On the heels of The Holdovers, two-time Oscar winner Alexander Payne has found his next project — and it will mark the esteemed filmmaker’s documentary directorial debut, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Payne is currently in production on — and targeting a 2025 release for — a documentary feature about the trailblazing film scholar Jeanine Basinger, tracing her story from her days as a movie theater usher in Brookings, South Dakota, to Connecticut’s Wesleyan University. Throughout her 60-year career, she built from scratch one of the nation’s first and finest film studies programs; authored 13 highly influential books about film, including two that recently made THR’s list of the 100 greatest of all time; and shaped generations of people who, in turn, have shaped every segment of the American film industry.
Sam Wasson, a former student of Basinger’s at Wesleyan and an esteemed writer who was her co-author of the 2022 book Hollywood: The Oral History,...
Payne is currently in production on — and targeting a 2025 release for — a documentary feature about the trailblazing film scholar Jeanine Basinger, tracing her story from her days as a movie theater usher in Brookings, South Dakota, to Connecticut’s Wesleyan University. Throughout her 60-year career, she built from scratch one of the nation’s first and finest film studies programs; authored 13 highly influential books about film, including two that recently made THR’s list of the 100 greatest of all time; and shaped generations of people who, in turn, have shaped every segment of the American film industry.
Sam Wasson, a former student of Basinger’s at Wesleyan and an esteemed writer who was her co-author of the 2022 book Hollywood: The Oral History,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The classic mystery Chinatown is heading to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in the UK this June: here’s more information on the release.
How about this for a flat-out classic? 1974’s Chinatown remains one of the very, very, very best films of Jack Nicholson’s career. A neo-noir detective mystery penned by Robert Towne. Nicholson plays Jake Gittes in the film, and in the 50 years since its release has garnered a reputation as being one of the best films of all time.
Directed by rapist Roman Polanski, it co-stars Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Diane Ladd and Perry Lopez. There’s an extensive cast to enjoy, and a tight mystery at the heart of it too. Genuinely, if you’ve never had the pleasure, it’s a film that deserves its reputation.
(Its belated sequel, The Two Jakes, was directed by Jack Nicholson and is worth a look too, although inevitably...
How about this for a flat-out classic? 1974’s Chinatown remains one of the very, very, very best films of Jack Nicholson’s career. A neo-noir detective mystery penned by Robert Towne. Nicholson plays Jake Gittes in the film, and in the 50 years since its release has garnered a reputation as being one of the best films of all time.
Directed by rapist Roman Polanski, it co-stars Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Diane Ladd and Perry Lopez. There’s an extensive cast to enjoy, and a tight mystery at the heart of it too. Genuinely, if you’ve never had the pleasure, it’s a film that deserves its reputation.
(Its belated sequel, The Two Jakes, was directed by Jack Nicholson and is worth a look too, although inevitably...
- 4/3/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Although there’s no distributor yet confirmed for Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-development, nearly completed epic Megalopolis, we’re starting to get a sense of when we may see the $100 million epic. The director himself recently indicated it’ll be out in a few months, but according to a new report, a fall release is more likely.
In a round-up of Cannes possibilities, Deadline notes the movie is targeting “a big fall IMAX release,” which means a Venice or North American festival (i.e. TIFF or NYFF) could be more likely than a visit to the Croisette. The article also notes it’s unlikely that Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, David Lowery’s Mother Mary, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer will be stopping by Cannes, but George Miller’s Furiosa, Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle, Andrea Arnold’s Bird, and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds,...
In a round-up of Cannes possibilities, Deadline notes the movie is targeting “a big fall IMAX release,” which means a Venice or North American festival (i.e. TIFF or NYFF) could be more likely than a visit to the Croisette. The article also notes it’s unlikely that Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, David Lowery’s Mother Mary, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer will be stopping by Cannes, but George Miller’s Furiosa, Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle, Andrea Arnold’s Bird, and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For regular updates, sign up for our weekly email newsletter and follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSBreathless.The Mubi Podcast returns on January 25. Titled “Tailor Made,” the fifth season will consider landmark movies that captured major fashions of their times—from Jean Seberg in Breathless to Sofia Coppola’s body of work to date—with insights from leading costume designers, fashion designers, cinematographers, and directors.Alongside the announcement of the Competition and Encounters sections, with the addition of new films by Abderrahmane Sissako, Mati Diop, Hong Sang-soo, Ruth Beckermann, and more, we’ve updated our Berlinale lineup post ahead of the festival’s commencement on February 15.June Givanni, a writer on and curator of African and African diasporic cinema and the founder of the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive, is to be recognized by BAFTA with an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema...
- 1/23/2024
- MUBI
Francis Ford Coppola has been thinking about utopia his whole career. His upcoming, self-financed epic Megalopolis is about just that. But his first experiment with utopia climaxed in 1980 with the creation of Zoetrope Studios, which he imagined would be its own top-to-bottom, all-encompassing, soul-enriching creative ecosystem free of Hollywood dysfunction. Its initial project was to be the hugely ambitious musical romantic drama One From the Heart, starring Teri Garr, Frederic Forrest and Raul Julia. The 1981 film may have bombed at the box office, but the story of its creation is far brighter, revealing how Coppola’s cast and crew came to believe in his grand vision, and helped him overcome financial disaster. As a new director’s cut of the film comes to New York’s IFC Center on Jan. 19 and L.A.’s Cinemathèque on Jan. 26, the following excerpt from Sam Wasson’s new book The Path to Paradise:...
- 1/19/2024
- by Sam Wasson
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to 2024! This, our first column of the new year, follows Oppenheimer, and Lots of Late Gift Ideas”>our December 2023 piece by offering more 2023 releases that deserve your time and attention.
Spielberg: The First Ten Years by Laurent Bouzereau (Insight Editions) and Steven Spielberg: All the Films by Olivier Bousquet, Arnaud Devillard, and Nicolas Schaller (Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers)
I am not sure what Steven Spielberg obsessives like myself did to earn two lengthy, photo-backed, hardcover career appreciations, but I’m not complaining. Steven Spielberg: All the Films runs for nearly 500 pages and covers literally everything, from the director’s contributions to Rod Serling’s Night Gallery to The Fabelmans. Along the way are some unique insights, surprising facts (Leonardo DiCaprio was approached to play Tintin?), and the inclusion of some of his 1980s television work. And Spielberg: The First Ten Years is just as engaging, and even more in-depth.
Spielberg: The First Ten Years by Laurent Bouzereau (Insight Editions) and Steven Spielberg: All the Films by Olivier Bousquet, Arnaud Devillard, and Nicolas Schaller (Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers)
I am not sure what Steven Spielberg obsessives like myself did to earn two lengthy, photo-backed, hardcover career appreciations, but I’m not complaining. Steven Spielberg: All the Films runs for nearly 500 pages and covers literally everything, from the director’s contributions to Rod Serling’s Night Gallery to The Fabelmans. Along the way are some unique insights, surprising facts (Leonardo DiCaprio was approached to play Tintin?), and the inclusion of some of his 1980s television work. And Spielberg: The First Ten Years is just as engaging, and even more in-depth.
- 1/2/2024
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Fifteen authors of books that were recently chosen for The Hollywood Reporter’s list of “The 100 Greatest Film Books of All Time” will convene on a panel — which is being advertised as “the greatest gathering of its kind ever” — this Saturday afternoon in Hollywood as part of AFI Fest.
The event, which will take place inside the historic Tcl Chinese Theater and will run from 4 p.m. -5:30p.m., is open to members of the public free of charge provided they reserve their tickets in advance via Fest.AFI.com/GreatestFilmBooks.
Participating in a discussion about the origins and impact of their books will be A. Scott Berg (Goldwyn: A Biography), Cameron Crowe (Conversations with Wilder), Nancy Griffin (Hit and Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony for a Ride in Hollywood), Aljean Harmetz (The Making of The Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power...
