Oh Nene! Nene Leakes Laughing At Sheree Whitfield Nene is one of those chicks who loves to kick a girl when she’s down. According to The National Enquirer NENE LEAKES and her former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-star Sheree Whitfield have been at each other’s throats for years, but it looks like NeNe is now getting the last laugh! After learning that her one-time pal Sheree’s home was in foreclosure, NeNe blurted out: “I told you so!” Nene, 45, and Sheree, 43, have known each other since before their days together on “RHOA” – and insiders say they were in competition long before they ever set foot in front of the cameras. When the hit Bravo reality show first started filming, it appeared Sheree – as the wife of ex-NFL player Bob Whitfield – was the wealthier and more glamorous of the two women. But over the past few years, NeNe’s career – and bank account – has skyrocketed. Not only has she landed spots on “The New Normal,” “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Glee,” she’s also now the highest paid “Housewife” of all time, pulling in $1 million plus bonuses for Season 6. She’s even got her own spinoff series, “I Dream of NeNe,” which premieres on Bravo on Sept. 17. Meanwhile, Sheree was dumped from “RHOA” after the show’s fourth season. Now, she appears to be drowning in debt and was sued for unpaid legal bills. The government reportedly has filed a tax lien against her for unpaid taxes, and she’s about to lose the home she had been building to foreclosure! And NeNe saw the writing on the wall from the beginning. “When NeNe first heard about Sheree’s plans to build a McMansion in Atlanta, she dubbed it ‘Neverland’ because she was sure Sheree was never going to finish it,” said the insider. “She was correct – Sheree’s house is still not finished. And NeNe is laughing – all the way to the bank.” Maybe these two can squash their beef over some cocktails at Chateau Sheree once it’s completed (wink wink).
The tale of former slaver, writer, and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano (pictured) spans continents, informing his writing of the intercontinental slave trade known as “The Middle…
A word of advice: Don’t go to see Brandon Cronenberg’s unsettling Antiviral if you’re getting over a cold or have recently undergone a medical procedure that involved the withdrawal of blood or a skin biopsy. The 33-year-old filmmaker’s debut feature makes such effective use of hypodermic needles and flesh samples that I left the screening room on unsteady feet, feeling like I’d just donated a pint of my own plasma. But do go see the movie. In a world in which Jay-Z and Beyonce’s trip to Cuba can hijack a news cycle that should be focused on gun control, sequestration and the false positives of our current economy, Antiviral is a squirm-inducing corrective for our obsession with celebrity that resonates long after the closing credits. The premise alone is perversely brilliant: Cronenberg has brought to life a queasy world in which preoccupation with fame has metastasized to the point where civilians pay good money to be infected with the copyrighted STDs of their favorite celebrity and to dine on pale, gristly cuts of meat grown from their tissue cells. At the center of this story is Syd March, played by Caleb Landry Jones , a dour salesman of celebrity sickness who, behind his employer’s back, is infecting himself with his company’s offerings so that he can extract his own bootleg versions to sell on the black market. Phil’s extracurricular dealings leave him constantly sick, but when he becomes infected with the most sought-after celebrity virus of all, things get much, much worse. I sat down with the thoughtful, soft-spoken Cronenberg in New York on Tuesday to discuss Antiviral and his own encounters with celebrity as the son of Cosmopolis director David Cronenberg . He had some particularly interesting things to say about critics who contend that his film is too similar to his father’s early work in the horror/sci-fi genre. Movieline: One of the messages I took away from Antiviral was that the lure of celebrity is irresistible, no matter how horrific or deadly it becomes. Brandon Cronenberg: The character of Syd definitely sees himself as superior to that culture and removed from it, but it has actually totally defined him and he can’t escape from it. We’re all products of our environment, and it’s hard not to be affected by that stuff in a certain way. But I wouldn’t say it’s impossible to resist. I want the film to be partly an active resistance. It does work as a corrective, especially if you are celebrity obsessed and squeamish about hypodermic needles. I think we can change the part where we’re not complicit in creating that kind of culture and supporting that industry by engaging with it in a certain way. Antiviral also works as a metaphor for how celebrity has infected news reporting and even our government. Jay-Z and Beyonce are in the news today because of their trip to Cuba when there’s so much more important stuff that should be dominating the news cycle. In the film, no one’s famous for any reason. It’s purely the industry of celebrity going as far as possible — or almost as far as possible because there’s still some loose connection to real human beings. In Japan for instance, there are purely digital celebrities, and I think probably the most extreme level would be when human beings are abandoned altogether. Then it becomes an industry that fabricates digital celebrities and prints money because people are willing to do anything to feel somehow connected to these creations even if they’re not real. Celebrity dominates the news in a way that’s often fairly stupid because