An expert cast and dynamic direction lend momentum to this pointed Whitehall drama about the fallout of a missile strike
The latest collaboration between writer Jack Thorne and director Tom Harper (The Scouting Book for Boys) very smartly updates Fail Safe from 1964. A group of Whitehall mandarins gather under no-nonsense Sophie Okonedo to role play the national security consequences of a Pakistani nuclear strike on India; inevitably, what begins as a jolly lunchtime skive soon turns deadly serious.
Theatricality looms, but the variation of voices and viewpoints among the expert cast generates a rat-a-tat momentum: Thorne crafts rhetorical flourishes for veteran Antony Sher, agonised lefty Shaun Evans and a shellshocked Kerry Fox. Harper’s framing is always dynamic, and often pointed: each glimpse of life passing blithely by this room’s only window provides a sobering reminder of the extent to which we’re at the mercy of those who would govern us.
The latest collaboration between writer Jack Thorne and director Tom Harper (The Scouting Book for Boys) very smartly updates Fail Safe from 1964. A group of Whitehall mandarins gather under no-nonsense Sophie Okonedo to role play the national security consequences of a Pakistani nuclear strike on India; inevitably, what begins as a jolly lunchtime skive soon turns deadly serious.
Theatricality looms, but the variation of voices and viewpoints among the expert cast generates a rat-a-tat momentum: Thorne crafts rhetorical flourishes for veteran Antony Sher, agonised lefty Shaun Evans and a shellshocked Kerry Fox. Harper’s framing is always dynamic, and often pointed: each glimpse of life passing blithely by this room’s only window provides a sobering reminder of the extent to which we’re at the mercy of those who would govern us.
- 8/6/2015
- by Mike McCahill
- The Guardian - Film News
Leonard Roberts has been cast in VH1‘s Drumline 2: A New Beat, co-written by Karen Gist and Regina Hicks. The sequel to the 2002 feature Drumline feature focuses on a new set of characters at a fictional New Orleans university. The story follows Danielle (Dani) Bolton, an upper-class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend a college in Louisiana so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Roberts will reprise his role of Sean Taylor from the 2002 pic. Fox TV Studios is co-financing and looking at the project as a possible back-door pilot. Leonard, repped by Greene & Associates and Evolution Entertainment, can be seen in upcoming features Any Day and My Favorite Five. Related: 2014 Amazon Studios Pilots Amazon Studios is recasting one of its male leads in comedy pilot Cosmopolitan, which chronicles the loves and adventures of a group of young expatriates in Paris. Shaun Evans...
- 4/12/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Now I'm not saying I'm not a fan of Adam Brody and Chloe Sevigny, but I don't like seeing their names as the leads of Whit Stillman's upcoming Amazon pilot "The Cosmopolitans". It's just casting that's too on-the-nose given the show's plot -- a group of young American expatriates in Paris who are searching for love and friendship in a foreign city. As much as I love the synopsis for a Stillman venture, with these two in the lead I can almost hear the whiny, "witty", back-and-forth banter now, increasingly grating with every punchline and sip of espresso. It's like when Larry David starred in Woody Allen's Whatever Works (my review), the writing was on point, but the actor delivering it just seemed a little too perfect for the part. It doesn't make it necessarily bad, but just not as good as it could have been. Both Brody and Sevigny are Stillman veterans,...
- 4/9/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Amazon Studios today announced it has greenlit two new pilots—the half hour dramatic comedy The Cosmopolitans, from Whit Stillman, and one hour drama Hand of God from Executive Producers Marc Forster, Ben Watkins, Ron Perlman, Brian Wilkins and Jeff King—for its third pilot season debuting later this year on Amazon Instant Video. Customers will once again be invited to watch and provide feedback on the shows they want to see turned into full series, which will then become available on Prime Instant Video. Additional pilots joining The Cosmopolitans and Hand of God in the third pilot season will be announced in the coming weeks. More on the pilots:
The Cosmopolitans
Written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona, The Last Days of Disco), The Cosmopolitans follows a group of young American expatriates in Paris searching for love and friendship in a foreign city. The...
The Cosmopolitans
Written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona, The Last Days of Disco), The Cosmopolitans follows a group of young American expatriates in Paris searching for love and friendship in a foreign city. The...