The event, which will take place inside the historic Tcl Chinese Theater and will run from 4 p.m. -5:30p.m., is open to members of the public free of charge provided they reserve their tickets in advance via Fest.AFI.com/GreatestFilmBooks.
Participating in a discussion about the origins and impact of their books will be A. Scott Berg (Goldwyn: A Biography), Cameron Crowe (Conversations with Wilder), Nancy Griffin (Hit and Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony for a Ride in Hollywood), Aljean Harmetz (The Making of The Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power...
- 10/27/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will the Hollywood studio become extinct?
One hundred years ago, Louis B. Mayer unfurled his grand idea to mobilize “all the stars in heaven” for his filmmaking adventure. His dream factory, once prolific, now seems adrift amid the economic debris of streamerville and linear TV.
The studio system still has its advocates, one of whom, Francis Coppola, attempted to re-invent the studio on three occasions. He’s still trying.
His intriguing, if bizarre adventure, is told in a gripping new book by Sam Wasson titled Path to Paradise, vividly chronicling how the director leveraged his two great movies into an assembly line of cinema.
Well, almost. Coppola’s effort to orchestrate the genius of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now into an enduring filmmaking enterprise was defeated by two realities: The eccentricity of his management style and the frailty of his infrastructure.
Zoetrope was to be owned and run by creatives...
One hundred years ago, Louis B. Mayer unfurled his grand idea to mobilize “all the stars in heaven” for his filmmaking adventure. His dream factory, once prolific, now seems adrift amid the economic debris of streamerville and linear TV.
The studio system still has its advocates, one of whom, Francis Coppola, attempted to re-invent the studio on three occasions. He’s still trying.
His intriguing, if bizarre adventure, is told in a gripping new book by Sam Wasson titled Path to Paradise, vividly chronicling how the director leveraged his two great movies into an assembly line of cinema.
Well, almost. Coppola’s effort to orchestrate the genius of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now into an enduring filmmaking enterprise was defeated by two realities: The eccentricity of his management style and the frailty of his infrastructure.
Zoetrope was to be owned and run by creatives...
- 9/14/2023
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s Chinatown is considered by many to be one of the greatest detective stories of all time. It’s widely viewed as one of the greatest films of the seventies, with it sporting one of star Jack Nicholson’s most iconic performances, with him playing hard-boiled private eye Jake Gittes. The film was nominated for eleven Oscars, and while it only won one for Robert Towne’s screenplay, its legend looms large. In fact, just recently, a book called The Big Goodbye by Sam Wasson was written about it and is considered a modern classic as far as books about Hollywood go. While director Roman Polanski is a controversial figure – to put it mildly – no one can deny the film’s power.
In this episode of Wtf Happened to this Movie, we look into the making of this neo-noir classic. The making of the film was fraught with drama,...
In this episode of Wtf Happened to this Movie, we look into the making of this neo-noir classic. The making of the film was fraught with drama,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Editor’s note: William C. Rempel, a longtime journalist who has covered the Roman Polanski case, and Sam Wasson, author of The Big Goodbye about the making of Polanski’s Chinatown, successfully petitioned the courts to open long-sealed testimony last year. Continuing to monitor the case, here they describe the expected next steps.
The real-life criminal case of Chinatown director Roman Polanski, a tale of dark secrets and perverted justice that has dragged on in Los Angeles Superior Court since the 1970s, will likely play its final scenes in a downtown courtroom soon – one way or another.
Related Story Roger Gunson’s Unsealed Polanski Testimony Offers Not Bombshells, But Details And A Path Through The Thicket Related Story French Indie Cinema Sector Calls For Revolution As Arthouse Box Office Slump Deepens Related Story Doug Dalton Dies: Long-Time Lawyer For Roman Polanski Was 92
There are, however, a couple of plot lines...
The real-life criminal case of Chinatown director Roman Polanski, a tale of dark secrets and perverted justice that has dragged on in Los Angeles Superior Court since the 1970s, will likely play its final scenes in a downtown courtroom soon – one way or another.
Related Story Roger Gunson’s Unsealed Polanski Testimony Offers Not Bombshells, But Details And A Path Through The Thicket Related Story French Indie Cinema Sector Calls For Revolution As Arthouse Box Office Slump Deepens Related Story Doug Dalton Dies: Long-Time Lawyer For Roman Polanski Was 92
There are, however, a couple of plot lines...
- 2/9/2023
- by William C. Rempel and Sam Wasson
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s that time of year again. While some directors annually share their favorite films of the year, Steven Soderbergh lists everything he consumed, media-wise. For 2022––another year in which he not only released a new film, but shot another––he still got plenty of watching in.
Along with catching up on 2022’s new releases, he took in plenty of classics, including Sorcerer, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Battle of Algiers, All That Jazz, and All About Eve. Quite intriguingly, he also watched cuts of David Fincher’s forthcoming The Killer four times over a week-long span in August. Ahead of a February release, he’s also watched cuts of his forthcoming Magic Mike’s Last Dance five times, the first time being only two months after shooting began.
See the list below via his official site.
01/01 Lemon, Kwon Yeo-sun, Creative Types, Tom Bissell, West Side Story (’21), Tucker: The Man And His Dream...
Along with catching up on 2022’s new releases, he took in plenty of classics, including Sorcerer, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Battle of Algiers, All That Jazz, and All About Eve. Quite intriguingly, he also watched cuts of David Fincher’s forthcoming The Killer four times over a week-long span in August. Ahead of a February release, he’s also watched cuts of his forthcoming Magic Mike’s Last Dance five times, the first time being only two months after shooting began.
See the list below via his official site.
01/01 Lemon, Kwon Yeo-sun, Creative Types, Tom Bissell, West Side Story (’21), Tucker: The Man And His Dream...
- 1/10/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Writer George S. Kaufman once said that “satire is what closes on Saturday night.” But nearly a century later, as real life has grown more absurd than most art, satire is everywhere — from popular franchises such as the “Knives Out” films and “The White Lotus” to hits including “Parasite.”
Why now? In our post-Trump world, where truth is subject to debate and issues like racism are impossible for anyone to ignore, talk-show monologues and “Saturday Night Live” skits became some of the only critiques able to break through the noise of political squabbling and call out lies, arguably paving the way for more films dealing in satire.
“Satire always puts events into a societal context, often dealing with hierarchies and economic influences. So if you want to examine the times we are living in, it’s a good starting place,” says writer-director Ruben Östlund, whose “Triangle of Sadness” skewers influencers,...
Why now? In our post-Trump world, where truth is subject to debate and issues like racism are impossible for anyone to ignore, talk-show monologues and “Saturday Night Live” skits became some of the only critiques able to break through the noise of political squabbling and call out lies, arguably paving the way for more films dealing in satire.
“Satire always puts events into a societal context, often dealing with hierarchies and economic influences. So if you want to examine the times we are living in, it’s a good starting place,” says writer-director Ruben Östlund, whose “Triangle of Sadness” skewers influencers,...
- 1/8/2023
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
When Blanche Sweet sang “there’s a tear for every smile in Hollywood” in Show Girl in Hollywood (1930), she wasn’t wrong. Movie people have long been warning starry eyed wannabes to tread carefully if there were coming to Tinseltown full of hopes and dreams. In The Truth About the Movies by the Stars (1924), screenwriter Frank Butler wrote that “From every corner of the earth they come and across the Seven Seas – borne on the tireless wings of youthful optimism. Pathetic pilgrims these, struggling on to ultimate disillusion.”
A large part of Damien Chazelle’s Babylon (2022) explores the dark side of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The twenties roared in Hollywood, but there was also something larger at stake for characters in Babylon. Like any audience in front of a film, they were chasing that magic on the screen. They were chasing an idea.
