Movie characters don.t get much cooler than Ferris Bueller. A teenager seemingly driven by pure id, he pretty much does whatever he wants whenever he wants, and doesn.t really ever concern himself with the consequences. The guy even proves to have a keen sense of style and fashion, wearing multiple outfits over the course of writer/director John Hughes. Ferris Bueller.s Day Off that left a permanent park on popular culture. But how exactly did these iconic outfits come together? This year marks the 30th anniversary of both Pretty In Pink and Ferris Bueller.s Day Off, and late last month I had the pleasure of interviewing Marilyn Vance: the costume designer on not only those two films, but also John Hughes. The Breakfast Club and Weird Science. During our chat, we got to talking about the various iconic looks of Ferris Bueller, and she actually...
- 3/6/2016
- cinemablend.com
In the cinematic world, John Hughes will be remembered for a lot of things . from his incredibly accurate portrayal of teen angst to his utilization of the ensemble that would end up being labeled The Brat Pack. His use of music is certainly a candidate for this list as well, as the filmmaker managed to make some brilliant songs remembered for the movies in which the writer/director featured them. but what you may not know is that Hughes. soundtrack choices had a much deeper impact on his style as a whole - more than just atmospheric additions during post-production. Pretty In Pink is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, and in coordination with a special Digital HD release of the film earlier this year, I recently had the chance to hop on the phone with Oscar-nominated costume designer Marilyn Vance. Given that she had the chance to work with John...
- 3/4/2016
- cinemablend.com
The costumes were an absolutely essential part of Pretty in Pink. It’s right there in the title. And the costumes are what set apart Molly Ringwald’s Andie from the preppy “richie” kids at school, where she never quite fit in. “She was her own person,” as the film’s costume designer Marilyn Vance put it. Andie’s style was both cutting edge and retro at the time Pretty in Pink was released in 1986. This Sunday marks 30 years since the John Hughes-penned movie hit theaters (the film is now available on Digital HD including iTunes). Vance had previously put together a pink-centric ensemble for Ringwald, for The Breakfast Club (one of Vance’s several collaborations with Hughes). It was the Psychedelic Furs song “Pretty in Pink” that led Hughes to write this story about a pink-loving teenager from the wrong side of the tracks, and the color was...
- 2/26/2016
- by Emily Rome
- Hitfix
By Gary Salem and Michelle McCue
“What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage. We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not. We ask the public to believe that every time they see a performer on the screen he’s become a different person.”
– Edith Head
On Monday, Wamg attended the press preview for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences groundbreaking multimedia exhibition Hollywood Costume in the historic Wilshire May Company building.
Taking five years to create, this exhibition is the kickoff for the whole Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Emphasizing how costumes are so important in creating characters, this one-of-a-kind exhibition comes with its own film score, enhanced with dazzling animations and screenplay excerpts.
Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A), and sponsored by Swarovski, this ticketed exhibition...
“What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage. We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not. We ask the public to believe that every time they see a performer on the screen he’s become a different person.”
– Edith Head
On Monday, Wamg attended the press preview for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences groundbreaking multimedia exhibition Hollywood Costume in the historic Wilshire May Company building.
Taking five years to create, this exhibition is the kickoff for the whole Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Emphasizing how costumes are so important in creating characters, this one-of-a-kind exhibition comes with its own film score, enhanced with dazzling animations and screenplay excerpts.
Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A), and sponsored by Swarovski, this ticketed exhibition...
- 9/30/2014
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This story originally appeared in EmmyWrap: Movies/Miniseries. When costume designer Marilyn Vance watched the 1967 movie “Bonnie and Clyde” starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, she was in awe of the wardrobe designed by Theadora Van Runkle. So when Vance got the job to design the costumes for Lifetime's “Bonnie & Clyde” miniseries — her first job in TV after something like 60 films — she knew what she had to do. But she would have to do it in a fraction of the time that she would have had for a feature film assignment. “I was a huge fan of...
