Lauded Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto died on March 28 at the age of 71, recording company Avex announced on Sunday. “While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his heath would allow,” the statement read. “He lived with music until the very end.”
In the 1970s, Sakamoto was a member of the influential electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra, which released hit songs including “Yellow Magic (Tong Poo)” and “Technopolis.”
He made his film composing debut with 1983’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and later composed the score for Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film “The Last Emperor,” for which he earned the Best Original Score Oscar. His other film scores included Pedro Almodóvar’s “Tacones Iejanos,” Brian De Palma’s “Snake Eyes” and “Femme Fatale,” Oliver Stone’s “Wild Palms,” Oshima’s “Gohatto” and Alejandro G. Iñàrritu’s “The Revenant.”
A documentary about Sakamoto’s life and work,...
In the 1970s, Sakamoto was a member of the influential electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra, which released hit songs including “Yellow Magic (Tong Poo)” and “Technopolis.”
He made his film composing debut with 1983’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and later composed the score for Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film “The Last Emperor,” for which he earned the Best Original Score Oscar. His other film scores included Pedro Almodóvar’s “Tacones Iejanos,” Brian De Palma’s “Snake Eyes” and “Femme Fatale,” Oliver Stone’s “Wild Palms,” Oshima’s “Gohatto” and Alejandro G. Iñàrritu’s “The Revenant.”
A documentary about Sakamoto’s life and work,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Japanese composer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto, a pioneer in electronic music and winner of an Oscar, Grammy and BAFTA awards, has died at 71. He died of cancer on March 28, the BBC reported, attributing the confirmation to his office.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow,” Sakamoto’s management, Commmons, wrote in its statement. “He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”
Sakamoto was known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra (Ymo) group.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow,” Sakamoto’s management, Commmons, wrote in its statement. “He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”
Sakamoto was known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra (Ymo) group.
- 4/2/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Oscar-winning composer, musician, actor, singer, producer, writer and activist from Japan, has died. He was 71.
Sakamoto died on March 28 of cancer, recording company Avex said in a statement posted to Twitter Sunday that thanks his medical teams in Japan and the U.S. and asks for fans to respect the privacy of his family at this time.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow him to. He lived with music until the very end,” the statement says, noting a private funeral among close family has already taken place.
During a career that saw him scoring more than 40 films, including The Last Emperor (1987), Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) and The Revenant (2015), Sakamoto also received two Golden Globes, a Grammy Award and a BAFTA.
Born in Tokyo in 1952 to a clothes designer mother and literary editor father,...
Sakamoto died on March 28 of cancer, recording company Avex said in a statement posted to Twitter Sunday that thanks his medical teams in Japan and the U.S. and asks for fans to respect the privacy of his family at this time.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow him to. He lived with music until the very end,” the statement says, noting a private funeral among close family has already taken place.
During a career that saw him scoring more than 40 films, including The Last Emperor (1987), Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) and The Revenant (2015), Sakamoto also received two Golden Globes, a Grammy Award and a BAFTA.
Born in Tokyo in 1952 to a clothes designer mother and literary editor father,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Gavin J Blair
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Inside a makeshift cafe set at Hong Kong’s luxurious Rosewood Hotel, local actor-producer Josie Ho sits across from British actor Julian Sands. Both are giving director Mike Figgis their full attention as he explains the scene that they are going to film.
What was said could not be heard from afar, despite the set being unusually quiet. Dolled up multi-racial extras and other crew members who were busy preparing the next shot whispered to each other. Everyone was patiently waiting for the director’s cue.
“I normally have a very quiet set,” Figgis (director of “Leaving Las Vegas” and “Internal Affairs”) told Variety on location with “Mother Tongue,” an arthouse mystery thriller that is among the latest efforts from 852 Films, a production company co-headed by Ho and husband Conroy Chan. “I asked for silence a lot. My whole technique is based on silence, based on talking quietly and intimately to actors.
What was said could not be heard from afar, despite the set being unusually quiet. Dolled up multi-racial extras and other crew members who were busy preparing the next shot whispered to each other. Everyone was patiently waiting for the director’s cue.
“I normally have a very quiet set,” Figgis (director of “Leaving Las Vegas” and “Internal Affairs”) told Variety on location with “Mother Tongue,” an arthouse mystery thriller that is among the latest efforts from 852 Films, a production company co-headed by Ho and husband Conroy Chan. “I asked for silence a lot. My whole technique is based on silence, based on talking quietly and intimately to actors.
- 4/28/2021
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
“Mother Tongue,” a suspense thriller directed by two-time Academy Award nominee Mike Figgis starts shooting in Hong Kong this week. It stars and is produced by actor-singer-producer Josie Ho.
Figgis and Ho will hold a start-of production ceremony Wednesday at Hong Kong’s Shaw Studios. Production is expected to last until April with the completed film having set a tentative release schedule in January 2022.
Ho plays two characters. The first is an award-winning actress who is involved in a relationship with a younger woman played by Minami (“Battle Royale”) while in search of her long lost daughter, behind her partner’s back. She also plays the actress’s bitter sister.
