(l-r) Jocelyn Moorhouse and Sue Maslin on the set of 'The Dressmaker' (photo: Ben King).
Kicking off tomorrow, the Gold Coast Film Festival (April 19-30) will screen 32 feature films from 13 countries, including four world premieres and nine Australian ones, plus a host of shorts, events and filmmaker Q&A.s. The fest will also host a series of 14 panels covering a range of screen industry topics. On April 22, producers Jan Chapman, Sue Maslin and Trish Lake will talk about their experiences in a session entitled .Producing: Money Vs Time...Maslin will also be this year.s special guest at the third annual Women In Film lunch on April 21. Presented by Screen Queensland, the lunch recognises the contribution of women in film and television in Australia. On the eve of the festival, Maslin speaks to If about the push for gender equity and her slate of projects.
What will...
Kicking off tomorrow, the Gold Coast Film Festival (April 19-30) will screen 32 feature films from 13 countries, including four world premieres and nine Australian ones, plus a host of shorts, events and filmmaker Q&A.s. The fest will also host a series of 14 panels covering a range of screen industry topics. On April 22, producers Jan Chapman, Sue Maslin and Trish Lake will talk about their experiences in a session entitled .Producing: Money Vs Time...Maslin will also be this year.s special guest at the third annual Women In Film lunch on April 21. Presented by Screen Queensland, the lunch recognises the contribution of women in film and television in Australia. On the eve of the festival, Maslin speaks to If about the push for gender equity and her slate of projects.
What will...
- 4/18/2017
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Prince is ready for his close-up. The singer will stop by "New Girl" for what is sure to be one epic episode, airing after the Super Bowl on Sunday. Ahead of the airing, I got the chance to speak to Jake Johnson (who plays Nick) about working with the musician and "New Girl" super fan. Prince Will Make You Lol "He's also just a genuinely talented human being. He's obviously Prince the musician, but he's ...
By Jocelyn Vena...
By Jocelyn Vena...
- 1/30/2014
- MTV Movie News
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is loose in the Big Apple and the Sony Pictures movie brings to the big screen an amazing supernatural world filled with angels, demons and tough as nails Shadowhunters, oh my. Young actors Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower scorch up the screen, kick some demon ass and display some pretty deft rune magic. It's a quest for Mortal Instruments and it's a summer film defintely set to entertain audiences and make them ponder the otherwordly possibilities of an unseen world. There's not a whole lot of spoilers but there are a few. Come on in and read the Cinelinx review of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
The Basics
Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an...
The Basics
Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an...
- 8/22/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Kyra Dawson)
- Cinelinx
Britain's Prince Philip hates jewellery clasps. The 91-year-old royal - the husband of British monarch Queen Elizabeth - revealed his trouble with the pesky mechanisms while at a private viewing of an exhibition of designs by Jocelyn Burton at Bentley & Skinner in London, and he claims he is unsure of how they work in his 90 years of experience. He said: 'Those infernal clasps are absolutely impossible. You fiddle with them for hours, then they suddenly come undone and they fall on the floor but you have no idea why. 'When you try to close them again you find you just can't do it.' Responding, Burton admitted there is a particular 'art' to creating them. She said: 'The art...
- 11/19/2012
- Monsters and Critics
It doesn't take much to bring Kate down to earth. After days of buoyant Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge slipped into something more comfortable - jeans, Barbour jacket and a hat - and stepped out for a walk through Kensington Gardens with her dog Lupo, her younger brother James Middleton, and another dog, presumed to be a Middleton family cocker spaniel. The siblings were spotted last week by Canadian TVjournalist Jocelyn Laidlaw in a chance sighting at Kensington Gardens in London. "Catherine Duchess of Cambridge walking Lupo today in Kensington Gardens," Laidlaw wrote. "Lovely to see her so low-key.
- 6/15/2012
- PEOPLE.com
It doesn't take much to bring Kate down to earth. After days of buoyant Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge slipped into something more comfortable - jeans, Barbour jacket and a hat - and stepped out for a walk through Kensington Gardens with her dog Lupo, her younger brother James Middleton, and another dog, presumed to be a Middleton family cocker spaniel. The siblings were spotted last week by Canadian TVjournalist Jocelyn Laidlaw in a chance sighting at Kensington Gardens in London. "Catherine Duchess of Cambridge walking Lupo today in Kensington Gardens," Laidlaw wrote. "Lovely to see her so low-key.
- 6/15/2012
- PEOPLE.com
'I'm always for the underdog coming back,' Abdul says of new 'X Factor' judge Spears.
By Jocelyn Vena
"X Factor" judges L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears
Photo: Desiree Navarro/ Getty Images
Former "X Factor" judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have remained pretty tight-lipped regarding the news that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will replace them on the next season of the Fox show. Until now, that is.
This week, Abdul sat down with Wendy Williams on her talk show and had only the kindest things to say about both of those ladies.
"I think it's going to be great, and I'll tell you why. I think people are anticipating seeing Britney Spears. She's overcome a tremendous amount of adversity. And I'm always for the underdog coming back.
"She's a big star," Abdul said in footage posted on Perezhilton.com.
"And then there's a new budding star,...
By Jocelyn Vena
"X Factor" judges L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears
Photo: Desiree Navarro/ Getty Images
Former "X Factor" judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have remained pretty tight-lipped regarding the news that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will replace them on the next season of the Fox show. Until now, that is.
This week, Abdul sat down with Wendy Williams on her talk show and had only the kindest things to say about both of those ladies.
"I think it's going to be great, and I'll tell you why. I think people are anticipating seeing Britney Spears. She's overcome a tremendous amount of adversity. And I'm always for the underdog coming back.
"She's a big star," Abdul said in footage posted on Perezhilton.com.
"And then there's a new budding star,...
- 5/24/2012
- MTV Music News
Spears says she wants to 'inspire' contestants on the Fox show.
By Jocelyn Vena
"X Factor" judges L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears at the Fox Upfront
Photo: Desiree Navarro/ Getty Images
Britney Spears seems poised and ready to sit beside her fellow "X Factor" judges on the revamped second season of the show. At the Fox upfront this week, the singer appeared alongside fellow newbie Demi Lovato, as well as returning judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, and gushed about the Fox reality show.
"Just really being able to be there and inspire the other contestants ... they're so young and they're trying to fulfill their dreams," she said at the event. "It's just a whole beautiful concept. It's just really cool."
While her negotiations with the show had been making headlines in the weeks leading up to the official announcement, Cowell brushed off all the hoopla,...
By Jocelyn Vena
"X Factor" judges L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears at the Fox Upfront
Photo: Desiree Navarro/ Getty Images
Britney Spears seems poised and ready to sit beside her fellow "X Factor" judges on the revamped second season of the show. At the Fox upfront this week, the singer appeared alongside fellow newbie Demi Lovato, as well as returning judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, and gushed about the Fox reality show.
"Just really being able to be there and inspire the other contestants ... they're so young and they're trying to fulfill their dreams," she said at the event. "It's just a whole beautiful concept. It's just really cool."
While her negotiations with the show had been making headlines in the weeks leading up to the official announcement, Cowell brushed off all the hoopla,...
