I don’t have a copy of the Oxford English Dictionary in front of me but the OxfordDictionaries.com website defines “boredom” as “the state of feeling bored.” Which is about as insightful as anything one can find in “The Professor and the Madman.”
The film, credited to “Pb Shemran” — a pseudonym for Farhad Safinia, who co-wrote Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto” — stars Gibson as James Murray, the man responsible for compiling and completing most of the Oed before his death. The astoundingly thorough compendium of every word in the English language was a mammoth undertaking and required significant assistance from a wide variety of sources. One of those sources happened to be confined to a mental institution after committing murder.
Sean Penn co-stars as Dr. William Chester Minor, a Civil War solider and doctor with paranoid delusions that led him to chase a stranger through the streets and gun him down.
The film, credited to “Pb Shemran” — a pseudonym for Farhad Safinia, who co-wrote Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto” — stars Gibson as James Murray, the man responsible for compiling and completing most of the Oed before his death. The astoundingly thorough compendium of every word in the English language was a mammoth undertaking and required significant assistance from a wide variety of sources. One of those sources happened to be confined to a mental institution after committing murder.
Sean Penn co-stars as Dr. William Chester Minor, a Civil War solider and doctor with paranoid delusions that led him to chase a stranger through the streets and gun him down.
- 5/11/2019
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
‘The Professor and the Madman’ Director Sides With Mel Gibson on Film’s Release Following Settlement
“The Professor and the Madmen” director Farhad Safinia is standing behind Mel Gibson’s statement after a long legal tussle over the release of the film.
Though Gibson settled with the production company behind the movie, Voltage Pictures, in April, he said in a statement that it was “unfortunate for all concerned that this film was never finished as written” and denied producers’ claims that he and Safinia walked off set and forced the movie to go over-budget. In a new statement, Safinia backed up Gibson, agreeing with him on the version audiences will end up seeing.
“I would like to add to Mel Gibson’s recent statement regarding ‘The Professor and The Madman,’ ” Safinia wrote. “I echo Mel’s correction of the record that neither of us ever walked off set, nor caused the film to ever go over budget. I would also like to clarify some misreporting saying...
Though Gibson settled with the production company behind the movie, Voltage Pictures, in April, he said in a statement that it was “unfortunate for all concerned that this film was never finished as written” and denied producers’ claims that he and Safinia walked off set and forced the movie to go over-budget. In a new statement, Safinia backed up Gibson, agreeing with him on the version audiences will end up seeing.
“I would like to add to Mel Gibson’s recent statement regarding ‘The Professor and The Madman,’ ” Safinia wrote. “I echo Mel’s correction of the record that neither of us ever walked off set, nor caused the film to ever go over budget. I would also like to clarify some misreporting saying...
- 5/10/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Back in 1998 when Simon Winchester’s book “The Professor and the Madman” was published, a film version was already imagined by quite a few reviewers, spurred on not only by the subject’s eminently dramatic trajectory but also by Mel Gibson’s much publicized interest. It seemed implausible: Gibson wasn’t the obvious choice for a Victorian-era biopic about James Murray, the man commissioned to bring the Oxford English Dictionary (Oed) to life, but his involvement made it more likely that a dictionary compiler’s story could be packaged as something marketable to a general public. The star decided not to direct, novice filmmaker Farhad Safinia was brought in, and shooting wrapped in 2016. That’s when grumblings began to be heard publicly.
Officially, Safinia and Gibson wanted to add a few weeks of shooting at Oxford University to boost the authenticity. Voltage Picture’s CEO Nicolas Chartier balked, complaining they...
Officially, Safinia and Gibson wanted to add a few weeks of shooting at Oxford University to boost the authenticity. Voltage Picture’s CEO Nicolas Chartier balked, complaining they...
- 4/12/2019
- by Jay Weissberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The long legal tussle involving Mel Gibson and director Farhad Safinia against Voltage Pictures over The Professor and the Madman was settled confidentially this week, but the man who once played Mad Max is not happy with the results.
“As the settlement details are confidential, I will not be commenting but I would like to set the record straight as a number of articles have been released that are factually inaccurate,” the Oscar winner told Deadline on Friday following the April 2 settlement (read it here) between Gibson’s Icon Productions and the Nicolas Chartier-run Voltage that was unveiled in Los Angeles Superior Court. A final settlement hearing is now on the Lasc calendar for April 15.
“First, neither Farhad Safinia nor I ever walked off of the set, or cause the film to ever go over budget,” says Gibson, who portrays the 19th century Oxford Dictionary co-creator Professor James...
“As the settlement details are confidential, I will not be commenting but I would like to set the record straight as a number of articles have been released that are factually inaccurate,” the Oscar winner told Deadline on Friday following the April 2 settlement (read it here) between Gibson’s Icon Productions and the Nicolas Chartier-run Voltage that was unveiled in Los Angeles Superior Court. A final settlement hearing is now on the Lasc calendar for April 15.
