Neil Young and Crazy Horse are about halfway through their North American tour, and there’s already a strong fan consensus that this is their best run in recent memory, perhaps even going back to the Nineties grunge era they helped kickstart. A big factor at play is the addition of guitarist Micah Nelson, who has deep respect for the material and an uncanny ability to emulate the distinct styles of both Danny Whitten and Frank “Poncho” Sampedro, his two main predecessors in the band.
Just two years away from his 80th birthday,...
Just two years away from his 80th birthday,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
“Blood Brothers” floats on perceptive interviews, rich archival photos and pointed newsreel footage. It stings, too, with its exploration of two iconic, uncompromising figures who were friends for (the film persuasively argues) too short a spell. Director Marcus A. Clarke used Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s “Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X” as a touchstone for this documentary — available on Netflix — but also brought his own insights as a Black man in America to the work. The result is thought-provoking, resonant, often touching.
The duo envisioned by “One Night in Miami” were nearing the end of their deep bond when they celebrated Cassius Clay’s victory over Sonny Liston in the 1964 heavyweight title bout. Although Malcolm X was 16 years older, there were similarities. Each embodied curiosity. Each met white racism with gloves off. Both were verbal stylists. Ali waxed poetic. Malcolm X lit fires...
The duo envisioned by “One Night in Miami” were nearing the end of their deep bond when they celebrated Cassius Clay’s victory over Sonny Liston in the 1964 heavyweight title bout. Although Malcolm X was 16 years older, there were similarities. Each embodied curiosity. Each met white racism with gloves off. Both were verbal stylists. Ali waxed poetic. Malcolm X lit fires...
- 9/10/2021
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
When Blood Brothers director Marcus A. Clarke was presented with the opportunity to make a film about the relationship and subsequent fallout between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, he wasn’t aware the two developed a friendship from 1962 to 1965. Now with Netflix’s Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali, which is produced by Kenya Barris, Clarke explores the connection between the two iconic civil rights activists and why it ended before Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965.
Inspired by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book of the same name, Clarke’s documentary, set to release on Netflix on Sept. 9, includes never-before-seen footage and interviews ...
Inspired by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book of the same name, Clarke’s documentary, set to release on Netflix on Sept. 9, includes never-before-seen footage and interviews ...
When Blood Brothers director Marcus A. Clarke was presented with the opportunity to make a film about the relationship and subsequent fallout between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, he wasn’t aware the two developed a friendship from 1962 to 1965. Now with Netflix’s Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali, which is produced by Kenya Barris, Clarke explores the connection between the two iconic civil rights activists and why it ended before Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965.
Inspired by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book of the same name, Clarke’s documentary, set to release on Netflix on Sept. 9, includes never-before-seen footage and interviews ...
Inspired by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book of the same name, Clarke’s documentary, set to release on Netflix on Sept. 9, includes never-before-seen footage and interviews ...
‘Blood Brothers’ Review: Conventional Doc Traces Exceptional Bond Between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali
Titans of influence from their individual trenches, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali were instrumental in carving a prideful and revolutionary vision for the future of Black people stateside and abroad over the course of some of their most media-hectic years. That the two of them were connected not solely by being contemporaries, but through an intimate, if short-lived, friendship, resonates as a sonic boom of fateful proportions.
But as the documentary “Blood Brothers” from director Marcus A. Clarke examines, the schism that ended their fraternal bond was just as thunderous. Using the same-title book by researches Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith, both talking heads in the film, as a guide, Clarke first maps out in broad strokes their separate ascents to prominence: one as a radical speaker for Black liberation and the other displaying his towering prowess in sport.
briefly traces Malcolm X’s affinity for the ideals of activist Marcus Garvey,...
But as the documentary “Blood Brothers” from director Marcus A. Clarke examines, the schism that ended their fraternal bond was just as thunderous. Using the same-title book by researches Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith, both talking heads in the film, as a guide, Clarke first maps out in broad strokes their separate ascents to prominence: one as a radical speaker for Black liberation and the other displaying his towering prowess in sport.
briefly traces Malcolm X’s affinity for the ideals of activist Marcus Garvey,...
- 9/9/2021
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Indiewire
Fascination with Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali’s complex friendship got a boost from pop culture over the last year or so: Theirs was a central relationship in Regina King’s debut feature “One Night In Miami,” and it was also highlighted in the Epix series “The Godfather of Harlem,” starring Forest Whitaker. As interesting as these portrayals are, truth is often more compelling than fiction, which is exactly what Netflix’s provocative documentary “Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali” illustrates.
The film is driven by the book “Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X” from Purdue professor Randy Roberts and Georgia Tech’s Johnny Smith, both of whom are consistent presences throughout the documentary. Directed by Marcus A. Clarke (“Around the Way”) and produced by “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, “Blood Brothers” brilliantly outlines the historical context in which these two powerhouses emerged.
The documentary...
The film is driven by the book “Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X” from Purdue professor Randy Roberts and Georgia Tech’s Johnny Smith, both of whom are consistent presences throughout the documentary. Directed by Marcus A. Clarke (“Around the Way”) and produced by “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris, “Blood Brothers” brilliantly outlines the historical context in which these two powerhouses emerged.
The documentary...
- 9/1/2021
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
This year, Netflix grabbed a whopping 35 Oscar nominations for its slate of original movies, including 10 nominations for David Fincher’s “Mank,” six nominations for Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” and five nominations for the August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” which featured the final performance from star and Best Actor nominee Chadwick Boseman. The total number of nominations for the streaming service ranked among the most ever by a single studio and dwarfed the Netflix tally in 2020 when the platform grabbed 24 nominations to lead all distributors.
But judging merely by quantity, 2021 could become the biggest year yet for Netflix. Over the final four months of the year, the studio will debut more than 40 titles, including new movies from past Oscar favorites like Adam McKay, Jane Campion, and Paolo Sorrentino as well as buzzy features from first-time filmmakers such as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Ahead,...
But judging merely by quantity, 2021 could become the biggest year yet for Netflix. Over the final four months of the year, the studio will debut more than 40 titles, including new movies from past Oscar favorites like Adam McKay, Jane Campion, and Paolo Sorrentino as well as buzzy features from first-time filmmakers such as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Ahead,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Stars: Gerardo Romano, Mariana Anghileri, Octavio Belmonte, Diego Cremonesi, Osvaldo Santoro, Lautaro Delgado | Written by Alberto Fasce, Gonzalo Ventura | Directed by Daniel de la Vega
On The 3rd Day (Al Tercer Día) is the latest film from Argentinian filmmaker Daniel de la Vega who’s other films include Necrophobia 3D and The White Coffin with which this shares a few thematic elements. Although not somewhere that comes to mind when you think of horror films, Argentina has a history of genre cinema that includes the grindhouse favourites The Curious Dr. Humpp and Snuff as well as more recent films such as Francesca and The Funeral Home.
