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Philip Seymour Hoffman, The ATM Withdrawal, And A Jazz Musician


Philip Seymour Hoffman

At least one of the four people arrested during the investigation into the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman had the Oscar winning actor's cellphone number, according to law enforcement officials.

Philip Seymour HoffmanPhilip Seymour Hoffman Riding His Bike Around Manhattan

Responding to a tipster who said he had seen Hoffman at the lower Manhattan apartment building where the four were arrested, investigators are led to believe that it is the location where the actor purchased the drugs that killed him. In searches of two apartments, police found hundreds of packets of heroin, according to the Associated Press.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman, The ATM Withdrawal, And A Jazz Musician

Did Philip Seymour Hoffman's Gay Lover Find Him Dead?


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Update: since this article was written, David Bar Katz has followed through on his threat to sue the National Enquirer for publishing fake quotes suggesting he was romantically involved with the late actor.

David Bar Katz, the man who found Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at the weekend, has allegedly claimed that he was having an affair with the Oscar-winning actor. The playwright said that the Capote star was not only his lover but that also he had witnessed him using cocaine the night before he died. However, we must stress this is straight from the National Enquirer - via Radar - so the chances of it being accurate, are, well, slim.

Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman Was Found Dead In New York On Sunday By His Friend, David Bar Katz.

Continue reading: Did Philip Seymour Hoffman's Gay Lover Find Him Dead?

Philip Seymour Hoffman Movies: Which Was His Finest Role?


Philip Seymour Hoffman

When considering Philip Seymour Hoffman’s movies of the past 25 years, it’s difficult to envisage an actor working anywhere else on the planet who inhabits a character as well as the man from Fairport, New York did. As news of Hoffman’s untimely death – from a reported drug overdose – filtered through on Sunday, fans, journalists and friends dubbed the late great Hoffman the best character actor of his generation. The 46-year-old was rivalled only by Daniel Day-Lewis and perhaps Sean Penn in terms of the greatest actors currently working in the business, though unlike his multi-Oscar winning contemporaries, Hoffman was unconcerned with taking only lead roles and effectively wrote the book on the art of the perfect supporting performance.

Philip Seymour Hoffman movies before the devil knows your dead

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead (2007), director: Sidney Lumet

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Movies: Which Was His Finest Role?

Philip Seymour Hoffman Death: Four Arrested On Drug Suspicions


Philip Seymour Hoffman George Clooney Paul Thomas Anderson

Four people have been arrested in connection to the drugs found at Philip Seymour Hoffman’s address when he was found dead, reportedly from a heroin overdose. The Oscar winning actor - best known for his role in Capote - was 46.

Philip Seymour Hoffman in CapoteSeymour Hoffman in Capote, a film which he won Best Actor for at The Oscars

But while the arrests were made in connection to the narcotic, police officials are refusing to confirm that the arrests were directly related to the death of the popular actor, who passed away aged 46, shocking his professional peers and fans alike.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Death: Four Arrested On Drug Suspicions

Philip Seymour Hoffman's Family Will Remember Late Actor In Private New York City Funeral


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman's final resting place will not be too far from his home.

The 46 year-old, who was discovered dead in his Manhattan apartment on Sunday with a syringe still in his arm (Feb 2nd), will be laid to rest in a New York City private ceremony.

Only close friends and family will be invited to attend the funeral, and another memorial service is being planned to take place later this month, also in New York.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman's Family Will Remember Late Actor In Private New York City Funeral

Jared Padalecki Brands Philip Seymour Hoffman's Death 'Stupid And Senseless'


Jared Padalecki Philip Seymour Hoffman

‘Supernatural’ star Jared Padalecki has come under fire after he branded the death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman as “senseless” and “stupid.” The 31 year old actor took to Twitter after news of the Oscar winner's death broke and tweeted,”"Sad" isn't the word I'd use to describe a 46 year old man throwing his life away to drugs. "Senseless" is more like it. “Stupid"". He has since deleted the tweet.

Jared Padalecki, star of Supernatural  at the Critics Choice Awards Jared Padalecki, star of Supernatural  at the Critics Choice Awards

Many users of the social media site took exception to Padalecki’s comments finding them insensitive and inaccurate. Padalecki tried to defend himself after coming under fire by tweeting, “I didn't mean PSH is stupid or that addiction isnt a reality. I simply meant I have a different definition of “tragedy,” followed by, “when I think "tragedy", I think of St Judes, of genocide, of articles I read in the paper. But, yes, either way, a death, is sad”. However many fans were still angry and his twitter account was bombard with angry tweets.

