This article originally appeared on Real Simple.
What do you get for the father who has everything? He already has every power tool on the market, season tickets to see his favorite teams, and enough cool techy toys to last him a lifetime. Although he might not fancy himself a big reader, there’s nothing more thoughtful, or personal, than a book picked just for him.
The great thing about giving books as gifts is that even the father who thinks he’s learned it all can still explore a new world, learn more about his favorite hobby, or be...
What do you get for the father who has everything? He already has every power tool on the market, season tickets to see his favorite teams, and enough cool techy toys to last him a lifetime. Although he might not fancy himself a big reader, there’s nothing more thoughtful, or personal, than a book picked just for him.
The great thing about giving books as gifts is that even the father who thinks he’s learned it all can still explore a new world, learn more about his favorite hobby, or be...
- 6/15/2017
- by Real Simple Staff
- PEOPLE.com
If you’re a fan of Spawn and Savage Dragon, then you’ve got to watch this incredibly cool fan-made anime short film that mashes the two comic book characters together. The short is a fan fiction that was inspired by the special crossover variant cover from Spawn issue #266 featuring an amazing mashup of Todd McFarlane’s Spawn and Erik Larson’s Savage Dragon. I included the cover art for you below the video. The creator of the video, Daetrix, said:
“It was so epic I had to see him in action. being a Chicagoan myself I was excited to animate one of our cities most well known superheroes.”
I think fans are really going to dig this. I thought the creator did a pretty solid job bringing this mashup character to life. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think!
“It was so epic I had to see him in action. being a Chicagoan myself I was excited to animate one of our cities most well known superheroes.”
I think fans are really going to dig this. I thought the creator did a pretty solid job bringing this mashup character to life. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think!
- 12/5/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Sixth time's the charm for Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese.
The actor and director have teamed up to make five acclaimed movies, and they're reuniting once again for "Devil in the White City."
Deadline reports that Paramount has optioned the rights to Erik Larson's nonfiction book about a serial killer in Chicago in the late 19th century. DiCaprio will play Hh Holmes, who murdered between 27 and 200 people, mostly single young women.
The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair, and also tells the story of fair architect Daniel H. Burnham. Holmes, who works with Burnham, builds the World's Fair Hotel and uses it as a means of luring in his victims. It was a nightmarish place that had a gas chamber, crematorium, and dissecting table.
Together, DiCaprio and Scorsese have previously made "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Shutter Island," and "The Wolf of Wall Street.
The actor and director have teamed up to make five acclaimed movies, and they're reuniting once again for "Devil in the White City."
Deadline reports that Paramount has optioned the rights to Erik Larson's nonfiction book about a serial killer in Chicago in the late 19th century. DiCaprio will play Hh Holmes, who murdered between 27 and 200 people, mostly single young women.
The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair, and also tells the story of fair architect Daniel H. Burnham. Holmes, who works with Burnham, builds the World's Fair Hotel and uses it as a means of luring in his victims. It was a nightmarish place that had a gas chamber, crematorium, and dissecting table.
Together, DiCaprio and Scorsese have previously made "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Shutter Island," and "The Wolf of Wall Street.
- 8/11/2015
- by Kelly Woo
- Moviefone
Leonardo DiCaprio's longtime desire to play the storied 19th-century slaughterer Dr. H.H. Holmes will finally be realized, and Deadline reports that he'll do so with Martin Scorsese behind the camera. The project, titled Devil in the White City, is based on Erik Larson's similarly titled nonfiction book that focused on Holmes's harrowing exploits, in the context of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The movie adaptation has been in development for years; it's being rescued by Paramount, which nabbed the property in a bidding war after salivating over big-screen writer Billy Ray's script ideas. DiCaprio's turn as Holmes will reportedly be complemented by the World's Fair's producer-architect, who employs and unknowingly enables DiCaprio's character in his descent into depravity. Holmes has historically been dubbed America's first serial killer because he built a death trap of a hotel, known notoriously as the "Murder Castle" (with windowless rooms, dead-end hallways,...
- 8/11/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
The Venice Biennale dates to 1894, part of the late-19th-century version of globalism, which inspired lots of international expositions when it was possible but not all that easy to travel the world (think Paris's in 1889, when the Eiffel Tower went up, or Chicago’s in 1893, which inspired that Erik Larson book). Soon the national pavilions started going up: Belgium (1907), Hungary (1909), Germany (1909), Great Britain (1909), France (1912), and Russia (1914), and then resumed again after the first World War, and again after the second.So going to the Venice Biennale is like getting a tour of dozens of different countries, each with its own showcase, all in the course of a day. It’s a bit like going to Epcot, but instead of some animatronic puppets celebrating progress and capitalism, you have contemporary art from around the world showing off whatever that country’s arts elites think is appropriate to...
