'Inherent Vice' actor Owen Wilson donned a stand-out beige suit at the premiere of the crime comedy movie held at the 52nd New York Film Festival. Wilson stars as government informant Coy Harlingen in the movie, which is based on the 2009 book of the same name by Thomas Pynchon.
Continue: Video - Owen Wilson Spotted At New York Film Festival Ahead Of 'Inherent Vice' Premiere - Part 3
Paul Thomas Anderson joins forces with Joaquin Phoenix for another mood piece.
Joaquin Phoenix and Paul Thomas Anderson are back with another team effort. The trailer for Inherent Vice dropped on Monday and, going on that alone, we’ll call this a must-see. It’s an adaptation of Thomas Pichon’s novel of the same name and follows stoner P.I. Larry “Doc” Sportello (Phoenix) as he investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s (Katherine Waterston) wealthy boyfriend. Besides Phoenix himself, the film stars Josh Brolin as the stuffy LAPD detective Christian “Bigfoot” Bjornson, while Reese Witherspoon plays deputy DA Penny Kimball. Owen Wilson, Jena Malone, Joanna Newsom, and Benicio Del Toro round out an all-star cast.
Continue reading: Joaquin Phoenix Plays A Crooked Cop In The Trailer For Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice"
'Inherent Vice' boasts an ensemble cast with Paul Thomas Anderson behind the camera and Jonny Greenwood composing.
'Inherent Vice' the lastest movie from director Paul Thomas Anderson, and starring Joaquin Phoenix, has just gained Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood as the composer. The film which is currently in post-production could end up being one of the year's most exciting releases. There's no release date yet but in preparation here's everything you need to know about 'Inherent Vice'.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson
What’s the plot?
‘Inherent Vice’ is based on the 2009 Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name. It's set in Los Angeles between 1969 and 1970 and uses the events of the Manson family trial as its backdrop. It’s a sort of comedy-crime-stoner story, focusing on private investigator Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello, a ‘pothead’ detective who whilst helping his ex-girlfriend becomes embroiled in the disappearance of her current boyfriend, a real estate mogul. Pynchon doesn't usually allow his works to be adapted for the screen, but he has reportedly given his blessing to this project.
Who’s behind 'Inherent Vice'?
‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘There Will Be Blood’ director Paul Thomas Anderson has taken the reins. This is kind of his pet project and could be what he needs after his last film, ‘The Master’ failed to have any commercial success, despite getting strong reviews. Anderson has also written the script and is serving as producer. It has just been announced that Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood will compose the score which will be recorded this month with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London - this it will mark his third collaboration with Anderson. Also joining Anderson again is cinematographer Robert Elswit who also worked on 'Boogie Nights' and 'Punch Drunk Love'.
Continue reading: Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Inherent Vice': Everything You Need To Know
There are rumors abounding that Mary Rudolph’s pregnant with her and Paul Thomas Anderson’s fourth child, with the claims coming about after reports that she informed NBC show Up All Night – which she stars in – of the impending birth.
Congratulations to the pair if so! The pair had their first child, daughter Peal Minnie, in 2005, adding to that with her sister Lucille in 2009 and brother Jack in 2011. The report by The Hollywood Reporter on the potential fourth child comes in attachment with another story they’re running on Up All Night finally coming to a close, owing struggling ratings, with the exit of its chief star Christina Applegate last week possibly the straw that’s broken the camel’s back. It’s thought that Rudolph had told NBC of the impending arrival with a view to them working the pregnancy into the script, but this story now suggests that that won’t matter. At the very least at least she’ll have plenty of time to prepare herself for the birth if the show goes down the pan.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master didn’t quite achieve the critical acclaim many thought it would, with the director missing out on the Oscar shortlist for best director. He returns next with Inherent Vice, an adaptation of a novel by Thomas Pynchon.
Continue reading: Maya Rudolph Pregnant With Her And Paul Thomas Anderson's Fourth Child?
In the run up to The Oscars, as awards season is in full swing, a mention by The American Film Institute in their top 10 films of the year represents a confidence boost for the respective directors and actors hoping to pick up that much coveted gold statue.
