It took a global pandemic to get Interpol frontman Paul Banks to speak at a reasonable volume. For two decades, the singer and multi-instrumentalist has done a fairly good impression of a fire searcher, shouting through post-punk smoke at survivors. But because the band wrote its seventh full-length remotely, he mostly abandoned the known pleasures of Ian Curtis worship for a more nuanced approach. Banks’ version of keening (which is still pretty full-throated) kicked over a chain of dominos, which allow Interpol to make more introspective, textured, and altogether breathable...
- 7/12/2022
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Say “no, no, no” all you want, but they’re making a musical biopic about Amy Winehouse whether you like it or not.
Studiocanal is producing the project about the brilliant singer from working class North London who died at the age of 27, and Sam Taylor-Johnson is attached as director. While her biggest financial success was the first “50 Shades of Grey” film, Taylor-Johnson’s first feature was 2007’s “Nowhere Boy,” a “Young John Lennon” project. She has also worked with a number of artists for high level music video projects, like Elton John, R.E.M., and Rhye. Variety reports that she is looking for a “relative newcomer” in the lead role. Austin Butler’s critical success with Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” will likely help her in making that case.
The project is called “Back to Black,” named for Winehouse’s breakout 2006 album that won her five Grammys—for Best...
Studiocanal is producing the project about the brilliant singer from working class North London who died at the age of 27, and Sam Taylor-Johnson is attached as director. While her biggest financial success was the first “50 Shades of Grey” film, Taylor-Johnson’s first feature was 2007’s “Nowhere Boy,” a “Young John Lennon” project. She has also worked with a number of artists for high level music video projects, like Elton John, R.E.M., and Rhye. Variety reports that she is looking for a “relative newcomer” in the lead role. Austin Butler’s critical success with Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” will likely help her in making that case.
The project is called “Back to Black,” named for Winehouse’s breakout 2006 album that won her five Grammys—for Best...
- 7/12/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
A biopic about Amy Winehouse is in the works, helmed by “Nowhere Boy” director Sam Taylor-Johnson.
European studio Studiocanal is backing the film, which has been tightly under wraps. Variety understands that a script for the movie has begun circulating and is now in casting stages. It’s believed Taylor-Johnson hopes to cast a relative newcomer for the part of Winehouse.
The film is believed to be very much a passion project for Taylor-Johnson, who was a close friend of Winehouse’s.
Interestingly, “Back to Black” has the full support of Mitch Winehouse, the late singer’s father, who was portrayed in a negative light in the Oscar-winning documentary “Amy.” Mitch Winehouse also participated in the 2021 BBC documentary “Reclaiming Amy,” which marked the 10-year anniversary of Amy’s death.
“Back to Black” has been written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously collaborated with Taylor-Johnson on “Nowhere Boy” and also wrote “Control,...
European studio Studiocanal is backing the film, which has been tightly under wraps. Variety understands that a script for the movie has begun circulating and is now in casting stages. It’s believed Taylor-Johnson hopes to cast a relative newcomer for the part of Winehouse.
The film is believed to be very much a passion project for Taylor-Johnson, who was a close friend of Winehouse’s.
Interestingly, “Back to Black” has the full support of Mitch Winehouse, the late singer’s father, who was portrayed in a negative light in the Oscar-winning documentary “Amy.” Mitch Winehouse also participated in the 2021 BBC documentary “Reclaiming Amy,” which marked the 10-year anniversary of Amy’s death.
“Back to Black” has been written by Matt Greenhalgh, who previously collaborated with Taylor-Johnson on “Nowhere Boy” and also wrote “Control,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Haley Bennett, Sam Riley and Marisa Abela are starring in “She Is Love,” a new romance from Jamie Adams. The film is made in an improvisational style, one that Adams deployed on previous pictures such as “Black Mountain Poets” and “Love Spreads.” It wrapped principal photography this week in Cornwall, U.K., but had never been formally announced.
Here’s the logline: “Coming face-to-face after being estranged for over a decade, divorced couple, Idris and Patricia, opt to revisit the past and traverse that treacherous path together, emerging open to new beginnings.”
“We have this word in Welsh; ‘Hiraeth,’ it roughly means a ‘longing for home.’ Shooting ‘She Is Love’ felt like coming home,” Adams said. “Very rarely have I left a shoot feeling Hiraeth, feeling longing, to be back on that set, continuing to explore scenes. But when you have a lead cast including the exceptional creativity of Haley Bennett,...
Here’s the logline: “Coming face-to-face after being estranged for over a decade, divorced couple, Idris and Patricia, opt to revisit the past and traverse that treacherous path together, emerging open to new beginnings.”
“We have this word in Welsh; ‘Hiraeth,’ it roughly means a ‘longing for home.’ Shooting ‘She Is Love’ felt like coming home,” Adams said. “Very rarely have I left a shoot feeling Hiraeth, feeling longing, to be back on that set, continuing to explore scenes. But when you have a lead cast including the exceptional creativity of Haley Bennett,...
- 4/22/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The Simpsons aired one of its most pointed parodies this past weekend, “Panic on the Streets of Springfield,” and the hits keep on coming. Animation Domination on Fox dropped “Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You),” the new music video by Quilloughby (with Lisa Simpson), which came out on The Snuff’s label, Total Despair Records.
The lyrics are inspired sub-genre satire. “Everyday I try to smile, but can’t help but frown, Every day I draw my bath and pray I will drown,” Quilloughby (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) sings, and heaven knows he’s miserable, now and forever. Listen and abandon hope.
The song captures the feel of the nihilistic depression rock of days past, and the episode caught the eye of the sardonic satiric subject.
The episode’s guest character, Quilloughby and his band The Snuffs, is a more-than-farcical sendup of Morrissey, lead vocalist and lyricist for the Smiths,...