Enrique receives a call directing him to deliver something to Santa Cruz for what, God willing, will be the last time. Down in his cellar we see the item, a large wooden box wrapped in chains. Cecilia (Mariana Anghileri; Dead Man Tells His Own...
On The 3rd Day (Al Tercer Día) is the latest film from Argentinian filmmaker Daniel de la Vega who’s other films include Necrophobia 3D and The White Coffin with which this shares a few thematic elements. Although not somewhere that comes to mind when you think of horror films, Argentina has a history of genre cinema that includes the grindhouse favourites The Curious Dr. Humpp and Snuff as well as more recent films such as Francesca and The Funeral Home.
Enrique receives a call directing him to deliver something to Santa Cruz for what, God willing, will be the last time. Down in his cellar we see the item, a large wooden box wrapped in chains. Cecilia (Mariana Anghileri; Dead Man Tells His Own...
- 8/24/2021
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
FilmBookCast Ep. 150 — FilmBookCast is the official podcast of FilmBook. FilmBookCast is an entertainment news podcast on the latest movie and television show news. Each week, FilmBook contributor Chris Banks discusses that breaking Hollywood news. In FilmBookCast Ep. 150, Chris looks at movie previews including: Blood Brothers from Netflix, and Eternals releases its final trailer. T.V. previews include [...]
Continue reading: FilmBookCast Ep. 150 – Reminiscence (2021)...
Continue reading: FilmBookCast Ep. 150 – Reminiscence (2021)...
- 8/22/2021
- by Chris Banks
- Film-Book
"They had the student / teacher relationship." Netflix has debuted an official trailer for a highly anticipated documentary film titled Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali, from filmmaker Marcus A. Clarke. Inspired by the book "Blood Brothers" written by Randy Roberts & Johnny Smith, the film examines the relationship and connections between these two legendary, iconic African-Americans. From a chance meeting to a tragic fallout, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali's extraordinary bond cracks under the weight of distrust and shifting ideals. Through interviews with those closest to them — Malcolm X's daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali’s brother Rahman and daughters Maryum and Hana — and cultural luminaries such as Cornel West and Al Sharpton, the docu illuminates their meeting, bonding, and eventual falling out over discord within the leadership of the Nation of Islam. Their evening in Miami was the inspiration for the excellent film One Night in Miami from last year, but...
- 8/19/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It was a triumphant second weekend for indie Stillwater from Focus Features, which hit the $10 million mark in 2,611 theatres (up by 80) and 233 Dma’s in North America, where it was no. 5. The Matt Damon-starrer held up strongly from its debut, dipping 45% — compared with a 64% drop for The Green Knight and a 55% decline for Jungle Cruise. Stillwater’s run may not be not specialty-small, but deserves a shout-out here for a standout performance. The complex drama garnered Damon a standing ovation in Cannes but had some concerned at the film’s theatrical prospects in a wide-release battle against big studio franchises on one hand and smaller arthouse fare on the other.
Damon plays an unemployed Oklahoma oil rig worker who travels to Marseille to help his daughter (Abigail Breslin) who’s in prison for murder. The film continued to resonate in the South and Midwest with the top five highest-grossing...
Damon plays an unemployed Oklahoma oil rig worker who travels to Marseille to help his daughter (Abigail Breslin) who’s in prison for murder. The film continued to resonate in the South and Midwest with the top five highest-grossing...
- 8/8/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Charles Murray, a writer and producer whose wide-ranging credits include Sons of Anarchy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Luke Cage, has set a slate deal with Redbox Entertainment spanning six films over three years.
The pact centers on Command Films, a new production company founded by Murray and Marc Danon, a veteran film exec who also has headed original content at Redbox since 2019. The pair’s collaboration predates the arrival of Danon at Redbox. He had previous exec stints at Broad Green Pictures, Lionsgate and Netflix.
Command’s mandate is to create content amplifying Black voices and experiences within commercial genres through the Redbox affiliation.
The deal marks Redbox’s latest move in the original film realm as it continues to expand beyond its well-established network of kiosks. In September 2020, Redbox set a long-term deal with established producer Basil Iwanyk’s Thunder Road for the formation of Asbury Park Pictures.
The pact centers on Command Films, a new production company founded by Murray and Marc Danon, a veteran film exec who also has headed original content at Redbox since 2019. The pair’s collaboration predates the arrival of Danon at Redbox. He had previous exec stints at Broad Green Pictures, Lionsgate and Netflix.
Command’s mandate is to create content amplifying Black voices and experiences within commercial genres through the Redbox affiliation.
The deal marks Redbox’s latest move in the original film realm as it continues to expand beyond its well-established network of kiosks. In September 2020, Redbox set a long-term deal with established producer Basil Iwanyk’s Thunder Road for the formation of Asbury Park Pictures.
- 7/28/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate won an auction and is paying north of $1 million and under $2 million for Black Collar, a heist thriller pitch to be written by William N. Collage and produced by Kenya Barris through his Khalabo Ink Society banner. Lionsgate took it off the table as bidders were circling. It is one of the biggest pitch deals of the year.
Specific plot under wraps, but this is a globe trotting suspense action heist adventure said to be reminiscent of hits like The Thomas Crown Affair and Inside Man, but with a fresh contemporary way in with timely themes. Collage scripted Emancipation, which became a $4 million spec script that sold to Apple for a film currently in production starring Will Smith and directed by Antoine Fuqua. Collage also scripted Exodus, Assassin’s Creed, the final installment of Divergent, and the ABC series Of Kings and Prophets among his credits. Collage is exec producing.
Specific plot under wraps, but this is a globe trotting suspense action heist adventure said to be reminiscent of hits like The Thomas Crown Affair and Inside Man, but with a fresh contemporary way in with timely themes. Collage scripted Emancipation, which became a $4 million spec script that sold to Apple for a film currently in production starring Will Smith and directed by Antoine Fuqua. Collage also scripted Exodus, Assassin’s Creed, the final installment of Divergent, and the ABC series Of Kings and Prophets among his credits. Collage is exec producing.
- 7/23/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A documentary about the friendship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali is coming to Netflix this fall, with Kenya Barris attached as a producer.
