In Álvaro López Alba’s “Three Summer Days” (“Tres días de verano”), a vacationing family’s dissimilar takes on an event threatens to drive them apart. It follows a father and his two kids on a beach holiday, the young girl, Cris, has fallen for a boy, causing a rift in her friendship with pal Miri. Her brother Dani, feeling isolated, spends the summer confined to his room, fixated on Miri.
Meanwhile, their father is engaged in a secret affair he desperately tries to conceal from them. Over these three days at the beach, the family will struggle to reconnect as insecurities, jealousy and hidden truths unravel their close-knit world.
“I’ve based the story on personal experiences and that of my family and people around me,” López Alba told Variety, who only started making short films some six years ago, and in earnest over the past three.
Given his experience as a psychologist,...
Meanwhile, their father is engaged in a secret affair he desperately tries to conceal from them. Over these three days at the beach, the family will struggle to reconnect as insecurities, jealousy and hidden truths unravel their close-knit world.
“I’ve based the story on personal experiences and that of my family and people around me,” López Alba told Variety, who only started making short films some six years ago, and in earnest over the past three.
Given his experience as a psychologist,...
- 9/25/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has sparked controversy following its portrayal of Eric and Lyle Menendez’s bond onscreen. Based on the 1989 killings of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, the new entry in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters series doesn’t shy away from bringing every possible perspective to light.
Ryan Murphy | Credit: Gage Skidmore/Cc-by-sa-2.0/Creative Commons
But following the depiction of the Menendez brothers’ relationship in the show, which leans towards the incestuous allegations that surrounded the two prior to their trial, the Netflix entry has garnered some backlash. Erik Menendez was one of its detractors, but the showrunner was quick to address the criticisms and shared his reasoning for the controversial scenes.
Ryan Murphy Felt Obligated To Bring Every Perspective to the Table Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story | Credit: Netflix
The second episode in the Netflix show has garnered some hefty backlash from viewers,...
Ryan Murphy | Credit: Gage Skidmore/Cc-by-sa-2.0/Creative Commons
But following the depiction of the Menendez brothers’ relationship in the show, which leans towards the incestuous allegations that surrounded the two prior to their trial, the Netflix entry has garnered some backlash. Erik Menendez was one of its detractors, but the showrunner was quick to address the criticisms and shared his reasoning for the controversial scenes.
Ryan Murphy Felt Obligated To Bring Every Perspective to the Table Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story | Credit: Netflix
The second episode in the Netflix show has garnered some hefty backlash from viewers,...
- 9/24/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
American Zoetrope's filmography is kind of mind-boggling. Co-founded by "Movie Brats" Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in 1969, the distributor and production company has stayed pretty true to its mission statement of backing not just projects by Coppola and his family, but also experimental and international cinema. The list of directors that've had American Zoetrope in their corner at some point or another is just as extraordinary. There's Jean-Luc Godard, Akira Kurosawa, Wim Wenders, Paul Schrader, Agnieszka Holland, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, Godfrey Reggio, Carroll Ballard, and, of course, Tim Burton. Wait, what?
It's true: At the peak of his powers in the 1990s, the ringmaster of the "macabre funhouse" (as /Film's Bj Colangelo has aptly put it) teamed up with Coppola's American Zoetrope for 1999's "Sleepy Hollow."
When you think about it, it's not so surprising that Coppola got in on Burton's creep-tastical revamp of Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
It's true: At the peak of his powers in the 1990s, the ringmaster of the "macabre funhouse" (as /Film's Bj Colangelo has aptly put it) teamed up with Coppola's American Zoetrope for 1999's "Sleepy Hollow."
When you think about it, it's not so surprising that Coppola got in on Burton's creep-tastical revamp of Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
- 9/24/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
When earlier adaptations attempted Junji Ito’s works, critics felt something was lost between panels. By only recreating iconic images instead of bringing them to life, the anime felt static like a slideshow. Uzumaki takes a different path with its animation.
Production I.G. uses motion capture, blending lush 2D and unnerving 3D, to transport Ito’s nightmarish visions like never seen before. Characters move with an uncanny fluid grace that makes their gradual descent into madness unblinkingly suspenseful. Surreal skies and landscapes constantly morph into new horrifying forms.
Black and white emulate the manga’s stark tone perfectly. Scenes that are already disturbing on the page become somehow more so in motion. A character’s grotesquely stretching tongue provokes visceral cringing few adaptations achieve. Color risks drowning out such impact, yet black and white avoids feeling like a mere gimmick—it enhances the dreamlike spell Uzumaki casts.
Ito himself praises this adaptation,...
Production I.G. uses motion capture, blending lush 2D and unnerving 3D, to transport Ito’s nightmarish visions like never seen before. Characters move with an uncanny fluid grace that makes their gradual descent into madness unblinkingly suspenseful. Surreal skies and landscapes constantly morph into new horrifying forms.
Black and white emulate the manga’s stark tone perfectly. Scenes that are already disturbing on the page become somehow more so in motion. A character’s grotesquely stretching tongue provokes visceral cringing few adaptations achieve. Color risks drowning out such impact, yet black and white avoids feeling like a mere gimmick—it enhances the dreamlike spell Uzumaki casts.
Ito himself praises this adaptation,...
- 9/24/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
Tokyo International Film Festival has announced that Japanese filmmaker Sho Miyake and Taiwanese filmmaker Fu Tien-yu will be the joint recipients of the 2024 Kurosawa Akira Award.
The award honors the legacy and ongoing influence of the selected directors. Last year, China’s Gu Xiaogang and Indonesia’s Mouly Surya received the award. The selection committee for this year’s award included Yoji Yamada, Yoko Narahashi, Saburo Kawamoto and TIFF programming director Shozo Ichiyama.
Sho’s credits include Playback (2012), which was selected for Locarno competition and won the Rising Director Grand Prix award at the Takasaki Film Festival; And Your Bird Can Sing (2018); Small, Slow But Steady (2022) and All The Long Nights (2024), with the latter two films screening at Berlin.
Fu is a novelist turned filmmaker who made her directorial debut with Somewhere I Have Never Travelled, followed by My Egg Boy in 2016. In 2023, she directed her third feature film, Day Off,...
The award honors the legacy and ongoing influence of the selected directors. Last year, China’s Gu Xiaogang and Indonesia’s Mouly Surya received the award. The selection committee for this year’s award included Yoji Yamada, Yoko Narahashi, Saburo Kawamoto and TIFF programming director Shozo Ichiyama.
Sho’s credits include Playback (2012), which was selected for Locarno competition and won the Rising Director Grand Prix award at the Takasaki Film Festival; And Your Bird Can Sing (2018); Small, Slow But Steady (2022) and All The Long Nights (2024), with the latter two films screening at Berlin.
Fu is a novelist turned filmmaker who made her directorial debut with Somewhere I Have Never Travelled, followed by My Egg Boy in 2016. In 2023, she directed her third feature film, Day Off,...
- 9/24/2024
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
"I don't care about prizes..." A legend visits the legendary store in Paris! The latest Video Club video from Konbini in Paris is with the one-and-only filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola - there to promote the release of Megalopolis. They've been on a roll (a cinephile's dream job), getting Brad Pitt and Christopher Nolan, but now it's Coppola's turn. And boy does he deliver. It's their banger 100th episode of the Video Club. "The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Dracula... Francis Ford Coppola is probably the most talked-about director in the history of our Video Club. To celebrate our 100th episode, we couldn't have asked for a more legendary guest." He takes his time strolling around the Parisian video store, chatting about films and filmmakers he admires (and a few he doesn't like), telling stories from his past and his experiences in cinema. He mentions other greats like Akira Kurosawa, Orson Welles, Jean Renoir,...