- 6/19/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
"Bonnie and Clyde" ambushed Emmy voters on Friday night to discuss the ambitious miniseries that aired last December simultaneously on Lifetime, History and A&E. It's a good year for the production to compete, considering the previously combined categories for minis and movies were just separated, thus creating room for more contenders. "Bonnie and Clyde" got an early head start in the industry-awards derby by nabbing four guild nominations (sound, costumes and art direction) in January. Gold Derby not only recorded the event (listen to the audio podcast below), but I moderated the chat with director Bruce Beresford, stars Emile Hirsch and Lane Garrison, writers Joe Batteer and John Rice, plus Marilyn Vance (costumes), Derek Hill (art direction), Francis Kenny (cinematography) and John Debney (music). -Break- The gang reveals the meticulous work and research that went into recreating the outlaws' America of the 1930s (many scenes were shot...
- 5/18/2014
- Gold Derby
For this month’s Fabric of Cinema column in pan-India publication Arts Illustrated, Clothes on Film editor Christopher Laverty discussed the game changing costume design work of Trish Summerville. This makes that terrible title pun you’ve just read almost acceptable.
The theme of the issue was women, specifically women approaching their role in society with a powerful, fresh perspective. This is sex rather than gender based, as none of the women featured conform to pre-established definitions of masculine or feminine. They are creatives achieving wonderful things not because of their sex, or in spite of it, but because of raw, unabashed talent.
Trish Summerville’s breakthrough movie as costume designer was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She has teamed up with director David Fincher again for her next film Gone Girl, released on 3rd October.
Costume designer Trish Summerville is this month’s Arts Illustrated in a nutshell.
The theme of the issue was women, specifically women approaching their role in society with a powerful, fresh perspective. This is sex rather than gender based, as none of the women featured conform to pre-established definitions of masculine or feminine. They are creatives achieving wonderful things not because of their sex, or in spite of it, but because of raw, unabashed talent.
Trish Summerville’s breakthrough movie as costume designer was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She has teamed up with director David Fincher again for her next film Gone Girl, released on 3rd October.
Costume designer Trish Summerville is this month’s Arts Illustrated in a nutshell.
- 3/21/2014
- by Lord Christopher Laverty
- Clothes on Film
Happy New Ye- oh we’ve done that already. Carry on.
‘How Hollywood is ruining a Billion Dollar Industry’
Amber Jane Butchart found this amazing article from 1938 and it is essential, and occasionally shocking, reading.
Inside Llewyn Davis
Video: Legendary costume designer Mary Zophres shares a few words about ‘uptown and downtown’ style.
Ane Crabtree
Contributor Kristin Koga talks to the costume designer about her career so far and their shared ethnicity. Cannot recommend this interview enough.
Giorgio Armani
Ga chats to Es about his famous movie suits. Funnily enough he neglects to mention that Marilyn Vance-Straker had to re-tailor all his costumes for The Untouchables because they didn’t fit the principals.
Frozen
Tyranny of Style discover why Disney’s Frozen features the most accomplished costume design of any animated film yet.
Jenn Rogien
A new Telegraph feature looking at important figures in fashion. Rogien is a costume designer,...
‘How Hollywood is ruining a Billion Dollar Industry’
Amber Jane Butchart found this amazing article from 1938 and it is essential, and occasionally shocking, reading.
Inside Llewyn Davis
Video: Legendary costume designer Mary Zophres shares a few words about ‘uptown and downtown’ style.
Ane Crabtree
Contributor Kristin Koga talks to the costume designer about her career so far and their shared ethnicity. Cannot recommend this interview enough.
Giorgio Armani
Ga chats to Es about his famous movie suits. Funnily enough he neglects to mention that Marilyn Vance-Straker had to re-tailor all his costumes for The Untouchables because they didn’t fit the principals.
Frozen
Tyranny of Style discover why Disney’s Frozen features the most accomplished costume design of any animated film yet.
Jenn Rogien
A new Telegraph feature looking at important figures in fashion. Rogien is a costume designer,...
- 1/11/2014
- by Lord Christopher Laverty
- Clothes on Film
The Costume Designers Guild has revealed the nominees for its 16th annual awards for film, TV, and commercial categories. We'll find out the winners on Feb. 22nd. Judd Apatow will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award at this year's ceremony. Costume Designer April Ferry will be presented with an Honorary Career Achievement Award.