The lyrics are inspired sub-genre satire. “Everyday I try to smile, but can’t help but frown, Every day I draw my bath and pray I will drown,” Quilloughby (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) sings, and heaven knows he’s miserable, now and forever. Listen and abandon hope.
The song captures the feel of the nihilistic depression rock of days past, and the episode caught the eye of the sardonic satiric subject.
The episode’s guest character, Quilloughby and his band The Snuffs, is a more-than-farcical sendup of Morrissey, lead vocalist and lyricist for the Smiths,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The parody by “The Simpsons” of British singer Morrissey wasn’t received well by Morrissey, or at least those close to him.
In a Facebook message on Morrissey’s official page signed by his manager Peter Katsis, “The Simpsons” was called out for “expounding on vicious rumors” regarding Morrissey, who has been criticized for comments in recent years on race. He has referred to Chinese people as a “subspecies” and mocked London mayor Sadiq Khan’s accent.
“Sadly, The Simpson’s show started out creating great insight into the modern cultural experience, but has since degenerated to trying to capitalize on cheap controversy and expounding on vicious rumors. Poking fun at subjects is one thing. Other shows like SNL still do a great job at finding ways to inspire great satire,” the post said. “But when a show stoops so low to use harshly hateful tactics like showing the Morrissey...
In a Facebook message on Morrissey’s official page signed by his manager Peter Katsis, “The Simpsons” was called out for “expounding on vicious rumors” regarding Morrissey, who has been criticized for comments in recent years on race. He has referred to Chinese people as a “subspecies” and mocked London mayor Sadiq Khan’s accent.
“Sadly, The Simpson’s show started out creating great insight into the modern cultural experience, but has since degenerated to trying to capitalize on cheap controversy and expounding on vicious rumors. Poking fun at subjects is one thing. Other shows like SNL still do a great job at finding ways to inspire great satire,” the post said. “But when a show stoops so low to use harshly hateful tactics like showing the Morrissey...
- 4/19/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
While “The Simpsons”’ parody of a “depressed British singer from the 1980s” — clearly styled at least partially on erstwhile Smiths frontman Morrissey — has gotten rave reviews in many quarters, the man himself is apparently less than thrilled. The singer was satirized as an imaginary friend of Lisa Simpson’s named Quilloughby, from a fictional band called the Snuffs, who, like Morrissey, was a vegan with a quiff a glum outlook.
The character was voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch; the episode was titled “Panic on the Streets of Springfield,” in reference to the group’s 1986 single, and it features many references to the singer (an Oscar Wilde poster) and the Smiths’ album artwork.
Morrissey has made multiple questionable comments about race over the course of his career, particularly in recent years, in which he has supported a right-wing British political group, called Chinese people a “subspecies” and mocked London mayor Sadiq Khan’s accent.
The character was voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch; the episode was titled “Panic on the Streets of Springfield,” in reference to the group’s 1986 single, and it features many references to the singer (an Oscar Wilde poster) and the Smiths’ album artwork.
Morrissey has made multiple questionable comments about race over the course of his career, particularly in recent years, in which he has supported a right-wing British political group, called Chinese people a “subspecies” and mocked London mayor Sadiq Khan’s accent.
- 4/19/2021
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before: Benedict Cumberbatch guest stars as a moody 80s-era UK crooner who becomes Lisa’s imaginary friend on this Sunday’s episode of “The Simpsons.” Variety has a first look at this Fauxissey as he gives his take on the citizens of Springfield; scroll down to watch.
In the episode “Panic on the Streets of Springfield,” Cumberbatch plays “Quilloughby,” described as Lisa’s “new imaginary friend — a depressed British singer from the 1980s.” Also in the episode, “Homer becomes a truck guy in the all.” Helping write music for the episode: “Flight of the Conchords'” Bret McKenzie.
Of course, it doesn’t take much to realize “Quilloughby” looks, sounds and acts like noted moody vegan Morrissey.
“I grew up as a moody kid obsessed with catchy-yet-depressing indy music from England, so this show was sort of a natural for me,...
In the episode “Panic on the Streets of Springfield,” Cumberbatch plays “Quilloughby,” described as Lisa’s “new imaginary friend — a depressed British singer from the 1980s.” Also in the episode, “Homer becomes a truck guy in the all.” Helping write music for the episode: “Flight of the Conchords'” Bret McKenzie.
Of course, it doesn’t take much to realize “Quilloughby” looks, sounds and acts like noted moody vegan Morrissey.
“I grew up as a moody kid obsessed with catchy-yet-depressing indy music from England, so this show was sort of a natural for me,...
- 4/16/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
There are seven episodes in “Lost Notes: 1980,” the latest season of the Kcrw podcast series looking at the stories behind songs and artists that range from household names to less familiar figures and moments in the music world. All seven of these latest chapters, hosted by writer and poet Hanif Abdurraqib, were released at the same time.
Aside from giving the chance for listeners of the show to experience these stories from four decades past in full, Abdurraqib explains that dropping the whole season at once came from a desire for the season to have a rhythm and shape akin to an album.
“We kind of agonized over the order,” Abdurraqib told IndieWire. “I assume people will listen to the whatever one interests them first. But there are some that create bridges between each other. The Minnie Riperton one flows kind of seamlessly with the Grace Jones one — Disco Demolition...
Aside from giving the chance for listeners of the show to experience these stories from four decades past in full, Abdurraqib explains that dropping the whole season at once came from a desire for the season to have a rhythm and shape akin to an album.
“We kind of agonized over the order,” Abdurraqib told IndieWire. “I assume people will listen to the whatever one interests them first. But there are some that create bridges between each other. The Minnie Riperton one flows kind of seamlessly with the Grace Jones one — Disco Demolition...