One of these films in the last instalment of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy: The Dark Knight Rises, which isn't totally void of Oscar buzz, but is very much considered to be an outsider. Being selected in the list doesn't guarantee anything, but it certainly revitalises the flame for films that were released earlier in the year.
Given the stellar list of movies, it's hard to see how Dark Knight... will prevail. Even if it's nominated, it'll more than likely face stiff competition from Life of Pi, Lincoln and Ben Affleck's Argo.
Continue reading: Batman The Dark Knight Rises Lands Spot On AFI Best Film List
David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook - a stunning dark comedy starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper - appears to have hijacked the Oscars race. Russell was tipped for a golden statuette with The Fighter, though missed out on the directing prize to Tom Hooper (The Kings Speech). His latest movie has certainly thrown a spanner into the works for the greatest film prize of them all, so we've compiled an Oscars cheat sheet for Best Picture in 2013. So read on, before cleverly dropping the information into conversations with your friends.
Who's the frontrunner?
There's still a handful of likely Oscar contenders to be released, though the eight or ten movies most strongly tipped to get nominated for Best Picture are now in place. The list is headed by two movies: Ben Affleck's thriller Argo and Steven Spielberg's historical drama Lincoln. The bookmakers cannot choose between the two, but most give the former's movie the edge as recent history suggests this type of film is likely to please the younger looking Academy. The Hurt Locker famously usurped Avatar in 2009, and Affleck's slick movie has much in common with Kathryn Bigelow's classic Iraq War film. As mentioned, both films are pretty much neck-and-neck in the betting, though Argo is generally available at 3/1 while Spielberg's epic is around 4/1.
Continue reading: Silver Linings Playbook? Argo? Lincoln? Your Oscars Cheat Sheet For Best Picture!
With all the Oscars buzz surrounding big-hitting epics, like Paul Thomas Anderson's drama, The Master, or Steven Spielberg's depiction of Lincoln, there must be room for a little romantic comedy to provide an outside shot; a dark horse, if you will.
That's exactly where Silver Linings Playbook fits in. Emerging from the constant, and consistent conveyor belt of romantic comedies like a beacon of hope for the genre, Silver Linings is about more than just 'guy meets girl'; it's about mental illness, domestic violence, family relations, and of course, a guy meets a girl and they fall in love, probably. It's true, aside from its original subject matter, which sees Bradley Cooper play Pat Solatano - a man freshly released from a mental institute for a rather violent act - the film is, at it's bear bones and heart, a warm romantic comedy. So can David O. Russell's attempt break the mould at the Oscar's, and beat out the big names for a prize or two? Maybe. With a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and with reviews that say things like, "Silver Linings Playbook," the exuberant new movie from David O. Russell, does almost everything right," it just might have an outside chance.
But when we say outside chance, we mean it. Ben Affleck's Argo, P.T Anderson's The Master and Spielberg's Lincoln represent the aforementioned big hitters. And me oh my are they big hitters.
This jagged, meandering exploration of a Scientology-style movement is hauntingly mesmerising and packed with meaty performances. As he did in There Will Be Blood, writer-director Anderson is exploring how people control and influence each other, this time focussing on a twisted mentor-protege relationship that's strikingly well-played by Hoffman and Phoenix.
The story takes place just after the war, as seaman Freddie Quells (Phoenix) struggles to overcome his physical and psychological injuries and fit back into society. After drifting across America, he stows away on a boat captained by Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman), who is known as the Master to followers of the Cause. He takes Freddie under his wing and coaches him to tap into his eternal soul by exploring who he was in past lives. So Freddie becomes part of the family with Dodd's strong-willed wife (Adams), doubtful son (Plemons) and more gung-ho daughter and son-in-law (Childers and Malek). And Freddie's stubbornness both annoys and challenges Dodd.