Here's your complete nominations list:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Blue Jasmine . Suzy Benzinger
Her . Casey Storm
Nebraska . Wendy Chuck
Philomena . Consolata Boyle
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
12 Years a Slave . Patricia Norris
American Hustle . Michael Wilkinson
Dallas Buyers Club . Kurt & Bart
The Great Gatsby . Catherine Martin
Saving Mr. Banks . Daniel Orlandi
Excellence In Fantasy Film
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug . Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor, Bob Buck
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire . Trish Summerville
Oz the Great and Powerful . Gary Jones, Michael Kutsche
Outstanding Contemporary Television Series
Breaking Bad . Jennifer Bryan...
Here's your complete nominations list:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Blue Jasmine . Suzy Benzinger
Her . Casey Storm
Nebraska . Wendy Chuck
Philomena . Consolata Boyle
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
12 Years a Slave . Patricia Norris
American Hustle . Michael Wilkinson
Dallas Buyers Club . Kurt & Bart
The Great Gatsby . Catherine Martin
Saving Mr. Banks . Daniel Orlandi
Excellence In Fantasy Film
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug . Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor, Bob Buck
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire . Trish Summerville
Oz the Great and Powerful . Gary Jones, Michael Kutsche
Outstanding Contemporary Television Series
Breaking Bad . Jennifer Bryan...
- 1/10/2014
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Art Directors Guild and the Costume Designers Guild have become the latest groups to announce their nominees for 2013. They may not be considered as big or as important as the Producers Guild, the Directors Guild, or the Writers Guild, but they are still a pretty good prognosticator for who will eventually take home the Oscar in their respective categories.
The Art Directors split their categories up into Period, Fantasy, and Contemporary Films (along with various TV categories), but the main one of importance here is the Period, where we find the more fanciful, eye-catching designs. Here, we find what was mostly expected: American Hustle, The Great Gatsby, Inside Llewyn Davis, Saving Mr. Banks, and 12 Years a Slave. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say that The Great Gatsby has this one in the bag. There were those who didn’t enjoy the film (I actually found...
The Art Directors split their categories up into Period, Fantasy, and Contemporary Films (along with various TV categories), but the main one of importance here is the Period, where we find the more fanciful, eye-catching designs. Here, we find what was mostly expected: American Hustle, The Great Gatsby, Inside Llewyn Davis, Saving Mr. Banks, and 12 Years a Slave. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say that The Great Gatsby has this one in the bag. There were those who didn’t enjoy the film (I actually found...
- 1/9/2014
- by Jeff Beck
- We Got This Covered
They make our favorite stars look their best when the director yells “Action!” and the men and women of the Costume Designers Guild have selected the best and brightest of the past year.
For the 16th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards the field is filled with outstandingly talented nominees, with the winners to be announced on February 22nd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The Excellence in Contemporary Film hopefuls include Suzy Benzinger (“Blue Jasmine”), Casey Storm (“Her”), Wendy Chuck (“Nebraska”), Consolata Boyle (“Philomena”) and Sarah Edwards (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”).
Additionally, writer/producer/director Judd Apatow will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award for his years of contributions to the industry.
The 16th Annual Cdg Awards nominees are:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Blue Jasmine – Suzy Benzinger
Her – Casey Storm
Nebraska – Wendy Chuck
Philomena – Consolata Boyle
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty– Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
12 Years a...
For the 16th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards the field is filled with outstandingly talented nominees, with the winners to be announced on February 22nd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The Excellence in Contemporary Film hopefuls include Suzy Benzinger (“Blue Jasmine”), Casey Storm (“Her”), Wendy Chuck (“Nebraska”), Consolata Boyle (“Philomena”) and Sarah Edwards (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”).
Additionally, writer/producer/director Judd Apatow will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award for his years of contributions to the industry.
The 16th Annual Cdg Awards nominees are:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Blue Jasmine – Suzy Benzinger
Her – Casey Storm
Nebraska – Wendy Chuck
Philomena – Consolata Boyle
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty– Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
12 Years a...
- 1/8/2014
- GossipCenter
Nominees for the 16th Costume Designers Guild Awards, which celebrate excellence in film, television and commercial costume design, were announced today.
The winners of the seven competitive awards will be revealed at the gala on Saturday, February 22 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
This year, Judd Apatow will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award in recognition of his support of Costume Design and creative partnerships with Costume Designers. An Honorary Career Achievement Award will be presented to Costume Designer April Ferry for her outstanding work in film and television.