- 5/16/2012
- MTV Music News
I'm not sure what to make of the big surprise on General Hospital this week -- but then again, I haven't known what to make of Gh in a very long time (years, actually). Robin Scorpio is alive -- and looking very tanned and rested, I might add, even if she is being held hostage in something resembling a hospital room.
Seeing Robin in that bed at the end of Monday's episode was the first time Gh has really "wowed" me since that unforgettable moment in May 1980 when Edward Quartermaine sprang back to life after faking a heart attack and shocked his daughter Tracy (and millions of viewers, as well) after she had refused to give him his medication because he wouldn't change his will. Ah, sweet memories ...
The Robin reveal was all the more impressive because it hadn't been leaked. I didn't think it was possible to keep anything...
Seeing Robin in that bed at the end of Monday's episode was the first time Gh has really "wowed" me since that unforgettable moment in May 1980 when Edward Quartermaine sprang back to life after faking a heart attack and shocked his daughter Tracy (and millions of viewers, as well) after she had refused to give him his medication because he wouldn't change his will. Ah, sweet memories ...
The Robin reveal was all the more impressive because it hadn't been leaked. I didn't think it was possible to keep anything...
- 3/28/2012
- by Ed Martin
- Aol TV.
Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy joins castmates onstage to bring laughs at Academy Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph onstage at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Mark Davis/ WireImage
There were several Lol moments during the 2012 Academy Awards, and one of those moments came courtesy of the funny women from "Bridesmaids." The six stars of the box-office smash took the stage on Sunday night (February 26) to hand out a bunch of awards. They not only passed out Oscar gold, they also dished out some good-natured, albeit somewhat Nsfw, laughs.
Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig were first at bat to present Short Film (Live Action) to "The Shore."
"Six beautiful, some say handsome, women were invited by the Academy not only to present three awards, but also to shatter the common belief that size does not matter," Wiig joked. "Ah, I hate to tell you guys this, but it kind of does,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph onstage at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Mark Davis/ WireImage
There were several Lol moments during the 2012 Academy Awards, and one of those moments came courtesy of the funny women from "Bridesmaids." The six stars of the box-office smash took the stage on Sunday night (February 26) to hand out a bunch of awards. They not only passed out Oscar gold, they also dished out some good-natured, albeit somewhat Nsfw, laughs.
Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig were first at bat to present Short Film (Live Action) to "The Shore."
"Six beautiful, some say handsome, women were invited by the Academy not only to present three awards, but also to shatter the common belief that size does not matter," Wiig joked. "Ah, I hate to tell you guys this, but it kind of does,...
- 2/27/2012
- MTV Movie News
Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy joins castmates onstage to bring laughs at Academy Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph onstage at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Mark Davis/ WireImage
There were several Lol moments during the 2012 Academy Awards, and one of those moments came courtesy of the funny women from "Bridesmaids." The six stars of the box-office smash took the stage on Sunday night (February 26) to hand out a bunch of awards. They not only passed out Oscar gold, they also dished out some good-natured, albeit somewhat Nsfw, laughs.
Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig were first at bat to present Short Film (Live Action) to "The Shore."
"Six beautiful, some say handsome, women were invited by the Academy not only to present three awards, but also to shatter the common belief that size does not matter," Wiig joked. "Ah, I hate to tell you guys this, but it kind of does,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph onstage at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Mark Davis/ WireImage
There were several Lol moments during the 2012 Academy Awards, and one of those moments came courtesy of the funny women from "Bridesmaids." The six stars of the box-office smash took the stage on Sunday night (February 26) to hand out a bunch of awards. They not only passed out Oscar gold, they also dished out some good-natured, albeit somewhat Nsfw, laughs.
Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig were first at bat to present Short Film (Live Action) to "The Shore."
"Six beautiful, some say handsome, women were invited by the Academy not only to present three awards, but also to shatter the common belief that size does not matter," Wiig joked. "Ah, I hate to tell you guys this, but it kind of does,...
- 2/27/2012
- MTV Music News
Animated 'Hotel Transylvania' set for September release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
It seems that the Disney girls have each other's backs. Miley Cyrus will no longer be able to voice a part in Adam Sandler's animated vampire flick, "Hotel Transylvania," and it seems that Selena Gomez has stepped up to the plate to fill in for her.
A rep for Sandler told E! News that the actress will play the part of Mavis, the vampire daughter of Dracula (Sandler). Dracula, who runs a resort of all the creepy folks in the world, gets worried when his teen daughter falls for a boy. E! reports that "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg, singer and "The Voice" judge Cee Lo Green and Sandler's pal Kevin James also have sunk their teeth into roles in the film, expected to drop in September.
Back in November,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
It seems that the Disney girls have each other's backs. Miley Cyrus will no longer be able to voice a part in Adam Sandler's animated vampire flick, "Hotel Transylvania," and it seems that Selena Gomez has stepped up to the plate to fill in for her.
A rep for Sandler told E! News that the actress will play the part of Mavis, the vampire daughter of Dracula (Sandler). Dracula, who runs a resort of all the creepy folks in the world, gets worried when his teen daughter falls for a boy. E! reports that "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg, singer and "The Voice" judge Cee Lo Green and Sandler's pal Kevin James also have sunk their teeth into roles in the film, expected to drop in September.
Back in November,...
- 2/10/2012
- MTV Movie News
Animated 'Hotel Transylvania' set for September release.
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
It seems that the Disney girls have each other's backs. Miley Cyrus will no longer be able to voice a part in Adam Sandler's animated vampire flick, "Hotel Transylvania," and it seems that Selena Gomez has stepped up to the plate to fill in for her.
A rep for Sandler told E! News that the actress will play the part of Mavis, the vampire daughter of Dracula (Sandler). Dracula, who runs a resort of all the creepy folks in the world, gets worried when his teen daughter falls for a boy. E! reports that "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg, singer and "The Voice" judge Cee Lo Green and Sandler's pal Kevin James also have sunk their teeth into roles in the film, expected to drop in September.
Back in November,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Selena Gomez
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
It seems that the Disney girls have each other's backs. Miley Cyrus will no longer be able to voice a part in Adam Sandler's animated vampire flick, "Hotel Transylvania," and it seems that Selena Gomez has stepped up to the plate to fill in for her.
A rep for Sandler told E! News that the actress will play the part of Mavis, the vampire daughter of Dracula (Sandler). Dracula, who runs a resort of all the creepy folks in the world, gets worried when his teen daughter falls for a boy. E! reports that "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg, singer and "The Voice" judge Cee Lo Green and Sandler's pal Kevin James also have sunk their teeth into roles in the film, expected to drop in September.
Back in November,...
- 2/10/2012
- MTV Music News
Actress has reportedly left Sherman Oaks Hospital, where she was admitted on Monday for 'exhaustion.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Demi Moore (file)
Photo: FilmMagic
Demi Moore has been discharged from Sherman Oaks Hospital, E! News confirms. The actress entered the Los Angeles area hospital on Monday, but it remains unclear exactly when she left the facility.
The site further reports that her discharge is timed perfectly with Ashton Kutcher's return to the States. He had been in Brazil shooting a campaign for Colcci along with supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. His return to the U.S. on Thursday (January 26) had been previously scheduled and was not prompted by Moore's hospitalization. When TMZ cameras caught the actor out and about in Brazil, he said nothing when asked about his estranged wife's situation.