Bruce Wagner penned the script and Ho is producing the film together with Conroy Chan, with whom she co-founded film entertainment 852 Films. “Mother Tongue” also stars Julian Sands (“A Room With A View”), Elaine Jin (“Mad World”) and Canon Nawata...
Figgis and Ho will hold a start-of production ceremony Wednesday at Hong Kong’s Shaw Studios. Production is expected to last until April with the completed film having set a tentative release schedule in January 2022.
Ho plays two characters. The first is an award-winning actress who is involved in a relationship with a younger woman played by Minami (“Battle Royale”) while in search of her long lost daughter, behind her partner’s back. She also plays the actress’s bitter sister.
Bruce Wagner penned the script and Ho is producing the film together with Conroy Chan, with whom she co-founded film entertainment 852 Films. “Mother Tongue” also stars Julian Sands (“A Room With A View”), Elaine Jin (“Mad World”) and Canon Nawata...
- 2/16/2021
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
Part of our on-going series, Notebook Soundtrack Mixes.Ryuichi Sakamoto can be found at home in a vast array of places. There is always a grounding within his music wherever you are in the world or, in his movie soundtracks, with whatever character you are following on screen. Subtle hints of Sakamoto’s signature sound always bubble to the surface. The notion of Eastern and Western sound distinctions do not matter to Sakamoto; instead, the play and fusion between these differing worlds and sounds has always been of more interest, to Sakamoto it’s all about the emotion produced—a universality that eventually moves the sound beyond place. The musician and composer needs no introduction. He is the master of so many musical universes: The Sakamoto whose work with Ymo and solo experimental productions shaped the future sounds of what would become electro and hip hop, an early pioneer of electronic music.
- 5/11/2020
- MUBI
Norman Hollyn, a prolific film and film music editor whose credits include “The Cotton Club,” “Sophie’s Choice” and “Heathers,” died over the weekend after suffering a coronary embolism and cardiac arrest. He was 66.
Hollyn, who was also a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, was in Yokohama, Japan, where he was serving as a guest lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Hollyn began his career as an apprentice sound editor on Bob Fossee’s “Lenny” in 1974, and was an apprentice editor on “Network” two years later. His subsequent credits include “Hair,” “Fame,” the Rodney Dangerfield comedy “Easy Money,” “Mr. Destiny,” and “It’s Pat: The Movie,” among many others. Hollyn also had numerous television credits, including the ABC miniseries “Wild Palms.”
Hollyn wrote the “The Film Editing Room Handbook” in 1984.
Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2019 (Photos)
“All of us at the USC School of Cinematic...
Hollyn, who was also a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, was in Yokohama, Japan, where he was serving as a guest lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Hollyn began his career as an apprentice sound editor on Bob Fossee’s “Lenny” in 1974, and was an apprentice editor on “Network” two years later. His subsequent credits include “Hair,” “Fame,” the Rodney Dangerfield comedy “Easy Money,” “Mr. Destiny,” and “It’s Pat: The Movie,” among many others. Hollyn also had numerous television credits, including the ABC miniseries “Wild Palms.”
Hollyn wrote the “The Film Editing Room Handbook” in 1984.
Also Read: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2019 (Photos)
“All of us at the USC School of Cinematic...
- 3/19/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The esteemed Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto was back in the news over the summer, when the New York Times reported that he was so irked by the song selection at a favorite Manhattan restaurant, he politely wrote to the chef and offered to take charge of the playlist. Something about the story felt typically Sakamoto: the confidence, the sensitivity, the unswerving belief that music demands to be taken a little more seriously.
The 66-year-old is being honored as Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan, in recognition of a soundtrack oeuvre stretching back to Nagisa Oshima’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” in 1983. He’s the first composer to receive the prize, and it’s hard to argue with the choice. Other Asian film composers may have amassed larger bodies of work, but few can rival Sakamoto’s international clout, cultivated over a career that’s embraced pop stardom, avant-garde experimentation and political activism.
The 66-year-old is being honored as Asian Filmmaker of the Year at Busan, in recognition of a soundtrack oeuvre stretching back to Nagisa Oshima’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” in 1983. He’s the first composer to receive the prize, and it’s hard to argue with the choice. Other Asian film composers may have amassed larger bodies of work, but few can rival Sakamoto’s international clout, cultivated over a career that’s embraced pop stardom, avant-garde experimentation and political activism.
- 10/4/2018
- by James Hadfield
- Variety Film + TV
Thirty years is a lifetime, but in film it’s just one more marker along the celluloid highway. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors debuted on this date in 1987, and certainly the horror world was ready: Friday the 13th was six films deep, and the Halloween franchise was one year away from Michael Myers’ long-awaited return). In other words, horror franchises were still a dependable source of income for studios. All eyes were on New Line Cinema to see if their cash cow Freddy Krueger could continue the box-office boom with Dream Warriors, which brought back the franchise’s creator Wes Craven as a co-writer in an attempt to course-correct the perceived slighting of his world with the previous entry, Freddy’s Revenge. What audiences got, however, was the sequel that put all the rest in the series to shame, and cemented the Krueger mythology in horror lore forever.
