The devil was in the detail when it came to 1987’s superb The Untouchables – and that included the suite where Robert De Niro’s Al Capone lived.
With a price tag of $25m in an era when that felt like a reasonable amount of money for a major Hollywood studio to spend, Paramount Pictures’ 1987 hit The Untouchables was really something of a gamble.
>Granted, it was a gamble mitigated by the presence of some star wattage. Still, Robert De Niro in the role of Al Capone was a man more known for attracting strong critical notices than packing the house out. Sean Connery meanwhile was far from at the height of his commercial pulling powers.
Throw in the fact that director Brian De Palma was desperately needing a hit after a run of box office disappointments and that the picture’s star – Kevin Costner – was pretty much an unknown at this stage,...
With a price tag of $25m in an era when that felt like a reasonable amount of money for a major Hollywood studio to spend, Paramount Pictures’ 1987 hit The Untouchables was really something of a gamble.
>Granted, it was a gamble mitigated by the presence of some star wattage. Still, Robert De Niro in the role of Al Capone was a man more known for attracting strong critical notices than packing the house out. Sean Connery meanwhile was far from at the height of his commercial pulling powers.
Throw in the fact that director Brian De Palma was desperately needing a hit after a run of box office disappointments and that the picture’s star – Kevin Costner – was pretty much an unknown at this stage,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The world works on capitalism in today’s day and age. To get paid for what one works on is only fair. Actors are no exception to this rule, regardless of whether it is The Untouchables’ Robert De Niro or Kevin Costner. Actors take on big roles and get paid heftily for the same. To put in the work and then getting paid for it, or as the world now knows it to be equivalent exchange.
Robert De Niro in The Untouchables | Credit: Paramount Pictures
What may be rare to hear, however, is for someone to get paid for not doing something. When a big project comes into play, many actors get eager to take the role, while at the same time, others may not see things in the same direction. Such was the case with Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables.
Robert De Niro was Always Brian De Palma...
Robert De Niro in The Untouchables | Credit: Paramount Pictures
What may be rare to hear, however, is for someone to get paid for not doing something. When a big project comes into play, many actors get eager to take the role, while at the same time, others may not see things in the same direction. Such was the case with Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables.
Robert De Niro was Always Brian De Palma...
- 5/13/2024
- by Adya Godboley
- FandomWire
The Oscar-nominated novelist, screenwriter and essayist Nick Hornby below writes a special tribute for Deadline commemorating Jenne Casarotto, his agent for nearly 30 years, who died on February 29 aged 77.
The industry titan, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989, was eulogized today by family, friends and close colleagues at an event named a Celebration of the Life of Jenne Casarotto in the Queen Elizabeth Hall located in London’s Southbank Centre.
Private Eye editor Ian Hislop welcomed guests. Agent colleagues Abby Singer, Mel Kenyon and Jodi Shields spoke of working with Jenne, her son Mark Casarotto commemorated his mother, and producers Jeremy Thomas and Tim Bevan and longtime director clients John Madden and Shawn Slovo told stories about the Jenne they knew and loved.
During the ceremony, it was announced that Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and the National Film and Television School have established The Jenne Casarotto Scholarship...
The industry titan, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989, was eulogized today by family, friends and close colleagues at an event named a Celebration of the Life of Jenne Casarotto in the Queen Elizabeth Hall located in London’s Southbank Centre.
Private Eye editor Ian Hislop welcomed guests. Agent colleagues Abby Singer, Mel Kenyon and Jodi Shields spoke of working with Jenne, her son Mark Casarotto commemorated his mother, and producers Jeremy Thomas and Tim Bevan and longtime director clients John Madden and Shawn Slovo told stories about the Jenne they knew and loved.
During the ceremony, it was announced that Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and the National Film and Television School have established The Jenne Casarotto Scholarship...
- 5/13/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal and Illumination’s smash The Super Mario Bros Movie finishes No. 1 to make it a wrap on Deadline’s Most Valuable Blockbuster tournament for 2023. While the industry is still coming out of Covid and the aftermath of the strikes, there’s no question about the major motion picture studios’ embrace of the theatrical downstream model; steamers such as Amazon and Apple realize the power of it too.
Last year’s wild ride saw the buckling of superhero movies, though Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse underscored fanboys’ hunger for something different in the genre. The year also showed that longtime box office emperor Disney can lose its clothes sometimes — in 2023 it was its overextension and hasty execution of IP Wish, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Haunted Mansion and The Marvels. Barbie and Oppenheimer, meanwhile, showed that perhaps the biggest box office weekends are best programmed with two tentpoles in the heart of summer.
Last year’s wild ride saw the buckling of superhero movies, though Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse underscored fanboys’ hunger for something different in the genre. The year also showed that longtime box office emperor Disney can lose its clothes sometimes — in 2023 it was its overextension and hasty execution of IP Wish, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Haunted Mansion and The Marvels. Barbie and Oppenheimer, meanwhile, showed that perhaps the biggest box office weekends are best programmed with two tentpoles in the heart of summer.
- 5/6/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Mays remembers Michael Douglas and Timothy Van Patten, the respectively star and director of new Apple TV drama Franklin, bursting into song whenever he appeared on set.
It came about because during the Franklin shoot in Paris, director Nicholas Hytner asked Mays to star at London’s Bridge Theatre as good old reliable Nathan Detroit in an immersive production of the classic Broadway fable Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling.
Upon hearing this news, Douglas insisted, ”You’re doing it, Danny — no question about it.”
The adaption of Damon Runyon’s tales was Van Patten’s father’s favorite musical, “so then within the hour, more like a whole bloody second, every time I came on set, they kept playing ‘The Oldest Established [Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York], and Michael and Noah Jupe would join in.”
Even the French crew got in the swing of it.
In French or English?...
It came about because during the Franklin shoot in Paris, director Nicholas Hytner asked Mays to star at London’s Bridge Theatre as good old reliable Nathan Detroit in an immersive production of the classic Broadway fable Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling.
Upon hearing this news, Douglas insisted, ”You’re doing it, Danny — no question about it.”
The adaption of Damon Runyon’s tales was Van Patten’s father’s favorite musical, “so then within the hour, more like a whole bloody second, every time I came on set, they kept playing ‘The Oldest Established [Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York], and Michael and Noah Jupe would join in.”
Even the French crew got in the swing of it.
In French or English?...
- 4/12/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s always fun to discuss horror novels that Aren’T Stephen King. No knock on the monster from Maine, he’s the master of horror novels over the last, oh I don’t know, 50 years, for a reason but its nice to not have the show be solely dedicated to his adapted works. He says knowing that he makes the schedule and decides what books to cover. See you in May, Mr. King! Funnily enough, the man actually loved today’s subject to the degree that he called it one of 2006’s best horror novels, but more on that in a little bit. The Ruins (watch it Here) was one of those hot properties by an author whose previous work was an instant success with critics, fans, and studio executives that put it to celluloid. The book came out and just two years later we were given a movie...
- 4/10/2024
- by Andrew Hatfield
- JoBlo.com
Joe Pasquale has a Pampers advert and Bob Hoskins to thank for landing a role in 2006’s Garfield movie: more here.