Nominees For The 16th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
“Blue Jasmine” – Suzy Benzinger “Her” – Casey Storm “Nebraska” – Wendy Chuck “Philomena” – Consolata Boyle “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” – Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
“12 Years a Slave” – Patricia Norris “American Hustle” – Michael Wilkinson “Dallas Buyers Club” – Kurt & Bart “The Great Gatsby” – Catherine Martin “Saving Mr. Banks” – Daniel Orlandi
Excellence...
The winners of the seven competitive awards will be revealed at the gala on Saturday, February 22 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
This year, Judd Apatow will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award in recognition of his support of Costume Design and creative partnerships with Costume Designers. An Honorary Career Achievement Award will be presented to Costume Designer April Ferry for her outstanding work in film and television.
Nominees For The 16th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
“Blue Jasmine” – Suzy Benzinger “Her” – Casey Storm “Nebraska” – Wendy Chuck “Philomena” – Consolata Boyle “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” – Sarah Edwards
Excellence In Period Film
“12 Years a Slave” – Patricia Norris “American Hustle” – Michael Wilkinson “Dallas Buyers Club” – Kurt & Bart “The Great Gatsby” – Catherine Martin “Saving Mr. Banks” – Daniel Orlandi
Excellence...
- 1/8/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Winners of the 16th annual Cdg Awards will be announced February 22 in a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, where writer/producer/director Judd Apatow will be honored with the guild’s Distinguished Collaborator Award and designer April Ferry will receive an Honorary Career Achievement Award. Here are this year’s nominees for excellence in film, television and commercial costume design: Nominees For The 16th Costume Designers Guild Awards Excellence In Contemporary Film Blue Jasmine – Suzy Benzinger Her – Casey Storm Nebraska – Wendy Chuck Philomena – Consolata Boyle The Secret Life of Walter Mitty– Sarah Edwards Excellence In Period Film 12 Years a Slave – Patricia Norris American Hustle – Michael Wilkinson Dallas Buyers Club – Kurt & Bart The Great Gatsby – Catherine Martin Saving Mr. Banks – Daniel Orlandi Excellence In Fantasy Film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor, Bob Buck The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Trish Summerville Oz: The Great and Powerful – Gary Jones,...
- 1/8/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Pretty Woman (1990) is your typical Hollywood rags to riches story.
Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) is a young woman who finds herself down and out; struggling financially, unable to make the rent and ‘forced’ to sell her body on the street. By dramatic coincidence she happens to enter the car (and world) of newly single and rich lawyer Edward Lewis (Richard Gere)
Vivian’s transformation from prostitute to elegant lady of luxury is highlighted through her clothes. Costume designer Marilyn Vance-Straker and her team created an array of stylish and contemporary outfits, beginning with the white and blue revealing dress with thigh-high boots that Roberts dons at the start of the film to Vivian’s most famous costume of all, her floor-sweeping red ball gown worn for the opera sequence.
This red dress represents the pinnacle of her progression to ‘lady’. Its bright, eye-catching colouration, daring deep v-cut or ‘dart’ neckline and ruffled,...
Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) is a young woman who finds herself down and out; struggling financially, unable to make the rent and ‘forced’ to sell her body on the street. By dramatic coincidence she happens to enter the car (and world) of newly single and rich lawyer Edward Lewis (Richard Gere)
Vivian’s transformation from prostitute to elegant lady of luxury is highlighted through her clothes. Costume designer Marilyn Vance-Straker and her team created an array of stylish and contemporary outfits, beginning with the white and blue revealing dress with thigh-high boots that Roberts dons at the start of the film to Vivian’s most famous costume of all, her floor-sweeping red ball gown worn for the opera sequence.
This red dress represents the pinnacle of her progression to ‘lady’. Its bright, eye-catching colouration, daring deep v-cut or ‘dart’ neckline and ruffled,...
- 6/25/2010
- by Katie Snowden
- Clothes on Film
"Slumdog Millionaire" added one more trophy to its hardware collection as costume designer Suttirat Larlarb picked up the excellence in contemporary film award Tuesday night at the 11th annual Costume Designers Guild Awards.