- 2/28/2017
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Jim Belushi, who can currently be seen on HBO’s Show Me a Hero miniseries, already has his next TV project lined up — in the pilot for Fox’s adaptation of the 1980 John Travolta film Urban Cowboy.
RelatedFox’s Urban Cowboy Pilot Casts Sense8 Actor as Male Lead
Written and exec-produced by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), Fox’s “modern reimagining” of the original film will, per the official logline, follow on-the-run rodeo-circuit rider Kyle (played by Sense8‘s Alfonso Herrera) and Gaby, “two star-crossed young lovers, as they pursue their dreams and passions through the sweat of line-dancing in honky-tonks,...
RelatedFox’s Urban Cowboy Pilot Casts Sense8 Actor as Male Lead
Written and exec-produced by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), Fox’s “modern reimagining” of the original film will, per the official logline, follow on-the-run rodeo-circuit rider Kyle (played by Sense8‘s Alfonso Herrera) and Gaby, “two star-crossed young lovers, as they pursue their dreams and passions through the sweat of line-dancing in honky-tonks,...
- 8/26/2015
- TVLine.com
Cannes - When you have Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cusack and David Cronenberg on a panel for thirty minutes you expect a lively and intelligent conversation. Maybe it was the mixed reviews for Cronenberg's "Maps to the Stars" or maybe it was just the always dicey prospects of the international press corps but, sadly, this was one press conference that was sort of a dud. Pattinson, arguably the most popular star in the building (assuming Channing Tatum had departed the Palais by then), has the least amount of screen time among the principal cast so there wasn't much to ask (Even more disappointing since the press were robbed of a conference for his more intriguing midnight selection "The Rover"). Still, one reporter from Canal Plus was smart enough to recognize that in Cronenberg's last film, "Cosmopolis," Pattionson has sex with Julianne Binoche in a car and does so again with Moore in "Maps.
- 5/19/2014
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
We're not sure how long this will stay online, but a sales trailer for David Cronenberg's Maps to the Stars has come online and can be viewed below. Starring Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson, Sarah Gadon, Mia Wasikowska, Olivia Williams and Evan Bird, the film was written by author and screenwriter Bruce Wagner ( Wild Palms ). In the film, the Weiss family is the archetypical Hollywood dynasty: father Sanford is an analyst and coach, who has made a fortune with his self-help manuals; mother Christina mostly looks after the career of their son Benjie, 13, a child star. One of Sanford's clients, Havana, is an actress who dreams of shooting a remake of the movie that made her mother, Clarice, a star in the '60s. Clarice is dead now and visions of her come to haunt...
- 4/15/2014
- Comingsoon.net
From locked-in Cannes bait like the Dardennes brothers to outliers like Disney's new take on Sleeping Beauty, we list the films we predict will be vying for the prizes come May
The Oscars are over; Sundance is but a memory; SXSW has been overrun with musos. The film industry's eyes, forever trained forward, are now squinting against the glare of the south of France and the Cote d'Azur: Cannes is on its way. As ever, the speculation has already begun as to which films the festival will tie up for its official selection: Cannes's bespoke mix of esoteric auteurism, finger-poking controversy and shameless glitz. We know the Grace Kelly biopic Grace of Monaco will be there (it was announced as opening film back in January) and we're fairly sure the extended cut of Nymphomaniac Volume II has a spot reserved for it. But other than that, it's anyone's guess. Here...
The Oscars are over; Sundance is but a memory; SXSW has been overrun with musos. The film industry's eyes, forever trained forward, are now squinting against the glare of the south of France and the Cote d'Azur: Cannes is on its way. As ever, the speculation has already begun as to which films the festival will tie up for its official selection: Cannes's bespoke mix of esoteric auteurism, finger-poking controversy and shameless glitz. We know the Grace Kelly biopic Grace of Monaco will be there (it was announced as opening film back in January) and we're fairly sure the extended cut of Nymphomaniac Volume II has a spot reserved for it. But other than that, it's anyone's guess. Here...
- 3/14/2014
- by Xan Brooks, Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
The American Society of Cinematographers (Asc) has revealed the nominees in the theatrical motion picture category of the 28th Annual Asc Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
.Our members believe these cinematographers have set the contemporary standard for artful, theatrical motion picture cinematography,. says Asc President Richard Crudo. .They have mastered a complex craft which contributes vitally to the storytelling process, and augments the intentions of everyone involved with the production..
In other words, the cinematographers pick who they think created the most beautifully and thematically constructed movies of 2013!
And in a year full of great movies, even the Asc was having a tough time narrowing their choices. Normally, they select five nominees, but there was a three-way tie this year that resulted to seven contenders.
The winner will be revealed on February 1! Here's the complete list of Asc nominees:
Sean Bobbitt, Bsc for 12 Years a Slave
Barry Ackroyd, Bsc for Captain Phillips...
