Check out the poster art, stills and a teaser trailer for the new remake of Stephen King’s Carrie. It stars Chloe Moretz as the tortured teen Carrie and Julianne Moore as her mad mother Margaret. It’s looking pretty good so far even though I think the original is one of the best films ever. My only quibble is that Carrie is supposed to be a rather plain girl and she looks kinda too pretty for my taste. Even so I am getting very excited. It is due for release in the States in March 2013.
Filed under movies
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times as part of his review for Lee Daniel’s (Precious) new film The Paperboy mentioned this quote from critics guru Pauline Kael – “the movies are so seldom great art that if we can’t appreciate great trash, we might as well not go at all”. This piqued my interest and Ebert gave the film the thumbs up – this coming from the man who co-wrote one of my favorite trash movies Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls directed by trashmeister Russ Meyer.
The film divided critics when it premiered at this years Cannes film festival. It has been described as a pot boiler with high camp moments – I’m lining up already!!! Any film that features Zach Efron in white undies for a big chunk of the film, and Nicole Kidman as a trashy tart urinating on him surely has to be worth the price of admission? Lee Daniels in an interview stated that Nicole applied her own makeup for the film – I wonder if she also kept up the botox injections?
I am unsure as to when it will be released in Australia so keep your eyes out for it and lets hope it doesn’t go straight to DVD.
Filed under movies
October 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of 3 very popular and famous characters – two on stage and one on screen.
George and Martha one of theatres most contentious married couples exploded on stage October 13, 1962 in Edward Albee’s masterpiece Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf. A week earlier on October 5th the film premiere of Dr No and adaptation of an Ian Fleming novel introduced us to super spy James Bond.
A half a century later they are still going strong with the release of the latest Bond film Skyfall (number 23 in the franchise), and the opening of a new production of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf on Broadway.
Sean Connery played James Bond first back then and he is arguably the best. Recently the mantle was taken over by actor Daniel Craig and some would say he may be ever better, he returns in Skyfall and the film itself has received very positive reviews from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. It has a serious director at the helm in Sam Mendes and with cinematography by the great Roger Deakins and production design by Dennis Gassner it is sure to be the best looking Bond film ever. Also quite exciting is that the latest Bond villian is played by Javier Bardem sure to be a highlight amongst many. It opens in Australia in early November.
The latest Broadway incarnation of Albee’s classic play comes by way of an acclaimed production by Chicago’s acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Playing the dysfunctional couple this time are actor/playwright Tracey Letts as George and Amy Morton as Martha. Morton played a leading role in Lett’s Tony winning hit play August: Osage County a few seasons back. It opened at the Booth theatre on October 13 exactly 50 years after the first premiere. Of course there was cinemas famous George and Martha played to perfection by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in a 1966 film adaptation directed by Mike Nichols, who can ever forget them! Legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill originated the roles.
From L-R Hagen & Hill, Taylor & Burton, Morton & Letts
The other Babs is going to direct her first film in 16 years.
Showbiz411 has reported that singer/actor/director Barbra Streisand has agreed to direct “Skinny and Cat”, her first film since “The Mirror Has Two Faces” in 1996.
A love story about author Erskine Caldwell and photojournalist Margaret Bourke White, officially attached to star are Colin Firth and Cate Blanchett. Linda Yellen is producing from a screenplay she wrote. Yellen’s producing credits include the landmark tele-movies, “Playing for Time” and “Second Serve” both which featured stunning performances from Vanessa Redgrave. Her writing credits though have a different quality, she was responsible for the Royal biopics “William & Katherine: A Royal Romance” and “The Royal Romance of Charles & Diana” – Yikes!!!!
Erskine Caldwell wrote about poverty, racism and social problems in his native South his most famous novels being Tobacco Road and God’s little Acres. Margaret Bourke White is best known as the first foreign photographer permitted to take pictures of Soviet Industry, the first female war correspondent and the first female photographer for Life magazine. She has been portrayed on screen in the past by actresses Farrah Fawcett and Candice Bergen.
A famous image of Margaret Bourke White photographing the Chrysler Building for Life Magazine.
This sure is an intriguing project for Babs let’s hope she gets this one right. She has a lot on her plate right now – an upcoming film release with Seth Rogan “The Guilt Trip”, her Back To Brooklyn sold out concerts and a proposed star turn as Mama Rose in a film remake of the musical “Gypsy”.