- 9/23/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It is borderline impossible to define the six-decade-long artistic legacy that Clint Eastwood had painstakingly mapped, as his stacked filmography includes everything from certified classics to overlooked gems. Of course, no artist can have an impeccably perfect run, but some, like Eastwood, inch very close to that ideal by re-defining entire genres that will always have a place in cinematic history. Not every good film that Eastwood helmed or starred in made a ton of money at the box office, but artistic success cannot be solely measured via such narrow metrics, as his name is embedded into the public consciousness, for better or worse.
It is tempting to dissect Eastwood's artistry purely through the Western genre — works like "A Fistful of Dollars" or "The Outlaw Josey Wales" capture his contributions succinctly — but there is much more to him than a drawling accent or laidback gunslinging. The actor has often been...
It is tempting to dissect Eastwood's artistry purely through the Western genre — works like "A Fistful of Dollars" or "The Outlaw Josey Wales" capture his contributions succinctly — but there is much more to him than a drawling accent or laidback gunslinging. The actor has often been...
- 9/22/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
by Tran Kinh Quoc
“When the Tenth Month Comes,” directed by Dang Nhat Minh, is widely regarded as one of the most significant films in Vietnamese cinema. Its nuanced portrayal of the inner emotional lives of those left behind during the war sets it apart from many other revolutionary productions of the time, which often prioritized propaganda. Notably, it avoids didacticism, focusing instead on the personal toll of war. It earned its place alongside works by renowned directors like Akira Kurosawa, Zhang Yimou, Wong Kar-wai, and Bong Joon-ho in CNN’s list of the greatest Asian films of all time. It also received prestigious awards, including the Golden Lotus at the 7th Vietnam Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival.
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The story revolves around the heart-wrenching grief of Duyen (portrayed by Le Van) after the loss of her husband Nam,...
“When the Tenth Month Comes,” directed by Dang Nhat Minh, is widely regarded as one of the most significant films in Vietnamese cinema. Its nuanced portrayal of the inner emotional lives of those left behind during the war sets it apart from many other revolutionary productions of the time, which often prioritized propaganda. Notably, it avoids didacticism, focusing instead on the personal toll of war. It earned its place alongside works by renowned directors like Akira Kurosawa, Zhang Yimou, Wong Kar-wai, and Bong Joon-ho in CNN’s list of the greatest Asian films of all time. It also received prestigious awards, including the Golden Lotus at the 7th Vietnam Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival.
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The story revolves around the heart-wrenching grief of Duyen (portrayed by Le Van) after the loss of her husband Nam,...
- 9/22/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
The beauty of Hayao Miyazaki’s works is that Studio Ghibli and his animation style provides a sense of tranquility. Whether it is Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro, not only is there ample range, but there exists something for everyone. The beauty that is consistent in Miyazaki’s works is derived from the dedication and importance of quality.
San, popularly known as Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli
On multiple occasions, the animation has stated that knowing one’s audience is a bigger task than most. Not acting like they are dumb and giving them the benefit of the doubt is what helps his movies shine in the first place. The effort that is put into the making of each and every panel adds to the beauty of the movies.
The Essense of Studio Ghibli’s Works
Even those who are heroes to others have their own people they look up to.
San, popularly known as Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli
On multiple occasions, the animation has stated that knowing one’s audience is a bigger task than most. Not acting like they are dumb and giving them the benefit of the doubt is what helps his movies shine in the first place. The effort that is put into the making of each and every panel adds to the beauty of the movies.
The Essense of Studio Ghibli’s Works
Even those who are heroes to others have their own people they look up to.
- 9/19/2024
- by Adya Godboley
- FandomWire
Cooper Koch, who plays Erik Menendez in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “Monsters,” told TheWrap how he got into character to play the convicted murderer.
“I turned my trailer into Erik’s room so I had clothes everywhere, and I had pictures of him on the wall, pictures of me too,” said the actor, whose previous credits include “They/Them” and “Power Book II: Ghost,” at Monday night’s Los Angeles premiere.
Erik was 21 and his brother Lyle was 18 in 1989 when they shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty (played in the series by Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny) after years of alleged abuse. Both brothers were convicted and are still serving life sentences in prison.
“I looked at videos of me when I was really young, and I watched how my parents treated me, which gave me a level of gratitude for my family and my parents. I listened to [Erik] and watched him religiously.
“I turned my trailer into Erik’s room so I had clothes everywhere, and I had pictures of him on the wall, pictures of me too,” said the actor, whose previous credits include “They/Them” and “Power Book II: Ghost,” at Monday night’s Los Angeles premiere.
Erik was 21 and his brother Lyle was 18 in 1989 when they shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty (played in the series by Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny) after years of alleged abuse. Both brothers were convicted and are still serving life sentences in prison.
“I looked at videos of me when I was really young, and I watched how my parents treated me, which gave me a level of gratitude for my family and my parents. I listened to [Erik] and watched him religiously.
- 9/19/2024
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
While streaming services like Netflix offer a shockingly small number of films made before the advent of the Chicken McNugget, thankfully Turner Classic Movies is still showcasing the “greatest classic films of all time from one of the largest film libraries in the world.” And the cable channel doesn’t just air movies, they regularly feature interviews with filmmakers, critics, and this week, the star of Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death.
Yes, Bill Maher just sat down with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz to chat about Warren Beatty’s progressive historical drama Reds. Of course, Maher didn’t actually leave the confines of his mancave compound for the interview, forcing Mankiewicz to film the segment while sitting in one of the Club Random chairs that hopefully gets disinfected every now and again. Thankfully, Maher didn’t once get confused and start ranting about the woke mob, or how...
Yes, Bill Maher just sat down with TCM host Ben Mankiewicz to chat about Warren Beatty’s progressive historical drama Reds. Of course, Maher didn’t actually leave the confines of his mancave compound for the interview, forcing Mankiewicz to film the segment while sitting in one of the Club Random chairs that hopefully gets disinfected every now and again. Thankfully, Maher didn’t once get confused and start ranting about the woke mob, or how...
- 9/17/2024
- Cracked
Hiroyuki Sanada is one of Japan’s most notable stars and has appeared in quite a few titles throughout the years. His work on Shogun secured him his first Emmy award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
The gaming community has put two and two together and figured Sanada is a perfect fit for the upcoming live-action Ghost of Tsushima adaptation, with director Chad Stahelski, as Lord Shimura. Sanada’s previous experience in sword fighting and his Japanese heritage makes it a no-brainer decision for Stahelski to offer him a role of a lifetime.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Role in Shogun Secured Him an Emmy for Best Lead Actor
The gaming community has high hopes for the live-action adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima and expects the highest degree of filmmaking from Chad Stahelski for this project. Stahelski is no stranger to Japanese culture and briefly danced with the idea during...
The gaming community has put two and two together and figured Sanada is a perfect fit for the upcoming live-action Ghost of Tsushima adaptation, with director Chad Stahelski, as Lord Shimura. Sanada’s previous experience in sword fighting and his Japanese heritage makes it a no-brainer decision for Stahelski to offer him a role of a lifetime.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Role in Shogun Secured Him an Emmy for Best Lead Actor
The gaming community has high hopes for the live-action adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima and expects the highest degree of filmmaking from Chad Stahelski for this project. Stahelski is no stranger to Japanese culture and briefly danced with the idea during...