There has been a lot of speculation in the days since Moore entered the hospital, including reports that she had...
By Jocelyn Vena
Demi Moore (file)
Photo: FilmMagic
Demi Moore has been discharged from Sherman Oaks Hospital, E! News confirms. The actress entered the Los Angeles area hospital on Monday, but it remains unclear exactly when she left the facility.
The site further reports that her discharge is timed perfectly with Ashton Kutcher's return to the States. He had been in Brazil shooting a campaign for Colcci along with supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. His return to the U.S. on Thursday (January 26) had been previously scheduled and was not prompted by Moore's hospitalization. When TMZ cameras caught the actor out and about in Brazil, he said nothing when asked about his estranged wife's situation.
There has been a lot of speculation in the days since Moore entered the hospital, including reports that she had...
- 1/26/2012
- MTV Music News
Moore's separation from Ashton Kutcher, thin appearance had fans concerned even before Tuesday health scare.
By Jocelyn Vena
Demi Moore
Photo: FilmMagic
Demi Moore made headlines on Tuesday when she was hospitalized for "exhaustion." The news of the health scare may not have been too surprising to celebrity watchers who have been closely keeping an eye on the actress in the wake of her split from Ashton Kutcher.
In 2011, Moore's personal life became heavily scrutinized when "Two and a Half Men" star Kutcher faced allegations that he was cheating on Moore. The actress has been lying low of late — she appeared in several smaller films in the past year, including "Margin Call" and "Another Happy Day."
Last fall, shortly before she announced her split from Kutcher, Moore had many fans worried about her health after she appeared thinner than usual at several red-carpet appearances to promote "Margin Call." But she...
By Jocelyn Vena
Demi Moore
Photo: FilmMagic
Demi Moore made headlines on Tuesday when she was hospitalized for "exhaustion." The news of the health scare may not have been too surprising to celebrity watchers who have been closely keeping an eye on the actress in the wake of her split from Ashton Kutcher.
In 2011, Moore's personal life became heavily scrutinized when "Two and a Half Men" star Kutcher faced allegations that he was cheating on Moore. The actress has been lying low of late — she appeared in several smaller films in the past year, including "Margin Call" and "Another Happy Day."
Last fall, shortly before she announced her split from Kutcher, Moore had many fans worried about her health after she appeared thinner than usual at several red-carpet appearances to promote "Margin Call." But she...
- 1/25/2012
- MTV Music News
'I am going to tweet myself naked all the time,' the '90210' actress jokes to MTV News at Sundance.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Annalynne McCord
Photo: MTV News
Much like a plot right out of her soapy CW show, "90210," AnnaLynne McCord made headlines when she inadvertently tweeted out a Nsfw photo of herself on January 10. It quickly became clear that she took the photo at the wrong angle, exposing a bit more of herself than she had expected to.
After realizing her Twitter faux pas, she laughed off the incident. "This is for you, @meganraee You Rock! Xxx," she initially tweeted, including the nipple-baring photo. She later added, "Hahaha! Megan, you feel like sharing? Very funny I actually Lol-ed xxxA."
When MTV News had the chance to speak to McCord during her trip to the Sundance Film Festival, she had a very amusing response to the tweet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Annalynne McCord
Photo: MTV News
Much like a plot right out of her soapy CW show, "90210," AnnaLynne McCord made headlines when she inadvertently tweeted out a Nsfw photo of herself on January 10. It quickly became clear that she took the photo at the wrong angle, exposing a bit more of herself than she had expected to.
After realizing her Twitter faux pas, she laughed off the incident. "This is for you, @meganraee You Rock! Xxx," she initially tweeted, including the nipple-baring photo. She later added, "Hahaha! Megan, you feel like sharing? Very funny I actually Lol-ed xxxA."
When MTV News had the chance to speak to McCord during her trip to the Sundance Film Festival, she had a very amusing response to the tweet.
- 1/23/2012
- MTV Music News
'It's going to blow people's minds,' screenwriter tells MTV News about the in-the-works adaptation.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Diablo Cody
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Diablo Cody explored the life of one particular "Young Adult" author in her screenplay for the Charlize Theron film. Next up, she herself is taking on the challenge of adapting a beloved young-adult franchise, "Sweet Valley High," for the big screen.
And while she's knee-deep in work for the project, when MTV News caught up with the screenwriter at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles, she revealed one very juicy detail about the adaptation.
"Oh my gosh! Ok, so I am so excited about 'Sweet Valley High.' There's original songs being written for it right now, which is the most exciting development. They're amazing. They're being written by these Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters...
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Diablo Cody
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Diablo Cody explored the life of one particular "Young Adult" author in her screenplay for the Charlize Theron film. Next up, she herself is taking on the challenge of adapting a beloved young-adult franchise, "Sweet Valley High," for the big screen.
And while she's knee-deep in work for the project, when MTV News caught up with the screenwriter at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles, she revealed one very juicy detail about the adaptation.
"Oh my gosh! Ok, so I am so excited about 'Sweet Valley High.' There's original songs being written for it right now, which is the most exciting development. They're amazing. They're being written by these Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters...
- 1/13/2012
- MTV Movie News
'It's going to blow people's minds,' screenwriter tells MTV News about the in-the-works adaptation.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Diablo Cody
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Diablo Cody explored the life of one particular "Young Adult" author in her screenplay for the Charlize Theron film. Next up, she herself is taking on the challenge of adapting a beloved young-adult franchise, "Sweet Valley High," for the big screen.
And while she's knee-deep in work for the project, when MTV News caught up with the screenwriter at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles, she revealed one very juicy detail about the adaptation.
"Oh my gosh! Ok, so I am so excited about 'Sweet Valley High.' There's original songs being written for it right now, which is the most exciting development. They're amazing. They're being written by these Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters...
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Diablo Cody
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
Diablo Cody explored the life of one particular "Young Adult" author in her screenplay for the Charlize Theron film. Next up, she herself is taking on the challenge of adapting a beloved young-adult franchise, "Sweet Valley High," for the big screen.
And while she's knee-deep in work for the project, when MTV News caught up with the screenwriter at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles, she revealed one very juicy detail about the adaptation.
"Oh my gosh! Ok, so I am so excited about 'Sweet Valley High.' There's original songs being written for it right now, which is the most exciting development. They're amazing. They're being written by these Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters...
- 1/13/2012
- MTV Music News
Pop star made history in 2011 with chart-topping hits that empowered fans.
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry
Photo: Getty Images
In 2011, no one shined as brightly as Katy Perry. It's hard to think back on the past 12 months without getting one of her songs stuck in your head.
As MTV's Artist of the Year, Katy found success by unapologetically being herself. She sang about aliens, her foggy memories of house parties, lost love, true love, being yourself and everything in between. It's easy for fans to connect to Perry and her music: She's an open book. And in 2011, she turned a few more pages.
Riding high off the success of 2010's Teenage Dream, Perry didn't rest on her laurels. Instead, she set the bar even higher by hitting the road on the California Dreams Tour, where night after night, decked out in candy-colored clothes, she belted out her greatest hits and...