Busy Babs!!!
Filed under biography, Casting news, movies
OK
So Babs is a Gleek, was a tad obssesed about Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark (in earlier days) and – well what more can he say about CARRIE?
more it seems…..
Well I thought I might give up on the Carrie obsession for a while but some news has cropped up that I cannot ignore.
A rumoured remake of the classic film of the Stephen King novel “Carrie” directed by the brilliant (at times) Brian DePalma has been on the radar for a little while. Now comes a tweet on a casting choice to go along with the director and writer attached. Babs is intrigued.
Kimberly Pierce is to direct – she of the acclaimed “Boys Don’t Cry” (another tortured female saga).
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is writing the screenplay he is a producer on “Glee,” and recently re-worked the Broadway tuner “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark”, after the dismissal of Julie Taymor.
And who may be the next Carrie?
Chloe Moretz – she of “Kick Ass”, “Let Me In” & the recent Scorcese film “Hugo” – the best thing about that film I say!
“Thank you Kim Pierce and thank u MGM for the chance of a lifetime!” Moretz tweeted this Tuesday.
I don’t think the film should be remade, but if it is to be done then perhaps the right people are gathering to at least make a decent attempt at it.
Moretz can next be seen opposite Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer in Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows.” She sure makes some interesting and edgy career choices.
Babs can’t wait to see who will be cast as Margaret White (Carrie’s mum) – Charlize Theron anyone?
Cinema’s original Carrie White – Sissy Spacek.
Filed under Casting news, movies
No I am not complaining about my disappointment in Meryl Streep’s Oscar win last week for “The Iron Lady“.
This post is much more of a delight.
Meryl Streep is rumoured to be cast as the Witch in a film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical “Into The Woods”. The film is to be directed by Rob Marshall who brought “Chicago” to the screens successfully (in box office terms-not artistic) but we must remember he is also responsible for bringing “Nine” to the screen which was a disaster (box office and artistically!) I do love his TV remake of “Annie” that was a success in my own opinion.
But there is more rumour-mongering about Meryl as the Witch…..
The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare In The Park Festival are mounting an outdoor production of the Sondheim musical this July and rumoured to play the Witch is none other than the reigning Oscar Queen Meryl. Is this an audition?
I am a big fan of this show and was very very lucky to see the original Broadway production way back in 1987 – Bernadette Peters played the Witch and she was fabulous. Of the course the role to steal the show belongs to the Baker’s Wife. Who will be cast in that coveted role? Joanna Gleason won the Tony that year and she was also fabulous! I recall turning to my partner and said – “she will win the Tony, not Peters!”
Brilliant Bernadette Peters – the original Witch of the woods.
In the meanwhile…..
Sondheim has announced that he is collaborating on a new musical with playwright David Ives who is currently represented on Broadway with the hit show “Venus In Fur” – of which Babs has on his list of “shows to see” when he is in town in May.
He has apparently written 20-30 minutes of the piece and says of it – “Having spent the better part of four years writing two books [Finishing the Hat and Look I Made a Hat], I’m really rusty,” Sondheim humbly said of his process. “I sit at the piano and think, ‘Where’s middle C?’ Any muscles, as you know, atrophy when you don’t use them, and I haven’t been using my musical muscles.”
Who cares? Any thought of another Sondheim musical certainly gets my muscles into action. I am so excited about this.
And what does he say about Streep the Witch? Sondheim neither confirms nor denies the rumours. “We will see,” the composer said. “I think she’d be great.”
My hero Stephen Sondheim.
Nina Arianda & Hugh Dancy star in David Ive’s “Venus In Fur”.
The Artist is a film that I enjoyed but I didn’t really understand all the awards attention it garnered including the Best Picture Oscar.
I thought I would look back at some other films (from the 70’s till today) that won the top award, and in my opinion did not deserve the honour.
1975
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (it was the year of Nashville – need I say more?)
1976
ROCKY (same year as Taxi Driver)
1980
ORDINARY PEOPLE (same year as Raging Bull)
1982
GANDHI (Tootsie was a gem that year)
1990
DANCES WITH WOLVES (Marty loses again with Goodfellas)
1994
FORREST GUMP (bests Pulp Fiction)
1996
THE ENGLISH PATIENT (how can one ever forget Fargo)
2001
A BEAUTIFUL MIND (the year of Gosford Park)
2005
CRASH (crashed the party for Brokeback Mountain)
2010
THE KING’S SPEECH (when is Fincher’s turn? – the year of The Social Network)
16/24
Two thirds correct is better than half.