If you’re reading this from the UK, then you may already be acquainted with the work of comedian Joe Pasquale, whose all-but-trademarked squeaky voice is a distinctive part of his act. It’s also a voice that’s earned him a lot of professional voiceover work, and one of those jobs many moons ago was for a nappy advert.
As he explained on the Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, he was hired to do one particular Pampers campaign with the late Bob Hoskins. Unusually, the pair were to sit in a recording booth together, rather than record their lines separately. Yet as Pasquale explained, Hoskins didn’t believe the sound coming out of his co-star was quite right. “That voice… I’ve never heard it come...
If you’re reading this from the UK, then you may already be acquainted with the work of comedian Joe Pasquale, whose all-but-trademarked squeaky voice is a distinctive part of his act. It’s also a voice that’s earned him a lot of professional voiceover work, and one of those jobs many moons ago was for a nappy advert.
As he explained on the Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, he was hired to do one particular Pampers campaign with the late Bob Hoskins. Unusually, the pair were to sit in a recording booth together, rather than record their lines separately. Yet as Pasquale explained, Hoskins didn’t believe the sound coming out of his co-star was quite right. “That voice… I’ve never heard it come...
- 4/9/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The recent critical acclaim for HBO’s The Last of Us and the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie have sparked a wave of optimism. Could this be a turning point for video game adaptations?
Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller in The Last of Us
For decades, such adaptations have struggled to capture the essence of beloved games and translate them effectively to the cinematic medium. Despite Hollywood’s persistent efforts to turn popular video game characters into cinematic heroes, the vast majority of these adaptations have fallen flat.
Suggested“They only started filming the other week”: Pedro Pascal’s The Last of Us 2 Update Seemingly Confirms the Worst for Fans Awaiting His Return
While some triumphed, most of them were unsuccessful. We share 10 of the worst video game adaptations to date.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2010)
Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time...
Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller in The Last of Us
For decades, such adaptations have struggled to capture the essence of beloved games and translate them effectively to the cinematic medium. Despite Hollywood’s persistent efforts to turn popular video game characters into cinematic heroes, the vast majority of these adaptations have fallen flat.
Suggested“They only started filming the other week”: Pedro Pascal’s The Last of Us 2 Update Seemingly Confirms the Worst for Fans Awaiting His Return
While some triumphed, most of them were unsuccessful. We share 10 of the worst video game adaptations to date.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2010)
Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time...
- 4/6/2024
- by Prantik Prabal Roy
- FandomWire
The X-Men franchise has always had a special part in the hearts of fans of the superhero genre. Over the years, the mutants have become a symbol of inclusion, rightly so. The entire credit of bringing these fan-favorite comic characters to life goes to none other than filmmaker Bryan Singer who is responsible for films like X-Men and Days of Future Past.
A still from X-Men (2000)
However, before Bryan Singer could bring these films to the screen, writer Chris Claremont had a different idea about what an X-Men film should look like. In his dream film, he would have loved to have renowned filmmaker James Cameron as the producer. In fact, Chris Claremont had a completely different casting for both Wolverine and Storm in his mind.
X-Men Writer Wanted Angela Bassett as Storm Halle Berry as Storm
For four of the X-Men films, out of which three had the involvement of Bryan Singer,...
A still from X-Men (2000)
However, before Bryan Singer could bring these films to the screen, writer Chris Claremont had a different idea about what an X-Men film should look like. In his dream film, he would have loved to have renowned filmmaker James Cameron as the producer. In fact, Chris Claremont had a completely different casting for both Wolverine and Storm in his mind.
X-Men Writer Wanted Angela Bassett as Storm Halle Berry as Storm
For four of the X-Men films, out of which three had the involvement of Bryan Singer,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Long before X-Men films and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine became popular among movie lovers, James Cameron had plans to make an X-Men film. The Avatar director’s ex-wife and Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow was set to direct the film. The reported lineup for the film was also pretty awesome, including Bob Hoskins as Wolverine and Angela Bassett as Storm. However, one Marvel character ruined these plans and the film never got past the planning stage.
Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine in X-Men: The Last Stand
Bryan Singer’s X-Men films re-ignited audience interest in superhero films, particularly the Marvel films. If the film produced by James Cameron happened way back in the ’90s, it would’ve turned around the fate of Marvel Studios.
James Cameron Planned To Produce An X-Men Film Directed By Kathryn Bigelow Titanic director James Cameron planned to produce an X-Men film directed by his ex-wife Kathryn...
Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine in X-Men: The Last Stand
Bryan Singer’s X-Men films re-ignited audience interest in superhero films, particularly the Marvel films. If the film produced by James Cameron happened way back in the ’90s, it would’ve turned around the fate of Marvel Studios.
James Cameron Planned To Produce An X-Men Film Directed By Kathryn Bigelow Titanic director James Cameron planned to produce an X-Men film directed by his ex-wife Kathryn...
- 3/21/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
The word "iconic" gets used a lot, but if there's one character who deserves to be called that, it's Mario. The little mustachioed guy revolutionized gaming (and plumbing) forever. He has defended kingdoms against countless threats, saved princesses, and even fought off gorillas. He hasn't done all that much actual plumbing, but he has been a racer, a doctor, a golfer, a superhero, and even an elephant.
After the huge, incredible, and not entirely surprising box office success of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" — not the Bob Hoskins one, the Chris Pratt one — it was inevitable that we would get more of the Mario brothers. After all, if Mario can have almost as many careers as Barbie, why not add "movie star" to the list?
While we wait to return to Mushroom Kingdom and witness Bowser's latest attempt at getting Princess Peach to marry him for some reason, let's...
After the huge, incredible, and not entirely surprising box office success of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" — not the Bob Hoskins one, the Chris Pratt one — it was inevitable that we would get more of the Mario brothers. After all, if Mario can have almost as many careers as Barbie, why not add "movie star" to the list?
While we wait to return to Mushroom Kingdom and witness Bowser's latest attempt at getting Princess Peach to marry him for some reason, let's...
- 3/11/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
How do you capture Jenne Casarotto? She was at the intersection of theatre, film and television. It all, seemingly, swirled around her.
Not just around her.
It was the brilliant team that she assembled at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, the agency that’s been at the epicenter of UK arts culture for over three decades. Correction: The company’s reach extended far beyond the environs of London’s Soho.
One would see her in Venice, Cannes, Toronto and Sydney. One would not be at all surprised to be at a screening at, let’s say, Sundance, and there’d be a tap on the shoulder when the lights came up. “That was great stuff, wasn’t it?” She’d say gleefully.
It was a bit of a test because she’d expect you to be honest with her. Well, it was godawful, actually, and she’d nod sagely, her eyes twinkling behind her specs.
Not just around her.
It was the brilliant team that she assembled at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, the agency that’s been at the epicenter of UK arts culture for over three decades. Correction: The company’s reach extended far beyond the environs of London’s Soho.
One would see her in Venice, Cannes, Toronto and Sydney. One would not be at all surprised to be at a screening at, let’s say, Sundance, and there’d be a tap on the shoulder when the lights came up. “That was great stuff, wasn’t it?” She’d say gleefully.