- 9/25/2020
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The Killers offered the NFL’s Raiders a Las Vegas welcome with a zestful halftime performance of “Mr. Brightside” on Monday Night Football.
“Hello, we’re the Killers,” singer Brandon Flowers says in the clip, introducing the signature single from the Vegas band’s debut LP, 2004’s Hot Fuss. “It’s our pleasure to welcome the Raiders to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I think we’ve got just the song for the occasion.”
The group performs high on a rooftop during the spot, aired during the Raiders’ matchup against the...
“Hello, we’re the Killers,” singer Brandon Flowers says in the clip, introducing the signature single from the Vegas band’s debut LP, 2004’s Hot Fuss. “It’s our pleasure to welcome the Raiders to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. I think we’ve got just the song for the occasion.”
The group performs high on a rooftop during the spot, aired during the Raiders’ matchup against the...
- 9/22/2020
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
New Order released “Be a Rebel” this morning. It’s their first new song since 2015’s Music Complete.
“In tough times we wanted to reach out with a new song,” frontman Bernard Sumner said in a statement. “We can’t play live for a while, but music is still something we can all share together. We hope you enjoy it… until we meet again.”
New Order were supposed to play American dates with Pet Shop Boys this year, but the pandemic forced them to delay the gigs until 2021. They’ve...
“In tough times we wanted to reach out with a new song,” frontman Bernard Sumner said in a statement. “We can’t play live for a while, but music is still something we can all share together. We hope you enjoy it… until we meet again.”
New Order were supposed to play American dates with Pet Shop Boys this year, but the pandemic forced them to delay the gigs until 2021. They’ve...
- 9/8/2020
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Last week, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation honored Foundation supporters the Bridgman Family and vice-chairman of the Board of Directors Henry G. Stifel III at the annual “A Magical Evening” gala.
Jerry O'Connel and Glenn Close
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images
Actor Jerry O'Connell returned for the second year in a row to emcee the evening at the Conrad New York, which also featured a performance by Joan Osbourne and music by DJ Whoo Kid. The annual event celebrates those who embody the fabric of the Foundation’s mission to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis.
The Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award was presented to the Bridgman Family, whose lives were turned upside down when Chris Bridgman was paralyzed in a biking accident in 2010. Knowing nothing about spinal cord injury, the family turned to the Reeve Foundation...
Jerry O'Connel and Glenn Close
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images
Actor Jerry O'Connell returned for the second year in a row to emcee the evening at the Conrad New York, which also featured a performance by Joan Osbourne and music by DJ Whoo Kid. The annual event celebrates those who embody the fabric of the Foundation’s mission to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis.
The Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award was presented to the Bridgman Family, whose lives were turned upside down when Chris Bridgman was paralyzed in a biking accident in 2010. Knowing nothing about spinal cord injury, the family turned to the Reeve Foundation...
- 11/21/2017
- Look to the Stars
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation today announced that they will honor Foundation supporters the Bridgman Family and vice-chairman of the Board of Directors Henry G. Stifel III at the annual “A Magical Evening” Gala.
Actor Jerry O'Connell will return to host the evening which celebrates those who embody the fabric of the Foundation’s mission to cure spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. This year’s gala will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Conrad New York.
The Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award will be presented to the Bridgman Family, whose lives were turned upside down when Chris Bridgman was paralyzed in a biking accident in 2010. Knowing nothing about spinal cord injury, the family turned to the Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center for support and guidance. The Bridgmans are now focused on helping other families in similar situations to theirs...
Actor Jerry O'Connell will return to host the evening which celebrates those who embody the fabric of the Foundation’s mission to cure spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. This year’s gala will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Conrad New York.
The Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award will be presented to the Bridgman Family, whose lives were turned upside down when Chris Bridgman was paralyzed in a biking accident in 2010. Knowing nothing about spinal cord injury, the family turned to the Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center for support and guidance. The Bridgmans are now focused on helping other families in similar situations to theirs...
- 10/5/2017
- Look to the Stars
Rob Leane May 12, 2017
Katherine Waterston chats to us about Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant, and Ezra Miller’s hair...
It was the morning after the Alien: Covenant world premiere, and Katherine Waterston – who stars in the film as Daniels, a terraforming expert on board the eponymous colony ship - had a busy day of press commitments ahead of her, at a swanky London hotel.
See related The Leftovers: brave, beautiful television drama
I was the first person tasked with lobbing questions at the Alien: Covenant, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them and Inherent Vice star, having been ushered into the room before Waterston had even had a chance to sit down. Before her morning coffee had brewed. I felt a bit bad.
But, with the clock ticking on our allocated ten minutes, we persevered. Waterston was very smiley and amicable for someone who wasn’t fully caffeinated, first thing in the morning,...
Katherine Waterston chats to us about Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant, and Ezra Miller’s hair...
It was the morning after the Alien: Covenant world premiere, and Katherine Waterston – who stars in the film as Daniels, a terraforming expert on board the eponymous colony ship - had a busy day of press commitments ahead of her, at a swanky London hotel.
See related The Leftovers: brave, beautiful television drama
I was the first person tasked with lobbing questions at the Alien: Covenant, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them and Inherent Vice star, having been ushered into the room before Waterston had even had a chance to sit down. Before her morning coffee had brewed. I felt a bit bad.
But, with the clock ticking on our allocated ten minutes, we persevered. Waterston was very smiley and amicable for someone who wasn’t fully caffeinated, first thing in the morning,...
- 5/7/2017
- Den of Geek
Carlson Young and Isom Innis are married, People can exclusively confirm.
The Scream actress and the Foster the People’s artist tied the knot on Saturday in Young’s hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. Surrounded by 350 guests, the two lovebirds said their vows at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where Young frequented as a child.
