Peter Jackson Confirms MarketSaw's Exclusive That THE HOBBIT Could Shoot In November - And 3D Is Still On His Lips!! Oh And He May Direct It!!!

Peter Jackson has confirmed that November would be the earliest that THE HOBBIT could being shooting - We exclusively gave you that information back in March.

FURTHER, Jackson spoke about the budget of the movie (from Stuff): "US$150 million budget was a ballpark figure, but it could be higher if it was filmed in 3-D." Read that guys - this is the man himself talking 3D here.

So just when did Jackson's team find out about Guillermo del Toro's departure? Saturday. That must have been a shocker for them - but Jackson did say it was amicable.

And in a not so surprising move, Jackson has stepped forward to say that he would take over the reins of directing the movie if need be - if it can be worked out with other commitments: "If that's what I have to do to protect Warner Bros' investment, then obviously that's one angle which I'll explore. The other studios may not let me out of the contracts."

So, in the end it sounds like there is a real possibility of Peter Jackson directing THE HOBBIT in 3D. That has a familiar ring to it doesn't it? :-) More when I get it!

NOW SHOWING AT A BLOG NEAR YOU

I’ve noticed quite a few of us are taking advantage of the day off to troll the Internet, so I thought I’d throw up a few interesting links to help pass the time.

Well, no sooner do I put up a post bemoaning the lack of a sense of sin in popular entertainment than Pat Archbold from Creative Minority Report posts that he’s found that very thing in AMC's critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad. It’s a television series, so I know next to nothing about it, but Pat sure makes Breaking Bad sound worthwhile. Maybe I can work up enough forgiveness for AMC for changing its format (Arrrgh!) from one of the best commercial-free movie channels on the tube to actually watch it.

Speaking of not liking the way some things change, Pat’s sibling Matt offers up his opinion on why modern vampires suck. This being the Internet and all, arguments ensue in the combox.

But for something on which we can all agree is excellent, I give you Shakespeare’s lost work Thirtennth Night courtesy of The Trousered Ape, a tragedy in two acts (and in iambic pentameter no less) wherein Jason Andronicus cries havoc and lets slip the dogs of slashing along the lake Crystal. Hey, you know, we’re all the high brow here at the B-Movie Catechism.

Right. Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying Memorial Day, and my prayers and sincere gratitude to those of you with family members who died in military service to this country. See you next time.

CUTAWAYS: THE PARTY ANIMAL

A few months ago, seized with a fit of madness, I felt compelled to revisit some barely remembered movies from my high school years. In the case of The Party Animal, it was only a single scene that managed to stick in my memory over the decades, but it’s a favorite. (Warning: Potty mouths are involved.)

Sorry folks, that’s my sense of humor. I have no excuses.

Taking in The Party Animal all these years later, a couple of things became evident. One is that I’ve been watching bad movies for a long, looong time. This one was such a stinker that Matthew Causey, who played the lead character Pondo, supposedly became so disgusted with the anti-intellectual state of Hollywood that he quit acting soon after and became a well respected college professor, one who apparently brooks no mention of his role in The Party Animal whatsoever.

But the other thing is how hard the film tries (and, alas, fails miserably) to be more than just the typical 80s teen sex comedy. It takes the standard set-up for this kind of movie, a kid who wants nothing more than to have sex at least once, and mixes in a dash of Faust (“I’d sell my soul for a piece of…”) with a heaping handful of Romans 6:23 (“For the wages of sin is death”). You see, unlike in other movies like Porky’s and its like, where the characters’ puerile pursuits are depicted as nothing more than good clean teen fun, every action undertaken by Pondo in his search for sex has actual consequences, initially for himself (as in the above clip) and ultimately for others as well. The movie goes so far as to have a scene where Pondo, having force fed a number of women some experimental love potions, is brought into the dean’s office and confronted with all the girls he’s injured (one, hilariously, has the head of the Metaluna Mutant from This Island Earth) through his efforts. Finally, after stumbling upon a working formula, Pondo is crushed to death by a horde of portly women who find him irresistible. The film ends as it began, with a shot of the Angel Of Death (seriously) staring knowingly into the camera. Hope you enjoyed the movie, kids, have fun on the way home. But not TOO much fun, if you catch my drift.

Now don’t get me wrong, The Party Animal still has all of the standard gratuitous profanity, drug and alcohol use, and (oddly non-sexual) nudity found in every other 80s teen movie, maybe even more so than others, but what sets it apart from even the more ‘serious’ entries in the genre (Risky Business, The Last American Virgin, etc,) is its overwhelming sense of sin and its repercussions. Strangely enough, the same year The Party Animal was released Pope John Paul II wrote in his Apostolic Exhortation Reconciliatio et Paenetentia that “the restoration of a proper sense of sin is the first way of facing the grave spiritual crisis looming over man today. But the sense of sin can only be restored through a clear reminder of the unchangeable principles of reason and faith which the moral teaching of the church has always upheld.” Which is easier said than done because “even in the field of the thought and life of the church certain trends inevitably favor the decline of the sense of sin. For example, some are inclined to replace exaggerated attitudes of the past with other exaggerations: From seeing sin everywhere they pass to not recognizing it anywhere; from too much emphasis on the fear of eternal punishment they pass to preaching a love of God that excludes any punishment deserved by sin; from severity in trying to correct erroneous consciences they pass to a kind of respect for conscience which excludes the duty of telling the truth.”

Obviously, The Party Animal was in no way what the Pope had in mind when he wrote of restoring a sense of sin to the world, but hey, these days I’ll take the sentiment where I can get it. Any movie with the guts to call a sin a sin, or an animal an animal for that matter, can’t be all bad.

Why Did My Source Think THE HOBBIT Was Greenlit? And A Brief RISE OF THE APES Update!!

In light of Guillermo del Toro stepping down from directing THE HOBBIT (which was a complete surprise to everyone), I thought I should address the reasons why I posted the movie was greenlit back on Thursday.

The bottom line is this: My source (one of the best I have ever had) told me flat out that the movie was greenlit. And now I know why. Simply said, EVERY DEPARTMENT WAS GIVEN THEIR BUDGET AND THE CASH TO RAMP UP.