It was a bit of a test because she’d expect you to be honest with her. Well, it was godawful, actually, and she’d nod sagely, her eyes twinkling behind her specs.
- 3/7/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Jenne Casarotto, who co-founded the London-based global talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and represented the likes of Tennessee Williams, Stephen Frears, David Hare, Terry Gilliam, Steve McQueen, Neil Jordan and John Madden during her long career, has died. She was 77.
Casarotto died Thursday in the U.K. of complications from a short illness, her firm announced.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Casarotto was “an award-winning agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients and for her calm and creative leadership,” Casarotto Ramsay & Associates said in a statement.
She and her husband, Giorgio Romeo Casarotto, launched the company in 1989.
Her illustrious list of clients — several of whom worked alongside her since their feature film debuts — also included J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matteo Garrone, Christopher Hampton, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Hilary Bevan Jones,...
Casarotto died Thursday in the U.K. of complications from a short illness, her firm announced.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Casarotto was “an award-winning agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients and for her calm and creative leadership,” Casarotto Ramsay & Associates said in a statement.
She and her husband, Giorgio Romeo Casarotto, launched the company in 1989.
Her illustrious list of clients — several of whom worked alongside her since their feature film debuts — also included J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matteo Garrone, Christopher Hampton, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Hilary Bevan Jones,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of the London agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates which represents some of the leading names working behind the camera, died on Feb. 29. She was 77.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of Casarotto Ramsay & Associates,” said the company in a statement.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Casarotto co-founded Casarotto Ramsay & Associates alongside her husband Giorgio in 1989, helping re-shape the agency landscape. The company’s roster would grow to include many of the world’s best-known writers, directors, creatives, literary properties and heads of departments across film, theatre and television.
Among her list of clients over the years were J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, the Dahl Estate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Stephen Frears, Matteo Garrone, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam, Hilary Bevan Jones, Neil Jordan, David Leland, John Madden, Steve McQueen, Cynthia Payne, Neal Purvis,...
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of Casarotto Ramsay & Associates,” said the company in a statement.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Casarotto co-founded Casarotto Ramsay & Associates alongside her husband Giorgio in 1989, helping re-shape the agency landscape. The company’s roster would grow to include many of the world’s best-known writers, directors, creatives, literary properties and heads of departments across film, theatre and television.
Among her list of clients over the years were J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, the Dahl Estate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Stephen Frears, Matteo Garrone, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam, Hilary Bevan Jones, Neil Jordan, David Leland, John Madden, Steve McQueen, Cynthia Payne, Neal Purvis,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Jenne Casarotto, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989 and repped some of the nation’s greatest talents, died Thursday following complications from a short illness. She was 77.
Casarotto died “peacefully, according to a statement from the agency.
Th 35-year-old outfit described its founder as a “visionary leader and a giant within the global entertainment industry,” saying, “With a career spanning over 50 years, Jenne was an award winning agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients, and for her calm and creative leadership.”
Casarotto co-founded the London shop in 1989 with husband Giorgio and went on to represent some of the best-known and most successful writers, directors, playwrights, creatives and HODs in the business at an agency that has been at the forefront of the UK sector for years.
Casarotto’s enviable client list included J.G. Ballard,...
Casarotto died “peacefully, according to a statement from the agency.
Th 35-year-old outfit described its founder as a “visionary leader and a giant within the global entertainment industry,” saying, “With a career spanning over 50 years, Jenne was an award winning agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients, and for her calm and creative leadership.”
Casarotto co-founded the London shop in 1989 with husband Giorgio and went on to represent some of the best-known and most successful writers, directors, playwrights, creatives and HODs in the business at an agency that has been at the forefront of the UK sector for years.
Casarotto’s enviable client list included J.G. Ballard,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Helen Mirren ripped AI to shreds while being honored Thursday night at the American Cinematheque Awards.
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
- 2/16/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The Super Bowl will once again feature ads promoting Jesus, thanks in large part to the billionaire family that leads Hobby Lobby.
He Gets Us, the billion-dollar campaign to further raise Jesus’ profile, will be back at the big game this year to spread the good word. According to Greg Miller, a spokesman for the campaign, a 60-second spot will appear in the first quarter of the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, followed by a 15-second spot in the second half of the CBS and Univision broadcasts.
He Gets Us, the billion-dollar campaign to further raise Jesus’ profile, will be back at the big game this year to spread the good word. According to Greg Miller, a spokesman for the campaign, a 60-second spot will appear in the first quarter of the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, followed by a 15-second spot in the second half of the CBS and Univision broadcasts.
- 2/7/2024
- by Andrew Perez and Tessa Stuart
- Rollingstone.com
Romance. Adventure. Bickering. Mudslides. Alligators are ready to devour you at a moment’s notice. This is all at the heart of Romancing the Stone – the movie and the production. Before it became a hit with audiences – which took some time itself – the script was developed by a sole waitress…before landing at the feet of an Oscar winner before bouncing between studios before finding itself the victim of poor press before a miraculous recovery at the box office. With additional backstories of mended feuds, career skyrocketing, and tragic deaths, it reads like something out of a book – not those trashy paperbacks but almost something even more unbelievable: the making of Romancing the Stone.
So let’s find out: Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Romancing the Stone began where so many romances do: a diner! It was while working as a waitress in Malibu, California, in the late ‘70s that...
So let’s find out: Wtf Happened to this movie?!
Romancing the Stone began where so many romances do: a diner! It was while working as a waitress in Malibu, California, in the late ‘70s that...
- 1/24/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Leland is best known for directing ’Wish You Were Here’, ’Land Girls’ and TV series ’Band Of Brothers’.
Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson have heralded their collaborations with leading UK director, writer and actor David Leland who died on December 24, 2023 at the age of 82
Brosnan thanked the filmmaker, best known for directing Wish You Were Here and The Land Girls, for giving him his first professional acting role in Tennessee William’s stage production of The Red Devil Battery Sign.
“It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will...
Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson have heralded their collaborations with leading UK director, writer and actor David Leland who died on December 24, 2023 at the age of 82
Brosnan thanked the filmmaker, best known for directing Wish You Were Here and The Land Girls, for giving him his first professional acting role in Tennessee William’s stage production of The Red Devil Battery Sign.
“It was the thrill of my young lifetime to be cast as McCabe, working with David and Tennessee. David will...
- 1/2/2024
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
British director and screenwriter who enjoyed huge success with his 1987 hit film Wish You Were Here
Grittiness and compassion were the twin hallmarks of the writer and director David Leland, who has died aged 82. He scripted a clutch of uncompromising films that launched the screen careers of Cathy Tyson, Emily Lloyd and Tim Roth. Leland’s writing was distinctly British in flavour but without the parochial sensibility that might have limited its appeal.
His early draft of Mona Lisa (1986), an underworld thriller about the relationship between a sex worker (Tyson) and her driver (Bob Hoskins), was tougher and nastier than the finished film. Leland shared the screenplay credit with its Irish director, Neil Jordan.