it’s not about anything really significant. At the same time, it’s what gets people’s attention, and as long as those are the news stories that are getting the most hits or the biggest ratings, they will continue to get big play because news is a business. Can you envision any kind of a turning point? I don’t see it changing anytime soon, but it could in theory, so it’s important to think about it. I noticed that the name of your protagonist is the same as the artist and sculptor Sydney March, who was involved in the creation of Canada’s National War Memorial. Was that intentional? What? The name is even spelled the same. That’s one of the most interesting things I’ve heard all day. I mean it’s probably embarrassing that I don’t know that, but that wasn’t intentional. I just liked the name and probably some combination of Syd Barrett and [Cid from] the Final Fantasy video games . I took the last name from the Saul Bellow novel The Adventures of Augie March . You grew up with a fairly famous father. What was the take on celebrity in the Cronenberg household? I think there were two aspects to it. One was that I saw people who were celebrities who had this media alter ego, or this persona that was so unrelated to who they were as human beings. And that’s definitely one of the themes in the film: celebrities as these media constructs or cultural constructs that exist purely in the public consciousness and are, in many ways, fictional and unrelated to the real human being. The human being as an animal, as a body, becomes totally eclipsed by this idea that runs rampant. The body eventually dies and the idea lives on, for however many decades, to appear in commercials, to perform on stage — it goes on endlessly. That sense of a runaway double that isn’t related to the person was interesting to me thematically. And then, on a personal level, I didn’t experience anything too extreme because my father’s a director and we’re still living in Toronto. So, it’s not like we were being hounded by TMZ or anything. But it still — I would go to a school and see someone I didn’t know and they’d come up to me and be like, “I heard you were coming and we have a lot to discuss.” And that was pretty weird. They behaved as if they knew you. Yeah, exactly. So, I did have a taste of that weirdness that is fame by proxy or fame by association. You’ve said that you immersed yourself in the tabloid world of TMZ and other celebrity media to research Antiviral . Did you, or do you find any celebrities genuinely fascinating? Not so much. I think there’s a line between taking an interest in someone because you respect their work versus obsessing over them. I went through a period of reading a lot of Hunter S. Thompson and he especially puts his life — or his version of his life — in his work. So, through an interest in his writing, you can’t help but be interested in what he’s done and, [wonder] how much of his writing is his own fantasy of himself and how much of that is real. But I don’t think anyone going to Cuba is that interesting. Most of it is an industry that thrives on hooking people with trivial but juicy details and playing to that gossipy society. So who are some of your other influences? There are a lot of writers I like, and a lot of filmmakers and musicians. I wouldn’t know how to begin listing them all, but I think [their influence] sort of comes to me subconsciously. I know some people usually have a particular influence that stands out and they emulate that person and learn from them. But for me it’s not really a conscious process. I felt like George Lucas’ THX 1138 was an inspiration. Only in that I’ve seen that film once. I’m not a huge THX fan and I wasn’t trying to deliberately emulate that movie. Others have been talking about my “Kubrick shot” or whatever, and, again, I like Kubrick, but I’m not a huge fan. I think it’s more that those films and filmmakers have an effect on the language of cinema in general. You told the New York Times that your father’s films have actually played a smale role in your work as a filmmaker, but a substantial part of the critical discussion of Antiviral is how much the film resembles some of his early efforts. I think you have a distinct style and vision as a filmmaker, but for those who don’t, what would you say they’re missing about your work? It’s not so much what they’re missing. I think there’s an assumption about my intent when it comes to that discussion. The assumption is that [ Antiviral ] is a deliberate emulation, that I must have been watching my father’s films since I was a kid and was brainwashed. It wasn’t really like that. As a father he had a huge influence on me obviously – genetically and because I grew up around him and we have a very good relationship. So, it’s not weird that there are overlaps when it comes to our interests and our esthetic sensibilities. Good point. And then when I got into film, I just knew that if I worried about that, that would become everything, you know? If I was just trying to avoid anything that could be associated with my father, that would be my entire career and that would define my work and that’s a really shitty place to be working from. So I just decided to do whatever I felt like doing and it became this. I can see the similarities – some of them are legitimate — but I also think some of them are very overstated because people like that narrative and they like to make that assumption. It’s an easy narrative. Yeah, exactly. In terms of the similarities, I’d say I come to them honestly. They’re honest to my own interests. For instance, some people talk about some of the hallucinatory, biomechanical stuff in Antiviral being related to his work. And I