In my books, that IS a greenlight whether it is from a studio head or production company. This particular source is on the inside - not an executive at the top either. When budgets are set and operating cash is distributed that means a greenlight for pre-production.

So now you know where we stand on this. There was clear and deliberate action to ramp up the movie and it did in fact happen. The status as of today is murky with no director and I am still digging for the inside story. The resignation came out of the blue. What I want to know is what will Weta be doing on the project in the short term now that GDT is gone? Obviously this whole thing is Peter Jackson's baby so there will always be leadership present, but what is going on right now?

Weta is in a bit of a pickle too as production for the PLANET OF THE APES prequel is set to pick up soon. In fact they are already creating some CG models and the pipeline for the rigging and such for them. The CG models are looking VERY COOL according to my source.

Movie is set for a June 24, 2011 release.

With James Franco already cast, I have very high hopes for the movie. I have a feeling RISE OF THE APES is going to forever change the franchise. More when I get it!!

EXCLUSIVE: Just What Did Guillermo Del Toro Accomplish Visually While He Was In Charge? We Have Got Some Answers!!

I have the first bit of printable news from one of my inside sources to help paint the picture of what has been going on over in Wellywood, NZ lately - you know, before Guillermo del Toro stepped down...

**Some minor creature SPOILERS**

This is a direct quote (emphasis is mine):

"Things have always been rolling... it was quiet for a little while a few months ago but then it ramped up again with previs pushing forward and getting some great results on animation and camera work, obviously wanting to get out as much as possible to finally sell the product and getting production into full swing.

Workshop sculpted and finished painting a few miniature characters that turned out awesome and they were later scanned in to the computer and ready to be built as a final movie CG model.

One of the bigger ones that were scanned was "Smaug" the dragon and all I can say is that it looked great... but who knows if any of this will ever see daylight again, if someone else will be directing it and thus changing the design there is always a chance for changes in designs. The 3 trolls with all their gear on the backs also looked fantastic in the workshop models. The attention to detail was stunning and later when seen in the previs, one can truly understand how great this film will be, if it ever gets done. :) I say that more in the way of "a joke", it's too good of a film to pass up on, so it will definitely be made. Might just take a little while. Some of the film set crew are still hoping for an October-November start, but who can really tell with the latest news coming to surface."

Those scanned miniatures sound outstanding! Wish I could see what has been accomplished already. What a situation - the only true hand-off that would make sense now is for Peter Jackson to pick up the reins. We'll see!! Still digging for more - stay tuned...

Guillermo del Toro Steps Down From THE HOBBIT!!

Wow! In a stunning turn of events tied to the delay of THE HOBBIT getting made and GDT's commitment to living in New Zealand, Guillermo del Toro has stepped away from the project, save for co-writing the screenplays.

I knew Peter Jackson would be the director and it would be in 3D, but this sure is a long about way of doing things right? Kidding of course, Jackson has not commented on who would replace del Toro who just stepped down from the helm of the HOBBIT movies.

In an exclusive to TheOneRing.net (these guys deserve these scoops of course with all of their hard work over the years), both Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro chime in:

Guillermo Del Toro announced today that he is no longer directing the two movies based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, but will continue to co-write the screenplays. Out of respect to the legions of loyal Tolkien fans, both Guillermo and Peter Jackson wanted to break the news to The One Ring first. They are both committed to protecting The Hobbit and will do everything in their power to ensure the films are everything that the fans want them to be.
“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming “The Hobbit,” I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, says Guillermo. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures. I remain grateful to Peter, Fran and Philippa Boyens, New Line and Warner Brothers and to all my crew in New Zealand. I’ve been privileged to work in one of the greatest countries on earth with some of the best people ever in our craft and my life will be forever changed. The blessings have been plenty, but the mounting pressures of conflicting schedules have overwhelmed the time slot originally allocated for the project. Both as a co-writer and as a director, I wlsh the production nothing but the very best of luck and I will be first in line to see the finished product. I remain an ally to it and its makers, present and future, and fully support a smooth transition to a new director”.

“We feel very sad to see Guillermo leave the Hobbit, but he has kept us fully in the loop and we understand how the protracted development time on these two films, due to reasons beyond anyone’s control – has compromised his commitment to other long term projects”, says Executive Producer Peter Jackson. “The bottom line is that Guillermo just didn’t feel he could commit six years to living in New Zealand, exclusively making these films, when his original commitment was for three years. Guillermo is one of the most remarkable creative spirits I’ve ever encountered and it has been a complete joy working with him. Guillermo’s strong vision is engrained into the scripts and designs of these two films, which are extremely fortunate to be blessed with his creative DNA”.

“Guillermo is co-writing the Hobbit screenplays with Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh and myself, and happily our writing partnership will continue for several more months, until the scripts are fine tuned and polished” says Jackson. “New Line and Warner Bros will sit down with us this week, to ensure a smooth and uneventful transition, as we secure a new director for the Hobbit. We do not anticipate any delay or disruption to ongoing pre-production work”.

The Hobbit is planned as two motion pictures, co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM. They are scheduled for release in Dec 2012 and Dec 2013.

Wow. I am on it guys - emails out to my sources as I type. In fact I was informed by one of them about this story not moments ago. More when I get it!!

::angry sound::

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck good fucking God I can already hear Jeffrey Wells being a fucking prick about this fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking shit fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK! fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck jesus titty-fucking Christ on a crutch fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking hell fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck mother fucking shit fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckballs fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck i need a fucking drink now fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck frelling fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking damn it fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking phoque fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking bullshit fuck fuck FUCK! fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck my luck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck frak fuck fuck motherfucker fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucker fuck a duck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fucking MGM fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK! fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck off fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck god fucking damn it all to fucking hell!

Details HERE: http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/30/36920-guillermo-del-toro-departs-the-hobbit/

Official Storyline For GREEN LANTERN Has Been Revealed!!

ComicBookMovie has gotten their paws on the official Warner Bros. synopsis of the upcoming 2011 movie GREEN LANTERN.

Minor spoilers involved!

'Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”).

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.

Campbell directs “Green Lantern” from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.

