WEIRDLAND

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Brokeback Mountain and Milk

"Unlike the hoopla over Focus Features' previous gay-themed awards magnet, "Brokeback Mountain," which was drawing calls of agenda-pushing from right-wingers months before it opened in 2005, there's been hardly a peep in editorial pages or on talk radio.

Admittedly, the election is a major distraction. But Focus also is doing something deliberate: It's eschewing publicity for the Sean Penn vehicle, keeping it out of the high-profile fall film festivals and heavily restricting media screenings.

"The best way to help this film win over a mainstream audience is to avoid partisanship, and the best way to avoid partisanship is to let people find out about the film from the film itself," said one person involved with the film.
Focus plans on selling "Milk" in part as a story of hope and change (Harvey Milk, a member of San Francisco's Board of Superviors until his assassination in 1978, won equal-rights battles against great odds), just as it sold "Brokeback" as a love story.

The ploy was logical with "Brokeback." It's less so here.

Like "Brokeback," "Milk" features a gay romance. But unlike "Brokeback," "Milk" is made by gay filmmakers, features the polarizing Penn and puts itself squarely in a political context. Milk's fight against California's anti-gay-rights Proposition 6 -- a drama the movie deals with in great detail -- spookily parallels the current California fight over Proposition 8, a measure that would ban gay marriage".
Source: movies.yahoo.com

"As supporters of California's Proposition 8 ballot initiative picketed last night's San Francisco premiere of Milk, producers of the film fired back at allegations that Focus Features is hiding their spiritual follow-up to Brokeback Mountain because it's too gay to promote during an election season. In a letter to The Hollywood Reporter, Focus chief James Schamus slams the report, citing the film's "most explosively received and appreciated trailer in the history of our company" along with a litany of gay tie-ins.

[...] But when it comes to courting the audience that propelled its last gay-themed film to unprecedented financial and critical heights? Yes, Focus is more than willing to take their money".
Source: gawker.com

My new crush: Emile Hirsch

Jake in his younger years in "October Sky" and "Moonlight Mile", completely doe-eyed and soft features boyish looking. Talk about lovable teenage crush!

Here let me introduce you my new movie crush: Emile Hirsch, a young brilliant actor, maybe not as famous as Jake but with a very interesting, versatile career, whose first roles were also naïve and smooth, as in the romantic comedy "The girl next door", in which he made a giddy transition from demure student to wild ex-pornstar's boyfriend:
I had a huge crush with Emile after watching him as Matthew Kidman in "The girl next door" (2004) and his memorable limousine sex scene with Elisha Cuthbert: Before, Emile and Jena Malone starred as a young couple in the coming of age indie drama flick "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" (2002).

Other powerful teenage roles by Emile were Sedgewick Bell in "The Empreror's Club" (2002), Duncan Mudge in "The Mudge Boy" (2003) and Tim Travis in "Imaginary Heroes" (2004).

Emile also started with a trend performing characters based on real life guys with "Lords of Dogtown" (2005) playing Jay Adams, skateboarding in The Z-Boys. Emile Hirsch and Heath Ledger as Jay and Skip in "Lords of Dogtown".

And then the more adult roles as a drug dealer gangster wannabe Johnny Truelove (inspired by Jesse James Hollywood) in "Alpha Dog" (2006), directed by Nick Cassavetes:
Emile's most important role to date was under Sean Penn's inspired directorial wings in "Into the wild" (2007), offering us an overall incredible performance as the tortured Chris McCandless who runs away from an alienating society travelling to Alaska. I can't recommend "Into the wild" enough. I watched it recently and is heartbreaking, written beautifully as a road-movie poem. It has become one of my favourite all-time films.Emile played Speed Racer in the family movie "Speed Racer" (2008) by Larry and Andy Wachowski. I also have watched it and it's visually stunning and very funny -Emile's love interest is Christina Ricci as Trixie-.
Emile has recently finished his role as Cleve Jones in "Milk" (2008) directed by Gus Van Sant, based on real life Harvey Milk who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America, and who would be assassinated later.
Here is an interview clip from the Focus Features World Premiere of "Milk" at the Castro Theatre at 429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA on October 28th, including Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Diego Luna, Dustin Lance Black, Alison Pill, James Schamus, Gus Van Sant and Gavin Newsom.

"Milk" will be released on November 26th.



Emile's last role is an unhinged Vietnam vet in "Taking Woodstock" (2009), about the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969, currently in post-production, directed by Ang Lee.

EMILE HIRSCH (THIS YEAR'S LOVE) VIDEO:

More upcoming epic films

"Joe Johnston, a director with an incredibly forgettable name but a solid resume, will sit in the Captain’s seat of the upcoming Marvel film.