The film is called "Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali," and it's inspired by a book by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith. It will incorporate never-before-seen archival footage of the two iconic figures, and it will debut on Netflix on Sept. 9.
Marcus A. Clarke is directing "Blood Brothers," and Barris is producing for Khalabo Ink Society along with Jason Perez. Erynn Sampson is executive producing for Khalabo Ink Society, as are Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn for Lightbox, and Simon George.
The documentary aims to portray the misunderstood bond Malcolm X and Ali shared. Their friendship was portrayed in the film "One Night in Miami" from director Regina King, which was a fictionalized account of an evening they spent with Sam Cooke and Jim Brown.
“Malcolm...
The film is called "Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali," and it's inspired by a book by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith. It will incorporate never-before-seen archival footage of the two iconic figures, and it will debut on Netflix on Sept. 9.
Marcus A. Clarke is directing "Blood Brothers," and Barris is producing for Khalabo Ink Society along with Jason Perez. Erynn Sampson is executive producing for Khalabo Ink Society, as are Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn for Lightbox, and Simon George.
The documentary aims to portray the misunderstood bond Malcolm X and Ali shared. Their friendship was portrayed in the film "One Night in Miami" from director Regina King, which was a fictionalized account of an evening they spent with Sam Cooke and Jim Brown.
“Malcolm...
- 7/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
A documentary about the relationship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali from Kenya Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society has been set at Netflix.
Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali will launch on the streamer on September 9.
Based on Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, the feature doc comes from Barris’ previous overall deal with the streamer. He has since moved to ViacomCBS in a deal that gives him equity in BET Studios. It is the Black-ish creator’s latest doc for the streamer – he is also producing a doc on civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
The film, which Barris teased in a New York Times profile last year, features never before seen archival footage and the story behind the friendship between the civil rights leader and the boxing legend.
Marcus A. Clarke, who has helmed episodes of...
Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali will launch on the streamer on September 9.
Based on Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith’s book Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, the feature doc comes from Barris’ previous overall deal with the streamer. He has since moved to ViacomCBS in a deal that gives him equity in BET Studios. It is the Black-ish creator’s latest doc for the streamer – he is also producing a doc on civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
The film, which Barris teased in a New York Times profile last year, features never before seen archival footage and the story behind the friendship between the civil rights leader and the boxing legend.
Marcus A. Clarke, who has helmed episodes of...
- 7/22/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Animal Kingdom star Christina Ochoa will team with Emmy-winning production designer David Korins and his Inner Child production banner for Around The World In 80 Dates.
Inner Child has acquired the romance experiment show to co-develop and executive produce alongside Ochoa. Around The World in 80 Dates is a cross-cultural exploration to international romance, courtship rituals and love.
Ochoa appears in TNT’s Animal Kingdom as Renn Randall. She has landed a spot in ABC’s Matt Lopez drama Promised Land. Her additional credits are ABC’s A Million Little Things, CW’s Valor and NBC’s Blood Drive. She is repped by Buchwald.
Korins is both an Emmy winner and Tony nominee. He earned his Emmy for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special in 2019 for that year’s Oscars ceremony. He shared the honor with Alana Billingsley. In 2016 he nabbed his first scenic design Tony nom for Hamilton. On year...
Inner Child has acquired the romance experiment show to co-develop and executive produce alongside Ochoa. Around The World in 80 Dates is a cross-cultural exploration to international romance, courtship rituals and love.
Ochoa appears in TNT’s Animal Kingdom as Renn Randall. She has landed a spot in ABC’s Matt Lopez drama Promised Land. Her additional credits are ABC’s A Million Little Things, CW’s Valor and NBC’s Blood Drive. She is repped by Buchwald.
Korins is both an Emmy winner and Tony nominee. He earned his Emmy for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special in 2019 for that year’s Oscars ceremony. He shared the honor with Alana Billingsley. In 2016 he nabbed his first scenic design Tony nom for Hamilton. On year...
- 7/14/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony and his longtime business partner Asani Swann have launched Creative7, a multi-platform content company that will develop and produce original, premium content spanning documentaries, scripted television, feature film, animation, podcasts, and more.
Their goal is to champion the narratives and voices of the underserved and they are partnering with Will Packer, Plan B Entertainment on a limited narrative series, Hock Films, Shaun Redick and Yvette Yates on Jersey 4, based on a racial profiling case, and more.
The company has quietly produced and is currently producing a number of previously-announced projects as well, including “Blood Brothers”, a limited series in partnership with A+E Studios, Executive Producer Charles Murray, and Narrative Film Group that examines the friendship between two of the most dynamic and iconic figures in history: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X; “Un Sueño Real”, a recently launched docuseries with HBO España, Exile Content Studio, and...
Their goal is to champion the narratives and voices of the underserved and they are partnering with Will Packer, Plan B Entertainment on a limited narrative series, Hock Films, Shaun Redick and Yvette Yates on Jersey 4, based on a racial profiling case, and more.
The company has quietly produced and is currently producing a number of previously-announced projects as well, including “Blood Brothers”, a limited series in partnership with A+E Studios, Executive Producer Charles Murray, and Narrative Film Group that examines the friendship between two of the most dynamic and iconic figures in history: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X; “Un Sueño Real”, a recently launched docuseries with HBO España, Exile Content Studio, and...
- 4/6/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Growing up, movies and television were one of Carmelo Anthony’s favorite escapes. The NBA superstar was inspired by the strong characters on TV shows such as “Martin,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Spike Lee’s classic movie “Do the Right Thing.”
While the 36-year-old has found immense success on the basketball court, currently as the star power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, he’s always had a passion to create content. Now he’s putting himself in a position to, quite literally, call the shots, by launching a production company that aims to champion inclusive narratives and voices that have gone unheard for too long.
“Storytelling brings people together, and it can serve as a vehicle for propelling larger societal conversations and understanding,” Anthony says. “We are interested in all types of stories that have the power to serve as catalysts for the change we wish to see in the world.
While the 36-year-old has found immense success on the basketball court, currently as the star power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, he’s always had a passion to create content. Now he’s putting himself in a position to, quite literally, call the shots, by launching a production company that aims to champion inclusive narratives and voices that have gone unheard for too long.
“Storytelling brings people together, and it can serve as a vehicle for propelling larger societal conversations and understanding,” Anthony says. “We are interested in all types of stories that have the power to serve as catalysts for the change we wish to see in the world.