The film also stars Blake Lively (upcoming “The Town,” TV’s “Gossip Girl”) as the spirited Carol Ferris, a test pilot and the heir apparent to her father’s aviation company; Peter Sarsgaard (“An Education,” “Flightplan”) as scientist Dr. Hector Hammond; Mark Strong (“Sherlock Holmes”) as Sinestro, Jordan’s powerful mentor in the Green Lantern Corps; Jay O. Sanders (“Revolutionary Road”) as Carl Ferris, Carol’s aircraft designer dad; Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars” Episodes II and III) as Abin Sur, Jordan’s alien predecessor; Taika Waititi (TV’s “The Flight of the Conchords”) as flight navigator Tom Kalmaku, Hal’s good friend and confidante; Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”) as enigmatic government scientist Amanda Waller; and Academy Award® winner Tim Robbins (“Mystic River”) as Hector’s influential father, Senator Robert Hammond.

The film is being produced by Donald De Line (“The Italian Job”) and Greg Berlanti (upcoming “Life As We Know It”). Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas serve as executive producers. Geoff Johns and Lucienne Papon are co-producing.

The film’s behind-the-scenes creative team is led by a number of Academy Award® winners, including director of photography Dion Beebe (“Memoirs of a Geisha”), production designer Grant Major (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), and costume designer Ngila Dickson (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), as well as Oscar®-nominated editor and longtime Campbell collaborator, Stuart Baird (“Gorillas in the Mist,” “Superman”). The film’s visual effects are being overseen by Oscar®-nominee Kent Houston (“The Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen,” “Casino Royale”).

The film is currently scheduled for release in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. '

Can't wait guys! Might as well back up the Brink's truck right now - I think this thing is going to make some green!

Dennis Hopper

I did not particularly enjoyed much of his work but as many people of my generation, who can forget remarkable Easy Rider??? The story, the music, the performances... and Dennis Hopper was outstanding here as well as Peter Fonda. Another unforgettable film is Lynch's Blue Velvet and Dennis Hopper was remarkable together with Isabella Rossellini. Two unforgettable films by the so-called 'bad boy'. But there is a third great film with a very young Dennis Hopper, Giant; yes the George Stevens film with James Dean, Rock Hudson, Sal Mineo, Elizabeth Taylor and him. Three souvenirs that have a special space in my life.

RIP Dennis Hopper.

Escape to the Movies: "Prince of Persia"

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/escape-to-the-movies/1740-Prince-of-Persia

"Intermission" is called "Stealing From The Next Generation:" http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/moviebob/7615-Stealing-From-the-Next-Generation

What Movies Will Warner Bros Make 3D In 2011? Here's The List! And A Probable Too...

Got a list of Warner Bros upcoming movies that are definitely going 3D in 2011 so let's talk about those first:

- SUCKER PUNCH (March 25): Directed by Zack Snyder. Starring Vanessa Hudgens and Scott Glenn. A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.
- GREEN LANTERN (June 17): Directed by Martin Campbell. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Peter Sarsgaard and Blake Lively. A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
- HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART II (July 15): Directed by David Yates. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Bill Nighy, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton and Helena Bonham Carter. The end is near as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort's final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
- FINAL DESTINATION 5 (Aug 26): Little is known about the fifth installment of the franchise but Eric Heisserer wrote the screenplay.
- JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 2 (Sep 23): Directed by Brad Peyton. Starring Josh Hutcherson (so far). Little is known about the project's storyline.
- CONTAGION (Oct 21): Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Marion Cotillard. Deadly worldwide outbreak of a virus.
- HAPPY FEET 2 (Nov 18): Directed by George Miller. Voices by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Elijah Wood and Hank Azaria. No storyline is known as of yet.

And the probables?

- THE HANGOVER 2 (May 26): Starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. I asked Director Todd Phillips about it personally and he said that he would love to shoot it in 3D. This is a safe bet guys. The original movie hit the jackpot with $470m worldwide! Rumors are abound that Miami (according to Robin Leach) will be the location for the next HANGOVER - what do you think?
- SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 (Mid December 2011): Directed by Guy Ritchie. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The LATimes spoke with the writers for the movie who said: "Sherlock would be great in 3-D".

Drama Initiative

So, having now had basically a week to rewatch "The Finale" and chew it over, I've come to some conclusions - the first being that emoticons and digital alliterations like "j/k" and "rimshot!" are more vital than I'd given them credit for being since, evidently, if you post something tongue-in-cheek and don't use them people will take it as a personal affront and get all pissy about it. ;)

Secondly, I've been reminded of the necessity, when reacting to the ultimate revelations of a mystery that was predicated on misdirection, of seperating "I didn't like the answer" reactions from "I don't think the answer works" reactions, since they're two different things: One may legitimately feel that Norman Bates' "mother" being Norman's alternate-personality was a "stupid" ending, but I don't know that anyone can seriously say that it's not a well-executed buildup/gotcha story, just for one example. So I'll seperate this (somewhat lengthy) business out accordingly:


PART I: "I DIDN'T LIKE IT."

Thusly, I'm compelled to stipulate right off the bat that at least 90% of my "not liking" the ending of this series is based on the fact that the "misdirection"/background-noise stuff was more compelling to me than what's ultimately presented as the "main" story. At some point, "Lost" zigged, and I'm all about the zag. In other words, I was watching the wrong show.

It'll be no surprise to anyone who knows me, and probably not to folks who "know" this blog either, that the LEAST interesting thing in the world to me is human drama. Drama, I stress, not in the sense of character-oriented narrative but in the sense of drama as-pronounced with an extra "a" - Da...RAMA!!!! I mean love-triangles and strained relationships and daddy/mommy issues... basically what I'd broadly group under "Soap Opera Bullshit." I care about MY relationships and, by extension and to varying degrees, the relationships of my friends and loved-ones, naturally. But the Da...RAMA!!!! of people I don't know? Not a lick, for the most part - this is why I save all that money not buying Us Magazine - and the Da...RAMA!!!! of fictional people even less save for those instances where A.) it's exceptionally well-written and/or B.) there isn't anything more interesting (i.e. ANYTHING) in the story.