Innis’ bandmates Mark Foster, Sean Cimino and Mark Pontius served as groomsmen in the large wedding party. While Young’s sister Griffin Young served as her maid-of-honor.
“This has been by far the best weekend of our lives,” the couple tells People. “Getting to have...
The Scream actress and the Foster the People’s artist tied the knot on Saturday in Young’s hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. Surrounded by 350 guests, the two lovebirds said their vows at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where Young frequented as a child.
Innis’ bandmates Mark Foster, Sean Cimino and Mark Pontius served as groomsmen in the large wedding party. While Young’s sister Griffin Young served as her maid-of-honor.
“This has been by far the best weekend of our lives,” the couple tells People. “Getting to have...
- 4/30/2017
- by Christina Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
I’ve only got a few heroes, and over 90 percent of them are dead from suicides or drug overdoses: Ian Curtis. John Belushi. Spalding Gray. and Chris Farley. I’ve always been a sucker for Farley. He seemed to have a darkness just under the surface, perhaps more than Belushi. I totally get what it’s like to be the “funny fat guy.” I’ve been that my entire life. I know what it’s like to have those insecurities. Those worries. To always want to impress or make others laugh or be happy. I get that. I get all of that.
Maybe that’s why while watching I Am Chris Farley, I got kinda’ emotional. At a handful of points during this incredible documentary (produced by Spike, the “dude’s channel” of record), there were moments of pure emotion watching guys like David Spade, Adam Sandler and countless others...
Maybe that’s why while watching I Am Chris Farley, I got kinda’ emotional. At a handful of points during this incredible documentary (produced by Spike, the “dude’s channel” of record), there were moments of pure emotion watching guys like David Spade, Adam Sandler and countless others...
- 9/1/2015
- by Robert Ottone
- JustPressPlay.net
Childhood Memories: ‘Sneak Previews’
When renowned film critic, Roger Ebert, died last year, there was a huge outpouring of appreciation from film lovers around the world. He was an ambassador for cinema who introduced audiences to countless films they might have otherwise missed. Ebert and his long-time partner, Gene Siskel, started reviewing movies on their Chicago PBS affiliate back in 1975. The program was called Sneak Previews, and it laid the foundation for their hugely successful syndicated show, Siskel & Ebert, that was to follow a decade later… read the full article.
Monstervision: The Saturday Drive-In
I Got 88 Seconds and a Wookiee Ain’t One: Cinephilic Musings on the ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Teaser
I had a plan, I swear. In the days leading up to November 28th, a friend and I had negotiated the logistics of seeing a movie at one of the theatres listed on J.J.’s...
When renowned film critic, Roger Ebert, died last year, there was a huge outpouring of appreciation from film lovers around the world. He was an ambassador for cinema who introduced audiences to countless films they might have otherwise missed. Ebert and his long-time partner, Gene Siskel, started reviewing movies on their Chicago PBS affiliate back in 1975. The program was called Sneak Previews, and it laid the foundation for their hugely successful syndicated show, Siskel & Ebert, that was to follow a decade later… read the full article.
Monstervision: The Saturday Drive-In
I Got 88 Seconds and a Wookiee Ain’t One: Cinephilic Musings on the ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Teaser
I had a plan, I swear. In the days leading up to November 28th, a friend and I had negotiated the logistics of seeing a movie at one of the theatres listed on J.J.’s...
- 11/30/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
For a performer whose career was so short-lived, Janis Joplin has been hugely influential and such a largely contentious figure in the world of music. We’ve recently gotten a Jimi Hendrix biopic, along with music stories about everyone from the short lived (Ian Curtis, Jim Morrison, John Lennon) to the long-living legends (Johnny Cash, Ray Charles), so it makes sense that a Joplin biopic is long past due.
Late last week, Deadline was breaking news that Jean-Marc Vallee had signed on to direct Get it While You Can, the working title for a Janis Joplin film with Amy Adams attached to star and sing in the film. This would be Vallee’s fourth film following Dallas Buyers Club, the upcoming Wild, and the just-wrapped Demolition.
Adams is terrific casting, and Vallee is promising, but we’ve been down this road before, and a new director attached is no closer...
Late last week, Deadline was breaking news that Jean-Marc Vallee had signed on to direct Get it While You Can, the working title for a Janis Joplin film with Amy Adams attached to star and sing in the film. This would be Vallee’s fourth film following Dallas Buyers Club, the upcoming Wild, and the just-wrapped Demolition.
Adams is terrific casting, and Vallee is promising, but we’ve been down this road before, and a new director attached is no closer...
- 11/25/2014
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
What would Jane Austen do?
Chances are good that Austen could never have envisioned one of her most beloved novels being remixed into a weird zombie love story and then adapted for the movies - movies would blow her mind, for sure! - but we do think she'd approve of this casting.
"Game Of Thrones" cast members Charles Dance and Lena Headey have joined the upcoming adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's book, "Pride And Prejudice And Zombies," which is described as "an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem." Okay! Writer/director Burr Steers ("Charlie St. Cloud," "17 Again") has penned the latest iteration of the script. You might remember that Dance recently teased us about returning to Westeros, but it seems the "Dracula Untold" actor is keeping busy no matter what happens to Tywin.
Lily James is attached to star as Elizabeth Bennet,...
Chances are good that Austen could never have envisioned one of her most beloved novels being remixed into a weird zombie love story and then adapted for the movies - movies would blow her mind, for sure! - but we do think she'd approve of this casting.
"Game Of Thrones" cast members Charles Dance and Lena Headey have joined the upcoming adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's book, "Pride And Prejudice And Zombies," which is described as "an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem." Okay! Writer/director Burr Steers ("Charlie St. Cloud," "17 Again") has penned the latest iteration of the script. You might remember that Dance recently teased us about returning to Westeros, but it seems the "Dracula Untold" actor is keeping busy no matter what happens to Tywin.
