Javier Bardem booms out, “You shall love (pause) whether you like it or not.” Bardem is seen dressed as a priest in ‘To The Wonder,’ the latest film by Terrence Malick , which debuted at the Venice Film Festival . The trailer opens with a couple walking across what looks like a bridge over the Seine in Paris who then head to what looks like the tidal island Mont Saint-Michel before heading back to more suburban locales and then pastoral expanses. Starring Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Olga Kurylenko and Bardem, the film was originally set to star Christian Bale who later dropped out. The feature by the reclusive Malick is a romantic drama centered on an American man who is torn between the woman who moved to the U.S. to be with him (Kurylenko) and the appearance of a local woman from his past (McAdams) as his marriage falls apart. The film managed to polarize audiences in Venice. Full text of Bardem’s voiceover in the trailer below. You shall love whether you like it or not. Emotions, they come and go like clouds. Love is not only a feeling; you shall love. To love is to run the risk of failure, the risk of betrayal. You fear your love has died; perhaps it is waiting to be transformed into something higher. Awaken the divine presence which sleeps in each man, each woman. Know each other in that love that never changes. [ Source: The trailer is exclusive to TheFilmStage.com via Huffington Post ]
Quentin Tarantino says slavery continues in the United States. The outspoken filmmaker — whose spaghetti southern Django Unchained unflinchingly depicts the brutality of slavery — stoked the debate on race Tuesday night when he appeared on the Canadian television talk show George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight to suggest that the United States’ “war on drugs” and its “mass incarcerations” of black men is “just slavery through and through.” Tarantino didn’t cite these figures, but he could have: According to the New York Times, half of the 2.3 million Americans in prison or jail are black, an astonishing figure when compared to 2011 U.S. Census information that indicates blacks comprise only 13.1 percent of the country’s population. In other words, he’s got a point, and this is a conversation our country should stop avoiding. Tarantino was promoting Django Unchained , which opens Christmas Day, on Stroumboulopoulos’ CBC show when he made the controversial comments, and it will be interesting to see whether they get any traction in the U.S.— especially since the national debate is now focused on gun control in the wake of the Newtown, Conn. shootings. A spokesman for George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight provided Movieline with a video clip of Tarantino’s segment and a transcript of his comments. Check them out below and let me know whether you agree with Tarantino’s remarks in the comments section. George Stroumboulopoulos: So you know this film is gonna deal with the conversation about race in America today, people will talk about it. What do you feel about where it’s at? Quentin Tarantino: Uh… It’s… You know, there is… On a day-to-day, day-in, day-out basis for most people in America, it’s okay. Things have gotten a lot better. People are a little too sensitive to talk about stuff, and that’s a drag, but you know that’s, that’s how it is. But on a bigger level, it’s very depressing. This whole thing of the, this “war on drugs,” and the mass incarcerations that have happened pretty much for the last 40 years has just decimated the black male population. It’s slavery, it is just, it’s just slavery through and through, and it’s just the same fear of the black male that existed back in the 1800s. And uh, you know there’s a reason – I mean, especially having even directed a movie about slavery, and you know the scenes that we have in the slave town, the slave auction town, where they’re moving back and forth. Well that looks like standing in the top tier of a prison system and watching the things go down. And between the private prisons and the public prisons, the way prisoners are traded back and forth. And literally all the reasons that they have for keeping this going are all the same reasons they had for keeping slavery going after the whole world had pretty much decided that it was immoral. GS: Right. Business first. QT: Because it’s like, because it’s an industry. And one, what are we gonna do with all these people that are let loose, you know, these black people let loose, and two, what are we gonna do about all of the people that make money off of this industry? READ MORE on Django Unchained: Quentin Tarantino Defends Violence in ‘Django Unchained’ Samuel L. Jackson Says He Burned Off Jamie Foxx’s Nipples In Cut ‘Django Unchained’ Scene [ George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight , New York Times , U.S. Census Bureau ] Follow Frank DiGiacomo on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
