From Rocky Balboa fights to cornfield baseball games, virtually every mainstream sport has received a few moments in the Hollywood spotlight. But it’s hard to think of a sport more intrinsically intertwined with cinema than bodybuilding. Football fans might enjoy watching “Remember the Titans” on an offseason afternoon, but cinematic recreations are unlikely to scratch the same itch as live games on an NFL Sunday. Bodybuilding, on the other hand, has enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with Hollywood ever since a certain Austrian named Arnold Schwarzenegger set foot in California. For the past half century, documentaries about the sport have often drawn more mainstream attention than any live broadcast of an actual competition.
In many fans’ eyes, the sport of bodybuilding first gained mainstream legitimacy with the release of “Pumping Iron,” George Butler and Robert Fiore’s landmark 1977 documentary about Schwarzenegger’s preparations for the Mr. Olympia competition. In addition...
In many fans’ eyes, the sport of bodybuilding first gained mainstream legitimacy with the release of “Pumping Iron,” George Butler and Robert Fiore’s landmark 1977 documentary about Schwarzenegger’s preparations for the Mr. Olympia competition. In addition...
- 3/26/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Mubi has announced its lineup of streaming offerings for next month, including the exclusive streaming premiere of Lars von Trier’s The Idiots in a new 4K restoration, Céline Devaux’s anti-romcom Everybody Loves Jeanne, and Tyler Taormina’s Happer’s Comet.
Additional selections include three films by Wong Kar Wai, a Robert Altman double feature, four works by Jacques Rivette, plus shorts by Mia Hansen-Løve and Yorgos Lanthimos.
Check out the lineup below and get 30 days free here.
July 1 – Synecdoche, New York, directed by Charlie Kaufman
July 2 – 2046, directed by Wong Kar Wai | As Time Goes By: Three by Wong Kar Wai
July 3 – The Exiles, directed by Kent MacKenzie
July 4 – Ivansxtc, directed by Bernard Rose
July 5 – Un Pur Esprit, directed by Mia Hansen-Løve | Short Films Big Names
July 6 – Contemporary Color, directed by Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross | Turn It Up: Music on Film
July 7 – The Idiots, directed by Lars von Trier...
Additional selections include three films by Wong Kar Wai, a Robert Altman double feature, four works by Jacques Rivette, plus shorts by Mia Hansen-Løve and Yorgos Lanthimos.
Check out the lineup below and get 30 days free here.
July 1 – Synecdoche, New York, directed by Charlie Kaufman
July 2 – 2046, directed by Wong Kar Wai | As Time Goes By: Three by Wong Kar Wai
July 3 – The Exiles, directed by Kent MacKenzie
July 4 – Ivansxtc, directed by Bernard Rose
July 5 – Un Pur Esprit, directed by Mia Hansen-Løve | Short Films Big Names
July 6 – Contemporary Color, directed by Bill Ross IV, Turner Ross | Turn It Up: Music on Film
July 7 – The Idiots, directed by Lars von Trier...
- 6/26/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Arnold Schwarzenegger's conquering of America truly is an unbelievable story. As comedian Bill Burr surmised in his 2012 standup special "You People Are All the Same," Arnie should be "unloading trucks in Transylvania [...] but because he's a great man, he had the balls to move to America and became famous for lifting weights." Schwarzenegger did indeed go from driving tanks in the Austrian army to becoming arguably the greatest bodybuilder of all time, winning the Mr. Olympia title seven times. But he also became one of the biggest actors in Hollywood, and arguably the most popular action star in history, all while simultaneously carrying family-friendly comedy fare such as "Kindergarten Cop" and "Jingle All The Way" — one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Oh, and he also found time to marry into the Kennedy family and become the governor of California.
The Governator didn't get where he is without being highly competitive.
The Governator didn't get where he is without being highly competitive.
- 2/25/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The film community is mourning the loss of film festival executive Noah Cowan, who died January 25 at his home in Los Angeles after a year-long battle with Glioblastoma multiforme. He was 55.
Cowan was an enthusiastic booster of independent film, a celebrated film programmer who rose from 14-year-old volunteer to co-director at the Toronto International Film Festival, cofounder of the non-profit Global Film Initiative in partnership with the Museum of Modern Art (2002-2004), Artistic Director at TIFF Bell Lightbox (2009-2014), and executive director at Sffilm (2014-2019).
In recent years he consulted for film, media, and visual arts organizations including IFC, the Telluride Film Festival, and Centre for the Moving Image in Edinburgh.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1967, Cowan earned a degree in philosophy at McGill University that informed the way he looked at the world. He was that rare cinephile who not only was a festival programmer who loved to discover new talent,...
