The official YouTube channel for voice actor Shiina Natsukawa has started streaming a music video for her eighth CD single song "Shadow Boxer." The lyrics of the loud rock tune were written by Natsukawa herself, and Tomoya Tabuchi (Unison Square Garden), the man behind "Krakuto Little Pride" and "Harenoba Takeover," which have become popular songs at her live performances, worked on music. While performing as a member of TrySail alongside Sora Amamiya and Momo Asakura, Natsukawa has built her career as a solo singer since April 2017. The title tune "Shadow Boxer" released digitally first today on March 18, and its CD single will be available on April 17. "Shadow Boxer" music video First press limited edition CD jacket Regular edition Related: Voice Actor Shiina Natsukawa Releases New Music Video "Rough Second" Source : Shiina Natsukawa official YouTube channel ©MusicRay'n Inc.
- 3/18/2024
- by Mikikazu Komatsu
- Crunchyroll
Mo’Nique is opening up about her high-profile feuds. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 55-year-old comedian discusses both the origins and current standings of her public feuds with Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.
Everything started in 2004 when she met Daniels. The following year, she appeared in his directorial debut, “Shadowboxer”. From there, Mo’Nique says, she and Daniels “never stopped communicating,” all the way up to her starring role in the 2009 film “Precious”.
The film quickly earned critical praise and was part of the awards season discussion, something that Daniels, along with producers Winfrey and Perry, wanted to capitalize on. Mo’Nique declined to go on a press tour without being compensated for her time, and thus the rift began.
When Mo’Nique refused to get on a flight to attend the Cannes Film Festival in support of the movie, she claims Daniels told her in a phone call,...
Everything started in 2004 when she met Daniels. The following year, she appeared in his directorial debut, “Shadowboxer”. From there, Mo’Nique says, she and Daniels “never stopped communicating,” all the way up to her starring role in the 2009 film “Precious”.
The film quickly earned critical praise and was part of the awards season discussion, something that Daniels, along with producers Winfrey and Perry, wanted to capitalize on. Mo’Nique declined to go on a press tour without being compensated for her time, and thus the rift began.
When Mo’Nique refused to get on a flight to attend the Cannes Film Festival in support of the movie, she claims Daniels told her in a phone call,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Exclusive: Warner Recorded Music has unveiled a new global joint venture with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels’ (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) company, Lee Daniels Music.
The agreement encompasses recorded music projects, including soundtracks, as well as artist signings. Its first project — the original motion picture soundtrack for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, starring Warner Records artist Andra Day — won this year’s Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The film directed by Daniels was released on Hulu in February of 2021, with the companion album released via Warner Records and Warner Recorded Music worldwide. Daniels continues to have a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, having last year extended his relationship with the studio, which goes back to 2014.
Amanda Ghost, CEO of AI Film and co-founder of Unigram (both ventures backed by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries), acted as Executive Music Producer on The United States vs.
The agreement encompasses recorded music projects, including soundtracks, as well as artist signings. Its first project — the original motion picture soundtrack for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, starring Warner Records artist Andra Day — won this year’s Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The film directed by Daniels was released on Hulu in February of 2021, with the companion album released via Warner Records and Warner Recorded Music worldwide. Daniels continues to have a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, having last year extended his relationship with the studio, which goes back to 2014.
Amanda Ghost, CEO of AI Film and co-founder of Unigram (both ventures backed by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries), acted as Executive Music Producer on The United States vs.
- 8/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Asger Hussain is joining Lee Daniels Entertainment as SVP of Television, overseeing all aspects of development and production.
Hussain is taking over for Marc Velez who is departing the position.
Award-winning Danish producer Hussain’s arrival at the studio reps a reteaming with Daniels: The two previously worked together on the Oscar-winning Precious, The Paperboy, The Woodsman and Shadowboxer.
Most recently, Hussain served as VP of Production for Gamechanger Films. He also produced the critically-acclaimed South African western, Five Fingers for Marseilles.
In May 2021, Daniels signed a new multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, cementing a partnership that started in 2015 with the smash hit Empire.
The company’s current on-air projects include ABC’s The Wonder Years reboot, Fox’s Our Kind of People, BET’s Ms. Pat as well as the upcoming FX spy series The Spook Who Sat By the Door, and Hulu...
Hussain is taking over for Marc Velez who is departing the position.
Award-winning Danish producer Hussain’s arrival at the studio reps a reteaming with Daniels: The two previously worked together on the Oscar-winning Precious, The Paperboy, The Woodsman and Shadowboxer.
Most recently, Hussain served as VP of Production for Gamechanger Films. He also produced the critically-acclaimed South African western, Five Fingers for Marseilles.
In May 2021, Daniels signed a new multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, cementing a partnership that started in 2015 with the smash hit Empire.
The company’s current on-air projects include ABC’s The Wonder Years reboot, Fox’s Our Kind of People, BET’s Ms. Pat as well as the upcoming FX spy series The Spook Who Sat By the Door, and Hulu...
- 5/3/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has emerged victorious in a bidding war for director Lee Daniels’ next movie.
Several Hollywood players, including MGM and Miramax, were vying for rights to the Oscar-nominated director’s upcoming project. Netflix’s $65 million price tag — a hefty sum covering the film’s production budget and buyouts — secured the sale, according to Deadline Hollywood, who broke the news.
The movie reunites Daniels and Andra Day, who recently worked together on Hulu’s musical biographical drama “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Day will star alongside a buzzy cast that includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin and “King Richard” breakout Aunjanue Ellis.
In addition to directing, Daniels is writing the screenplay with David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum. The film does not have a title or official logline yet, but it will be based on a true horror story. Day will reportedly play an Indiana...
Several Hollywood players, including MGM and Miramax, were vying for rights to the Oscar-nominated director’s upcoming project. Netflix’s $65 million price tag — a hefty sum covering the film’s production budget and buyouts — secured the sale, according to Deadline Hollywood, who broke the news.
The movie reunites Daniels and Andra Day, who recently worked together on Hulu’s musical biographical drama “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Day will star alongside a buzzy cast that includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin and “King Richard” breakout Aunjanue Ellis.
In addition to directing, Daniels is writing the screenplay with David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum. The film does not have a title or official logline yet, but it will be based on a true horror story. Day will reportedly play an Indiana...