- 4/9/2014
- Hollywonk
Amazon Studios hasn’t backed out from its commitment to creating original series’ for their Instant Video streaming service. Despite Netflix running away as the #1 streaming network, Amazon has announced that a third round of pilots are set to premiere later this year. They’re also going to keep their unique, quasi fan-sourced, approach alive. See, on Amazon, when they launch a pilot they allow the viewers a window of time to offer direct feedback about whether or not they’d like to see the series get a full season order.
They’ve found some success with recent shows like Alpha House and Betas, while notable flops like their series adaptation of Zombieland famously tanked during the network’s ambitious first attempt at creating something original.
Amazon Studios that the network’s third round of pilots will include the following two shows:
The Cosmopolitans
Written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan,...
They’ve found some success with recent shows like Alpha House and Betas, while notable flops like their series adaptation of Zombieland famously tanked during the network’s ambitious first attempt at creating something original.
Amazon Studios that the network’s third round of pilots will include the following two shows:
The Cosmopolitans
Written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan,...
- 4/9/2014
- by Mario-Francisco Robles
- LRMonline.com
Amazon Studios continues to curate original programming featuring big-name stars with the announcement that it has greenlit two new pilots: the half-hour dramatic comedy The Cosmopolitans and the hour-long drama Hand of God.
The Cosmopolitans finds Adam Brody returning to television in his first starring role since The O.C. He plays Jimmy, an American living in Paris whose romantic adventures intertwine with a group of fellow ex-pats, including Vicky, played by Chloë Sevigny. Dree Hemingway and Shaun Evans also star in the pilot from writer/director Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona). Production begins this week on location in Paris.
Hand of...
The Cosmopolitans finds Adam Brody returning to television in his first starring role since The O.C. He plays Jimmy, an American living in Paris whose romantic adventures intertwine with a group of fellow ex-pats, including Vicky, played by Chloë Sevigny. Dree Hemingway and Shaun Evans also star in the pilot from writer/director Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona). Production begins this week on location in Paris.
Hand of...
- 4/9/2014
- by Amber Ray
- EW - Inside TV
Not content with tripling its streaming traffic over the past year, Amazon just greenlit a pair of star-studded pilots it hopes will help add to an even more sizable streaming video audience in 2014. The half-hour dramatic comedy The Cosmopolitans and the hourlong drama Hand of God will premiere during Amazon’s third pilot season later this year on Amazon Instant Video, when and where viewers will be encouraged to provide feedback on their favorite shows they want to see turned into fully fledged series. The Cosmopolitans is written, directed, and produced by Academy Award nominee Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Barcelona, The Last Days of Disco) and follows a group of American expats in Paris “searching for love and friendship in a foreign city.” That group of includes characters played by Adam Brody, Chloe Sevigny, Carrie MacLemore, Dree Hemingway, Freddy Abslom, Shaun Evans, and Adriano Giannini, all of which are on location...
- 4/9/2014
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
Amazon has ordered two new pilots as part of their third season of original programming. The online giant has not yet debuted its second season of television series, in fact, it was only at the beginning of last week that Amazon announced what series they had picked up for season two, but clearly they have no plans of slowing down. First up with the two new pilots is "The Cosmopolitans," a half-hour dramatic comedy written, directed, and produced by Whit Stillman. Amazon writes that the series "follows a group of young American expatriates in Paris searching for love and friendship in a foreign city." The series stars Adam Brody, Chloe Sevigny, Carrie MacLemore, Dree Hemingway, Freddy Asblom, Shaun Evans, and Adriano Giannini. The second series, "Hand of God," is from Marc Forster, who directed last year's "World War Z" with Brad Pitt. Ron Perlman leads the cast as Judge Pernell Harris.
- 4/9/2014
- by Josh Lasser
- Hitfix
Amazon Studios‘ director Roy Price told attendees at a Mip keynote today that filming is starting in Paris this week on its pilot The Cosmopolitans. A chronicle of the loves and adventures of a group of young expatriates in the City of Light, it hails from The Last Days Of Disco filmmaker Whit Stillman who wrote and will direct and executive produce. The cast of the half-hour pilot includes Shaun Evans Adam Brody, Chloë Sevigny and Carrie MacLemore. Shed Media Group‘s Watershed TV has appointed Emma Morgan as its first Creative Director. Launched in 2011, Watershed’s credits include factual formats Extreme Ocd Camp, Show Me What You’re Made Of, and Show Me Your Money. The UK-based producer is currently working on shows for the BBC, Cbbc, Channel 4 and Five. Morgan joins the Warner Bros-owned subsidiary from Mentorn Media where she is currently Director of Development and Executive Producer.