Cowan was an enthusiastic booster of independent film, a celebrated film programmer who rose from 14-year-old volunteer to co-director at the Toronto International Film Festival, cofounder of the non-profit Global Film Initiative in partnership with the Museum of Modern Art (2002-2004), Artistic Director at TIFF Bell Lightbox (2009-2014), and executive director at Sffilm (2014-2019).
In recent years he consulted for film, media, and visual arts organizations including IFC, the Telluride Film Festival, and Centre for the Moving Image in Edinburgh.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1967, Cowan earned a degree in philosophy at McGill University that informed the way he looked at the world. He was that rare cinephile who not only was a festival programmer who loved to discover new talent,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Donald Byrd’s dynamic 1973 live recording Live: Cookin’ with Blue Note at Montreux got its first-ever official release on December 9th on what would have been the legendary trumpeter’s 90th birthday. In July 1973, Blue Note Records headed to Montreux, Switzerland to showcase several of the label’s stars at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Produced by Blue Note President George Butler, live albums all titled Live: Cookin’ with Blue Note at Montreux followed from vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, organist Ronnie Foster, flutist Bobbi Humphrey, and vocalist Marlena Shaw, but one of the performances by Byrd remained unreleased in the Blue Note vaults, until now.
That summer, Byrd was fresh off the release of his hit crossover fusion album Black Byrd, the first of his innovative and incredibly successful studio collaborations with producer Larry Mizell. But in a live setting the band had a rawer, harder edge, as this searing set attests.
That summer, Byrd was fresh off the release of his hit crossover fusion album Black Byrd, the first of his innovative and incredibly successful studio collaborations with producer Larry Mizell. But in a live setting the band had a rawer, harder edge, as this searing set attests.
- 12/11/2022
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
Cinematography retrospectives are the way to go—more than a thorough display of talent, it exposes the vast expanse a Dp will travel, like an education in form and business all the same. Accordingly I’m happy to see the Criterion Channel give a 25-film tribute to James Wong Howe, whose career spanned silent cinema to the ’70s, populated with work by Howard Hawks, Michael Curtz, Samuel Fuller, Alexander Mackendrick, Sydney Pollack, John Frankenheimer, and Raoul Walsh.
Further retrospectives are granted to Romy Schneider (recent repertory sensation La piscine among them), Carlos Saura (finally a chance to see Peppermint frappe!), the British New Wave, and groundbreaking distributor Cinema 5, who brought to U.S. shores everything from The Man Who Fell to Earth and Putney Swope to Pumping Iron and Scenes from a Marriage.
September also yields streaming premieres for the recently restored Bronco Bullfrog, Ang Lee’s Pushing Hands,...
Further retrospectives are granted to Romy Schneider (recent repertory sensation La piscine among them), Carlos Saura (finally a chance to see Peppermint frappe!), the British New Wave, and groundbreaking distributor Cinema 5, who brought to U.S. shores everything from The Man Who Fell to Earth and Putney Swope to Pumping Iron and Scenes from a Marriage.
September also yields streaming premieres for the recently restored Bronco Bullfrog, Ang Lee’s Pushing Hands,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
George Butler, the British documentarian best known for Pumping Iron, his 1977 body-building feature starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has died. He was 78.
Butler died on Oct. 21 of pneumonia at his home in Holderness, N.H., his son Desmond Butler — an investigative reporter for The Washington Post — confirmed to the outlet.
The filmmaker was born in 1942 in Chester, England, and started his career as a stills photographer. He was educated at the University of North Carolina.
Together with Robert Fiore, Butler co-directed and produced Pumping Iron, which saw Schwarzenegger face off against Lou Ferrigno in a competition for the title of ...
Butler died on Oct. 21 of pneumonia at his home in Holderness, N.H., his son Desmond Butler — an investigative reporter for The Washington Post — confirmed to the outlet.
The filmmaker was born in 1942 in Chester, England, and started his career as a stills photographer. He was educated at the University of North Carolina.
Together with Robert Fiore, Butler co-directed and produced Pumping Iron, which saw Schwarzenegger face off against Lou Ferrigno in a competition for the title of ...
- 10/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
George Butler, the British documentarian best known for Pumping Iron, his 1977 body-building feature starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has died. He was 78.
Butler died on Oct. 21 of pneumonia at his home in Holderness, N.H., his son Desmond Butler — an investigative reporter for The Washington Post — confirmed to the outlet.
The filmmaker was born in 1942 in Chester, England, and started his career as a stills photographer. He was educated at the University of North Carolina.
Together with Robert Fiore, Butler co-directed and produced Pumping Iron, which saw Schwarzenegger face off against Lou Ferrigno in a competition for the title of ...