- 1/24/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The devil got into Hollywood this weekend as seven bidders waged a head-spinning auction battle for a star-studded exorcism movie package that was won late last night by Netflix.
Lee Daniels will direct, reuniting with his Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis. Day will play the mother of an Indiana family whose children purportedly became demonically possessed in a thriller inspired by an actual case. Sources tell Deadline that the package closed upward of $65 million, covering the film’s budget and buyouts. Daniels, Tucker Tooley and Pam Williams are producing. It is fast-tracked to begin production by the middle of this year.
In a case widely covered at the time, Latoya Ammons and her three children experienced strange incidents in their Gary, In, home that grew progressively worse, with the children levitating,...
Lee Daniels will direct, reuniting with his Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis. Day will play the mother of an Indiana family whose children purportedly became demonically possessed in a thriller inspired by an actual case. Sources tell Deadline that the package closed upward of $65 million, covering the film’s budget and buyouts. Daniels, Tucker Tooley and Pam Williams are producing. It is fast-tracked to begin production by the middle of this year.
In a case widely covered at the time, Latoya Ammons and her three children experienced strange incidents in their Gary, In, home that grew progressively worse, with the children levitating,...
- 1/24/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Lee Daniels joined his “Precious” breakthrough Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe at the Toronto International Film Festival this week (via Entertainment Weekly) to reflect on their 2009 drama, including the moment Daniels had to fire several “disrespectful” crew members only 20 days into production. The filmmaker said he “didn’t feel good” with the “Precious” dailies after two weeks of shooting.
“I had a white line producer, a white Ad, they also read [reviews that said my last film] ‘Shadowboxer’ was the worst film ever made, and they had zero respect for me, my vision, or what it was,” Daniels said. “They were New Yorkers that looked at this as a job. I kept coming home like, this doesn’t feel right, she doesn’t look right, the set looks weird. I felt like I was giving birth to an alien, literally, so I did something that I now don’t even know whether I’d have the courage to do,...
“I had a white line producer, a white Ad, they also read [reviews that said my last film] ‘Shadowboxer’ was the worst film ever made, and they had zero respect for me, my vision, or what it was,” Daniels said. “They were New Yorkers that looked at this as a job. I kept coming home like, this doesn’t feel right, she doesn’t look right, the set looks weird. I felt like I was giving birth to an alien, literally, so I did something that I now don’t even know whether I’d have the courage to do,...
- 9/15/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Damon Dash is partnering with Black-owned film distribution company Homestead Entertainment to help independent filmmakers bring their content to the masses.
Under the terms of the deal, Dash—under his Dame Dash Studios banner— will curate film, TV, and digital content for the partnership and Homestead will handle the global distribution for the films acquired through the partnership.
Dash co-founded Roc-a-Fella Records with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke in the ’90s and has since signed some of Hip Hop’s seminal artists, including Kanye West, developed and owned several major apparel lines including Rachel Roy, and written, directed, produced, and acted in a long list of Hollywood movies and TV shows. Dash discovered Kevin Hart and produced Lee Daniels’s first two films The Woodsman and Shadow Boxer.
“I have always spoken about the importance of Black ownership in the entertainment industry and how Black businesses need to be involved...
Under the terms of the deal, Dash—under his Dame Dash Studios banner— will curate film, TV, and digital content for the partnership and Homestead will handle the global distribution for the films acquired through the partnership.
Dash co-founded Roc-a-Fella Records with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke in the ’90s and has since signed some of Hip Hop’s seminal artists, including Kanye West, developed and owned several major apparel lines including Rachel Roy, and written, directed, produced, and acted in a long list of Hollywood movies and TV shows. Dash discovered Kevin Hart and produced Lee Daniels’s first two films The Woodsman and Shadow Boxer.
“I have always spoken about the importance of Black ownership in the entertainment industry and how Black businesses need to be involved...
- 9/9/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood is full of filmmaking collectives — camps of creative people who met at the bottom and carry each other, hopefully, to great heights.
Particularly sacred (and occasionally fraught) is the relationship between producer and director, a delicate balance of trust and honesty. Approaching nearly 20 years in that dynamic are Oscar nominee Lee Daniels and producer Tucker Tooley.
Having met in the early aughts, the pair just released the Golden Globe-winning “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” at Hulu, and is prepping for the April 2 release of the TIFF player “Concrete Cowboy” with Idris Elba at Netflix.
While studio jobs and streaming riches have come to them more recently, they met as fringe players trying to make a film about the life of actor Montgomery Clift, which never materialized. That led to Daniels’ 2005 directorial debut “Shadowboxer,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren.
During a recent sit-down with Variety, Daniels and...
Particularly sacred (and occasionally fraught) is the relationship between producer and director, a delicate balance of trust and honesty. Approaching nearly 20 years in that dynamic are Oscar nominee Lee Daniels and producer Tucker Tooley.
Having met in the early aughts, the pair just released the Golden Globe-winning “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” at Hulu, and is prepping for the April 2 release of the TIFF player “Concrete Cowboy” with Idris Elba at Netflix.
While studio jobs and streaming riches have come to them more recently, they met as fringe players trying to make a film about the life of actor Montgomery Clift, which never materialized. That led to Daniels’ 2005 directorial debut “Shadowboxer,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren.
During a recent sit-down with Variety, Daniels and...
- 3/30/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In the fall of 1939, director Alfred Hitchcock stood before Columbia University to tell a story we can only hope he invented. With a ruthless, dry delivery, Hitch spoke of two Scotsmen on a train. One of these fellows carried with him a mysterious package he says is a “MacGuffin.” When the other man asks what exactly is a MacGuffin, the carrier responds, “It’s an apparatus for trapping lions in the Scottish Highlands.” What an odd response, the other guy thinks. After all, there is no such thing as highland lions! When he points this out though, the MacGuffin’s owner says, “Well then, that’s no MacGuffin!”
It’s an amusing anecdote which is as circuitous as it appears pointless. But that very pointlessness was always the appeal for Hitch, who four years earlier popularized the storytelling term of a “MacGuffin” with his film The 39 Steps. In that movie,...
It’s an amusing anecdote which is as circuitous as it appears pointless. But that very pointlessness was always the appeal for Hitch, who four years earlier popularized the storytelling term of a “MacGuffin” with his film The 39 Steps. In that movie,...