- 9/16/2024
- by Rouvin Josef Quirimit
- FandomWire
FX’s Shogun extended its reign over the 2024 Emmys on Sunday night. Going into the evening, the hit samurai series already held the record for the most wins by any show in a single year, having bagged 14 trophies at the Creative Arts Emmys a week ago. But the show further cemented its rule inside the Peacock Theater at the Primetime Emmys, winning an additional four awards, including the top categories of best drama series, best actress in a drama series for Anna Sawai, best actor in a drama series for Hiroyuki Sanada and best drama directing for Frederick E.O. Toye.
Shogun’s triumph is momentous on several fronts. The historic awards haul represents a huge win for FX and parent company Disney for a pricey series that took nearly 10 years to bring to fruition and once looked like a very uncertain bet. It’s also a major moment for Asian representation and non-English-language television.
Shogun’s triumph is momentous on several fronts. The historic awards haul represents a huge win for FX and parent company Disney for a pricey series that took nearly 10 years to bring to fruition and once looked like a very uncertain bet. It’s also a major moment for Asian representation and non-English-language television.
- 9/16/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Its place in the Emmy record books already secured after the Creative Arts, Disney/FX’s Shōgun went for a historic sweep, adding four more wins tonight for a staggering total of 18 Emmys in one season, a bench mark that may never be reached again.
That included the Outstanding Drama Series trophy, accepted onstage by series co-creator/executive producer/showrunner Justin Marks and star/producer Hiroyuki Sanada. They were joined by fellow cast members and producers, including executive producer Michaela Clavell whose father, the late James Clavell, wrote the Shōgun book and executive produced the 1980 NBC miniseries adaptation, winning the Outstanding Miniseries Emmy alongside the late Eric Bercovici.
Marks thanked Disney and FX executives for greenlighting “a very expensive subtitled Japanese period piece whose central climax revolves around a poetry competition.”
“We share this award with our extraordinary cast and crew from Japan and North America,” he added. “Shōgun is a show about translation,...
That included the Outstanding Drama Series trophy, accepted onstage by series co-creator/executive producer/showrunner Justin Marks and star/producer Hiroyuki Sanada. They were joined by fellow cast members and producers, including executive producer Michaela Clavell whose father, the late James Clavell, wrote the Shōgun book and executive produced the 1980 NBC miniseries adaptation, winning the Outstanding Miniseries Emmy alongside the late Eric Bercovici.
Marks thanked Disney and FX executives for greenlighting “a very expensive subtitled Japanese period piece whose central climax revolves around a poetry competition.”
“We share this award with our extraordinary cast and crew from Japan and North America,” he added. “Shōgun is a show about translation,...
- 9/16/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In the world of direction, only a few filmmakers have achieved the same respect as the legendary Steven Spielberg. The mastermind behind the iconic Jaws has several accolades to his name, further solidifying his status in the industry. However, he himself has a favorite filmmaker, and it’s not what others would assume.
Steven Spielberg || Credits: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, Az, United States of America || Cca 2.0/Wikimedia Commons
Unlike other big shots in the industry like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan, it’s Jordan Peele who has made Spielberg his biggest fan.
Not Martin Scorsese but Jordan Peele Is Steven Spielberg’s Favorite Director
With his career spanning several decades, Steven Spielberg‘s filmmaking success is unparalleled. Further, with several well-acclaimed projects and three Academy Awards under his belt, he’s set the golden standard of filmmaking in the industry.
While his success in Hollywood is remarkable, he also acknowledges...
Steven Spielberg || Credits: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, Az, United States of America || Cca 2.0/Wikimedia Commons
Unlike other big shots in the industry like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan, it’s Jordan Peele who has made Spielberg his biggest fan.
Not Martin Scorsese but Jordan Peele Is Steven Spielberg’s Favorite Director
With his career spanning several decades, Steven Spielberg‘s filmmaking success is unparalleled. Further, with several well-acclaimed projects and three Academy Awards under his belt, he’s set the golden standard of filmmaking in the industry.
While his success in Hollywood is remarkable, he also acknowledges...
- 9/11/2024
- by Sakshi Singh
- FandomWire
Red Sun is not one of the most well respected spaghetti westerns. Face facts: in their time none of the spaghetti westerns were well respected, just populist vehicles for sex and violence. Made primarily for European audiences, they portrayed the wild west as brutal and dangerous, populated by mercenary thugs. They depicted violence, cruelty and outright criminality. In particular Once Upon A Time In The West shows the expansion of the US as being built out of exploitation, suffering and greed. As an outside view of American society they run against the nation-building narratives of the Hollywood westerns. "To see oursels as ithers see us!" There are no white hats. Might is destructive and oppressive, not right.
What make Red Sun a film of interest is its unusual cast and premise. In 1954, taking inspiration from a number of westerns, Akira Kurosawa made the cinematic masterpiece Seven Samurai. Toshiro Mifune co-stars.
What make Red Sun a film of interest is its unusual cast and premise. In 1954, taking inspiration from a number of westerns, Akira Kurosawa made the cinematic masterpiece Seven Samurai. Toshiro Mifune co-stars.
- 9/7/2024
- by Donald Munro
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Is it wrong to say something good came out of fascism? Probably. And it should be noted that Venice International Film Festival’s founder, Guiseppe Volpi, though a leading figure within Italy’s National Fascist Party, did ultimately oppose Benito Mussolini‘s government and the country’s alliance with Germany and Adolf Hitler. Nonetheless, his legacy is tainted as a result of this association, even with his and his family’s massive contributions to cinema.
The Venice International Film Festival began in 1932 as a result of Italy’s growing appreciation and interest in film. The Floating City had already played host to an arts festival known as Venice Biennale since 1893, so this film section was tied in and quickly overshadowed all other showcases. The actual event is held on the island of Lido rather than in the city’s central hub. This location was chosen in order to increase tourism...
The Venice International Film Festival began in 1932 as a result of Italy’s growing appreciation and interest in film. The Floating City had already played host to an arts festival known as Venice Biennale since 1893, so this film section was tied in and quickly overshadowed all other showcases. The actual event is held on the island of Lido rather than in the city’s central hub. This location was chosen in order to increase tourism...
- 9/2/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Star Wars Outlaws is now available worldwide on various gaming platforms and the initial reactions have been mixed for the most part. The game developers took a massive risk by revisiting a major turning point in the Star Wars saga and introducing a new character that is not in a way directly involved in the main conflict.
Legacy fans of the original Star Wars trilogy will notice something familiar in this project. Image Credit: Massive Entertainment
The visuals and atmosphere play a key role in this universe. The game developers wanted to honor what inspired George Lucas in the past.
The Narrative Director Admitted They Were Going for a Specific Approach in Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft handed this original Star Wars project to Massive Entertainment and the game developers were equally optimistic and nervous for the right reasons. After years of development and hard work, the game is finally out...
Legacy fans of the original Star Wars trilogy will notice something familiar in this project. Image Credit: Massive Entertainment
The visuals and atmosphere play a key role in this universe. The game developers wanted to honor what inspired George Lucas in the past.
The Narrative Director Admitted They Were Going for a Specific Approach in Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft handed this original Star Wars project to Massive Entertainment and the game developers were equally optimistic and nervous for the right reasons. After years of development and hard work, the game is finally out...
- 9/2/2024
- by Rouvin Josef Quirimit
- FandomWire
At a recent masterclass event in Venice, veteran actor Richard Gere shared behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious film career spanning decades. Now 73 years old, Gere sat down to discuss some of his most memorable roles with fans who came to celebrate his birthday and learn more about the filmmaking process.