Continue reading: Jared Padalecki Brands Philip Seymour Hoffman's Death 'Stupid And Senseless'

Philip Seymour Hoffman Rehab Followed 23 Years Of Being Clean


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman's rehab stint last year followed 23 years of being clean. The New York actor - who was found dead in his New York apartment on Sunday (February 2, 2013) - struggled with drink and drugs in his twenties though kicked the habit for over two decades before relapsing last year.

Philip Seymour Hoffman rehabPhilip Seymour Hoffman's Rehab Stint Came 23 Years After His Last

Hoffman - who won the Academy Award for best actor for Capote - admitted checking himself into rehab last year for 10 days after apparently spending a week taking heroin for the first time in over twenty years.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Rehab Followed 23 Years Of Being Clean

Philip Seymour Hoffman Hoax Was A Hoax In Itself


Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Philip Seymour Hoffman hoax - a story apparently duping internet users into thinking the Oscar winning actor had died just 24 hours before he was actually found dead - never really existed in the first place. Various news agencies had reported on the hoax as a strange coincidence, though, as David Emery points out, it was the work of website Media Mass - a self-proclaimed satire website that pokes fun at celebrity rags and mocks up "death hoax" magazine covers on a regular basis.

Philip Seymour HoffmanPhilip Seymour Hoffman Was One Of The Greatest Actors of His Generation

Hoffman was found dead on Sunday morning in his New York apartment after a suspected drug overdose. He was 46.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Hoax Was A Hoax In Itself

Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead In New York Apartment


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Academy-Award winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was discovered dead in his New York apartment on Sunday (Feb 2nd), according to police sources.

The 46 year-old was found by his friend when visiting his Manhattan apartment at 35 Bethune St. in the West Village. 

The New York Police Department, along with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, has confirmed that the exact course of death has been determined as a drug overdose. 

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead In New York Apartment

The Seth Rogen 'Starring' Parody Of 'Her' Might Be The Best Thing You See All Week [Video]


Seth Rogen Spike Jonze Philip Seymour Hoffman Joaquin Phoenix Scarlett Johansson

Her
Her might not be the most prominent Oscar contender, but it is still one helluva movie

First off we were treated to a Phillip Seymour Hoffman-featuring parody of the new Spike Jonze movie Her, one that used cut-up snippets of the Oscar-winner's film repertoire in place of Scarlett Johansson's soothing utterances. Last night (25 Jan.) we saw Jonah Hill lampoon the film on Saturday Night Live, but earlier this week we're sure the best parody of them all was uploaded on to YouTube.

'Him' doesn't actually star any big names, but it does feature one heck of a good impression of the loveable Canadian comic Seth Rogen. The YouTube channel Paul Gale Comedy created and uploaded the parody, which pokes fun at the Oscar contender as well as gently ribbing Rogen, mocking his penchant for da 'erb and also mirroring his distinctive laugh spot on. It's probably the best portrayal of Seth Rogen since Seth Rogen played Seth Rogen in This Is The End.

Continue reading: The Seth Rogen 'Starring' Parody Of 'Her' Might Be The Best Thing You See All Week [Video]

Joaquin Phoenix's Relationship With Philip Seymour Hoffman Develops In Spoof 'Her' Trailer


Philip Seymour Hoffman Joaquin Phoenix Amy Adams

Remember when we told you about the Fight Club minus Tyler Durden scene lovingly brought to the world by editor/magician Richard Trammell? Well he’s at again, this time with Spike Jonez’s Oscar-nominated ‘Her’, although this time the sultry tones of Scarlett Johansson are replaced with the rather stark cadence of Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

HerJoaquin Phoenix falls in love with his OS in 'Her'

The trailer sees Theodor – played by Phoenix – fall in love with his new and scarily innovate OS Samantha, but Samantha is now an incredibly offensive, sandy-haired man in his mid-40s.

Continue reading: Joaquin Phoenix's Relationship With Philip Seymour Hoffman Develops In Spoof 'Her' Trailer

A Most Wanted Man - Clip


Gunther Bachmann is a German spy who has been enlisted by both German and American Secret Services to track down a Chechen-Russian immigrant named Issa in Hamburg who claims to be the heir to an enormous fortune in a private bank account. Gunther's colleagues believe Issa is an Islamic terrorist and request that he is rounded up and questioned immediately, however when Gunther discovers a suspicious relationship between him and his lawyer Annabel Richter, he holds back in order to find out what's going on in their heads. When he finds out that an Islamic charity boss is strongly linked to a terrorist organisation, he has to work out if Issa is in on it too - but could he be the biggest victim?