Grittiness and compassion were the twin hallmarks of the writer and director David Leland, who has died aged 82. He scripted a clutch of uncompromising films that launched the screen careers of Cathy Tyson, Emily Lloyd and Tim Roth. Leland’s writing was distinctly British in flavour but without the parochial sensibility that might have limited its appeal.
His early draft of Mona Lisa (1986), an underworld thriller about the relationship between a sex worker (Tyson) and her driver (Bob Hoskins), was tougher and nastier than the finished film. Leland shared the screenplay credit with its Irish director, Neil Jordan.
- 1/2/2024
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
David Leland, a director of stage and screen whose filmmaking CV includes films such as Wish You Were Here, Personal Services and Land Girls, has died. He was 82.
Born in 1941 in Cambridge, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central Speech of School and Drama and had many stage credits before moving into direction at the Crucible Theatre. That began his collaboration with Alan Clarke in 1981. He wrote Made In Britain, which Clarke directed and featured the first screen role of Tim Roth. In 1986, Leland and director Neil Jordan co-wrote the screenplay for Mona Lisa, which starred Bob Hoskins.
Leland then wrote Personal Services, which was directed by Terry Jones and followed the true-life story of Cynthia Payne, who ran a private brothel.
Payne was also the subject of Leland's next film his directorial debut, Wish You Were Here, which chronicled her teenage years, starring Emily Lloyd.
While his next two films,...
Born in 1941 in Cambridge, Leland initially trained as an actor at the Central Speech of School and Drama and had many stage credits before moving into direction at the Crucible Theatre. That began his collaboration with Alan Clarke in 1981. He wrote Made In Britain, which Clarke directed and featured the first screen role of Tim Roth. In 1986, Leland and director Neil Jordan co-wrote the screenplay for Mona Lisa, which starred Bob Hoskins.
Leland then wrote Personal Services, which was directed by Terry Jones and followed the true-life story of Cynthia Payne, who ran a private brothel.
Payne was also the subject of Leland's next film his directorial debut, Wish You Were Here, which chronicled her teenage years, starring Emily Lloyd.
While his next two films,...
- 12/27/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Emmy winning “Band of Brothers” director David Leland, who was also a prolific writer with over five decades in the industry, died Sunday at age 82.
The news came from his longtime agency Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates on Wednesday.
“Our beloved client writer/director, David Leland has passed away. We will miss his incredible talent and warm spirit so very much,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Leland, born in England at the height of World War II, trained as an actor and stage manager before establishing himself as a screenwriter and director. Among his most popular films are the 1983 cult classic “Made in Britain,” 1986’s Golden-Globe and Oscar-nominated “Mona Lisa” with Bob Hoskins and 1987’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Leland was renowned for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, 1987’s “Personal Services” and Cannes Film Festival hit “Wish You Were Here,” the...
The news came from his longtime agency Cassaroto Ramsay & Associates on Wednesday.
“Our beloved client writer/director, David Leland has passed away. We will miss his incredible talent and warm spirit so very much,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Leland, born in England at the height of World War II, trained as an actor and stage manager before establishing himself as a screenwriter and director. Among his most popular films are the 1983 cult classic “Made in Britain,” 1986’s Golden-Globe and Oscar-nominated “Mona Lisa” with Bob Hoskins and 1987’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Leland was renowned for writing two films about British suburban madam Cynthia Payne, 1987’s “Personal Services” and Cannes Film Festival hit “Wish You Were Here,” the...
- 12/27/2023
- by Eileen AJ Connelly
- The Wrap
David Leland, the British writer, director and actor whose credits include “Wish You Were Here,” “The Borgias” and more, died on Dec. 24, according to his agents Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. He was 82. A cause of death was not revealed.
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
Leland cut his teeth in theater, where he directed the world premiere of Michael Palin and Terry Jones’ “Their Finest Hours” and gave Pierce Brosnan his first opportunity to act on stage in the British premiere of Tennessee Williams’ “The Red Devil Battery Sign.”
A distinguished film and TV screenwriting career followed, including “Made in Britain” (1982) directed by Alan Clarke and starring Tim Roth; “Birth of a Nation” (1983) by Mike Newell; and Neil Jordan’s Oscar, Golden Globe and WGA-nominated “Mona Lisa” (1986), featuring a BAFTA-winning performance by Bob Hoskins.
Leland made his directorial debut with “Wish You Were Here” (1987), which won him the BAFTA for best original screenplay, and the film...
- 12/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Ah, Christmas. It’s a time of family get-togethers, going into debt, and TV and movie studios trying their best to cater to everyone. Unless you’re on the Hallmark Channel, and it’s pretty obvious you’ve got one specific demo you are targeting with extreme prejudice.
Over the years, many Christmas-themed movies and TV specials have danced across screens, both big and small. Some of them are classics like A Muppet Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life. Others go out of their way to try and be extreme in their counter-programming, like Silent Night, Deadly Night (which has somehow made six total films over the years…good lord).
And then others are just so odd and unexpected that they deserve their own list, and that’s what we’re doing today. I’m not sure this list should be counted as Nice or Naughty; we’ll say...
Over the years, many Christmas-themed movies and TV specials have danced across screens, both big and small. Some of them are classics like A Muppet Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life. Others go out of their way to try and be extreme in their counter-programming, like Silent Night, Deadly Night (which has somehow made six total films over the years…good lord).
And then others are just so odd and unexpected that they deserve their own list, and that’s what we’re doing today. I’m not sure this list should be counted as Nice or Naughty; we’ll say...
- 12/23/2023
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Quick Answer: Stream the Mario Movie on Peacock or rent the film with bonus features on Amazon Prime Video.
watch on Peacock $5.99/month
Let’s-a go! As the star of the new Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario is more popular than ever, with the adaptation becoming a smash hit that generated a whopping $1.3 billion and counting at the global box office. Not only was the animated feature the...
Quick Answer: Stream the Mario Movie on Peacock or rent the film with bonus features on Amazon Prime Video.
watch on Peacock $5.99/month
Let’s-a go! As the star of the new Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario is more popular than ever, with the adaptation becoming a smash hit that generated a whopping $1.3 billion and counting at the global box office. Not only was the animated feature the...
- 12/22/2023
- by Sage Anderson
- Rollingstone.com
Renowned French director Luc Besson, director of Léon and The Fifth Element is releasing a new thriller next year. Briarcliff Entertainment will release Luc Besson’s thriller DogMan in select theatres on March 15, 2024, and will expand on March 22, 2024. The film, written and directed by Besson, had its World Premiere at the Venice FIlm Festival and stars Caleb Landry Jones, Jojo T. Gibbs and Christopher Denham.
The plot synopsis from Briarcliff Entertainment reads,
“In DogMan, having just been arrested, Douglas opens his heart to tell the moving story of his life. As a survivor of childhood trauma, with a violent father who forces him to live in the family kennel, he develops a bond with dogs that defies understanding. Out of this hell, he grows to discover love, theatre, and cabaret, but also the injustice and disillusionment of the human world. In a life that’s been broken a thousand times,...