- 3/11/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Writer, producer, director Lee Daniels discusses some of his favorite films with Josh & Joe.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Infested (2002)
Shadowboxer (2005)
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
A Star Is Born (1937)
Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Lady Sings The Blues (1972)
Island In The Sun (1957)
Carmen Jones (1954)
Claudine (1974)
Mandingo (1975)
Drum (1976)
Caligula (1979)
Gloria (1980)
The Exorcist (1973)
Abby (1974)
Blacula (1972)
Scream Blacula Scream (1973)
Cabaret (1972)
Lenny (1974)
Sounder (1972)
All That Jazz (1979)
I Am A Camera (1955)
Travels With My Aunt (1972)
The Emigrants (1971)
Star 80 (1983)
Harold And Maude (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Pickup On South Street (1953)
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Leave Her To Heaven (1945)
Laura (1944)
Dragonwyck (1946)
The Baron of Arizona (1950)
His Kind of Woman (1951)
Explorers (1985)
Innerspace (1987)
Jack Reacher (2012)
Them (1954)
Revenge of the Creature (1955)
Tarantula! (1955)
Coogan’s Bluff (1968)
Going In Style (1979)
Going In Style (2017)
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Stroszek (1977)
Fitzcarraldo (1982)
Land of Silence and Darkness (1971)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Infested (2002)
Shadowboxer (2005)
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
A Star Is Born (1937)
Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Lady Sings The Blues (1972)
Island In The Sun (1957)
Carmen Jones (1954)
Claudine (1974)
Mandingo (1975)
Drum (1976)
Caligula (1979)
Gloria (1980)
The Exorcist (1973)
Abby (1974)
Blacula (1972)
Scream Blacula Scream (1973)
Cabaret (1972)
Lenny (1974)
Sounder (1972)
All That Jazz (1979)
I Am A Camera (1955)
Travels With My Aunt (1972)
The Emigrants (1971)
Star 80 (1983)
Harold And Maude (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Pickup On South Street (1953)
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Leave Her To Heaven (1945)
Laura (1944)
Dragonwyck (1946)
The Baron of Arizona (1950)
His Kind of Woman (1951)
Explorers (1985)
Innerspace (1987)
Jack Reacher (2012)
Them (1954)
Revenge of the Creature (1955)
Tarantula! (1955)
Coogan’s Bluff (1968)
Going In Style (1979)
Going In Style (2017)
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Stroszek (1977)
Fitzcarraldo (1982)
Land of Silence and Darkness (1971)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams...
- 3/2/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
On Nov. 23, Gold Derby will debut a major new video series featuring lively discussions with filmmakers competing in the same awards race. First up: Best Documentary. Our senior editor Joyce Eng will conduct one-on-one interviews with each contender, followed by a group discussion involving all participants in a lively chat about their differing views of what makes a documentary great and how these filmmakers cope with the gravest challenges of their careers.
RSVP today by clicking here to reserve your booking for the premiere of our special new video series. . This one-hour event will debut on Monday, November 23, at 5:00 p.m. Pt. 8:00 p.m. Et. Sign up now and we will reserve your reservation and then follow up later by sending you a reminder a few hours before the show begins.
This “Meet the Btl Experts” panel welcomes the following 2021 Oscar contenders:
“All In: The Fight for Democracy...
RSVP today by clicking here to reserve your booking for the premiere of our special new video series. . This one-hour event will debut on Monday, November 23, at 5:00 p.m. Pt. 8:00 p.m. Et. Sign up now and we will reserve your reservation and then follow up later by sending you a reminder a few hours before the show begins.
This “Meet the Btl Experts” panel welcomes the following 2021 Oscar contenders:
“All In: The Fight for Democracy...
- 11/18/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The musical chairs of hot directors once attached to direct the classic pastoral gay romance “Brokeback Mountain,” which ultimately went to Ang Lee, is the stuff of legend. Gus Van Sant was once set to helm the adaptation of Annie Proulx’s story, with Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix eyed to star in the roles that went to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Joel Schumacher was at another point linked to direct the 2005 Academy Award-winning film, and co-screenwriter Larry McMurtry even offered the project to Pedro Almodóvar, who said he was tempted to make a more “animalistic” version of the love story.
But as revealed in a new interview with Insider, Oscar-nominated “Precious,” “The Butler,” and “The Paperboy” director Lee Daniels said he was also in talks to direct the film, but getting it off the ground proved to be complicated.
“I was going to be directing ‘Brokeback Mountain,'” the “Empire” creator said.
But as revealed in a new interview with Insider, Oscar-nominated “Precious,” “The Butler,” and “The Paperboy” director Lee Daniels said he was also in talks to direct the film, but getting it off the ground proved to be complicated.
“I was going to be directing ‘Brokeback Mountain,'” the “Empire” creator said.
- 6/20/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The musical chairs of hot directors once attached to direct the classic pastoral gay romance “Brokeback Mountain,” which ultimately went to Ang Lee, is the stuff of legend. Gus Van Sant was once set to helm the adaptation of Annie Proulx’s story, with Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix eyed to star in the roles that went to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Joel Schumacher was at another point linked to direct the 2005 Academy Award-winning film, and co-screenwriter Larry McMurtry even offered the project to Pedro Almodóvar, who said he was tempted to make a more “animalistic” version of the love story.
But as revealed in a new interview with Insider, Oscar-nominated “Precious,” “The Butler,” and “The Paperboy” director Lee Daniels said he was also in talks to direct the film, but getting it off the ground proved to be complicated.
“I was going to be directing ‘Brokeback Mountain,'” the “Empire” creator said.
But as revealed in a new interview with Insider, Oscar-nominated “Precious,” “The Butler,” and “The Paperboy” director Lee Daniels said he was also in talks to direct the film, but getting it off the ground proved to be complicated.
“I was going to be directing ‘Brokeback Mountain,'” the “Empire” creator said.
- 6/20/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
If you’re looking for a statement of intent on Fiona Apple’s second album When the Pawn…, which turns 20 on Saturday, it’s right there in the opening of the second track. Over the steadfast piano plunks and rolling drums of “To Your Love,” the then-22-year-old takes aim at her detractors by invoking their own taunts towards her work: “Here’s another speech you wish I’d swallow/Another cue for you to fold your ears/Another train of thought too hard to follow/Chuggin’ along to a...