.Our members believe these cinematographers have set the contemporary standard for artful, theatrical motion picture cinematography,. says Asc President Richard Crudo. .They have mastered a complex craft which contributes vitally to the storytelling process, and augments the intentions of everyone involved with the production..
In other words, the cinematographers pick who they think created the most beautifully and thematically constructed movies of 2013!
And in a year full of great movies, even the Asc was having a tough time narrowing their choices. Normally, they select five nominees, but there was a three-way tie this year that resulted to seven contenders.
The winner will be revealed on February 1! Here's the complete list of Asc nominees:
Sean Bobbitt, Bsc for 12 Years a Slave
Barry Ackroyd, Bsc for Captain Phillips...
- 1/8/2014
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Feature Ryan Lambie 9 Jan 2014 - 06:25
As Maps To The Stars gets an R-rating from the MPAA, Ryan looks at the director David Cronenberg's talent for fiercely individual drama...
It really doesn't seem that long since David Cronenberg completed his Don DeLillo adaptation Cosmopolis, and subsequently found himself without a project to direct. He had plenty of projects in mind - Eastern Promises 2, a sequel to The Fly, and a satire named Maps To The Stars - yet bizarrely, he simply couldn't get the financial backing to make any of them.
Happily, Cronenberg's fortunes have changed since, and in November 2012, he finally got the financing he needed for that latter project. Written by Bruce Wagner (of Wild Palms fame) it's described as a drama, thriller and satire. And from production company eOne's brief summary alone, it sounds brilliant:
Led by the loathsome yet funny and touching child-star Benjie, we...
As Maps To The Stars gets an R-rating from the MPAA, Ryan looks at the director David Cronenberg's talent for fiercely individual drama...
It really doesn't seem that long since David Cronenberg completed his Don DeLillo adaptation Cosmopolis, and subsequently found himself without a project to direct. He had plenty of projects in mind - Eastern Promises 2, a sequel to The Fly, and a satire named Maps To The Stars - yet bizarrely, he simply couldn't get the financial backing to make any of them.
Happily, Cronenberg's fortunes have changed since, and in November 2012, he finally got the financing he needed for that latter project. Written by Bruce Wagner (of Wild Palms fame) it's described as a drama, thriller and satire. And from production company eOne's brief summary alone, it sounds brilliant:
Led by the loathsome yet funny and touching child-star Benjie, we...
- 1/8/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
The American Society of Cinematographers (Asc) has announced nominations in the theatrical motion picture category of the 28th Annual Asc Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
The nominees for Outstanding Achievement in Feature-Film Cinematography:
Barry Ackroyd (Capt. Phillips)
Sean Bobbitt (12 Yrs a Slave)
Roger Deakins (Prisoners)
Bruno Delbonnel (Inside Llewyn Davis)
Philippe Le Sourd (The Grandmaster)
Emmanuel Lubezki (Gravity)
Phedon Papamichael (Nebraska)
The winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony on February 1, at the Hollywood & Highland Ray Dolby Ballroom.
“Our members believe these cinematographers have set the contemporary standard for artful, theatrical motion picture cinematography,” says Asc President Richard Crudo. “They have mastered a complex craft which contributes vitally to the storytelling process, and augments the intentions of everyone involved with the production.”
Traditionally, the organization selects five nominees, but a three-way tie this year boosts that number to seven.
This year’s nomination brings Deakins’ total to 12. He won last year for Skyfall,...
The nominees for Outstanding Achievement in Feature-Film Cinematography:
Barry Ackroyd (Capt. Phillips)
Sean Bobbitt (12 Yrs a Slave)
Roger Deakins (Prisoners)
Bruno Delbonnel (Inside Llewyn Davis)
Philippe Le Sourd (The Grandmaster)
Emmanuel Lubezki (Gravity)
Phedon Papamichael (Nebraska)
The winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony on February 1, at the Hollywood & Highland Ray Dolby Ballroom.
“Our members believe these cinematographers have set the contemporary standard for artful, theatrical motion picture cinematography,” says Asc President Richard Crudo. “They have mastered a complex craft which contributes vitally to the storytelling process, and augments the intentions of everyone involved with the production.”
Traditionally, the organization selects five nominees, but a three-way tie this year boosts that number to seven.
This year’s nomination brings Deakins’ total to 12. He won last year for Skyfall,...
- 1/8/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tomorrow will bring us my top ten most anticipated movies of 2014, but we must first look at the ten films that fell just out of reach, though I must say this is a rather impressive grouping and it's rather obvious how much more excited I am about each one of these lists the closer we get to the top. Today's list includes a couple of comedies, my highest ranking studio franchise feature, a directorial debut we've all been looking forward to, an On Demand release and more than a few directors whose names alone get us into the theater. Check it out and if you missed either of my two previous installments there is a navigation directly below and on the final page of this post. Most Anticipated 2014 Navigation #1-10 | #11-20 | #21-30 | #31-40 #20 Knights of Badassdom January 21 Peter Dinklage and Ryan Kwanten in Knights of BadassdomPhoto: eOne Films Knights of Badassdom...