The period film award went to Michael O'Connor for the 18th-century designs in "The Duchess," while the fantasy film award went to Lindy Hemming for the comics-derived duds of "The Dark Knight."
At the Beverly Wilshire awards dinner hosted by Debra Messing, Donna Zakowska earned the TV movie/miniseries award for HBO's "John Adams."
ABC's "Ugly Betty," which won in the contemporary TV series category for the past two years, picked up award No. 3, with the honors going to Edwardo Castro and Patricia Field.
AMC's "Mad Men" earned its first Cdg award as Katherine Jane Bryant was honored in the period/fantasy TV series category.
A milk commercial called "White Gold" brought home the commercial costume design award for designer Casey Storm.
The period film award went to Michael O'Connor for the 18th-century designs in "The Duchess," while the fantasy film award went to Lindy Hemming for the comics-derived duds of "The Dark Knight."
At the Beverly Wilshire awards dinner hosted by Debra Messing, Donna Zakowska earned the TV movie/miniseries award for HBO's "John Adams."
ABC's "Ugly Betty," which won in the contemporary TV series category for the past two years, picked up award No. 3, with the honors going to Edwardo Castro and Patricia Field.
AMC's "Mad Men" earned its first Cdg award as Katherine Jane Bryant was honored in the period/fantasy TV series category.
A milk commercial called "White Gold" brought home the commercial costume design award for designer Casey Storm.
- 2/18/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The red dress that Cate Blanchett's Daisy wears in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," the Joker's green vest in "The Dark Knight" and the ladies-who-lunch designer duds that Carrie and her pals sport in "Sex and the City" have caught the eye of the Costume Designers Guild, which announced nominations for its 11th annual awards Tuesday.
The Feb. 17 awards gala at the Beverly Wilshire will see five nominees vying in the period film category: "Changeling," costume designer Deborah Hopper; "Button," Jacqueline West; "The Duchess," Michael O'Connor; "Milk," Danny Glicker; and "Revolutionary Road," Albert Wolsky.
For contemporary film, the nominees are "Iron Man" (Laura Jean Shannon and Rebecca Bentjen), "Mamma Mia!" (Ann Roth), "Sex" (Patricia Field), "Slumdog Millionaire" (Suttirat Larlarb) and "The Wrestler" (Amy Westcott).
Nominees in the fantasy film race are "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (Isis Mussenden), "The Dark Knight" (Lindy Hemming) and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor...
The Feb. 17 awards gala at the Beverly Wilshire will see five nominees vying in the period film category: "Changeling," costume designer Deborah Hopper; "Button," Jacqueline West; "The Duchess," Michael O'Connor; "Milk," Danny Glicker; and "Revolutionary Road," Albert Wolsky.
For contemporary film, the nominees are "Iron Man" (Laura Jean Shannon and Rebecca Bentjen), "Mamma Mia!" (Ann Roth), "Sex" (Patricia Field), "Slumdog Millionaire" (Suttirat Larlarb) and "The Wrestler" (Amy Westcott).
Nominees in the fantasy film race are "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (Isis Mussenden), "The Dark Knight" (Lindy Hemming) and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor...
- 1/13/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A Tom Cruise movie without Tom's magic smile, an Arnold Schwarzenegger adventure without the muscular machismo, Sharon Stone crossing her legs: Imagine more of the same, star vehicles with the star's best assets not used.
Thus marches out Hollywood Pictures' "G.I. Jane", Demi Moore as a Navy S.E.A.L. trainee with her head sheared bald and her body completely covered in military gear. Although there is novelty in seeing the one spot of Moore's anatomy we haven't been exposed to, this formulaic movie is not likely to detonate more than mediocre boxoffice for Buena Vista.
Basically "Top Gun" without the high-flying acrobatics and the good-old-boy charm, "G.I. Jane" is an ultra-serious tract about an underdog's battle against the big bad establishment, in this case, the first female Navy S.E.A.L. vs. the institutional harassment of the military machine.
In general, "G.I. Jane" marches out in predictable lockstep as screenwriters David Twohy and Danielle Alexandra chart a narrative mission for her filled with obstacles, both psychological and physical. As one would expect, there's plenty of bad blood between Jane and some of her macho superiors, and, to boot, some opposition from entrenched female establishment-types. But she's a gutty survivor and gives as good as she gets.