“First, neither Farhad Safinia nor I ever walked off of the set, or cause the film to ever go over budget,” says Gibson, who portrays the 19th century Oxford Dictionary co-creator Professor James...
- 4/6/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Mel Gibson's Icon Productions and Voltage Pictures have reached a settlement in their dispute over the film The Professor and the Madman.
Icon in 2017 sued Voltage, claiming Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the co-producer violated their agreement by making key decisions without Gibson's approval. Voltage countersued, claiming Gibson, Davey and director Farhad Safinia were attempting to "hijack" the pic.
The terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but attorneys ...
Icon in 2017 sued Voltage, claiming Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the co-producer violated their agreement by making key decisions without Gibson's approval. Voltage countersued, claiming Gibson, Davey and director Farhad Safinia were attempting to "hijack" the pic.
The terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but attorneys ...
Mel Gibson's Icon Productions and Voltage Pictures have reached a settlement in their dispute over the film The Professor and the Madman.
Icon in 2017 sued Voltage, claiming Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the co-producer violated their agreement by making key decisions without Gibson's approval. Voltage countersued, claiming Gibson, Davey and director Farhad Safinia were attempting to "hijack" the pic.
The terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but attorneys ...
Icon in 2017 sued Voltage, claiming Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the co-producer violated their agreement by making key decisions without Gibson's approval. Voltage countersued, claiming Gibson, Davey and director Farhad Safinia were attempting to "hijack" the pic.
The terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but attorneys ...
Updated, 4:55 Pm: A California judge has thrown out a copyright-infringement lawsuit filed against Voltage Pictures by the writer-director Farhad Safinia over its upcoming Mel Gibson-Sean Penn film The Professor and the Madman. Safinia had claimed ownership of the copyright after penning a 2007 revision of its original 2001 script.
In granting Voltage’s motion for summary judgment, U.S. District Judge Consuelo Marshall wrote: “The undisputed evidence demonstrates Plaintiff does not own rights in the Screenplay. Plaintiff therefore lacks standing for his copyright infringement claim against Defendants.” Read the ruling here and details of the case below.
Vertical Entertainment, which picked up U.S. rights to The Professor and the Madman, is set to release the film during the second quarter of 2019.
Previously, September 2017: The multi-front legal battle between Voltage Pictures and seemingly everyone else over The Professor and The Madman starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn saw...
In granting Voltage’s motion for summary judgment, U.S. District Judge Consuelo Marshall wrote: “The undisputed evidence demonstrates Plaintiff does not own rights in the Screenplay. Plaintiff therefore lacks standing for his copyright infringement claim against Defendants.” Read the ruling here and details of the case below.
Vertical Entertainment, which picked up U.S. rights to The Professor and the Madman, is set to release the film during the second quarter of 2019.
Previously, September 2017: The multi-front legal battle between Voltage Pictures and seemingly everyone else over The Professor and The Madman starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn saw...
- 3/21/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Professor and the Madman’ Trailer: Mel Gibson and Sean Penn Craft the Oxford English Dictionary
In a bit of against-type casting, The Professor and The Madman stars Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, but Gibson is, in fact, not playing the latter character. Rather, in the story of crafting the Oxford English Dictionary, he plays Professor James Murray, who took up the challenge only to discover that one man (Penn), convicted for murder and at an asylum for the criminally insane, submitted over 10,000 words.
Although production on the film began back in 2016, it was caught up in legal troubles, and now with Apocalypto co-screenwriter Farhad Safinia, who helmed the film, taking his name off the project (now credited to the fictitious P.B. Shemran), it’s finally seeing the light of day. The film will be arriving in other countries this spring, though Vertical Entertainment has not yet announced a U.S. release date. The first international trailer has now arrived for the adaptation of Simon Winchester’s novel.
Although production on the film began back in 2016, it was caught up in legal troubles, and now with Apocalypto co-screenwriter Farhad Safinia, who helmed the film, taking his name off the project (now credited to the fictitious P.B. Shemran), it’s finally seeing the light of day. The film will be arriving in other countries this spring, though Vertical Entertainment has not yet announced a U.S. release date. The first international trailer has now arrived for the adaptation of Simon Winchester’s novel.
- 3/12/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Mel Gibson’s ‘The Professor And The Madman’ To Get Theatrical Release Via Vertical After Legal Fight
Exclusive: The Mel Gibson-Sean Penn period film The Professor and the Madman will be getting a theatrical release with Vertical Entertainment after the distributor took U.S. rights to the Voltage Pictures production. A theatrical release is planned for the second quarter of this year.