It's fascinating to watch these two men develop a tight connection while quietly jostling for power. The cycles of interaction make the film lurch in fits and starts as Freddie tries to elevate himself using Dodd's process, but continually finds another way all his own. In other words, both men are using each other to work out their own inner turmoil. While Hoffman gives a layered performance that bristles with quiet shadows and superficial bravado, Phoenix contorts his body and face into a man who has literally been crumpled up by his past. Meanwhile, the darkly intense Adams sneaks up and steals every scene she's in.
Continue reading: The Master Review
Joaquin Phoenix, the star of The Master and current second-favourite to scoop the Oscar for Best Actor in February, has played down his acting talents claiming to actually be "not very good." Phoenix - who was rumored to be quitting the movie business before signing on for Paul Thomas Anderson's movie - said he needs to be "very close" to directors in order to get through shoots.
In a nervy interview with The Independent, Phoenix explained his self-doubts and on-set needs, "I think the trouble is that I'm not very good and I need a lot of help; I need the entire set to be working to help me," he said, adding, "The only way I can work is to be very close to the director and the acting. At least people like Paul make you feel that is a priority." Since his superb turn in Gladiator, Phoenix has decided against appearing in further blockbusters, though noted, "If every single movie was The Master it would be a pretty boring world out there. I think it's fine to have those blockbusters. I'm not against those movies. I just don't want to experience them." He has a similar outlook on awards season, recently telling Interview magazine, "I think it's bullsh*t. I think it's total, utter bullsh*t, and I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it. It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life. I don't want this carrot." He may be forced to at least nibble on the carrot should he be - as expected - nominated for a slew of awards in the coming months. Though Daniel Day Lewis is the overwhelming favourite to win the Best Actor for Lincoln, Phoenix isn't far behind in the betting, at around 3/1.
The Master's producer Harvey Weinstein - famous for his awards season nous - will at least have Oscar's mainstay Philip Seymour Hoffman around for the publicity push. In fact, the veteran is almost certain to win Best Supporting Actor for his L Ron Hubbard-like role.
Continue reading: Oscar-Tipped Joaquin Phoenix: I'm Not Very Good And Need Lots Of Help
The bookmakers have Joaquin Phoenix as the second favorite to win the Oscar for Best Actor in February for his stunning turn as a drifter in John Paul Anderson's 'The Master.' Though there may be a problem: he doesn't want it.
Though nominated for two Academy Awards ('Gladiator' and 'Walk the Line'), it seems Phoenix is pretty disillusioned with awards' season and therefore will play no part this time around. When quizzed on his chances of an Oscar by Elvis Mitchell of Interview magazine, the actor unequivocally stated, "I'm just saying that I think it's ... I think it's total, utter ..., and I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it. It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life. I don't want this carrot." The actor called the whole awards process as "totally subjective," which is pretty hard to disagree with, though added, "It's the stupidest thing in the whole world. It was one of the most uncomfortable periods of my life when 'Walk the Line' was going through all the awards stuff and all that." It's certainly difficult to judge Phoenix's subtle performance in Anderson's modest drama, against, say, Daniel Day Lewis' epic turn in Spielberg's blockbuster 'Lincoln', though at the end of the day, the Academy has to opt for what they believe is the best performance of the year - something that doesn't sit well with the 29-year-old.
His remarks put him in the same company as award season' grouches like Woody Allen and Marlon Brando, though Phoenix is unlikely to scoop the prize anyway. Lewis' turn as Abraham Lincoln left bookmakers slashing his odds to just 5/4.
Action-thriller Taken 2 performed remarkably well at this weekend’s Box Office, gleaning $50m in one of the most successful October debuts. The Liam Neeson thriller beat out Frankenweenie – last week’s chart-topper - with ease. Here’s our Box Office roundup.
Hurtling into the #1 spot, Taken 2 used some of the good grace from its predecessor to take the weekend by storm. Whist Taken was considered a commercial and critical success, the sequel can only really claim the former, as the critics have all but panned the revenge thriller. Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie endured a slow start with a paltry return of $11.5 million. The Disney release about a boy who brings his dead dog back to life was expected to do better, so will face increased scrutiny in the weeks to come. Another ‘comedy-horror’, Hotel Transylvania dropped to second-place with $26.3m. So far, Adam Sandler's animated hit film has earned $76m domestically and $105.3m worldwide, in an impressive first week. Pitch Perfect climbed three to #3 with $14.7m, while time-travel thriller Looper fell to #4 with $12.2m.