Butler died on Oct. 21 of pneumonia at his home in Holderness, N.H., his son Desmond Butler — an investigative reporter for The Washington Post — confirmed to the outlet.
The filmmaker was born in 1942 in Chester, England, and started his career as a stills photographer. He was educated at the University of North Carolina.
Together with Robert Fiore, Butler co-directed and produced Pumping Iron, which saw Schwarzenegger face off against Lou Ferrigno in a competition for the title of ...
- 10/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
George Tyssen Butler, a documentary filmmaker best known for co-directing the 1977 feature “Pumping Iron,” died on Oct. 21 of pneumonia at his home in New Hampshire. He was 78 years old.
Butler’s death was confirmed to Variety by his longtime companion Caroline Alexander.
Butler was born in England in 1943 and grew up in Somalia and Jamaica. He graduated from the Groton School in Massachusetts before earning a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of North Carolina and a master’s in creative writing from Hollins College. Butler became involved in the world of bodybuilding in the early 1970s by photographing competitions for Life magazine and The Village Voice.
Collaborating with author Charles Gaines, the pair penned a book about the culture of bodybuilding. The success of “Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding” led to the making of the documentary “Pumping Iron,” for which Butler and Gaines wrote the script.
Butler’s death was confirmed to Variety by his longtime companion Caroline Alexander.
Butler was born in England in 1943 and grew up in Somalia and Jamaica. He graduated from the Groton School in Massachusetts before earning a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of North Carolina and a master’s in creative writing from Hollins College. Butler became involved in the world of bodybuilding in the early 1970s by photographing competitions for Life magazine and The Village Voice.
Collaborating with author Charles Gaines, the pair penned a book about the culture of bodybuilding. The success of “Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding” led to the making of the documentary “Pumping Iron,” for which Butler and Gaines wrote the script.
- 10/30/2021
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Documentary filmmaker George Butler, best known for his 1977 film Pumping Iron that raised Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger to Hollywood prominence, died of pneumonia Oct. 21 at home in New Hampshire. He was 78 and his death was confirmed by his son, Desmond Butler, a Washington Post reporter.
Butler directed more than 10 films during his four-decade career. He co-directed Pumping Iron with Robert Fiore.
The son of a British Army officer, he spent his childhood in Somalia and Jamaica.
His final project, Tiger Tiger, is scheduled for next year. The film follows a big cat conservationist into the wilds of India and Bangladesh.
Butler had covered bodybuilding as a journalist in the 1970s, collaborating on a book on the subject before raising funds for the film. The film exponentially raised the profile of Schwarzenegger, who had scored just a few small TV and film roles at the time. The film depicted his training at Gold’s Gym in Venice,...
Butler directed more than 10 films during his four-decade career. He co-directed Pumping Iron with Robert Fiore.
The son of a British Army officer, he spent his childhood in Somalia and Jamaica.
His final project, Tiger Tiger, is scheduled for next year. The film follows a big cat conservationist into the wilds of India and Bangladesh.
Butler had covered bodybuilding as a journalist in the 1970s, collaborating on a book on the subject before raising funds for the film. The film exponentially raised the profile of Schwarzenegger, who had scored just a few small TV and film roles at the time. The film depicted his training at Gold’s Gym in Venice,...
- 10/30/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Former US Secretary of State to help create content with social impact.
US politician and diplomat John Kerry is moving into the film world, joining forces with newly launched, UK-based production company Fingerprint Content as senior advisor and executive producer.
“I’ve been in the business of communicating my whole life,” said the former US Secretary of State on moving from politics and activism to entertainment.
“There has always been a real synergy there been between politics and filmmaking. You’re trying to persuade people that something or have an impact and move people and get them to act and respond.
US politician and diplomat John Kerry is moving into the film world, joining forces with newly launched, UK-based production company Fingerprint Content as senior advisor and executive producer.
“I’ve been in the business of communicating my whole life,” said the former US Secretary of State on moving from politics and activism to entertainment.
“There has always been a real synergy there been between politics and filmmaking. You’re trying to persuade people that something or have an impact and move people and get them to act and respond.
- 10/30/2020
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions have set a feature documentary focusing on the attempt by seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath to return after a two year hiatus to reclaim his status as arguably the greatest Mr. Olympia champion to walk the earth. Johnson and Garcia are the executive producers and writing and directing the untitled film is Canadian filmmaker Brett Harvey.
The film will cover Heath’s rise to the top of the bodybuilding mountain — he won the title every year from 2011-2017 — and the adversity of trying to come all the way back from the two year layoff, overcome injuries that come with 18 years of physical and mental sacrifice, and the beefcake that filled the gap while he was away and will be onstage against him. Adding to the challenge of his comeback...