Lily James is attached to star as Elizabeth Bennet,...
- 9/24/2014
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
The "Mission: Impossible" franchise has had a pretty mixed bag of villains so far. *Spoiler For An 18-year-old Movie* Jon Voight was mildly interesting in the first film, Dougray Scott was pretty weak in the second, Philip Seymour Hoffman was brilliant in the third, and Michael Nyqvist was completely useless in the otherwise excellent fourth. The fifth movie has been shooting for a few weeks under the stewardship of Christopher McQuarrie, but hadn't yet announced a bad guy. Now, it looks like the "Jack Reacher" helmer has found a villain. According to Deadline, British actor Sean Harris has been selected to play the bad guy, although talks are only in their early stages. Harris isn't necessarily a recognizable name, but he's certainly a familiar face: his brilliant performance as Ian Curtis in "24 Hour Party People" was followed by roles in "Red Riding," "Southcliffe," and "Brighton Rock," among others. He's no stranger to.
- 9/5/2014
- by Zach Hollwedel
- The Playlist
Frank
Directed by Leonard Abrahamson
United Kingdom, 2014
The pitch for Frank sounds like it might fall somewhere between Rubber and Kevin Smith’s upcoming Tusk: films that seem predicated on a dare, a bet, a drunken night. But Frank is a high concept film masquerading as low concept.
Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) is a middle-class, It-by-day, aspiring musician who blames his inability to write compelling lyrics on his lack of a dark, crippling past. He lucks into a gig as a keyboardist for a band headed by the charismatic but enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender) – a vocalist who wears a giant paper maché head at all times – and enters a mysterious, sometimes dangerous, world of musician dynamics.
Frank is hard to categorize. To call it a drama feels cheap: that or “independent” so often the label for the unlabelable. It’s funny but it isn’t a comedy; it’s dark...
Directed by Leonard Abrahamson
United Kingdom, 2014
The pitch for Frank sounds like it might fall somewhere between Rubber and Kevin Smith’s upcoming Tusk: films that seem predicated on a dare, a bet, a drunken night. But Frank is a high concept film masquerading as low concept.
Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) is a middle-class, It-by-day, aspiring musician who blames his inability to write compelling lyrics on his lack of a dark, crippling past. He lucks into a gig as a keyboardist for a band headed by the charismatic but enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender) – a vocalist who wears a giant paper maché head at all times – and enters a mysterious, sometimes dangerous, world of musician dynamics.
Frank is hard to categorize. To call it a drama feels cheap: that or “independent” so often the label for the unlabelable. It’s funny but it isn’t a comedy; it’s dark...
- 8/16/2014
- by Neal Dhand
- SoundOnSight
After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January, Anton Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man" — featuring the last leading man performance from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman — makes its way to theaters today. If it's playing on a screen near you, I urge you to seek it out. It's dry in the best possible way, a dug-in slow burn (to use an over-used phrase) that is nevertheless captured in beautiful hues. And Hoffman is absolutely fantastic; it might be one of his best performances, albeit one completely different from anything he has ever offered. It could even be something remembered by the Academy later this season, and I don't think it would be a mere final toast to an actor we lost too soon: it truly is an exhibition of how he could get under a character's skin and sing. Calling from Berlin this morning, Corbijn talked to me...
- 7/25/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
A Most Wanted Man director Anton Corbijn on Philip Seymour Hoffman getting it right: "When we had done a take and he wasn't sure he didn't want to look at the monitor, he would just listen." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Anton Corbijn's A Most Wanted Man, with a script by Andrew Bovell, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Nina Hoss (star of Christian Petzold's Barbara) and Grigoriy Dobrygin. Anton and I spoke about his supporting cast: Bernhard Schütz, terrific in Frauke Finsterwalder's Finsterworld, Martin Wuttke, Adolf Hitler in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, and Herbert Grönemeyer, who played Ian Curtis's doctor in Corbijn's debut feature Control and is the composer for The American and Anton's latest. Homayoun Ershadi, known for his work with Abbas Kiarostami rounds out the superb cast. We also discussed Wim Wenders' The American Friend and the character of Hamburg.
Anton Corbijn's A Most Wanted Man, with a script by Andrew Bovell, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Nina Hoss (star of Christian Petzold's Barbara) and Grigoriy Dobrygin. Anton and I spoke about his supporting cast: Bernhard Schütz, terrific in Frauke Finsterwalder's Finsterworld, Martin Wuttke, Adolf Hitler in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, and Herbert Grönemeyer, who played Ian Curtis's doctor in Corbijn's debut feature Control and is the composer for The American and Anton's latest. Homayoun Ershadi, known for his work with Abbas Kiarostami rounds out the superb cast. We also discussed Wim Wenders' The American Friend and the character of Hamburg.
- 7/24/2014
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Maleficent finally hits theater screens this week, and I recently sat down with Sam Riley, who plays Diaval, Maleficent’s "loyal bird-man companion." Riley is a vital presence in the film and was, frankly, a delight to talk to. He racked up a slew of awards and nominations for his portrayal of Ian Curtis in Control and has received critical praise for his performances in indie fare such as Brighton Rock and On the Road. Maleficent is his big-budget Hollywood debut, and it’s a pretty sweet set up for him — he shares all of his scenes with Angelina Jolie.
Diaval delivers most of the expository dialogue, which maybe isn’t the most fun you can have as an actor, but Riley explained why he wanted the role and how he and Jolie kept things interesting.
"Well, I know what you mean… He’d sort of come on and explain what’s just happened,...
Diaval delivers most of the expository dialogue, which maybe isn’t the most fun you can have as an actor, but Riley explained why he wanted the role and how he and Jolie kept things interesting.