When Blanche Sweet sang “there’s a tear for every smile in Hollywood” in Show Girl in Hollywood (1930), she wasn’t wrong. Movie people have long been warning starry eyed wannabes to tread carefully if there were coming to Tinseltown full of hopes and dreams. In The Truth About the Movies by the Stars (1924), screenwriter Frank Butler wrote that “From every corner of the earth they come and across the Seven Seas – borne on the tireless wings of youthful optimism. Pathetic pilgrims these, struggling on to ultimate disillusion.”
A large part of Damien Chazelle’s Babylon (2022) explores the dark side of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The twenties roared in Hollywood, but there was also something larger at stake for characters in Babylon. Like any audience in front of a film, they were chasing that magic on the screen. They were chasing an idea.
- 12/23/2022
- by Chris Yogerst
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI, and sign up for our weekly email newsletter by clicking here.NEWSMuch-loved genre filmmaker Albert Pyun (above) has died. Working mostly with low-budgets, and often making films for the direct-to-video market, Pyun’s career spanned five decades and included films such as The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982), Cyborg (1989), and the popular cyberpunk film series Nemesis. Cynthia Curnan, Pyun's wife and producer, had recently requested messages from fans to pass onto the filmmaker, who had been ill for a number of years prior to his passing.It seems that Paul Thomas Anderson is planning to start shooting his next feature in July 2023. Little is yet known about the new project, but a casting call has been listed for a “15-to-16-year-old female of mixed ethnicity who is physically athletic and excels at Martial Arts.” Previous...
- 11/30/2022
- MUBI
Just days before the Santa Fe District Attorney is expected to announced her intentions in the fatal shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by Alec Baldwin last year, the actor Friday has slammed crew members of the indie Western with a negligence lawsuit.
Filed on a day when Los Angeles Superior Court is closed for the Veterans Day holiday, the photo- and email-heavy cross-complaint for negligence and indemnification names Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, first assistant director David Halls, property master Sarah Zachry, and weapons and rounds supplier Seth Kenney and his company as defendants.
“This tragedy happened because live bullets were delivered to the set and loaded into the gun, Gutierrez-Reed failed to check the bullets or the gun carefully, Halls failed to check the gun carefully and yet announced the gun was safe before handing it to Baldwin, and Zachry failed to disclose that Gutierrez-Reed had been acting...
Filed on a day when Los Angeles Superior Court is closed for the Veterans Day holiday, the photo- and email-heavy cross-complaint for negligence and indemnification names Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, first assistant director David Halls, property master Sarah Zachry, and weapons and rounds supplier Seth Kenney and his company as defendants.
“This tragedy happened because live bullets were delivered to the set and loaded into the gun, Gutierrez-Reed failed to check the bullets or the gun carefully, Halls failed to check the gun carefully and yet announced the gun was safe before handing it to Baldwin, and Zachry failed to disclose that Gutierrez-Reed had been acting...
- 11/12/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" may be Audrey Hepburn's most iconic film, but her character was ironically based on another Hollywood starlet, Marilyn Monroe. The film was adapted from a 1958 novella of the same name by famed author Truman Capote. The writer was a close friend of Monroe's, The Guardian reports, and his first choice for the part.
The main character of Capote's story, Holly, bears an uncanny resemblance to Monroe. A small town girl trying to break into show biz, she changes her name from Lulamae to Holly, just as Monroe changed her name from Norma Jeane. Both Monroe and Holly spent time in orphanages during their depression-era childhoods. Monroe was sexually abused at a young age, according to the New York Post. Holly also alludes to being molested as a child, dismissing "anything that happened before I was 13, because, after all, that just doesn't count." The author...
The main character of Capote's story, Holly, bears an uncanny resemblance to Monroe. A small town girl trying to break into show biz, she changes her name from Lulamae to Holly, just as Monroe changed her name from Norma Jeane. Both Monroe and Holly spent time in orphanages during their depression-era childhoods. Monroe was sexually abused at a young age, according to the New York Post. Holly also alludes to being molested as a child, dismissing "anything that happened before I was 13, because, after all, that just doesn't count." The author...
- 9/30/2022
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
Pixar’s Oscar-winning Wall-e (2008) is coming to The Criterion Collection this November, marking an unexpected but welcome collaboration between the animation giant and boutique home video label. Wall-e will be spine #1161.
As per The Criterion Collection:
We’re proud to announce our first collaboration with Disney and Pixar: Wall•E (2008), directed by Andrew Stanton, enters the Criterion Collection on 4K Uhd this November! A high-water mark of digital animation, Stanton’s prescient vision of a rapidly oncoming dystopian future, packaged within a dazzling pop-science-fiction love story, is an urgent fable for our troubled millennium.”
Criterion typically announces their new releases to the collection in the middle of the month, with the November 2022 releases having been unveiled on August 17. Singling out September 8 for the Wall-e announcement was most likely done so to coincide with Disney+ Day.
The special features:
4K digital master, approved by director Andrew Stanton, with Dolby Atmos soundtrackOne...
As per The Criterion Collection:
We’re proud to announce our first collaboration with Disney and Pixar: Wall•E (2008), directed by Andrew Stanton, enters the Criterion Collection on 4K Uhd this November! A high-water mark of digital animation, Stanton’s prescient vision of a rapidly oncoming dystopian future, packaged within a dazzling pop-science-fiction love story, is an urgent fable for our troubled millennium.”
Criterion typically announces their new releases to the collection in the middle of the month, with the November 2022 releases having been unveiled on August 17. Singling out September 8 for the Wall-e announcement was most likely done so to coincide with Disney+ Day.
The special features:
4K digital master, approved by director Andrew Stanton, with Dolby Atmos soundtrackOne...
- 9/10/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The rules of survival in Hollywood have always fascinated me. “Consistency is the key – always present yourself to studios as a total bitch,” Bette Davis once confided. “Never delude yourself into thinking that a star can become a loyal personal friend,” advised Billy Wilder. “Since studios always lie, a producer’s mandate is to come up with bigger lies,” said David O. Selznick.
As a collector of Hollywood war stories, I was pleased this week to discover a new book (741 pages) with the intimidating title Hollywood: The Oral History – one that has greatly expanded my inventory of intrigue.
Over the course of the last 50 years AFI (the American Film Institute) has semi-secretly recorded, and now published, interviews with accomplished stars and filmmakers, thus creating an intimate Hollywood history told in first person (HarperCollins is the publisher).
Approaching a book of this size as summer reading, I decided to focus not on thoughtful analysis,...
As a collector of Hollywood war stories, I was pleased this week to discover a new book (741 pages) with the intimidating title Hollywood: The Oral History – one that has greatly expanded my inventory of intrigue.
Over the course of the last 50 years AFI (the American Film Institute) has semi-secretly recorded, and now published, interviews with accomplished stars and filmmakers, thus creating an intimate Hollywood history told in first person (HarperCollins is the publisher).
Approaching a book of this size as summer reading, I decided to focus not on thoughtful analysis,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
In what Criterion is describing as their “first collaboration” with fabled animation studio Pixar, Andrew Stanton’s “Wall•E” will be joining the collection this November (spine #1161). And, typical of Criterion releases, it will be festooned with special features, including a new essay (by Sam Wasson), a pair of audio commentaries and a new documentary called “Wall•E A to Z,” featuring co-writer/director Andrew Stanton and writer Jim Reardon.
“Wall•E,” released back in 2008, originated as an idea from “Up” director (and current Pixar chief creative officer) Pete Docter called “Trash Planet.” Soon the idea mutated, as it was passed to Stanton and the focus became squarely on a small, lonely robot inhabiting an abandoned, garbage-covered Earth. When another droid visits Earth, the sleek new Eve, Wall•E falls in love. He follows her to the Axiom, a cruise ship in space, and together they reignite the human race.