Popular culture may suffer from youth obsession and the movies may be front and central in perpetuating it all, but older folks have made strides this year in capturing the box office dollar with titles like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Hope Springs . So, why not have the nation’s most prominent organization for people hitting their Golden Years weigh in on the year’s best movies? AARP — less popularly known as the American Association of Retired Persons — gave its Top Ten films of the year, joining a chorus of other groups this time of the year giving their lists. The interest group noted that 2012 was “hot for both older movie-goers and movie-makers,” citing Golden Globe nominations for Helen Mirren, Richard Gere, Denzel Washington, Bill Murray and Judi Dench. AARP’s picks include titles by directors such as Ben Affleck, David O. Russell and Kathryn Bigelow which feature stars that aren’t exactly on the cusp of receiving Social Security benefits, but their picks seem to indicate themes of maturity over age. AARP dubbed their 2012 best films list as a “Year-end Top Ten Movies for Grownups.” Their picks follow: Argo Amour Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Hitchcock Les Miserables Lincoln Quartet The Sessions Silver Linings Playbook Zero Dark Thirty Movies made for older audiences became an issue earlier this year after comments by an actress perfectly comfortable embracing senior citizenry in roles such as the Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey and as Muriel Donnelly in box office hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel . Maggie Smith made waves criticizing Hollywood’s youth obsession, pointing out that films that portray older people have historically performed well. “It seems to me there is a change in what audiences want to see,” she said. “I can only hope that’s correct, because there’s an awful lot of people of my age around now and we outnumber the others. I don’t think films about elderly people have been made very much. But I think of [films like] Cocoon and Driving Miss Daisy and they always seem to be fairly successful, so it’s a bit baffling as to why everybody has to be treated as if they were five years old.”
I just finished reading Brett Martin’s profile of Bill Murray for the January issue of GQ , and while the story and Murray are highly entertaining, I’m tiring of reading profiles in which Murray simultaneously demonstrates how funny and how aimless he is. Martin observes that Murray has become a kind of “wandering, perpetual performance artist, everywhere and nowhere, wherever the wind or spirit carries him: indie movies, golf tournaments, college frat parties, your karaoke booth right now.” I appreciate that Murray likes being the Johnny Appleseed of meta-comedy, but I think it’s time for him to stop spreading joy to a handful of people at a time and get back to making thousands of people in cineplexes across the country aspirate Diet Coke because they’re laughing so hard. Here’s the passage in the story that most makes me want to chuck my vintage Ghostbusters wallet in the East River. It’s Murray talking about how he’s thinking about writing and making a funny movie again:
Early word among some insiders is that this year’s Sundance NEXT section may be the best yet, though hype has a tendency to take on momentum of its own. Still when it’s all said and done, some buzz titles may emerge from the section which is a spotlight on emerging talent. A first glimpse at one film that will premiere at next month’s festival, A Teacher bows today with the debut of its poster. [ Related: Sundance Film Festival Reveals 2013 U.S. & World Competition And NEXT Slate ] The simple image on the poster for A Teacher only hints at the drama, which may stir some controversy among audiences given the nature of its plot, described below: Diana (Lindsay Burdge), a young, attractive teacher at a suburban Texas high school, is well-liked by her students and colleagues. Her life seems to be following the status quo, but in reality she’s having a secret affair with her student Eric (Will Brittain). She confides in no one but him, reveling in the teenage terrain of sexting and backseat quickies. Even when the risk of discovery looms over their relationship, her investment in the fantasy remains stronger than reality. Unable to control herself, she heads down a reckless path of self-destruction. The subject of a teacher-student affair may be tabloid fodder, but writer/director Hannah Fidell resists sensationalism or the temptation to pathologize her protagonist. With bold vision, Fidell uses highly controlled pacing, silky camera movements, and a tense percussive sound aesthetic to free its narrative from the confines of convention, while a fascinating performance by Lindsay Burdge transports us into Diana’s head space, where her unabated obsession lives.