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry
Photo: Getty Images
In 2011, no one shined as brightly as Katy Perry. It's hard to think back on the past 12 months without getting one of her songs stuck in your head.
As MTV's Artist of the Year, Katy found success by unapologetically being herself. She sang about aliens, her foggy memories of house parties, lost love, true love, being yourself and everything in between. It's easy for fans to connect to Perry and her music: She's an open book. And in 2011, she turned a few more pages.
Riding high off the success of 2010's Teenage Dream, Perry didn't rest on her laurels. Instead, she set the bar even higher by hitting the road on the California Dreams Tour, where night after night, decked out in candy-colored clothes, she belted out her greatest hits and...
- 12/15/2011
- MTV Music News
Kardashian sisters hit their blogs to congratulate the 'greatest mom in the world' on her pregnancy.
By Jocelyn Vena
Scott Disick, Kourtney Kardashian and son Mason
Photo: Getty Images
Kim Kardashian is ready to be an aunt again. The reality star has taken to her blog to send love to her big sister Kourtney, who just announced she's pregnant with her second child. Kourtney and boyfriend Scott Disick already have a son, Mason.
"I have some amazing news to share with you all! Kourtney and Scott are expecting their second child!!" Kim wrote in a post on Wednesday (November 30). "This is such a blessing and the whole family is beyond thrilled! I just know Mason will make the best big brother and I can't wait to meet my new little niece or nephew! Congratulations Kourtney and Scott."
Kourtney's sister Khloé is also excited to become an aunt again.
"I am...
By Jocelyn Vena
Scott Disick, Kourtney Kardashian and son Mason
Photo: Getty Images
Kim Kardashian is ready to be an aunt again. The reality star has taken to her blog to send love to her big sister Kourtney, who just announced she's pregnant with her second child. Kourtney and boyfriend Scott Disick already have a son, Mason.
"I have some amazing news to share with you all! Kourtney and Scott are expecting their second child!!" Kim wrote in a post on Wednesday (November 30). "This is such a blessing and the whole family is beyond thrilled! I just know Mason will make the best big brother and I can't wait to meet my new little niece or nephew! Congratulations Kourtney and Scott."
Kourtney's sister Khloé is also excited to become an aunt again.
"I am...
- 11/30/2011
- MTV Music News
Fellow NBA wife and reality TV star tells MTV News she'll be there for Kim through 'every part of it.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Kim Kardashian
Photo: Marianna Massey/ WireImage
After Kim Kardashian announced her headline-making split from Kris Humphries, it's her friends and family who are helping her get through a tough time. One of those pals, fellow reality star and basketball wife La La Anthony, told MTV News she's just trying to be a supportive friend.
"Of course, I was surprised by the news," Anthony told us Monday night on the red carpet of the Glamour Women of the Year event in New York City. "Anytime someone gets a divorce, it's a difficult time. All I can do is be her friend and support her through every part of it, and that's what I'm doing."
It's been more than a week since Kim announced the breakup but she continues to make news.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kim Kardashian
Photo: Marianna Massey/ WireImage
After Kim Kardashian announced her headline-making split from Kris Humphries, it's her friends and family who are helping her get through a tough time. One of those pals, fellow reality star and basketball wife La La Anthony, told MTV News she's just trying to be a supportive friend.
"Of course, I was surprised by the news," Anthony told us Monday night on the red carpet of the Glamour Women of the Year event in New York City. "Anytime someone gets a divorce, it's a difficult time. All I can do is be her friend and support her through every part of it, and that's what I'm doing."
It's been more than a week since Kim announced the breakup but she continues to make news.
- 11/8/2011
- MTV Music News
By Jocelyn Noveck, The Associated Press
New York — O, for a juicy literary dispute that would pit scholars against Hollywood, with charges of snobbery, materialism, elitism and opportunism flying around like so many slings and arrows – not to mention the specter of young minds poisoned by the character assassination of a hero.
Heard about the new movie "Anonymous"?
The film by Roland Emmerich, a director better known for apocalyptic blockbusters than period dramas, opens on Friday. But already, its contention that Shakespeare was a simpleton, a fraud and perhaps a murderer who never wrote a word of those great plays has set off some epic sniping of which the Bard himself might be proud.
"A new low for Hollywood," says Columbia University professor James Shapiro. "Completely grotesque," says Stanley Wells, of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Britain.
Emmerich says he's been called names, and screenwriter John Orloff says one critic...
New York — O, for a juicy literary dispute that would pit scholars against Hollywood, with charges of snobbery, materialism, elitism and opportunism flying around like so many slings and arrows – not to mention the specter of young minds poisoned by the character assassination of a hero.
Heard about the new movie "Anonymous"?
The film by Roland Emmerich, a director better known for apocalyptic blockbusters than period dramas, opens on Friday. But already, its contention that Shakespeare was a simpleton, a fraud and perhaps a murderer who never wrote a word of those great plays has set off some epic sniping of which the Bard himself might be proud.
"A new low for Hollywood," says Columbia University professor James Shapiro. "Completely grotesque," says Stanley Wells, of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Britain.
Emmerich says he's been called names, and screenwriter John Orloff says one critic...
- 10/27/2011
- by Gazelle Emami
- Huffington Post
Paris -- Philippe Lioret's immigrant drama "Welcome" was named best French film of the year Friday night at the Lumiere Awards.
Director Regis Wargnier presided over the ceremony, held in Paris' City Hall, the Hotel de Ville.
"Welcome" stars Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi in a story about a Kurdish boy from Iraq and the middle-age swimming teacher who tries to help him despite harsh French immigration laws.
Jacques Audiard was named best director for "A Prophet," and the film's leading man, Tahar Rahim, was named best actor for his role in the prison drama.
Both winners are on the Golden Globe Awards circuit stateside, and weren't in town to accept their prizes.
Veteran actress Isabelle Adjani took home the best actress prize for her performance in "Skirt Day," and newcomer Pauline Etienne was named most aspiring actress for her role in Lea Fehner's "Qu'Un Seul Tienne et les Autres Suivront.
Director Regis Wargnier presided over the ceremony, held in Paris' City Hall, the Hotel de Ville.
"Welcome" stars Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi in a story about a Kurdish boy from Iraq and the middle-age swimming teacher who tries to help him despite harsh French immigration laws.
Jacques Audiard was named best director for "A Prophet," and the film's leading man, Tahar Rahim, was named best actor for his role in the prison drama.
Both winners are on the Golden Globe Awards circuit stateside, and weren't in town to accept their prizes.
Veteran actress Isabelle Adjani took home the best actress prize for her performance in "Skirt Day," and newcomer Pauline Etienne was named most aspiring actress for her role in Lea Fehner's "Qu'Un Seul Tienne et les Autres Suivront.
- 1/15/2010
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bitch Slap stars America Olivo, Julia Voth and Erin Cummings at the 2009 Stockholm Film Festival. (Photo: Carla Orrego Veliz.) Directed by Rick Jacobson, and co-written by Jacobson and Eric Gruendemann, Bitch Slap is a throwback to B movies of the ’60s and ’70s a la Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, in which women kick ass, throw punches, and display canyon-deep cleavage. The film had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. Also in the Bitch Slap cast: Michael Hurst, Ron Melendez, William Gregory Lee, and Lucy Lawless. Jan Kounen, the director of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Anna Mouglalis, and 99 Francs, a box-office hit with Jean Dujardin and the recently deceased Jocelyn Quivrin. [...]...