- 1/8/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
It's hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the debut of China Beach, in which Emmy winner Dana Delany made a huge impact on the small screen as Army nurse Colleen McMurphy, a complicated character experiencing the physical and emotional horrors of the Vietnam War firsthand and elbow deep. With the complete series now available in a DVD box set just in time for its silver anniversary, Dana takes a stroll down memory lane with ETonline to talk about the show's impact, how the defining role that initially daunted her eventually changed her life -- and how she almost lost the part to Helen Hunt.
Pics: Star Sightings
"The part was originally written [as a] Midwestern girl and she had blonde hair – I think 'the color of wheat' was the description of it, because she was from Kansas -- and I didn’t look like that," says Dana. "I certainly looked wholesome, and I think...
Pics: Star Sightings
"The part was originally written [as a] Midwestern girl and she had blonde hair – I think 'the color of wheat' was the description of it, because she was from Kansas -- and I didn’t look like that," says Dana. "I certainly looked wholesome, and I think...
- 5/29/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
And the list of cast members in David Cronenberg's upcoming Maps to the Stars has grown by three as Mia Wasikowska, Olivia Williams, and newcomer Evan Bird have all signed on to the project.
Per Variety, Bird has been cast as a troubled, drug-addicted child star. Williams (pictured below; The Seventh Son, "Dollhouse," The Sixth Sense) will play his manipulative mother, and Wasikowska (pictured right; Stoker, Alice in Wonderland, Only Lovers Left Alive) will portray his disfigured schizophrenic, fame-obsessed sister.
They join the previously announced Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson, and Sarah Gadon. The screenplay is by Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms) and is a combo ghost story and critique of celebrity-obsessed society in Los Angeles.
Entertainment One Films and Martin Katz’s Prospero Pictures are producing with production starting in July in Toronto and Los Angeles. Sentient Entertainment's Renee Tab, Cronenberg's manager, will executive produce with Integral Films’ Alfred Hurmer co-producing.
Per Variety, Bird has been cast as a troubled, drug-addicted child star. Williams (pictured below; The Seventh Son, "Dollhouse," The Sixth Sense) will play his manipulative mother, and Wasikowska (pictured right; Stoker, Alice in Wonderland, Only Lovers Left Alive) will portray his disfigured schizophrenic, fame-obsessed sister.
They join the previously announced Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson, and Sarah Gadon. The screenplay is by Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms) and is a combo ghost story and critique of celebrity-obsessed society in Los Angeles.
Entertainment One Films and Martin Katz’s Prospero Pictures are producing with production starting in July in Toronto and Los Angeles. Sentient Entertainment's Renee Tab, Cronenberg's manager, will executive produce with Integral Films’ Alfred Hurmer co-producing.
- 5/9/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
For director David Cronenberg, marrying up stunning and grotesque visuals with Hollywood’s choicest talent is not unusual. The cast roster for his latest directorial effort, Maps To The Stars is already mightily impressive. Stars are chomping at the monstrous bit to have the chance to work with the Canadian filmmaker.
Mia Wasikowska, no stranger to the weird, Olivia Williams and Evan Bird have now joined the project. Wasikowska’s recent turn in Stoker cements her as an actress with a willingness to venture into the sinister side of human nature. Williams is best known for her work in The Sixth Sense, Rushmore, a brilliant turn in Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse, and the recent Anna Karenina adaptation. For youngster Bird, this will be his first foray into film after roles in TV’s The Killing and Falling Skies.
Reports on their roles indicate that the story is sounding more and...
Mia Wasikowska, no stranger to the weird, Olivia Williams and Evan Bird have now joined the project. Wasikowska’s recent turn in Stoker cements her as an actress with a willingness to venture into the sinister side of human nature. Williams is best known for her work in The Sixth Sense, Rushmore, a brilliant turn in Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse, and the recent Anna Karenina adaptation. For youngster Bird, this will be his first foray into film after roles in TV’s The Killing and Falling Skies.
Reports on their roles indicate that the story is sounding more and...
- 5/9/2013
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
A film which lost financing five years ago and has had rumours aplenty surrounding it has finally seen the light at the end of the developmental tunnel. David Cronenberg’s Maps To The Stars has been in development since 2006 and today Variety have announced that a wedge of Hollywood talent have signed on to star. John Cusack, Julianne Moore and Robert Pattinson and Sara Gadon have all been confirmed to jump aboard the director’s first film following last year’s Cosmopolis.
A tale in sync with the director’s unique blend of the monstrous side of humanity, Maps To The Stars, penned by Wild Palms scribe Bruce Wagner, tells the story of two child actors ruined by Hollywood’s depravity. The film has undergone plenty of changes during its development, namely that it has shifted from a drama to a ghost story thrill ride exposing the grotesque side of celebrity-obsessed Los Angeles.