Continue: A Most Wanted Man - Clip

Early 'Sundance' Favourites Already Generating A Buzz For Upcoming Movies


Robert Redford Ryan Coogler William H Macy John Slattery Tilda Swinton Tom Hiddleston Amy Poehler Bill Hader Kristen Wiig Paul Rudd Michael Fassbender Philip Seymour Hoffman Domhnall Gleeson Belle And Sebastian Aaron Paul Kristen Stewart

The Sundance Film Festival is the place to be for young, aspiring filmmakers hoping to crack into the hotly-contested business of the movies. By the end of the film festival, which this year runs from 16-26 January, there are always a selection of film titles that are revived for the following awards season, and this year people are so eager for the celluloid showcase that a number of early contenders for festival glory have been marked before their debut release.

God's Pocket
The dark God's Pocket stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Eddie Marsan

In thirty years the film has discovered some of the most promising filmmakers out there and continues to deliver, from Roland Joffé’s The Killing Fields in the festival's opening year (1985) to last year's most notable success; Fruitvale Station, the debut feature length from Ryan Coogler. With another 120 films to get through this year it seems more than likely that at least one of the releases will be leaving Park City, Utah, with more than a few skiing lessons and a commemorative t-shirt.

Continue reading: Early 'Sundance' Favourites Already Generating A Buzz For Upcoming Movies

Sundance 2014 Lineup - Our Highlights From An Eclectic Mix


Anne Hathaway Philip Seymour Hoffman Kristen Stewart Christina Hendricks John Turturro

Sundance 2014 promises to be as varied as ever, with a healthy mix of world cinema, documentary film and Hollywood output. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the festival will run from January 16-26 and, by the time it closes its doors, will have showcased 117 feature-length projects, 16 of which are world premieres.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Eddie MarsanPhilip Seymour Hoffman and Eddie Marsan in God's Pocket

"This year's lineup is reflective of film-makers wanting to tell new stories, and we're seeing a broader range of characters and ages," Trevor Groth, the director of programming, told the Hollywood Reporter. "A lot of times, the typical Sundance film-maker has a younger perspective and tells stories of what they know. But this year we're seeing more stories about people who are older."

Continue reading: Sundance 2014 Lineup - Our Highlights From An Eclectic Mix

Video - Liam Hemsworth Poses With Co-Stars At The 'Catching Fire' NY Premiere - Part 3


Liam Hemsworth appears alongside his 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' co-stars, including Jennifer Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks, at the movie's New York premiere held at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.

Continue: Video - Liam Hemsworth Poses With Co-Stars At The 'Catching Fire' NY Premiere - Part 3

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review


Extraordinary

After 2012's The Hunger Games caught us off-guard with its subtle themes, this sequel more than lives up to the hype, dramatically expanding the scale of the action while letting the actors deepen their characters. It's a full-on action epic that cleverly retains author Suzanne Collins' narrative trick of telling the story through a flawed perspective. And it provides the needed push to give the whole saga real momentum.

We join our heroes not long after the last film ended: Katniss and Peeta (Lawrence and Hutcherson) are in trouble for challenging the authority of President Snow (Sutherland) and sowing the seeds of rebellion in the districts. Now they have to travel around the nation with their team - drunken mentor Haymitch (Harrelson), preening manager Effie (Banks), quietly subversive designer Cinna (Kravitz) - soothing ruffled feathers. But of course they only make things worse. So new Gamesmaker Plutarch (Hoffman) plots a way to force them back into the games with all of the past victors, so they can be wiped out for good. And Katniss is so busy worrying about protecting Peeta that she fails to remember who the true enemy is.

Screenwriters Beaufoy and deBruyn (aka Oscar-winner Michael Arndt) inventively maintain Katniss' narrow, inaccurate point-of-view right through the film, which keeps the audience wrong-footed all the way to the end. It's an exhilarating trick that makes the tour of the districts painfully dull and the return to the games utterly horrifying. It also gives Lawrence the chance to flex her own Oscar-winning chops, further tormenting us with her inability to choose between two good men: Peeta and Gale (Hemsworth), her pal back home. She certainly doesn't trust newcomers like the mouthy Johanna (Malone) or the too-hunky Finnick (Claflin).

Continue reading: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Trailer


After becoming the first duo to win the annual Hunger Games following its 74th year, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have spread hope among the people of Panem who now feel the possibility of a revolution. However, the Capitol realise how dangerous this could be for their ordered, totalitarian society and force them to compete once again, alongside 22 other previous winners in the The Quarter Quell - an event that happens every 25th years and allows the Capitol to invent a new twist for the year's Games. Tensions arise between Katniss and Peeta who both want the other to be the victor in the 75th Hunger Games and do everything within their power to protect each other.