- 4/9/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Amazon Studios has begun shooting in Paris this week on The Cosmopolitans, a half-hour pilot about the romantic adventures of a group of ex-pats living in the French capital. Adam Brody and Chloe Sevigny will star in the pilot from writer/director Whit Stillman. Shaun Evans and Dree Hemingway also star. Photos: Miptv: The Hottest New Fiction Shows The show will shoot on location in Paris -- making it Amazon's first project produced abroad. Amazon Studios director Roy Price announced the start of principle photography during his keynote at international TV market Miptv in Cannes on Wednesday. Amazon also recently
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- 4/9/2014
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Whit Stillman’s first foray onto the small screen – a comedy pilot for Amazon’s streaming service – has found its first cast member. Deadline reports British actor Shaun Evans has taken one of the three male lead roles in the Paris-set show. “Cosmopolitan” follows the lives and loves of a group of young and probably very Wasp-y ex-patriots living in Paris. Evans will play Hal, described as “a divorced, good-looking but somber young man who’s struggling with his most recent heartache in the company of his two best friends, fellow American Jimmy and European Woddy, who’s less than sympathetic.” Stillman [...]
The post TV: Shaun Evans First to Be Cast in Whit Stillman’s ‘Cosmopolitan’ Amazon Pilot appeared first on Up and Comers.
The post TV: Shaun Evans First to Be Cast in Whit Stillman’s ‘Cosmopolitan’ Amazon Pilot appeared first on Up and Comers.
- 3/20/2014
- by Linda Ge
- UpandComers
The Online Network's revivals of ABC's canceled soaps "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" have revealed their returning cast members, but there are still a few big names missing: including Susan Lucci.
There's a chance more familiar faces will be added as the shows ramp up production for a spring launch, but the newly confirmed cast members assembled for a promotional photo shoot are...
"All My Children":
Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster
Eric Nelson as Aj Chandler
Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery
Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald
Ryan Bittle as Jr Chandler
Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery
Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney
Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin
David Canary as Adam Chandler
Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre
Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson
"One Life to Live":
Robert Gorrie as Matthew Buchanan
Laura Harrier as Destiny Evans
"One Life to Live" was already far ahead...
There's a chance more familiar faces will be added as the shows ramp up production for a spring launch, but the newly confirmed cast members assembled for a promotional photo shoot are...
"All My Children":
Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster
Eric Nelson as Aj Chandler
Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery
Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald
Ryan Bittle as Jr Chandler
Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery
Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney
Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin
David Canary as Adam Chandler
Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre
Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson
"One Life to Live":
Robert Gorrie as Matthew Buchanan
Laura Harrier as Destiny Evans
"One Life to Live" was already far ahead...
- 2/27/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Daytime TV icon Erika Slezak is just one of the familiar faces moving back to Llanview this year, when the defunct daytime drama “One Life to Live” returns with new episodes online. Twenty-two cast members, including Slezak, have been confirmed to reprise their roles for the upcoming web reboots of “One Life to Live” and “All My Children,” production company Prospect Park announced Jan. 22.The confirmed cast of “One Life to Live” now includes Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning, with recurring cast members Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury Rama Patel,...
- 1/23/2013
- backstage.com
Former ABC soaps "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" are officially being revived online. Production company Prospect Park announced the return of 22 cast members on Tuesday. They've closed deals with the actors to reprise their roles when the shows relaunch on TheOnlineNetwork.com.
So far, standout star Susan Lucci has not agreed to return as Erica Kane on "All My Children," but Prospect Park says they're still working on some more deals -- so there is still hope.
Characters set to return to "All My Children" are as follows:
Darnell Williams as Jesse Hubbard
Debbi Morgan as Dr. Angela Hubbard
Vincent Irizarry as Dr. David Hayward
Lindsay Hartley as Cara Martin
Jordi Vilasuso as Griffin Castillo
Jill Larson as Opal Cortlandt
Thorsten Kaye as Zach Slater
These familiar faces will be back on "One Life to Live":
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan Robin Strasser as Dorian...