In general, concepts, ideas, objects, questions, "things" are of greater interest to me than Da-RAMA!!!!, though ideally it's for the best when the two can co-exist - i.e. a rampaging monster is more interesting when I give a damn about who is and isn't getting squished by it. But given the choice between one or the other, Da-RAMA!!!! will lose every time. I'm aware that this is the textbook antisocial-nerd-scifi-fan reaction to the world - "ray-guns and spaceships beat the real world," etc. - and I'm okay with that. I don't necessarily see it as a significant flaw, just a difference in perspective.

So, essentially, the "problem" here is MOSTLY with me, not with the show. "Lost" was ultimately a shell-game of misdirections, with the ultimate misdirection being that it pretended to be a science-fiction/fantasy show about concepts, ideas and "things" and then slowly revealing that it was "really" about the Da-RAMA!!!! of it's characters and the Power of Friendship. I got "into" it because, at first (and then for a while longer) it appeared to me to be a show about a mysterious island, mad scientists, time travel, supernatural creatures, ancient civilizations, etc; and all that was compelling enough for me to "put up with" the characters - most of whom were only intermittently interesting - and their unfolding issues.

I became progressively less interested when it transitioned from seeming to be "about" science fiction to seeming to be "about" an ongoing battle between two godlike beings of light and darkness (how trite can you get, honestly?), and less interested than that when it became abundantly clear that this was heading for a "what really matters is eachother" wrapup; but I stuck it out because MAYBE there'd still be an interesting mythology to be culled from all this. As we now know, that's not what happened; and the lion's share of my dissapointment is strictly on me: I liked what "Lost" was pretending to be more than what it "really" was, and stubbornly stuck around long past the point when that had become clear. If I feel my time was wasted, I have only myself to blame.


PART II: "I DON'T THINK IT WORKED."

All that having been said, going back and actually watching the thing in the knowledge of what was really going on... I'm still thoroughly unconvinced that it's a good ending even on it's own merits. It's not "bad," necessarily - even though my nature largely prevents me from giving much of a damn about estranged fathers or love triangles when there's a monster made of smoke running around, the characters are uniformly well-written and it's all quite exciting when it needs to be. My issue would mostly be with the very, very end of things.

Firstly, I'm sorry, but I don't think that even Charlie Kaufman, David Mamet and Tom Stoppard locked in a room together with three typewriters and unlimited funding for three solid years could possibly make an ending where the assembled cast are led through the doors of a Magical Church into "The Light" by a character literally named Christian Shephard (yes I know they lampshaded it, it's STILL awful) "work" straight-faced in 2010. That's not just bad, that's insultingly bad. And ditto the stained-glass window version of a "COEXIST" bumper-sticker in the background, too.

According to a link (http://designwoop.com/2010/05/lost-finale-explained-well/) offered by a commentor to a fellow who indentifies themself as a "Lost" writer, the show was "always" about science versus faith... and "faith won," cementing my feeling that I had definately been watching the wrong show. They go on to say that the Magic Church ending was JJ Abrams plan from the start, and the main thing the subsequent writers "didn't touch," my response to which is a massive renewal of consternation over the fact that this is the JJ Abrams who's in charge of "Star Trek" for the forseeable future. The mind REELS.

Secondly... this whole big "sideways world" thing was about making these people realize that they were the most important people in eachother's lives? Why would any of them need to be TOLD that? They survived a horrible plane crash together, fought a monster together, got into gunfights, traveled through time... why should it be treated like a "revelation" that this was a big deal for them? I can understand this being the "many years later" wrapup to a show about, say... a high school football team, or the staff of a summer camp, or whatever - where "these relationships forged in that ONE brief moment in time was the key to your entire lives!" would be an incredibly poignant revelation. But as the ultimate denoument of a story depicting a group of people going through events that would be the most important and memorable moments in anyone's life is the definition of a "well, DUH!" anticlimax.

At least that's how it played out for me.

BMC MOVIE OF THE WEEK: THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN’T DIE

The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962)

• 
• 

• Jason Evers,
• Virginia Leith,
• Leslie Daniels

An arrogant scientist brings his fiancée back from the dead in this vintage cult horror film. Dr. Bill Cortner (Jason Evers, here billed as Herb Evers) performs medical experiments despite the trepidation of his surgeon father (Bruce Brighton); transplantation is Bill's main area of interest, but he's also had some success using electric shock to restore life to the recently deceased. When Bill causes a car crash that decapitates his fiancée, Jan Compton (Virginia Leith), he spirits her head off to his secret laboratory and keeps it alive with the help of an experimental new serum. Soon, the doctor begins scouring the dives, strip clubs, and suburban streets for an attractive woman whose body he can steal to restore his lady love to her full, ambulatory glory. Meanwhile, back at the lab, Jan grows to hate Bill for refusing to let her die. Developing telepathic powers that allow her to communicate with one of Bill's failed experiments -- a snarling creature kept locked up under the stairs -- she begins to plot her revenge. Things come to a head when Bill returns to the lab with his intended victim: a bitter, disfigured, man-hating figure model (Adele Lamont). The promotional tagline for The Brain That Wouldn't Die was "Alive...without a body...fed by an unspeakable horror from hell!" The film helped provide the inspiration for '80s horror/comedy director Frank Henenlotter's Frankenhooker and Basket Case 2. The former includes a decapitated woman restored to life by her lover, while the latter features both a cameo from Brain star Jason Evers and another character who looks like the twin brother of the monster under the stairs. – All-Movie Guide.

33% liked it

Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.

Director: Joseph Green

 

 May 23, 2010: Solemnity of Pentecost (Year C)

I’m ashamed to admit that this movie completely terrified me when I was a kid. But the funny thing is that what scared me wasn’t stuff like the guy running through a field carrying his girlfriend’s severed head, or said head sitting in a pan full of syrupy blood bemoaning her fate, or even the mad doctor desperately stalking strippers and models (the only body types suitable for his experiment, of course) in order to  lob off one of their noggins and replace it with the one back at the lab. No, even at the age of six, I found all of that good fun. I mean, come on, the guy gets sick of hearing his girlfriend’s disembodied head complain all the time, so he duct tapes her mouth shut. That’s classic at any age.