- 4/6/2021
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Eli Goree stars as Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali in the new film “One Night in Miami,” directed by Academy Award winner Regina King. The film is developing major Oscar buzz, with King earning a directing bid at the Golden Globes and the film’s ensemble earning a nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Goree recently spoke with Gold Derby editor Rob Licuria about what made him interested in “One Night in Miami,” how he thoroughly researched for the role and how the boxing scenes were physically demanding. Watch the exclusive webchat above and read the transcript below.
SEEBarry Robison interview: ‘One Night in Miami’ production designer
Gold Derby: What drew you to this project? I mean, it’s so exciting to be able to play a legend and to work with people like Regina King but was there one thing in particular that really made you...
Goree recently spoke with Gold Derby editor Rob Licuria about what made him interested in “One Night in Miami,” how he thoroughly researched for the role and how the boxing scenes were physically demanding. Watch the exclusive webchat above and read the transcript below.
SEEBarry Robison interview: ‘One Night in Miami’ production designer
Gold Derby: What drew you to this project? I mean, it’s so exciting to be able to play a legend and to work with people like Regina King but was there one thing in particular that really made you...
- 2/15/2021
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
The narrative feature “Coda” and the documentary “Summer of Soul” swept the top categories at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Grand Jury Prizes and also taking the audience awards in the U.S. dramatic and documentary competitions.
“Coda,” director Sian Heder’s coming-of-age story in which Emilia Jones plays the only hearing member of a deaf family, also won an award for its ensemble, many of them deaf actors who performed in ASL. Its wins come three days after the film set a record for the largest sale in Sundance history, a $25 million deal with Apple.
“Summer of Soul,” which like “Coda” screened on the festival’s opening night, is a documentary by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson built around long-unseen concert footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-weekend event that first-time director Questlove uses as a launching pad to explore race relations and Black culture in that tumultuous time.
“Coda,” director Sian Heder’s coming-of-age story in which Emilia Jones plays the only hearing member of a deaf family, also won an award for its ensemble, many of them deaf actors who performed in ASL. Its wins come three days after the film set a record for the largest sale in Sundance history, a $25 million deal with Apple.
“Summer of Soul,” which like “Coda” screened on the festival’s opening night, is a documentary by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson built around long-unseen concert footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-weekend event that first-time director Questlove uses as a launching pad to explore race relations and Black culture in that tumultuous time.
- 2/3/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The pop musical Six was set to debut on Broadway on March 12th, but that never happened, since the coronavirus pandemic prompted New York to shut down all productions to halt the spread of Covid-19. The cheeky musical — which had already been a hit in the U.K. — took the doomed wives of King Henry VIII and refashioned them as the saucy members of a girl group thanks to Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the two twentysomethings who wrote the show’s original music and lyrics.
As the production remains in limbo,...
As the production remains in limbo,...
- 1/6/2021
- by Jerry Portwood
- Rollingstone.com
In today’s TV news roundup, ABC unveiled the premiere dates for its early 2021 scripted series, and NBC announced details for its annual “Christmas in the Rockefeller Center” special.
Casting
Starz cast Luis Guzmán as a guest star in the second season of crime drama “Hightown.” Guzmán will portray Jorge Cuevas, Frankie’s (Amaury Nolasco) charmingly hilarious but deadly cousin. Also joining the cast this season are guest stars Jona Xiao, Charline St. Charles and Dominic L. Santana. Production is currently underway for Season 2, with creator Rebecca Cutter making her TV directorial debut. Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison will direct two episodes and lead actor Monica Raymund, as well as Dawn Wilkinson, Radium Cheung and Eagle Egilsson are also tapped to direct.
Dates
Food Network’s “Kid’s Baking Championship” will return with a ninth season premiere Dec. 28. The show, hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman, will feature a new twist,...
Casting
Starz cast Luis Guzmán as a guest star in the second season of crime drama “Hightown.” Guzmán will portray Jorge Cuevas, Frankie’s (Amaury Nolasco) charmingly hilarious but deadly cousin. Also joining the cast this season are guest stars Jona Xiao, Charline St. Charles and Dominic L. Santana. Production is currently underway for Season 2, with creator Rebecca Cutter making her TV directorial debut. Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison will direct two episodes and lead actor Monica Raymund, as well as Dawn Wilkinson, Radium Cheung and Eagle Egilsson are also tapped to direct.
Dates
Food Network’s “Kid’s Baking Championship” will return with a ninth season premiere Dec. 28. The show, hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman, will feature a new twist,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Geoff Stults (Enlisted, The Finder) is bringing the law to Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop series as Chalmers, the epitome of a Western lawman.
The character is Jet Black’s former co-detective in the Issp’s Homicide Division. “He wears a chronic smile that makes you want to punch him square in the face… especially Jet. And that’s only partly because Chalmers is dating his ex-wife these days,” per the official character description.
More from TVLineMatt's Inside Line: Get New Amsterdam Scoop, Plus Chicago P.D., Stargirl, Earp, MacGyver, The Good Doctor and MoreTVLine Items: Stargirl's Thunderbolt Cast,...
The character is Jet Black’s former co-detective in the Issp’s Homicide Division. “He wears a chronic smile that makes you want to punch him square in the face… especially Jet. And that’s only partly because Chalmers is dating his ex-wife these days,” per the official character description.
More from TVLineMatt's Inside Line: Get New Amsterdam Scoop, Plus Chicago P.D., Stargirl, Earp, MacGyver, The Good Doctor and MoreTVLine Items: Stargirl's Thunderbolt Cast,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
A+E Studios is developing a limited series about the friendship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, with NBA star Carmelo Anthony on board as an executive producer.
The eight-episode limited series, “Blood Brothers” (working title), is based on the 2016 book of the same name by Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts. The book tells the story of the real-life friendship between the two civil rights icons, and its eventual demise.
Anthony will executive produce via his Creative 7 banner with Asani Swann. Charles Murray will write the series and executive produce via Raising Kane Films. Narrative Film Group’s Shelby Stone and Derek Dudley will also executive produce.
“Blood Brothers” is an examination of the friendship between two of the most prominent Black figures: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. Beginning with Ali’s (then known as Cassius Clay) initial meeting and eventual bond with Malcolm X, the series will explore their personal lives and instantaneous friendship,...
The eight-episode limited series, “Blood Brothers” (working title), is based on the 2016 book of the same name by Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts. The book tells the story of the real-life friendship between the two civil rights icons, and its eventual demise.
Anthony will executive produce via his Creative 7 banner with Asani Swann. Charles Murray will write the series and executive produce via Raising Kane Films. Narrative Film Group’s Shelby Stone and Derek Dudley will also executive produce.