So far, standout star Susan Lucci has not agreed to return as Erica Kane on "All My Children," but Prospect Park says they're still working on some more deals -- so there is still hope.
Characters set to return to "All My Children" are as follows:
Darnell Williams as Jesse Hubbard
Debbi Morgan as Dr. Angela Hubbard
Vincent Irizarry as Dr. David Hayward
Lindsay Hartley as Cara Martin
Jordi Vilasuso as Griffin Castillo
Jill Larson as Opal Cortlandt
Thorsten Kaye as Zach Slater
These familiar faces will be back on "One Life to Live":
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan Robin Strasser as Dorian...
- 1/23/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Prospect Park has announced the casts for the newly revived "One Life to Live" and "All My Children."
"One Life to Live" mainstay Erika Slezak has officially signed on to reprise her role of Victoria Lord Buchanan. Other returning "Oltl" players include Kassie DePaiva, Hillary B. Smith and Melissa Archer. Susie Bedsow Horgan and Thom Racina will serve as co-head writers with Jessica Klein, Alex Douglas and Jeff Wilber on the writing staff.
The returning cast for "All My Children" includes Darnell Williams, Lindsay Hartley and Jill Larson.
In a press release Prospect Park said deals are still being worked on for other returning cast and crew. The company would not comment on the current state of negotiations with "All My Children" star Susan Lucci.
Check out the full cast lists below.
"One Life to Live" cast:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins...
"One Life to Live" mainstay Erika Slezak has officially signed on to reprise her role of Victoria Lord Buchanan. Other returning "Oltl" players include Kassie DePaiva, Hillary B. Smith and Melissa Archer. Susie Bedsow Horgan and Thom Racina will serve as co-head writers with Jessica Klein, Alex Douglas and Jeff Wilber on the writing staff.
The returning cast for "All My Children" includes Darnell Williams, Lindsay Hartley and Jill Larson.
In a press release Prospect Park said deals are still being worked on for other returning cast and crew. The company would not comment on the current state of negotiations with "All My Children" star Susan Lucci.
Check out the full cast lists below.
"One Life to Live" cast:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins...
- 1/22/2013
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
Prospect Park, the independent production firm responsible for reviving One Life to Live and All My Children onto The Online Network (Toln), revealed today that 22 cast members have been confirmed to return for the soaps' upcoming relaunches.
Pics: 'One Life to Live' Series Finale
Sneak a peek at the stars who've signed on:
One Life to Live:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth
Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning
Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans
Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel
Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel
All My Children:
Darnell Williams as Jesse Hubbard
Debbi Morgan as Dr. Angela Hubbard...
Pics: 'One Life to Live' Series Finale
Sneak a peek at the stars who've signed on:
One Life to Live:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth
Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning
Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans
Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel
Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel
All My Children:
Darnell Williams as Jesse Hubbard
Debbi Morgan as Dr. Angela Hubbard...
- 1/22/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
Prospect Park on Tuesday revealed a list of 22 cast members currently confirmed to take part in its online relaunch of the defunct ABC sudsers One Life to Live and All My Children, at TheOnlineNetwork.com.
The Oltl ensemble as of now looks like this:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly...
The Oltl ensemble as of now looks like this:
Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan
Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord
Tuc Watkins as David Vickers
Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan
Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer
Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan
Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado
Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks
Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan
Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning
Josh Kelly...
- 1/22/2013
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Welcome back, Jesse and Angela Hubbard! Good to see you again, Clint Buchanan!
Prospect Park today announced the cast members who have closed deals to star in the online versions of All My Children and One Life to Live.
Here is who is expected to return to Oltl’s Llanview: Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning,...
Prospect Park today announced the cast members who have closed deals to star in the online versions of All My Children and One Life to Live.
Here is who is expected to return to Oltl’s Llanview: Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning,...
- 1/22/2013
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
Bringing classic characters from literature and TV to a new audience and building off cultural trends is a formula that’s working for Masterpiece on PBS. A recent New York Times article highlighted PBS’ efforts to compete with premium cable channels with, shows like Downton Abbey and the new Sherlock reboot. And several others coming up on the network and at Masterpiece in particular, are taking similar cues — not just remaking the classics, but reimagining the characters in more modern times and ways.
The new Inspector Morse episode, Endeavor, features the detective as a young man, played by Shaun Evans,...