No, what unnerved my young brain was the unseen thing behind the basement door. Out of sight until the very end of the film, it’s always there rattling the handle, testing the hinges, and occasionally thrusting a disfigured arm out of the food pass-through. The thought of what could be lurking behind that door chilled me to my childhood marrow and staved off sleep for hours to come. Even after I saw that it was just some doofus with putty all over his face.

Ah well, I was only six. And it’s not like the fear of the unknown can’t grip grownups from time to time. As this week’s gospel reading attests to, even the Disciples once  found themselves fearfully sitting in a room staring at a locked door. They knew what Jesus wanted them to do, but that would mean opening the door and seeing what was waiting for them on the other side. “We continually close our doors” Pope Benedict XVI  noted in his 2005 Pentecost homily, “we continually want to feel secure and do not want to be disturbed by others and by God.”

But, fortunately, doors aren’t really a problem for God. As the Pope explained, “The second image of the sending of the Spirit that we find in the Gospel is much more hidden. The Risen Lord passes through the closed doors and enters the place where the disciples are.” In this moment, Jesus prefigures the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost when the Apostles gained a little fortitude, threw open the doors, and began to teach the faith. Openly and loudly.

And now it’s our turn. Word is out that Pope Benedict XVI is establishing the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization in order to spur renewed efforts at spreading the Gospel in Europe and North America where the teachings of Christ are being overshadowed by the ongoing secularization of today’s culture. For awhile now most Catholics have preferred to keep their evangelizing behind locked doors, but it looks like Jesus is about to slip right in again and tell us to throw those doors wide open. Hope nobody’s scared.

Best thing you'll see all week: IRON BABY

Hat-tip io9 & Cinematical:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyoA4LXQco4

Here's what's even more mind-blowing about this: The one-man-show filmmaker, Patrick Boivin, is probably best known as an absurdly talented stop-motion animator.. and while there's obviously plenty of digital work here I wouldn't be surprised to learn (it doesn't seem to be specified) that some or most of the "costume" effects were done that way.

EXCLUSIVE! THE HOBBIT Is Greenlit!!! Full Pre-production Underway And You Can Expect A S3D Experience!!!

**UPDATE - May 28: I have now heard from another top source embedded in New Zealand - 3D is definitely going to happen as all the animatics are being geared that way. If you want to believe what the official company line is - go ahead. This info is straight from my top sources. This source is less gung-ho about the green light announcement happening soon however. I will stay where I am though and that is touting that THE HOBBIT is greenlit and it is full steam ahead for November.

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Strike a nerve have we? This post seems to have upset a "Hobbit focused" website a tad! They checked with their own sources and came up with a resounding "no" for the greenlight and even for the 3D, yet again. Sorry guys - no dice. My intel comes straight from the source that gave me the world's first glimpse of a Na'vi. So you can indeed take it to the bank. Do I sound confident? Good. I suspect official word will be coming down the pipe sometime soon.

YES! Finally. One of my top sources has confirmed with me that THE HOBBIT has now been greenlit!!

Full pre-production is now underway!!

There is still no official word that THE HOBBIT will be in stereoscopic 3D, but my source reiterates: "the usual 3D technical suspects have been rounded up... so I would bank on it."

I find it quite interesting that when other sites (*ahem* Deadline) mention the fact that the commence shoot date is slated for November, they think they are the ones breaking the news. You all know I broke that exclusive story back in March (with photos of the new sound stages). Sometimes you just want to reach out and... Well you know :-)

And don't even get me started on these sites talking THE HOBBIT in 3D as being a new concept!

So everyone - a collective sigh of relief: THE HOBBIT is definitely moving forward and November is the goal to roll cameras. Rest assured it will be in 3D just like I have been saying for years. I love it when a plan comes together!!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Joining Top Movies Of All Time: Passing $1B This Week!!

ALICE IN WONDERLAND is poised to enter the realm of $1 billion blockbusters! Disney has hit the jackpot with Tim Burton's 2D to 3D conversion and will have raked in 10 figures as of this week (most likely Thursday).

As of today, AIW has gathered $332m domestically and $665m overseas to bring about a near tidy sum of $997m! Its widest release was 3739 theaters and it still remains in 411.

Only AVATAR ($2.73b), TITANIC ($1.8b), THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING ($1.1b), PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST ($1.1b) and THE DARK KNIGHT ($1b) have hit the $1b plateau - so it is indeed quite a feat.

Of course, 3D played another huge role in this success story and ALICE is the second highest grossing 3D movie of all time (Fox's ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS is third with $887m and Pixar's UP is in fourth with $731m).

This one tiptoed up on me! I knew it was doing very well, but what a pleasant surprise to see it top $1 billion. When 3D conversion is done right, it can be very appealing. It may be some time before we see near native 3D quality, but ALICE IN WONDERLAND was done right given today's abilities. Congratulations Disney!

Have A Look: New ALPHA & OMEGA Trailer

Got the new ALPHA AND OMEGA trailer for you from Lionsgate. With Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Christina Ricci, Christine Lakin and Danny Glover lending their voices, I give this movie a fairly good chance of making a nice return at the box office.

Look for the release on September 17!




I think the premise is a good one, however it remains to be seen if they can be as successful as other non-Pixar projects like Fox's ICE AGE. Let me know what you think of the trailer if you feel so inclined...

Brendan Fraser Not Returning To The Center Of The Earth?

Brendan Fraser may not be making that trip after all. According to Deadline, Fraser is closer to leaving JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 2 than returning, as the project will be going forward with a different director than Fraser would prefer. Eric Brevig (Fraser's choice) is still engaged with YOGI BEAR and is not available for the sequel and which has prompted New Line / Walden to set up Brad Peyton (CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE; a conversion btw) for the director's chair. JOURNEY will be shot in native 3D, just like the original.

It doesn't matter who is at the helm for actor Josh Hutcherson (Fraser's nephew in the original) - he is returning for the sequel.

I see Fraser returning. Personally I think the two parties will meet somewhere in the middle and get him back in the driver's seat. Fraser has a HUGE worldwide following and is needed to ensure a successful second crack at the franchise. Just a hunch. What do you think?