- 11/8/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
New York Women in Film & Television and The Writers Lab co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon have revealed the 12 screenwriters to participate in The Writers Lab, which celebrates its fifth year. The program has also unveiled their roster of mentors.
The Writers Lab launched in 2015 and is the only lab in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40. It creates a springboard to the next stage of production and expands the boundaries of today’s commercial narrative film. Many past participants have seen their scripts optioned and/or are actively working in writers’ rooms.
The program, which is presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East, is supported by Oscar-winning actresses and Big Little Lies stars Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.
“I am so proud The Writers Lab has thrived and grown in these five years, and has functioned as a...
The Writers Lab launched in 2015 and is the only lab in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40. It creates a springboard to the next stage of production and expands the boundaries of today’s commercial narrative film. Many past participants have seen their scripts optioned and/or are actively working in writers’ rooms.
The program, which is presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East, is supported by Oscar-winning actresses and Big Little Lies stars Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.
“I am so proud The Writers Lab has thrived and grown in these five years, and has functioned as a...
- 8/1/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Valence Media has made an exclusive production deal with Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s Bolo Media.
Joining Burke will be Wally Eltawashy, Bolo’s head of development and strategic partnerships. He will be staffing up as TV and film projects are announced in the coming months. Recently the duo executive produced HBO’s O.G. which stars Jeffrey Wright and debuts this Saturday, as well as the HBO documentary It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It which airs this month. Burke recently collaborated with Nike to launch his own “Roc-a-Fella” Air Force 1 design.
“A great friend of mine, Datwon Thomas, introduced me to the Valence Media team and they share the same business views as I do; that relationships are more significant than the transaction,” said Burke. “After considering some great opportunities it became clear to me after meeting with everyone at Valence that this was the right collaboration for me,...
Joining Burke will be Wally Eltawashy, Bolo’s head of development and strategic partnerships. He will be staffing up as TV and film projects are announced in the coming months. Recently the duo executive produced HBO’s O.G. which stars Jeffrey Wright and debuts this Saturday, as well as the HBO documentary It’s a Hard Truth Ain’t It which airs this month. Burke recently collaborated with Nike to launch his own “Roc-a-Fella” Air Force 1 design.
“A great friend of mine, Datwon Thomas, introduced me to the Valence Media team and they share the same business views as I do; that relationships are more significant than the transaction,” said Burke. “After considering some great opportunities it became clear to me after meeting with everyone at Valence that this was the right collaboration for me,...
- 2/21/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Wme has signed Lee Daniels, who directed the films Precious and The Butler, and co-created the hit Fox drama Empire.
Daniels had been at CAA. He started as a casting assistant on the groundbreaking Prince film Purple Rain, and then became a producer of films that included Monster’s Ball and The Woodsman, before moving up to director on Shadowboxer. His breakout as director was Precious, the 2009 searing drama that got him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. He followed with The Paperboy and then directed Lee Daniels’ The Butler, a $30 million budget film that grossed $176 million worldwide and led the weekend grosses for three weeks.
Daniels got into the TV game when he teamed with Danny Strong to co-create Empire, writing, directing and exec producing episodes of the record industry drama that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. That series is in its fifth season.
Daniels had been at CAA. He started as a casting assistant on the groundbreaking Prince film Purple Rain, and then became a producer of films that included Monster’s Ball and The Woodsman, before moving up to director on Shadowboxer. His breakout as director was Precious, the 2009 searing drama that got him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. He followed with The Paperboy and then directed Lee Daniels’ The Butler, a $30 million budget film that grossed $176 million worldwide and led the weekend grosses for three weeks.
Daniels got into the TV game when he teamed with Danny Strong to co-create Empire, writing, directing and exec producing episodes of the record industry drama that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. That series is in its fifth season.
- 12/5/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Columbus Short’s Great Picture Show is partnering with Dame Dash Studios to develop, produce and promote film and TV projects, Variety has learned exclusively.
Current projects include “The List,” “A Shot For Justice” and “Black Dots,” a story written by Short and the late Lee Thompson Young about a group of high school outcasts who take their school hostage. Short and Dash are also collaborating on “Ellis D,” a biopic on Major League baseball player Dock Ellis, who’s best remembered for pitching a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD.
“We’re excited to join forces and use our own content and platform to set new trends,” said Dash. “Our partnership is backed by a mission to highlight new and honest stories that haven’t yet been told.”
Short’s credits include “Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Cadillac Records,” “Armored,” “True To The Game,” and “Armed.” Producing credits include Bet’s “Mr.
Current projects include “The List,” “A Shot For Justice” and “Black Dots,” a story written by Short and the late Lee Thompson Young about a group of high school outcasts who take their school hostage. Short and Dash are also collaborating on “Ellis D,” a biopic on Major League baseball player Dock Ellis, who’s best remembered for pitching a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD.
“We’re excited to join forces and use our own content and platform to set new trends,” said Dash. “Our partnership is backed by a mission to highlight new and honest stories that haven’t yet been told.”
Short’s credits include “Scandal,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Cadillac Records,” “Armored,” “True To The Game,” and “Armed.” Producing credits include Bet’s “Mr.
- 10/3/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Update, 1:59 Pm: “He believed in me when nobody else did,” said Empire co-creator Lee Daniels today of Damon Dash with a promise to defang a $5 million dollar lawsuit the Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder hit the Shadowboxer director with earlier this week.
“I’m happy to give him his money back even though the movie didn’t make money,” Daniels told TMZ on Friday of the $2 million “investment” he says Dash made in his movies when “nobody, not Disney, not Sony, not Tri-Star, not Paramount, not Warner Bros” would put cash out after the Oscar winning success of 2001’s Monster’s Ball.
While Dash has cited the $2 million as loan not an investment, the plaintiff seemed satisfied with the promise, as he made clear in an online response.
“He deserves his money and so I’m going to work out something for him,” Daniels added today of the on-going beef with Dash,...
“I’m happy to give him his money back even though the movie didn’t make money,” Daniels told TMZ on Friday of the $2 million “investment” he says Dash made in his movies when “nobody, not Disney, not Sony, not Tri-Star, not Paramount, not Warner Bros” would put cash out after the Oscar winning success of 2001’s Monster’s Ball.