The new Inspector Morse episode, Endeavor, features the detective as a young man, played by Shaun Evans,...
- 1/6/2012
- by Laura Hertzfeld
- EW - Inside TV
Dreams Of A Life (12A)
(Carol Morley, 2011, UK) Zawe Ashton, Neelam Bakshi, Jonathan Harden. 95 mins
This ingenious documentary unravels a bizarre mystery that cuts to our deepest emotional fears, but it also transcends its own genre. The mystery is Joyce Vincent – who tragically died alone in her London flat, aged 38, and whose body wasn't found until three years later. Who Joyce was and how this came to pass is gradually (partially) pieced together, as Morley tracks down former associates and stages reconstructions of her life (with Ashton, unrecognisable from her Fresh Meat incarnation). What starts as a horrific news item becomes the moving story of a real person, albeit an enigmatic one. And in the process, the film itself shifts from sobering documentary to dignifying biopic, giving this strange, sad story a subtle avant garde flourish.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (12A)
(Guy Ritchie, 2011, Us) Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law,...
(Carol Morley, 2011, UK) Zawe Ashton, Neelam Bakshi, Jonathan Harden. 95 mins
This ingenious documentary unravels a bizarre mystery that cuts to our deepest emotional fears, but it also transcends its own genre. The mystery is Joyce Vincent – who tragically died alone in her London flat, aged 38, and whose body wasn't found until three years later. Who Joyce was and how this came to pass is gradually (partially) pieced together, as Morley tracks down former associates and stages reconstructions of her life (with Ashton, unrecognisable from her Fresh Meat incarnation). What starts as a horrific news item becomes the moving story of a real person, albeit an enigmatic one. And in the process, the film itself shifts from sobering documentary to dignifying biopic, giving this strange, sad story a subtle avant garde flourish.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (12A)
(Guy Ritchie, 2011, Us) Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law,...
- 12/17/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Brooding disquiet as tensions bubble up in Dictynna Hood's sure-footed debut, the story of a fraught return to the rural
For her debut feature, British film-maker Dictynna Hood has created a brooding drama of rural disquiet and sexual tension. It's technically accomplished, though perhaps over-determined and self-conscious. Benedict Cumberbatch plays David, a schoolteacher who takes a job in his home village in Kent, moving back there with his young wife, Dawn, played by Claire Foy, also a teacher. They are fixing up a cottage there, and their marriage is happy, although with some tension about trying for a baby. Then David's disturbed younger brother, Nick (Shaun Evans), shows up; he has been away in the army. Nick starts telling the increasingly uncomfortable Claire about all the village's secrets, and his brother's secrets, too. Nick may look like the disturbed one, but David isn't quite the cool customer he pretends to be.
For her debut feature, British film-maker Dictynna Hood has created a brooding drama of rural disquiet and sexual tension. It's technically accomplished, though perhaps over-determined and self-conscious. Benedict Cumberbatch plays David, a schoolteacher who takes a job in his home village in Kent, moving back there with his young wife, Dawn, played by Claire Foy, also a teacher. They are fixing up a cottage there, and their marriage is happy, although with some tension about trying for a baby. Then David's disturbed younger brother, Nick (Shaun Evans), shows up; he has been away in the army. Nick starts telling the increasingly uncomfortable Claire about all the village's secrets, and his brother's secrets, too. Nick may look like the disturbed one, but David isn't quite the cool customer he pretends to be.
- 12/16/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Brooding disquiet as tensions bubble up in Dictynna Hood's sure-footed debut, the story of a fraught return to the rural
For her debut feature, British film-maker Dictynna Hood has created a brooding drama of rural disquiet and sexual tension. It's technically accomplished, though perhaps over-determined and self-conscious. Benedict Cumberbatch plays David, a schoolteacher who takes a job in his home village in Kent, moving back there with his young wife, Dawn, played by Claire Foy, also a teacher. They are fixing up a cottage there, and their marriage is happy, although with some tension about trying for a baby. Then David's disturbed younger brother, Nick (Shaun Evans), shows up; he has been away in the army. Nick starts telling the increasingly uncomfortable Claire about all the village's secrets, and his brother's secrets, too. Nick may look like the disturbed one, but David isn't quite the cool customer he pretends to be.