Ridley Scott May be Partnering With OR BUYING His Own S3D Company!

Huge news here guys from New York magazine if it comes to fruition! Sir Ridley Scott is apparently in deep negotiations to become partners with Symphony 3D which happens to be the parent company of MasterImage. If you will remember, I am very bullish on MasterImage and love their 3D projection solution and products.

Seems Scott will be renaming the venture Scott Three Productions (his current shingle is called Scott Free Productions) so it seems he will be taking a very active role - perhaps owning it outright! Now there is an obvious difference between running a 3D projection company and a production house, so I have a well placed email in to a person in the know to get the lowdown on how it all looks.

The combination of a strategically placed 3D company in the hands of one of the masters of our time is a perfect combination for this new generation of filmmaking! I can feel the energy and excitement pulsing within the Scott camp lately - can you feel it? 3D is playing a huge role in this renaissance; I am ecstatic that Ridley Scott is front and center!!

MasterImage is a sponsor of MarketSaw

MUBI - Update

One of my true passions until today is Branding. I invested many years of my career learning and developing brands. I know the power of a brand and had the opportunity to help some companies that had high levels of brand or branding fragmentation. With this background, it is with high surprise that today I discover that MUBI is still The Auteurs... and The Auteurs is MUBI.

From product description I gather that The Auteurs is where we will continue to find excellent movies, while in MUBI we will find more films less strictly curated and will be like a social network, a discussion group, the latest news and critcism... Hmmm. Like they say: The Auteurs is about films, MUBI about the audience. Hmm.

I'm really sorry to say that this seems like a bad case of brand fragmentation (against a good case of brand segmentation) and just hope that eventually brand owners realize the power of The Auteur brand as what was a unique World platform to watch, discuss, read, review, learn and simply enjoy excellent cinema. My suggestion if I was their brand consultant is .... wait! I used to charge three figures an hour to give this kind of advise... so I better remain silent, LOL!

Anyway if you're interested in this subject, more from a marketing/branding point-of-view than cinema pov, check the letter that The Auteurs/MUBI Founder & CEO published today, please go here.

---end of Update--

Some of my European friends have to be very interested in today's news from Cannes. Here is an excerpt from the news at indieWire that you can read here just go down to 11:33 AM.

“Never before have filmmakers had the ability to program, now they do,” said Celluloid Dreams head Hengameh Panahi in Cannes this morning. She helped usher in a new phase for online film library, The Auteurs, which has unveiled a partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and re-branded itself as ‘MUBI.’

Under the pact, detailed today at a Majestic Hotel press event, MUBI’s collection of international, independent and classic cinema will be available to European PlayStation3 users. MUBI will be a free, downloadable application that allows anyone with a PS3 in designated territories access to its library. PS3 users in the U.K., Ireland, France, Italy, the Iberian peninsula, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Benelux and Nordic countries, Australia and New Zealand will have access to MUBI’s collection beginning in Autumn, 2010. Plans for North America are said to be still pending.

Included in the downlodable offering is the entire work of Belgian/French filmmaker, Agnes Varda (“The Gleaners and I”). MUBI and Sony call it “the first time that the complete work of such an established filmmaker will have been available to watch globally on the Internet.” Additionally, Mexican collaboration, “Revolucion,” which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and will screen in Cannes this week will be available on MUBI on the anniversary of Mexico’s revolution and ahead of its worldwide DVD release. Work from the Coen brothers and Tarantino as well as Latin American directors and restored shorts are among the array of films that will be available to users"

So I know a few friends that if they don't have a PS3 maybe should buy one fast. But don't despair if you can't afford one, the films are all available at the good old The Auteurs site that from today the opening page reads as follows.

Dont' panic... We just changed our name. We are now MUBI. Your Online cinema. Anytime, anywhere.

Now it's important that you update your bookmarks as the new address is http://mubi.com/home or www.mubi.com. Still, to check and watch Agnes Varda films in one page you have to go to http://www.theauteurs.com/agnes-varda (!) so, go figure, they must be in the transition phase.

I'm really glad to learn that now PS3 owners can now also watch interesting world cinema besides only playing (lol!), hope my particular friends in Spain enjoy the new film distribution outlet as much as they enjoy playing.

Obviously The Auteurs did more than just changing their name to MUBI as with more platforms come more new viewers and more viewers means more new films! Excellent.

Cheers!!!

This is the ad at Playstation

New Moon

As world premiere of the Twilight saga third installment is getting closer, I finally decided to check the second installment that as many of you already know, I didn't enjoy much the second book. Yes the book was not as exciting as the other three, but the film definitively was. Surprise! I got so involved in the story that I was wondering if that story was in the second book or not. So I checked the book and got hook again so I'm reading the third, Eclipse, again!

I believe that the second installment is a lot better movie than the first, but after checking reviews and viewers comments, I know that some believe both are bad, the first is better or the second is better, which means absolutely nothing new when you're watching popular, commercial and entertaining movies based on extremely popular books.

Repeating myself, I paid attention to Kristen Stewart long before she became the celebrity she currently is and find this actress intriguing. When she finally gets rid of the Twilight saga movies, hopefully she will direct her career in the course she was before Twilight. Still, I'm so looking forward to be able to watch her latest performance in a movie that hopefully will rock my memories, as she plays Joan Jett from the Runaways. So, it's not surprising that what I liked more about New Moon is her performance and I'm sure that's the reason why I liked so much the second installment. (lol!)

The film basically is to kill some time and enjoy simple escape entertainment, unless you know Kristen Stewart before her current celebrity status. If you do, I'm sure you will enjoy her performance here as much as I did.

I'm ready for Eclipse and look forward to continue enjoying this saga as I know the story gets a lot better.

Oops! I'm forgetting something. Do I recommend the movie? Only if you enjoy the books, enjoy the story and wish to have an escape moment.

Enjoy!

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

SHREK FOREVER AFTER Fails At Box Office. Or Does It??

I am amazed at the number of media outlets blasting SHREK FOREVER AFTER for under performing at the box office this weekend. Over $70 million is a nice opening! Remember - this is the fourth franchise movie and Dreamworks Animation knew that it would be very hard to keep besting themselves at the box office every time around. Especially after Shrek 2 made $108m and Shrek 3 grabbed $121m - both setting records.