Gibson and his Icon Productions had tried to block the release of the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester’s book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. This was spurred by a disagreement with Voltage CEO Nicolas Chartier over the pic’s shooting location. Gibson and director Farhad Safinia wanted key scenes shot in Oxford, England instead of Trinity College in Dublin. Voltage argued the pic was already over budget and behind schedule, with Gibson and Safinia reportedly walking off the pic.
In the movie Gibson plays Professor James Murray and Penn portrays William Minor, an asylum inmate. Together they...
Gibson and his Icon Productions had tried to block the release of the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester’s book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. This was spurred by a disagreement with Voltage CEO Nicolas Chartier over the pic’s shooting location. Gibson and director Farhad Safinia wanted key scenes shot in Oxford, England instead of Trinity College in Dublin. Voltage argued the pic was already over budget and behind schedule, with Gibson and Safinia reportedly walking off the pic.
In the movie Gibson plays Professor James Murray and Penn portrays William Minor, an asylum inmate. Together they...
- 1/14/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK actress and filmmaker will co-develop a drama slate.
Game Of Thrones star Natalie Dormer has sealed a first-look deal with Fremantle to co-develop a slate of dramas.
The multi-year deal expands on Fremantle’s existing relationship with the UK actress/writer, with the two collaborating on Vivling, a series based on the life of UK actress Vivien Leigh with ITV Studios’ Mainstreet Pictures.
Dormer was most recently seen in Picnic At Hanging Rock, a Fremantle series for Foxtel and Amazon based on Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, which was picked up by BBC2.
She also co-wrote and starred...
Game Of Thrones star Natalie Dormer has sealed a first-look deal with Fremantle to co-develop a slate of dramas.
The multi-year deal expands on Fremantle’s existing relationship with the UK actress/writer, with the two collaborating on Vivling, a series based on the life of UK actress Vivien Leigh with ITV Studios’ Mainstreet Pictures.
Dormer was most recently seen in Picnic At Hanging Rock, a Fremantle series for Foxtel and Amazon based on Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, which was picked up by BBC2.
She also co-wrote and starred...
- 11/19/2018
- by Jessica Goodfellow Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
“Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer will develop a slate of scripted projects under a new first-look deal she has signed with Fremantle, including a TV drama about legendary actress Vivien Leigh.
The Vivien Leigh project, “Vivling,” will be made with Fremantle and U.K. shingle Mainstreet Pictures. It will follow the highs and lows of the much-loved star of “Gone With the Wind” who conquered Hollywood and will “give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the creative genius,” the producers said.
Dormer said she was thrilled to be getting into the drama business with Fremantle: “Their impressive slate reflects a dedication to the highest-quality storytelling and the strength of their reputation internationally.”
The actress recently starred in Fremantle-produced “Picnic at Hanging Rock” for Foxtel in Australia. Her upcoming roles include the lead in “In Darkness,” a psychological thriller she co-wrote. She will also appear in Icon Productions...
The Vivien Leigh project, “Vivling,” will be made with Fremantle and U.K. shingle Mainstreet Pictures. It will follow the highs and lows of the much-loved star of “Gone With the Wind” who conquered Hollywood and will “give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the creative genius,” the producers said.
Dormer said she was thrilled to be getting into the drama business with Fremantle: “Their impressive slate reflects a dedication to the highest-quality storytelling and the strength of their reputation internationally.”
The actress recently starred in Fremantle-produced “Picnic at Hanging Rock” for Foxtel in Australia. Her upcoming roles include the lead in “In Darkness,” a psychological thriller she co-wrote. She will also appear in Icon Productions...
- 11/19/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer has struck a first-look production deal with Fremantle and has set up her first drama project.
The actress, who recently appeared in Fremantle’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, is working on a slate of drama projects co-developed by the American Gods producer.
Her first series is Vivling, a series based on the life of legendary British actress Vivien Leigh, as first revealed by Deadline in May. The story will follow the highs and lows of the much-loved starlet who conquered Hollywood and give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire star. The show is being developed in association with ITV-backed Mainstreet Pictures.
Stewart Harcourt, who penned 2016’s Michael Gambon-starrer Churchill’s Secret, has been inked in as a screenwriter. As well as archival material and the films the actor made, the...
The actress, who recently appeared in Fremantle’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, is working on a slate of drama projects co-developed by the American Gods producer.
Her first series is Vivling, a series based on the life of legendary British actress Vivien Leigh, as first revealed by Deadline in May. The story will follow the highs and lows of the much-loved starlet who conquered Hollywood and give audiences a glimpse into the complex mind of the Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire star. The show is being developed in association with ITV-backed Mainstreet Pictures.
Stewart Harcourt, who penned 2016’s Michael Gambon-starrer Churchill’s Secret, has been inked in as a screenwriter. As well as archival material and the films the actor made, the...
- 11/19/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Mel Gibson has lost a key round in his battle for control of “The Professor and the Madman,” potentially clearing the way for the release of the star-crossed film about the origins of a dictionary.