“Wall•E,” released back in 2008, originated as an idea from “Up” director (and current Pixar chief creative officer) Pete Docter called “Trash Planet.” Soon the idea mutated, as it was passed to Stanton and the focus became squarely on a small, lonely robot inhabiting an abandoned, garbage-covered Earth. When another droid visits Earth, the sleek new Eve, Wall•E falls in love. He follows her to the Axiom, a cruise ship in space, and together they reignite the human race.
- 9/8/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
“Wall-e,” Pixar’s 2008 sci-fi love-story animated film classic, is getting a special three-disc 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray release from the Criterion Collection this fall.
The special edition of “Wall-e,” the first collaboration between Criterion and Disney’s Pixar, features a 4K digital master approved by director Andrew Stanton, according to Criterion. The three-disc set will be available Nov. 22, 2022, and is currently available to pre-order from Criterion’s site for 39.96.
“Wall-e” is set in the 29th century, after humans have long since fled Earth for outer space, leaving the movie’s protagonist — the last functioning trash-compacting robot — to go about the work of cleaning up the pollution-choked planet, one piece of garbage at a time. When he meets Eve, a fellow automaton sent to detect plant life, the pair are launched on an intergalactic quest to return humanity to Earth.
According to Criterion’s description, “Transporting us simultaneously back to cinema...
The special edition of “Wall-e,” the first collaboration between Criterion and Disney’s Pixar, features a 4K digital master approved by director Andrew Stanton, according to Criterion. The three-disc set will be available Nov. 22, 2022, and is currently available to pre-order from Criterion’s site for 39.96.
“Wall-e” is set in the 29th century, after humans have long since fled Earth for outer space, leaving the movie’s protagonist — the last functioning trash-compacting robot — to go about the work of cleaning up the pollution-choked planet, one piece of garbage at a time. When he meets Eve, a fellow automaton sent to detect plant life, the pair are launched on an intergalactic quest to return humanity to Earth.
According to Criterion’s description, “Transporting us simultaneously back to cinema...
- 9/8/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In a bit of an unexpected and pleasant surprise for fans of both animation and physical media, Pixar has teamed up with the folks at Criterion for a special 4K Ultra HD release of one of the greatest animated movies of the last 15 years (at least). "Wall-e," the 2008 Oscar-winning triumph from director Andrew Stanton, is indeed going to get a physical release as part of the Criterion Collection. And it sounds like this is going to be worth the money.
Criterion made the somewhat unexpected announcement out of nowhere, revealing that the 4K edition of "Wall-e" will be hitting shelves in November. So Pixar fans now know what to put on their Christmas lists this year. Aside from an impressive list of special features (more on that in a moment), the film has been mastered in 4K, which was approved by Stanton personally. The new release also comes with some...
Criterion made the somewhat unexpected announcement out of nowhere, revealing that the 4K edition of "Wall-e" will be hitting shelves in November. So Pixar fans now know what to put on their Christmas lists this year. Aside from an impressive list of special features (more on that in a moment), the film has been mastered in 4K, which was approved by Stanton personally. The new release also comes with some...
- 9/8/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
If you thought last month’s release of previously sealed testimony by former prosecutor Roger Gunson in the Roman Polanski sex case put an end to legal jousting over the secret sessions, you thought wrong.
By way of update, lawyers and others with an interest in the case are now in a tug-of-war over access to the video of Gunson’s deposition, which took place on three separate dates in 2010.
So far, only a written transcript of the testimony has been released. But lawyers for journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel, who won the unsealing in a California Appeals Court decision, went back to that court July 22 with a request for existing video of the sessions. That request was supported by an affidavit from filmmaker Marina Zenovich, whose documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired called attention to claimed misconduct by the Los Angeles legal system in handling Polanski’s case.
By way of update, lawyers and others with an interest in the case are now in a tug-of-war over access to the video of Gunson’s deposition, which took place on three separate dates in 2010.
So far, only a written transcript of the testimony has been released. But lawyers for journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel, who won the unsealing in a California Appeals Court decision, went back to that court July 22 with a request for existing video of the sessions. That request was supported by an affidavit from filmmaker Marina Zenovich, whose documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired called attention to claimed misconduct by the Los Angeles legal system in handling Polanski’s case.
- 8/9/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s lawyer indicated Monday that he will renew his request to have the fugitive director sentenced in absentia, a day after a transcript was unsealed that revives misconduct allegations in the director’s 45-year-old rape case.
But the path to resolving the case is not at all straightforward. Harland Braun, Polanski’s lawyer, said in an interview that he first wants to get a new judge to handle it. Braun stated that the current judge, Sam Ohta, cannot be trusted to deal with it fairly, noting that Ohta had initially refused to release the transcript, which the defense has sought to unseal for 12 years.
“Ohta is worthless,” Braun said in an interview. “Ohta is all screwed up. I don’t trust any judge in L.A. to listen to this.”
Braun said he first wants to go to Judge Eric C. Taylor, the presiding judge for Los Angeles County,...
But the path to resolving the case is not at all straightforward. Harland Braun, Polanski’s lawyer, said in an interview that he first wants to get a new judge to handle it. Braun stated that the current judge, Sam Ohta, cannot be trusted to deal with it fairly, noting that Ohta had initially refused to release the transcript, which the defense has sought to unseal for 12 years.
“Ohta is worthless,” Braun said in an interview. “Ohta is all screwed up. I don’t trust any judge in L.A. to listen to this.”
Braun said he first wants to go to Judge Eric C. Taylor, the presiding judge for Los Angeles County,...
- 7/19/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
A retired prosecutor recalled in 2010 that he was so concerned about the handling of the rape case against Roman Polanski in 1977 that he drafted a document seeking the removal of the judge.
Roger Gunson testified in a closed hearing that Judge Laurence Rittenband appeared to be having “ex parte” conversations about the case. Gunson also said that he understood Polanski’s decision to flee the country in 1978, though he did not think it was justified.
“I was surprised, but after reflecting upon what had happened, I wasn’t surprised that he left,” Gunson testified, saying he believed the judge had reneged on a promise to limit Polanski’s sentence to a brief stay in prison for a psychiatric examination. “There becomes a question as to whether he, Mr. Polanski, can rely upon the representation of Judge Rittenband.”
Gunson’s testimony was unsealed late Sunday night, after an appeals court ordered its release last week.
Roger Gunson testified in a closed hearing that Judge Laurence Rittenband appeared to be having “ex parte” conversations about the case. Gunson also said that he understood Polanski’s decision to flee the country in 1978, though he did not think it was justified.
“I was surprised, but after reflecting upon what had happened, I wasn’t surprised that he left,” Gunson testified, saying he believed the judge had reneged on a promise to limit Polanski’s sentence to a brief stay in prison for a psychiatric examination. “There becomes a question as to whether he, Mr. Polanski, can rely upon the representation of Judge Rittenband.”
Gunson’s testimony was unsealed late Sunday night, after an appeals court ordered its release last week.
- 7/18/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
After 12 years in a lock box, former Los Angeles County prosecutor Roger Gunson’s conditional testimony in the Roman Polanski sex case was unsealed by court order on Thursday, and copies of a transcript were made available on Sunday night.
What the several hundred pages of testimony—taken over three days in 2010—finally delivered was not a series of bombshell revelations. Since Polanski fled the country before sentencing in 1978, constant examination of the case has left little room for surprises.
Rather, Gunson’s testimony provided a long, highly detailed, deeply informed recap both of Polanski’s crime—which involved the rape of a minor—and of alleged judicial and prosecutorial misconduct that followed it.
Perhaps the most striking details—other than blunt descriptions of the crime, which would surely be repeated if Polanski ever came to trial—involved Gunson’s account of having been blocked by superiors in the Los...
What the several hundred pages of testimony—taken over three days in 2010—finally delivered was not a series of bombshell revelations. Since Polanski fled the country before sentencing in 1978, constant examination of the case has left little room for surprises.