The plot synopsis from Briarcliff Entertainment reads,
“In DogMan, having just been arrested, Douglas opens his heart to tell the moving story of his life. As a survivor of childhood trauma, with a violent father who forces him to live in the family kennel, he develops a bond with dogs that defies understanding. Out of this hell, he grows to discover love, theatre, and cabaret, but also the injustice and disillusionment of the human world. In a life that’s been broken a thousand times,...
- 12/19/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Christmas Books That Were Turned Into Movies ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Not everyone likes reading books. It demands a big chunk of your time and a lot of concentration. And come on, let’s be real, why bother when you can easily watch a two-hour movie adaptation that covers all the important scenes and leaves out all the fillers? Besides, even for the most avid book readers, diving into Christmas-themed books might not be very high up on their list of holiday priorities. So, what better way to fill in that book void on Christmas than by watching some Christmas films based on books?
Here are 5 holiday-themed books that were turned into movies.
1. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
“The Man Who Invented Christmas” is a Charles Dickens biographical film based on a book written by Les Standiford. It was released on November 22, 2017, in Canada and was directed by Bharat Nalluri. It stars Dan Stevens,...
Not everyone likes reading books. It demands a big chunk of your time and a lot of concentration. And come on, let’s be real, why bother when you can easily watch a two-hour movie adaptation that covers all the important scenes and leaves out all the fillers? Besides, even for the most avid book readers, diving into Christmas-themed books might not be very high up on their list of holiday priorities. So, what better way to fill in that book void on Christmas than by watching some Christmas films based on books?
Here are 5 holiday-themed books that were turned into movies.
1. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
“The Man Who Invented Christmas” is a Charles Dickens biographical film based on a book written by Les Standiford. It was released on November 22, 2017, in Canada and was directed by Bharat Nalluri. It stars Dan Stevens,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane are bringing Mr and Mrs Smith to the small screen, here’s the trailer.
2005 was a good year for action films. Jet Li gave one of his greatest performances opposite Bob Hoskins in Unleashed and Christopher Nolan kicked of his iconic trilogy with Batman Begins.
Another hugely successful film that year was Mr And Mrs Smith. It saw Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie play a married couple who, unbeknownst to each other, are both world class assassins. The film originally cast Nicole Kidman to star opposite Pitt, but scheduling conflicts with The Stepford Wives meant she had to drop out.
Doug Liman directed the film from a screenplay by Simon Kinberg, and while it is by no means perfect, it remains a hugely enjoyable, rollicking ride.
Now, Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane have brought the story to the small screen.
The synopsis reads as follows:...
2005 was a good year for action films. Jet Li gave one of his greatest performances opposite Bob Hoskins in Unleashed and Christopher Nolan kicked of his iconic trilogy with Batman Begins.
Another hugely successful film that year was Mr And Mrs Smith. It saw Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie play a married couple who, unbeknownst to each other, are both world class assassins. The film originally cast Nicole Kidman to star opposite Pitt, but scheduling conflicts with The Stepford Wives meant she had to drop out.
Doug Liman directed the film from a screenplay by Simon Kinberg, and while it is by no means perfect, it remains a hugely enjoyable, rollicking ride.
Now, Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane have brought the story to the small screen.
The synopsis reads as follows:...
- 12/12/2023
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Legend of Zelda is heading to the big screen. After Universal’s $1 billion hit adaptation Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo is developing the new Zelda project with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Wes Ball, the director behind the Maze Runner trilogy, will helm the live-action feature, with Sony distributing. Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions, Inc. are behind the film that will be co-financed by the gaming giant and Sony.
Nintendo representative director and fellow Shigeru Miyamoto, who is set to produce the movie, posted Tuesday to X (formerly Twitter) that he and Arad have been working on a live-action version “for many years now.”
Miyamoto continued, “We have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production. It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it.”
Ball made his feature directorial debut with 2014’s The Maze Runner,...
Wes Ball, the director behind the Maze Runner trilogy, will helm the live-action feature, with Sony distributing. Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions, Inc. are behind the film that will be co-financed by the gaming giant and Sony.
Nintendo representative director and fellow Shigeru Miyamoto, who is set to produce the movie, posted Tuesday to X (formerly Twitter) that he and Arad have been working on a live-action version “for many years now.”
Miyamoto continued, “We have now officially started the development of the film with Nintendo itself heavily involved in the production. It will take time until its completion, but I hope you look forward to seeing it.”
Ball made his feature directorial debut with 2014’s The Maze Runner,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The gaming industry has always had a turbulent relationship with Hollywood. For every hit adaptation, there are countless misses that leave fans cringing and wondering, “Why?” However, the recent cinematic journey of Super Mario seems to have flipped the script and set a new standard.
Let’s roll back a bit. Historically, game-to-film adaptations have been met with skepticism. Remember the initial reception to Angelina Jolie‘s portrayal of Lara Croft or the infamous “Street Fighter” adaptation? How about the not-so-fondly-remembered 1993 Super Mario Bros. with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo? All these films had their moments, but they couldn’t capture the heart of the games they aimed to represent.
Related: 10 Best Animated Shows of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
However, with the latest ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023), the tide seems to be changing. The movie, which “collected a lot of gold coins” with its $1.36 billion earnings, has not...
Let’s roll back a bit. Historically, game-to-film adaptations have been met with skepticism. Remember the initial reception to Angelina Jolie‘s portrayal of Lara Croft or the infamous “Street Fighter” adaptation? How about the not-so-fondly-remembered 1993 Super Mario Bros. with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo? All these films had their moments, but they couldn’t capture the heart of the games they aimed to represent.
Related: 10 Best Animated Shows of All Time, Ranked by Viewers
However, with the latest ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023), the tide seems to be changing. The movie, which “collected a lot of gold coins” with its $1.36 billion earnings, has not...
- 10/18/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Ariel and her aquatic friends may have ushered in the Disney Renaissance, but Roger Rabbit helped right the sinking ship that was Disney in the '80s. Indeed, 1988's "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" came at the perfect time for the House of Mouse. After a string of failed (but fascinating) attempts to reinvigorate its artistry, the flailing studio recruited director Robert Zemeckis and executive producer Steven Spielberg -- members of the same crack team behind "Back to the Future" just three years before -- to adapt Gary K. Wolf's satirical 1981 novel "Who Censored Roger Rabbit?" into a film.
The result? An incredible visual feat by way of a detective yarn based in a fantasy version of '40s Los Angeles where "toons" from the Golden Age of American Animation walk alongside flesh-and-blood humans. With Zemeckis operating at the height of his powers, "Roger Rabbit" moves like clockwork, serving up...
The result? An incredible visual feat by way of a detective yarn based in a fantasy version of '40s Los Angeles where "toons" from the Golden Age of American Animation walk alongside flesh-and-blood humans. With Zemeckis operating at the height of his powers, "Roger Rabbit" moves like clockwork, serving up...
- 10/15/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Jeff Goldblum’s film career started in a particularly auspicious manner since his first four films were all highly regarded works of the early 1970s: “Death Wish”, “California Split”, “Nashville” and “Next Stop, Greenwich Village.” He continued to work in film and television for the next four decades and even returned to Broadway a few times, most notably in the highly regarded Martin McDonough play “The Pillowman.”