The picture is based on Simon Winchester’s book about the collaboration between Professor James Murray and William Minor, an inmate in a mental asylum, to create the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson has long wanted to produce the film, and in 2015 struck a production deal with Voltage Pictures.
The film was shot in late 2016, with Gibson playing the professor and Sean Penn in the role of the madman. But late in the production, shooting came to a standstill when Gibson and director Farhad Safinia insisted that certain scenes be shot in Oxford, England, instead of Trinity College in Dublin. Voltage CEO Nicolas Chartier refused, arguing that the film was already over budget and behind schedule.
The picture is based on Simon Winchester’s book about the collaboration between Professor James Murray and William Minor, an inmate in a mental asylum, to create the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson has long wanted to produce the film, and in 2015 struck a production deal with Voltage Pictures.
The film was shot in late 2016, with Gibson playing the professor and Sean Penn in the role of the madman. But late in the production, shooting came to a standstill when Gibson and director Farhad Safinia insisted that certain scenes be shot in Oxford, England, instead of Trinity College in Dublin. Voltage CEO Nicolas Chartier refused, arguing that the film was already over budget and behind schedule.
- 6/20/2018
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Mel Gibson has lost the latest round in a legal fight with Voltage Pictures over The Professor and the Madman, a film project based on Simon Winchester's best-selling book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary that Gibson spent a couple of decades developing. On Tuesday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected a motion for summary adjudication including the actor-producer's bid to terminate a rights agreement with Voltage.
A little more than a year ago, Gibson's Icon Productions filed suit over the film, which the lawsuit called a "labor of love" starring Sean Penn that was ...
A little more than a year ago, Gibson's Icon Productions filed suit over the film, which the lawsuit called a "labor of love" starring Sean Penn that was ...
- 6/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mel Gibson has lost the latest round in a legal fight with Voltage Pictures over The Professor and the Madman, a film project based on Simon Winchester's best-selling book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary that Gibson spent a couple of decades developing. On Tuesday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected a motion for summary adjudication including the actor-producer's bid to terminate a rights agreement with Voltage.
A little more than a year ago, Gibson's Icon Productions filed suit over the film, which the lawsuit called a "labor of love" starring Sean Penn that was ...
A little more than a year ago, Gibson's Icon Productions filed suit over the film, which the lawsuit called a "labor of love" starring Sean Penn that was ...
- 6/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today's word of the day is demurrer.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has mostly overruled one in a lawsuit over The Professor and the Madman and is letting Mel Gibson's Icon Productions continue to pursue claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and promissory fraud over the adaptation of Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson sued Voltage Pictures back in July 2017 for allegedly jeopardizing his "labor of love," a film that Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey say they spent nearly...
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has mostly overruled one in a lawsuit over The Professor and the Madman and is letting Mel Gibson's Icon Productions continue to pursue claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and promissory fraud over the adaptation of Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson sued Voltage Pictures back in July 2017 for allegedly jeopardizing his "labor of love," a film that Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey say they spent nearly...
- 5/11/2018
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today's word of the day is "demurrer."
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has mostly overruled one in a lawsuit over <em>The Professor and the Madman</em> and is letting Mel Gibson's Icon Productions continue to pursue claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and promissory fraud over the adaptation of Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/mel-gibson-sues-voltage-pictures-professor-madman-1025656" target="_blank">sued</a> Voltage Pictures back in July 2017 for allegedly jeopardizing his "labor of love," a film that Gibson and his producing partner Bruce ...
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has mostly overruled one in a lawsuit over <em>The Professor and the Madman</em> and is letting Mel Gibson's Icon Productions continue to pursue claims of breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and promissory fraud over the adaptation of Simon Winchester's book about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/mel-gibson-sues-voltage-pictures-professor-madman-1025656" target="_blank">sued</a> Voltage Pictures back in July 2017 for allegedly jeopardizing his "labor of love," a film that Gibson and his producing partner Bruce ...
- 5/11/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mel Gibson and his producing partner are being sued by Voltage Pictures in the escalating legal battle over the yet-to-be-released film about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson sued first in July, claiming Voltage jeopardized The Professor and the Madman by failing to honor their co-production deal and allegedly engaging in fraudulent behavior.
The complaint describes the project as a "labor of love" and explains that Gibson and his producing partner, Bruce Davey, spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name.
Gibson claims Voltage failed to live up ...
Gibson sued first in July, claiming Voltage jeopardized The Professor and the Madman by failing to honor their co-production deal and allegedly engaging in fraudulent behavior.
The complaint describes the project as a "labor of love" and explains that Gibson and his producing partner, Bruce Davey, spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name.
Gibson claims Voltage failed to live up ...
- 12/22/2017
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mel Gibson and his producing partner are being sued by Voltage Pictures in the escalating legal battle over the yet-to-be-released film about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Gibson sued first in July, claiming Voltage jeopardized The Professor and the Madman by failing to honor their co-production deal and allegedly engaging in fraudulent behavior.
