I like catching up with all the latest gossip from Hollywood, and over the last month we've had Comic-Con with a plethora of announcement about new Marvel titles, a third Hobbit and more than our fair share of action adventures. The trouble is, I do find it hard to care about all these whizz bang pop comic book adaptations. Sure I was excited about The Dark Knight Rises as anyone else, but if you look at my viewing habits over the last 4 years I've over seen two superheroes in cinemas (Batman and Thor). It's the oscar baity drama's that I tend to go for most often, and on this front there's been very little news since my last report, indeed 3 of the 5 projects I am going to mention have already had their Runs Like a Gay debut. Still I've promised to report on all the new titles catching my eye on IMDb, and I intend to do so.
I'm so Excited
Even without knowing anything about Pedro Almodovar's latest cinematic offering that title's expressing how many cinephiles feel about it. With The Skin I Live in the Spanish master showed he could subvert genre and add his own blend of high camp into any subject - even torture porn - so taking a ridiculous set-up like a doomed plane flight with a highly excitable cast and crew you know he has something special up his sleeves.
The first set photo, above, confirms Almodovar stylish design will once again be present and the cast reads like a best of Almodovar's previous collaborators with Javier Cámara, Blanca Suárez and Lola Dueñas among the passengers and crew. Not to mention rumoured cameo's from Penelope Cruz, Paz Vega and Antonio Banderas.
Look out for I'm so Excited at Cannes next year where it's bound to cause a stir and melt a few hearts on the croisette.
Read on for cyborgs, and a Broadway star
Battle Angel
Now I know James Cameron has vowed to be only in the business of making Avatar sequels from here on in, however someone obviously haven't told our Bristolian programming friends who have put the manga adaptation back on his slate, admittedly with no firm date for release. I could try to explain the bonkers plot again, or even give a brief history of Cameron's attachment, however it's much easier to point to the post labels and invite you to look through my previous posts.
Go for Sisters
John Sayles is one of the most reliable directors in the American independent scene, with a back catalogue filled with classics and near-masterpieces. Who among us actors cannot forget the stunning "Anal Probe" monologue in Passion Fish or the moody atmosphere of Lone Star? His last film, Amigo (right), unfortunately didn't find a UK distributor but I remain hopeful that this project, about two friends reunited after a 20 year separation when one becomes the parole officer for the other. Edward James Olmos, LisaGay Hamilton and Isiah Washington have been confirmed in the cast so far.
Rover
If I didn't know better I would read the synopsis for this Aussie Western, starring Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson (yeah, I sort of feel sorry for him right now), and think Mad Max rip-off, avoid. However whilst it indicates a dangerous and dysfunctional near future with roaming gangs of violent criminals there's no mention of Angry Anderson, Thunderdome or even a hint of nuclear Armageddon so perhaps there's something more to it. David Michod, who made a name helming the bleak Animal Kingdom is back in the directors chair, so expect Air Supply on the soundtrack, the odd bit of slo-mo and a massive shock in the final couple of shots.
Squirrel to the Nuts
For as long as I can remember writing this blog there's been rumours that Peter Bogdanovich (pictured right) will be returning to behind the camera's for the first time since 2002's underrated Cat's Meow. Finally after Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach have joined forces to produce and Owen Wilson agreed to star at the Broadway producer at the centre of the story it's finally looking like it will happen. From this distance it looks like a screwball comedy about Wilson's infatuation with a hooker turned actress and his desire to help her climb the slippery slope of fame. Sounds like a perfect mix of director and subject.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
When Title's and Feeling's collide (Coming Soon - August 2012)
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Film News (18/12/09)
No opportunity for smaller projects getting the limelight this week. We're now deeply into the awards season (apparently 274 films are eligible for the Oscars) so it's only directors currently selling their competing projects who are able to hit the non-award headlines. Unless you're involved with a massive comic book franchise (after the cut). So, here goes...
Battle Angel
So, Jim Cameron is changing cinema forever, returning once again to being the King of the World. What's next? Well, he's confirmed that he's seriously working on the film adaptation of Battle Angel Alita, Yukito Kishiro's renowned Manga novel. It's about a female cyborg and will certainly be an opportunity for Cameron to build on the technology advances he's made with Avatar, as well as referencing he's back catalgue of Terminator movies.
The Man who Killed Don Quixote
Terry Gilliam's second attempt to tilt at windmills seems to be going in the right direction with the news of casting Robert Duvall as the titular knight. It's an inspired choice, Duvall continues to be at the top of his game and it should also bring in some punters and investment. After all who doesn't want to see the great actors take on one of the most infamous literary characters.
Peter Jackson's Untitled Gallipoli project
Peter Jackson has stated a vague interest in making a movie about the ANZAC troops and the suicidal mission at the Dardanelles during the first World War ready for the centenary in 1915. It's an incredible piece of Australian and New Zealand history as thousands of troops attempted to cut off the Ottoman Empire from the rest of the central European axis. The story has already been told in Peter Weir's excellent Gallipoli as well as in the exhaustive 1985 TV mini series "ANZACs". Nevertheless it will be interesting to see how Jackson handles the material.
X-Men: First Class
The origin collection of the X-Men franchise will be continuing with the beginnings of the Xavier school for the gifted. For all the collective doubt we may have about prequels where you know the fate of the characters this could be interesting as Bryan Singer, director of the first 2 installments has signed on. This could mean that he will explore the themes of isolation and discrimination that were the central point for the second film, and one which could ultimately give a heart to this venture.