While Dash has cited the $2 million as loan not an investment, the plaintiff seemed satisfied with the promise, as he made clear in an online response.
“He deserves his money and so I’m going to work out something for him,” Daniels added today of the on-going beef with Dash,...
- 6/29/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
He made it clear Dame's $2 million was an investment, not a loan, but because the 2nd movie -- "Shadowboxer" -- didn't make money, Dame didn't get repaid. As we reported, Dash has sued Daniels for $5 mil -- the $2 mil plus interest -- but Lee says "We're gonna squash it -- and I feel good about it, he needs it right now and I'm happy to help him, 'cause he was helping me." He had more...
- 6/29/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Just over a month after the Empire co-creator was honored by the SAG AFTRA Foundation, SAG-aftra sued Lee Daniels today in federal court in a six-year-old battle over residuals. The union is seeking to have a judge enforce a 2011 arbitration ruling over nearly $340,000 in unpaid contributions and residuals from Daniels' directorial feature debut Shadowboxer. A source close to Daniels says "it is weird" that SAG-aftra cannot get ahold of the director to work out the issue…...
- 12/9/2015
- Deadline
SAG-aftra filed a lawsuit against Lee Daniels, the Oscar-nominated director of “Precious” and the co-creator of Fox’s hit TV show “Empire,” on Tuesday in California federal court. In legal documents obtained by TheWrap, the labor guild claims that Daniels’ company has failed to pay $335,000 in residuals and pension and health contributions to performers on his 2005 film, “Shadowboxer.” According to the complaint, Daniels made “Shadowboxer,” which starred Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement for independent producers, but has failed to deliver required reports about the distribution of the movie or make.
- 12/9/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Lee Daniels, the Oscar-nominated director of Precious and the co-creator of Fox's "Empire," was hit with a lawsuit on Tuesday from SAG-AFTRA. In California federal court, the labor guild claims that Daniels' company has failed to pay residuals or make required pension and health contributions to performers on his 2005 film, Shadowboxer. According to the complaint, Daniels made Shadowboxer, which starred Cuba Gooding Jr., Helen Mirren and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement for independent producers, but has failed to send along required reports about the distribution of the movie nor make payments. SAG-AFTRA took
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- 12/8/2015
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"The Butler" director Lee Daniels' hugely entertaining new Fox series "Empire" is the season's breakout ratings smash, particularly among young adult viewers, who've also tuned into ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" starring powerhouse Viola Davis. Compelling stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are both up for Emmy nominations. Daniels is a fascinating enigma, someone who veers in and out of control of his various media as he tries to stay in touch with his inner truth --and demons--for the sake of his art. He is an artist--for better or worse, as his films, which are never boring, attest, from "Shadowboxer" and "The Paperboy" to his mainstream hits "Precious" and "The Butler." Actors revere him. Critics? Not so much. Read: 'Empire' Season 1 Arrives on Blu-ray and DVD, September 15, with 50-Minutes of Extras, Including Uncut Performances Daniels knows that his move to...
- 7/2/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
When it comes to appearing on Empire, there seems to be one common thread: Lee Daniels. The director, who helped creator Fox’s hit new series with writer/actor Danny Strong, comes from a critically acclaimed film background. Both Terrence Howard (Lucious Lyon) and Gabourey Sidibe (Becky Williams) earned Oscar recognition thanks to Daniels work behind the camera.
Daniels has worked with an impressive pool of actors, which includes everyone from Dame Helen Mirren to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. While we’d never expect to see Mirren on the show -- though it would be delightful if she made a voice cameo like she did on Glee -- we do love the idea of Combs getting back into acting, Nicole Kidman returning to her camp days, or even Zac Efron revisiting the musical world that first made him a star.
1. Eve
Lee Daniels connection: The Woodsman
Getty Images
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Eve...
Daniels has worked with an impressive pool of actors, which includes everyone from Dame Helen Mirren to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. While we’d never expect to see Mirren on the show -- though it would be delightful if she made a voice cameo like she did on Glee -- we do love the idea of Combs getting back into acting, Nicole Kidman returning to her camp days, or even Zac Efron revisiting the musical world that first made him a star.
1. Eve
Lee Daniels connection: The Woodsman
Getty Images
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Eve...
- 3/12/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
It may not be widely-known that music mogul, and all-around businessman, Damon Dash, is also very active in the movie business, as an actor, director, and producer. He's produced or executive produced a few Lee Daniels-stamped films ("Shadowboxer," "The Woodsman," and "Tennessee"), and even has 4 feature film directing credits to his name, including "Paper Soldiers" and "State Property 2." Most recently, the Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder has been in the news thanks to his lawsuit against Lee Daniels, over the filmmaker's work on such films as "The Butler," "Precious," "The Paperboy," as well as the...
- 2/6/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
"The Butler" director Lee Daniels' new Fox series "Empire" debuted to smash ratings Wednesday night, particularly among young adult viewers, who've also tuned into ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" starring powerhouse Viola Davis. He's a fascinating enigma, someone who veers in and out of control of his medium as he tries to stay in touch with his inner truth --and demons--for the sake of his art. He is an artist--for better or worse, as his films, which are never boring, attest, from "Shadowboxer" and "The Paperboy" to his mainstream hits "Precious" and "The Butler." Actors revere him. Critics? Not so much. Daniels knows this move to network television seems surprising (cable seems more likely), but he decided that this high-concept pitch from "The Butler" writer Danny Strong --"King Lear" set in the world of hip-hop-- called for mainstream treatment. Daniels wants to reach...
- 1/8/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Lee Daniels Talks Transition from Film to Fox TV's Hip-Hop Musical 'Empire': "I am so misunderstood"
Offered the chance to meet Lee Daniels, I take it. I've never interviewed the filmmaker before. He's a fascinating enigma, someone who veers in and out of control of his medium as he tries to stay in touch with his inner truth --and demons--for the sake of his art. He is an artist--for better or worse, as his films, which are never boring, attest, from "Shadowboxer" and "The Paperboy" to his mainstream hits "Precious" and "The Butler." Actors revere him. Critics? Not so much. We meet at the Chateau Marmont, where New Yorker Daniels was working on his musical Fox TV series "Empire," which begins airing January 7. He knows this move to network television seems surprising (cable seems more likely), but he decided that this high-concept pitch from "The Butler" writer Danny Strong --"King Lear" set in the world of hip-hop-- called for mainstream treatment. Daniels wants to reach people.