The complaint describes the project as a "labor of love" and explains that Gibson and his producing partner, Bruce Davey, spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name.
Gibson claims Voltage failed to live up ...
Gibson sued first in July, claiming Voltage jeopardized The Professor and the Madman by failing to honor their co-production deal and allegedly engaging in fraudulent behavior.
The complaint describes the project as a "labor of love" and explains that Gibson and his producing partner, Bruce Davey, spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name.
Gibson claims Voltage failed to live up ...
- 12/22/2017
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On paper, there’s no reason why “The Professor And The Madman” shouldn’t work. An adaptation of the great book by Simon Winchester, it tells the story behind the creation of the first Oxford English Dictionary by Professor James Murray (played by Mel Gibson), whose work became complicated thanks to the participation of Dr. W. C. Minor (played by Sean Penn), an inmate at an insane asylum.
Continue reading Mel Gibson’s ‘The Professor And The Madman’ Runs Nearly 3 Hours As Legal Woes Continue at The Playlist.
Continue reading Mel Gibson’s ‘The Professor And The Madman’ Runs Nearly 3 Hours As Legal Woes Continue at The Playlist.
- 9/22/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The escalating legal drama over The Professor and the Madman took another turn on Thursday with the screenwriter and director of the Mel Gibson movie being accused of committing a fraud on the U.S. Copyright Office.
The film is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. It stars Gibson and Sean Penn and is directed by Farhad Safinia, who previously worked with Gibson on Apocalypto and is also preparing an adaptation of Brave New World with Leonardo DiCaprio attached and The Allen Counter Project for Will Smith to star in.
Gibson's production company...
The film is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. It stars Gibson and Sean Penn and is directed by Farhad Safinia, who previously worked with Gibson on Apocalypto and is also preparing an adaptation of Brave New World with Leonardo DiCaprio attached and The Allen Counter Project for Will Smith to star in.
Gibson's production company...
- 9/21/2017
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mel Gibson is back in business in Hollywood, with last year’s “Hacksaw Ridge” aiding the actor and filmmaker’s redemption arc. However, it hasn’t taken long for Gibson to fall into one of the industry’s favorite pastimes — lawsuits!
Last year, cameras started rolling on “The Professor And The Madman,” an adaptation of the great book by Simon Winchester, about the creation of the first Oxford English Dictionary by Professor James Murray (played by Gibson), whose work became complicated thanks to the participation of Dr.
Continue reading Mel Gibson Sues Voltage Pictures Over Final Cut On ‘The Professor And The Madman’ & More at The Playlist.
Last year, cameras started rolling on “The Professor And The Madman,” an adaptation of the great book by Simon Winchester, about the creation of the first Oxford English Dictionary by Professor James Murray (played by Gibson), whose work became complicated thanks to the participation of Dr.
Continue reading Mel Gibson Sues Voltage Pictures Over Final Cut On ‘The Professor And The Madman’ & More at The Playlist.
- 8/1/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Mel Gibson is suing Voltage Pictures for "jeopardizing" The Professor and the Madman by failing to honor their co-production deal and allegedly engaging in fraudulent behavior.
Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. The actor-producer was set to star in the film, alongside Sean Penn, with Farhad Safinia writing the screenplay and directing. The project "was, and is a labor of love" for the producers and director, according to the complaint filed Monday in...
Gibson and his producing partner Bruce Davey spent nearly two decades developing the movie, which is based on Simon Winchester's book of the same name about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary. The actor-producer was set to star in the film, alongside Sean Penn, with Farhad Safinia writing the screenplay and directing. The project "was, and is a labor of love" for the producers and director, according to the complaint filed Monday in...
- 8/1/2017
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lawsuit claims breach of contract, fiduciary duty.
Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey’s Icon Productions has filed a claim against the producers of The Professor And The Madman claiming among other things they did not provide a final budget or secure a completion bond.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, has emerged after production on the drama about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary began production in autumn 2016.
Papers lodged on behalf of Icon Productions accuse Voltage Pictures, Voltage Productions, Christchurch Productions and Voltage head Nicolas Chartier of breach of contract, fiduciary duty, and promissory fraud, among other complaints.
The plaintiffs said The Professor And The Madman, based on the book by Simon Winchester, has been a “labor of love” for Icon and writer-director Farhad Safinia for nearly two decades. Safinia wrote Apocalypto for Gibson and makes his feature directorial debut on Professor.
Gibson was cast...
Mel Gibson and Bruce Davey’s Icon Productions has filed a claim against the producers of The Professor And The Madman claiming among other things they did not provide a final budget or secure a completion bond.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, has emerged after production on the drama about the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary began production in autumn 2016.