'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' is the highly anticipated sequel to 2012's 'The Hunger Games'; the film adaptation to Suzanne Collins' sci-fi novel trilogy. Taking over from Gary Ross as director is Francis Lawrence ('I Am Legend', 'Constantine', 'Water for Elephants') with screenwriting from Simon Beaufoy ('The Full Monty', 'Slumdog Millionaire', '127 Hours') and Michael Arndt ('Oblivion', 'Toy Story 3', 'Little Miss Sunshine'), though we'll still see the same star cast reprising their roles. It is due to be released in cinemas everywhere on November 21st 2013.

Click here to read: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

Jennifer Lawrence Plays The Joker At Hunger Games: Catching Fire Comic Con [Trailer]


Jennifer Lawrence Josh Hutcherson Liam Hemsworth Lenny Kravitz Jena Malone Sam Claflin Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire press conference was perhaps the biggest event to hit Comic-Con over the weekend, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz and Jena Malone turning out to present a brand new trailer for more than 6,000 fans.

Lawrence, who scooped the Oscar for Best Actress in February, is fast becoming one of Hollywood's most amiable stars. Her youth and slouchy attitude to fame allows her to connect perfectly with the franchise's audience and she brought her A-game to California. 

When discussing training for the stunts she performs in the movie, Lawrence quipped that "the hardest stunt is probably still just basic running," to laughter in the hall.

Continue reading: Jennifer Lawrence Plays The Joker At Hunger Games: Catching Fire Comic Con [Trailer]

Philip Seymour Hoffman Already Back Filming Following 10-Day Stint In Rehab For Heroin Use


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman pulled a shocker this week when it emerged that not only had he just completed a 10-day stay at a detox facility on America's east coast, but he did so after relapsing into his heroin addiction. The Oscar-winning star had spend over two decades clean before his relapse, but claims to have been fully cleansed of his demons.

The Capote-actor alerted TMZ about his stint in rehab once he had finished and was already in Europe on filming duties. He told the website that he began using drugs again around a year ago, starting off by popping prescription pills before his habit escalated and he began snorting heroin. He added that the heroin use only lasted about a week, before he decided to check himself into a detox facility and take control of his problems once again. The actor previously had a major problem with drugs in the late-eighties/early-nineties, but managed to kick the habit 23 years ago.

He went on to say that he remained in the clinic for only 10 days, by which time he felt clean enough to leave the facility and resume his filming duties across the Atlantic. He went on to thank "a great group of friends and family" for helping him seek-out the treatment in the first place and for sticking by him throughout. The Oscar-winner is a father to three children with his wife, costume designer Mimi O'Donnell.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Already Back Filming Following 10-Day Stint In Rehab For Heroin Use

Philip Seymour Hoffman Checks Out Of Rehab Following Drugs Relapse


Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of Hollywood's most revered actors, but it may come as some surprise to you to find out that he also happens to be one of Tinseltown's most unsuspecting narcotic addicts. Well, he was until recently at least, with the Oscar-winning actor recently checking out of an East Coast detox facility to cleanse himself of the habit.

According to TMZ, the actor began fell off the wagon over a year ago when he started to become dependant on prescription pain killers. A drug-free former user for 23 years until that point, Hoffman soon began to revert to his old ways and even went as far as snorting heroin as his relapse got all the worse and his life began to spiral further into a drug-addled nightmare. Fortunately though, rather than see his life get out of control again Hoffman reassured TMZ that his heroin snorting only lasted week before he snapped out of it and went to seek help.

Hoffman, who won a Best Actor Oscar in 2006 for his role in Capote, checked out of the facility a week ago today (May 24) following a 10-day stay in the detox centre and has reassured us all that he is clean once again. The actor went on to thank "a great group of friends and family" for helping him seek out the treatment in the first place, an for helping him see it through until the end.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Checks Out Of Rehab Following Drugs Relapse

Katniss Is Enemy No.1 In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire [Trailer & Pictures]


Jennifer Lawrence Donald Sutherland Philip Seymour Hoffman Francis Lawrence Josh Hutcherson

Katniss Is Enemy No.1 In Hunger Games: Catching FireKatniss Is Enemy No.1 In Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The first full trailer for the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire has been released, debuting at the MTV Movie awards on Sunday (April 14, 2013). Recent Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence once again takes center stage as Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the brutal fight to the death who appears to have become a sign of hope for the rest of society.

The shadowy Capitol is less than pleased with the fanfare surrounding Katniss' return from the Hunger Games arena and want her removed. "She has become a beacon of hope for them, she has to be eliminated," says Donald Sutherland's President Snow, before Philip Seymour Hoffman's Plutarch Heavensbee adds, "I agree she should die, but in the right way, at the right time. Katniss Everdeen is a symbol, just her image. Show them she is one of us now, let them rally behind that."