I did ok in my Oscar picks better than last year.
Congratulations to all this years Academy Award winners.
As predicted The Artist won Best Picture and another 4 awards, Martin Scorcese’s 3D Hugo took home 5 – all technical.
The big surprise (for me) was Meryl Streep winning Best Actress for The Iron Lady after a 30 year absence – her 3rd Oscar (she gave a terrific speech – a class act). Not her greatest performance but a good caricature of Margaret Thatcher – sad that Viola Davis missed out, glad that Octavia Spencer grabbed gold for supporting actress in The Help.
Golden lady of the night – Meryl Streep in a Lanvin gown.
Thrilled that Aussie lad Kirk Baxter won his 2nd oscar for co-editing The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – he must love his boss David Fincher after winning last year for The Social Network.
Aussie golden boy Kirk Baxter with his co-winner Angus Wall.
Glenn Close joins the record books (most actress losses – 6) and so does Christopher Plummer now the oldest Oscar winner (well deserved).
I enjoyed Billy Crystal and his banter, the jokes worked for me even if a tad tired. Loved the Wizard Of Oz target audience send-up from Chirstopher Guest’s gang.
The outrage for me was the late costume designer Eiko Ishioka not being in the “in memoriam” section – she has won an Oscar (for Bram Stoker’s Dracula), yet was forgotten – how did Steve Jobs make the cut??? I predict Eiko will be up for an award next year for the upcoming Mirror Mirror, and win!
Julia Roberts in an Eiko creation for the new film “Mirror Mirror”
Talking about next years Oscars – expect a post soon on Bab’s super early predictions!!!
The Independent Spirit Awards for 2012 were handed out today. The last of the awards ceremonies before the Oscars tomorrow they are traditionally held in a tent on Santa Monica beach. They celebrate the American independent film scene. It is known as a very casual and relaxed, fun affair.
I like these awards as they honour non-studio films and usually have a far more eclectic and worthy bunch of winners. Alas this years golden award winner The Artist took four of the awards – even though it is a French production, hardly an American Indie ?? Surely it will win the Oscar tomorrow without a doubt?
Even so I was pleased that Shailene Woodley of The Descendants was the surprise winner in the supporting actress race. I loved her in the film and am pleased she has at least one major award in her hand for the role – she missed out on an Oscar nomination.
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”
Here are a list of the winners (in bold), with no real surprises. The awards won by Margin Call have made it a must see on my list – it is up for best original screenplay at the Oscars.
Best Feature
“50/50”
“Beginners”
“Drive”
“Take Shelter”
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Mike Mills – “Beginners”
Jeff Nichols – “Take Shelter”
Alexander Payne – “The Descendants”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar – “Footnote”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Tom McCarthy – “Win Win”
Mike Mills – “Beginners”
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash – “The Descendants”
Best First Feature
“Another Earth” – Director: Mike Cahill
“In the Family” – Director: Patrick Wang
“Margin Call” – Director: J.C. Chandor
“Martha Marcy May Marlene” – Director: Sean Durkin
“Natural Selection” – Director: Robbie Pickering
Best First Screenplay
Mike Cahill, Brit Marling – “Another Earth”
J.C. Chandor – “Margin Call”
Patrick deWitt – “Terri”
Phil Johnston – “Cedar Rapids”
Will Reiser – “50/50”
John Cassavetes Award
“Bellflower” – Writer/Director: Evan Glodell
“Circumstance” – Writer/Director: Maryam Keshavarz
“Hello Lonesome” – Writer/Director: Adam Reid
“Pariah” – Writer/Director: Dee Rees
“The Dynamiter” – Writer: Brad Inglesby, Director: Matthew Gordon
Best Female Lead
Lauren Ambrose – “Think of Me”
Rachael Harris – “Natural Selection”
Adepero Oduye – “Pariah”
Elizabeth Olsen – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Michelle Williams – “My Week with Marilyn”
Best Male Lead
Demián Bichir – “A Better Life”
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”
Ryan Gosling – “Drive”
Woody Harrelson – “Rampart”
Michael Shannon – “Take Shelter”
Best Supporting Female
Jessica Chastain – “Take Shelter”
Anjelica Huston – “50/50”
Janet McTeer – “Albert Nobbs”
Harmony Santana – “Gun Hill Road”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”
Best Supporting Male
Albert Brooks – “Drive”
John Hawkes – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
John C. Reilly – “Cedar Rapids”
Corey Stoll – “Midnight in Paris”
Best Cinematography
Joel Hodge – “Bellflower”
Benjamin Kasulke – “The Off Hours”
Darius Khondji – “Midnight in Paris”
Guillaume Schiffman – “The Artist”
Jeffrey Waldron – “The Dynamiter”
Best Documentary
“An African Election”
“Bill Cunningham New York”
“The Interrupters”
“The Redemption of General Butt Naked”
“We Were Here”
Best International Film
“A Separation” (Iran)
“Melancholia” (Denmark/Sweden/France/Germany)
“Shame” (U.K.)