For her debut feature, British film-maker Dictynna Hood has created a brooding drama of rural disquiet and sexual tension. It's technically accomplished, though perhaps over-determined and self-conscious. Benedict Cumberbatch plays David, a schoolteacher who takes a job in his home village in Kent, moving back there with his young wife, Dawn, played by Claire Foy, also a teacher. They are fixing up a cottage there, and their marriage is happy, although with some tension about trying for a baby. Then David's disturbed younger brother, Nick (Shaun Evans), shows up; he has been away in the army. Nick starts telling the increasingly uncomfortable Claire about all the village's secrets, and his brother's secrets, too. Nick may look like the disturbed one, but David isn't quite the cool customer he pretends to be.
- 12/15/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Prospect Park makes deals with on- and off-screen talent to continue with "One Life to Live" online: "Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz of Toln have confirmed today that a deal is in place for 'One Life to Live' Emmy®-winning Head Writer and Consulting Producer Ron Carlivati, subject to a WGA agreement, to continue with the show when it moves online at the beginning of next year ... Pending a final agreement with AFTRA, additional deals are in place for cast members Melissa Archer (Natalie Buchanan Banks), Kelley Missal (Danielle Rayburn), Sean Ringgold (Shaun Evans), Andrew Trischitta (Jack Manning) and Jerry VerDorn (Clint Buchanan) to join previously announced cast including Ted King, Michael Easton, Kassie DePaiva and Erika Slezak." Deadline Oscar-winning writer Charlie Kaufman turns his attention to the blogosphere: "The movie I’m about to do has got a lot of scenes and a lot of characters. And...
- 10/1/2011
- Gold Derby
Prospect Park has been busy securing talent in front of and behind the camera for its relaunch of One Life To Live, which it acquired with All My Children after the soaps were given the boot by ABC Daytime. It also has given its online network a name. All of the deals are pending WGA agreement, which is expected, but the company is being careful not to ruffle any guild feathers on the matter. Here’s the release: Los Angeles, CA – September 30, 2011 – Below is a statement from The Online Network (Toln) regarding “One Life to Live.” Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz of Toln have confirmed today that a deal is in place for “One Life to Live” Emmy®-winning Head Writer and Consulting Producer Ron Carlivati, subject to a WGA agreement, to continue with the show when it moves online at the beginning of next year. Carlivati has been with...
- 9/30/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Inspectors Morse and Lewis
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ITV have announced that Shaun Evans is to play the role of Detective Constable Endeavour Morse in a one-off drama about the early life of one of British TV’s best loved cops. The 90-minute special is being written by Russell Lewis who is the mastermind behind ITV’s Morse spin-off Inspector Lewis, the fourth season of which is about to be aired by PBS in the U.S.
The story is set in Oxford during 1965, and revolves around the murder of a young girl. The episode will be broadcast in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of Morse. The late John Thaw played the title role in the original series of Morse which consisted of 33 episodes that were broadcast over a period of 13 years. The rest of the cast have...
Click here to friend us on Facebook or click here to follow our new Twitter page.
ITV have announced that Shaun Evans is to play the role of Detective Constable Endeavour Morse in a one-off drama about the early life of one of British TV’s best loved cops. The 90-minute special is being written by Russell Lewis who is the mastermind behind ITV’s Morse spin-off Inspector Lewis, the fourth season of which is about to be aired by PBS in the U.S.
The story is set in Oxford during 1965, and revolves around the murder of a young girl. The episode will be broadcast in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of Morse. The late John Thaw played the title role in the original series of Morse which consisted of 33 episodes that were broadcast over a period of 13 years. The rest of the cast have...
- 8/4/2011
- by admin
The “maverick doctor” is a staple of television, with the contemporary benchmark being Fox’s House; a series ITV1′s new medical drama won’t escape lazy comparison to. But neurosurgeon Gabriel Monroe (James Nesbitt) isn’t a grouchy Holmesian genius — he’s an egomaniac with a better bedside manner, and a repertoire of great lines like “you’re taking a knife to someone’s head; the only difference between you and a psychopath is good A-levels.”
Nothing about Monroe’s premise is exactly fresh and original, but it’s a good example of classic ideas, elevated by Nesbitt’s magnetic performance, an intelligent script from Peter Bowker (Blackpool), and slick direction by Paul McGuigan (the filmmaker behind Gangster No1 who’s carving a niche for himself on UK drama between this and BBC1′s Sherlock.) McGuigan brings plenty of stylish tricks to the party; flashy scene transitions, staccato camera...