A tale in sync with the director’s unique blend of the monstrous side of humanity, Maps To The Stars, penned by Wild Palms scribe Bruce Wagner, tells the story of two child actors ruined by Hollywood’s depravity. The film has undergone plenty of changes during its development, namely that it has shifted from a drama to a ghost story thrill ride exposing the grotesque side of celebrity-obsessed Los Angeles.
- 4/19/2013
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
News Ryan Lambie 19 Apr 2013 - 10:37
John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Julianne Moore are set to star in David Cronenberg's forthcoming thriller, Maps To The Stars...
After a period of uncertainty over the future of his scheduled projects, director David Cronenberg's finally seeing some proper movement on his next movie, Maps To The Stars. Variously described as a thriller and ghost story set in Hollywood and dealing with celebrity obsession, the script is by Wild Palms writer Bruce Wagner.
With financiers and distributor eOne now on board, it's been announced that Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon (who previously appeared in A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis) will all star.
Given that Cronenberg tried to get Maps To The Stars made five or so years ago, only to see the financing fall through, it's encouraging to see the project finally get going. And from the little we know about the film,...
John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Julianne Moore are set to star in David Cronenberg's forthcoming thriller, Maps To The Stars...
After a period of uncertainty over the future of his scheduled projects, director David Cronenberg's finally seeing some proper movement on his next movie, Maps To The Stars. Variously described as a thriller and ghost story set in Hollywood and dealing with celebrity obsession, the script is by Wild Palms writer Bruce Wagner.
With financiers and distributor eOne now on board, it's been announced that Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon (who previously appeared in A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis) will all star.
Given that Cronenberg tried to get Maps To The Stars made five or so years ago, only to see the financing fall through, it's encouraging to see the project finally get going. And from the little we know about the film,...
- 4/19/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Those of you who have been hoping for David Cronenberg to direct a true horror film again might just be getting your wish - so long as you don't mind a bit of social commentary added to the mix.
Per THR, Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Sarah Gadon, and Robert Pattinson have joined the cast of David Cronenberg’s next picture, Maps to the Stars, a ghost story and critique of celebrity-obsessed society in Los Angeles.
Longtime Cronenberg producer Martin Katz and his Prospero Pictures shingle are partnering with Entertainment One to finance the indie movie. The screenplay is by Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms). Sentient Entertainment's Renee Tab, Cronenberg's manager, will executive produce with Integral Films’ Alfred Hurmer co-producing.
Maps to the Stars marks Prospero’s fourth collaboration with Cronenberg, most recently on A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis, which also starred Pattinson and Gadon.
Entertainment One Films will handle worldwide sales and distribution,...
Per THR, Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Sarah Gadon, and Robert Pattinson have joined the cast of David Cronenberg’s next picture, Maps to the Stars, a ghost story and critique of celebrity-obsessed society in Los Angeles.
Longtime Cronenberg producer Martin Katz and his Prospero Pictures shingle are partnering with Entertainment One to finance the indie movie. The screenplay is by Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms). Sentient Entertainment's Renee Tab, Cronenberg's manager, will executive produce with Integral Films’ Alfred Hurmer co-producing.
Maps to the Stars marks Prospero’s fourth collaboration with Cronenberg, most recently on A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis, which also starred Pattinson and Gadon.
Entertainment One Films will handle worldwide sales and distribution,...
- 4/18/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Entertainment One Films will handle worldwide sales and distribution in all media and co-finance with Martin Katz’s Prospero Pictures the upcoming thriller Maps to the Stars from award-winning director David Cronenberg.
Production on the film will begin this July in Toronto and Los Angeles. The film's cast includes Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon.
From a provocative original screenplay by noted Los Angeles author and screenwriter Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms), Maps to the Stars is both a haunting ghost story and a scathing attack on the celebrity-obsessed society of L.A.
A warped spin on a "celebrity-obsessed" society was also echoed in Antiviral, which was directed by David's son, Brandon Cronenberg.
Read more...
Production on the film will begin this July in Toronto and Los Angeles. The film's cast includes Julianne Moore, John Cusack, Robert Pattinson and Sarah Gadon.
From a provocative original screenplay by noted Los Angeles author and screenwriter Bruce Wagner (Wild Palms), Maps to the Stars is both a haunting ghost story and a scathing attack on the celebrity-obsessed society of L.A.
A warped spin on a "celebrity-obsessed" society was also echoed in Antiviral, which was directed by David's son, Brandon Cronenberg.
Read more...
- 4/18/2013
- shocktillyoudrop.com
After his excursion into British heritage cinema with The Young Victoria, a competent, well-upholstered period piece, the French-Canadian film-maker Jean-Marc Vallée has made an experimental curiosity that alternates over two hours between apparently unrelated stories set in France and Quebec. In 2011 Montreal, a popular French-Canadian disc jockey has dumped his wife and taken up with a new younger soul mate much to the distress of his parents and two daughters. In 1969 Paris, a lower-middle-class woman (Vanessa Paradis) is deserted by her husband when she decides to raise and educate her son, who has Down's syndrome. She becomes troubled, however, when the boy falls in love with a girl with Down's syndrome. The French story is fascinating and beautifully acted, the French-Canadian one is romantic daytime TV drivel, and the links between them – mystic, metaphysical, musical – do not lead towards resonance or enlightenment. We're supposed, one assumes, to think of William Faulkner...