Captain America (a/k/a The First Avenger: Captain America) is skedded to be released in 2011 and rumors have been flying around for quite some time. Is it set during the second World War? Will Will Smith don the red white and blue suit as was floated a few weeks back? (We have our own pics for the role of course.) Will the Iron Man scribes Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby be writing the script as they’ve hinted in recent interviews?.

Finally: some hard news.

Joe Johnston is the man. And, yes, he is also The Man. Dude’s made nothing but fun movies. Jumanji was him. The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III was him. Jake Gyllenhaal’s break out hit October Sky was him (and anyone who doesn’t like that movie can take a Betsy Ross-themed shield to the face.) He also directed Hidalgo, which blew, but at least looked really nice. What this probably means is that the advance buzz on The Wolfman is no B.S.
Source: movieblog.ugo.com

"Warner Bros. is attempting to destroy a couple of potentially great films as they are rushing to get a pair of sword-and-sandal features into production. The films in question are Lous Leterrier's remake of Clash of the Titans and Tarsem Singh's War of the Gods. Both films are very close to casting their leads with Henry Cavill (Stardust) lining up for Gods and Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation, Avatar) in talks for Titans. The idea of two similar flicks racing to get into production at Warner Bros. is not a new idea. Remember Troy and Alexander? Yeah, similar deals there in 2004, and as it turns out Oliver Stone's Alexander killed Baz Luhrmann's Alexander the Great at Universal. However, the fact we have two films of similar substance competing at the same studio is silly, and the fact they are hurrying to get the films started is even worse, and here's why...


First off, we are talking about two completely different directors. Louis Leterrier vs. Tasem Singh. The Cell vs. Transporter 2. The Fall vs. The Incredible Hulk. On top of that, it typically takes Tarsem Singh eight years to make a movie, so the idea he could get War of the Gods finished before Clash of the Titans is surprising. However, Gods is scheduled to go into production in February, two months before Titans. That, however, is where the differences really end.
How either film will compare to Mike Newell's Prince of Persia starring Jake Gyllenhaal set for release on May 28, 2010 is unknown, but it looks like 2010 may end up having three epic sword and sandle features".
Source: www.ropeofsilicon.com

Saturday, November 08, 2008

The Dark Knight or Wall-E

"This year's Oscars Best Picture race is still fluid enough to account for the presence of two films that would normally seem like longshots: the Pixar masterpiece Wall-E and the box office blockbuster The Dark Knight. One is the tale of a lonely hero who talks in a funny voice, and the other is Wall-E, but both films have one thing in common: they're huge, mainstream blockbusters, which Oscar voters don't typically reward. However, the New York Times reports that the studio behind each film is readying a big Academy Awards push, and they've got their eyes set on Best Picture. Which has the better shot, and should we expect either film to wrangle a nomination for Oscar's biggest prize?
The Dark Knight has one big thing going for it: Heath Ledger's performance is a mortal lock for a Supporting Actor slot, which may help grease the wheels for the film to grab a Best Pic nom. Also, its box office total, second only to Oscar favorite Titanic, is so massive that The Dark Knight has remained the biggest story in the industry all year. Yes, it's still just a comic book movie (and one that had a minor Bat-lash), but what isn't in Hollywood these days?

Thus, in the race for Best Picture, we're going to give the edge to The Dark Knight". Source: defamer.com

Emile Hirsch -Shine a light- video


A musical video featuring images of the talented and gorgeous actor Emile Hirsch. Songs "Vicious circle" by Lou Reed, "Stranger in blue suede shoes" and "Shine a light" by Kevin Ayers.

Jake's Blah, Babbling College Days


Was Jake Gyllenhaal more respected by his peers back in his college days? Is the geeky Josh Groban looking for an image overhaul? And what's Nicole Kidman's latest potential ad campaign? It's def a step down from Chanel—find out all this, plus why Joaquin Phoenix is dyslexically annoying us, in Truth, Lies & Ted!
Source: www.eonline.com

Friday, November 07, 2008

"Donnie Darko" premiere new pics

Donnie Darko: Hollywood Premiere new additions to the IHJ gallery.

"S. Darko takes place in 1995, 7 years after the original film. It follows Donnie Darko's younger sister, Samantha, who, in the wake of his death, has found herself at age 17 with a broken family, mired in feelings of insignificance. When she and her best friend Corey are plagued by bizarre visions, they set off on a road trip to Los Angeles, following Frank's ghost. They arrive at a small town in the midst of a meteorite crash and begin to see the future.

Fisher said in a statement: "I am a great admirer of Richard Kelly's film and hope to create a similar world of blurred fantasy and reality."

