorous. The first episode is up, and if you like it, you can look forward to ten more episodes in the days ahead.
After the jump: a secret, a prophet, and dolphins.
Pitch of the Day: More William Atherton
Filed under: Casting
Last night's episode of Lost reminded me of something important: William Atherton is the man. It's been a number of years since he's really been able to shine in memorable a-hole-ness the way he did last night as the show's "pervy" principal. Many years ago I spotlighted the scene-stealing actor, best known for dirtbag characters in Ghostbusters, Real Genius and the first two Die Hard movies, and Scott paid him similar respect again last fall. But unfortunately there aren't enough people in Hollywood honoring him the way the Lost producers have.So, here's the deal for today's pitch, Hollywood: cast Atherton in as much high-profile gigs as he's able and willing to do. First, add him to Ghostbusters 3. He reprised his EPA jerk for the video game. I'm sure he'd come back for the threequel. Next, if God forbid you do make Die Hard 5, and you can't do it the way I suggested, make Atherton's sleazy TV reporter character the lead villain this time around. He's been absent for the last two installments, but surely he's ready for some kind of revenge on John and Holly McClane -- yes, please get Bonnie Bedelia back, too, if only because she's the best foil for Atherton's Dick Thornburg.
TFF Announces Narrative and Documentary Competition, Showcase Films and More
Filed under: Tribeca
The 9th annual Tribeca Film Festival is set to once again showcase the work of filmmakers from around the globe while highlighting the NYC film scene. Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff back in 2001, the yearly event continues to shine a spotlight on lower Manhattan with a celebration of film, music, and culture.
TFF's 85 feature length and 47 Short Film selections will include 34 titles that are part of the World Narrative and Documentary Competition (some competing for cash prizes), as well as out-of-competit
The Showcase category of the festival will act as a snapshot of global cinema and feature seven films based on a variety of personal stories. Also unique to the festival are three special events , including a screening of a restored print of David Lean's Russian Revolution epic, Doctor Zhivago, on its 45th anniversary and two work-in-progress screenings -- one a revealing documentary on former Governor Eliot Spitzer, and the other a first-person account of a Marine veteran's return to Iraq. I've never actually attended an unfinished film screening before -- have you and did you revisit the film again once complete?
Box Office: The Green League Rembers Our Wedding
Filed under: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Box Office Predictions
I knew Alice in Wonderland was going to do well but I seriously underestimated just how well. Alice had the biggest March opening ever, as well as the strongest opening for a 3D movie and had the best opening in history for a non-sequel. Here's the top five:
1. Alice in Wonderland: $116.1 million
2. Brooklyn's Finest: $13.4 million
3. Shutter Island: $13.2 million
4. Cop Out: $9.2 million
5. Avatar: $8.1 million
We've got a whopping four new releases this week:
The Green Zone
What's It All About: Based on a novel by Rajiv Chandrasekaran, this one is about a U.S. soldier's hunt for weapon's of mass destruction in Iraq during which he learns that factions on both sides of the issue are spinning the truth for their own ends.
Why It Might Do Well: Matt Damon stars, United 93's Paul Greengrass is directing and the film is getting a 71% Fresh rating over at Rottentomatoes.com.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There are still enough strong movies in release to keep this one from climbing too high.
Number of Theaters: 2,900
Prediction: $16
Our Family Wedding
What's It All About: When a young couple announces their plans to wed, their respective fathers (Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia) immediately lock horns.
Why It Might Do Well: America Ferrera stars as the bride and despite Ugly Betty's recent cancellation I always liked her.
Why It Might Not Do Well: WIth or without the ethnic spin, the "families-butt-heads-before-the-wedding" story has been done to death. Also, I so can't stand Carlos Mencia.