Rather, Gunson’s testimony provided a long, highly detailed, deeply informed recap both of Polanski’s crime—which involved the rape of a minor—and of alleged judicial and prosecutorial misconduct that followed it.
Perhaps the most striking details—other than blunt descriptions of the crime, which would surely be repeated if Polanski ever came to trial—involved Gunson’s account of having been blocked by superiors in the Los...
- 7/18/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A state appeals court Wednesday ordered the unsealing of a former prosecutor’s testimony in the criminal case against Roman Polanski. The ruling could eventually draw to a close the 45-year-old legal saga.
California’s Second Appellate District issued the order after the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office lifted its opposition to unseal transcripts of closed-door testimony from retired prosecutor Roger Gunson. A panel of justices pointed to potential judicial and prosecutorial misconduct that would require “curative action.”
“The conditional deposition of Gunson was a post-plea evidentiary hearing designed to uncover these alleged abuses, and we agree with the People that there is no factual or legal basis for the conditional deposition transcript to remain sealed,” reads the order.
Harland Braun, Polanski’s attorney, said he will move for the director to be sentenced without having to be physically present in court.
A state appeals court Wednesday ordered the unsealing of a former prosecutor’s testimony in the criminal case against Roman Polanski. The ruling could eventually draw to a close the 45-year-old legal saga.
California’s Second Appellate District issued the order after the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office lifted its opposition to unseal transcripts of closed-door testimony from retired prosecutor Roger Gunson. A panel of justices pointed to potential judicial and prosecutorial misconduct that would require “curative action.”
“The conditional deposition of Gunson was a post-plea evidentiary hearing designed to uncover these alleged abuses, and we agree with the People that there is no factual or legal basis for the conditional deposition transcript to remain sealed,” reads the order.
Harland Braun, Polanski’s attorney, said he will move for the director to be sentenced without having to be physically present in court.
- 7/14/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A three-judge appellate panel ordered the release of a transcript in the Roman Polanski case on Wednesday, one day after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office withdrew its objection to disclosing the document.
Two authors, Sam Wasson and William Rempel, had asked the court to unseal the transcript of a 2010 examination of Roger Gunson, the retired prosecutor who handled the case against Polanski in 1977. Polanski has been a fugitive ever since fleeing to France in 1978, shortly before he was to be sentenced for raping a 13-year-old girl.
Polanski and his supporters have often argued that Judge Laurence Rittenband engaged in serious misconduct and reneged on a promise to sentence him to no more than a 90-day psychiatric evaluation. Gunson was interviewed for the 2008 documentary “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired,” which brought greater scrutiny to the handling of the case. He also testified behind closed doors for three days...
Two authors, Sam Wasson and William Rempel, had asked the court to unseal the transcript of a 2010 examination of Roger Gunson, the retired prosecutor who handled the case against Polanski in 1977. Polanski has been a fugitive ever since fleeing to France in 1978, shortly before he was to be sentenced for raping a 13-year-old girl.
Polanski and his supporters have often argued that Judge Laurence Rittenband engaged in serious misconduct and reneged on a promise to sentence him to no more than a 90-day psychiatric evaluation. Gunson was interviewed for the 2008 documentary “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired,” which brought greater scrutiny to the handling of the case. He also testified behind closed doors for three days...
- 7/14/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The California Appeals Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday ordered the Los Angeles County Superior Court to reverse itself and unseal hitherto hidden testimony in the long-running Roman Polanski sex case.
The order cited the need for public examination of claims that Polanski’s rights were violated by the court and prosecutors both before and after he fled the country before final sentencing in the case, which has been before the court for over four decades.
The current request to unseal testimony by a former prosecutor, Roger Gunson, was pressed by journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel. They and their lead attorney, John Washington, argued that state law and public interest required the court to reveal what Gunson had said in a session that was held from the public. At the time, Gunson was ill, and it was feared that he might not survive to testify in any final adjudication...
The order cited the need for public examination of claims that Polanski’s rights were violated by the court and prosecutors both before and after he fled the country before final sentencing in the case, which has been before the court for over four decades.
The current request to unseal testimony by a former prosecutor, Roger Gunson, was pressed by journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel. They and their lead attorney, John Washington, argued that state law and public interest required the court to reveal what Gunson had said in a session that was held from the public. At the time, Gunson was ill, and it was feared that he might not survive to testify in any final adjudication...
- 7/14/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has agreed to unseal a transcript that has long been sought by Roman Polanski, as prosecutors are reconsidering the director’s 45-year-old rape case with “fresh eyes.”
Gascón announced Tuesday that the office had reversed its position and would no longer object to unsealing a transcript of a 2010 examination of Roger Gunson, the deputy district attorney who prosecuted Polanski for raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977. Polanski, now 88, pleaded guilty but fled to France before sentencing. He has lived abroad ever since. Numerous efforts by previous D.A.’s to extradite him have failed, as have Polanski’s efforts to resolve the case without first returning to the U.S.
The announcement indicated that Gascón, who was elected in 2020, is breaking with the approach of his predecessors. His office also indicated a willingness to take a new look at the case, which Polanski and...
Gascón announced Tuesday that the office had reversed its position and would no longer object to unsealing a transcript of a 2010 examination of Roger Gunson, the deputy district attorney who prosecuted Polanski for raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977. Polanski, now 88, pleaded guilty but fled to France before sentencing. He has lived abroad ever since. Numerous efforts by previous D.A.’s to extradite him have failed, as have Polanski’s efforts to resolve the case without first returning to the U.S.
The announcement indicated that Gascón, who was elected in 2020, is breaking with the approach of his predecessors. His office also indicated a willingness to take a new look at the case, which Polanski and...
- 7/13/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is no longer opposing a request to unseal a former prosecutor’s testimony that Roman Polanski claims will reveal misconduct from a judge, thus warranting dismissal of the decades-old case against him.
Los Angeles prosecutors on Tuesday lifted their opposition to unseal transcripts of closed-door testimony from the original prosecutor handling the case, Roger Gunson, who retired in 2002. District Attorney George Gascón told The Hollywood Reporter there were “some irregularities” in the case, starting with potential “judicial misconduct” from the judge who initially oversaw the proceedings.
A ruling unsealing the testimony could lead to Polanski being allowed to return to the United States without serving prison time for his underlying criminal case if it’s found that the court improperly reneged on the plea deal he allegedly struck with prosecutors for 90 days of psychiatric evaluation. He...
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is no longer opposing a request to unseal a former prosecutor’s testimony that Roman Polanski claims will reveal misconduct from a judge, thus warranting dismissal of the decades-old case against him.
Los Angeles prosecutors on Tuesday lifted their opposition to unseal transcripts of closed-door testimony from the original prosecutor handling the case, Roger Gunson, who retired in 2002. District Attorney George Gascón told The Hollywood Reporter there were “some irregularities” in the case, starting with potential “judicial misconduct” from the judge who initially oversaw the proceedings.
A ruling unsealing the testimony could lead to Polanski being allowed to return to the United States without serving prison time for his underlying criminal case if it’s found that the court improperly reneged on the plea deal he allegedly struck with prosecutors for 90 days of psychiatric evaluation. He...
- 7/12/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sealed testimony by a former deputy district attorney in the Roman Polanski sex case will remain closed, the Los Angeles County Superior Court decided on Tuesday.
Journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel had asked the court to open the testimony of Roger Gunson, which was provided years ago when it appeared that Gunson’s health might prevent his contributing to any legal proceedings involving Polanski. Many who have followed the case believe that Gunson’s deposition would confirm that the court and/or prosecutors abused Polanski’s rights during his prosecution. But the Los Angeles court has consistently refused to consider Polanski’s position until he ends his fugitive status, which began when he fled the country before sentencing.
On Tuesday, according to a person involved in the latest attempt to unseal the Gunson testimony, the court again declined.