Producers have spoken to Richard Kelly about the project but he is not involved in any official capacity at this stage". Source: www.sdarkothemovie.com

"Silver Nitrate Films' producer Ash R. Shah has confirmed to Upcoming Film Scores that Ed Harcourt, the British multi-instrumentalist/rock star whose albums include "Strangers" and "Beautiful Lie," has been hired to write the original score for S. Darko, the follow-up to the 2001 independent hit Donnie Darko (which featured a memorable score by Michael Andrews). Harcourt made his film scoring debut with last year's New York City Serenade (starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Chris Klein). S. Darko is helmed by Chris Fisher, whose previous credits include Dirty and Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders. The sequel is set seven years after Donnie Darko and tells the story about Donnie's sister, who are plagued by bizarre visions. Daveigh Chase reprises her role as Samantha Darko, other cast members include Jackson Rathbone, Ed Westwick, Justin Chatwin, Briana Evigan, James Lafferty and Elizabeth Berkley. Film will come out next year".
Source: upcomingfilmscores.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Jake on Entertainment Tonight

Entertainment Tonight: (#7084) - 2008/11/06
Jake Gyllenhaal springs into action! Catch advance shots from his video-game-turned gotta-see flick, "Prince of Persia." Clay Aiken comes clean about fame, fatherhood & so much more.
Source: www.vh1.com

Ellen Pompeo supported Barack Obama

Jake with Ellen Pompeo in "Moonlight Mile" (2002).

From an interview made to Ellen Pompeo by an user from Emile Hirsch Headquarters' Message board: (on 27th September, 2008).

"Hank Raper, President of the College Democrats of Campbell took the stand to introduce the special guests. Following Raper’s introduction, a video was shown encouraging students to register to vote, and hopefully to vote for Senator Obama. It also encouraged students to assist in the campaign. KaiaAnn Ayers spoke shortly after the video and again, urged students to register. Danielle Panabaker, of the television show “Shark” and Ellen Pompeo, otherwise known as Meredith Grey, then came to the stage.Cameras flashed as Ellen Pompeo began to speak. “I am assuming everyone here is in love with Barack Obama”, she said, with the auditorium erupting in applause shortly after. Pompeo first became an Obama supporter after reading a few books that he has written. She told students a story about being invited to an event hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Senator Obama was in attendance and Pompeo said that he made sure to make time for each person there. This impressed Pompeo immediately, as it would anyone. She next discussed the current war in Iraq.

“There is no such thing as victory in a war”, said Pompeo. “This country is in a very bad state..We are each others keepers and we have to keep each other on track”, she added. Pompeo believes that Senator Obama could help this situation if elected. She then encouraged students to tell five friends who are currently undecided on who they are voting for, about Senator Obama.

In a very brief interview with Panabaker and Pompeo, both were asked how old they were when they first registered to vote.

“I registered when I was 18. I was very excited to vote. So far I have voted on every election I could, no matter how small it is”, said Panabaker. Pompeo was not as eager to vote at that age.

“I registered later on. I didn’t register until after I moved to New York. I am very impressed at how passionate students are to vote and that they are registering”, said Pompeo.

“ Well it is always hard to say what could be but I definitely think that celebrity gives a great opportunity to raise awareness on issues”, Pompeo said when asked if she would still be as vocal in the Obama campaign if she wasn’t a celebrity.

“ That is why 100, 000 knocks for Barack is so great because it gives everyone a chance to go out and spread the word about Obama”, added Panabaker.

“Hosting an event for Ellen Pompeo and Danielle Panabaker here at Campbell was an incredible honor for me and the College Democrats. It was a privilege to have them on our campus and to provide a unique and essential service to the student body” reflected Hank Raper.

"Donnie Darko" on Blu-ray

"Fox has announced an early-February Blu-ray release for the cult classic 'Donnie Darko,' which will come to high-def with both the theatrical and unrated versions.

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Richard Kelly, 'Donnie Darko' failed to generate big grosses during its original theatrical run, but has since go one to amass a devoted following on video.

Fox will give 'Donnie Darko' its high-def premiere on February 10 (the studio previously released a special edition DVD in 2005.)

There are no tech specs or supplement details as of yet, but Fox is billing the Blu-ray as a Collector's Edition, so we expect plenty of extras. We'll keep you posted.

Suggested retail price for the Blu-ray has been set at $34.95.

You'll find the latest specs for 'Donnie Darko' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 10".
Source: bluray.highdefdigest.com

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

"Smiles" video


A musical video featuring Hollywood actors and actresses smiling, among them my favourite Jake Gyllenhaal, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Cera, Ellen Page, Emile Hirsch, Patrick Fugit, Reese Witherspoon, Zooey Deschanel, etc.
Song "Smiles" by Lou Reed.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

YogaHop for Reese

"Here’s the secret of actress Reese Witherspoon’s svelte body — YogaHop.

The ''Walk The Line'' star has been following a new spiritual workout programme invented by her personal trainer Matthew Reyes, reports the China Daily.