- 5/12/2012
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
What a crazy thing to try to predict. You can have the best film in the world as far as audiences are concerned but it can be a left-field outsider who suddenly scoops a category or two. This year does not have an instant overall winner. That's a good thing. I think we'll see The King's Speech being featured, but I am reluctant to put any money on it winning anything much for the fact that The Social Network and Black Swan are hungry predators on the list. Of course, the Academy does not have any nationalistic tendencies, so I don't expect there to be an exclusion of British actors and film makers from picking up any shiny figurines.
Yeah right.
So, for what it's worth, here is my non-exhaustive run-down of categories and my tips for winners.
I wonder what's in this year's goodies bag? Colin Firth, can you let us know?...
Yeah right.
So, for what it's worth, here is my non-exhaustive run-down of categories and my tips for winners.
I wonder what's in this year's goodies bag? Colin Firth, can you let us know?...
- 1/25/2011
- Shadowlocked
Science fiction writers of every generation had their own visions of the future, but what if their predictions became a reality? Rob dons his silver suit and delves into the archives to find out...
To me, living in 2010 seems like the future (well a bit anyway), and some of the things people dreamt of in years gone by have indeed come to pass. We have iPods which contain all our music, videos and data like the PADDs in Star Trek, have unlocked parts of the human genome, cloned livestock and created primitive artificial life. And while we don't have jet-packs, teleporters or the ability to travel to Mars, current technology hasn't don't too badly on the whole.
We love our technology, all sleek, thin and mobile, full of wafer-thin elements that can pass data at massive rates, wrapped up in shiny and lovingly-designed bits of kit. The ‘aesthetic of the...
To me, living in 2010 seems like the future (well a bit anyway), and some of the things people dreamt of in years gone by have indeed come to pass. We have iPods which contain all our music, videos and data like the PADDs in Star Trek, have unlocked parts of the human genome, cloned livestock and created primitive artificial life. And while we don't have jet-packs, teleporters or the ability to travel to Mars, current technology hasn't don't too badly on the whole.
We love our technology, all sleek, thin and mobile, full of wafer-thin elements that can pass data at massive rates, wrapped up in shiny and lovingly-designed bits of kit. The ‘aesthetic of the...
- 6/28/2010
- Den of Geek
Jean‑Luc Godard's masterpiece remains a startling example of the French new wave and marked the arrival of one of cinema's most influential directors
Two trailers bookend my half-a-century of writing professionally about the cinema and bracket the career of the man who is arguably the most influential moviemaker of my lifetime. Fifty years ago this month I dropped into an Oslo cinema while waiting for a midnight train and saw an unforgettable trailer for a French picture. It cut abruptly between a handsome, broken-nosed actor I'd never come across before, giant posters of Humphrey Bogart, and the familiar features of Jean Seberg, whom I knew to be an idol of French cinéastes as the protegee of Otto Preminger. Shot in high contrast monochrome, rapidly edited, interspersed with puzzling statements in white-on-black and black-on-white lettering, it was like no other trailer I'd seen, and I was captivated. Not until my...
Two trailers bookend my half-a-century of writing professionally about the cinema and bracket the career of the man who is arguably the most influential moviemaker of my lifetime. Fifty years ago this month I dropped into an Oslo cinema while waiting for a midnight train and saw an unforgettable trailer for a French picture. It cut abruptly between a handsome, broken-nosed actor I'd never come across before, giant posters of Humphrey Bogart, and the familiar features of Jean Seberg, whom I knew to be an idol of French cinéastes as the protegee of Otto Preminger. Shot in high contrast monochrome, rapidly edited, interspersed with puzzling statements in white-on-black and black-on-white lettering, it was like no other trailer I'd seen, and I was captivated. Not until my...
- 6/9/2010
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
By Lisa Horowitz
Oscar-winning producer-writer-director Oliver Stone and Bruce Wagner, who previously collaborated on miniseries "Wild Palms," have signed a TV development deal with Epix.
The first project under the deal, announced Friday, is the hourlong scripted dramatic series “Still Holding,” based on Wagner’s novel of the same name.
Set in Los Angeles, "Holding" explores the colliding worlds of three people. Stone and Wagner are executive producers.
Epix, a joint venture between Viacom, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate, is a pre...
Oscar-winning producer-writer-director Oliver Stone and Bruce Wagner, who previously collaborated on miniseries "Wild Palms," have signed a TV development deal with Epix.
The first project under the deal, announced Friday, is the hourlong scripted dramatic series “Still Holding,” based on Wagner’s novel of the same name.
Set in Los Angeles, "Holding" explores the colliding worlds of three people. Stone and Wagner are executive producers.
Epix, a joint venture between Viacom, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lionsgate, is a pre...