Along the way Goldblum has picked up a number of award nominations including an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for “Little Surprises.” He received an Emmy nomination for a guest appearance on “Will and Grace” in 2005. He also was a nominee for Best Actor for two of the most prestigious critics awards groups for his work in “The Fly.” Both the New York Film’s Critics and the National Society of Film Critics named him as one of the top three actors of the year.
Along the way Goldblum has picked up a number of award nominations including an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for “Little Surprises.” He received an Emmy nomination for a guest appearance on “Will and Grace” in 2005. He also was a nominee for Best Actor for two of the most prestigious critics awards groups for his work in “The Fly.” Both the New York Film’s Critics and the National Society of Film Critics named him as one of the top three actors of the year.
- 10/13/2023
- by Robert Pius, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Moviegoers are truly living in the golden age of post-credit scenes. What was once considered something of a novelty has been rendered a necessity in an era when the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other film franchises are expanding faster than Dwayne Johnson’s biceps in a 5 a.m. weight session. However, the concept’s origins date back further than the dawn of the superhero movie era or anything equally fast and furious. Back in 1966, in fact, Dean Martin was proving to the world that not all heroes wear capes or drive ludicrously fast cars; some prefer a suave suit and a scotch. He may have been known as a crooner, but in the 1960s, Martin also played the part of Matt Helm, a U.S. government counter agent in a series of films based on books by author Guy Hamilton.
Essentially pitched as a more laid-back James Bond, Martin’s first outing as Helm,...
Essentially pitched as a more laid-back James Bond, Martin’s first outing as Helm,...
- 10/9/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
We're reaching a point where movie studios are willing to invest a little more in video game adaptations, leading to big-budget tentpoles like "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Uncharted," "Gran Turismo," and the TV series "The Last of Us." Video game flicks have always existed, dating back to 1993's poorly received "Super Mario Bros." with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo. Still, this new phase feels different, like producers have finally caught wind of the massive audiences behind these titles.
Hence, the reason for the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie.
Based on the popular video game of the same name, itself a YouTube sensation, "Freddy's" arrives with plenty of talent attached, notably producer Jason Blum and a cast that includes Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard. Despite its immense success, however, plenty of moviegoers are likely not familiar with "Freddy's" and its creepy lore. To get viewers acclimated and ensure...
Hence, the reason for the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie.
Based on the popular video game of the same name, itself a YouTube sensation, "Freddy's" arrives with plenty of talent attached, notably producer Jason Blum and a cast that includes Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Matthew Lillard. Despite its immense success, however, plenty of moviegoers are likely not familiar with "Freddy's" and its creepy lore. To get viewers acclimated and ensure...
- 9/16/2023
- by Jeff Ames
- Slash Film
Gangsters, mobsters, thugs, and mugs. Organized crime holds the upper tier of the international cinematic commission. “Crime pays,” Edward G. Robinson, who played Rico Bandello in the seminal gangster film Little Caesar (1931), is famous for saying. “But only in the movies.” When a good mob movie is on the table, it is an offer no filmmaker can refuse. There is more intrigue, suspense, violence, mayhem, and madness to be found in the criminal element than any other genre.
“Gone are the days of the gangsters,” audiences heard for years, usually in movies about mobsters. They always rise up, even if they are splattered across the ornate fountains of their gangland mansions in the last frame, like Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in Brian DePalma’s Scarface (1983), or rolling down the steps of a church, dead from a hail of bullets. That’s how James Cagney’s Eddie Bartlett went out in The Roaring Twenties (1939). Now,...
“Gone are the days of the gangsters,” audiences heard for years, usually in movies about mobsters. They always rise up, even if they are splattered across the ornate fountains of their gangland mansions in the last frame, like Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in Brian DePalma’s Scarface (1983), or rolling down the steps of a church, dead from a hail of bullets. That’s how James Cagney’s Eddie Bartlett went out in The Roaring Twenties (1939). Now,...
- 9/16/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Zack Snyder looked to Terry Gilliam’s director’s cut of “Brazil” when crafting the world of “Rebel Moon.”
Snyder confirmed during a recent “Rebel Moon” press preview Q&a (via Slash Film) that a director’s cut was already “part of the plan” with Netflix for the “Rebel Moon” release. The “Star Wars”-esque feature will debut in two parts, titled “A Child of Fire” and “The Scargiver,” respectively, this December and next April. Director’s cuts and featurettes will also reportedly be released on the streaming platform.
Snyder cited Gilliam’s 1985 sci-fi dark comedy starring Jonathan Pryce, Bob Hoskins, and Robert De Niro as part of the reason why he is intrigued by director’s cuts in general.
“I was like, ‘That’s cool. That makes it a lot easier than this,'” Snyder said of the approved director’s cut option. “Because it’s one of those...
Snyder confirmed during a recent “Rebel Moon” press preview Q&a (via Slash Film) that a director’s cut was already “part of the plan” with Netflix for the “Rebel Moon” release. The “Star Wars”-esque feature will debut in two parts, titled “A Child of Fire” and “The Scargiver,” respectively, this December and next April. Director’s cuts and featurettes will also reportedly be released on the streaming platform.
Snyder cited Gilliam’s 1985 sci-fi dark comedy starring Jonathan Pryce, Bob Hoskins, and Robert De Niro as part of the reason why he is intrigued by director’s cuts in general.
“I was like, ‘That’s cool. That makes it a lot easier than this,'” Snyder said of the approved director’s cut option. “Because it’s one of those...
- 8/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Long before Kevin Feige transformed the blockbuster business via the miraculous 11-year Avengers saga that began with 2008's "Iron Man" and ended with 2019's "Avengers: Endgame," he was an assistant to producer Lauren Shuler Donner on non-superheroic fare like "Volcano" and "You've Got Mail." The USC film school grad had an encyclopedic knowledge of comics and "Star Wars," but everyone's got to start somewhere, and working for the wife of Richard Donner, the man who directed one of the greatest superhero hero movies of all time in 1979's "Superman," was a heck of a lot better than waiting tables at Barney's Beanery.
As fortune would have it, Lauren Shuler Donner had purchased the movie rights to Marvel Comics' ultra-popular X-Men, and, after years of development stumbles and false starts that saw folks as disparate as Russell Crowe, Bob Hoskins, and Glenn Danzig considered for the pivotal role of Wolverine, Donner...
As fortune would have it, Lauren Shuler Donner had purchased the movie rights to Marvel Comics' ultra-popular X-Men, and, after years of development stumbles and false starts that saw folks as disparate as Russell Crowe, Bob Hoskins, and Glenn Danzig considered for the pivotal role of Wolverine, Donner...
- 8/19/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Arthur Schmidt, the two-time Oscar-winning film editor who collaborated with director Robert Zemeckis on 10 films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and the Back to the Future trilogy, has died. He was 86.