The film will cover Heath’s rise to the top of the bodybuilding mountain — he won the title every year from 2011-2017 — and the adversity of trying to come all the way back from the two year layoff, overcome injuries that come with 18 years of physical and mental sacrifice, and the beefcake that filled the gap while he was away and will be onstage against him. Adding to the challenge of his comeback...
- 10/6/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more seminal year in movie-going history than 1977, which unspooled such game-changers and genre-benders as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Airport ’77,” “Sorcerer,” and many, many more.
In honor of the fortieth anniversary of one of the wildest years in recent cinema history, The Film Society of Lincoln Center has programmed their ambitious ’77, a 33-film series surveying the sweeping cinematic landscape of a prolific year in cinema, in the United States and around the world.
Read MoreHow ‘Jaws’ Forever Changed the Modern Day Blockbuster — And What Today’s Examples Could Learn From It
While the debut of George Lucas’ original “Star Wars” is likely the most notable name in a long list of ’77 titles, the year also played home to “Jubilee,” “Eraserhead,” “Hausu,” “Wizard,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” That startling breadth of film options speaks to the changing times — both...
In honor of the fortieth anniversary of one of the wildest years in recent cinema history, The Film Society of Lincoln Center has programmed their ambitious ’77, a 33-film series surveying the sweeping cinematic landscape of a prolific year in cinema, in the United States and around the world.
Read MoreHow ‘Jaws’ Forever Changed the Modern Day Blockbuster — And What Today’s Examples Could Learn From It
While the debut of George Lucas’ original “Star Wars” is likely the most notable name in a long list of ’77 titles, the year also played home to “Jubilee,” “Eraserhead,” “Hausu,” “Wizard,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” That startling breadth of film options speaks to the changing times — both...
- 7/31/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
From the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, Mother Nature's beautiful and awe-inspiring handiwork has fascinated filmmakers for as long as there has been film. But as those environments face increasing crises with extinction, industrial damage, and the encroachment of human development, moviemakers have used their cameras to help sound the alarm. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the forthcoming "Tiger Tiger" will shine a light on a majestic animal whose days are numbered unless action is taken. Directed by George Butler ("Pumping Iron"), the film centers on Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, a big cat conservationist and CEO of Panthera, an organization dedicated to their protection. Rabinowitz is on a mission to save the little more than three thousand tigers left living in the wild, and "Tiger Tiger" follows him into the Sundarbans in Bangladesh, one of largest and largely unexplored big cat habitats. However,...
- 1/30/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The 30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will showcase 23 world premieres and 53 Us premieres in its selections from 54 countries.
The festival will kick off on January 27 with the Us premiere of Richard Raymond’s Desert Dancer and wrap on February 7 with Niki Caro’s McFarland (pictured) starring Kevin Costner and Maria Bello.
World premiere selections include Jonny Zwick’s Breach, Galen Knowles’ Far From Home, Brad Hall’s Generosity Of The Eye and George Butler’s Tiger, Tiger.
Among other honourees, The Theory Of Everything co-stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award and Michael Keaton the Modern Master Award.
For full details click here.
The festival will kick off on January 27 with the Us premiere of Richard Raymond’s Desert Dancer and wrap on February 7 with Niki Caro’s McFarland (pictured) starring Kevin Costner and Maria Bello.
World premiere selections include Jonny Zwick’s Breach, Galen Knowles’ Far From Home, Brad Hall’s Generosity Of The Eye and George Butler’s Tiger, Tiger.
Among other honourees, The Theory Of Everything co-stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award and Michael Keaton the Modern Master Award.
For full details click here.
- 1/8/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Feature Ryan Lambie 19 Mar 2014 - 06:21
The 1977 docu-drama Pumping Iron launched Schwarzenegger's career, and led to an era of fitness obsession and action heroes, Ryan writes...
In February 1976, the Whitney Museum in New York played host to a highly unusual exhibit: Arnold Schwarzenegger, clad in little more than a tiny pair of brown briefs, posing like a Greek statue on a rotating platform. Around him, some of the Manhattan art scene's most famous critics sat and pontificated.
Called Articulate Muscle: The Male Body In Art, the exhibition included two fellow Mr Universe bodybuilders, Frank Zane and Ed Corney, plus a panel of artists and historians, who discussed the notion of "the body itself as an art medium". The event was inspired and organised by Charles Gaines, a former weight lifter and author of the book Pumping Iron, a candid and in-depth account of bodybuilding with photographs by George Butler.
Originally expected to attract around 300 visitors,...
The 1977 docu-drama Pumping Iron launched Schwarzenegger's career, and led to an era of fitness obsession and action heroes, Ryan writes...