Continue reading: Katniss Is Enemy No.1 In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire [Trailer & Pictures]

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Teaser Trailer


Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have become symbols of hope to the people of the dystopic Panem after becoming the first pair to win the 74th Annual Hunger Games in a brutal battle to the death between two teenagers of each of the 12 famished districts. Now is the time they must leave their families to tackle a 'Victor's Tour' of each district. However, the President sees her as a threat to their capitalist society and vows to have her killed, but first to make the people of every district turn against her. Rebellion appears to be arising among the people and Katniss just wants to get through the tour safely. But with the 75th Games approaching, known as The Quarter Quell, the Capitol decide to introduce the biggest twist the Games have ever seen; a twist that will completely transform their nation.

The second instalment to this sci-fi dystopia trilogy is soon to arrive with direction being taken over by Francis Lawrence ('I Am Legend', 'Constantine', 'Water for Elephants'). This time, Oscar winning screenwriters Simon Beaufoy ('The Full Monty', 'Slumdog Millionaire', '127 Hours') and Michael Arndt ('Oblivion', 'Toy Story 3', 'Little Miss Sunshine') have adapted the novel series by Suzanne Collins and we will see a return of 'The Hunger Games' star cast. 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' is set to hit screens on November 22nd 2013.

Click here to read: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

A Late Quartet Review


Good

While this film has some bracingly strong observations on the nature of long-term professional and personal relationships, it also feels somewhat theatrical in the way its story develops. It's as if everything happens for an important reason, as ordained by the screenwriters. Fortunately, these terrific actors bring out riveting layers of meaning in their characters.

The title refers to the Fugue String Quartet, which has been at the peak of the classical music scene for 25 years. But their fragile balance is shaken when cellist Peter (Walken) is diagnosed with Parkinson's. Second violinist Robert (Hoffman) starts wondering if maybe he should be playing first chair, but he's feeling unsupported by his wife Juliette (Keener), who plays viola. Meanwhile, first violinist Daniel (Ivanir) wants to keep things as they are, although his lessons with Robert and Juliette's prodigy daughter Alex (Poots) are taking an unexpected turn into something steamy. Can the quartet's bond survive all of this?

All four actors underplay their roles perfectly, letting us see the internal workings of their relationships through their own private ambitions. Hoffman, Keener and Ivanir have especially dark edges to play with in every scene, even if their long-repressed issues make the film sometimes feel soapy. Walken is simply wonderful in a rare non-kooky role as a man facing a very difficult future with humour and emotion. On the other hand, Poots kind of gets lost in the shuffle, never really making much of her thinly written role.

Continue reading: A Late Quartet Review

Divergent: Kate Winslet Leads Hollywood Charge Into Young Adult Movies


Kate Winslet Jennifer Lawrence Stanley Tucci Philip Seymour Hoffman Michael Sheen Shailene Woodley Theo James

Kate Winslet is the latest Hollywood A-lister to make the move into the thriving young adult market after signing on for a big screen adaptation of 'Divergent,' the first of a trilogy of dystopian novels by Veronica Roth. Jennifer Lawrence and Philip Seymour Hoffman both star in the forthcoming Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, while Twilight and The Lovely Bones featured respected actors Michael Sheen and Stanley Tucci.

The young-adult movie market is growing at a serious rate, something that's not gone undetected by Winslet's agent, clearly. The British star will play the cold and calculable Jeanine Matthews in the movie about a society that is divided into five factions that define how a person lives their life. For example, the Abnegation people are selfless, while those residing in the Erudite neighbourhood devote themselves to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Winslet will play the leader of the Eruduite, according to studio Summit Entertainment.

It's shaping up to be a pretty impressive cast, with actress of the moment Shailene Woodley, 21, and British star Theo James, 28, already having signed up. The movie is set for release in March 2014.

Continue reading: Divergent: Kate Winslet Leads Hollywood Charge Into Young Adult Movies

London Critics Circle Film Awards Choose Unexpected Winners


Toby Jones Joaquin Phoenix Tom Holland Philip Seymour Hoffman

Due to much of its tighter focus on British and/or Irish films and their actors, the London Critics Film Awards list of winners often differs greatly from the other big awards of the season. This year, however, they have gone even farther left field, rightly awarding some of the distinctly lesser known films and actors, triumphing over those better known.

Berberian Sound Studio, which came out last August, did very well, winning the Attenborough Award for the best British Film of the Year. Written and directed by Peter Strickland this is only his second feature. Having been described as 'seriously weird and seriously good' by Peter Bradshaw, Berberian Sound Studio is a psychological thriller set in an Italian horror movie studio of the 1970s. 

It stars Toby Jones who also won the award for Best British Actor of the year. 