"Well, I know what you mean… He’d sort of come on and explain what’s just happened,...
- 5/26/2014
- by Mily Dunbar
- GeekTyrant
Having made a name for himself playing Ian Curtis in the exceptional biopic Control, Sam Riley’s big screen appearances ever since have been somewhat eclectic, and he continues on in much of the same fashion, this time appearing in Disney’s latest fairytale blockbuster, Maleficent.
Riley stars as Diaval, a raven who morphs into a human, and the loyal accomplice to the vindictive Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie. Riley discusses his time spent working with the actress, and his decision to get involved in this particular project. He also tells us what animal he’d most like to transform into in real life…
Maleficent is released on Wednesday May 28th. Check out the film’s tumblr here.
The post The HeyUGuys Interview: Sam Riley discusses his role in Disney’s Maleficent appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Riley stars as Diaval, a raven who morphs into a human, and the loyal accomplice to the vindictive Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie. Riley discusses his time spent working with the actress, and his decision to get involved in this particular project. He also tells us what animal he’d most like to transform into in real life…
Maleficent is released on Wednesday May 28th. Check out the film’s tumblr here.
The post The HeyUGuys Interview: Sam Riley discusses his role in Disney’s Maleficent appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 5/20/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
With both James Brown and Jimi Hendrix biopics on their way, it seems like musicians’ stories are gaining traction with financiers and studio execs. The Los Angeles Times and THR is reporting that the cantankerous Smiths frontman, Morrissey, will be the next to see cinematic canonization, though not exactly with his blessing. Titled (at least for now) “Steven,” the film will be directed by the "The Voorman Problem" filmmaker Mark Gill and scripted by both Gill and William Thacker. The project looks “to cover Morrissey’s early years, prior to forming a songwriting partnership with Smiths band mate Johhny Marr, which would lead to international stardom and the sales of millions of records. Gill promises that the film will be less a paint-by-the-numbers biopic and ”more of a portrait“ of the singer. Orian Williams is one of the producers behind the movie, and he's responsible for both Ian Curtis biopic...
- 5/13/2014
- by Cain Rodriguez
- The Playlist
Now that the four leading roles have been cast for Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four, 20th Century Fox is looking for Dr. Doom. And the shortlist of actors who are being considered for the villain role has been revealed.
According to TheWrap, Sam Riley, Eddie Redmayne, Domhall Gleeson and Tobey Keball are on the shortlist of actors set to play Dr. Doom.
Sam Riley is best known for the bio film Control, about the life of Ian Curtis, and he’ll next appear on Maleficent. Eddie Redmayne has appeared in films like My Week With Marilyn and Les Miserables. Domhall Gleeson is probably best known for the final two Harry Potter movies, but he has a lot of movies coming up, including the festival hit Frank, also starring Michael Fassbender. Perhaps the least known is Tobey Kebell (War Horse), though he’s set to appear on Dawn of the Planet Of The Apes.
According to TheWrap, Sam Riley, Eddie Redmayne, Domhall Gleeson and Tobey Keball are on the shortlist of actors set to play Dr. Doom.
Sam Riley is best known for the bio film Control, about the life of Ian Curtis, and he’ll next appear on Maleficent. Eddie Redmayne has appeared in films like My Week With Marilyn and Les Miserables. Domhall Gleeson is probably best known for the final two Harry Potter movies, but he has a lot of movies coming up, including the festival hit Frank, also starring Michael Fassbender. Perhaps the least known is Tobey Kebell (War Horse), though he’s set to appear on Dawn of the Planet Of The Apes.
- 3/12/2014
- by Laura Frances
- LRMonline.com
Brazilian designer Butcher Billy created a fantastic project called The Post-Punk/ New Wave Super Friends. The project consists of several famous post punk and new wave rock stars as some of DC most famous superheroes straight out of the comics. Some of these are just great to say the least. Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) as The Flash Robert Smith (The Cure) as Plastic Man John Lydon (Sex Pistols, PiL) as Firestorm Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie and the Banshees) as Wonder Woman Morrissey (The Smiths) as Superman Billy Idol as Aquaman Ian Curtis (Joy Divison) as Batman...
- 2/19/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
Philip Seymour Hoffman provides the relish in this otherwise stodgy adaptation of the John le Carre terrorist thriller
Crumpled Philip Seymour Hoffman is our jaundiced guide through the Hamburg underbelly in Anton Corbijn's sombre adaptation of John le Carre's 2008 novel; a movie that is stately and well-structured almost to a fault. Hoffman plays Gunther Bachmann of German intelligence, leading us under the arches, past the soup kitchens, on his way to the bar. Gunther has seen it all. He has his scotch in one hand and his fag in the other. He's knackered and cynical and his air of gloom permeates the film like tobacco smoke.
Gunther is on the trail of a Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin), a Chechen asylum seeker and suspected terrorist, in town to access his dead father's bank account. Our hero thinks that his quarry is innocent, but that's beside the point. Karpov is the...
Crumpled Philip Seymour Hoffman is our jaundiced guide through the Hamburg underbelly in Anton Corbijn's sombre adaptation of John le Carre's 2008 novel; a movie that is stately and well-structured almost to a fault. Hoffman plays Gunther Bachmann of German intelligence, leading us under the arches, past the soup kitchens, on his way to the bar. Gunther has seen it all. He has his scotch in one hand and his fag in the other. He's knackered and cynical and his air of gloom permeates the film like tobacco smoke.
Gunther is on the trail of a Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin), a Chechen asylum seeker and suspected terrorist, in town to access his dead father's bank account. Our hero thinks that his quarry is innocent, but that's beside the point. Karpov is the...
- 1/18/2014
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
Trailer Ryan Lambie 3 Jan 2014 - 07:09
Control and The American director Anton Corbijn's adaptation of John le Carre's A Most Wanted Man gets its debut trailer...