$70m is hardly a failure. While it may be true that less than half as many moviegoers as SHREK 3 (which was not a great movie - another mitigating factor to huge box office) went to see SHREK 4, we always have to look at the international market where SHREK really shines. It made $20m in Russia this weekend, which topped even AVATAR's opening.

Again, 3D is playing a HUGE role. Over 60% of the revenues were from 3D screens with the 3D premiums adding $13m to the tally. And don't forget that HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON had plenty of legs - SHREK 4 could stay awhile in theaters.

The lesson to be learned here, if any, is that some franchises peter out earlier than others. SHREK FOREVER AFTER's opening performance is a good one for just about any other franchise, except, well SHREK. Will DWA continue on with the franchise then? I highly doubt it with the announced sequels to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and KUNG FU PANDA - both in 3D of course. Legacy? Well, a generation of kids have plenty to look back on and smile at. And so does DWA.

63rd Cannes Film Festival Closing Ceremony

After several tries -due to my Internet malfunction- I was able to watch the closing ceremony. My take away is that the best part of the whole festival was exactly learning the award winners as more than one award winner seemed honestly surprised, some acceptance speeches were interesting (the best: Elio Germano), some colorful (Bardem declaring in public his love for Penelope), some emotional (Binoche), one really touching (Haroun) and the surprised Palme d’Or winner was so happy that was a pleasure to watch.

Before I continue here is the complete closing ceremony for those that haven’t seen it yet.

Most news I’ve read today mention that this year Cannes Palm d’Or is a win that will please cinephiles. Honestly to me the news are a: What??? I don’t know about you, but a few years back I decided to seriously follow festivals as a source of excellent films that never will come to a theater near me and if I wanted to continue improving my film collection, I had at least to know the names of the films I had to buy –now- in DVD. Does this honest comment make a cinephile? My answer is: No. Still, I’m glad and looking forward to being able to watch the winner, that was one of my two choices for my Palm –and I didn’t needed any of the two to win a major award for me getting excited about the possibility of watching films that will stimulate my eyes, my ears, my heart, and my brain all together. Films that could be a complete cinematic experience. Does this make me a cinephile? Still my answer is: No.

To me a cinephile is like a scholar, an archive with millions of files with film facts about every detail of each production. When they emit an opinion is a serious Master Class about everything we common viewers are not interested at all and probably will be overwhelmed with the huge amount of information. Will or could they enjoy or approve 2010 Cannes top winner? It’s irrelevant for them, as I’m sure that everything that Cannes shows becomes part of their cinema knowledge, as happens with other films in many festivals around the world.

So, after I poured out my strong dislike about headlines and articles I’ve been reading today that only segment more audiences if not scare them away from watching great films, let’s continue with some of what I find more light, amusing and entertaining news about the Mother of all festivals.

I got the impression that British press is a little bit bitter about what critics and fest attendees considered a strong contender, Mike Leigh’s Another Year that left the fest empty handed. But also because of the winning film late screening, most press writers and/or critics left Cannes without being able to watch the film.

Last year some articles mentioned that Haneke’s The White Ribbon won because the strong ties between Haneke and Isabelle Huppert. This year articles mention that the Palme d’Or winner totally fits Tim Burton’s style. So, I ask: if winners are mostly tied up to Jury President relationships/likes, what’s the role that other jurors play? (lol).

One of the strangest moments I lived yesterday was starting to read in Spanish press about Javier Bardem winning the best actor palm. Articles started to pour while the red carpet event was running and BEFORE the award ceremony started. Leaks?

Cannes (interesting) Trivia

Was reading that the last time Italy got a Best Actor Palme d’Or was in 1987 when great Marcello Mastroianni was honored for his performance in Oci Ciornie. Also -very funny news-Elio Germano’s most interesting part of his speech was cut in Italian news (lol).

Javier Bardem is not the first Spanish actor that wins the best actor Palme, there are other three remarkable actors from Spain that won before him; but what’s interesting is that Bardem has almost every major award in the world, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, two Volpi cups (Venice fest), four Goyas and the only one missing is the Silver Bear from the Berlinale.

Since I found the above news in the media and nothing alike about Juliette Binoche, let me be the one that tells you that Juliette also has almost all the major awards in the world!! An Oscar, a BAFTA, a Silver Bear, an European Film Award, a Cesar, and a Copa Volpi. Only one missing, a Golden Globe where she was nominated three times for Trois Couleurs: Blue, The English Patient and Chocolat.

Haven’t fix the awards post, eventually I will. LOL!

The End

Which of the following best describes your mood as of 11:30PM ET, May 23rd?

A.) "Called it!"

B.) "Well, that was a waste of six years."

C.) "I had been under the assumption that this was still science fiction of some sort, and am therefore annoyed at the lack of explanations."

D.) "I am pretty sure that I am dissapointed, but since I know the whole Internet is going to immediately declare 'THAT SUCKED!!!' and I don't want to be lumped in with those fanboys; I'm going to spend at least a week pouring over stuff I liked about it so that I can form a driving-home-after-Phantom-Menace-esque barrier of denial."

E.) "Everything from Option D, plus I'm going to hurl various insults based around the words 'spoon-fed' at anyone who disagrees.

F.) "I owe 'Battlestar Galactica' an apology."

63rd Festival de Cannes Official Selection Awards Winners

Update - Just noticed that I never fixed this post! I'm doing it right now.

I'm ready!!! The ceremony is about to start, as the red carpet is over...

Will fix the post as soon as I get my network ready as believe it or not I LOST my internet connection!!! LOL!!! Boy that was 'exciting' (grrrr).

Think that first I'll watch the video and then will fix the post... not online yet and Canal+ is showing Ken Loach's Looking for Eric, that's strange! Okay, they have stopped and hope will have the video asap. Clips with awards are up.

Haven't seen the closing ceremony video but it's official "I LOVE TWITTER" (already have an account) where I followed a 'serious' twitter: Euronews. Merci beaucoup Euronews, which was faster than any other #cannes twit.