"G.I. Jane" is at its most exciting and involving during Jane's hellacious training regimen: The rigors are so exhausting and emotionally draining that one almost feels as if one is in boot camp with her. Credit to director Ridley Scott for generating some dynamic and powerful images: "Jane"'s action cadence, is, perhaps, the film's best asset.
Where it missteps is in its human dynamics; the dialogue is utterly shrill and emanates from a squadron of largely stereotypical characters. Unlike life, and detracting from its realism, is the story's general lack of surprises and predictable character etchings.
In the titular role, Moore's ferocious intensity and moxy are credible character ingredients, but despite the inherent compassion one might feel for "Jane" as an underdog, that feeling is missing owing to the character's grunty demeanor.
Overall, the players are well-selected, particularly Viggo Mortensen as Jane's chief tormentor, her merciless master chief. Anne Bancroft does a nice turn as a senator with a hidden agenda that can hit like a torpedo-load.
Technical contributions fit the bill, with special praise to cinematographer Hugh Johnson for the charged scopings and Trevor Jones for the ear-blasting score.
G.I. JANE
Buena Vista Pictures
Hollywood Pictures presents
in association with Scott Free
and Largo Entertainment
A Roger Birnbaum/Scott Free/
Moving Pictures production
A Ridley Scott Film
Producers Ridley Scott, Roger Birnbaum,
Demi Moore, Suzanne Todd
Director Ridley Scott
Screenwriters David Twohy, Danielle Alexandra
Story Danielle Alexandra
Executive producers Danielle Alexandra,
Julie Bergman Sender, Chris Zarpas
Co-producer Nigel Wooll
Director of photography Hugh Johnson
Production designer Arthur Max
Editor :Pietro Scalia
Costume designer Marilyn Vance
Music Trevor Jones
Casting Louis Di Giaimo, Brett Goldstein
Associate producers Terry Needham,
Diane Minter Lewis, Tim McBride
Special effects coordinator Steve Galich
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jordan Demi Moore
Master Chief Viggo Mortensen
Lillian DeHaven Anne Bancroft
Royce Jason Beghe
Theodore Hayes Daniel Von Bargen
Chief of Staff John Michael Higgins
Instructor Pyro Kevin Gage
Running time -- 112 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Thus marches out Hollywood Pictures' "G.I. Jane", Demi Moore as a Navy S.E.A.L. trainee with her head sheared bald and her body completely covered in military gear. Although there is novelty in seeing the one spot of Moore's anatomy we haven't been exposed to, this formulaic movie is not likely to detonate more than mediocre boxoffice for Buena Vista.
Basically "Top Gun" without the high-flying acrobatics and the good-old-boy charm, "G.I. Jane" is an ultra-serious tract about an underdog's battle against the big bad establishment, in this case, the first female Navy S.E.A.L. vs. the institutional harassment of the military machine.
In general, "G.I. Jane" marches out in predictable lockstep as screenwriters David Twohy and Danielle Alexandra chart a narrative mission for her filled with obstacles, both psychological and physical. As one would expect, there's plenty of bad blood between Jane and some of her macho superiors, and, to boot, some opposition from entrenched female establishment-types. But she's a gutty survivor and gives as good as she gets.
"G.I. Jane" is at its most exciting and involving during Jane's hellacious training regimen: The rigors are so exhausting and emotionally draining that one almost feels as if one is in boot camp with her. Credit to director Ridley Scott for generating some dynamic and powerful images: "Jane"'s action cadence, is, perhaps, the film's best asset.
Where it missteps is in its human dynamics; the dialogue is utterly shrill and emanates from a squadron of largely stereotypical characters. Unlike life, and detracting from its realism, is the story's general lack of surprises and predictable character etchings.
In the titular role, Moore's ferocious intensity and moxy are credible character ingredients, but despite the inherent compassion one might feel for "Jane" as an underdog, that feeling is missing owing to the character's grunty demeanor.
Overall, the players are well-selected, particularly Viggo Mortensen as Jane's chief tormentor, her merciless master chief. Anne Bancroft does a nice turn as a senator with a hidden agenda that can hit like a torpedo-load.