Fun fact: Dutch photographer and director Anton Corbijn's first name is Anton Johannes Gerrit Corbijn van Willenswaard. We'd love to see that printed on a business card.
Anyway, Corbijn's two feature films, Control (based on the life of Ian Curtis) and The American (based on George Clooney's secret life as an assassin in Italy) were atmospheric, well-made and beautiful to look at, and the same clearly holds true for his new movie, A Most Wanted Man.
Based on the 2008 John le Carre novel of the same name, it's a thriller about money laundering and terrorism, with Rachel McAdams playing a young human rights lawyer who follows up a former Chechen prisoner's claim that he's due a huge inheritance stored in a Hamburg bank.
Control and The American director Anton Corbijn's adaptation of John le Carre's A Most Wanted Man gets its debut trailer...
Fun fact: Dutch photographer and director Anton Corbijn's first name is Anton Johannes Gerrit Corbijn van Willenswaard. We'd love to see that printed on a business card.
Anyway, Corbijn's two feature films, Control (based on the life of Ian Curtis) and The American (based on George Clooney's secret life as an assassin in Italy) were atmospheric, well-made and beautiful to look at, and the same clearly holds true for his new movie, A Most Wanted Man.
Based on the 2008 John le Carre novel of the same name, it's a thriller about money laundering and terrorism, with Rachel McAdams playing a young human rights lawyer who follows up a former Chechen prisoner's claim that he's due a huge inheritance stored in a Hamburg bank.
- 1/3/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
If you took James (of “Laid” fame), mixed him with Robert Smith and added a dash of Ian Curtis, you’d have Michael Cullen. Easily the darkest artist I’ve gotten to review yet, Cullen’s tunes are loaded with melancholy and dripping with loss. Oddly enough, there are underpinnings of hope, too, but those notes seem lost amid the darkness of the tracks themselves.
Read more...
Read more...
- 12/23/2013
- by Robert Ottone
- JustPressPlay.net
To be a great frontman you must possess a commanding presence. As Quentin Crisp rightly put it, charisma is “the ability to influence without logic.”
People often get confused between what makes a great frontman and what makes a charismatic frontman. Lou Reed, Alex Turner, Ian Curtis, Brandon Flowers and Liam Gallagher are all amazing frontman but to label them ‘charismatic’ is something totally different. There may be some names you don’t agree with, some you’re surprised are in there or perhaps you’ll end up swearing at your laptop screen because Bruce Dickinson and Randy Blythe weren’t listed: this isn’t a Metal list by any means. Nor is it a list that favours pure Indie. It’s a collection of 15 frontmen from all eras of popular culture, neatly gathered in one place for your entertainment.
15. Brian Molko
The Brian Molko is often overlooked in lists such as this,...
People often get confused between what makes a great frontman and what makes a charismatic frontman. Lou Reed, Alex Turner, Ian Curtis, Brandon Flowers and Liam Gallagher are all amazing frontman but to label them ‘charismatic’ is something totally different. There may be some names you don’t agree with, some you’re surprised are in there or perhaps you’ll end up swearing at your laptop screen because Bruce Dickinson and Randy Blythe weren’t listed: this isn’t a Metal list by any means. Nor is it a list that favours pure Indie. It’s a collection of 15 frontmen from all eras of popular culture, neatly gathered in one place for your entertainment.
15. Brian Molko
The Brian Molko is often overlooked in lists such as this,...
- 11/19/2013
- by Rosie Marsh
- Obsessed with Film
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
In 2009, White Lies appeared from nowhere with their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’, which raced to the top of the UK Charts. There was something fairly clever about this debut album: White Lies had managed to successfully reproduce the post-punk sound from the 1980s but enthused it with modern production. Of course, the post-punk revival had been around for a few years yet White Lies followed Editors’ example by producing songs that had dark themes coupled with infectious hooks. White Lies were just one of many bands that represented a new era of British ‘Coldwave’ that has continued to flourish due to The Xx.
2011 saw the release of White Lies’ second album ‘Ritual’ which took the sound from their first effort and slightly changed it by imbuing it with electronics. It wasn’t a bad album by any means but it was a slight disappointment...
In 2009, White Lies appeared from nowhere with their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’, which raced to the top of the UK Charts. There was something fairly clever about this debut album: White Lies had managed to successfully reproduce the post-punk sound from the 1980s but enthused it with modern production. Of course, the post-punk revival had been around for a few years yet White Lies followed Editors’ example by producing songs that had dark themes coupled with infectious hooks. White Lies were just one of many bands that represented a new era of British ‘Coldwave’ that has continued to flourish due to The Xx.
2011 saw the release of White Lies’ second album ‘Ritual’ which took the sound from their first effort and slightly changed it by imbuing it with electronics. It wasn’t a bad album by any means but it was a slight disappointment...
- 8/22/2013
- by Beau Jones
- Obsessed with Film
John LeCarre novels are a guaranteed cinema success. The prolific author has penned eight novels which went on to be adapted for the big screen. His most recent tome, A Most Wanted Man, has been billed as one of 2013′s most interesting titles. Lucky for us, courtesy of Bleeding Cool, a leaked sizzle reel has found its way online.
The director has made lasting impressions with his most recent flicks; the Ian Curtis biopic Control and the too-cool-for-school George Clooney-vehicle, The American. This latest tale revolves around a Chechen Muslim who arrives in Hamburg and ends up embroiled in a terrorist cell. You gotta admit, Corbijn has struck gold with his cast. He’s bagged a clutch of stellar actors. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright, Willem Dafoe and Daniel Bruhl are all involved and make appearances in this preview footage.
It would appear from this sneak peek...