Nothing about Monroe’s premise is exactly fresh and original, but it’s a good example of classic ideas, elevated by Nesbitt’s magnetic performance, an intelligent script from Peter Bowker (Blackpool), and slick direction by Paul McGuigan (the filmmaker behind Gangster No1 who’s carving a niche for himself on UK drama between this and BBC1′s Sherlock.) McGuigan brings plenty of stylish tricks to the party; flashy scene transitions, staccato camera...
- 3/11/2011
- by Dan Owen
- Obsessed with Film
Lone Star Creator Kyle Killen Still Hoping for Cable Pickup for Cancelled Show
Killen isn’t giving up. The creator-writer-executive producer of Lone Star, the short-lived and critically acclaimed 20th Century Fox Television show about a Texas con-man, still believes the series could air on cable television. “We have 6 completed episodes that function nicely as a mini-season and we’d love to find a home for that,” Killen told Speakeasy on the eve of this year’s Austin Film Festival and Conference, where he’s speaking this weekend and the Lone Star pilot will be shown.
Commentary: The social networks
Everywhere you look on TV, there are crowds of friends and extended families all together all the time. What does it say about viewers?
Sean Ringgold bumped up from recurring to contract status at One Life To Live
An Oltl spokesperson confirmed to Soaps in Depth that Ringgold (Shaun) has been bumped to contract status.
Killen isn’t giving up. The creator-writer-executive producer of Lone Star, the short-lived and critically acclaimed 20th Century Fox Television show about a Texas con-man, still believes the series could air on cable television. “We have 6 completed episodes that function nicely as a mini-season and we’d love to find a home for that,” Killen told Speakeasy on the eve of this year’s Austin Film Festival and Conference, where he’s speaking this weekend and the Lone Star pilot will be shown.
Commentary: The social networks
Everywhere you look on TV, there are crowds of friends and extended families all together all the time. What does it say about viewers?
Sean Ringgold bumped up from recurring to contract status at One Life To Live
An Oltl spokesperson confirmed to Soaps in Depth that Ringgold (Shaun) has been bumped to contract status.
- 10/23/2010
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
DVD Playhouse September 2010
By
Allen Gardner
The Girl Who Played With Fire (Music Box Films) Follow up to the hit The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo finds Lisabeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) and Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) joining forces once again as Blomkvist is about to break a story on Sweden’s sex trade, which leads unexpectedly to a dark secret from Elizabeth’s past. Starts off well, then quickly nose-dives into sensationalism and downright silliness, with a pair of villains who are straight out of a Roger Moore-era James Bond film. A real letdown for those of us who felt Dragon Tattoo had finally breathed life into the cinema’s long-stagnant genre of the thriller. Bonuses: English language track; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Killer Inside Me (IFC Films) Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of Jim Thompson’s classic, and notorious, novel about the psychotic mind of a small town sheriff (Casey Affleck,...
By
Allen Gardner
The Girl Who Played With Fire (Music Box Films) Follow up to the hit The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo finds Lisabeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) and Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) joining forces once again as Blomkvist is about to break a story on Sweden’s sex trade, which leads unexpectedly to a dark secret from Elizabeth’s past. Starts off well, then quickly nose-dives into sensationalism and downright silliness, with a pair of villains who are straight out of a Roger Moore-era James Bond film. A real letdown for those of us who felt Dragon Tattoo had finally breathed life into the cinema’s long-stagnant genre of the thriller. Bonuses: English language track; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Killer Inside Me (IFC Films) Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of Jim Thompson’s classic, and notorious, novel about the psychotic mind of a small town sheriff (Casey Affleck,...
- 9/25/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Shaun Evans has said that he did not wear a wig in his upcoming stage play Kurt & Sid because he did not want to do an "impression" of Kurt Cobain. Evans instead opted to dye his hair for the production, where he plays the late Nirvana songwriter alongside Danny Dyer as former Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. He told the BBC: "We explored those options and thought about it but it's not really my bag. The stage is very small, so if I was to get hair extensions, you would see them. "If I got a wig, it would feel uncomfortable (more)...