- 11/30/2009
- by Joan Lister
- Alt Film Guide
Jocelyn Quivrin, Bénabar in Incognito Jocelyn Quivrin, the French Academy’s César winner for most promising newcomer in 2008, died after losing control of his sports car while driving in a tunnel just outside of Paris on Sunday (Nov. 15) night. Quivrin was 30. Quivrin’s off-screen companion was actress Alice Taglioni, best known for playing a top model in Francis Veber’s comedy The Valet. The couple had a child in March. According to reports, Taglioni was driving in front of Quivrin on Sunday night; she called the police when the actor didn’t arrive home. Quivrin (born on Feb. 14, 1979) began his show-business career at the age of 10, appearing in the television series Les compagnons de [...]...
- 11/16/2009
- by Anna Robinson
- Alt Film Guide
Paris -- French actor Jocelyn Quivrin died in a car accident Sunday night outside of Paris. He was 30.
Quivrin was best-known for his recent roles in Jan Kounen's popular comedy "99 Francs," teen boxoffice sensation "Lol" opposite Sophie Marceau, and next appears in the December release "La Famille Wolberg."
The actor won the Cesar award for most promising newcomer in 2008 for his role in "99 Francs" and was awarded the first ever Patrick Deware prize for most promising actor that year.
Quivrin leaves behind his companion, French actress Alice Taglioni, and their son, born in March. Taglioni was driving in front of Quivrin on Sunday night then called the police when Quivrin didn't arrive home. The French film community is mourning the actor, and tributes to his career are being planned for the coming days.
"At 30 years old, he was one of the most seductive faces of French cinema," French Cultural...
Quivrin was best-known for his recent roles in Jan Kounen's popular comedy "99 Francs," teen boxoffice sensation "Lol" opposite Sophie Marceau, and next appears in the December release "La Famille Wolberg."
The actor won the Cesar award for most promising newcomer in 2008 for his role in "99 Francs" and was awarded the first ever Patrick Deware prize for most promising actor that year.
Quivrin leaves behind his companion, French actress Alice Taglioni, and their son, born in March. Taglioni was driving in front of Quivrin on Sunday night then called the police when Quivrin didn't arrive home. The French film community is mourning the actor, and tributes to his career are being planned for the coming days.
"At 30 years old, he was one of the most seductive faces of French cinema," French Cultural...
- 11/16/2009
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paris -- The French awards season wrapped in Paris on Monday night as the Romy Schneider/Patrick Dewaere prizes for the year's most promising young talents went to Deborah Francois and Louis Garrel at a lavish awards ceremony at Paris' Hotel de Ville.
Francois was honored for her performance in Remi Bezancon's "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life," which also won her the 2009 Cesar award for most promising actress. Garrel starred in Christophe Honore's telefilm "La Belle Personne" and in the 2008 Festival de Cannes competition title "Frontier of Dawn," directed by his father Philippe. "Dawn" hit Gallic theaters in October.
An all-male jury of French journalists voted for the Schneider prize -- awarded since 1984 -- while an all female jury picked Garrel for the Dewaere prize. Replacing the traditional Jean Gabin award, the Dewaere prize is named for French actor Patrick Dewaere, who committed suicide in 1982 at...
Francois was honored for her performance in Remi Bezancon's "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life," which also won her the 2009 Cesar award for most promising actress. Garrel starred in Christophe Honore's telefilm "La Belle Personne" and in the 2008 Festival de Cannes competition title "Frontier of Dawn," directed by his father Philippe. "Dawn" hit Gallic theaters in October.
An all-male jury of French journalists voted for the Schneider prize -- awarded since 1984 -- while an all female jury picked Garrel for the Dewaere prize. Replacing the traditional Jean Gabin award, the Dewaere prize is named for French actor Patrick Dewaere, who committed suicide in 1982 at...
- 4/20/2009
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- The French film world extended its awards season Monday night as young thesps Audrey Dana and Jocelyn Quivrin were named most promising newcomers at the Romy Schneider/Patrick Deware prize ceremony.
Dana, whose breakout performance in Claude Lelouch's "Crossed Tracks" earned her a Cesar nomination this year, received the Romy Schneider award, which has been given to a promising young actress since 1984.
Quivrin, also nominated for a Cesar for his role in Jan Koenen's "99 Francs", was awarded the first ever Patrick Deware prize for most promising actor. The Deware prize replaces the traditional Jean Gabin award, given to the country's most promising male talent since 1981.
Winners were chosen by two separate juries composed of French journalists.
Dana and Quivrin received their prizes at a lavish ceremony at Paris' Royal Monceau hotel in the company of family and friends, including a surprise visit from "Tracks" director Claude Lelouch and Quivrin's real-life companion and co-star of recently released comedy "Notre Univers Impitoyable", Alice Taglioni.
Dana, whose breakout performance in Claude Lelouch's "Crossed Tracks" earned her a Cesar nomination this year, received the Romy Schneider award, which has been given to a promising young actress since 1984.
Quivrin, also nominated for a Cesar for his role in Jan Koenen's "99 Francs", was awarded the first ever Patrick Deware prize for most promising actor. The Deware prize replaces the traditional Jean Gabin award, given to the country's most promising male talent since 1981.
Winners were chosen by two separate juries composed of French journalists.
Dana and Quivrin received their prizes at a lavish ceremony at Paris' Royal Monceau hotel in the company of family and friends, including a surprise visit from "Tracks" director Claude Lelouch and Quivrin's real-life companion and co-star of recently released comedy "Notre Univers Impitoyable", Alice Taglioni.
- 3/19/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Abdellatif Kechiche's immigrant drama The Secret of the Grain continued its winning streak with the prize for best film of the year at the Etoiles d'or de la presse (Golden Star Awards) Monday night in Paris.
Kechiche also won the award for best director and best screenplay for his film, and saw lead actress Hafsia Herzi walk away with the best female newcomer prize.
Pathe's Jerome Seydoux and Francois Ivernel were also crowned with Golden Stars for Secret, named best producer and best distributor respectively.
Oscar favorite and Golden Globe winner La Vie en Rose star Marion Cotillard had to share the spotlight with Anna M.'s Isabelle Carre for the best actress award. Mathieu Amalric took home the best actor prize for his role as paralyzed Elle editor Dominique Bauby in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Parannaud won the best first film award for animated political satire Persepolis and Barbet Schroeder's Terror's Advocate was named best documentary.
99 Francs actor Jocelyn Quivrin shared the best male newcomer prize with his Romance of Astree and Celadon co-star Andy Gillet.
Kechiche also won the award for best director and best screenplay for his film, and saw lead actress Hafsia Herzi walk away with the best female newcomer prize.
Pathe's Jerome Seydoux and Francois Ivernel were also crowned with Golden Stars for Secret, named best producer and best distributor respectively.
Oscar favorite and Golden Globe winner La Vie en Rose star Marion Cotillard had to share the spotlight with Anna M.'s Isabelle Carre for the best actress award. Mathieu Amalric took home the best actor prize for his role as paralyzed Elle editor Dominique Bauby in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Parannaud won the best first film award for animated political satire Persepolis and Barbet Schroeder's Terror's Advocate was named best documentary.