"Most people think yoga is all granola and hippies, so I love to explain how YogaHop is not like that. Imagine all the benefits of Hatha Yoga, then add chart music that will have you bouncing into the poses," he told Hot Stars magazine.
The 32-year-old actress has also been taking her boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal along to a couple of the 90-minute classes, which she tries to attend two to three times a week. "Reese needs to stay looking great and be physically strong. There is quite a bit going on in her life so time is precious. She sees YogaHop as a one-stop-shop for all her body, mind and emotional needs,” he said.
"Reese is a fantastic student and has been an inspiration for many to embrace my yoga style as a means for fitness without needing a gym," he added".
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Monday, November 03, 2008

Bubble Boy and Twilight stunts

Jake Gyllenhaal shooting "Bubble Boy," Dec. 21, 2000.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart shooting their stunts in "Twilight", on 7th April 2008.

Emile Hirsch (...thank you very much) video


A musical video featuring images of the talented and gorgeous actor Emile Hirsch. Songs "Stranger in blue suede shoes" by Kevin Ayers and "Poor Poor Pitiful me" by Warren Zevon.

Jake in "Torso"?

"Torso is moving right towards the starting gate," Mechanic tells the site. "We've got a screenplay and we're waiting for Paramount to decide when to make it."

He also confirms what many have heard: David Fincher will direct the feature.

"I'm hoping we're shooting in March or April ... [so] it should be [Fincher's next project]", says Mechanic.

And while he has a ton of faith in the project, he does admit that there will be departure from the source material, much in the way that the movie Fight Club broke off from the novel.

"Torso the movie, which may not be called Torso the movie at the end of the day ... makes the book better reading because it doesn't follow [the book] literally", Mechanic says.
Torso is a historical fiction limited series published by Image Comics. The story focuses on the "Torso Murderer," an actual serial killer in the 1930's who left behind only the torsos of his victims, making them very difficult to identify for police without DNA testing. The investigator on the case and protagonist of Torso is Eliot Ness, Cleveland Chief of police and one-time head of the Untouchables, the police task force that enforced Prohibition and went after crime lord Al Capone.

Though no official casting has been made, Mechanic did tell Collider that "a lot of things being written [online] about [the film] are probably true." Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon are the two actors long rumored for Torso, so perhaps they'll be the guys to star in the feature".
Source: www.comicmix.com

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Prince of Persia's script leaked?

"An early version of the script of Prince of Persia The Sands of Time may have leaked online via IMDb. So have a look, but keep in mind that its authenticity has not been proved".
Read the script here.
Source: prince-of-persia-trailer.blogspot.com

Two Halloween ideas

You can't lose with this custome, the Frank Bunny is always scary, so you'll be intimidating and very suiting for Halloween night.And what about a more personal "Holden" custome, wearing that blue clerk vest that flatters Jake so much in "The good girl"?

5 movie characters for Halloween

5. Michael Cera.
Not even Michael Cera from one of the particular movies in which he's warmed our hearts-- just Michael Cera the person, who seems to be not all that different from Paulie Bleeker, George Michael Bluth, Nick or Evan. This costume works particularly well for girls, who can pull off the baby face thing almost as well as Cera himself can.

Extra credit: Getting the girl at the end of the night.

4. Irina Spalko.
Despite all the disappointments of the latest Indiana Jones movie, Cate Blanchett's role as the evil Russian Irina Spalko was one of the highlights. An army-navy supply store or a regular uniform shop should have a comparable gray jumpsuit, and that severely cropped black wig will make you feel powerful even after your fourth glass of "Monster Bash" Halloween punch.
Watch out for... making your Russian accent too good. You want to be as campy as Cate was.
Extra credit: Guns!

3. Tony Stark.
Forget Iron Man. Unless you have a giant laboratory in your basement and millions of dollars, your costume will look cheap or like you bought it off a rack like your 5-year-old nephew. Instead bust out the tuxedo, the highball glass and the wads of money, and make pithy statements while making sure everyone knows how rich you are.
Watch out for... Looking too much like James Bond. Dark hair will help here.
Extra credit: A glowing metal circle in the middle of your chest, and/or an archnemesis.

2. Wall-E.
He was the biggest deal of the summer before Batman came and stole all his thunder, but the world's cutest robot still makes a recognizable, though challenging, costume. You won't feel pressured to make small talk, since your vocabulary will be pretty limited.
Watch out for... People trying to throw away their trash in your stomach.
Extra credit: Bringing along an iPod as the love of your life, EVE.

1. Daniel Plainview.
It's just far enough behind us to not be ever-present, but still relevant enough that most people will recognize what you're going for. Plus, it's easy-- a wide-brimmed hat, a thick mustache and beige clothes pretty much pull off the look.
Watch out for.... Looking too much like Indiana Jones
Extra credit: A perfect Plainview impression saying something other than "I drink your milkshake" or "I've abandoned my child."

Source: www.cinemablend.com