One role he focused on was Julian in “Pretty Woman.” During a showing of the famous piano scene with co-star Julia Roberts, Gere admitted there was real “chemistry” between them. However, he revealed the scene was never planned – it emerged from improvisation after the director suggested exploring his character. This unexpected moment added new depth, allowing Roberts’ character to see Julian differently.
Gere also described his character as “criminally underwritten” at first, meant only to look good. But the piano scene demonstrated a “mysterious yearning and maybe damaged quality” that expanded him. The actor enjoyed exploring characters in an organic way versus strictly following scripts.
One role he focused on was Julian in “Pretty Woman.” During a showing of the famous piano scene with co-star Julia Roberts, Gere admitted there was real “chemistry” between them. However, he revealed the scene was never planned – it emerged from improvisation after the director suggested exploring his character. This unexpected moment added new depth, allowing Roberts’ character to see Julian differently.
Gere also described his character as “criminally underwritten” at first, meant only to look good. But the piano scene demonstrated a “mysterious yearning and maybe damaged quality” that expanded him. The actor enjoyed exploring characters in an organic way versus strictly following scripts.
- 9/1/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
Richard Gere celebrated his 75th birthday with hyped-up fans at a masterclass hosted by Cartier at the Venice Film Festival and revealed some behind-the-scenes on the filming of his 1990 hit movie “Pretty Woman” which catapulted Julia Roberts into star status.
Reacting to a clip of his steamy piano scene with Roberts, Gere laughed and blushed about his palpable chemistry with the actor.
“No chemistry,” he laughed. “I mean, this actor and this actress, obviously, had no chemistry between them… I haven’t seen that in a long time, too. It was a sexy, sexy scene.”
Gere then went on to share that the scene had been improvised. “This was never in the script. … We didn’t know how we would use it later. It ended up being integral to the film,” said Gere, who also joked that he “was playing a character that was almost criminally underwritten. It was basically...
Reacting to a clip of his steamy piano scene with Roberts, Gere laughed and blushed about his palpable chemistry with the actor.
“No chemistry,” he laughed. “I mean, this actor and this actress, obviously, had no chemistry between them… I haven’t seen that in a long time, too. It was a sexy, sexy scene.”
Gere then went on to share that the scene had been improvised. “This was never in the script. … We didn’t know how we would use it later. It ended up being integral to the film,” said Gere, who also joked that he “was playing a character that was almost criminally underwritten. It was basically...
- 9/1/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Star Wars is one of the most lucrative media franchises to come out of Hollywood, starting out as a personal project for George Lucas, and having all the trappings of a perfect B-movie. However, the franchise has since snowballed into one of the pillars of Disney, and one of the most lucrative IPs to come out of classical Hollywood.
George Lucas, in an interview with Charlie Ross, talked a lot about how he accidentally stumbled onto mainstream success, something that forced him to make the kind of films that he wasn’t very keen on. Further, Star Wars would eventually end up out of his hands, leaving the director free to do what he set out to do in the first place: make films for himself.
George Lucas never wanted to make popular films George Lucas || Image by Joey Gannon, licensed under Cc By-sa 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
George Lucas revealed that,...
George Lucas, in an interview with Charlie Ross, talked a lot about how he accidentally stumbled onto mainstream success, something that forced him to make the kind of films that he wasn’t very keen on. Further, Star Wars would eventually end up out of his hands, leaving the director free to do what he set out to do in the first place: make films for himself.
George Lucas never wanted to make popular films George Lucas || Image by Joey Gannon, licensed under Cc By-sa 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
George Lucas revealed that,...
- 8/29/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Megalopolis director Francis Ford Coppola has joined Letterboxd, the social cataloguing service where members can rate and review films and keep track of what they’ve watched. I’m a little addicted. Coppola has shared a list of twenty films that he would recommend to any cinephile or aspiring filmmaker, which you can check out below.
French Cancan (Jean Renoir) The Bad Sleep Well (Akira Kurosawa) The Bitter Tea of General Yen (Frank Capra) Shanghai Express (Josef von Sternberg) The Awful Truth (Leo McCarey) The Ladies Man (Jerry Lewis) The Burmese Harp (Kon Ichikawa) Tokyo Story (Yasujirō Ozu) The Last Laugh (F.W. Murnau) The Blue Angel (Josef von Sternberg) Splendor in the Grass (Elia Kazan) Punch Drunk Love (Paul Thomas Anderson) Empire of the Sun (Steven Spielberg) Sunrise (F.W. Murnau) Joyless Street (G.W. Pabst) A Place in the Sun (George Stevens) The King of Comedy (Martin Scorsese) After...
French Cancan (Jean Renoir) The Bad Sleep Well (Akira Kurosawa) The Bitter Tea of General Yen (Frank Capra) Shanghai Express (Josef von Sternberg) The Awful Truth (Leo McCarey) The Ladies Man (Jerry Lewis) The Burmese Harp (Kon Ichikawa) Tokyo Story (Yasujirō Ozu) The Last Laugh (F.W. Murnau) The Blue Angel (Josef von Sternberg) Splendor in the Grass (Elia Kazan) Punch Drunk Love (Paul Thomas Anderson) Empire of the Sun (Steven Spielberg) Sunrise (F.W. Murnau) Joyless Street (G.W. Pabst) A Place in the Sun (George Stevens) The King of Comedy (Martin Scorsese) After...
- 8/28/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
With a career spanning more than 40 years, nine Oscar nominations (a record for a Black actor) and a potential hit with Gladiator II, what else is left for Denzel Washington to accomplish on the big screen? As it turns out, maybe not so much after all, as the actor has indicated that he could possibly be nearing retirement as he nears 70.
Speaking with Empire as part of their new cover story for Gladiator II – in which he plays Macrinus, a broker who wants to take over Rome – Denzel Washington said that at this point in his career, he really needs to find a compelling project to even consider signing on. “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley…He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film.
Speaking with Empire as part of their new cover story for Gladiator II – in which he plays Macrinus, a broker who wants to take over Rome – Denzel Washington said that at this point in his career, he really needs to find a compelling project to even consider signing on. “There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley…He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film.
- 8/25/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Is Denzel Washington considering retirement? Maybe so. Yes, he’s got “Gladiator II” coming out this November, a Spike Lee-directed remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low” in the can, and an epic re-teaming with frequent collaborator Antoine Fuqua on the horizon, but in a recent interview with Empire, the Academy Award-winning actor and occasional writer/director hinted that his career may be winding down, but it’s filmmakers like Ridley Scott that keep him interested.
“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said, referencing his experience on “Gladiator II.”
Washington shared that his previous experience working with Scott on “American Gangster” helped persuade him to take on the role of Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer in “Gladiator II” who “wants to be...
“There are very few films left for me to make that I’m interested in, and I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley,” Washington said, referencing his experience on “Gladiator II.”
Washington shared that his previous experience working with Scott on “American Gangster” helped persuade him to take on the role of Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer in “Gladiator II” who “wants to be...
- 8/24/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
A feature adaptation of A Pale View of Hills, the debut novel of Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, has begun filming in Japan.
The mystery drama is adapted and directed by Japanese filmmaker Kei Ishikawa, whose previous feature A Man scooped eight awards including best film at the Japanese Academy Awards following its premiere at Venice in 2022.
The upcoming film is presented by U-Next, Japan’s leading local streaming company, and produced by Bunbuku, the Japanese production company founded by Hirokazu Kore-eda, in association with the UK’s Number 9 Films, led by producers Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen.
Ishiguro serves...
The mystery drama is adapted and directed by Japanese filmmaker Kei Ishikawa, whose previous feature A Man scooped eight awards including best film at the Japanese Academy Awards following its premiere at Venice in 2022.