Technical contributions fit the bill, with special praise to cinematographer Hugh Johnson for the charged scopings and Trevor Jones for the ear-blasting score.
G.I. JANE
Buena Vista Pictures
Hollywood Pictures presents
in association with Scott Free
and Largo Entertainment
A Roger Birnbaum/Scott Free/
Moving Pictures production
A Ridley Scott Film
Producers Ridley Scott, Roger Birnbaum,
Demi Moore, Suzanne Todd
Director Ridley Scott
Screenwriters David Twohy, Danielle Alexandra
Story Danielle Alexandra
Executive producers Danielle Alexandra,
Julie Bergman Sender, Chris Zarpas
Co-producer Nigel Wooll
Director of photography Hugh Johnson
Production designer Arthur Max
Editor :Pietro Scalia
Costume designer Marilyn Vance
Music Trevor Jones
Casting Louis Di Giaimo, Brett Goldstein
Associate producers Terry Needham,
Diane Minter Lewis, Tim McBride
Special effects coordinator Steve Galich
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jordan Demi Moore
Master Chief Viggo Mortensen
Lillian DeHaven Anne Bancroft
Royce Jason Beghe
Theodore Hayes Daniel Von Bargen
Chief of Staff John Michael Higgins
Instructor Pyro Kevin Gage
Running time -- 112 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
PARK CITY, Utah -- A 10-year-old girl's attempt to dig herself out of the rut of her small-town life is the uplifting and bittersweet subject matter of "Digging to China", Timothy Hutton's directorial debut, which received an ecstatic welcome in its world premiere during the weekend at the Sundance Film Festival.
For those of you who recall the young heroine's plucky resolve in "Fly Away Home", this tale of one young girl's repeated attempts to reach beyond the dimensions of her unchallenging school and dimwitted home life should strike similar chords of sympathy and admiration.
In this '60s-set saga, Evan Rachel Wood stars as Harriet, a rambunctious and inquisitive girl who lives with her alcoholic mother (Cathy Moriarty) and man-crazy older sister Mary Stuart Masterson). They run a tiny tourist motel outside a small burg and, after school, there's not much in the way of stimulation for the precocious Harriet. She takes interest, however, in a mentally disabled young man, Ricky (Kevin Bacon) who, along with his mother, comes to stay at the motel. It's Ricky's last week alone with his mother, who has terminal cancer, before he must be institutionalized. Harriet takes him under her wing, and the two tend to connect in a completely intuitive, child-like way. Not surprisingly, the adults are wary about where this may lead.
Freckled with the openness of child-like searching, "Digging to China" is a stirring story of how two friends, Harriet and Ricky, come to enjoy and understand a world that seems structured against them. Their transcendent, dreamy projects, like digging a hole in the ground to reach China, are expressions of their need to escape from their own humdrum, constricted existences; in a sense, both are greatly limited, Ricky by his mental and emotional disability and Harriet by the mere fact that she is a kid and restricted by the small thinking of her elders.
Although the narrative sometimes slackens to a somewhat cutesy dimension, mainly in some neo-"Rain Man"-ish scenes, Hutton has maintained a remarkable balance in his story telling. The film never resorts to saccharine heart-tuggings and Hutton is always true to the fact that the child-like dreams and energies are in direct conflict with a harsher, stronger world. Most wonderfully, he imbues the strong story with a coating of this child-like naivete and energy that, by itself, overcomes the awful adult aspects of everyday existence.
It's young Even Rachel Wood's grainy and heady performance that keeps "China" clearly on the story map. She brings both a confidence as well as a serene, kid-ish clamor to her portrayal that takes you into the best, hidden reaches of your own child-like wonderment. Bacon's studied performance as the disabled Ricky is commendable, while Masterson is well-cast as Harriet's primary adult supervisor. Moriarty is credible as Harriet's blowzy, somewhat batty, mother.
Technical contributions under Hutton's fine hand are wonderfully wrought, particularly cinematographer Jorgen Persson's richly shaded scopings, which clue us to the vibrant inner world of this remarkable little girl.