The rest of the top 10 looks something like this: End of Watch at #6 with $4 million. Trouble with the Curve comes in at #7 with $3.9 million. Horror film, House at the End of the Street drops to #8 with $3.7 million. At #9 is Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master with $1.8 million, and the 3D re-release of the aquatic fun-time tale Finding Nemo is at #10 with $1.6 million.
The Lincoln trailer debuted in-between the 2012 Presidential Debate, giving the film a great audience for its teasing premiere.
Whether you were watching the debate unfold on ABC, CBS or CNN you will have struggled to miss the shiny new trailer for Steven Spielberg's upcoming presidential epic. Scenes from the Civil War open the trailer with Lincoln, portrayed by Daniel Day Lewis reciting The Gettysburg Address in the background, and quickly we see the president conflicting with members of his cabinet. The film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field. The advertising and P.R buffs involved in the film must have been licking their lips at the chance to showcase the new trailer at the debate, as it looks like it was the perfect time to showcase the film. Lincoln hits selected theatres November 9, with a wider release planned for November 16.
Films such as Ben Affleck's Argo and Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman's The Master already are proven Academy Awards contenders through rapturous reactions from festival crowds or early theatrical audiences, but Lincoln may have something to say about that. With Oscar fever reaching higher temperatures by the day, many have already tipped Paul Thomas Anderson's post wartime drama to take the big prize, with the films protégé set to scoop the individual prizes, but early indications would suggest that Daniel Day Lewis could upset the odds.
With some big titles being released this weekend, many would be forgiven for thinking it’ll be a successful few days for the North American Box Office, but all indications point to another disappointing haul for film studios.
Lionsgate's comic-book adaptation Dredd 3D will be unleashed off the back of some positive reviews, but given a summer of Marvel action, it’s unlikely that the Judge will pull in the audiences required to boost figures. Also released, and probably the most high profile release of the weekend is The Master, although the Paul Thomas Anderson Scientology drama was given a limited release in New York and Hollywood already. Perhaps the acting prowess of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix will attract cinema goers, but indications aren’t good. Figures should total in the high-$90 millions through Sunday, which would be off from this time last year by as much as 20%, a bigger drop than any of the past three weekends.
Elsewhere, Clint Eastwood’s baseball flick Trouble With The Curve might gleam some extra attention due to the Western star’s infamous Empty Chair routine, and his other public political opinions. Then again, they might not. Relativity Media's thriller House at the End of the Street, End of Watch, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Emma Watson’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower round off this weekends big releases in cinema.
River Phoenix’s final movie ‘Dark Blood’ will finally be released on September 27, 2012, almost 20 years after the aspiring star died outside The Viper Room in Los Angeles. Phoenix –who had ingested a lethal combination of cocaine and heroin – stars in George Sluizer’s thriller about a young widow living in the desert on a nuclear testing site.
Phoenix – who was considered one of the finest young actors in Hollywood – died as he and Sluizer were putting the finishing touches to the movie. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the director, now 80, said of Phoenix’s death, “I was devastated…It was a terrible sadness.” The movie had roughly 11 days of production to complete when the actor died, with an insurance company making the call to abandon the project and pay out to the original investors. As the firm became owners of the movie, it sat in storage until 1999, at which point they decided to destroy it. “That’s when I said, ‘No, no, I’m going to save it from destruction”, said Sluizer, without going into detail as to how he took ownership of ‘Dark Blood’ once again. After suffering an acute aortic dissection while holidaying in France and spending months recovering, the director decided he had to finish the film, “I said, I want to finish the film before whatever happens,” adding, “At least I will finish my job as best as I could.” The movie will premiere at the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht this week, and is competing for the festival’s Golden Calf award.
Meanwhile, River’s brother Joaquin Phoenix is tipped to receive an Oscar nomination for his turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘The Master.