Wasson and Rempel are expected to appeal the decision.
Journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel had asked the court to open the testimony of Roger Gunson, which was provided years ago when it appeared that Gunson’s health might prevent his contributing to any legal proceedings involving Polanski. Many who have followed the case believe that Gunson’s deposition would confirm that the court and/or prosecutors abused Polanski’s rights during his prosecution. But the Los Angeles court has consistently refused to consider Polanski’s position until he ends his fugitive status, which began when he fled the country before sentencing.
On Tuesday, according to a person involved in the latest attempt to unseal the Gunson testimony, the court again declined.
Wasson and Rempel are expected to appeal the decision.
- 3/8/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
In one particular, progressive Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón doesn’t differ from his predecessors: He is against opening court and prosecutorial behavior in the Roman Polanski sex case to public inspection—at least not until the fugitive Polanski returns from abroad to face sentencing.
In late December, Gascón joined Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee in filing a 15-page brief in opposition to a request by journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel to unseal conditional testimony about the case from former prosecutor Roger Gunson. An underlying question is whether the sealed testimony, given in 2010, would support those who believe that Polanski’s rights were violated by judicial improprieties.
In their opposition, Gascón and Hanisee strongly argued that the testimony constitutes raw discovery material, and, as such, is properly kept from public view. “Granting public access to the deposition testimony from a conditional examination that has not yet been...
In late December, Gascón joined Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee in filing a 15-page brief in opposition to a request by journalists Sam Wasson and William Rempel to unseal conditional testimony about the case from former prosecutor Roger Gunson. An underlying question is whether the sealed testimony, given in 2010, would support those who believe that Polanski’s rights were violated by judicial improprieties.
In their opposition, Gascón and Hanisee strongly argued that the testimony constitutes raw discovery material, and, as such, is properly kept from public view. “Granting public access to the deposition testimony from a conditional examination that has not yet been...
- 2/2/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Hope springs eternal among those bent on getting to the bottom of the Roman Polanski sex case. On Monday morning, two writer/journalists, Sam Wasson and William Rempel, are now hoping that Judge Sergio Tapia II of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will look kindly on their request to unseal some critical evidence in the convoluted case–that is, the transcripts of 2010 conditional testimony by one of the original prosecutors, Roger Gunson.
It would be remarkable if Judge Tapia were to agree, given the court’s prior refusal to unseal the testimony at Polanski’s request, or to proceed with any of several challenges to judicial and prosecutorial behavior in the case until Polanski returns to the United States, from which he has been a fugitive since 1978. But you never know.
In very short form, Polanski fled on the eve of sentencing by Judge Laurence Rittenband on a guilty...
It would be remarkable if Judge Tapia were to agree, given the court’s prior refusal to unseal the testimony at Polanski’s request, or to proceed with any of several challenges to judicial and prosecutorial behavior in the case until Polanski returns to the United States, from which he has been a fugitive since 1978. But you never know.
In very short form, Polanski fled on the eve of sentencing by Judge Laurence Rittenband on a guilty...
- 11/28/2021
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
It was an imposing opening, and Hollywood loves openings that are grand in concept, star-studded and famously over budget. The new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures finally is complete, and key industry players have paid homage and faithfully scrutinized its exhibits.
But they’ve also pondered the key question that has hovered over the museum from its inception: What story should it tell?
Up front, the museum’s auteurs let it be known they did not want to present a chronological history of the movie industry, with its fables and foibles. The museum would not be a re-creation of, say, Neal Gabler’s An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood.
The upshot: The industry’s assessments seem to be playing out on two levels. Official Hollywood is grateful that diverse and creative voices such as Spike Lee and Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki are awarded important billing. But...
But they’ve also pondered the key question that has hovered over the museum from its inception: What story should it tell?
Up front, the museum’s auteurs let it be known they did not want to present a chronological history of the movie industry, with its fables and foibles. The museum would not be a re-creation of, say, Neal Gabler’s An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood.
The upshot: The industry’s assessments seem to be playing out on two levels. Official Hollywood is grateful that diverse and creative voices such as Spike Lee and Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki are awarded important billing. But...
- 11/12/2021
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ben Affleck has added another adaptation to his growing directorial slate. Affleck and his Pearl Street Films production company are set to take on the bestselling book series “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” with Affleck on board to direct and produce the project for Disney.
Based on Shannon Messenger’s novel, Affleck will adapt the project’s script with Kate Gritmon, while Madison Ainley serves as an executive producer. The “Keeper of the Lost Cities” series centers on a 12-year-old telepathic girl named Sophie, who is searching for answers about her secret abilities, learning that she’s not actually human, but from another world that exists simultaneously with our own.
The actor and director — who starred in last year’s critically acclaimed sports drama “The Way Back” — recently wrapped filming on Ridley Scott’s “The Last Dual” and New Regency’s “Deep Water.”
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” joins Affleck...
Based on Shannon Messenger’s novel, Affleck will adapt the project’s script with Kate Gritmon, while Madison Ainley serves as an executive producer. The “Keeper of the Lost Cities” series centers on a 12-year-old telepathic girl named Sophie, who is searching for answers about her secret abilities, learning that she’s not actually human, but from another world that exists simultaneously with our own.
The actor and director — who starred in last year’s critically acclaimed sports drama “The Way Back” — recently wrapped filming on Ridley Scott’s “The Last Dual” and New Regency’s “Deep Water.”
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” joins Affleck...
- 1/11/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
It’s that time of year again. While some directors annually share their favorite films of the year, Steven Soderbergh lists everything he consumed, media-wise. For 2020––a year in which he not only Let Them All Talk Review: Steven Soderbergh’s Most Emotionally Resonant Film in Years”>released a new film, but No Sudden Move and Confirms The Knick Return”>shot another––he still got plenty of watching in.
His list includes months-early screenings of Mank (x4!), I’m Your Woman, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Cherry, and The Woman in the Window, as well no shortage of classics and recent favorites, including Time, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Assistant, two films in the Small Axe anthology, and more. After beginning production on No Sudden Move on September 28, he also screened the first cut on November 14.
Check out the list below via his official site.
01/01 Les Miserables (’19)
01/02 Cassandra at the Wedding,...
His list includes months-early screenings of Mank (x4!), I’m Your Woman, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Cherry, and The Woman in the Window, as well no shortage of classics and recent favorites, including Time, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Assistant, two films in the Small Axe anthology, and more. After beginning production on No Sudden Move on September 28, he also screened the first cut on November 14.
Check out the list below via his official site.
01/01 Les Miserables (’19)
01/02 Cassandra at the Wedding,...
- 1/5/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The holidays are upon us, so whether you looking for film-related gift ideas or simply want to pick up some of the finest the year had to offer in the category for yourself, we have a gift guide for you. Including must-have books on filmmaking, the best from The Criterion Collection, Kino Lorber, and more home video picks, subscriptions, magazines, music, and more, dive in below.
Blu-ray Box Sets
There’s no better way to kick off a gift guide than the most prized possession/obsession of any cinephile: a gorgeous Blu-ray box set to dive into. The Criterion Collection leads the charge once again this year with a number of highlights, my favorite of which is Éric Rohmer’s Six Moral Tales collection, featuring astounding works by the French New Wave master that make a great pairing with another one of his cohorts: Agnès Varda.
“What Agnès Varda seemed...
Blu-ray Box Sets
There’s no better way to kick off a gift guide than the most prized possession/obsession of any cinephile: a gorgeous Blu-ray box set to dive into. The Criterion Collection leads the charge once again this year with a number of highlights, my favorite of which is Éric Rohmer’s Six Moral Tales collection, featuring astounding works by the French New Wave master that make a great pairing with another one of his cohorts: Agnès Varda.
“What Agnès Varda seemed...