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Rhett Bartlett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Harlan County, USA
Filmmakers loves an underdog and movies have a long tradition of supporting the rights of workers, dating all the way back to the silent era. Here are some classic movies that celebrate workers’ right to strike for better wages and safer working conditions and the sometimes unlikely allies they find along the way. Many are based on true stories, including John Sayles’ masterful “Matewan,” about a coal miner strike in West Virginia, as well as Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning documentary, “Harlan County, USA.”
Photo credit: Disney
“Newsies” (1992)
“Headlines don’t sell papes, Newsies sell papes!” In this exuberant and pro-worker musical, Christian Bale’s Jack Kelly leads a group of newsboys in a strike against penny-pinching newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer. They’re aided by Bill Pullman’s kindly, reform-minded journalist and, of course, Teddy Roosevelt, who was then governor of New York.
Photo credit: 20th Century
“Norma Rae...
Filmmakers loves an underdog and movies have a long tradition of supporting the rights of workers, dating all the way back to the silent era. Here are some classic movies that celebrate workers’ right to strike for better wages and safer working conditions and the sometimes unlikely allies they find along the way. Many are based on true stories, including John Sayles’ masterful “Matewan,” about a coal miner strike in West Virginia, as well as Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning documentary, “Harlan County, USA.”
Photo credit: Disney
“Newsies” (1992)
“Headlines don’t sell papes, Newsies sell papes!” In this exuberant and pro-worker musical, Christian Bale’s Jack Kelly leads a group of newsboys in a strike against penny-pinching newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer. They’re aided by Bill Pullman’s kindly, reform-minded journalist and, of course, Teddy Roosevelt, who was then governor of New York.
Photo credit: 20th Century
“Norma Rae...
- 7/24/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Oscar-nominated actor, Bob Hoskins, was born on October 26, 1942, in Bury St. Edmund’s, Suffolk. After growing up with a love for literature, Hoskins worked a string of odd jobs to make ends meet. However, that all changed when he stumbled into acting. After accompanying a friend to watch some theater auditions, Hoskins was mistaken for an actor. He brazenly grabbed the script and auditioned. Subsequently, he impressed everyone so much he got that part. Hoskins would go on to become one of the most respected actors in cinema. After starting out on the stage, he moved over to British...
- 6/27/2023
- by Matthew C. F
- TVovermind.com
On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Brad Pitt Wants to Fuck a Cartoon in “Cool World”
If Robert Zemeckis’ “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” is one of the wonders of the cinematic world, then Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World” is its under-trafficked, overly adult gift shop. The 1992 flop is worth walking through at least once — though I wouldn’t pick up anything from its metaphorical floor.
Embraced by lovers of animated baddies and so-wrong-it’s-right gems everywhere, this dark medium-blending fantasy film was intended to be Bakshi’s big comeback after a ten-year movie hiatus, arriving...
First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.
Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.
The Pitch: Brad Pitt Wants to Fuck a Cartoon in “Cool World”
If Robert Zemeckis’ “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” is one of the wonders of the cinematic world, then Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World” is its under-trafficked, overly adult gift shop. The 1992 flop is worth walking through at least once — though I wouldn’t pick up anything from its metaphorical floor.
Embraced by lovers of animated baddies and so-wrong-it’s-right gems everywhere, this dark medium-blending fantasy film was intended to be Bakshi’s big comeback after a ten-year movie hiatus, arriving...
- 6/24/2023
- by Alison Foreman and Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is one of the greatest works of American animation, one of the best superhero movies, and one of the greatest films of all time, period. It democratized superheroes with a tale about how anyone can wear the mask, in addition to telling a fantastic story of identity with cultural specificity.
The movie remains the best use of the multiverse, giving us compelling, memorable, and very funny alternate dimension Spider-People with unique looks and personalities. But we almost got another Spider-Man, one that would have been absolutely horrible as a portrayal of Peter Parker, but would have been voiced by none other than Tom Cruise.
Cruise has a history of almost playing superheroes. Despite having (sort of) portrayed a comic book character in "Edge of Tomorrow," based on the light novel "All You Need Is Kill," he has never actually played an American superhero character — though not for lack of trying.
The movie remains the best use of the multiverse, giving us compelling, memorable, and very funny alternate dimension Spider-People with unique looks and personalities. But we almost got another Spider-Man, one that would have been absolutely horrible as a portrayal of Peter Parker, but would have been voiced by none other than Tom Cruise.
Cruise has a history of almost playing superheroes. Despite having (sort of) portrayed a comic book character in "Edge of Tomorrow," based on the light novel "All You Need Is Kill," he has never actually played an American superhero character — though not for lack of trying.
- 6/4/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Ray Stevenson understood the assignment.
From his early days as a dashing leading man on HBO's "Rome" to his late period as a consistently surprising character actor, the Irish actor was always a pleasure to watch. Sometimes, he'd steal the show on a glossy TV series like "Black Sails." Sometimes, he'd steal the show as the comedic relief in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. And sometimes, he'd steal the show in a low-budget genre movie that only cinematic junk food aficionados have seen. But he always stole the show. He always understood the assignment. He always delivered.
Stevenson has passed away at the age of 58, and he leaves behind a fascinating and varied body of work. But one role stands out amongst them all, and it represents his greatest attempt at mainstream stardom. It didn't work. The movie bombed. It was a critical failure, too. But time has been kind to it,...
From his early days as a dashing leading man on HBO's "Rome" to his late period as a consistently surprising character actor, the Irish actor was always a pleasure to watch. Sometimes, he'd steal the show on a glossy TV series like "Black Sails." Sometimes, he'd steal the show as the comedic relief in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. And sometimes, he'd steal the show in a low-budget genre movie that only cinematic junk food aficionados have seen. But he always stole the show. He always understood the assignment. He always delivered.
Stevenson has passed away at the age of 58, and he leaves behind a fascinating and varied body of work. But one role stands out amongst them all, and it represents his greatest attempt at mainstream stardom. It didn't work. The movie bombed. It was a critical failure, too. But time has been kind to it,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
The perma-frowning Taken star has revealed that he will only consider a script worthwhile if it manages to stop him thinking about his next cuppa. How do you live like this?
It’s always fascinating to learn how actors choose their roles. In his autobiography, for instance, Bryan Cranston laid out an elaborate calculation where he grades each potential movie on the quality of its story, text, role, director and cast. Meanwhile, less mathematically, Bob Hoskins utilised what he referred to as the “cold bum test”: he read his scripts on the toilet and, if he kept reading one for so long that his bum got cold, that was a sign that he should accept the part.
And then we have Liam Neeson. Now that his career has seemingly fully recovered from that weird interview in which he said he once walked the streets looking for a black man to murder,...
It’s always fascinating to learn how actors choose their roles. In his autobiography, for instance, Bryan Cranston laid out an elaborate calculation where he grades each potential movie on the quality of its story, text, role, director and cast. Meanwhile, less mathematically, Bob Hoskins utilised what he referred to as the “cold bum test”: he read his scripts on the toilet and, if he kept reading one for so long that his bum got cold, that was a sign that he should accept the part.
And then we have Liam Neeson. Now that his career has seemingly fully recovered from that weird interview in which he said he once walked the streets looking for a black man to murder,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Stuart Heritage
- The Guardian - Film News
Peter Greenaway is the one who turned down “Roger Rabbit.”