Continue reading: London Critics Circle Film Awards Choose Unexpected Winners

Three Reasons Why The Master Won't Dominate The Oscars


Joaquin Phoenix Paul Thomas Anderson Amy Adams Daniel Day Lewis Philip Seymour Hoffman

It was 'coming' for months; teasing us with enigmatic trailers, laced with a disconcertingly mistimed drum. It was the next big thing. With a directing CV representing no mistakes, this was going to be Paul Thomas Anderson's official entry into the pantheon of the greats.

And it still might be, but, as many are predicting, not via an instant hit of Oscar-narcotics. The 2013 Academy awards will recognise great films, no doubt, but it's likely The Master will be lucky to walk away with one.

So why is a film - which has been at the top or near the top of many critic's end of year lists - destined to 'underachieve' come Sunday, February 24th, only to spend years accumulating a cult status of its own? Here are three perfectly ridiculous reasons why not.

Continue reading: Three Reasons Why The Master Won't Dominate The Oscars

Hunger Games: Catching Fire Poster Unveiled


Jennifer Lawrence Josh Hutcherson Liam Hemsworth Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire may not be getting released in cinemas for at least another year, but that doesn't mean that fans of the franchise aren't eagerly awaiting every forward motion the films take, as the reaction to the unveiling of the poster for the next film in the series has shown.

The artwork for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire gives very little away, with only a flaming version of the Mockingjay pin that appears so frequently throughout the series being on display. Still, that hasn't stopped people from trying to decipher whether it may give anything that will reveal what we can expect from the new film. Of course, for the people who have read the book, there will be no need to do this as they should have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen.

The sequel to the hugely successful Hunger Games once again stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, alongside Hollywood stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. New cast members include the Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee and Jena Malone as Johanna Mason. It hits cinemas worldwide on November 22, 2012.

Continue reading: Hunger Games: Catching Fire Poster Unveiled

Has Silver Linings Playbook Got Robert De Niro Back Into Oscars Contention?


Robert De Niro Philip Seymour Hoffman Alan Arkin Bryan Cranston Russell Crowe

David O'Russell's new movie Silver Linings Playbook, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, appears to have a one-way ticket to the Oscars ceremony in February. Strong reviews for the movie with an all-star cast means it's likely to be competing for the major prizes in 2013. Lawrence is the massive favorite to win best actress, Cooper will battle Daniel Day-Lewis and Joaquin Phoenix for best actor, though could Robert De Niro win his first Academy Award since 1981? (Raging Bull)

De Niro plays the father of Pat Solitano, a former school teacher who loses everything - his house, his job and his wife. Living back home with his parents, (mother played by Jacki Weaver), Pat attempts to rebuild his life and meets the mysterious Tiffany, played by Lawrence. De Niro is superb throughout, and is likely to be nominated for best supporting Actor, though can he go all the way? There's an interesting group of contenders this year, with Philip Seymour Hoffman a shoo-in for a nomination. His L. Ron Hubbard style character in The Master won fierce praise from critics, and the 45-year-old is a favorite of the Academy for sure. Ben Affleck could win best director for Argo, while the movie is the frontrunner for best picture, though it also has a couple of supporting performances worth a shout. Bryan Cranston plays a CIA officer in the political drama and has made a huge name for himself in Hollywood for his performances as Walter White in Breaking Bad - easily one of the finest characters in television drama for years. In the same movie, Alan Arkin also turns in a fine comedic performance with Jon Goodman and, of course, the Little Miss Sunshine actor has had his hands on the supporting actor gong before. Tommy Lee Jones is likely to get a nomination for Lincoln, while Leonardo DiCaprio will be disappointed to not make the shortlist for his turn as the evil Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained

Outsiders for a shot at the statuette include Javier Bardem for Skyfall, Russell Crowe for Les Miserables and William H Macy for The Sessions. Let's be clear, Philip Seymour Hoffman will take all the beating here, though De Niro's performance will not be ignored by the Academy. His co-star Bradley Cooper said it would be "insane" should he win Best Actor for Silver Linings Playbook and it certainly would be unthinkable for Daniel Day-Lewis not to walk away with that award come February, but best supporting actor? That's not so clear cut.

Continue reading: Has Silver Linings Playbook Got Robert De Niro Back Into Oscars Contention?