Freddie Quell is a violent and often drunk drifter who, whilst going through some of the most intense struggles of his life, meets a charismatic and scholarly gentleman on a boat called Lancaster Dodd who writes books based on a new religious organisation that he founded following World War II. Quell becomes his main partner and the new religion begins to grab the nation's attention earning it a keen following. However, some of the members believe that Quell's erratic behaviour is beyond the help of the organisation despite Dodd's insistences that he can be helped. Quell begins to question the teachings of the man the calls himself the Master and starts feeling as if everything that he is being made to believe is one big made-up story.
Continue: The Master Trailer
British actress Sally Hawkins picked up the award for best actress at the Berlin Film Festival.
Hawkins was rewarded for her role in Mike Leigh's comedy Happy-Go-Lucky.
The Elite Squad, a story about corrupt police officers in Brazil, won the Golden Bear for best film at the festival.
Also, Iranian actor Reza Naji walked away with best actor award for his performance in The Song of Sparrow.
And US director Paul Thomas Anderson won the Silver Bear for best director for, Oscar favourite, There Will Be Blood.
Hawkins, 31, is a well-known British television actress, appearing in Little Britain as well as Tipping the Velvet.
She also appeared in Mike Leigh's film Vera Drake.
The Berlin Film Festival is one of a series of traditional industry events that take place leading up to the Oscars.
On February 10th La Vie en Rose was the surprise main winner at the BAFTAS, with Marion Cotillard winning best actress.
The Academy Awards are due to take place on February 24th.
Continue reading: Sally Hawkins Wins Best Actress At Berlin Film Festival
British actors Julie Christie and Daniel Day-Lewis have won the top acting prizes at the Screen Actors' Guild (SAG) awards.
While Christie took the best actress gong for her acclaimed portrayal of a woman facing dementia in Sarah Polley's Away From Her, Day-Lewis was rewarded for his stunning role as an amoral oil prospector in Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood.
Though the awards season has been jeopardised by the ongoing industrial action by the Writers' Guild of America (WGA), the SAG awards were held without a hitch after an interim agreement was signed between the two unions, allowing acting talent to attend the ceremony without having to cross picket lines.
Christie - who is nominated for the best actress Academy award for her part in Away From Her - paid tribute to the SAG, adding to The Associated Press: "It's lovely to receive an award from your own union, especially at a time when we're being so forcefully reminded how important unions are."
And Day-Lewis dedicated his award to the late Heath Ledger, who was tragically found dead in his New York apartment last week.
"In Brokeback Mountain he was unique, he was perfect," Day-Lewis said while accepting his trophy.
"That scene in the trailer at the end of the film is as moving as anything I think I've ever seen."
The 50-year-old added backstage that he had never met Ledger but had been profoundly affected by the actor's death.
"I thought he was beautiful. I just had a very strong feeling I would have liked him very much as a man," he said. "I admired him very much. I'm absolutely certain he would have done many wonderful things in his life."
Javier Bardem took the best supporting actor prize for his role as psychotic killer Anton Chigurh in the Coen Brothers' No Country For Old Men, which also won the award for outstanding cast in a motion picture.
With The Sopranos finally coming to an end, leads James Gandolfini and Edie Falco claimed the best actor and best actress prizes for TV dramas, while Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey, the stars of NBC's 30 Rock, took the comedy equivalents.
And another NBC series, The Office - an adaptation of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's Golden Globe-winning sitcom - won the award for best cast in a comedy programme.
Continue reading: Brits Julie Christie And Daniel Day-lewis Take Sag Awards
Who knew the world of fashion could be so strained and dramatic? But that's exactly...
Like the Thomas Pynchon novel it's based on, this film remains infuriatingly evasive as its...
Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) is a simple man. When he's not abusing illicit substances,...
Doc Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) is a private investigator living in Los Angeles during the tail...
This jagged, meandering exploration of a Scientology-style movement is hauntingly mesmerising and packed with meaty...
Freddie Quell is a violent and often drunk drifter who, whilst going through some of...