- 9/10/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Speaking from his base in London, director David Drury (The Cry, Midnight Man) talked to Iftn about his latest drama 'The Take', which premieres on Sky1 tonight. Drury chats about recreating the London criminal underworld in Dublin and gives his thoughts on the latest Red Eye HD technology. Created with the support of investment incentives provided by the Irish Film Board 'The Take' features a cast of talent including; Tom Hardy (Bronson, Stuart A Life Backwards), Emmy award winner Brian Cox (Braveheart, The Bourne Supremacy, Deadwood), Kierston Wareing (It's a Free World, Fish Tank), Charlotte Riley (Easy Virtue), and Shaun Evans (Teachers). The series is produced by Willow Grylls of UK independent film and TV production company, Company Pictures. A large Irish crew included Owen McPolin (Eden), Costume Designer Allison Byrne (The Daisy Chain) and Production Designer Susie Cullen (Zonad). 'The Take' was shot...
- 6/17/2009
- IFTN
So maybe Midnight Meat Train didn't get the reception that Clive Barker had hoped for, but that hasn't stopped the master of horror from rolling right along with his other projects. A new trailer for Book of Blood (the first in Barker's six part series) has just hit the net. Unfortunately, the trailer has since disappeared from most sites, so if you are curious, I'd advise you to act fast. But the good news is that Dreadcentral.com now has a promo reel for Barker's other adaption from his Books of Blood series, titled, Dread.
So first up is the trailer for Blood, and I have to tell you, it is looking pretty good (not to mention gory) for the horror tale. Blood was the frame story for Barker's original series, and the film will center on "on a paranormal expert who, while investigating a gruesome slaying, finds a house...
So first up is the trailer for Blood, and I have to tell you, it is looking pretty good (not to mention gory) for the horror tale. Blood was the frame story for Barker's original series, and the film will center on "on a paranormal expert who, while investigating a gruesome slaying, finds a house...
- 11/8/2008
- by Jessica Barnes
- Cinematical
Last week SpookyDan traveled to London to visit the set of Anthony Diblasi's Dread, the latest Clive Barker adaptation from his Books of Blood. While we wait for a set visit preview piece, you can check out several stills from the pic that follows three college students who study other peoples fears. As the study progresses, one of the students begins to seek salvation from his obsession by exploiting the terrors of his fellow participants. Also adapted for the big screen by Diblasi, the film stars Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Evans, Hanne Steen and Laura Donnelly. Watch for a full report in the coming months.
- 10/29/2008
- bloody-disgusting.com
This morning we brought you the latest casting news for Anthony Diblasi's Dread, the adaptation to the Clive Barker short story that's currently lensing in the UK. Now we've got an interesting piece of viral art that invites you to join a new fear study. Dread is a psychological thriller centering on three college students who study other peoples fears. As the study progresses, one of the students begins to seek salvation from his obsession by exploiting the terrors of his fellow participants. Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Evans, Hanne Steen and Laura Donnelly all star in the adaptation from Barker's Books Of Blood.
- 10/19/2008
- bloody-disgusting.com
We received word this morning that principal photography has officially commenced in the UK on Dread, the eagerly-awaited new installment in Clive Barker's Books of Blood franchise, with Anthony Diblasi at the helm, directing from his own screenplay based on Barkers original short story. Joining the previously announced Jackson Rathbone (S. Darko, Twilight) and Shaun Evans are newcomers Hanne Steen and Laura Donnelly. Dread is a psychological thriller centering on three college students who study other peoples fears. As the study progresses, one of the students begins to seek salvation from his obsession by exploiting the terrors of his fellow participants.
- 10/18/2008
- bloody-disgusting.com
TORONTO -- Organizers of the Toronto International Film Festival said Tuesday that the world premiere of the comedy Being Julia, starring Annette Bening, will open the festival Sept. 9. Istvan Szabo's latest film, a Hungarian-British-Canadian co-production that also stars Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Shaun Evans and Juliet Stevenson, will bow in Toronto ahead of an Oct. 15 release via Sony Pictures Classics.
- 6/30/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Organizers of the Toronto International Film Festival said Tuesday that the world premiere of the comedy Being Julia, starring Annette Bening, will open the festival Sept. 9. Istvan Szabo's latest film, a Hungarian-British-Canadian co-production that also stars Jeremy Irons, Michael Gambon, Shaun Evans and Juliet Stevenson, will bow in Toronto ahead of an Oct. 15 release via Sony Pictures Classics.
- 6/30/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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