“Blood Brothers” is an examination of the friendship between two of the most prominent Black figures: Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. Beginning with Ali’s (then known as Cassius Clay) initial meeting and eventual bond with Malcolm X, the series will explore their personal lives and instantaneous friendship,...
- 11/19/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: A+E Studios has put in development Blood Brothers (working title), an eight-episode limited series based on the praised 2016 non-fiction book Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X by historians Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts. The project hails from writer-producer Charles Murray, NBA star Carmelo Anthony and Narrative Film Group.
Written by Murray, Blood Brothers is described as a unique examination of the friendship between two of our generation’s most prominent Black figures: Muhammad Ali, the future heavyweight champion of the world, and Malcolm X, the controversial public voice of the Nation of Islam. Beginning with Ali’s (then known as Cassius Clay) initial meeting and eventual bond with Malcolm X, the series will explore their personal lives and instantaneous friendship, as well as the relationship’s eventual demise due to America’s socio-political tensions and...
Written by Murray, Blood Brothers is described as a unique examination of the friendship between two of our generation’s most prominent Black figures: Muhammad Ali, the future heavyweight champion of the world, and Malcolm X, the controversial public voice of the Nation of Islam. Beginning with Ali’s (then known as Cassius Clay) initial meeting and eventual bond with Malcolm X, the series will explore their personal lives and instantaneous friendship, as well as the relationship’s eventual demise due to America’s socio-political tensions and...
- 11/19/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
This pandemic has brought on challenging times, especially in the medical field, and City of Hope is facing it head-on with an end-of-the-year auction of celebrity treasures.
City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, has announced the inaugural Celebrity Sale 4 Hope, a virtual shopping opportunity to bid on unique collectible items and personal memorabilia donated from a wide variety of notable names from the worlds of film, TV, stage, music, sports and more. Sale 4 Hope will begin with a VIP preview event on Tuesday, Nov. 17, hosted by “Will & Grace” star Eric McCormack and featuring appearances by actor Craig Bierko, Grammy-winning songwriter Kuk Harrell, model/actress/philanthropist Megan Pormer, actor/country music artist John Schneider and City of Hope’s Linda Malkas, Ph.D., the M.T. & B.A. Ahmadinia Professor in Molecular Oncology.
Tickets can be purchased to attend...
City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, has announced the inaugural Celebrity Sale 4 Hope, a virtual shopping opportunity to bid on unique collectible items and personal memorabilia donated from a wide variety of notable names from the worlds of film, TV, stage, music, sports and more. Sale 4 Hope will begin with a VIP preview event on Tuesday, Nov. 17, hosted by “Will & Grace” star Eric McCormack and featuring appearances by actor Craig Bierko, Grammy-winning songwriter Kuk Harrell, model/actress/philanthropist Megan Pormer, actor/country music artist John Schneider and City of Hope’s Linda Malkas, Ph.D., the M.T. & B.A. Ahmadinia Professor in Molecular Oncology.
Tickets can be purchased to attend...
- 11/11/2020
- Look to the Stars
Exclusive: Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is set to produce and star in Amazon’s The Burial, with Maggie Betts on board to direct. Foxx joins the two-handed drama and will star opposite a legendary role currently being cast. Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright penned the screenplay.
Amazon Studios, Bobby Shriver Inc. and Double Nickel Entertainment are producing the upcoming off-kilter drama based on the New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr. Producers are Bobby Shriver and Double Nickel’s Adam Richman & Jenette Kahn. Datari Turner is also producing.
Based on a true story, after a bankrupt funeral home owner decides to sue a rival businessman over a handshake deal gone wrong, the owner hires a flamboyant attorney to handle the case.
Foxx recently won at the NAACP Image Awards and received a SAG Award nomination for Just Mercy. He can currently be seen in Netflix’s Project Power, and will next...
Amazon Studios, Bobby Shriver Inc. and Double Nickel Entertainment are producing the upcoming off-kilter drama based on the New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr. Producers are Bobby Shriver and Double Nickel’s Adam Richman & Jenette Kahn. Datari Turner is also producing.
Based on a true story, after a bankrupt funeral home owner decides to sue a rival businessman over a handshake deal gone wrong, the owner hires a flamboyant attorney to handle the case.
Foxx recently won at the NAACP Image Awards and received a SAG Award nomination for Just Mercy. He can currently be seen in Netflix’s Project Power, and will next...
- 11/10/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Comedian and actress Iliza Shlesinger has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas.
Shlesinger, known for her five hit Netflix comedy specials, has recently transitioned into acting. She most recently re-teamed with Mark Wahlberg for the Netflix film Spenser Confidential directed by Peter Berg, and she’ll next be seen in the upcoming drama Pieces of a Woman alongside Shia Labeouf and Vanessa Kirby. She previously appeared opposite Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in Paramount’s hit Instant Family.
On the television side, Shlesinger’s new Netflix series, The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show, premiered on April 1. The half-hour sketch comedy series takes viewers into a secret world filled with absurd characters, insight into the female experience and irreverent yet poignant social commentary. She also recently guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Additionally, in the midst of the pandemic, she and her husband, chef and nominated James Beard Award author Noah Galuten,...
Shlesinger, known for her five hit Netflix comedy specials, has recently transitioned into acting. She most recently re-teamed with Mark Wahlberg for the Netflix film Spenser Confidential directed by Peter Berg, and she’ll next be seen in the upcoming drama Pieces of a Woman alongside Shia Labeouf and Vanessa Kirby. She previously appeared opposite Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in Paramount’s hit Instant Family.
On the television side, Shlesinger’s new Netflix series, The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show, premiered on April 1. The half-hour sketch comedy series takes viewers into a secret world filled with absurd characters, insight into the female experience and irreverent yet poignant social commentary. She also recently guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Additionally, in the midst of the pandemic, she and her husband, chef and nominated James Beard Award author Noah Galuten,...
- 7/24/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Tony-winning legend Patti LuPone portrays Avis Amberg, wife of a studio executive who comes to inherit the studio in Netflix’s limited series “Hollywood.” This is the latest project in which LuPone has worked with Ryan Murphy, following “Pose,” “American Horror Story” and “Glee.”
LuPone recently spoke with Gold Derby contributing writer Tony Ruiz about what she latched onto to play Avis, what “Hollywood” offers during this time and the whirlwind experience of the Tony Awards. Watch the exclusive video interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEESarah Evelyn Interview: ‘Hollywood’ costume designer
Gold Derby: Patti, I have to imagine that when Ryan first came to you with this… how did he describe Avis to you when he came to you with it?