In February 1976, the Whitney Museum in New York played host to a highly unusual exhibit: Arnold Schwarzenegger, clad in little more than a tiny pair of brown briefs, posing like a Greek statue on a rotating platform. Around him, some of the Manhattan art scene's most famous critics sat and pontificated.
Called Articulate Muscle: The Male Body In Art, the exhibition included two fellow Mr Universe bodybuilders, Frank Zane and Ed Corney, plus a panel of artists and historians, who discussed the notion of "the body itself as an art medium". The event was inspired and organised by Charles Gaines, a former weight lifter and author of the book Pumping Iron, a candid and in-depth account of bodybuilding with photographs by George Butler.
Originally expected to attract around 300 visitors,...
- 3/18/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Hot on the heels of the premiere of the second teaser one-sheet for the latest nature-run-amok tale, Croaker, we now have the official trailer for you cats to lash your tongues out at. Dig it!
Written and directed by Fred Terling, Croaker stars Valerie Gatto, Marty Patterson, Ron Russell, Josh Dean, Ben Grance, Jimmy Star, Lindarae Schmidt, Bryden McCurdy, Amberleigh Miller, Jennifer Obed, Bob Braund, George Richardson, Barbara Lechene, Tim Gross, Shawn Kelly, and Miranda Schry as the creature the Vodnik.
To learn more, visit the official Croaker website and "like" Croaker on Facebook.
Synopsis
Florian Sirko and his one-time love Macy Patterson face a problem. A curse was originally cast from the attack of Haidamark Cossacks on Nemirov, Poland, in 1648, spawning a mythological creature known as the Vodnik. This curse now plagues the Sirko family, and the citizens of his town are paying with their souls. Macy is of...
Written and directed by Fred Terling, Croaker stars Valerie Gatto, Marty Patterson, Ron Russell, Josh Dean, Ben Grance, Jimmy Star, Lindarae Schmidt, Bryden McCurdy, Amberleigh Miller, Jennifer Obed, Bob Braund, George Richardson, Barbara Lechene, Tim Gross, Shawn Kelly, and Miranda Schry as the creature the Vodnik.
To learn more, visit the official Croaker website and "like" Croaker on Facebook.
Synopsis
Florian Sirko and his one-time love Macy Patterson face a problem. A curse was originally cast from the attack of Haidamark Cossacks on Nemirov, Poland, in 1648, spawning a mythological creature known as the Vodnik. This curse now plagues the Sirko family, and the citizens of his town are paying with their souls. Macy is of...
- 12/3/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Any movie whose main premise features killer frogs has us at hello. The prospect for fun is just too much to resist, and on tap for you right now is the second teaser one-sheet for the latest nature-run-amok tale, Croaker. Dig it!
Written and directed by Fred Terling, Croaker stars Valerie Gatto, Marty Patterson, Ron Russell, Josh Dean, Ben Grance, Jimmy Star, Lindarae Schmidt, Bryden McCurdy, Amberleigh Miller, Jennifer Obed, Bob Braund, George Richardson, Barbara Lechene, Tim Gross, Shawn Kelly, and Miranda Schry as the creature the Vodnik.
To learn more, visit the official Croaker website and "like" Croaker on Facebook.
Synopsis
Florian Sirko and his one-time love Macy Patterson face a problem. A curse was originally cast from the attack of Haidamark Cossacks on Nemirov, Poland, in 1648, spawning a mythological creature known as the Vodnik. This curse now plagues the Sirko family, and the citizens of his town are paying with their souls.
Written and directed by Fred Terling, Croaker stars Valerie Gatto, Marty Patterson, Ron Russell, Josh Dean, Ben Grance, Jimmy Star, Lindarae Schmidt, Bryden McCurdy, Amberleigh Miller, Jennifer Obed, Bob Braund, George Richardson, Barbara Lechene, Tim Gross, Shawn Kelly, and Miranda Schry as the creature the Vodnik.
To learn more, visit the official Croaker website and "like" Croaker on Facebook.
Synopsis
Florian Sirko and his one-time love Macy Patterson face a problem. A curse was originally cast from the attack of Haidamark Cossacks on Nemirov, Poland, in 1648, spawning a mythological creature known as the Vodnik. This curse now plagues the Sirko family, and the citizens of his town are paying with their souls.
- 12/2/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
A recently regenerated art house cinema tucked away in the heart of Bury St Edmunds
This week's Cine-files is by George Butler. If there's a cinema you'd like to tell Guardian readers about, email adam.boult@guardian.co.uk
Location
Situated down a side street in the centre of Bury St Edmunds.
Building
Although the cinema only became a Picturehouse in 2010, it's history stretches back much further. Originally the building was a music hall, becoming a full-time cinema in 1926. Inside there's a deli-style cafe, fully licensed bar and a resplendent tea room with old bay windows.