DIGGING TO CHINA
Moonstone Entertainment
In association with
Davis Entertainment Classics
& the Ministry of Film
An Alan Mruvka/Marilyn Vance/
John Davis/J.Todd Harris production
A Film by Timothy Hutton
Producers: Marilyn Vance,
Alan Mruvka, John Dais, J. Todd Harris
Director: Timothy Hutton
Screenwriter: Karen Janszen
Executive producers: Etchie Stroh, David T. Friendly
Director of photgraphy: Jorgen Persson
Production designer: Robert De Vico
Music: Cynthia Millar
Music producer/conductor: Elmer Bernstein
Music supervisors: Michelle Kuznetsky, Mary Ramos
Editor: Dana Congdon
Costume designer: Mary Zophres
Color/stereo
Harriet Frankovitz: Evan Rachel Wood
Ricky: Kevin Bacon
Gwen: Mary Stuart Masterson
Mrs. Frankovitz: Cathy Moriarty
Running time -- 100 minutes...
For those of you who recall the young heroine's plucky resolve in "Fly Away Home", this tale of one young girl's repeated attempts to reach beyond the dimensions of her unchallenging school and dimwitted home life should strike similar chords of sympathy and admiration.
In this '60s-set saga, Evan Rachel Wood stars as Harriet, a rambunctious and inquisitive girl who lives with her alcoholic mother (Cathy Moriarty) and man-crazy older sister Mary Stuart Masterson). They run a tiny tourist motel outside a small burg and, after school, there's not much in the way of stimulation for the precocious Harriet. She takes interest, however, in a mentally disabled young man, Ricky (Kevin Bacon) who, along with his mother, comes to stay at the motel. It's Ricky's last week alone with his mother, who has terminal cancer, before he must be institutionalized. Harriet takes him under her wing, and the two tend to connect in a completely intuitive, child-like way. Not surprisingly, the adults are wary about where this may lead.
Freckled with the openness of child-like searching, "Digging to China" is a stirring story of how two friends, Harriet and Ricky, come to enjoy and understand a world that seems structured against them. Their transcendent, dreamy projects, like digging a hole in the ground to reach China, are expressions of their need to escape from their own humdrum, constricted existences; in a sense, both are greatly limited, Ricky by his mental and emotional disability and Harriet by the mere fact that she is a kid and restricted by the small thinking of her elders.
Although the narrative sometimes slackens to a somewhat cutesy dimension, mainly in some neo-"Rain Man"-ish scenes, Hutton has maintained a remarkable balance in his story telling. The film never resorts to saccharine heart-tuggings and Hutton is always true to the fact that the child-like dreams and energies are in direct conflict with a harsher, stronger world. Most wonderfully, he imbues the strong story with a coating of this child-like naivete and energy that, by itself, overcomes the awful adult aspects of everyday existence.
It's young Even Rachel Wood's grainy and heady performance that keeps "China" clearly on the story map. She brings both a confidence as well as a serene, kid-ish clamor to her portrayal that takes you into the best, hidden reaches of your own child-like wonderment. Bacon's studied performance as the disabled Ricky is commendable, while Masterson is well-cast as Harriet's primary adult supervisor. Moriarty is credible as Harriet's blowzy, somewhat batty, mother.
Technical contributions under Hutton's fine hand are wonderfully wrought, particularly cinematographer Jorgen Persson's richly shaded scopings, which clue us to the vibrant inner world of this remarkable little girl.
DIGGING TO CHINA
Moonstone Entertainment
In association with
Davis Entertainment Classics
& the Ministry of Film
An Alan Mruvka/Marilyn Vance/
John Davis/J.Todd Harris production
A Film by Timothy Hutton
Producers: Marilyn Vance,
Alan Mruvka, John Dais, J. Todd Harris
Director: Timothy Hutton
Screenwriter: Karen Janszen
Executive producers: Etchie Stroh, David T. Friendly
Director of photgraphy: Jorgen Persson
Production designer: Robert De Vico
Music: Cynthia Millar
Music producer/conductor: Elmer Bernstein
Music supervisors: Michelle Kuznetsky, Mary Ramos
Editor: Dana Congdon
Costume designer: Mary Zophres
Color/stereo
Harriet Frankovitz: Evan Rachel Wood
Ricky: Kevin Bacon
Gwen: Mary Stuart Masterson
Mrs. Frankovitz: Cathy Moriarty
Running time -- 100 minutes...
- 1/26/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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