If you haven’t been following Vin Diesel ‘s Facebook page , you are missing out on the dorkiest and most touching thing in all the universe. Vin and his 36,982,149 devoted fans live in perfect, sentimentally cheeseball symbiosis, and those fans are a huge part of why he continues to be able to make movies. Chief among them is the incredibly successful Fast & Furious series, which has earned more than $1.5 billion for Universal Pictures. No doubt Universal is counting on that for the upcoming big screen adaptation of the classic 1970s cop show Kojak , because they’ve done the obvious and genius thing: They’re making Vin Diesel the new Telly Savalas. Kojak featured the late, great Savalas as a tough, charming, and proudly bald NYC detective whose greatest joys were a nice suit, catching bad guys, and attempting to cut down on smoking by sucking on Tootsie Pops. The show ran from 1973 to 1978 before being cancelled due to slipping ratings, but it lived on in a series of TV movies for which Savalas reprised the role. An attempted reboot starring Ving Rhames was produced in 2005 for USA, but as this was prior to that network striking gold with what now feels like an endless supply of quirky hour long dramas, the series was cancelled after only one season. The Kojak movie will be penned by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, the duo behind the last 5 James Bond films. That’s no guarantee of quality – they did write Die Another Day , after all – but given how Justin Lin’s stewardship of the Fast & Furious series kind of turned Diesel’s Dominic Toretto into the dumber and more lovable version of Bond, one has high hopes for the combination. And frankly, casting Vin as Kojak feels like the three suns had aligned and the Dark Crystal is about to be restored; he looks good in a suit, he’s bald and proud, and more importantly, he is that perfect combination of teddy bear and badass. Hopefully, Kojak will feature as much sparkle-magic Vin Diesel as it can get away with. [ Deadline ] Follow Ross A. Lincoln on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Martin Scorsese is taking on the 42nd President of the United States for his next project and Bill Clinton himself is fully participating in the non-fiction film. Produced in conjunction with HBO , the film will “explore his perspectives on history, politics, culture and the world.” Scorsese will produce and direct the film. In announcing the film, Scorsese said Clinton is a “Towering figure who remains a major voice in world issues,” adding, “President Clinton continues to shape the political dialogue both here and around the world. Through intimate conversations, I hope to provide greater insight into this transcendent figure.” William Jefferson Clinton served as the 42nd U.S. President from 1993 to 2001 and was the first Democratic leader in six decades to be elected twice. He is credited with leading the U.S. to one of the longest economic expansions in American history. After leaving office, he established the William J. Clinton Foundation which aims to “improve global health, strengthen economies, promote healthier childhoods and protect the environment by fostering partnerships among governments, business, NGOs and private citizens.” “President Clinton is one of the most compelling figures of our time, whose world view and perspective, combined with his uncommon intelligence, making him a singular voice on the world stage,” said HBO CEO Richard Plepler and programming president Michael Lombardo in a joint statement. “This documentary, under Marty’s gifted direction, creates a unique opportunity for the President to reflect on myriad issues that have consumed his attention and passion throughout both his Presidency and post-Presidency.” “I am pleased that legendary director Martin Scorsese and HBO have agreed to this film,” Clinton said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing my perspective on my years as President and my work in the years since with HBO’s audience.” Martin Scorsese collaborated with the 2011 doc George Harrison: Living in the Material World . He’s also worked with the premium network with the documentary Public Speaking (2010) and the series Boardwalk Empire , in which he is an executive producer.