Clientele
The cinema attracts older audiences, and is a slightly upper-market alternative to the large multiplex on the other side of town.
Programme
There are a wide number of documentaries screened as well as world cinema and events from the Royal Albert Hall. A few more mainstream films are available, usually at the weekend.
This week's Cine-files is by George Butler. If there's a cinema you'd like to tell Guardian readers about, email adam.boult@guardian.co.uk
Location
Situated down a side street in the centre of Bury St Edmunds.
Building
Although the cinema only became a Picturehouse in 2010, it's history stretches back much further. Originally the building was a music hall, becoming a full-time cinema in 1926. Inside there's a deli-style cafe, fully licensed bar and a resplendent tea room with old bay windows.
Clientele
The cinema attracts older audiences, and is a slightly upper-market alternative to the large multiplex on the other side of town.
Programme
There are a wide number of documentaries screened as well as world cinema and events from the Royal Albert Hall. A few more mainstream films are available, usually at the weekend.
- 7/30/2013
- by Guardian readers
- The Guardian - Film News
Top 10 Luke Savage 18 Mar 2013 - 06:30
Better known for his brawn than his acting chops, Arnie has still turned in some great performances over the years, as Luke reminds us...
So The Last Stand hasn’t quite re-affirmed Arnold Schwarzenegger as supreme ruler of the box office. At the time of writing, its worldwide box office takings are a little over $33m. That’s someway short of its reputed $45m budget, and even less than Schwarzenegger’s rumoured $29.25m salary for Terminator 3. To be fair, it was never really going to propel him back to his blockbuster days of old. Especially when his co-star is Johnny Knoxville.
And to be fairer, it’s actually a much better film than those numbers would suggest. Surprisingly violent, funny in places, hilariously clichéd in others. But it’s not a great Arnie film. And it’s not a great Arnie performance. Too much emoting,...
Better known for his brawn than his acting chops, Arnie has still turned in some great performances over the years, as Luke reminds us...
So The Last Stand hasn’t quite re-affirmed Arnold Schwarzenegger as supreme ruler of the box office. At the time of writing, its worldwide box office takings are a little over $33m. That’s someway short of its reputed $45m budget, and even less than Schwarzenegger’s rumoured $29.25m salary for Terminator 3. To be fair, it was never really going to propel him back to his blockbuster days of old. Especially when his co-star is Johnny Knoxville.
And to be fairer, it’s actually a much better film than those numbers would suggest. Surprisingly violent, funny in places, hilariously clichéd in others. But it’s not a great Arnie film. And it’s not a great Arnie performance. Too much emoting,...
- 3/15/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
London, Oct 9: Arnold Schwarzenegger's has revealed in his autobiography that he made admiring comments about Adolf Hitler in high esteem - but only for his speaking abilities.
The 65-year-old actor's controversial comments about Hitler were made during a discussion with George Butler, while he was filming the 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron,' the Daily Mail reported
"I philosophized.
The 65-year-old actor's controversial comments about Hitler were made during a discussion with George Butler, while he was filming the 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron,' the Daily Mail reported
"I philosophized.
- 10/9/2012
- by Meeta Kabra
- RealBollywood.com
The former governor rails and confesses his way through Europe as he cavorts with world leaders. In this week's Newsweek, Lloyd Grove delves into what might be the former governor's next move.
Life at 63, for Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a titanic clash between human frailty and dazzling possibility.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Patti Davis, Naked at 58
"I feel terrific about where I am in my life, when I look back at what I've accomplished," he says over a late lunch at London's Savoy Hotel, his much-mimicked Teutonic rumble competing with a teatime pianist. "But I feel shitty when I look at myself in the mirror."
It's a jolt to hear Schwarzenegger-a five-time Mr. Universe and seven-time Mr. Olympia before he was Conan the Barbarian, the Terminator, and ultimately the Governator-musing about his own decay. Although his friend James Cameron, the director who cast him in True Lies and the Terminator movies,...
Life at 63, for Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a titanic clash between human frailty and dazzling possibility.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Patti Davis, Naked at 58
"I feel terrific about where I am in my life, when I look back at what I've accomplished," he says over a late lunch at London's Savoy Hotel, his much-mimicked Teutonic rumble competing with a teatime pianist. "But I feel shitty when I look at myself in the mirror."
It's a jolt to hear Schwarzenegger-a five-time Mr. Universe and seven-time Mr. Olympia before he was Conan the Barbarian, the Terminator, and ultimately the Governator-musing about his own decay. Although his friend James Cameron, the director who cast him in True Lies and the Terminator movies,...