The upcoming film is presented by U-Next, Japan’s leading local streaming company, and produced by Bunbuku, the Japanese production company founded by Hirokazu Kore-eda, in association with the UK’s Number 9 Films, led by producers Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen.
Ishiguro serves...
- 8/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Ascot Elite Entertainment, which previously enjoyed success with Northmen – A Viking Saga, has announced a new Viking project, provisionally entitled Seven for Valhalla.
The project reunites the Swiss production group with writing duo Bastian Zach and Matthias Bauer, who co-wrote Northmen – A Viking Saga.
Their screenplay is set to take inspiration from Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 classic action picture Seven Samurai, about seven samurai who muster their forces to defend their village from bandits.
The project comes a decade after Ascot Elite successfully made its first foray into production with the 2014 hit Northmen – A Viking Saga, directed by Claudio Fäh and starring Tom Hopper, Ed Skrein, James Norton and Johan Hegg.
In between times, writing partners Zach and Bauer have enjoyed success with their screenplay for the Ard/Orf crime series Death In The Prater, which achieved record viewing figures, and were also instrumental in shaping the concept...
The project reunites the Swiss production group with writing duo Bastian Zach and Matthias Bauer, who co-wrote Northmen – A Viking Saga.
Their screenplay is set to take inspiration from Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 classic action picture Seven Samurai, about seven samurai who muster their forces to defend their village from bandits.
The project comes a decade after Ascot Elite successfully made its first foray into production with the 2014 hit Northmen – A Viking Saga, directed by Claudio Fäh and starring Tom Hopper, Ed Skrein, James Norton and Johan Hegg.
In between times, writing partners Zach and Bauer have enjoyed success with their screenplay for the Ard/Orf crime series Death In The Prater, which achieved record viewing figures, and were also instrumental in shaping the concept...
- 8/21/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
In the midst of their press tour for Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” starring romantic partner Channing Tatum, the duo took a not-so-brief pit-stop at the Criterion Closet to score a bevy of cinematic treats. Many of their choices outlined their shared eclectic taste and emphasized a relationship largely based around a love for films of all kind.
“We’re so excited to be here, this is like a dream come true,” Kravitz said as she and Tatum began their shopping spree. “I grew up in video stores, so this is also just a nice feeling cause that’s not really a thing anymore, sadly.”
Though the video was shot prior to the death of Gena Rowlands and posted on the day the news broke, there’s a serendipitous homage to the late actor, as well her husband and collaborator John Cassavetes.
“We love Cassavetes,” Kravitz said...
“We’re so excited to be here, this is like a dream come true,” Kravitz said as she and Tatum began their shopping spree. “I grew up in video stores, so this is also just a nice feeling cause that’s not really a thing anymore, sadly.”
Though the video was shot prior to the death of Gena Rowlands and posted on the day the news broke, there’s a serendipitous homage to the late actor, as well her husband and collaborator John Cassavetes.
“We love Cassavetes,” Kravitz said...
- 8/18/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
The Criterion Collection, known for releasing classic and influential films in high quality formats, has revealed several new movie titles coming in November 2024. The lineup showcases a diverse range of films from different eras and genres. Notable releases include upgraded versions of two iconic Japanese films from the 1950s as well as Oscar-winning American movies. Art house releases sitting lesser-known but important works are also part of the fall slate.
Leading the list are new 4K transfers of Akira Kurosawa’s epic “Seven Samurai” from 1954 and Ishirō Honda’s original “Godzilla” movie. These films helped establish their genres and are considered highly influential internationally. For the first time, “Godzilla” will be a stand-alone release rather than part of a box set.
Also debuting is Peter Bogdanovich’s 1973 film “Paper Moon” starring 10-year old Tatum O’Neal. Her performance opposite her father Ryan O’Neal won her an Academy Award for best supporting actress,...
Leading the list are new 4K transfers of Akira Kurosawa’s epic “Seven Samurai” from 1954 and Ishirō Honda’s original “Godzilla” movie. These films helped establish their genres and are considered highly influential internationally. For the first time, “Godzilla” will be a stand-alone release rather than part of a box set.
Also debuting is Peter Bogdanovich’s 1973 film “Paper Moon” starring 10-year old Tatum O’Neal. Her performance opposite her father Ryan O’Neal won her an Academy Award for best supporting actress,...
- 8/17/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
Blu-ray collectors, rejoice. The Criterion Collection unveiled its November 2024 slate of releases this week, and the month looks like an embarrassment of riches for cinephiles looking to expand their physical media collections. The boutique distributor will be rolling out six new titles, several of which have long been coveted by Criterion fans: “Funny Girl,” “Paper Moon,” “Demon Pond,” and “Scarface,” along with new 4K editions of “Godzilla” and “Seven Samurai.”
William Wyler’s 1968 film adaptation of the musical “Funny Girl” marked Barbara Streisand’s big screen debut, turning the actress into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars overnight and earning her an Oscar for Best Actress on her first nomination. The film quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has remained one of the most popular (and quoted) movie musicals of all time.
Peter Bogdanovich’s “Paper Moon” is widely regarded as one of the greatest showcases for a child actor in film history.
William Wyler’s 1968 film adaptation of the musical “Funny Girl” marked Barbara Streisand’s big screen debut, turning the actress into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars overnight and earning her an Oscar for Best Actress on her first nomination. The film quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has remained one of the most popular (and quoted) movie musicals of all time.
Peter Bogdanovich’s “Paper Moon” is widely regarded as one of the greatest showcases for a child actor in film history.
- 8/17/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Batman: Arkham City allowed many players to take down their favorite DC villains, including The Riddler. However, the genius megalomaniac could only be taken down in a very specific way, and the Bat never actually lands a blow on the man!
Just like him, there are many bosses in video games that the player never needs to attack, or can straight up ignore, to win the fight, and sometimes the game! Here are nine such video game bosses that gave players a new way to complete the game.
9. The Riddler – Batman: Arkham City The hunt for The Riddler took us all over the map. | Credits: Rocksteady Studios
The Riddler is one of the many villains present in the sequel to Arkham Asylum, and the game really takes advantage of his proclivities to get the player to explore the new open map. As with all of his other appearances across media,...
Just like him, there are many bosses in video games that the player never needs to attack, or can straight up ignore, to win the fight, and sometimes the game! Here are nine such video game bosses that gave players a new way to complete the game.
9. The Riddler – Batman: Arkham City The hunt for The Riddler took us all over the map. | Credits: Rocksteady Studios
The Riddler is one of the many villains present in the sequel to Arkham Asylum, and the game really takes advantage of his proclivities to get the player to explore the new open map. As with all of his other appearances across media,...
- 8/17/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
Marking perhaps their biggest 4K month yet, the Criterion Collection’s November lineup runs between some of the company’s oldest titles, flagship newer(ish) releases, and a contemporary auteur’s career peak. The inevitable (but welcome!) follow-up to Janus’ theatrical rerelease is a big upgrade for Seven Samurai, Criterion’s second-ever DVD release––hopefully this portends Grand Illusion someday soon. Likewise, Godzilla grows from format to format as if an irradiated lizard.
Two movies somehow not in the Criterion Collection despite every neuron telling me otherwise, Howard Hawks’ Scarface gets 2,160 pixels, nearly equal to the number of bullets sprayed from Tony Camonte’s Tommy gun; and Peter Bogdanovich’s Paper Moon. Onto movies in color: William Wyler’s Funny Girl should only look dazzling in such resolution, while The Shape of Water means you now need two hands to count the number of Guillermo del Toro films given Criterion’s anointment.