The film won a number of prizes including Best Picture. Also in Monday’s round-up of news, seven films made the Academy’s Shortlist of titles competing in the hair and makeup category; Lili Taylor’s latest is set for a Berlin premiere; newcomers in the Specialty Box Office opened weak over the weekend; and film critic Karina Longworth is leaving L.A. Weekly. Silver Linings Playbook Wins 4 Satellite Awards Including Best Picture David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook took five prizes at the 17th annual Satellite Awards Sunday including Best Picture and best director for Russell and best actor prizes for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, THR reports . 7 Movies On Makeup Short List Seven films remain in competition for the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 85th Academy Awards. Hitchcock , The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey , Les Misérables , Lincoln , Looper , Men in Black 3 and Snow White and the Huntsman made the short list. Three nominees will lead into the Oscar ceremony. Lili Taylor’s The Cold Lands Set for Berlin Premiere The film by Tom Gilroy will have its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. Also starring John Ventimiglia, the pic revolves around Atticus who flees from authorities after his mother’s sudden death into the rugged mountains and dense forests of upstate New York. The feature is part of the initial films announced in the Berlinale’s Generation Programme. See the full list of announced titles here . Any Day Now Soft as Holdovers Hyde Park On Hudson and Silver Linings Playbook Stay Solid Any Day Now bowed in 16 theaters a brave story starring Alan Cumming about a gay couple fighting to retain custody of special needs child they reared. Any Day Now is a brave film and story that earned audience prizes at festivals throughout the year. Unfortunately it did not connect fully with paying audiences in its debut but hopefully its audience will build through word-of-mouth. It averaged only $2,563 per location. More specialty results at Deadline. Film Critic Karina Longworth Leaves L.A. Weekly Longworth began at L.A. Weekly replacing Scott Foundas who headed to the Film Society of Lincoln Center. He’s returning to Village Voice Media as its critic. She is writing a book about Meryl Streep for Cahiers du Cinema and will freelance, TOH reports .
An often overlooked 80s classic is getting a slick HD makeover on the occasion of its 25 th birthday: the George Lucas -produced and Ron Howard -directed fantasy film Willow comes to Blu-Ray on March 13. First released in 1988, Willow follows the adventures of a farmer ( Warwick Davis of Harry Potter and Leprechaun fame in the title role) from a humble village of little people who finds himself pursued by entire armies as he protects a magical baby from a tyrannical witch. There’s a roguish swordsman, a rebellious princess, even an evil knight who dresses in black armor. Basically, it’s Star Wars meets the book of Exodus meets (duh) Lord of the Rings . Which is fine, especially since it was at the time the closest we thought we might ever get to anything remotely Tolkien-esque on the big screen*. Of course, 13 years after Willow ‘s release we actually got that live-action LOTR , which is probably why the new trailer for the Willow Blu-ray really, really, no really, seriously wants you to think The Hobbit while you watch. In fact, the tagline ‘from smallest beginnings…’ shamelessly apes The Hobbit ‘s “from small beginnings” to the point that you wonder if the original title was ‘Age Of Hobbits’. Here’s a look: Despite a rather underwhelming ending and TV movie-level direction (sorry, Ron, but it’s true), Willow was a wonderful bit of cheesy 1980s fantasy at least worthy of a double feature with Krull . True, Willow lacks a “hey, wait, he’s in this??!” appearance by Liam Neeson , but it does have a pre-fat Elvis period Val Kilmer , Davis in one of his rare chances to act without first being covered under piles of latex and makeup, and plenty of magic and swordfighting in finest late-80s green screen style. If the trailer is anything to go on, the Blu-Ray version is going to look kind of great. So, OK LucasFilm, if blatantly trying to fool people into making a Peter Jackson -Lucas connection helps sell copies, I’m in. Just don’t release Howard the Duck as the spiritual predecessor to Meet the Feebles , okay? * Excalibur doesn’t count and you know it. Ross Lincoln is a LA-based freelance writer from Oklahoma with an unhealthy obsession with comics, movies, video games, ancient history, Gore Vidal, and wine. Follow Ross A. Lincoln on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
Prognosticators have maybe five (or even as few as two) possible Oscar winners, and most lists of ten (or so) have many of the same titles though perhaps in various orders. But folks, the nominations have yet to come in and the Academy made that clear today with its list of 282 feature films for 2012 that are eligible for Best Picture. [ Related: Oscar Index: ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Caught In The Cross-Hairs ] Rules are rules and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially considers a feature film that played in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by midnight, December 31 and begin a minimum seven consecutive day run. [ Related: Golden Globes Unveil 70th Edition Nominees ] Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format. Feature films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days to Django Unchained ; The First Time to Flight ; Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted to Magic Mike ; 17 Girls to The Sessions … They’re all on the official list , so don’t count out the non-elite not making Awards headlines. The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013