- 4/18/2011
- by Lloyd Grove
- The Daily Beast
It was meant to be a touching documentary about a budding online relationship. But all was not as it seemed. Was it a hoax? And if so, who was fooling who?
Catfish may have generated an impressive buzz when it was unveiled at Sundance film festival in January, but few, after watching it, could say conclusively what exactly the film was. It appeared to be a documentary. And its star, the 24-year-old New York photographer Yaniv "Nev" Schulman, seemed innocent enough. Yet the story – on the surface a tale of Nev's online friendship with a prodigiously artistic eight-year-old and her sister – takes a darker twist that to some appeared too good, or too odd, to be true.
The directors of Catfish, 28-year-old Henry Joost and 29-year-old Ariel "Rel" Schulman, Nev's brother, denied all charges of fraudulence. It hardly matters. Their movie has proved bizarre enough on its own merits to withstand any doubt and dissent.
Catfish may have generated an impressive buzz when it was unveiled at Sundance film festival in January, but few, after watching it, could say conclusively what exactly the film was. It appeared to be a documentary. And its star, the 24-year-old New York photographer Yaniv "Nev" Schulman, seemed innocent enough. Yet the story – on the surface a tale of Nev's online friendship with a prodigiously artistic eight-year-old and her sister – takes a darker twist that to some appeared too good, or too odd, to be true.
The directors of Catfish, 28-year-old Henry Joost and 29-year-old Ariel "Rel" Schulman, Nev's brother, denied all charges of fraudulence. It hardly matters. Their movie has proved bizarre enough on its own merits to withstand any doubt and dissent.
- 11/20/2010
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Lately I've been focusing on a double feature-based format with this column, but this week I'm concentrating solely on Mark Hopkins' Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders. Two reasons for this: one, I'm unaware of another documentary quite like it; and two, it's such a great film that it deserves its own spotlight. I'm also breaking up the structure of Doc Talk a bit in order to engage readers a little more. Because the main reason this column exists is to get people more interested in documentary in general and to recommend films I believe Cinematical readers will appreciate and possibly even enjoy. And, of course, maybe you'll want to talk about the docs, with me and with other readers, after trying them out.
About the Film
Living in Emergency is, as I mentioned above, like nothing I've seen before. Hopkins, a former assistant to producer Scott Rudin...
About the Film
Living in Emergency is, as I mentioned above, like nothing I've seen before. Hopkins, a former assistant to producer Scott Rudin...
- 6/3/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
- Cinematical
Lots of former presidential candidates, Barack Obama, Al Gore and George W. Bush included, get the chance to see their names on credits crawls in theaters. Now, the Federal Election Commission may be all that stands between Sen. John Kerry and the film “Keeping the Faith.” Though no one has green-lit a biopic about the Massachussetts senator, he appears to have an interest in executive producing the new movie.
A documentary about injured Iraq war veterans, “Keeping the Faith” will be helmed by Kerry’s longtime friend George Butler, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Butler has also directed documentaries about Kerry and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the well-received “Pumping Iron.”
The commission’s decision to let Kerry take on the role, which would involve recruiting investors and interview subjects, will determine whether or not he can invest $300,000 from his campaign fund in the film, which the senator believes could...
A documentary about injured Iraq war veterans, “Keeping the Faith” will be helmed by Kerry’s longtime friend George Butler, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Butler has also directed documentaries about Kerry and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the well-received “Pumping Iron.”
The commission’s decision to let Kerry take on the role, which would involve recruiting investors and interview subjects, will determine whether or not he can invest $300,000 from his campaign fund in the film, which the senator believes could...
- 6/25/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Movies Blog
Washington -- Federal election officials will have a hand in writing the script on Sen. John Kerry's plans to become a movie producer.
The Federal Election Commission meets Thursday to consider Kerry's request to use $300,000 from his campaign funds to invest in a documentary about injured Iraq war veterans.
The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee wants to be an executive producer for a movie tentatively titled, "Keeping Faith," by White Mountain Films. Kerry would not be paid, but he could get up to a 120% return on his $300,000 investment, according to a March 16 letter he sent to the Fec outlining his plans.
Kerry's efforts would include helping line up investors and obtaining interview subjects for the film.
A decorated Vietnam War veteran who served as a Navy swift boat commander, Kerry has long been a champion of veterans causes. Friends who are involved in veterans issues had approached Kerry several months ago...
The Federal Election Commission meets Thursday to consider Kerry's request to use $300,000 from his campaign funds to invest in a documentary about injured Iraq war veterans.
The 2004 Democratic presidential nominee wants to be an executive producer for a movie tentatively titled, "Keeping Faith," by White Mountain Films. Kerry would not be paid, but he could get up to a 120% return on his $300,000 investment, according to a March 16 letter he sent to the Fec outlining his plans.