99 Francs actor Jocelyn Quivrin shared the best male newcomer prize with his Romance of Astree and Celadon co-star Andy Gillet.
- 2/20/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Olivier Dahan's Edith Piaf biopic "La Vie en Rose" was in tune Friday with Claude Miller's Holocaust drama "A Secret" as both films nabbed 11 nominations for France top film honors the Cesar Awards.
"Rose" and "Secret" will compete for the title of best French film of the year with Abdellatif Kechiche's immigrant drama "The Secret of the Grain", Marjan Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud's animated hit "Persepolis" and Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," which dove into the nominee pool with a total of seven nods.
"Butterfly" star Mathieu Amalric was nominated for best actor for his role as paralyzed Elle editor Dominique Bauby. Amalric will vie against Gallic cinema veterans Michel Blanc (Andre Techine's "The Witnesses"), Vincent Lindon Anne Le Ny's "Those Who Remain"), Jean-Pierre Darroussin (Jean Becker's "Conversations with my Gardener") and Jean-Pierre Marielle (Noemie Lvovsky's "Let's Dance!").
Marion Cotillard, fresh from her Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination will compete for the best actress title in her home country alongside "Secret" star Cecile de France, Isabelle Carre (Michel Spinoza's "Anna M".), Marina Fois (Christine Carriere's "Darling") and Catherine Frot ("Odette Toulemonde").
Dahan, Miller, Schnabel, Kechiche and Techine will vie for the best director prize.
Dahan's "Rose" was selected in the best original screenplay category alongside Kechiche's "The Secret of the Grain", Julie Delpy's cross-cultural comedy "2 Days in Paris", Anne Le Ny's "Those Who Remain" and Laurent Tirard and Gregoire Vigneron's "Moliere" while "Secret", "Butterfly", "Persepolis" and "Darling" will compete with Claude Berri's "Hunting and Gathering" in the best adaptation category.
"Secret"'s Julie Depardieu and Ludivine Sagnier will contend for the best supporting actress prize with Noemie Lvovsky (Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi's "Actresses"), Bulle Ogier (Lvovsky's "Let's Dance!") and Sylvie Testud for her performance in "Rose".
The nominees for best supporting actor are Sami Bouajila ("The Witnesses"), Pascal Greggory ("La Vie en Rose"), Michael Lonsdale ("The Human Question"), Fabrice Luchini ("Moliere") and Laurent Stocker ("Hunting and Gathering").
Stocker received a parallel nom in the most promising male newcomer category. Joining him for the race for the young talent discovery award are Nicolas Cazale (Eric Guirado's "The Grocer's Son"), Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet (Christophe Honore's "Love Songs"), Jonathan Libereau ("The Witnesses") and Jocelyn Quivrin (Jan Koenen's "99 Francs").
Young actresses Louise Blachere and Adele Haenel, stars of Celine Sciamma's adolescent angst story "Water Lilies", will vie for the most promising female newcomer award with Clotilde Hesme ("Love Songs"), Lumiere prize winner Hafsia Herzi ("The Secret of the Grain") and Audrey Dana (Claude Lelouch's "Crossed Tracks").
Christian Mungiu's Palm d'Or winner at last year's Festival de Cannes "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days", Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's "The Lives of Others", Fatih Akin's "On the Other Side", David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises" and James Gray's "We Own the Night" will compete for best foreign-language film.
"Rose" and "Secret" will compete for the title of best French film of the year with Abdellatif Kechiche's immigrant drama "The Secret of the Grain", Marjan Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud's animated hit "Persepolis" and Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," which dove into the nominee pool with a total of seven nods.
"Butterfly" star Mathieu Amalric was nominated for best actor for his role as paralyzed Elle editor Dominique Bauby. Amalric will vie against Gallic cinema veterans Michel Blanc (Andre Techine's "The Witnesses"), Vincent Lindon Anne Le Ny's "Those Who Remain"), Jean-Pierre Darroussin (Jean Becker's "Conversations with my Gardener") and Jean-Pierre Marielle (Noemie Lvovsky's "Let's Dance!").
Marion Cotillard, fresh from her Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination will compete for the best actress title in her home country alongside "Secret" star Cecile de France, Isabelle Carre (Michel Spinoza's "Anna M".), Marina Fois (Christine Carriere's "Darling") and Catherine Frot ("Odette Toulemonde").
Dahan, Miller, Schnabel, Kechiche and Techine will vie for the best director prize.
Dahan's "Rose" was selected in the best original screenplay category alongside Kechiche's "The Secret of the Grain", Julie Delpy's cross-cultural comedy "2 Days in Paris", Anne Le Ny's "Those Who Remain" and Laurent Tirard and Gregoire Vigneron's "Moliere" while "Secret", "Butterfly", "Persepolis" and "Darling" will compete with Claude Berri's "Hunting and Gathering" in the best adaptation category.
"Secret"'s Julie Depardieu and Ludivine Sagnier will contend for the best supporting actress prize with Noemie Lvovsky (Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi's "Actresses"), Bulle Ogier (Lvovsky's "Let's Dance!") and Sylvie Testud for her performance in "Rose".
The nominees for best supporting actor are Sami Bouajila ("The Witnesses"), Pascal Greggory ("La Vie en Rose"), Michael Lonsdale ("The Human Question"), Fabrice Luchini ("Moliere") and Laurent Stocker ("Hunting and Gathering").
Stocker received a parallel nom in the most promising male newcomer category. Joining him for the race for the young talent discovery award are Nicolas Cazale (Eric Guirado's "The Grocer's Son"), Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet (Christophe Honore's "Love Songs"), Jonathan Libereau ("The Witnesses") and Jocelyn Quivrin (Jan Koenen's "99 Francs").
Young actresses Louise Blachere and Adele Haenel, stars of Celine Sciamma's adolescent angst story "Water Lilies", will vie for the most promising female newcomer award with Clotilde Hesme ("Love Songs"), Lumiere prize winner Hafsia Herzi ("The Secret of the Grain") and Audrey Dana (Claude Lelouch's "Crossed Tracks").
Christian Mungiu's Palm d'Or winner at last year's Festival de Cannes "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days", Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's "The Lives of Others", Fatih Akin's "On the Other Side", David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises" and James Gray's "We Own the Night" will compete for best foreign-language film.
- 1/26/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Adapted from Frederic Beigbeder's novel of the same title -- one of the biggest French best-sellers of recent years -- and starring the very bankable Jean Dujardin (Brice de Nice, 0SS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies), Jan Kounen's 99 Francs represents a scathing -- for France -- satire on the advertising industry, one that is likely to do excellent business in its home territory.
Dujardin plays Octave Parango, whizz-kid creative director of the advertising agency Ross and Witchcraft whom we first meet standing on the roof of a skyscraper in driving rain apparently bent on committing suicide. In voice-over -- there is a great deal of VO and direct address to camera -- Octave explains that he is the master of the world, the man who decides today what Joe Public will want to buy tomorrow. And that he is a very bad lot indeed.