Patti LuPone: Well, he started by saying she was a silent film actress who did not transition to the talkies because she was too ethnic. She...
LuPone recently spoke with Gold Derby contributing writer Tony Ruiz about what she latched onto to play Avis, what “Hollywood” offers during this time and the whirlwind experience of the Tony Awards. Watch the exclusive video interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEESarah Evelyn Interview: ‘Hollywood’ costume designer
Gold Derby: Patti, I have to imagine that when Ryan first came to you with this… how did he describe Avis to you when he came to you with it?
Patti LuPone: Well, he started by saying she was a silent film actress who did not transition to the talkies because she was too ethnic. She...
- 7/22/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
‘Doctor Doctor’ colleagues Zoe Carides and Tina Bursill.
Zoe Carides has been a leading light on stage and screen for 35 years, has had her own Nancy Sinatra tribute band for six years and is often sought after for voice-overs.
All that has come to a screeching halt amid the pandemic crisis. “I really don’t know what I’ll do,” she tells If. “I’ve been lucky and I’m grateful for my career. Generally anything I do on stage these days is more substantial than what I do on screen.
“There is a possibility I can give a couple of classes via Zoom to a group of young performers in the Southern Highlands.”
Among her recent roles she played the corrupt mayor Nancy Miller in Easy Tiger/Nine Network Doctor Doctor, Doctor Carras in Playmaker Media/Stan’s The Commons and a therapist in Playmaker Media/Sony Pictures Television Networks’ psychological thriller Reckoning,...
Zoe Carides has been a leading light on stage and screen for 35 years, has had her own Nancy Sinatra tribute band for six years and is often sought after for voice-overs.
All that has come to a screeching halt amid the pandemic crisis. “I really don’t know what I’ll do,” she tells If. “I’ve been lucky and I’m grateful for my career. Generally anything I do on stage these days is more substantial than what I do on screen.
“There is a possibility I can give a couple of classes via Zoom to a group of young performers in the Southern Highlands.”
Among her recent roles she played the corrupt mayor Nancy Miller in Easy Tiger/Nine Network Doctor Doctor, Doctor Carras in Playmaker Media/Stan’s The Commons and a therapist in Playmaker Media/Sony Pictures Television Networks’ psychological thriller Reckoning,...
- 3/30/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
"Your job is to come up with the unimaginable." Dogwoof has unveiled the first official trailer for an indie documentary titled Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, which is a film about sound design in cinema. This premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and also played at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. It's the most comprehensive film about sound design so far, made by an experienced sound editor named Midge Costin. An exploration of the history, artistry, & emotional power of cinema sound, as revealed by legendary sound designers and visionary directors, via interviews, clips from movies, and a look at their actual process of creation and discovery. Looks like an informative and enjoyable moviemaking doc to catch. Official trailer for Midge Costin's doc Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, from YouTube: An insighful and fascinating examination of sound design in film, ...
- 9/3/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Neil Young has pulled out some stunningly-rare tunes on his solo acoustic theater tour since it began just one week ago, including “Ambulance Blues,” “The Last Trip to Tulsa,” “Broken Arrow” and “Razor Love.” But last night at the State Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he brought things to a whole other level with “Running Dry (Requiem for The Rockets).” The mournful song appeared on his 1969 LP Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, but until Tuesday he’d never played it live even a single time.
The subtitle of the song is...
The subtitle of the song is...
- 1/30/2019
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
For those with a sudden interest in new German cinema thanks to last year’s Toni Erdmann, the Cannes Film Festival has again selected another powerful, deeply human and intricately political drama in Valeska Grisebach’s terrific Western. Like Maren Ade, with whom she has collaborated, Grisebach has made two films—the lovely graduation short feature Be My Star (2001) and Longing (2006), a small town tale of a fireman’s love life—with long pauses in between. Western comes more than a decade after her first proper feature, and it confirms that the director is as talented as ever.The setting is a German worker camp in the modern day Bulgarian countryside, and, as as the title daringly states, this is indeed a "western." The isolated Germans are the encroaching (economic) colonizers—“we come here to work,” they say, flush with money and a reputation dating from the Second World War...
- 5/27/2017
- MUBI
Meinhard Neumann and Syuleyman Alilov Letifov.For those with a sudden interest in new German cinema thanks to last year’s Toni Erdmann, the Cannes Film Festival has again selected another powerful, deeply human and intricately political drama in Valeska Grisebach’s terrific Western. Like Maren Ade, with whom she has collaborated, Grisebach has made two films—the lovely graduation short feature Be My Star (2001) and Longing (2006), a small town tale of a fireman’s love life—with long pauses in between. Western comes more than a decade after her first proper feature, and it confirms the director as talented as ever.The setting is a German worker camp in the modern day Bulgarian countryside, and, as as the title daringly states, this is indeed a "western." The isolated Germans are the encroaching (economic) colonizers—“we come here to work,” they say, flush with money and a reputation dating from...
- 5/22/2017
- MUBI
The Loved One
Blu-ray
Warner Archives
1965 / B&W / 1:85 / / 122 min. / Street Date May 9, 2017
Starring: Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Anjanette Comer.
Cinematography: Haskell Wexler
Film Editor: Hal Ashby, Brian Smedley-Aston
Written by Terry Southern, Christopher Isherwood
Produced by Martin Ransohoff (uncredited), John Calley, Haskell Wexler
Directed by Tony Richardson
Funeral Director: Before you go, I was just wondering… would you be interested in some extras for the loved one?
Next Of Kin: What kind of extras?
Funeral Director: Well, how about a casket?
Mike Nichols and Elaine May – The $65 Dollar Funeral
That routine, a classic example of what was known in the early 60’s as “sick humor”, was nevertheless ubiquitous across mainstream variety shows like Ed Sullivan and Jack Paar. It also popularized the notion of a new boutique industry, the vanity funeral. The novelist Evelyn Waugh, decidedly less mainstream, documented the beginning of that phenomenon over a decade earlier with The Loved One,...
Blu-ray
Warner Archives
1965 / B&W / 1:85 / / 122 min. / Street Date May 9, 2017
Starring: Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Anjanette Comer.
Cinematography: Haskell Wexler
Film Editor: Hal Ashby, Brian Smedley-Aston
Written by Terry Southern, Christopher Isherwood
Produced by Martin Ransohoff (uncredited), John Calley, Haskell Wexler
Directed by Tony Richardson
Funeral Director: Before you go, I was just wondering… would you be interested in some extras for the loved one?