Kerry's efforts would include helping line up investors and obtaining interview subjects for the film.
A decorated Vietnam War veteran who served as a Navy swift boat commander, Kerry has long been a champion of veterans causes. Friends who are involved in veterans issues had approached Kerry several months ago...
- 6/25/2009
- by By Andrew Miga, Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran U.S. broadcaster Charlie Rose was forced to apologise to filmmaker George Butler - after he mistook the documentary maker for a late jazz musician and read out his obituary on TV.
Journalist Rose was paying tribute to the notable figures who passed away in 2008 on his New Year's Eve TV show on American broadcaster PBS.
He included moviemaker Butler in the line-up - after mixing him up with a record executive of the same name who had died in April.
Rose read through Butler's career highs, including his documentary Pumping Iron - which featured Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was an unknown bodybuilder.
TV bosses even showed a tombstone stating Butler was dead.
But the filmmaker did not take offence at the gaffe - and was baffled as to how it happened.
He says, "I am bemused. Charlie did a great job in retracting the huge error. Still, it's very disconcerting."
Rose apologised to Butler for the mistake, adding: "The George Butler who is my friend is alive and well and living in New Hampshire. We apologise to him and his friends, and look forward to having him on the program in the new year."...
Journalist Rose was paying tribute to the notable figures who passed away in 2008 on his New Year's Eve TV show on American broadcaster PBS.
He included moviemaker Butler in the line-up - after mixing him up with a record executive of the same name who had died in April.
Rose read through Butler's career highs, including his documentary Pumping Iron - which featured Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was an unknown bodybuilder.
TV bosses even showed a tombstone stating Butler was dead.
But the filmmaker did not take offence at the gaffe - and was baffled as to how it happened.
He says, "I am bemused. Charlie did a great job in retracting the huge error. Still, it's very disconcerting."
Rose apologised to Butler for the mistake, adding: "The George Butler who is my friend is alive and well and living in New Hampshire. We apologise to him and his friends, and look forward to having him on the program in the new year."...
- 1/5/2009
- WENN
NEW YORK -- Indie film banner ThinkFilm has reached a deal for domestic distribution rights to helmer George Butler's upcoming documentary Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry. Butler, who chronicled a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1970 film Pumping Iron, has trained his cameras on the Democratic presidential candidate. The film center's on Kerry's life, particularly his experiences as a soldier in Vietnam and his subsequent anti-war activism. It will open in limited release Oct. 1 after premiering next month at the Toronto International Film Festival. Upriver is loosely based on Doug Brinkley's book Tour of Duty and includes footage and photos taken by Butler throughout a 35-year friendship with Kerry.
TORONTO -- Politics and war dominate the documentary lineup for the 29th Toronto International Film Festival, announced here Tuesday. In all, 24 feature documentaries will unspool in Toronto, led by the world premiere of Going Upriver -- The Long War of John Kerry, a film by George Butler (Pumping Iron) about the presumptive U.S. presidential candidate's Vietnam experience. Other war-themed documentaries bound for Toronto include world premieres for Peter Raymont's Shake Hands With the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire, a portrait of a Canadian lieutenant general returning to Rwanda 10 years after its bloody civil war, and Gunner Palace, an inside look at American soldiers at war in Iraq by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein. Also on tap is Hubert Sauper's Darwin's Nightmare, a France/Austria/Belgium co-production that exposes a growing rift in Africa between war-torn locals and those profiting from regional fishing industries. In light of the smash boxoffice success of Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, festival documentary programmer Sean Farnel said Toronto deliberately programmed films this year that had the potential for breakout success in theatrical release.
- 7/28/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Politics and war dominate the documentary lineup for the 29th Toronto International Film Festival, announced here Tuesday. In all, 24 feature documentaries will unspool in Toronto, led by the world premiere of Going Upriver -- The Long War of John Kerry, a film by George Butler (Pumping Iron) about the presumptive U.S. presidential candidate's Vietnam experience. Other war-themed documentaries bound for Toronto include world premieres for Peter Raymont's Shake Hands With the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire, a portrait of a Canadian lieutenant general returning to Rwanda 10 years after its bloody civil war, and Gunner Palace, an inside look at American soldiers at war in Iraq by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein. Also on tap is Hubert Sauper's Darwin's Nightmare, a France/Austria/Belgium co-production that exposes a growing rift in Africa between war-torn locals and those profiting from regional fishing industries. In light of the smash boxoffice success of Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, festival documentary programmer Sean Farnel said Toronto deliberately programmed films this year that had the potential for breakout success in theatrical release.
- 7/28/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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