Two movies somehow not in the Criterion Collection despite every neuron telling me otherwise, Howard Hawks’ Scarface gets 2,160 pixels, nearly equal to the number of bullets sprayed from Tony Camonte’s Tommy gun; and Peter Bogdanovich’s Paper Moon. Onto movies in color: William Wyler’s Funny Girl should only look dazzling in such resolution, while The Shape of Water means you now need two hands to count the number of Guillermo del Toro films given Criterion’s anointment.
- 8/15/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers from Deadpool & Wolverine.
While Fox largely made Wolverine a very popular character in the mainstream, other characters in the X-Men franchise were largely relegated to secondary character status. However, under Marvel Animation, Beau DeMayo was able to revitalize the IP completely, bringing these characters to the forefront and turning in a superhero tour de force at a time when other studios were also busy releasing bangers like Invincible and The Boys.
X-Men ’97 || Credit: Marvel Animation
However, despite the many nominations and awards that might be on the way for Disney and Marvel thanks to the show, series creator Beau DeMayo has revealed to audiences on Twitter that he has not yet received any invitation from either the House of Mouse or its comics division to attend the Emmys.
Beau DeMayo’s snub is in poor taste, fans believe Beau DeMayo (Credit: Beau DeMayo...
While Fox largely made Wolverine a very popular character in the mainstream, other characters in the X-Men franchise were largely relegated to secondary character status. However, under Marvel Animation, Beau DeMayo was able to revitalize the IP completely, bringing these characters to the forefront and turning in a superhero tour de force at a time when other studios were also busy releasing bangers like Invincible and The Boys.
X-Men ’97 || Credit: Marvel Animation
However, despite the many nominations and awards that might be on the way for Disney and Marvel thanks to the show, series creator Beau DeMayo has revealed to audiences on Twitter that he has not yet received any invitation from either the House of Mouse or its comics division to attend the Emmys.
Beau DeMayo’s snub is in poor taste, fans believe Beau DeMayo (Credit: Beau DeMayo...
- 8/13/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Wesley Snipes’ Blade helped kick off the rise of the superhero genre in Hollywood. While most attribute the first X-Men film and Spider-Man to be the two franchises that reinvigorated the genre, Snipes’ vampire superhero proved to be Marvel’s first successful film. Fans are now looking at Blade as the beginning of Marvel’s domination in the superhero genre.
Wesley Snipes as Eric Brooks in 1998’s Blade | New Line Cinema
Snipes made a surprise return as Blade in the recent MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor’s spectacular special appearance thrilled audiences and proved that he hasn’t lost his mojo. Ryan Reynolds recently expressed his interest in seeing a Logan-style send-off for Blade. X-Men ’97 creator Beau DeMayo has an amazing pitch for a fourth Blade film with Snipes.
Beau DeMayo Wants A Potential Fourth Blade Movie To Be A Kurosawa-Inspired Vampire Saga
Blade: Trinity was...
Wesley Snipes as Eric Brooks in 1998’s Blade | New Line Cinema
Snipes made a surprise return as Blade in the recent MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor’s spectacular special appearance thrilled audiences and proved that he hasn’t lost his mojo. Ryan Reynolds recently expressed his interest in seeing a Logan-style send-off for Blade. X-Men ’97 creator Beau DeMayo has an amazing pitch for a fourth Blade film with Snipes.
Beau DeMayo Wants A Potential Fourth Blade Movie To Be A Kurosawa-Inspired Vampire Saga
Blade: Trinity was...
- 8/12/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Poochamin is an illustrator living in Japan. In his own words: I mainly use acrylic paints to create my illustrations. I was greatly influenced at an early age by the traditional hand-painted poster art of the legendary Japanese artist Noriyoshi Ourai, and I am currently seeking to approach the work of Tony Stella and other great artists who have created cover art for Blu-ray labels
Over the past two years, I have done artwork for several Blu-ray labels, including Vinegar Syndrome, Mediacs, Shamrock Media, Film-und FERNSEHSCHÄTZE, Cinestrange Extreme. I have also done poster art for Revue Cinema's programmer Black Belt Cinema in Canada for Bloodsport and Showdown in Little Tokyo, and for Paradise Theatre's programmer Eastern Promises Akira Kurosawa's Ran screening event at Eastern Promises. I have also provided numerous other illustrations for several Japanese publishers.
I love Asian movies and my goal is to draw cover art for Korean movies in the future.
Over the past two years, I have done artwork for several Blu-ray labels, including Vinegar Syndrome, Mediacs, Shamrock Media, Film-und FERNSEHSCHÄTZE, Cinestrange Extreme. I have also done poster art for Revue Cinema's programmer Black Belt Cinema in Canada for Bloodsport and Showdown in Little Tokyo, and for Paradise Theatre's programmer Eastern Promises Akira Kurosawa's Ran screening event at Eastern Promises. I have also provided numerous other illustrations for several Japanese publishers.
I love Asian movies and my goal is to draw cover art for Korean movies in the future.
- 8/8/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The impact of Frank Herbert’s Dune upon its release, which reshaped the sci-fi landscape, can’t be overstated. While it would take another two decades before the novel saw its own big-screen adaptation, directed by David Lynch, it did contribute to making George Lucas’ Star Wars iconic.
While Star Wars is an amalgamation of many works, including Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz, it’s the influence of Dune that stands out the most. But despite the similarities, Lynch was less than thrilled when asked to direct Return of the Jedi.
David Lynch Had No Interest in Helming Return of the Jedi David Lynch. | Credit: Aaron from Seattle/Cca-2.0/Wikimedia Commons.
Before helming the first Dune adaptation in 1984, which ended up becoming one of the biggest mishaps in David Lynch‘s career, the director was initially offered to take the wheel of Star Wars.
While Star Wars is an amalgamation of many works, including Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz, it’s the influence of Dune that stands out the most. But despite the similarities, Lynch was less than thrilled when asked to direct Return of the Jedi.
David Lynch Had No Interest in Helming Return of the Jedi David Lynch. | Credit: Aaron from Seattle/Cca-2.0/Wikimedia Commons.
Before helming the first Dune adaptation in 1984, which ended up becoming one of the biggest mishaps in David Lynch‘s career, the director was initially offered to take the wheel of Star Wars.
- 8/6/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
Over three years since his overstuffed but artistically coherent re-edit of Justice League hit a pandemic-starved market, Netflix has made it clear that they still consider the booming, bullish buzz surrounding Zack Snyder’s triumph over studio interference a lucrative distribution strategy—so much so that they’re willing to...
- 8/5/2024
- by Rory Doherty
- avclub.com
Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon” movies are back, and this time they’re longer than ever. Not better, for the most part. Just longer. Unlike many director’s cuts — including Snyder’s own “Justice League” — the updated versions of “Rebel Moon” don’t change the narrative very much. There’s a little more backstory and a lot more fake-looking CGI blood, but “Rebel Moon — Chapter 1: Chalice of Blood” and “Rebel Moon — Chapter 2: Curse of Forgiveness” tell the same tale as before and make about as much of an impact.
The story of “Rebel Moon,” in case you missed it the first time, tells the tale of Veldt, a small farming village in outer space. When the evil Motherworld comes to take the town’s grain, a fugitive in their midst named Kora (Sofia Boutella) embarks on an epic quest to find warriors who will risk their lives to save her village,...
The story of “Rebel Moon,” in case you missed it the first time, tells the tale of Veldt, a small farming village in outer space. When the evil Motherworld comes to take the town’s grain, a fugitive in their midst named Kora (Sofia Boutella) embarks on an epic quest to find warriors who will risk their lives to save her village,...