- 12/8/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The actor/comedian/writer/director joins us to talk about some of the objectively bad movies he loves.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Explorers (1985)
Chinatown (1974)
Suicide Squad (2016)
The Oath (2018)
The Last Movie Star (2018)
Tango and Cash (1989)
The Thing (1982)
Runaway Train (1985)
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Conrack (1974)
Volcano (1997)
Dante’s Peak (1997)
Earthquake (1974)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Independence Day (1996)
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Road House (1989)
Minnie and Moskowitz (1971)
Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
West Side Story (1961)
Chicago (2002)
The Producers (1967)
Outbreak (1995)
Volunteers (1985)
Splash (1984)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Philadelphia (1993)
Bachelor Party (1984)
Con Air (1997)
Bad Boys (1995)
The Rock (1996)
Mandy (2018)
Out For Justice (1991)
Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Goodfellas (1990)
Paths of Glory (1957)
Hard To Kill (1991)
Above The Law (1988)
Under Siege (1992)
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
The Asian Connection (2016)
Contract To Kill (2016)
The Perfect Weapon (2016)
Sniper: Special Ops (2016)
The Glimmer Man (1996)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Contagion (2011)
Other Notable Items
The...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Explorers (1985)
Chinatown (1974)
Suicide Squad (2016)
The Oath (2018)
The Last Movie Star (2018)
Tango and Cash (1989)
The Thing (1982)
Runaway Train (1985)
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Conrack (1974)
Volcano (1997)
Dante’s Peak (1997)
Earthquake (1974)
It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Independence Day (1996)
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Road House (1989)
Minnie and Moskowitz (1971)
Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
West Side Story (1961)
Chicago (2002)
The Producers (1967)
Outbreak (1995)
Volunteers (1985)
Splash (1984)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Philadelphia (1993)
Bachelor Party (1984)
Con Air (1997)
Bad Boys (1995)
The Rock (1996)
Mandy (2018)
Out For Justice (1991)
Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Goodfellas (1990)
Paths of Glory (1957)
Hard To Kill (1991)
Above The Law (1988)
Under Siege (1992)
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
The Asian Connection (2016)
Contract To Kill (2016)
The Perfect Weapon (2016)
Sniper: Special Ops (2016)
The Glimmer Man (1996)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Contagion (2011)
Other Notable Items
The...
- 9/15/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Ben Affleck is traveling back to the ’70s for his next directorial feature, specifically looking at the making of a Hollywood classic. He’s set to adapt The Big Goodbye, based on the recent book by Sam Wasson, which details the behind-the-scenes account of the creation of the 1974 drama Chinatown.
According to Deadline, Affleck has optioned the book and is set to direct and write the film with Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels producing. Directed by Roman Polanski, Chinatown follows Jack Nicholson’s J.J. Gittes, a grizzled private detective who gets drawn into Los Angeles’ 1930s underbelly when handling a case for the mysterious, tragic Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway). Chinatown was not only one of the greatest films of its era, but also signaled perhaps the end of an era; an auteur-driven cinema where storytelling reigned supreme, a time before Hollywood was taken over by tentpole franchises and endless sequels.
According to Deadline, Affleck has optioned the book and is set to direct and write the film with Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels producing. Directed by Roman Polanski, Chinatown follows Jack Nicholson’s J.J. Gittes, a grizzled private detective who gets drawn into Los Angeles’ 1930s underbelly when handling a case for the mysterious, tragic Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway). Chinatown was not only one of the greatest films of its era, but also signaled perhaps the end of an era; an auteur-driven cinema where storytelling reigned supreme, a time before Hollywood was taken over by tentpole franchises and endless sequels.
- 8/10/2020
- by Stephen Hladik
- The Film Stage
Ben Affleck is returning to 1970s Hollywood for his next directorial effort. As the filmmaker who won a Best Picture Oscar for Argo in 2013, a movie that briefly crossed paths with Tinseltown at the height of Star Wars fever in the late ‘70s, Affleck already knows well the setting of The Big Goodbye, which is being developed at Paramount Pictures. And with the new movie focused on Paramount’s struggles in making the legendary Chinatown, this means Affleck is helming a movie where Jack Nicholson, Roman Polanski, and Faye Dunaway are all characters.
Also set to write the screenplay, Affleck will be pulling from the nonfiction book The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by Sam Wasson. The film is unsurprisingly near and dear to Paramount insiders’ hearts, as well as Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels, who purchased the rights to the book. Michaels will produce alongside Affleck.
Also set to write the screenplay, Affleck will be pulling from the nonfiction book The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by Sam Wasson. The film is unsurprisingly near and dear to Paramount insiders’ hearts, as well as Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels, who purchased the rights to the book. Michaels will produce alongside Affleck.
- 8/7/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Forget it, Ben. It’s Chinatown.
Ben Affleck will dig deep into Hollywood history with an upcoming adaptation of “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood,” an inside look at the making of the film noir classic. The film has been set up at Paramount, which is only fitting given that it was that studio’s legendary head, Robert Evans, that helped will the incisive look at power, money, and corruption in Los Angeles into existence.
Affleck will adapt the book by Sam Wasson, as well as direct the film. “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels will produce the picture along with Affleck.
“Chinatown” is considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made, with career-best work from Jack Nicholson and all involved. But Wasson’s book makes it clear that the production was often bumpy. Director Roman Polanski clashed with star Faye Dunaway (who got...
Ben Affleck will dig deep into Hollywood history with an upcoming adaptation of “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood,” an inside look at the making of the film noir classic. The film has been set up at Paramount, which is only fitting given that it was that studio’s legendary head, Robert Evans, that helped will the incisive look at power, money, and corruption in Los Angeles into existence.
Affleck will adapt the book by Sam Wasson, as well as direct the film. “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels will produce the picture along with Affleck.
“Chinatown” is considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made, with career-best work from Jack Nicholson and all involved. But Wasson’s book makes it clear that the production was often bumpy. Director Roman Polanski clashed with star Faye Dunaway (who got...
- 8/7/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Affleck is ready to step behind the camera for the first time since 2016's Live By Night as Deadline reports that he's signed on to direct The Big Goodbye for Paramount. Affleck is also set to pen the script for the project, which will be an adaptation of Sam Wasson's "The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood."…...
- 8/7/2020
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Ben Affleck is returning to the director’s chair for the first time since his 2016 bomb “Live by Night” with “The Big Goodbye,” a dramatic retelling of the behind-the-scenes drama that went into making Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown.” Affleck will helm the movie for Paramount Pictures. The project was first announced by Deadline as an adaptation of Sam Wasson’s 2020 nonfiction tome “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood.” IndieWire has reached out to Paramount Pictures representatives, who confirmed the news, and that Affleck will also write the script.
Rights to the book were purchased by “Saturday Night Live” showrunner Lorne Michaels. The deep-dive biography of the movie as told by Wasson unfurls the twisty story that led to the 1974 classic that lost Best Picture, but still earned screenwriter Robert Towne a Best Original Screenplay Academy Award. Framed against the wildly changing backdrop of 1970s Hollywood, “The...
Rights to the book were purchased by “Saturday Night Live” showrunner Lorne Michaels. The deep-dive biography of the movie as told by Wasson unfurls the twisty story that led to the 1974 classic that lost Best Picture, but still earned screenwriter Robert Towne a Best Original Screenplay Academy Award. Framed against the wildly changing backdrop of 1970s Hollywood, “The...
- 8/7/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Forget it Ben, it’s Chinatown.
Ben Affleck will return to the directing chair and direct “The Big Goodbye,” a film about the behind-the-scenes story of the classic 1974 film noir “Chinatown,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Affleck will also write the script based on the book “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood” from New York Times bestselling author Sam Wasson that goes into the process behind Jack Nicholson’s performance, Roman Polanski’s film and Robert Towne’s script.
Lorne Michaels of “SNL” will also produce the film along with Affleck.