- 12/29/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Exclusive: Actor Stephen Dorff has signed with Paradigm. Last year he moved to Resolution from Gersh to return to longtime agent David Unger, but the agency folded in October. Dorff started his career with films like The Power Of One, Judgment Night, and Backbeat in the ’90s — around the time he famously had Alicia Silverstone cryin’ in an Aerosmith music video. He has appeared steadily onscreen since, with credits ranging from vampire actioner Blade to John Waters’ Cecil B. DeMented, Lee Daniels’ Shadowboxer, Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere, Michael Mann’s Public Enemies, and Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center.
Dorff starred in recent indie Zaytoun and The Motel Life opposite Emile Hirsch and Dakota Fanning, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival and won the Audience Award for Best Film. Forthcoming films include the recently-wrapped American Hero opposite Eddie Griffin for director Nick Love, drama Oliver’s Deal from exec producer Christine Vachon,...
Dorff starred in recent indie Zaytoun and The Motel Life opposite Emile Hirsch and Dakota Fanning, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival and won the Audience Award for Best Film. Forthcoming films include the recently-wrapped American Hero opposite Eddie Griffin for director Nick Love, drama Oliver’s Deal from exec producer Christine Vachon,...
- 12/1/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
More details have emerged in Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash's lawsuit against Lee Daniels over the Oscar-nominated filmmaker's work on such films as The Butler, Precious, The Paperboy, The Woodsman, Shadowboxer and Tennessee. As we noted in August, Dash filed a summons that outlined his claims of having written and oral agreements with Daniels. On Monday in New York Superior Court, Dash followed up with an actual complaint that provides the basis why Dash thinks himself entitled to credits, ownership and millions of dollars in compensation. Dash's lawsuit confirms reports that the dispute dates back to
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- 9/22/2014
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cuba Gooding Jr. sure likes to let loose!The actor stopped by Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live: After Show" on Thursday, where he decided to drop trou on live TV! Maybe the open bar gave the Academy-Award winning actor some extra liquid courage -- check out the hilarious video above!"You know how Black people do!" the nearly-naked Gooding exclaimed next to Queen Latifah. But that wasn't the only risque moment of the night -- earlier in the show Cuba made one provocative joke while sharing a story about his 2005 "Shadowboxer" costar Helen Mirren. See what the actor had to say about Mirren's breath while filming the intimate love scene! Yeah ... he went there. While the comment seems like it was just in good fun, we're not sure how Helen would feel about the joke. What do you think about Cuba's wild appearance? Tell toofab in the comment section below!
- 1/17/2014
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
var brightcovevideoid = '3065695027001'; Cuba Gooding Jr. shocked viewers on Thursday's episode of Watch What Happens Live when he stripped off his pants without provocation - though the show's open bar probably helped. The Academy Award-winning actor joined host Andy Cohen and fellow guest Queen Latifah on the Bravo show to talk about his new film Life of a King. The conversation soon transitioned from mild to wild once the guests were presented with free robes. Eager to try on his new gift, Gooding enthusiastically dropped his slacks and wrapped himself in the fluffy present. "I am in robe!" the...
- 1/17/2014
- by Kelli Bender
- PEOPLE.com
In Downtown La's Orpheum Theater November 21, Outfest honored "Precious" and "The Butler" director Lee Daniels with the Legacy Award, the Lgbt film nonprofit's equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. Clips from his films below. Daniels, 53, has enjoyed a remarkable career, and one that is far from over. From directorial debut "Shadowboxer" to admirable misfire "The Paperboy" -- which sent brief shockwaves along the Croisette at last year's Cannes -- as well as production stints on "Monster's Ball" and "The Woodsman," Daniels is one of our most fabulous makers of camp. "What the fuck is camp?" Daniels jibed in his acceptance speech. "I am camp. Camp is what I do." His "Lee Daniels' The Butler," however, is far from camp, a sterling, tearjerking awards hopeful and a far cry from the dismal urban wasteland of "Precious" or the southern swelter of "The Paperboy," two films that hit hard, but brandish visual...
- 11/22/2013
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Here's a story about Cuba Gooding Jr.: Less than two years after winning Best Supporting Actor for the 1996 film "Jerry Maguire," Gooding was supposed to play Special Agent John Royce in 1998's "U.S. Marshals," the fairly forgettable sequel to "The Fugitive." The role would eventually go to Robert Downey Jr., and -- according to Gooding -- it was only then that Wesley Spines was cast as Mark Sheridan, the film's co-lead.
"That's how things go down," Gooding said in an interview with me last week, noting that, at the time, studios were loathe to cast two African-American actors in leading roles. It was this type of behavior that led the 45-year-old New York native to disengage with Hollywood. Then Hollywood disengaged with Cuba Gooding Jr.
In person, Gooding certainly has a presence. I met the Oscar winner at a hotel restaurant to discuss his latest project, "Lee Daniels' The Butler...
"That's how things go down," Gooding said in an interview with me last week, noting that, at the time, studios were loathe to cast two African-American actors in leading roles. It was this type of behavior that led the 45-year-old New York native to disengage with Hollywood. Then Hollywood disengaged with Cuba Gooding Jr.
In person, Gooding certainly has a presence. I met the Oscar winner at a hotel restaurant to discuss his latest project, "Lee Daniels' The Butler...
- 8/19/2013
- by Mike Ryan
- Huffington Post
Cuba Gooding Jr. is best known for something that happened nearly two decades ago. You know what it is: that moment at the Oscars when his Best Supporting Actor acceptance speech stole the entire show.
Of course, a lot has happened to Cuba since then, both good and not-so-good -- from receiving poor critical reception in comedies like "Norbit" and "Snow Dogs" to starring in a George Lucas film about the Tuskegee Airmen to playing an energetic and erratic drug dealer in "American Gangster."
Now he's set to appear in "Lee Daniels' The Butler," which hits theaters this weekend. This is semi-familiar territory for the Oscar winner, having previously acted in films that have shed light on African American experiences -- particularly ones that have never been depicted on screen.