Papers lodged on behalf of Icon Productions accuse Voltage Pictures, Voltage Productions, Christchurch Productions and Voltage head Nicolas Chartier of breach of contract, fiduciary duty, and promissory fraud, among other complaints.
The plaintiffs said The Professor And The Madman, based on the book by Simon Winchester, has been a “labor of love” for Icon and writer-director Farhad Safinia for nearly two decades. Safinia wrote Apocalypto for Gibson and makes his feature directorial debut on Professor.
Gibson was cast...
- 7/31/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Luke Bracey and Mel Gibson on the Bringelly set of 'Hacksaw Ridge'. (Photo credit: Mark Rogers)
This year's Oscars ceremony went off alright, but not without a hitch (or two).
During the In Memoriam section, a photo of Australian producer Jan Chapman (Love Serenade, Lantana, The Babadook) was shown next to the name of late costume designer Janet Patterson, with whom Chapman worked on several Jane Campion films including The Piano, Bright Star and Holy Smoke..
Patterson died in October last year. Her final film was Thomas Vinterberg's adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan and Matthias Schoenaerts..
.I was devastated by the use of my image in place of my great friend and long-time collaborator Janet Patterson," the still-very-much-breathing Chapman told Variety..
"I had urged her agency to check any photograph which might be used and understand that they were told that the Academy had it covered.
This year's Oscars ceremony went off alright, but not without a hitch (or two).
During the In Memoriam section, a photo of Australian producer Jan Chapman (Love Serenade, Lantana, The Babadook) was shown next to the name of late costume designer Janet Patterson, with whom Chapman worked on several Jane Campion films including The Piano, Bright Star and Holy Smoke..
Patterson died in October last year. Her final film was Thomas Vinterberg's adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan and Matthias Schoenaerts..
.I was devastated by the use of my image in place of my great friend and long-time collaborator Janet Patterson," the still-very-much-breathing Chapman told Variety..
"I had urged her agency to check any photograph which might be used and understand that they were told that the Academy had it covered.
- 2/27/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer has landed a role opposite Sean Penn and Mel Gibson in the upcoming adaptation of Professor and the Madman, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
In the works at Icon Productions, it’s understood the addition of Dormer is one of the final pieces to fall into place for the long-gestating project, which will now be readied to shop to international buyers at Tiff 2016 before entering production in earnest late September. It hasn’t been for lack of trying, considering that Gibson – who embodies one half of that title duo as Professor James Murray – has been attempting to nudge the wheels into motion for close to 18 years with little success. That’s all changed now, thankfully, and Simon Winchester’s bestseller is finally bound for the silver screen.
There’s also a creative reunion in the cards as Apocalypto scribe Farhad Safinia is set to...
In the works at Icon Productions, it’s understood the addition of Dormer is one of the final pieces to fall into place for the long-gestating project, which will now be readied to shop to international buyers at Tiff 2016 before entering production in earnest late September. It hasn’t been for lack of trying, considering that Gibson – who embodies one half of that title duo as Professor James Murray – has been attempting to nudge the wheels into motion for close to 18 years with little success. That’s all changed now, thankfully, and Simon Winchester’s bestseller is finally bound for the silver screen.
There’s also a creative reunion in the cards as Apocalypto scribe Farhad Safinia is set to...
- 8/31/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Natalie Dormer has been cast in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of “The Professor and the Madman,” also staring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, TheWrap has learned. The film, based on of Simon Winchester’s best-selling novel about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, is being produced out of Icon Productions. Farhad Safinia, who wrote Gibson’s “Apocalypto,” is directing. It’s been a passion project for Gibson since 1998, who hasn’t been able to get the movie made until now. Cameras start rolling toward the end of September. Known for her roles on HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and also the “Hunger Games” series,...
- 8/31/2016
- by Meriah Doty
- The Wrap
Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer will star opposite Mel Gibson and Sean Penn in The Professor and the Madman, Icon Productions' adaptation of Simon Winchester’s best-seller about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Farhad Safinia, who wrote Gibson’s Apocalypto, is directing the project, which Gibson has been trying to get off the ground since 1998. Eighteen years later, it’s about to happen, as principal photography begins in late September.
Voltage is repping the international rights and will be selling the film at Tiff. Gibson is producing with Bruce Davey.
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who ...
Farhad Safinia, who wrote Gibson’s Apocalypto, is directing the project, which Gibson has been trying to get off the ground since 1998. Eighteen years later, it’s about to happen, as principal photography begins in late September.
Voltage is repping the international rights and will be selling the film at Tiff. Gibson is producing with Bruce Davey.
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who ...
- 8/31/2016
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer will star opposite Mel Gibson and Sean Penn in The Professor and the Madman, Icon Productions' adaptation of Simon Winchester’s best-seller about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Farhad Safinia, who wrote Gibson’s Apocalypto, is directing the project, which Gibson has been trying to get off the ground since 1998. Eighteen years later, it’s about to happen, as principal photography begins in late September.