The Master Review


Excellent

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

Oscar-Tipped Joaquin Phoenix: I'm Not Very Good And Need Lots Of Help


Joaquin Phoenix Paul Thomas Anderson Philip Seymour Hoffman

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

A Late Quartet Trailer


A quartet made up of first violinist Daniel, second violinist Robert, his wife and viola player Juliette and cellist Peter faces an uncertain future when Peter informs them of his recent diagnosis of Parkinsons disease which has resulting in him wishing to leave the quartet with immediate effect following their first show of the season. Him being the most talented of the four musicians, their musical cohesion is now under threat and it makes Robert consider what he wants for his future in the group. He expresses his feelings to Juliette and Daniel that he no longer wishes to play second violin exclusively, but perfectionist Daniel believes him to be insufficient for the role and Juliette tries to remind him that he must foremost consider the solidity of the quartet as a whole. Their disagreements cause a rift in the group, particularly in Robert and Juliette's marriage; Robert finds himself becoming more and more interested in a young dancer who he meets while jogging and Juliette and Daniel's relationship be

Continue: A Late Quartet Trailer

Video - Joaquin Phoenix And Philip Seymour Hoffman Arrive At The Venice Film Festival 'The Master' Premiere


Arrivals for the premiere of 'The Master' at Italy's 69th Venice Film Festival included the film's stars Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Madisen Beaty. Valentina Cervi of 'True Blood' also arrived at the event along with Claudia Gerini ('The Passion of the Christ'), actress and director Nadine Labaki ('Caramel'), Isabella Ferrari ('Quiet Chaos'), and models Catrinel Marlon and Liliana Matthaus.

Valentina Cervi was one the photographers by the red carpet couldn't get enough of as she elegantly posed for photos in a floor length, sheer white gown with long sleeves and glittering collar whilst holding a pink-tipped rose she had been given

Video - Philip Seymour Hoffman Takes Pictures Of Photographers - Ides Of March New York Premiere Part 2


The stars of the George Clooney directed film 'The Ides of March' showed up for the New York Premiere. Marisa Tomei looked stylish in a simple black dress that showed off her legs, while Christie Brinkley looked glamorous in a navy dress. Philip Seymour Hoffman brought his wife and his phone onto the red carpet, where he proceeded to take pictures of the photographers.

George Clooney also stars in the Ides of March, a political drama about a fresh faced intern getting caught up in the world of sleazy politics

Moneyball Trailer


Billy Beane is the general manager of the baseball team Oakland Athletics, who have a budget of $41 million. Looking to expand the team's budget so he can buy some of the best competitive players, he goes to the manager, Art Howe, who refuses, citing the New York Yankees, who had just spent over $125 million on players.

Continue: Moneyball Trailer

Ides Of March Trailer


Stephen Meyers is an idealistic man working on a political party's campaign for the upcoming American election. On the side of Mike Morris, he is very dedicated and confident that his side, the Democratic Party, will bring home the bacon. However, when a rival campaign leader, Tom Duffy, gives him a call, he begins to realise what a dirty game politics is.

Continue: Ides Of March Trailer

Owning Mahowny Review


Good
If there's any actor today who's blessed with being born at the right time, it's Philip Seymour Hoffman. Roly-poly, anxious, and pathetic-looking, in the '30s he'd play a bit role in noirs as a heavy. In a '50s western, he'd be the fellow in the corner of a saloon who got shot first. In an '80s teen exploitation flick, he'd be the fat fraternity pledge forced to perform some sort of humiliating rush antic. But in the Miramax era, where clinging to one last shred of dignity is a heroic character trait, Hoffman gets to be our new Brando. His role as a desperate gambling addict in Owning Mahowny is custom-made for him. It's a shame he's thrust into a film that seems more than a little desperate itself.

Based on a true story set in the early 1980s, Hoffman plays Dan Mahowny, a middle manager at a Toronto bank who finds himself swamped by gambling debts. To square matters with Frank (Maury Chakin), a bookie with a snow globe fetish, he uses his job's authority to set up fake loans and cash transfers. Hoffman doesn't play Mahowny as outwardly desperate; sitting at his desk with a loan approval form he's about to fake, he sweats and stares, but he's committed to feeding his addiction. There's a gleam of opportunity in his eyes, and you can feel him thinking: X amount of dollars means Y hours at the blackjack table in Atlantic City. Little else matters, including moral qualms.

Continue reading: Owning Mahowny Review

25th Hour Review


Extraordinary
If you were to write a screenplay about a drug dealer who has just 24 hours of freedom left before he begins a seven-year prison sentence, what would you have him do? Repent? Fashion an elaborate escape? Have plenty of sex? That's probably why you haven't authored any Oscar-quality screenplays lately. Writer David Benioff, on the other hand, is likely to see a little golden statuette up close next year for his work on 25th Hour, a remarkable new film based on his novel of the same name.