- 8/2/2024
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
The British Film Institute (BFI) is set to make waves with its upcoming “Art of Action” season, anchored by a re-release of Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 cult classic “Point Break.”
The U.K.-wide celebration of action choreography in cinema will run from October to December, offering audiences a high-octane journey through the evolution of the genre.
BFI Distribution will bring “Point Break,” starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, back to U.K. cinemas on Nov. 8. The film’s return to the big screen after years of limited theatrical showings is expected to be a major draw for both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.
The “Art of Action” season, presented by the BFI Film Audience Network using National Lottery funds, aims to showcase the artistry behind action sequences that have kept audiences enthralled for decades. The program will feature a diverse array of films, including silent era classics like Buster Keaton...
The U.K.-wide celebration of action choreography in cinema will run from October to December, offering audiences a high-octane journey through the evolution of the genre.
BFI Distribution will bring “Point Break,” starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, back to U.K. cinemas on Nov. 8. The film’s return to the big screen after years of limited theatrical showings is expected to be a major draw for both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.
The “Art of Action” season, presented by the BFI Film Audience Network using National Lottery funds, aims to showcase the artistry behind action sequences that have kept audiences enthralled for decades. The program will feature a diverse array of films, including silent era classics like Buster Keaton...
- 7/29/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In December 2023, the first part of Zack Snyder's sci-fi epic "Rebel Moon" was released on Netflix to cold reviews and audience indifference. The story of "Rebel Moon" followed a rebel named Kora who knew that an evil Empire was traveling to her home world -- the titular rebel moon -- to steal all their grain and force the natives to starvation. Kora trekked out into the galaxy to collect whatever ragtag warriors she could find, hoping to hire them as her homeworld's scant defenders.
The story, of course, was adapted directly from Akira Kurosawa's 1954 classic "Seven Samurai," and no review of Snyder's film was complete without direct comparison's to the master's work. Even the plot point of stolen grain is common between the two films.
More cinematically well-versed critics likely also made a comparison to "Battle Beyond the Stars," a 1980 sci-fi "Seven Samurai" riff directed by Jimmy T. Murakami...
The story, of course, was adapted directly from Akira Kurosawa's 1954 classic "Seven Samurai," and no review of Snyder's film was complete without direct comparison's to the master's work. Even the plot point of stolen grain is common between the two films.
More cinematically well-versed critics likely also made a comparison to "Battle Beyond the Stars," a 1980 sci-fi "Seven Samurai" riff directed by Jimmy T. Murakami...
- 7/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When putting together a list of the 25 Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies, it’s like plunging into a spectacular alternate universe of wit, verve, and style. The director of “Rear Window,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest,” and “Psycho” has a body of work so deep there are endless ways you can parse it: Maybe you could focus on his obsession with mothers, his approach to time, or the way food and painting pop up throughout his films.
But on a basic level, you also run into a challenge with Hitchcock you face with few other filmmakers, full-stop: The Master of Suspense is one of the rare directors to have a filmography with both the volume and the quality to credibly field a Top 25. With what other filmmakers can you do that? John Ford, certainly (Ford had the most films in our recent list of the 100 Greatest Westerns). Godard or Fassbinder perhaps? They...
But on a basic level, you also run into a challenge with Hitchcock you face with few other filmmakers, full-stop: The Master of Suspense is one of the rare directors to have a filmography with both the volume and the quality to credibly field a Top 25. With what other filmmakers can you do that? John Ford, certainly (Ford had the most films in our recent list of the 100 Greatest Westerns). Godard or Fassbinder perhaps? They...
- 7/23/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
U.K.-based sales and distribution company Blue Finch Films has secured worldwide rights to “Zero,” an action thriller directed by Jean Luc Herbulot, known for his 2021 TIFF Midnight Madness selection “Saloum.”
The film has been selected for Sitges Film Festival’s first wave, with additional festival announcements expected.
“Zero” follows two Americans who awaken in Senegal with explosive devices attached to their bodies and a 10-hour deadline to uncover the reason. Guided by a mysterious voice on the phone, they must complete a series of tasks that inadvertently cause chaos in Dakar. Against a backdrop of growing anti-Western sentiment, the protagonists race against time for survival and redemption.
The screenplay was co-written by Herbulot and Hus Miller, with Miller also producing alongside Paméla Diop, Steven Adams and Gary Dourdan. The cast includes Miller, Cam McHarg, Moran Rosenblatt, Roger Sallah and Dourdan.
Herbulot said: “I have always admired Sergio Leone’s Westerns,...
The film has been selected for Sitges Film Festival’s first wave, with additional festival announcements expected.
“Zero” follows two Americans who awaken in Senegal with explosive devices attached to their bodies and a 10-hour deadline to uncover the reason. Guided by a mysterious voice on the phone, they must complete a series of tasks that inadvertently cause chaos in Dakar. Against a backdrop of growing anti-Western sentiment, the protagonists race against time for survival and redemption.
The screenplay was co-written by Herbulot and Hus Miller, with Miller also producing alongside Paméla Diop, Steven Adams and Gary Dourdan. The cast includes Miller, Cam McHarg, Moran Rosenblatt, Roger Sallah and Dourdan.
Herbulot said: “I have always admired Sergio Leone’s Westerns,...
- 7/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
One could say it’s a “by-the-numbers” summer with “Despicable Me 4,” “Inside Out 2”” and “A Quiet Place: Day One” among the top box office films. But one of the masterpieces of the 20th century, Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” is back in theaters for its 70th anniversary in a limited release in a new 4K restoration. The acclaimed, influential epic is set in a 16th century Japanese village of poor farmers who hire the seven samurai to protect them from invading bandits intent on stealing their barley crop.
The film stars two members of Japanese filmmaker’s stock company — Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. “Samurai” as noted in the press notes for the new restoration “virtually redefined Japanese cinema’s sword play and period genres, proving Kurosawa a master of both visually thrilling and dramatically complex storytelling.”
Though “Seven Samurai” was released in Japan on April 26, 1954, and was...
The film stars two members of Japanese filmmaker’s stock company — Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. “Samurai” as noted in the press notes for the new restoration “virtually redefined Japanese cinema’s sword play and period genres, proving Kurosawa a master of both visually thrilling and dramatically complex storytelling.”
Though “Seven Samurai” was released in Japan on April 26, 1954, and was...
- 7/17/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Sergio Leone's "A Fistful of Dollars" is not the greatest Spaghetti Western ever made, but it is widely considered to be the first. As the film that made Clint Eastwood an global movie star, it is inarguably the most significant. Most importantly in today's movie marketplace, people who've never seen a Spaghetti Western likely know the title, which makes it a viable candidate for a remake.
And this is fitting because "A Fistful of Dollars" is itself a remake. In fact, it was such a brazenly beat-for-beat copy of Akira Kurosawa's 1961 samurai classic "Yojimbo" that U.S. distributors wouldn't release Leone's film until the filmmaker settled up with the Japanese master and his backers at Toho (Kurosawa wound up making more money off this deal than he did with "Yojimbo").
Of course, "Yojimbo" wasn't an original either. Kurosawa openly acknowledged that his film was inspired by Stuart Heisler...
And this is fitting because "A Fistful of Dollars" is itself a remake. In fact, it was such a brazenly beat-for-beat copy of Akira Kurosawa's 1961 samurai classic "Yojimbo" that U.S. distributors wouldn't release Leone's film until the filmmaker settled up with the Japanese master and his backers at Toho (Kurosawa wound up making more money off this deal than he did with "Yojimbo").