Number of Theaters: 1,500
Prediction: $6 million
1. Alice in Wonderland: $116.1 million
2. Brooklyn's Finest: $13.4 million
3. Shutter Island: $13.2 million
4. Cop Out: $9.2 million
5. Avatar: $8.1 million
We've got a whopping four new releases this week:
The Green ZoneWhat's It All About: Based on a novel by Rajiv Chandrasekaran, this one is about a U.S. soldier's hunt for weapon's of mass destruction in Iraq during which he learns that factions on both sides of the issue are spinning the truth for their own ends.
Why It Might Do Well: Matt Damon stars, United 93's Paul Greengrass is directing and the film is getting a 71% Fresh rating over at Rottentomatoes.com.
Why It Might Not Do Well: There are still enough strong movies in release to keep this one from climbing too high.
Number of Theaters: 2,900
Prediction: $16
Our Family WeddingWhat's It All About: When a young couple announces their plans to wed, their respective fathers (Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia) immediately lock horns.
Why It Might Do Well: America Ferrera stars as the bride and despite Ugly Betty's recent cancellation I always liked her.
Why It Might Not Do Well: WIth or without the ethnic spin, the "families-butt-heads-before-the-wedding" story has been done to death. Also, I so can't stand Carlos Mencia.
Number of Theaters: 1,500
Prediction: $6 million
What Were Your Favorite Title Sequences of 2009?
Filed under: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Awards, SXSW, DIY/Filmmaking, George Clooney
Technically this is the kind of headline you might have expected to see in the midst of our best of the year/decade lists. But let's not get too hung up on the timing, because it's going to make perfect sense in a minute. This year at SXSW, the festival has launched the first Excellence in Title Design award, honoring the best opening title sequences in film and television over the past year (judges include Susan Bradley from Pixar and Ian Albinson and Alexander Ulloa from Art of the Title Sequence.) For those in the know, there's a grand tradition in the art of a credit sequence, but sometimes in the rush of blockbusters and big names we forget about all the work and talent that goes into even the most functional of movie arts: the opening credits.
Of course, one of the most talked about title sequences in recent memory was yU+Co's contribution to Zack Snyder's Watchmen (which will go down in history as one of my all time favorites) and it was also one that was notably absent from the list of nominees. Unfortunately, the nominees weren't selected by the good folks at SXSW, and instead, they were chosen from submissions from designers, so I guess yU+Co figured they had gotten enough press for their work on the Watchmen, and went with their contribution to the fantasy adaptation, Cirque du Freak, instead. But it looks like their work on the superhero flick had a lasting effect on other designers, because one of the other nominees, Zombieland, was subtly influenced by yU+Co's creation. Some of the other notable nominees for the grand prize include Gaspar Noe for Enter the Void and Geoff McFetridge's titles for Where the Wild Things Are -- you can see the full list of nominees on the SXSW website.
After the jump: a prediction for the winner's circle and my nominee for best title sequence of 2009...
John Krasinski Ain't Cap, But He May Have a New Franchise
Filed under: Comedy, Romance, Casting, Remakes and Sequels
I'm apparently in the minority, but I was really looking forward to John Krasinski playing Steve Rogers in the Captain America movie. Well, so much for that. On the bright side, though, The Hollywood Reporter brings news of another potential franchise for the TV star. And it's in a genre that more of you are likely to accept Krasinski in than that of superhero movies. Yes, the genre is romantic comedy, which more and more is being deemed by Hollywood as franchise material.Krasinski is in talks to co-star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin in an adaptation of Emily Giffin's chick lit best seller SomethingBorrowed , about a woman who steals her best friend's fiancee. As we learned two years ago, the film was set up by Hilary Swank and her producing partner Molly Smith. Since that initial announcement, a script has been turned in by 90210 writer/producer Jennie Snyder and The Girl Next Door director Luke Greenfield is set to begin shooting this spring.
Remembering the Corey Haim That Was
Is Good Fan Art a Myth?
It Continues! 'Iron Cross' Filmmaker Sues Variety For Negative Review
Christopher Nolan Talks 'Superman' and 'Batman 3'
'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Trailer (10 Second Version)!
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