He then leads us through the stages of his career, presenting his colleagues -- fellow creator Charlie (Jocelyn Quivrin), finance director Jeff (Patrick Mille), girlfriend Sophie (Vahina Giocante) -- and CEO Alfred Duler (Nicolas Marie), of his leading client, a major dairy products manufacturer.
Quite how bad a lot he is becomes rapidly apparent as the film watches him snort large quantities of cocaine and vent his cynical wit on all around him. When Sophie informs him that she is pregnant with his child, he proves incapable of producing an authentic human response. But he is lucid enough and decides finally to rebel, notably by sabotaging the launch of a new brand of yogurt.
Comparable with last year's Thank you for Smoking, Jason Reitman's acerbic take on lobbyists for Big Tobacco, 99 Francs is strong stuff for France where advertisers traditionally wield considerable influence among television broadcasters who in turn have a major say as regards which movies get made.
Kounen, working from a script by Nicolas Charlet and Bruno Laveine with some impromptu input by Dujardin, pulls few punches in his portrayal of advertising agencies as dens of narcissistic, coke-fueled opportunists on the make. Having made 30 or so ads himself, mostly in England, he presumably knows something of what he is talking about. His approach is not always subtle, and cliche is always lurking, but the movie is constantly inventive and the jokes score more hits than misses.
Some of the humor will fall flat with non-French audiences, but the movie is also dotted with references to well-known movie directors such as Sergio Leone, Stanley Kubrick, Wong Kar-Wai and Federico Fellini. Kounen is more interested in effects than in narrative clarity. The reality status of a number of scenes appears problematic -- real, pastiche, publicity or drug-induced fantasy? -- though in this the movie reflects the novel.
The pace is fast and furious. Since Kounen deploys the techniques of advertising the better to debunk them, he risks burdening the spectator with sensory overload. But it's all good fun with real bite, and France's best-known yogurt manufacturer will not be best pleased to see its brand name lightly disguised as Madone.
99 FRANCS
Film 99 Francs, Pathe, Arte France Cinema
Credits:
Director: Jan Kounen
Writers: Nicolas Charlet, Bruno Laveine, Jan Kounen
Producer: Ilan Goldman
Director of photography: David Ungaro
Production designer: Michel Barthelemy
Music: Jean-Jacques Hertz, Francois Roy
Costume designer: Sylvie Ong, Claire Lacaze
Editor: Anny Danche
Cast:
Octave Parango: Jean Dujardin
Charlie: Jocelyn Quivrin
Jeff: Patrick Mille
Sophie: Vahina Giocante
Tamara: Elisa Tovati
Duler: Nicolas Marie
Jean-Christian Gagnant: Dominique Bettenfeld
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Dujardin plays Octave Parango, whizz-kid creative director of the advertising agency Ross and Witchcraft whom we first meet standing on the roof of a skyscraper in driving rain apparently bent on committing suicide. In voice-over -- there is a great deal of VO and direct address to camera -- Octave explains that he is the master of the world, the man who decides today what Joe Public will want to buy tomorrow. And that he is a very bad lot indeed.
He then leads us through the stages of his career, presenting his colleagues -- fellow creator Charlie (Jocelyn Quivrin), finance director Jeff (Patrick Mille), girlfriend Sophie (Vahina Giocante) -- and CEO Alfred Duler (Nicolas Marie), of his leading client, a major dairy products manufacturer.
Quite how bad a lot he is becomes rapidly apparent as the film watches him snort large quantities of cocaine and vent his cynical wit on all around him. When Sophie informs him that she is pregnant with his child, he proves incapable of producing an authentic human response. But he is lucid enough and decides finally to rebel, notably by sabotaging the launch of a new brand of yogurt.
Comparable with last year's Thank you for Smoking, Jason Reitman's acerbic take on lobbyists for Big Tobacco, 99 Francs is strong stuff for France where advertisers traditionally wield considerable influence among television broadcasters who in turn have a major say as regards which movies get made.
Kounen, working from a script by Nicolas Charlet and Bruno Laveine with some impromptu input by Dujardin, pulls few punches in his portrayal of advertising agencies as dens of narcissistic, coke-fueled opportunists on the make. Having made 30 or so ads himself, mostly in England, he presumably knows something of what he is talking about. His approach is not always subtle, and cliche is always lurking, but the movie is constantly inventive and the jokes score more hits than misses.
Some of the humor will fall flat with non-French audiences, but the movie is also dotted with references to well-known movie directors such as Sergio Leone, Stanley Kubrick, Wong Kar-Wai and Federico Fellini. Kounen is more interested in effects than in narrative clarity. The reality status of a number of scenes appears problematic -- real, pastiche, publicity or drug-induced fantasy? -- though in this the movie reflects the novel.
The pace is fast and furious. Since Kounen deploys the techniques of advertising the better to debunk them, he risks burdening the spectator with sensory overload. But it's all good fun with real bite, and France's best-known yogurt manufacturer will not be best pleased to see its brand name lightly disguised as Madone.
99 FRANCS
Film 99 Francs, Pathe, Arte France Cinema
Credits:
Director: Jan Kounen
Writers: Nicolas Charlet, Bruno Laveine, Jan Kounen
Producer: Ilan Goldman
Director of photography: David Ungaro
Production designer: Michel Barthelemy
Music: Jean-Jacques Hertz, Francois Roy
Costume designer: Sylvie Ong, Claire Lacaze
Editor: Anny Danche
Cast:
Octave Parango: Jean Dujardin
Charlie: Jocelyn Quivrin
Jeff: Patrick Mille
Sophie: Vahina Giocante
Tamara: Elisa Tovati
Duler: Nicolas Marie
Jean-Christian Gagnant: Dominique Bettenfeld
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 11/2/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- It was a very British year for French detective thriller fest, the Festival du Film Policier de Cognac, with Donal MacIntyre's "A Very British Gangster" taking the top prize for best film Sunday night.
The festival jury was headed by veteran filmmaker Claude Lelouch, whose "Crossed Tracks" received a long standing ovation after screening out of competition Saturday.
The jury, which also included actresses Lea Drucker, Julie Gayet, Audrey Marnay and Jocelyn Quivrin, actors Bruno Wolkowitch and Pierre Lorit and singer Julien Clerc, awarded their jury prize to two Australian entries: Ray Lawrence's "Jindabyne" and Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces".
"Aces" also took home the international critics prize as the five-day public event wrapped. The audience award went to Bruce Evans' "Mr. Brooks" from the U.S., while the New Blood Jury awarded its top prize to Spanish first film "Night of the Sunflowers" from George Sanchez-Cabezudo.
The fest opened Wednesday with Johnnie To's "Exiled" and featured homage screenings of To's films, movies based on Mary Higgins Clark novels, a special series dedicated to the French thriller genre and a "Prison Break" marathon.
The festival jury was headed by veteran filmmaker Claude Lelouch, whose "Crossed Tracks" received a long standing ovation after screening out of competition Saturday.
The jury, which also included actresses Lea Drucker, Julie Gayet, Audrey Marnay and Jocelyn Quivrin, actors Bruno Wolkowitch and Pierre Lorit and singer Julien Clerc, awarded their jury prize to two Australian entries: Ray Lawrence's "Jindabyne" and Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces".