Voltage is repping the international rights and will be selling the film at Tiff. Gibson is producing with Bruce Davey.
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who ...
Farhad Safinia, who wrote Gibson’s Apocalypto, is directing the project, which Gibson has been trying to get off the ground since 1998. Eighteen years later, it’s about to happen, as principal photography begins in late September.
Voltage is repping the international rights and will be selling the film at Tiff. Gibson is producing with Bruce Davey.
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who ...
- 8/31/2016
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Well, there's a headline I never thought I'd write.
The Hollywood Reporter says Mel Gibson is set to star in The Professor and The Madman, a film about — and this is not a joke — the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Sean Penn is in negotiations to play a lead role opposite Gibson, while Apocalypto writer Farhad Safinia wrote the screenplay and will direct the movie, which "delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history."
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who in 1857 set about compiling the Oed, one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. Penn will play Dr. W. C. Minor, who submitted more than 10,000 entries but was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
This has been a passion project of Gibson's for nearly twenty years. He acquired the rights to Simon Winchester's bestselling book of...
The Hollywood Reporter says Mel Gibson is set to star in The Professor and The Madman, a film about — and this is not a joke — the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Sean Penn is in negotiations to play a lead role opposite Gibson, while Apocalypto writer Farhad Safinia wrote the screenplay and will direct the movie, which "delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history."
Gibson will play Professor James Murray, who in 1857 set about compiling the Oed, one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. Penn will play Dr. W. C. Minor, who submitted more than 10,000 entries but was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
This has been a passion project of Gibson's for nearly twenty years. He acquired the rights to Simon Winchester's bestselling book of...
- 8/2/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
Sean Penn is in early talks to board Mel Gibson’s long-gestating Professor and the Madman, an adaptation of Simon Winchester’s bestseller about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson has been working to adapt the book for the best part of two decades. Voltage Pictures has come on-board to finance and sell. Gibson’s Apocalypto writer Farhad Safinia, who also penned the script, will direct. Bruce Davey, Gibson’s longtime partner at Icon, is…...
- 8/2/2016
- Deadline
Joseph Baxter Mar 12, 2019
The Professor and the Madman teams Mel Gibson and Sean Penn in a drama about the creation of the Oxford Dictionary.
The Professor and the Madman might sound like the title of a long-running late-1980s crime procedural that no one really watched, but the upcoming historically based drama will showcase some star power in the form of headliners Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.
The long-gestating project of Gibson’s has finally come to fruition. The film adapts the 1998 book of the same name by Simon Winchester, following two key figures in the decades-long endeavor to create what would become the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson plays Professor James Murray, who was appointed editor of the lexicon in the late 1870s. However, his crucial collaboration with Yale-trained American army surgeon W.C. Minor (Penn) is awkward since Minor is a lunatic and a murderer; nouns that the...
The Professor and the Madman teams Mel Gibson and Sean Penn in a drama about the creation of the Oxford Dictionary.
The Professor and the Madman might sound like the title of a long-running late-1980s crime procedural that no one really watched, but the upcoming historically based drama will showcase some star power in the form of headliners Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.
The long-gestating project of Gibson’s has finally come to fruition. The film adapts the 1998 book of the same name by Simon Winchester, following two key figures in the decades-long endeavor to create what would become the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson plays Professor James Murray, who was appointed editor of the lexicon in the late 1870s. However, his crucial collaboration with Yale-trained American army surgeon W.C. Minor (Penn) is awkward since Minor is a lunatic and a murderer; nouns that the...
- 8/2/2016
- Den of Geek
While it’s not surprising to learn that Mel Gibson’s secured the movie rights to a novel titled The Professor And The Madman: A Tale Of Murder, Insanity, And The Making Of The Oxford English Dictionary, it is a little odd that he didn’t call dibs on the latter role. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, Gibson’s upcoming adaptation of Simon Winchester’s bestselling novel will see him play Sir James Murray, a real-life lexicographer and philologist who served as the Oed’s primary editor for nearly 40 years. Winchester’s book delves into Murray’s work with on the dictionary, which saw him “crowdsource” for help on some of the entries.
Gibson’s tapped Farhad Safinia, his Apocalypto co-writer, to direct the adaptation, while pondering an October start to filming. And after having presumably won a coin toss, Sean Penn has been cast as Dr. William ...
Gibson’s tapped Farhad Safinia, his Apocalypto co-writer, to direct the adaptation, while pondering an October start to filming. And after having presumably won a coin toss, Sean Penn has been cast as Dr. William ...
- 8/2/2016
- by Danette Chavez
- avclub.com
With his directorial and acting career looking up, Mel Gibson is bringing a passion project that’s been stirring for two decades to the big screen. According to THR, Gibson has long since wanted to adapt the best-selling The Professor and the Madman, the story of the inception and creation of The Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson had originally planned to helm the project, but he has since yielded that hat to Farhad Safinia, who penned Gibson’s own Apocalypto, and is also the scribe for this adaptation.