Next Of Kin: What kind of extras?
Funeral Director: Well, how about a casket?
Mike Nichols and Elaine May – The $65 Dollar Funeral
That routine, a classic example of what was known in the early 60’s as “sick humor”, was nevertheless ubiquitous across mainstream variety shows like Ed Sullivan and Jack Paar. It also popularized the notion of a new boutique industry, the vanity funeral. The novelist Evelyn Waugh, decidedly less mainstream, documented the beginning of that phenomenon over a decade earlier with The Loved One,...
- 5/8/2017
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
(Region B) It's just like the film industry, I tell ya! Director Jules Dassin teams with writer A.I. Bezzerides for one of filmdom's strongest slams at the free market system. Trucker Richard Conte fights back when cheated and robbed by Lee J. Cobb's racketeering produce czar. Thieves' Highway Region B Blu-ray + Pal DVD Arrow Video (UK) 1949 / B&W / 1:37 Academy / 94 min. / Street Date October 20, 2015 / Available at Amazon UK / £14.99 Starring Richard Conte, Valentina Cortese, Lee J. Cobb, Barbara Lawrence, Jack Oakie, Millard Mitchell, Joseph Pevney, Morris Carnovsky Cinematography Norbert Brodine Art Direction Chester Gore, Lyle Wheeler Film Editor Nick DeMaggio Original Music Alfred Newman Written by A.I. Bezzerides from his novel Thieves' Market Produced by Robert Bassler Directed by Jules Dassin
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Did Jules Dassin initiate his string of studio produced films noirs, each of which has a strong element of social criticism, if not outright condemnation of 'the system?...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Did Jules Dassin initiate his string of studio produced films noirs, each of which has a strong element of social criticism, if not outright condemnation of 'the system?...
- 11/3/2015
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Hondo (1953), which is set to play June 13 - July 4 at the Museum of Modern Art as part of their "3-D Summer" series, was John Wayne's first Western in three years. It was produced by his own Wayne/Fellows Productions (later named Batjac), founded just the year prior by Wayne and producer Robert Fellows. And James Edward Grant, who had already written several Wayne features and had a particular flair for writing classic John Wayne dialogue, penned the screenplay. All told, one gets the sense that everything about this exemplary return to the genre was a carefully conscious decision by the iconic American star. Hondo is a definitive Western. Moreover, it's a definitive John Wayne Western.When Wayne made Hondo, his masculine persona was already firmly established. After viewing the film at one point, Wayne supposedly declared, "I'll be damned if I'm not the stuff men are made of." Such a comment,...
- 6/12/2015
- by Jeremy Carr
- MUBI
Below you will find our total coverage of the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival. New interviews will be added to the index as they are published.
Correspondences
Between Adam Cook and Daniel Kasman
#1
Introduction by Daniel Kasman
#2
Adam Cook continues the festival introduction
#3
Daniel Kasman on Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson's The Forbidden Room, Jafar Panahi's Taxi
#4
Adam Cook on Jem Cohen's Counting, Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson's The Forbidden Room, Jafar Panahi's Taxi
#5
Daniel Kasman on Berlin Critics' Week, Nathalie Nambot and Maki Berchache's Brûle la mer, Kevin B. Lee's Transformers: The Premake, Alex Ross Perry's Queen of Earth
#6
Adam Cook on Pablo Larraín's The Club, Kidlat Tahimik's Balikbayan #1 Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III, Andrew Haigh's 45 Years, Wim Wenders' Everything Will Be Fine
#7
Daniel Kasman on Werner Herzog's Queen of the Desert, Patricio Guzmán's The Pearl...
Correspondences
Between Adam Cook and Daniel Kasman
#1
Introduction by Daniel Kasman
#2
Adam Cook continues the festival introduction
#3
Daniel Kasman on Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson's The Forbidden Room, Jafar Panahi's Taxi
#4
Adam Cook on Jem Cohen's Counting, Guy Maddin and Evan Johnson's The Forbidden Room, Jafar Panahi's Taxi
#5
Daniel Kasman on Berlin Critics' Week, Nathalie Nambot and Maki Berchache's Brûle la mer, Kevin B. Lee's Transformers: The Premake, Alex Ross Perry's Queen of Earth
#6
Adam Cook on Pablo Larraín's The Club, Kidlat Tahimik's Balikbayan #1 Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III, Andrew Haigh's 45 Years, Wim Wenders' Everything Will Be Fine
#7
Daniel Kasman on Werner Herzog's Queen of the Desert, Patricio Guzmán's The Pearl...
- 2/24/2015
- by Notebook
- MUBI
Dear Danny,
Ah, yes, the plague of "not getting it" is one that afflicts all of us festival-goers on occasion, but I admire your willingness to write on Peter Kern's peculiar film as well as Jiang Wen's totally gonzo farce (which you were nevertheless able to appreciate more than myself). As you and I both know, "getting it" isn't completely necessary and doesn't always get in the way of enjoyment and appreciation. Being a relaxed and open-minded viewer doesn't always make one an expert, but hopefully it prepares them for being responsive, a quality we should all aspire to whether we find ourselves in or outside of our wheelhouses.
In my previous letter, I teased at an incredible viewing experience I had, and indeed it may be one my all-time favourite screenings. Let me start off by describing what is my new favourite place to sit and watch a...
Ah, yes, the plague of "not getting it" is one that afflicts all of us festival-goers on occasion, but I admire your willingness to write on Peter Kern's peculiar film as well as Jiang Wen's totally gonzo farce (which you were nevertheless able to appreciate more than myself). As you and I both know, "getting it" isn't completely necessary and doesn't always get in the way of enjoyment and appreciation. Being a relaxed and open-minded viewer doesn't always make one an expert, but hopefully it prepares them for being responsive, a quality we should all aspire to whether we find ourselves in or outside of our wheelhouses.
In my previous letter, I teased at an incredible viewing experience I had, and indeed it may be one my all-time favourite screenings. Let me start off by describing what is my new favourite place to sit and watch a...
- 2/16/2015
- by Adam Cook
- MUBI
Indian-born actor who brought his ingenuous charm to the hit films of Wes Anderson
Some film-makers have lucky-mascot actors who are occasionally to be spotted in small roles in their movies – for instance Dick Miller in the work of Joe Dante or Jack Nance returning repeatedly to David Lynch. It's a film geeks' in-joke, a cinephiles' game of Where's Wally? For Wes Anderson, one of the most original Us film-makers to emerge in the last 20 years, that position was filled on four occasions by the delightful and guileless Kumar Pallana, who has died aged 94.