"Aces" also took home the international critics prize as the five-day public event wrapped. The audience award went to Bruce Evans' "Mr. Brooks" from the U.S., while the New Blood Jury awarded its top prize to Spanish first film "Night of the Sunflowers" from George Sanchez-Cabezudo.
The fest opened Wednesday with Johnnie To's "Exiled" and featured homage screenings of To's films, movies based on Mary Higgins Clark novels, a special series dedicated to the French thriller genre and a "Prison Break" marathon.
- 6/26/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Suddenly, France's classical age is in fashion. "Jean de la Fontaine, le defi" ("le defi" means "the challenge") is the second film about a 17th century cultural icon to appear this year, and director Daniel Vigne's portrayal of the willful poet and fabulist inevitably will be compared with "Moliere", the highly successful portrait of the dramatist as a young man released here in January.
Where the earlier costume drama essentially is a lighthearted comic romp, Vigne -- director of the medieval mystery tale "The Return of Martin Guerre" -- aims to pack a thin story with contemporary relevance. The results are diverting but unfocused, and "Fontaine" is unlikely to play as well at the boxoffice.
When the young Louis XIV (Jocelyn Quivrin) ascends to the throne in 1661 and axes the chief minister Fouquet (Nicky Naude) to replace him with his personal favorite Colbert (Philippe Torreton), the air is thick with the turning of coats.
But Fouquet's protege Jean de la Fontaine (Lorant Deutsch), a dreamy, insouciant poet who at 35 has yet to prove himself as a writer, springs to his defense. He denounces his drinking partners Moliere (Julien Courbey) and the tragedian Jean Racine (Romain Rondeau) for their supine indifference to a flagrant injustice and launches a campaign for the release of the imprisoned ex-minister.
He is blackballed for his pains, and the campaign achieves nothing other than to mark him as a troublemaker in the eyes of the ruthless Colbert.
In the process, though, La Fontaine has honed his writing skills. In particular, he develops and perfects the ancient form of the animal fable, using it as a vehicle for a series of satirical portraits of an increasingly conformist society. His pithy one-liners soon are all the rage. He plans to have his fables published in book form, for which he will need the king's authorization.
Being personable, good-looking and well-connected, La Fontaine finds no shortage of ladies of noble lineage willing to offer him food and board, though sometimes he has to wait on tables. But he's more at home among the people. For love interest, he dallies with Perrette (Sara Forestier), the tavern serving girl who seeks to better herself by learning to read.
The movie wends its amiable way to La Fontaine's predictable vindication with just enough incident to keep the spectator interested, notably the arrival of Colbert's hitman Terron (Daniel Duval), who challenges the poet to a duel to which there can be only one outcome but is foiled by the arrival by a group of La Fontaine's lowlife friends.
There is pathos in his midnight confrontation with Racine, whom he accuses of acting "no better than a dog, eating out of the king's hand." But too often in such exchanges the dialogue is overly schematic as the filmmakers hammer home their point about the need for artists to maintain their independence.
The film makes good use of France's heritage locations. As a historical political thriller, it has its moments but fails to thrill. However, the closing scenes provide a convincing visual metaphor for the steady drift under the Sun King to what was to become the prototype of a totalitarian regime.
JEAN DE LA FONTAINE, LE DEFI
Cineteve, France 2 Television
Credits:
Director: Daniel Vigne
Screenwriter: Jacques Forgeas
Producers: Philippe Rey, Fabienne Servan Schreiber
Executive producer: Jean-Pierre Fayer
Director of photography: Flore Thuillez
Production designer: Regis Nicolino
Music: Michel Portal
Costume designer: Florence Sadaune
Editor: Thierry Simonnet
Cast:
Jean de la Fontaine: Lorant Deutsch
Colbert: Philippe Torreton
Perrette: Sara Forestier
Chateauneuf: Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Moliere: Julien Courbey
Louis XIV: Jocelyn Quivrin
Terron: Daniel Duval
Racine: Romain Rondeau
Duchesse d'Orleans: Fabienne Babe
Jannart: Jean-Pierre Malo
Fouquet: Nicky Naude
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Where the earlier costume drama essentially is a lighthearted comic romp, Vigne -- director of the medieval mystery tale "The Return of Martin Guerre" -- aims to pack a thin story with contemporary relevance. The results are diverting but unfocused, and "Fontaine" is unlikely to play as well at the boxoffice.
When the young Louis XIV (Jocelyn Quivrin) ascends to the throne in 1661 and axes the chief minister Fouquet (Nicky Naude) to replace him with his personal favorite Colbert (Philippe Torreton), the air is thick with the turning of coats.
But Fouquet's protege Jean de la Fontaine (Lorant Deutsch), a dreamy, insouciant poet who at 35 has yet to prove himself as a writer, springs to his defense. He denounces his drinking partners Moliere (Julien Courbey) and the tragedian Jean Racine (Romain Rondeau) for their supine indifference to a flagrant injustice and launches a campaign for the release of the imprisoned ex-minister.
He is blackballed for his pains, and the campaign achieves nothing other than to mark him as a troublemaker in the eyes of the ruthless Colbert.
In the process, though, La Fontaine has honed his writing skills. In particular, he develops and perfects the ancient form of the animal fable, using it as a vehicle for a series of satirical portraits of an increasingly conformist society. His pithy one-liners soon are all the rage. He plans to have his fables published in book form, for which he will need the king's authorization.
Being personable, good-looking and well-connected, La Fontaine finds no shortage of ladies of noble lineage willing to offer him food and board, though sometimes he has to wait on tables. But he's more at home among the people. For love interest, he dallies with Perrette (Sara Forestier), the tavern serving girl who seeks to better herself by learning to read.
The movie wends its amiable way to La Fontaine's predictable vindication with just enough incident to keep the spectator interested, notably the arrival of Colbert's hitman Terron (Daniel Duval), who challenges the poet to a duel to which there can be only one outcome but is foiled by the arrival by a group of La Fontaine's lowlife friends.
There is pathos in his midnight confrontation with Racine, whom he accuses of acting "no better than a dog, eating out of the king's hand." But too often in such exchanges the dialogue is overly schematic as the filmmakers hammer home their point about the need for artists to maintain their independence.
The film makes good use of France's heritage locations. As a historical political thriller, it has its moments but fails to thrill. However, the closing scenes provide a convincing visual metaphor for the steady drift under the Sun King to what was to become the prototype of a totalitarian regime.
JEAN DE LA FONTAINE, LE DEFI
Cineteve, France 2 Television
Credits:
Director: Daniel Vigne
Screenwriter: Jacques Forgeas
Producers: Philippe Rey, Fabienne Servan Schreiber
Executive producer: Jean-Pierre Fayer
Director of photography: Flore Thuillez
Production designer: Regis Nicolino
Music: Michel Portal
Costume designer: Florence Sadaune
Editor: Thierry Simonnet
Cast:
Jean de la Fontaine: Lorant Deutsch
Colbert: Philippe Torreton
Perrette: Sara Forestier
Chateauneuf: Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Moliere: Julien Courbey
Louis XIV: Jocelyn Quivrin
Terron: Daniel Duval
Racine: Romain Rondeau
Duchesse d'Orleans: Fabienne Babe
Jannart: Jean-Pierre Malo
Fouquet: Nicky Naude
Running time -- 100 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 4/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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