guess it is, but that scene in the closet… Where Syd merges with the machine that he’s using to make the bootleg viruses? Yeah. That was based on some old drawings that I had done. I wanted to see what they would look like as a film, and I knew as I was writing it that people would make that connection [to my father]. But I thought I just had to make sure that I didn’t avoid doing anything just to avoid that comparison. Your father is not the only filmmaker who has explored those man-meets-machine themes. Right, and my father has done a lot of other types of movies, too. He hasn’t really been making horror films for a while now. What’s the best piece of advice your father has given you about filmmaking? I don’t really have a good answer for that. He has given me some advice but there isn’t one thing that stands out. Did you show him the film early? Did he give you advice? Not really – he was pretty busy during the actual making of the film. I forget what he was doing: promoting A Dangerous Method or finishing Cosmopolis but he actually wasn’t really around during production. There’s that point where you feel the film is polished enough to show to your family and friends to get as much feedback as possible, and he saw it then. I got notes from everyone, but I don’t remember him having any dramatic advice. You don’t know what you’re doing next at this point? Not really. I mean, I am writing but it’s still in the early stages. Do you think your next picture will be in the horror-science fiction genre, or will you do something different? I don’t really like target a particular genre in advance. I wasn’t thinking horror-sci-fi when I started Antiviral , but it developed into that. And the next one probably will be, but I’m not specifically trying to do that. We’ll see where it ends up. More Antiviral coverage: REVIEW: ‘Antiviral’ − Brandon Cronenberg’s Piercing (And Icky) Look At Celebrity Obsession Follow Frank DiGiacomo on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
A recent production still from Iron Man 3 shows that movie’s presumed main villain, the Mandarin , in a kind of evil Stevie Nicks “Stand Back” pose with what appears to be a translucent cape or tapestry draped from him. And right now, I’m obsessed with the text that’s on it. Earlier this month, I wrote about director Shane Black ‘s comparison of Ben Kingsley’s character to Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now as “a guy who’s gone off the reservation” and is “incorporating all these different symbols and iconography into his worldview.” The above photo offers some clues into that worldview, and despite Black’s comment (contained in that same post) about the Mandarin’s “obsession with Sun Tzu and ancient arts of warfare,” the writing on that cape points to the Bible and a bastardization of American capitalism. In other words, the Mandarin’s name may evoke the Far East, but, in the above photo, he’s surrounded by text and images more frequently associated with the far right. The Far East Vs. The Far Right Whether that fabric is an item of clothing or some type of banner, aspects of it resemble the typeface and designs found on American dollars. Instead of “In God We Trust,” however, the Mandarin’s motto appears to be “In Chaos We Trust.” There’s no clear depiction of that saying, but if you look at the circular design on the right side of the fabric, you can make out “In Chao…” while “Trust” can be seen on the circular design to the left. (That’s assuming symmetry, by the way.) Is He Referencing The Bible? Also, on the left side of the fabric is a partially obscured hand-scrawled phrase that appears to be “redeemed through blood” (and may be written in blood, given its color). That phrase is commonly used in writings about the Bible and often refers back to the Tenth Book of the New Testament, Ephesians 1:7 : “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (That’s from the New American Standard Version of the good book. ) In its Biblical usage, the redemptive blood belongs to the martyred Jesus Christ, but it’s unclear whether the Mandarin sees himself as a Christ figure or whether he’s twisted the phrase into something much more nefarious that requires a lot of blood to be spilled before his idea of redemption can occur. If there are any Marvel Comics-loving Biblical scholars or GOP pundits out there who can shed more light on these clues, please enlighten me in the comments section below. More on the Mandarin: WATCH: The Mandarin Isn’t Talking Funny Anymore ‘Iron Man 3’ Director Spills On The Mandarin & He Sounds Like….Mike Ovitz? Follow Frank DiGiacomo on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Iram Leon, a man with inoperable brain cancer, won a marathon Texas while pushing his daughter in a stroller – because he doesn’t want to miss a minute with her. Leon won’t take the credit for winning, though, saying that technically, his daughter Kiana won, seeing as she was in the stroller he was pushing ahead of him. Terminally Ill Man Wins Marathon Writing on his blog after finishing the race in just over three hours last Saturday, Iram said: “Here sore, reflecting and grateful. I still can’t believe that I won a marathon. “Well, I came in second behind Kiana.” Soon after being diagnosed with Grade II Diffuse Astrocytoma at age 30, Iram decided he would no longer run competitively without taking his daughter along. “The one thing I won’t say on my death bed is: ‘I wish I spent more time with my kid’,” Leon, whose condition impacts his memory, language and motor skills, said. Even cooler? The Sports Society for American Health, which hosts the Beaumont, Tex., event, set up a college fund in Kiana’s name with a goal of $30,000.