Pallana appeared in Anderson's first three, reputation-forging movies. He played the useless safecracker Kumar in the director's 1996 debut, Bottle Rocket ("Man, I blew it," he sighs memorably as the police close in. "I blew it, man.") He was the school caretaker Mr Littlejeans in Rushmore (1998), Anderson's masterpiece. And he took his most prominent role as Pagoda,...
Some film-makers have lucky-mascot actors who are occasionally to be spotted in small roles in their movies – for instance Dick Miller in the work of Joe Dante or Jack Nance returning repeatedly to David Lynch. It's a film geeks' in-joke, a cinephiles' game of Where's Wally? For Wes Anderson, one of the most original Us film-makers to emerge in the last 20 years, that position was filled on four occasions by the delightful and guileless Kumar Pallana, who has died aged 94.
Pallana appeared in Anderson's first three, reputation-forging movies. He played the useless safecracker Kumar in the director's 1996 debut, Bottle Rocket ("Man, I blew it," he sighs memorably as the police close in. "I blew it, man.") He was the school caretaker Mr Littlejeans in Rushmore (1998), Anderson's masterpiece. And he took his most prominent role as Pagoda,...
- 10/14/2013
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
The “adult” Western – as it would come to be called – was a long time coming. A Hollywood staple since the days of The Great Train Robbery (1903), the Western offered spectacle and action set against the uniquely American milieu of the Old West – a historical period which, at the dawn of the motion picture industry, was still fresh in the nation’s memory. What the genre rarely offered was dramatic substance.
Early Westerns often adopted the same traditions of the popular Wild West literature and dime novels of the 19th and early 20th centuries producing, as a consequence, highly romantic, almost purely mythic portraits the Old West. Through the early decades of the motion picture industry, the genre went through several creative cycles, alternately tilting from fanciful to realistic and back again. By the early sound era, and despite such serious efforts as The Big Trail (1930) and The Virginian (1929), Hollywood Westerns were,...
Early Westerns often adopted the same traditions of the popular Wild West literature and dime novels of the 19th and early 20th centuries producing, as a consequence, highly romantic, almost purely mythic portraits the Old West. Through the early decades of the motion picture industry, the genre went through several creative cycles, alternately tilting from fanciful to realistic and back again. By the early sound era, and despite such serious efforts as The Big Trail (1930) and The Virginian (1929), Hollywood Westerns were,...
- 1/4/2013
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
Drum Beat from 1953 starred Alan Ladd and Charles Bronson and was based on a true story about a violent Indian uprising in the 187os. It’s an impressive and exciting outdoor adventure but Hollywood studios were churning out hundreds of westerns in the early 50′s so it’s not too surprising that Drum Beat, though so superior to many, hasn’t received its due. The most notable thing about Drum Beat is that it provided Charles Bronson with his real break-through role as an actor. Bronson’s scene-stealing performance as an Indian chief received a lot of attention and paved the way for his long and successful career, but Drum Beat is Not available on DVD.
Drum Beat was based on a little-known occurrence in 1873 where (for the only time) an American Army General was killed during the wars against the Indians. The Modoc tribe, lead by their chief, Captain...
Drum Beat was based on a little-known occurrence in 1873 where (for the only time) an American Army General was killed during the wars against the Indians. The Modoc tribe, lead by their chief, Captain...
- 10/10/2012
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In Charles Bronson news, two of his westerns, Once Upon A Time In The West and The Magnificent Seven, made this weeks list of Top Ten Westerns here at Wamg, but there’s an outstanding western that Bronson costarred in very early in his career worthy of discussion that most readers are probably unfamiliar with. Drum Beat from 1953 starred Alan Ladd and was based on a true story about a violent Indian uprising in the 187os. It’s an impressive and exciting outdoor adventure but Hollywood studios were churning out hundreds of westerns in the early 50’s so it’s not too surprising that Drum Beat, though so superior to many, hasn’t received its due. The most notable thing about Drum Beat is that it provided Charles Bronson with his real break-through role as an actor. Bronson’s scene-stealing performance as an Indian chief received a lot of attention...
- 6/16/2010
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
One of my biggest misconceptions going into this feature was that Westerns never tackled the topic of racism. (You may call me a brainwashed and judgmental liberal if you like. I don’t mind.) I lumped them all in with The Searchers – which, incidentally, wasn’t as racist as I remembered but isn’t exactly condemning its characters’ biases either.
But a lot of Westerns tackle it. They just tend to examine it through the dewy and sad eyes of the white man such as Jimmy Stewart’s Broken Arrow. Hombre ups the ante by showing discrimination through the painfully blue eyes of Paul Newman. How can anyone look down on those pool colored irises? You’d have to be really evil. And boy, are the white people of Hombre evil.
Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, Hombre introduces us to John Russell (Newman), a white man who was...
But a lot of Westerns tackle it. They just tend to examine it through the dewy and sad eyes of the white man such as Jimmy Stewart’s Broken Arrow. Hombre ups the ante by showing discrimination through the painfully blue eyes of Paul Newman. How can anyone look down on those pool colored irises? You’d have to be really evil. And boy, are the white people of Hombre evil.
Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, Hombre introduces us to John Russell (Newman), a white man who was...
- 4/29/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- The Flickcast
Before there was Avatar, before there was even Dances With Wolves, there was Broken Arrow.
I wasn’t expecting much out of this film. I picked it solely because it had Jimmy Stewart, and he’s been missing from this feature for too long. I knew from the description that it was about the wars with the Apache, who have always been the genre’s favorite villainous redskins. Again, I wasn’t expecting much.
If there was one thing that was pounded into my head in college, it was that no movie ever portrayed Native Americans fairly. They were all John Wayne propaganda pieces that justified our rape and pillage of the land over and over again. It was one of those little facts that justified my disdain for Western movies for years.
But it turns out my American history classes weren’t entirely right, at least in the case of one film.
I wasn’t expecting much out of this film. I picked it solely because it had Jimmy Stewart, and he’s been missing from this feature for too long. I knew from the description that it was about the wars with the Apache, who have always been the genre’s favorite villainous redskins. Again, I wasn’t expecting much.
If there was one thing that was pounded into my head in college, it was that no movie ever portrayed Native Americans fairly. They were all John Wayne propaganda pieces that justified our rape and pillage of the land over and over again. It was one of those little facts that justified my disdain for Western movies for years.
But it turns out my American history classes weren’t entirely right, at least in the case of one film.
- 3/31/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- The Flickcast
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