“The Kid With a Bike” (Belgium/France/Italy)
“Tyrannosaur” (U.K.)
Robert Altman Award
“Margin Call”
Michelle Williams an indy darling finally wins an award for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe after many nominations in the past
As preparations are underway for this years 84th Academy Awards ceremony to be held at the Hollywood and Highland Centre (formerly the Kodak theatre) on Hollywood Boulevard this Sunday night (Monday lunchtime in Australia) Babs gives you his predictions of the winners and who he would like to see win.
Babs is a bit underwhelmed by this years Oscars, a lot of the movies never lived up to their hype. Both The Artist & Hugo seemed to en-trance every movie loving critic but I felt that although they showcased amazing film craft , overall they weren’t that great. The major ommission of Drive in many categories was an upset to me, and how the hell did Charlize Theron miss out for Young Adult? Of course it is the Oscars and as we all well know they aren’t a true reflection of what is great in cinema out there. Of my predictions I would honestly love it if I did badly – I would love this year to be full of upsets and surprises – but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Best Picture
Will win – THE ARTIST
Should win – THE DESCENDANTS
Actor in a Leading Role
Will win – JEAN DUJARDIN – The Artist
Should win – GEORGE CLOONEY – The Descendants
Actor in a Supporting Role
Will & Should win – CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER – Beginners
Actress in a Leading Role
Will & Should win – VIOLA DAVIS – The Help
Actress in a Supporting Role
Will & Should win – OCTAVIA SPENCER – The Help
Animated Feature Film
Will & Should win – RANGO
Art Direction
Will & Should win – Dante Ferretti & Francesca Lo Shiavo – HUGO
Cinematography
Will win – Emmanuel Lubezki – THE TREE OF LIFE
Should win – Robert Richardson – HUGO
Costume Design
Will win – Mark Bridges – THE ARTIST
Should win – Michael O’Connor – JANE EYRE
Directing
Will win – MICHAEL HAZANAVICIUS – The Artist
Should win – ALEXANDER PAYNE – The Descendants
Documentary Feature
Will win – IF A TREE FALLS: A STORY OF THE EARTH LIBERATION FRONT
Documentary Short Subject
Will win – GOD IS BIGGER THAN ELVIS
Film Editing
Will win – Anne-Sophie-Bion & Michael Hazanavicius – THE ARTIST
Should win – Kirk Baxter & Angus Wall – THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Foreign Language Film
Will & Should win – A SEPARATION
Makeup
Will & Should win – Mark Coulier & J. Roy Helland – THE IRON LADY
Original Music Score
Will win – Ludovic Bource – THE ARTIST
Should win – Alberto Iglesias – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Original Song
Will win – “Real In Rio” from RIO
Should win – “Man Or Muppet” from THE MUPPETS
Short Film Animated
Will win – THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE
Short Film Live Action
Will win – PENTECOST
Sound Editing
Will win – HUGO
Should win – DRIVE
Sound Mixing
Will win – HUGO
Should win – THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Visual Effects
Will win – HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2
Should win – RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Writing Adapted Screenplay
Will & Should win – THE DESCENDANTS
Writing Original Screenplay
Will win – WOODY ALLEN – Midnight In Paris
Should win – ASGHAR FARHADI – A Separation