The director has made lasting impressions with his most recent flicks; the Ian Curtis biopic Control and the too-cool-for-school George Clooney-vehicle, The American. This latest tale revolves around a Chechen Muslim who arrives in Hamburg and ends up embroiled in a terrorist cell. You gotta admit, Corbijn has struck gold with his cast. He’s bagged a clutch of stellar actors. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright, Willem Dafoe and Daniel Bruhl are all involved and make appearances in this preview footage.
It would appear from this sneak peek...
- 6/6/2013
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
Anton Corbijn has been announced as the director of Life, the movie dramatisation of James Dean and photographer Dennis Stock's relationship.
Pre-production on the picture will begin in early 2014.
Corbijn has previously directed Ian Curtis biopic Control and The American starring George Clooney.
Life will be set in 1955, and tell the story of photographer Stock, who sees real potential in then-undiscovered star Dean when the pair are introduced at a party.
After being commissioned by Life magazine, the picture then follows how Stock documented Dean in Los Angeles, New York and Indiana, and how the pictures would capture an emerging star.
Luke Davies has written the script, with Iain Canning and Emile Sherman producing for See-Saw Films.
Pre-production on the picture will begin in early 2014.
Corbijn has previously directed Ian Curtis biopic Control and The American starring George Clooney.
Life will be set in 1955, and tell the story of photographer Stock, who sees real potential in then-undiscovered star Dean when the pair are introduced at a party.
After being commissioned by Life magazine, the picture then follows how Stock documented Dean in Los Angeles, New York and Indiana, and how the pictures would capture an emerging star.
Luke Davies has written the script, with Iain Canning and Emile Sherman producing for See-Saw Films.
- 5/28/2013
- Digital Spy
This biopic of Paul Raymond has about as much depth as a 1970s British sex comedy
Scripted by Matt Greenhalgh (who wrote the screenplays for the ambitious biopics of Ian Curtis and John Lennon, Control and Nowhere Boy), The Look of Love is a disappointingly crude and shallow biography of the self-made northern impresario Paul Raymond, who started out conducting a music hall mind-reading act and finished up as a multi-millionaire nightclub proprietor, pornographer, owner of much of Soho, and for a while the richest man in Britain. The film reunites Michael Winterbottom, director of 24 Hour Party People, and its star Steve Coogan, but whereas that wonderful portrait of the ebullient Tony Wilson and the vibrant Manchester music scene was a piece of imaginative social history, The Look of Love has about as much depth and style as a cheap British sex comedy like Can You Keep It Up for a Week?...
Scripted by Matt Greenhalgh (who wrote the screenplays for the ambitious biopics of Ian Curtis and John Lennon, Control and Nowhere Boy), The Look of Love is a disappointingly crude and shallow biography of the self-made northern impresario Paul Raymond, who started out conducting a music hall mind-reading act and finished up as a multi-millionaire nightclub proprietor, pornographer, owner of much of Soho, and for a while the richest man in Britain. The film reunites Michael Winterbottom, director of 24 Hour Party People, and its star Steve Coogan, but whereas that wonderful portrait of the ebullient Tony Wilson and the vibrant Manchester music scene was a piece of imaginative social history, The Look of Love has about as much depth and style as a cheap British sex comedy like Can You Keep It Up for a Week?...
- 4/29/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: The client-signing game has been voracious lately, but sometimes it’s not about poaching the big names but betting on the ones that might be big down the line. Wme feels that way about Sam Riley, whom the agency just signed. Riley plays one of the leads opposite Angelina Jolie in Maleficent and in Neil Jordan’s Byzantium. He initially garnered attention for his portrayal of Ian Curtis in Control, which got him named Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards. He earned a BAFTA nom for Rising Star and most recently was seen in the ensemble of the Walter Salles-directed On The Road. He continues to be repped by Tavistock Wood in the UK.
- 4/26/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Since Kurt Cobain committed suicide on April 5, 1994, Hollywood studios have released rock biopics based on the lives of Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Ian Curtis, Notorious B.I.G. and Bobby Darin -- and yet not Cobain. Save for "Last Days," Gus Van Sant's 2005 film about a singer not unlike Cobain (played by former "Boardwalk Empire" star Michael Pitt), the Nirvana frontman has been kept off the big screen. With '90s nostalgia in bloom, however, thanks to multiple boy band reunions and addictive reminders of the decade from websites like BuzzFeed, is the time right for Kurt Cobain: The Movie?
Kurt Cobain would have turned 46 on Feb. 20, 2012; he was 27 when he shot himself in his Seattle home. That means a Kurt Cobain movie could provide Hollywood's budding leading men with the type of opportunity usually only reserved for superhero films and sci-fi blockbusters: The chance at playing the role of a lifetime.
Kurt Cobain would have turned 46 on Feb. 20, 2012; he was 27 when he shot himself in his Seattle home. That means a Kurt Cobain movie could provide Hollywood's budding leading men with the type of opportunity usually only reserved for superhero films and sci-fi blockbusters: The chance at playing the role of a lifetime.
- 2/20/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Want to see a biopic about the manager of The Who, directed by Cary Elwes? As you wish. That’s exactly the project that the former Westley has chosen to be his first directorial project. He’s teaming up with producer Orian Williams (who notably produced the fantastic Ian Curtis biopic “Control,” and has projects based on the lives of Jeff Buckley ("Mystery White Boy") and Jack Kerouac ("Big Sur") on their way to the screen) to tell the story of Kit Lambert – the man who discovered The Who and made them one of the most famous rock bands of all time. Apparently both Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey have read the script, approve, and are on board to contribute biographical details and allow the use of their music in the film. The script has been penned by Pat Gilbert who used to edit the British music magazine Mojo, who...
- 12/14/2012
- by Joe Cunningham
- The Playlist
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.