- 4/30/2010
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
Filed under: TV News Daily
Academy Award winner Oliver Stone is coming to television -- again.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the acclaimed filmmaker and writer Bruce Wagner have signed a development deal with Epix. The duo's first project is the one-hour scripted drama 'Still Holding,' based on Wagner's novel of the same name.
Epix is a premium TV service run by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM.
Epix said 'Still Holding' will explore "the colliding worlds of three disparate people in Los Angeles, and the violent consequences of love and betrayal, of holding on and letting go." Stone and Wagner will serve as executive producers on the series. They previously worked together on the 1993 ABC mini-series 'Wild Palms.'
Continue reading Oliver Stone Signs TV Deal With Epix
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Academy Award winner Oliver Stone is coming to television -- again.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the acclaimed filmmaker and writer Bruce Wagner have signed a development deal with Epix. The duo's first project is the one-hour scripted drama 'Still Holding,' based on Wagner's novel of the same name.
Epix is a premium TV service run by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM.
Epix said 'Still Holding' will explore "the colliding worlds of three disparate people in Los Angeles, and the violent consequences of love and betrayal, of holding on and letting go." Stone and Wagner will serve as executive producers on the series. They previously worked together on the 1993 ABC mini-series 'Wild Palms.'
Continue reading Oliver Stone Signs TV Deal With Epix
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 4/30/2010
- by Chris Harnick
- Inside TV
New York -- Oliver Stone and writer Bruce Wagner have struck a development deal with Epix, with their first project being a one-hour scripted dramatic series called "Still Holding," based on Wagner's novel of the same name.
The series for the premium TV service, which is run by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM, will explore "the colliding worlds of three disparate people in Los Angeles, and the violent consequences of love and betrayal, of holding on and letting go," Epix said. Stone and Wagner will executive produce. They previously worked together on six-hour sci-fi drama mini-series "Wild Palms," which first aired on ABC in 1993.
"I'm interested in the possibilities in television," Stone said. "When a company like Epix comes along, it's a chance to break new ground. They want to make their mark. They want to entertain and provoke; they don't want their drama or comedy watered down."
Said Epix president...
The series for the premium TV service, which is run by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM, will explore "the colliding worlds of three disparate people in Los Angeles, and the violent consequences of love and betrayal, of holding on and letting go," Epix said. Stone and Wagner will executive produce. They previously worked together on six-hour sci-fi drama mini-series "Wild Palms," which first aired on ABC in 1993.
"I'm interested in the possibilities in television," Stone said. "When a company like Epix comes along, it's a chance to break new ground. They want to make their mark. They want to entertain and provoke; they don't want their drama or comedy watered down."
Said Epix president...
- 4/30/2010
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Glenn here from Stale Popcorn here. Nathaniel is still sick (I know what he's got, I had it a couple of months back and it lasted weeks!) and when the going gets sick the sick get to bed. Or something. Let's move on.
I like to consider myself a fairly good follower of awards season, but there are organisations that I admit I have to plead ignorance over. The Gotham Independent Film Awards is one such example. I don't think, in the eight years (or so) that I've been following the Oscars, that I have ever actually figured out who these people are. And yet year after year they seem to throw up such a wonderful, varied and oft left-of-centre list of nominees for their annual awards. Misunderstood or just-not-loved-enough titles like Margot at the Wedding, Marie Antoinette, Frozen River, Me & You & Everyone We Know and others have had the Gotham's spotlight shined on them,...
I like to consider myself a fairly good follower of awards season, but there are organisations that I admit I have to plead ignorance over. The Gotham Independent Film Awards is one such example. I don't think, in the eight years (or so) that I've been following the Oscars, that I have ever actually figured out who these people are. And yet year after year they seem to throw up such a wonderful, varied and oft left-of-centre list of nominees for their annual awards. Misunderstood or just-not-loved-enough titles like Margot at the Wedding, Marie Antoinette, Frozen River, Me & You & Everyone We Know and others have had the Gotham's spotlight shined on them,...
- 9/25/2009
- by Glenn Dunks
- FilmExperience
My blogs are often created as responses to requests of clients seeking research or to my own interests. I was recently put on the board of the new website www.Twolia.com and my blog on that site will be posted here as well because it is hitting that all important demographic: Woman.
Here is the first:
I am going to blog about women in film...starting with Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" which is bound for Academy Awards.
If you want to follow this blog, also sign up for free to www.imdb.com because that's where you can find out more about the names here. If you are a film professional, you might sign up ($100/ year) to www.IMDbPro.com where you'll get even more information with contact information.
So, Kathryn Bigelow has been an actress, is a writer, director and producer. A list of films she's...
Here is the first:
I am going to blog about women in film...starting with Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" which is bound for Academy Awards.
If you want to follow this blog, also sign up for free to www.imdb.com because that's where you can find out more about the names here. If you are a film professional, you might sign up ($100/ year) to www.IMDbPro.com where you'll get even more information with contact information.
So, Kathryn Bigelow has been an actress, is a writer, director and producer. A list of films she's...
- 8/6/2009
- by Sydney@SydneysBuzz.com (Sydney)
- Sydney's Buzz
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