Also Read: 'The Way Back' Film Review: Ben Affleck Battles His Demons in Tough-Minded Sports Saga
“The Big Goodbye” was published in February of this year and peels back some of the myth surrounding the film, which was made at a point when everyone involved, including Nicholson, Polanski, Towne and producer Robert Evans,...
Ben Affleck will return to the directing chair and direct “The Big Goodbye,” a film about the behind-the-scenes story of the classic 1974 film noir “Chinatown,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Affleck will also write the script based on the book “The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood” from New York Times bestselling author Sam Wasson that goes into the process behind Jack Nicholson’s performance, Roman Polanski’s film and Robert Towne’s script.
Lorne Michaels of “SNL” will also produce the film along with Affleck.
Also Read: 'The Way Back' Film Review: Ben Affleck Battles His Demons in Tough-Minded Sports Saga
“The Big Goodbye” was published in February of this year and peels back some of the myth surrounding the film, which was made at a point when everyone involved, including Nicholson, Polanski, Towne and producer Robert Evans,...
- 8/7/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: After earning some of the best reviews of his acting career for The Way Back, Ben Affleck is ready to make his return behind the camera, and he looks to have zeroed in on his next directing job. We are hearing that Affleck has signed on to direct The Big Goodbye for Paramount, an adaptation of the Sam Wasson book The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood..
Affleck also would write the script. SNL’s Lorne Michaels pursued the rights to the book and brought it to the studio and will produce along with Affleck.
The non-fiction book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 1974 film noir classic starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. From Roman Polanski’s directing and Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning script to the twist ending that shook filmgoers to their core, Chinatown joined the long list of films to make their mark during the 1970s.
Affleck also would write the script. SNL’s Lorne Michaels pursued the rights to the book and brought it to the studio and will produce along with Affleck.
The non-fiction book tells the behind-the-scenes story of the 1974 film noir classic starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. From Roman Polanski’s directing and Robert Towne’s Oscar-winning script to the twist ending that shook filmgoers to their core, Chinatown joined the long list of films to make their mark during the 1970s.
- 8/7/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The making of iconic Hollywood movie Chinatown is getting the movie treatment from Ben Affleck and Paramount.
Affleck will write the script and is set to direct The Big Goodbye, an adaptation of The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by author Sam Wasson.
Affleck will also produce with Lorne Michaels, who initially nabbed the rights to the book.
Goodbye chronicles the making of what is considered one of the great American films of all time, made in a period where auteurs were bringing a unique authorship to the movie business.
From the publisher’s description, which shows the key players ...
Affleck will write the script and is set to direct The Big Goodbye, an adaptation of The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by author Sam Wasson.
Affleck will also produce with Lorne Michaels, who initially nabbed the rights to the book.
Goodbye chronicles the making of what is considered one of the great American films of all time, made in a period where auteurs were bringing a unique authorship to the movie business.
From the publisher’s description, which shows the key players ...
The making of iconic Hollywood movie Chinatown is getting the movie treatment from Ben Affleck and Paramount.
Affleck will write the script and is set to direct The Big Goodbye, an adaptation of The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by author Sam Wasson.
Affleck will also produce with Lorne Michaels, who initially nabbed the rights to the book.
Goodbye chronicles the making of what is considered one of the great American films of all time, made in a period where auteurs were bringing a unique authorship to the movie business.
From the publisher’s description, which shows the key players ...
Affleck will write the script and is set to direct The Big Goodbye, an adaptation of The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood by author Sam Wasson.
Affleck will also produce with Lorne Michaels, who initially nabbed the rights to the book.
Goodbye chronicles the making of what is considered one of the great American films of all time, made in a period where auteurs were bringing a unique authorship to the movie business.
From the publisher’s description, which shows the key players ...
If anyone in Hollywood knows what it takes to get through epidemics, it’s Norman Lloyd. This protean actor was 3 in New York when the Spanish flu erupted in February 1918 and infected some 500 million people, about one-third of the world’s population. It came in four waves, and finally subsided in April 1920.
Norman has no particular memories of that plague, as he was kept indoors by his parents. And indoors he remains now, at the cozy, quiet, tree-enshrouded house on the far west side of Los Angeles that he’s owned since 1948. His wife Peggy died in 2011, but he has no shortage of friends (his annual November birthday party attracts up to 100 people) and keeps to a regular schedule under the supervision of a nurse and assistant who look after his daily needs. And, no, he isn’t working anymore; the last film he acted in was Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck five years ago.
Norman has no particular memories of that plague, as he was kept indoors by his parents. And indoors he remains now, at the cozy, quiet, tree-enshrouded house on the far west side of Los Angeles that he’s owned since 1948. His wife Peggy died in 2011, but he has no shortage of friends (his annual November birthday party attracts up to 100 people) and keeps to a regular schedule under the supervision of a nurse and assistant who look after his daily needs. And, no, he isn’t working anymore; the last film he acted in was Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck five years ago.
- 7/21/2020
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
Even if you’re already aware of the ending, the final moments of the ultimate sunshine noir can shock even the most hardened box-set veteran
See the other classic missed films in this series
Despite the eternal sunshine, not all stories set in Los Angeles cast much of a shadow. Chinatown (1974) is one of those perceived classics that has left a genuinely lasting mark. A buzzy hit on release, it claimed an Oscar for its screenwriter Robert Towne from a raft of 11 nominations that also recognised director Roman Polanski, and stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.
In the decades since, it has joined the Wizard of Oz, Some Like It Hot and Casablanca in that nebulous canon of movies with final lines that have become assimilated into pop culture. Forget it? Not likely. Even in 2020, books are still being written about this stylish and unsettling noir. The latest tome – Sam Wasson...
See the other classic missed films in this series
Despite the eternal sunshine, not all stories set in Los Angeles cast much of a shadow. Chinatown (1974) is one of those perceived classics that has left a genuinely lasting mark. A buzzy hit on release, it claimed an Oscar for its screenwriter Robert Towne from a raft of 11 nominations that also recognised director Roman Polanski, and stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.
In the decades since, it has joined the Wizard of Oz, Some Like It Hot and Casablanca in that nebulous canon of movies with final lines that have become assimilated into pop culture. Forget it? Not likely. Even in 2020, books are still being written about this stylish and unsettling noir. The latest tome – Sam Wasson...
- 4/9/2020
- by Graeme Virtue
- The Guardian - Film News
Theaters are shut, production postponed, dealmaking stalled and writers are twisting in the wind. Given these conditions, it’s perversely appropriate that the hottest new book about the movie business is focused on an angst-ridden writer. The Big Goodbye doesn’t try to make the writing trade seem like fun, but the creation of Chinatown is steeped in so much drama and pathos that Sam Wasson’s book has propelled itself onto bestseller lists.
In writing his Chinatown script, Bob Towne’s agony was such that he became the only writer I can recall who actually hired his own ghost writer. And paid him. (Towne himself wrote almost all the script.)
More from DeadlinePeter Bart: 'Social Distancing' Will Also Expand Our Digital DependencyCésar Awards: Roman Polanski Wins Spark Strong Reaction; Adèle Haenel Exits CeremonyCésar Awards: Roman Polanski Wins Best Director, Spurring Walkouts; Ladj Ly's 'Les Misérables' Best Film -...
In writing his Chinatown script, Bob Towne’s agony was such that he became the only writer I can recall who actually hired his own ghost writer. And paid him. (Towne himself wrote almost all the script.)
More from DeadlinePeter Bart: 'Social Distancing' Will Also Expand Our Digital DependencyCésar Awards: Roman Polanski Wins Spark Strong Reaction; Adèle Haenel Exits CeremonyCésar Awards: Roman Polanski Wins Best Director, Spurring Walkouts; Ladj Ly's 'Les Misérables' Best Film -...
- 3/20/2020
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
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