An animated Gooding Jr. sat down with Moviefone to talk about his role in "The Butler," why the studio system is busted,...
Of course, a lot has happened to Cuba since then, both good and not-so-good -- from receiving poor critical reception in comedies like "Norbit" and "Snow Dogs" to starring in a George Lucas film about the Tuskegee Airmen to playing an energetic and erratic drug dealer in "American Gangster."
Now he's set to appear in "Lee Daniels' The Butler," which hits theaters this weekend. This is semi-familiar territory for the Oscar winner, having previously acted in films that have shed light on African American experiences -- particularly ones that have never been depicted on screen.
An animated Gooding Jr. sat down with Moviefone to talk about his role in "The Butler," why the studio system is busted,...
- 8/16/2013
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
Before "Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire" debuted at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, there wasn't much anticipation for the film. It was an adaptation of a beloved novel directed by a Lee Daniels, whose first feature, "Shadowboxer," was just too off-the-wall for many to handle. (In order to understand Daniels as a serious filmmaker, watching "Shadowboxer," for its boldness alone, is essential.) After the film's first screening, it was a sensation. When "Push" debuted, as reviews from Sundance show, the screenwriter was listed as Damien Paul. Geoffrey Fletcher, who would go on to win an Oscar for the script, had decided not to attach his name to the film for whatever reason. It went on to win both the Audience and Jury Prize for the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Fletcher attached his name to the film; Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry took a look at it and came on...
- 8/14/2013
- by Bryce J. Renninger
- Indiewire
Director Lee Daniels had been producing controversial independent films for many years.including Monster.s Ball , for which Halle Berry won an Oscar.before making his debut with 2005.s Shadowboxer , though it wasn.t until he teamed with author Sapphire for an adaptation of her bestselling novel .Push. that people started taking him seriously as a director. The resulting movie Precious received six Oscar nominations including one for Daniels. direction and winning two for its screenplay and Mo.Nique.s performance. After a tangent into last year.s period crime drama The Paperboy , Daniels is back to making movies that make a difference with Lee Daniels. The Butler , a historical drama starring Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, a butler at the White House who served under seven...
- 8/14/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Lee Daniels is used to a good fight. He had to fight perceptions of his first film, “Shadowboxer,” in order to make “Precious: Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire.” He had to fight for the right to direct “The Paperboy,” a project that had switched hands amongst filmmakers as lauded as Pedro Almodovar. But nothing could have prepared him for the ratings fight that greeted him in regards to his new film, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.” The story of Cecil Gaines, longtime butler to the White House, was prominent in the news during a highly-publicized fight for the original title “The Butler,” which Warner Bros. claimed was their property. But the greater struggle appeared to be with the stringent MPAA. “The script that Danny Strong wrote, I thought was PG-13,” Daniels admitted. “Until I get on the set, and then, you know, all hell broke loose. Because I...
- 8/13/2013
- by Gabe Toro
- The Playlist
You never know what you're going to get from Lee Daniels, and "Lee Daniels' The Butler" continues the "Precious" filmmaker's unpredictable streak. Although it's his first film to carry a possessory title (though not by choice), "The Butler" initially appears entirely out of step with Daniels' oeuvre. A sweeping, inspirational, PG-13 rated historical saga from the man who gave us Mo'Nique's unflinching sexual abuse monologue in "Precious," Stephen Dorff wearing nothing but a condom in "Shadowboxer" and Nicole Kidman peeing on Zac Efron in "The Paperboy"? It's not quite as jarring a transition as John Waters going PG for "Hairspray," but...
- 8/9/2013
- by Geoff Berkshire
- Hitfix
Have you seen the new poster for Lee Daniels' The Butler? Here it is.
new poster and old poster
I like it and here's why: It looks more like a Lee Daniels movie than that stately original poster. The first poster could have been for any movie that was going the prestige Fyc route. It could have been a film made by anyone, and probably someone less crazy than Lee Daniels. That's a safe assumption, statistically! Whether you love or hate his movies -- three to date: Shadowboxer, Precious, The Paperboy -- you have to admit that they're non-generic. They don't feel like they were made by committee. At all.
The silly war over the period drama's title concluded too quickly for me to finish my "Suggested Alternate Title" joke post (since I was doing mock posters. I promise it was funny. sniffle) but Personality is why I like the...
new poster and old poster
I like it and here's why: It looks more like a Lee Daniels movie than that stately original poster. The first poster could have been for any movie that was going the prestige Fyc route. It could have been a film made by anyone, and probably someone less crazy than Lee Daniels. That's a safe assumption, statistically! Whether you love or hate his movies -- three to date: Shadowboxer, Precious, The Paperboy -- you have to admit that they're non-generic. They don't feel like they were made by committee. At all.
The silly war over the period drama's title concluded too quickly for me to finish my "Suggested Alternate Title" joke post (since I was doing mock posters. I promise it was funny. sniffle) but Personality is why I like the...
- 8/3/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
From an assassin drama in "Shadowboxer," to a grim tale of inner city life with "Precious," to a swampy Southern potboiler with "The Paperboy," Lee Daniels hasn't been one to stick to a traditional path. However, his forthcoming "Lee Daniels' The Butler" does find his ambitions reaching a whole new height with probably his biggest story to date. And with the movie coming to theaters, a few new peeks have arrived for the film. Based on the true story of Eugene Allen, a White House butler who served eight different Presidents, the film chronicles the journey of one servant as he witnesses history change the course of African-Americans. The picture features a starry cast—Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Alan Rickman, Jane Fonda, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Liam Neeson, Minka Kelly, Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Redgrave, James Marsden, Liev Schreiber—taking on the.
- 8/2/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Lee Daniels has a checkered history in the film industry. After producing the Oscar-winning Nc-17 drama Monster's Ball, he tried his hand at directing with 2005's Shadowboxer, a movie some called one of the worst ever made. But remarkably Daniels found redemption with Precious, a gritty indie drama that went on to win two Academy Awards and made Daniels a director to watch. Then, his follow-up, the sex and urine-soaked thriller The Paperboy, was met with critical scorn for its sensationalistic and bizarre antics. All this means it is difficult to know what to expect from Daniels' next feature, The Butler. Based on the true story of a White House butler who worked under eight different presidents, the historical drama has a sprawling cast of stars that includes Forest Whitaker, Robin Williams, Terrence Howard, John Cusack, Alan Rickman and Oprah Winfrey. But Daniels himself gave us some idea of what...