With Gibson now focusing on acting (and producing) as James Murray, the titular professor who compiled the Oed, he has brought on Academy Award winner Sean Penn to play opposite as the madman, Dr. W.C. Minor. Penn’s character, who submitted over 10,000 entries to the Oed, was an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. Should Penn accept — he’s currently...
With Gibson now focusing on acting (and producing) as James Murray, the titular professor who compiled the Oed, he has brought on Academy Award winner Sean Penn to play opposite as the madman, Dr. W.C. Minor. Penn’s character, who submitted over 10,000 entries to the Oed, was an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. Should Penn accept — he’s currently...
- 8/2/2016
- by Mike Mazzanti
- The Film Stage
Mel Gibson is having a busy year in 2016, with his new action film “Blood Father” set for commercial release next month and his latest directorial effort “Hacksaw Ridge” to be in theaters by November. Now, The Hollywood Reporter announces that Gibson and actor Sean Penn will star in a new film entitled “Professor and the Madman.” Gibson acquired the film rights to Simon Winchester’s book of the same name back in 1998, and now it will soon see the light of day.
Read More: Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Emerges as Surprise Awards Contender
“Professor and the Madman” is a tale of two obsessive men trying to complete a project larger than both of them, infusing madness and genius together in the process. Gibson stars as Professor James Murray, a man who in 1857 set out to compile the Oxford English Dictionary, one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived at the time.
Read More: Mel Gibson’s ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Emerges as Surprise Awards Contender
“Professor and the Madman” is a tale of two obsessive men trying to complete a project larger than both of them, infusing madness and genius together in the process. Gibson stars as Professor James Murray, a man who in 1857 set out to compile the Oxford English Dictionary, one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived at the time.
- 8/2/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Mel Gibson and Sean Penn may act together for the first time in a forthcoming adaptation of The Professor and the Madman, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The book, written by Simon Winchester, tells the origin story of the Oxford English Dictionary. Gibson is a longtime fan of Winchester's tale: he acquired the rights to the bestseller in 1998, the same year it was first published in the U.K.
Gibson is slated to portray Professor James Murray, who oversaw the creation of the O.E.D. starting in 1857. The Hollywood...
Gibson is slated to portray Professor James Murray, who oversaw the creation of the O.E.D. starting in 1857. The Hollywood...
- 8/2/2016
- Rollingstone.com
After nearly two decades, Mel Gibson is ready to bring the best-seller The Professor and the Madman to the big screen and has enlisted Sean Penn in the effort.
Gibson, who acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998, is poised to star opposite Penn, who is in negotiations, in the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary — a tale that delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history.
Though Gibson had long developed Professor and the Madman as a directing vehicle, he has handed the reins to ...
Gibson, who acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998, is poised to star opposite Penn, who is in negotiations, in the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary — a tale that delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history.
Though Gibson had long developed Professor and the Madman as a directing vehicle, he has handed the reins to ...
After nearly two decades, Mel Gibson is ready to bring the best-seller The Professor and the Madman to the big screen and has enlisted Sean Penn in the effort.
Gibson, who acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998, is poised to star opposite Penn, who is in negotiations, in the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary — a tale that delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history.
Though Gibson had long developed Professor and the Madman as a directing vehicle, he has handed the reins to ...
Gibson, who acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998, is poised to star opposite Penn, who is in negotiations, in the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary — a tale that delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history.
Though Gibson had long developed Professor and the Madman as a directing vehicle, he has handed the reins to ...
After nearly two decades, Mel Gibson is ready to bring the best-seller The Professor and the Madman to the big screen and has enlisted Sean Penn in the effort. Gibson, who acquired the film rights to the Simon Winchester book back in 1998, is poised to star opposite Penn, who is in negotiations, in the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary — a tale that delves into madness, genius and two obsessive men who changed the course of literary history. Though Gibson had long developed Professor and the Madman as a directing vehicle, he has
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- 7/29/2016
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I am slowly coming out of vacation mode and it's not easy. Christmas and New Year's need to happen on Thursday every year because it really makes taking time off very easy while still allowing time to do a little work here and there. My first press screening of 2015 is still yet to happen as there wasn't a screening of Woman in Black 2 scheduled and I have yet to receive an invite to see Taken 3. The first film I'm scheduled to see is Paddington on Saturday, but there's a little thing called a Seahawks game at the exact same time and I don't think Paddington will be interfering with that. With that, the first movie I actually watched in 2015 was Jacques Tati's Mr. Hulot's Holiday as part of the Criterion Collection set I received for Christmas. It wasn't, however, the first film I watched this week as Tati's...
- 1/4/2015
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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