Seems that after many years watching movies I developed a good eye for movies as if you read the post with my only predictions I guessed just from watching videos/clips/trailers right 3 out of 3! Alright, one was a tie that I could never imagined, but I do like Elio Germano and have seen several movies just to watch his performance.

So here are the winners for this year.

Palme d'Or: Lung Boonmee Raleuk Chaat (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives), Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Spain, Thailand, Germany, UK, and France, 2010

Grand Prix: Des Hommes et Des Dieux (Of Gods and Men), Xavier Beauvois, France, 2010

Prix du Jury: Un Homme qui Crie (A Screaming Man), Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, France, Chad and Belgium, 2010

Best Director: Mathieu Amalric for Tournée (On Tour), France, 2009

Best Actress: Juliette Binoche in Copie Conforme (Certified Copy), Abbas Kiarostami, France and Italy, 2010 (BRAVO!!!!)

Best Actor (tie):
Javier Bardem in Biutiful, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Spain and Mexico, 2009
Elio Germano in La Nostra Vita (Our Life), Daniele Luchetti, Italy and France, 2010

Best Screenplay: 시 (Poetry), Lee Chang-dong, South Korea, 2010

Camera d'Or: Año Bisiesto, Michael Rowe, Mexico

Collateral Awards

FIPRESCI Award: Tournée (On Tour), Mathieu Amalric, France, 2009

Ecumenical Jury: Des Hommes et Des Dieux (Of Gods and Men), Xavier Beauvois, France, 2010
Special Mention:
Another Year, Mike Leigh, UK, 2010
시 (Poetry), Lee Chang-dong, South Korea, 2010

Prix de la Jeunesse: Copie Conforme (Certified Copy), Abbas Kiarostami, France and Italy, 2010

Short Films

Best Short: Chienne d'Histoire (Barking Island), Serge Avedikian, France
Jury Prize: Micky Bader (Bathing Micky), Frida Kempf, Sweden and Denmark, 2009

Prix France Culture Cinema: Ronit Elkabetz
Prix du Talent Europeen: Polish Pawel Pawlikowski for his project Sister of Mercy

To check the list at the official site go here.

Day 12 Cannes News

After 12 days we have reached the end. Today a ‘flat’ festival closes after Thierry Fremaux remarkable remark that I didn’t want to pay much attention. Since the press conference the world knew that this was going to be a “difficult” festival. Yes Fremaux warned us, but I was hoping he was just being ‘political’; unfortunately he was being honest. Definitively not the best year for this festival and much less if we recall last year outstanding films that made it up to USA most prestigious award. I believe that this year’s winners will not make it that far. Still, I really hope I’m totally wrong. It’s still very hard to accept that there were no outstanding films in the fest and still want to believe than when watching some of them I will dismiss all this nonsense and will praise the festival.

Today @ Cannes

Official Competition: Today there is a reprise screening of all in-competition films and after the award ceremony the screening of the closing film, The Tree by Julie Bertuccelli.

Around 8pm local time is the closing ceremony that I’m sure will not be able to watch live (still Canal+ has the clock running, but this time I wont fall for it-besides I know that’s wrong time), but I’ll try to follow live the results.

Serious Notes

The festival highlight for me was not a particular film but learning and reading about a director in prison. No, I’m not talking about Polanski, I’m talking about the invited jury member that couldn’t make it and at the opening ceremony we saw an empty chair. The film director that currently is in a hunger strike and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, then perhaps you should remain in ignorance as I’m not going to tell you. That was and still is the festival highlight for me.

Buzz about winners

From France press reports
Local press predictions, Another Year is the winner, followed not so close by Biutiful.
International press predictions: Another Year winning, followed by Des Hommes et des Dieus.

Best Actor: Javier Bardem, but also strong Lambert Wilson in two films (La Princesse de Montpensier and Des homes et des dieux) and Mathieu Amalric. I really hope Bardem wins and so do many French and international critics.

Best Actress: Major contender is Yoon Jung-hee in Poetry, followed by Lesley Manville in Another Year; some claim that Juliette Binoche’s role is not strong even when performed excellent, and some are talking about an ensemble award for all women in Tournee –mainly because they were asked to return to Cannes today (so it’s possible).

French news from Canada
Palme: Des Hommes et des Dieux; Grand Prix: Another Year; Best Actor: Javier Bardem; Best Actress: tie Juliette Binoche and Yun Junghee; Director Im Sang-soo; Jury Award: Route Irish.

From English written news
Rumor from inside the jury says that no single film has impressed the judges, meaning that there could be spreading of wealth (I find this the most probable situation). Not surprised if top award goes to Poetry. Best film is not in competition, Carlos.

“Most “cinephiles” would like Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s winning something major”. (Really?)

“Most experts say is one of the most wide-open races for the Cannes to prize in years” (True.) and contenders are: Poetry, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall Past Lives, Another Year and Biutiful.

So, what do I think? I really haven’t got a clue!!! And it’s an eclectic jury. But if I was judging videos/clips/trailers my Palm should go to Uncle Boome new story and/or My Joy; best actor: Javier and Best Actress: Juliette (but I’m totally biased! –lol). Can’t guess any of the other major awards from clips, so I won’t go there.

Not so Serious Notes

Never in my whole life read so much gossip about Cannes jury members. The most outrageous is about Tim Burton not being able to head the jury and the jury from India taking over! Gee, imagine if it’s real… I can’t.

Well, this is it for today and for the last festival post about news, videos, photos and gossip about Cannes.

Sincerely hope that what Thierry Freamaux is telling lately is true: 2011 lineup is going to be really strong!

Latest News (or gossip): These people have been called back to Cannes for tonight's closing ceremony: Javier Bardem, Juliette Binoche, Lee Chang-dong, Mathieu Amalric, Mahamat Saleh Haroun, and the 'team' of Des Hommes et des Dieux... hmm. Haven't left Cannes, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the 'team' of Hors la loi, Nikita Mikhalkov, Kornel Mundruzco. The rest are NOT in Cannes... and if they win something simply will not accept in person (which hardly happens in a festival, much less in Cannes).

Seems the press boycott is over (lol!) as The Associated Press is releasing dispatches... Reuters, not yet (but saw one or two during the fest)