- 1/24/2013
- cinemablend.com
Another potential project for Lee Daniels' future slate; as we've already reported, over the last 2 to 3 years, since Precious, Daniels’ name has been attached to quite a few projects – Selma, Miss Saigon, Iced, Anna In The Tropics, The Butler, and, most recently, The Paperboy, which is in theaters, and not exactly lighting the box office on fire, or drawing lots of critical acclaim. It's Daniels in Shadowboxer mode - in retrograde. And now this... Daniels is said to be in talks to direct a long-in-development Janis Joplin biopic titled Get It While You Can, with Amy Adams attached to star. THR says that Daniels...
- 10/17/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Paperboy
Directed by Lee Daniels
United States 2012
The Paperboy isn’t your 8-bit Nintendo equivalent. Those suburban neighborhoods where storm drains, skateboarders and tornadoes were the major worry, are replaced with far more serious, graphic concerns in director Lee Daniels’ new drama.
Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) is a prize-winning journalist who returns to his small Florida hometown to investigate a suspicious murder charge against death row inmate Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack). This section of Florida’s still a bit behind the civil rights movement, so Ward’s black associate, Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo) isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Ward and Yardley attempt to squeeze the twisted truth out of Yardley’s twisted mouth with the assistance of the beautiful, promiscuous and confident Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman) and Ward’s love-sick younger brother Jack (Zac Efron).
The Paperboy gained notoriety at Cannes for a scene where Charlotte urinates on Jack or,...
Directed by Lee Daniels
United States 2012
The Paperboy isn’t your 8-bit Nintendo equivalent. Those suburban neighborhoods where storm drains, skateboarders and tornadoes were the major worry, are replaced with far more serious, graphic concerns in director Lee Daniels’ new drama.
Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) is a prize-winning journalist who returns to his small Florida hometown to investigate a suspicious murder charge against death row inmate Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack). This section of Florida’s still a bit behind the civil rights movement, so Ward’s black associate, Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo) isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Ward and Yardley attempt to squeeze the twisted truth out of Yardley’s twisted mouth with the assistance of the beautiful, promiscuous and confident Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman) and Ward’s love-sick younger brother Jack (Zac Efron).
The Paperboy gained notoriety at Cannes for a scene where Charlotte urinates on Jack or,...
- 10/14/2012
- by Neal Dhand
- SoundOnSight
In so-called specialty box office for the weekend... 2 films that opened Stateside on Friday, in limited release. First... Lee Daniels' much anticpated return to the screen, the southern thriller The Paperboy, opened on 11 screens around the USA, and managed a $102,000 gross, for a $9,300 per screen average. Of the 3 films Daniels has directed, this one, The Paperboy, registered the worst overall box office opening number; prior to Paperboy was Precious, which opened very strong on just 18 theaters, grossing almost $1.9 million, or about $104,000 per screen average. Before Precious was his feature film directorial debut, Shadowboxer, which opened in 22...
- 10/8/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
If you can say anything about Lee Daniels, it's that he's got a distinct voice. Whether it always works is another topic entirely, but over the course of the three films now -- "Shadowboxer" (which got a great Commentary Of The Damned feature at the Av Club), awards horse "Precious" and the pulpy, divisive "The Paperboy" -- he has made pictures that are completely his own. But it seems that his next effort, "The Butler," which boasts yet another star-studded ensemble, will see the director dialing it back a bit. With "The Paperboy" opening this weekend, Daniels has been doing the press rounds and recently stopped by to chat with Film School Rejects. Talk turned to commerce vs. art, and Daniels candidly revealed that "The Butler" finds him being held back by its rating, and the simple fact that it's not a movie he developed from scratch. "I think this last film I finished,...
- 10/5/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
I suppose we all like a taste of Southern-gothic storytelling now and then, so I was ready to enjoy The Paperboy based on what little I’d heard ahead of time. And yes, Nicole Kidman’s unflinchingly flashy performance—in a parade of brightly colored miniskirts—is an attention-getter. But it’s a shame to have to wade through the rest of this murky mess in order to watch her strut her stuff. Director Lee Daniels, who made Precious and Shadowboxer, worked with author Pete Dexter to adapt the latter’s novel about two brothers (Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron) whose lives take different paths, then converge again over a hot-button murder investigation in...
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- 10/5/2012
- by Leonard Maltin
- Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy
Macy Gray has dabbled with acting before — playing herself in Spider-Man as well as small parts in Domino and Lee Daniels's directorial debut, Shadowboxer, among others — but she has her first major role in The Paperboy. The singer, whose next album, a remake of Stevie Wonder's Talking Book, drops later this month, plays a maid named Anita who's more than just the help; she's raised Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron ever since their mother left, and she's an eyewitness to the progress they make in an investigation of a convicted killer whose release they seek, prompted by his groupie/fiancée (Nicole Kidman). Gray's the narrator of the film and tries to make sense of it all, even when the people around her refuse to be rational and flirt with danger. She was game to chat with Vulture about some of the more controversial aspects of The Paperboy, including...
- 10/4/2012
- by Jennifer Vineyard
- Vulture
Lee Daniels doesn't do things by half measures: Like Daniels himself, the movies he makes are bold and audacious, from his supersaturated debut Shadowboxer to the Oscar-nominated Precious, with its immortal, volcanic performance from Mo'Nique. His latest? The sexy, sweaty crime drama The Paperboy, starring Zac Efron and Matthew McConaughey as two brothers attempting to unravel the case of a man on death row (John Cusack) with the help of Nicole Kidman, a white-trash crime groupie who lusts for the brute. The film already set Cannes ablaze this past summer with several instantly notorious scenes, including one where Kidman brings herself to orgasm simply by sitting across from Cusack in a prison meeting room and another dreamy interlude where the actress pees on Efron to relieve the pain of a jellyfish sting. Daniels rang up Vulture in between shooting scenes for his next film, The Butler — a decades-spanning White House...
- 10/2/2012
- by Kyle Buchanan
- Vulture
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