Now this is what we call puppy love. In what may be the cutest video to ever hit the Internet, a Labrador named Simon is totally there for a puppy named Daisy. Watch now as the latter expresses extreme hesitation to walk downstairs – those things can be steep and scary! – only for Simon to show him the way. Prepare to melt in delight, THGers: Dog Teaches Puppy to Walk Downstairs
Consider yourselves warned, readers: Destiny’s Child has gone “Nuclear.” With news breaking last week that Beyonce would be reunited with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams both at the Super Bowl and for an upcoming album, the first Destiny’s Child single in eight years has leaked online. Give it a listen now: Destiny’s Child – “Nuclear” The new Destiny’s Child album , titled “Love Songs,” will be released on January 29. Pre-order it now on Amazon and check out the track list below: Cater 2 U (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) Killing Time (1998 – Destiny’s Child) Second Nature (1998 – Destiny’s Child) Heaven (2002 – Simply Deep) Now That She’s Gone (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) Brown Eyes (2001 – Survivor) If (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) Emotion (2001 – Survivor) If You Leave (featuring Next) (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) T-Shirt (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) Temptation (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) Say My Name (Timbaland remix) (2002 – This Is The Remix) Love (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) Nuclear (2013 – Destiny’s Child – Love Songs)
Hate it or love it ?!? Beyonce Announces Destiny’s Child Reunion After eight years apart, the chart-topping trio is back! Could they be planning a Super Bowl performance, too? Via HollywoodLife reports: Destiny is being fulfilled… again! Beyoncé took to her official website Jan. 10 to announce that Destiny’s Child — the legendary R&B trio made up of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and non-Dawson’s Creek Michelle Williams — is getting back together for another round. ”I am so proud to announced the first original Destiny’s Child music in eight years,” Beyoncé wrote, along with a HUGE picture of the art for the group’s upcoming album Love Songs. Before you get too excited, you should know that Love Songs only actually contains one new song, titled “Nuclear.” Aside from that, the album consists of their greatest hits. Full Track List For ‘Love Songs’: “Cater 2 U” (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) “Killing Time” (1998 – Destiny’s Child) “Second Nature” (1998 – Destiny’s Child) “Heaven” (2002 – Simply Deep) “Now That She’s Gone” (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) “Brown Eyes” (2001 – Survivor) “If” (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) “Emotion” (2001 – Survivor) “If You Leave” (featuring Next) (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) “T-Shirt” (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) “Temptation” (1999 – The Writing’s On The Wall) “Say My Name” (Timbaland remix) (2002 – This Is The Remix) “Love” (2004 – Destiny Fulfilled) “Nuclear” (2013 – Destiny’s Child – Love Songs) Love Songs is available for pre-order on Amazon.com, listed at $9.99, and is scheduled for a Jan. 29 release. So soon! Will you be checking for the new Destiny’s Child album?
Is a Kris Jenner divorce on the horizon? What about a Khloe Kardashian divorce ? And, hey, is Kim Kardashian pregnant ? With rumors continuing to swirl around the main couple’s that comprise the First Family of Reality Television, it’s time to take stock of these relationship and decide: who is in for the long haul? And who will soon be seeking a new mate? Vote now, readers: Which couple will split first? And the Winner is? Kim and Kanye Click Here To Vote for Kim Khloe and Lamar Click Here To Vote for Khloe Bruce and Kris Click Here To Vote for Bruce Kim and Kanye? Khloe and Lamar? Kris and Bruce? Which couple among this family will call it quits first? View Poll »
Stop the presses, but reprint the same headline we’ve seen multiple times over the past couple months: Katt Williams has been arrested. The comedian was booked last night on charges of child endangerment . And here’s why: An investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services determined there were multiple guns and illegal drugs in Katt’s home, leading to a dangerous hazard for his four kids. As of this writing, Williams remained in custody, held on $100,000 bail, while the children were placed in protective custody. The arrest may lead to felony charges for Williams. It’s been a rough few weeks for the celebrity. There was the Katt Williams arrest for assault in November; the time Katt Williams slapped an employee at Target; and the time just one week ago when he was booked for a disturbance… while waiting for Suge Knight to finish his mani/pedi . No, really.