The “Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover” provocateur claimed in a new interview with Vulture that he was the first director approached to take on 1988’s live-action/animated hybrid classic “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
“There were people knocking on my door all the time,” Greenaway said. “And looking back, do you remember a film called ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ I was the first director asked to actually film that. Would you believe that? I found that absolutely extraordinary.”
He continued, “I think that was because of a Hollywood agent who didn’t really understand my cinema at all. God bless him. But I was the name to conjure with for six months. So he threw me in there, and I managed to be one of the first directors to actually read the script.”
Eventually, Robert Zemeckis helmed the...
The “Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover” provocateur claimed in a new interview with Vulture that he was the first director approached to take on 1988’s live-action/animated hybrid classic “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
“There were people knocking on my door all the time,” Greenaway said. “And looking back, do you remember a film called ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ I was the first director asked to actually film that. Would you believe that? I found that absolutely extraordinary.”
He continued, “I think that was because of a Hollywood agent who didn’t really understand my cinema at all. God bless him. But I was the name to conjure with for six months. So he threw me in there, and I managed to be one of the first directors to actually read the script.”
Eventually, Robert Zemeckis helmed the...
- 5/3/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
There was nary a soul in Hollywood who didn’t expect The Super Mario Bros. Movie to be number one at the box office during its second weekend. The long anticipated animated flick is an adaptation of the most popular video game franchise in the world, it’s been building hype for months, and as we’ve previously noted, it was also the first new family film released by a studio in four months. Mario was primed to power up in weekend two.
Still, even for that Italian plumber, the meager 40.6 percent drop between first and second weekends is close to astonishing. In fact, one could argue it’s something we haven’t seen since before the pandemic in 2019: a blockbuster movie with long legs at the box office and a clearcut formula that’s possible to replicate.
To be sure, there have been box office megastars in the last few years,...
Still, even for that Italian plumber, the meager 40.6 percent drop between first and second weekends is close to astonishing. In fact, one could argue it’s something we haven’t seen since before the pandemic in 2019: a blockbuster movie with long legs at the box office and a clearcut formula that’s possible to replicate.
To be sure, there have been box office megastars in the last few years,...
- 4/18/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
As kids and adults alike, millions of people dream of becoming movie stars. For some actors who make it, though, success on the big screen isn’t everything it’s built up to be. And while most still choose to stay, some stars leave Hollywood to pursue other careers. One such example is Charlie Korsmo, who played the son of Robin Williams’ character in Hook.
Korsmo’s face may be familiar to those who grew up in the 90s. The child star also appeared in movies like Dick Tracy. However, the actor’s career in Hollywood was short-lived, retiring from acting at a young age. Instead, Korsmo pursued a career in academia and is now a successful law professor.
Charlie Korsmo was a child actor, known for playing the son of Robin Williams’ character in ‘Hook’ Actors Dante Basco and Robin Williams on the set of the film Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg.
Korsmo’s face may be familiar to those who grew up in the 90s. The child star also appeared in movies like Dick Tracy. However, the actor’s career in Hollywood was short-lived, retiring from acting at a young age. Instead, Korsmo pursued a career in academia and is now a successful law professor.
Charlie Korsmo was a child actor, known for playing the son of Robin Williams’ character in ‘Hook’ Actors Dante Basco and Robin Williams on the set of the film Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg.
- 4/11/2023
- by William Decker
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Joblo’s lively blood may be in movies, but we love our video games too! Shameless plug be sure to check out Playing with Fear with Tyler over on our Horror Originals channel! Anyways, the topic of video game-based movies is always a touchy subject. Sure…. They usually have the reputation of being just so bad. However thanks to the recent success of The Last of Us on HBO Max and we saw some good box office returns with the two Sonic Movies, It feels nowadays Hollywood may have Finally cracked the blood code to making good video game adaptations.
A-b-a-c-a-b-b! Couldn’T Resist!
But today we are feeling nostalgic for some good solid guilty pleasures. In the early 90s in the peak of the 16 bit console wars, Nintendo was riding high of the success of the Super Mario franchise and decided to go into uncharted territory and bring the...
A-b-a-c-a-b-b! Couldn’T Resist!
But today we are feeling nostalgic for some good solid guilty pleasures. In the early 90s in the peak of the 16 bit console wars, Nintendo was riding high of the success of the Super Mario franchise and decided to go into uncharted territory and bring the...
- 4/10/2023
- by Jay Saint G
- JoBlo.com
Nintendo brought Mario to the big screen back in 1993 with Super Mario Bros. This film starred Bob Hoskins as the titular Mario and John Leguizamo as Luigi. The film did not do too well. It became the go-to reference for a bad adaptation of video games to live-action films.
Fans hoped for a new adaptation for decades, but Nintendo was hesitant to pull the trigger. They finally teamed up with the animation studio Illumination Entertainment who brought us such films as Despicable Me, Minions, and the latest version of The Grinch. The company packed this new film full of Super Mario Easter Eggs and references. What did you end up missing?
Punch Out Pizza
When we meet Mario and Luigi, they are at their local pizzeria Punch Out Pizza. This is a reference to the Nintendo classic video game Punch-Out. Pictures of boxers from the video...
Fans hoped for a new adaptation for decades, but Nintendo was hesitant to pull the trigger. They finally teamed up with the animation studio Illumination Entertainment who brought us such films as Despicable Me, Minions, and the latest version of The Grinch. The company packed this new film full of Super Mario Easter Eggs and references. What did you end up missing?
Punch Out Pizza
When we meet Mario and Luigi, they are at their local pizzeria Punch Out Pizza. This is a reference to the Nintendo classic video game Punch-Out. Pictures of boxers from the video...
- 4/10/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
It’s-a blockbuster! “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” an animated adventure based on the classic video game, crushed the competition with its jaw-dropping $204.6 million domestic and $377 million global debut over the long Easter weekend.
Those results far exceeded expectations and even surpassed the starts of recent installments in Universal’s biggest franchises, like “Jurassic World Dominion” ($145 million domestically) and “Fast and Furious 9” ($70 million). So, expect a sequel to be announced faster than you can say “Let’s-a go!”
“The box office just kept growing and growing,” marvels Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “It’s a tremendous worldwide debut, and the movie has a clear runway.”
The PG film, which cost Universal, Illumination and Nintendo roughly $100 million to bring to the big screen, thrived as the de facto choice among family crowds, who have been starved of compelling theatrical offerings since last December’s release, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Those results far exceeded expectations and even surpassed the starts of recent installments in Universal’s biggest franchises, like “Jurassic World Dominion” ($145 million domestically) and “Fast and Furious 9” ($70 million). So, expect a sequel to be announced faster than you can say “Let’s-a go!”
“The box office just kept growing and growing,” marvels Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “It’s a tremendous worldwide debut, and the movie has a clear runway.”
The PG film, which cost Universal, Illumination and Nintendo roughly $100 million to bring to the big screen, thrived as the de facto choice among family crowds, who have been starved of compelling theatrical offerings since last December’s release, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
- 4/10/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.