Neither tearjerker nor suspenseful crime drama, 25th Hour is extraordinary in that it avoids all the clichés that such a premise so often invites. It is instead a carefully focused character study about a charismatic but condemned man who must come to grips with his sentence before morning. Edward Norton plays Montgomery Brogan, the felon in question. He spends his last free hours visiting his father (Brian Cox) and attending a going away party in his honor at a New York nightclub. In tow are his girlfriend (Rosario Dawson) and his two childhood pals, Frank (Barry Pepper) and Jakob (Philip Seymour Hoffman) -- the latter of which is so perfectly cast that you can't help but chuckle the first time you see Hoffman give his usual dyspeptic sneer, signaling that he is disgusted not only with his high school English students but essentially the entire outcome of his life.

Continue reading: 25th Hour Review

Love Liza Review


Very Good
Philip Seymour Hoffman is a great actor. I have loved his work ever since his repressed, awkward nurse-man in Boogie Nights. However, this type of awkward and odd guy seems to the only role he plays. What would be a real stretch for Hoffman's magnificent acting abilities would be to play an average, everyday Joe. But somehow, I imagine, that too would come across as eccentric and idiosyncratic. In his latest role in Love Liza, Hoffman plays a troubled and tender widower, attempting to reorient his life in the face of his wife's suicide and the letter she left behind. This role, then, is a bit different, if only because Hoffman appeared at one point to have been an average, everyday man: successful web designer and loving husband. However, the movie doesn't begin until after his wife's death and thus follows his mental breakdown and journey to oddville, which really for Hoffman is just a return to normality.

Gordy Hoffman's script, awarded best screenplay at Sundance 2002, offers little more in terms of plot. Rather I would characterize the developments of the script as taking place in well-defined and highly differentiated moments. Of course, they all flow together into a linear and cohesive story, but everything about the film, from the writing and the direction down to the lighting and music (a nice score by Jim O'Rourke) maintains a kind of individualization of scenes. These key scenes build like motifs defined by their content.

Continue reading: Love Liza Review

Montana Review


Weak
Bad idea: Introduce your 12 main characters in one scene in the same room. Montana commits just such a sin and never really recovers, despite a promising and talented cast. As doublecrossing gangster movies goes, Montana is pretty tepid, with a load of stereotyped characters (fat mob boss, deadly hit man, idiotic son, and gorgeous-but-brainless moll) not helping matters. Only Kyra Sedgewick's bagwoman makes any kind of impression, but really, there's a reason why you've never heard of this film.

Flawless Review


Weak

The recipe for Joel Schumacher's post-"Batman" cry for redemption goes a little something like this:

Take one part "As Good As It Gets," but give the anti-social bigot a gritty, blue-collar bent and a debilitating stroke instead of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Add one part irritating drag queen movie ("To Wong Fu..." will do nicely) and two parts syrupy, medicinal social commentary.

Continue reading: Flawless Review

Philip Seymour Hoffman

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Philip Seymour Hoffman

Date of birth

23rd July, 1967

Date of death

2nd February, 2014

Occupation

Actor

Sex

Male

Height

1.77


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Philip Seymour Hoffman Movies

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Movie Review

Suzanne Collins' saga comes to a suitably epic conclusion in a climactic series of battles...

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Final Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 Final Trailer

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 - Join The Revolution Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 - Join The Revolution Trailer

Having successfully rescued Peeta and the other Hunger Games victors, Katniss Everdeen is feeling the...

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Movie Review

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Movie Review

This four-part franchise, based on the Suzanne Collins novels, turns very dark with this strikingly...

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Trailer

With the incredible ramifications of the end of the yearly ritualistic sacrificial televised Hunger Games,...

A Most Wanted Man Movie Review

A Most Wanted Man Movie Review

Photographer-turned-filmmaker Anton Corbijn continues to show striking maturity with only his third movie (after Control...

God's Pocket Movie Review

God's Pocket Movie Review

Despite a strong sense of the characters and the setting, this film struggles to engage...

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 'Our Leader The Mockingjay' Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 'Our Leader The Mockingjay' Trailer

Katniss Everdeen has survived the latest political disaster of Panem following the shocking 75th Hunger...

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 - 'Mockingjay Lives' Teaser Trailer Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 - 'Mockingjay Lives' Teaser Trailer Trailer

Following Katniss Everdeen's escape from the catastrophic 75th Hunger Games with mentor Haymitch and two...

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Trailer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 Trailer

President Snow has a message for the people of Panem in a mock propaganda clip...

God's Pocket Trailer

God's Pocket Trailer

God's Pocket seems to be an ordinary working class neighbourhood at face value; full of...

A Most Wanted Man Trailer

A Most Wanted Man Trailer

A German spy belonging to a secret anti-terrorist group named Gunther Bachmann embarks on his...

A Most Wanted Man Trailer

A Most Wanted Man Trailer

Gunther Bachmann is a German spy who has been enlisted by both German and American...

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

After 2012's The Hunger Games caught us off-guard with its subtle themes, this sequel more...

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