Of course, "Yojimbo" wasn't an original either. Kurosawa openly acknowledged that his film was inspired by Stuart Heisler...
- 7/9/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
A few years ago, we heard that a TV series adaptation of one of the greatest Westerns ever made, the 1964 Sergio Leone / Clint Eastwood classic A Fistful of Dollars, was in the works at Mark Gordon Pictures. That project, which was described as a “contemporary retelling of the story,” has never made it into production – but it looks like we’re going to be getting a new version of A Fistful of Dollars nonetheless. Deadline reports that Euro Gang Entertainment, the company founded by producers Gianni Nunnari and Simon Horsman, is working with Enzo Sisti of Fpc and Jolly Film, which produced A Fistful of Dollars, to get a feature film remake off the ground.
Deadline notes, “It’s still early in the process so production details are under wraps for now. This would most likely be English-language but that hasn’t been confirmed by the team and a writer,...
Deadline notes, “It’s still early in the process so production details are under wraps for now. This would most likely be English-language but that hasn’t been confirmed by the team and a writer,...
- 7/9/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Coming-of-age films have been around for decades, but they seemed to really hit their stride in the 1980s. Films centering around first love, outsiders and bullying rose in popularity throughout the decade, and one of the most beloved turns 40 years old this summer. “The Karate Kid” opened June 22, 1984 and unleashed a new idol for teens to adore, boosted the popularity of martial arts in the U.S. and skillfully delivered the lesson that inner strength is just as powerful (even more so) as outer strength. Let’s take a look back at a classic that proved that a film doesn’t have to have big name stars to become a blockbuster. Read on for more about “The Karate Kid” 40th anniversary.
Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen had been beaten up by a gang of bullies as a teen, and had turned to martial arts to learn to defend himself. Years later,...
Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen had been beaten up by a gang of bullies as a teen, and had turned to martial arts to learn to defend himself. Years later,...
- 7/7/2024
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Would theaters even be operating if not for animated films? It’s a fair question, heavily reinforced by this weekend when “Despicable Me 4” (Universal) and “Inside Out 2” (Disney) combined to gross $105 million.
So far in 2024, animated features have grossed a little under $1 billion, more than 25 percent of the total gross. Take that amount away, it’s hard to imagine most theaters staying afloat. That’s a big increase from 2023, when similar releases made up around 18 percent.
The sixth entry in the “Despicable Me/Minions” franchise grossed about $75 million for the three day weekend, $122.6 million total for five days to take #1 with ease. “Inside Out 2” took second with $30 million, down only 48 percent despite strong new competition. That comes to more than two thirds of the $157 million total.
With “A Quiet Place: Day One” (Paramount) taking in $21 million for third place in its second weekend, three films grossed over...
So far in 2024, animated features have grossed a little under $1 billion, more than 25 percent of the total gross. Take that amount away, it’s hard to imagine most theaters staying afloat. That’s a big increase from 2023, when similar releases made up around 18 percent.
The sixth entry in the “Despicable Me/Minions” franchise grossed about $75 million for the three day weekend, $122.6 million total for five days to take #1 with ease. “Inside Out 2” took second with $30 million, down only 48 percent despite strong new competition. That comes to more than two thirds of the $157 million total.
With “A Quiet Place: Day One” (Paramount) taking in $21 million for third place in its second weekend, three films grossed over...
- 7/7/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“That’s not art. A striptease isn’t art. It’s too direct. It’s more direct than art.”
That line from Akira Kurosawa’s “Ikiru” sums up a lot of feelings people seem to have about nudity in film. The history of painting and sculpture is full of nude portraiture, which is regularly and comfortably classified as art. But the nude scene in movies is rarely discussed alongside a Canova marble statue or Manet’s “Olympia.” Movies blur the boundaries between “real life” and artistic indirection so thoroughly that people discuss nude scenes in movies as practically everything but art. It’s “content” that deserves an “advisory,” or something akin to “porn,” however the Supreme Court is classifying that these days.
As many have noted, the very nature of the actor’s job demands the audience look at them. So when nudity enters the (literal) picture, it complicates the relationship between viewer and viewed.
That line from Akira Kurosawa’s “Ikiru” sums up a lot of feelings people seem to have about nudity in film. The history of painting and sculpture is full of nude portraiture, which is regularly and comfortably classified as art. But the nude scene in movies is rarely discussed alongside a Canova marble statue or Manet’s “Olympia.” Movies blur the boundaries between “real life” and artistic indirection so thoroughly that people discuss nude scenes in movies as practically everything but art. It’s “content” that deserves an “advisory,” or something akin to “porn,” however the Supreme Court is classifying that these days.
As many have noted, the very nature of the actor’s job demands the audience look at them. So when nudity enters the (literal) picture, it complicates the relationship between viewer and viewed.
- 7/6/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Quick: what’s the all-time best middle movie in a popular Og cinematic trilogy? Yes, The Godfather Part II and The Empire Strikes Back are obvious and beyond reproach, but what else comes to mind? Aliens? Terminator 2? Back to the Future Part 2? Evil Dead 2? What about Oldboy or Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? Yeah, all worthy responses that happened to be flat-out wrong!
When peering through the rear-view at the best movie trilogy centerpiece, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior leaves the others in the dust. Released two years after the handcrafted, low-budget original Mad Max, the making of The Road Warrior couldn’t have been more different than what visionary filmmaker George Miller experienced on the first go-around. For instance, the first film was hampered by limited resources and budgetary restrictions. Meanwhile, the sequel was strapped with over 10 times the original movie’s budget, allowing Miller to execute the dazzling,...
When peering through the rear-view at the best movie trilogy centerpiece, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior leaves the others in the dust. Released two years after the handcrafted, low-budget original Mad Max, the making of The Road Warrior couldn’t have been more different than what visionary filmmaker George Miller experienced on the first go-around. For instance, the first film was hampered by limited resources and budgetary restrictions. Meanwhile, the sequel was strapped with over 10 times the original movie’s budget, allowing Miller to execute the dazzling,...
- 7/2/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Kevin Costner is not a filmmaker who thinks small. His debut feature as director, “Dances with Wolves,” was a sweeping epic of the American frontier that overcame industry skepticism in 1990 to prove that the Western genre still had relevance for contemporary audiences — winning Costner a Best Director Oscar in the process. His next directorial effort, 1997’s “The Postman,” was an even bigger swing for the fences, a post-apocalyptic fable that applied Costner’s interest in Western iconography to science fiction, creating a one-of-a-kind adventure film as bold and idiosyncratic as anything released by a Hollywood studio that year. Even a more modest production like “Open Range,” Costner’s 2003 Western about free range cowboys battling an evil rancher, sought to illuminate aspects of the old West elided by other movies, going deep into the intricate details of its characters’ work and personal lives and reconsidering the role of women in the...
- 6/27/2024
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
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If you’ve never heard of Mubi before, there’s never been a better time to get acquainted. This streaming service specializes in high-quality movies from all over the world, and boasts hundreds of titles from auteurs like Stanley Kubrick, Akira Kurosawa, Francis Ford Coppola and many others. Normally Mubi offers a free trial of seven days, but for a limited time new customers can get three months of the service completely free. You read that right; the cost of streaming everything in the Mubi library will be $0 for the next 90 days if you sign up now!
How to Get 3 Months of Mubi Free Click here to get the offer from Mubi. Click “Try Mubi.” Enter your email address and click “Sign Up.” Enter your credit card information and hit “Start Watching.
- 6/27/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
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