- 5/13/2015
- by Larissa Pham
- Vulture
The incredible story of genius Alan Turing finally comes to public light with The Imitation Game, a revelatory representation of an essential chapter in World War II that was lost for horrific reasons. Benedict Cumberbatch leads the film as Turing with a fine performance, and stars opposite Keira Knightley playing a female companion of Turing, alongside talents like Matthew Goode and Mark Strong. The film is adapted from the Andrew Hodges book “Alan Turing: The Enigma” by Graham Moore, and directed by Morten Tyldum.
Moore is a debut screenwriter with Chicago roots, and received acclaim for his novel “The Sherlockian,” released in 2010. He is lined up next to adapt Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City” into the highly-anticipated vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio.
Tyldum is a Norwegian director on the rise, who caught the attention of viewers with his bonkers adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s Headhunters, starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Aksel Hennie.
Moore is a debut screenwriter with Chicago roots, and received acclaim for his novel “The Sherlockian,” released in 2010. He is lined up next to adapt Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City” into the highly-anticipated vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio.
Tyldum is a Norwegian director on the rise, who caught the attention of viewers with his bonkers adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s Headhunters, starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Aksel Hennie.
- 12/9/2014
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Excuse me if this week’s profundity seems a bit more extemporaneous than usual. It’s been one of those weeks, and at 3:00 yesterday morning Roscoe The Cat literally saved my life and I’m still twitching over that one.
I listen to music all the time. Literally, all the time. I have a very wide range in taste, but most of what I listen to falls under the exceptionally broad category of “kick ass rock’n’blues.” It’s a phrase I use on Weird Sounds Inside The Gold Mind, my weekly radio indulgence on (ahem) www.getthepointradio.com. Right now, I’m listening to Sterling Koch’s 2010 effort, Steel Guitar Blues. Kick ass music energizes me and takes the pressures of the day and it puts them over there, wherever there is. Music is my drug of choice.
A lot of my friends in the comics racket...
I listen to music all the time. Literally, all the time. I have a very wide range in taste, but most of what I listen to falls under the exceptionally broad category of “kick ass rock’n’blues.” It’s a phrase I use on Weird Sounds Inside The Gold Mind, my weekly radio indulgence on (ahem) www.getthepointradio.com. Right now, I’m listening to Sterling Koch’s 2010 effort, Steel Guitar Blues. Kick ass music energizes me and takes the pressures of the day and it puts them over there, wherever there is. Music is my drug of choice.
A lot of my friends in the comics racket...
- 8/21/2013
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Spoiler Alert: In the current issue of Savage Dragon, writer/artist Erik Larson murdered a bunch of children. All I have to say about that is… it’s about time!
Larson’s book has been around about as long as Image Comics and presently is in its 188th issue, not counting crossovers, spin-offs and mini-series. That’s quite an accomplishment. It’s also one of the most consistently entertaining comics on the racks, and that’s even more of an accomplishment. He’s also a nice guy, but that’s only marginally important to my thoughts right now.
Back before there was Daredevil, there was Daredevil – in a sense, the world’s second homeless superhero. But instead of being homeless because his planet exploded went blooie, he was homeless because he was squeezed out of his own comic book by a group of know-it-all brats called the Little Wise Guys,...
Larson’s book has been around about as long as Image Comics and presently is in its 188th issue, not counting crossovers, spin-offs and mini-series. That’s quite an accomplishment. It’s also one of the most consistently entertaining comics on the racks, and that’s even more of an accomplishment. He’s also a nice guy, but that’s only marginally important to my thoughts right now.
Back before there was Daredevil, there was Daredevil – in a sense, the world’s second homeless superhero. But instead of being homeless because his planet exploded went blooie, he was homeless because he was squeezed out of his own comic book by a group of know-it-all brats called the Little Wise Guys,...
- 6/12/2013
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
If you are a fan of comics, sci-fi movies, or sci-fi TV – in other words, if you are a SciFiMafia.com reader – you need to be listening to the weekly live radio broadcast of Where Monsters Dwell. Hosted by Remington J. Osborne and Monster Mike, Where Monsters Dwell is a weekly live dose of pop culture talk radio.
Spanning such topics as comics, movies, TV and games, Where Monsters Dwell also features live creator interviews every week along with their own perspective on pop culture news and happenings. You can tune in live around the world on Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c at WhereMonstersDwell.ca, where you can also download previous broadcasts. Do that.
They’ve been on the air for almost 5 years and in that time have aired nearly 250 episodes and interviewed comic creators both new and established, including Mark Waid, Tony Moore, Darick Robertson, Todd McFarlane, Jamal Igle,...
Spanning such topics as comics, movies, TV and games, Where Monsters Dwell also features live creator interviews every week along with their own perspective on pop culture news and happenings. You can tune in live around the world on Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c at WhereMonstersDwell.ca, where you can also download previous broadcasts. Do that.
They’ve been on the air for almost 5 years and in that time have aired nearly 250 episodes and interviewed comic creators both new and established, including Mark Waid, Tony Moore, Darick Robertson, Todd McFarlane, Jamal Igle,...
- 6/5/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
As a film student at Chapman University, DC Comics scribe Kyle Higgins did his thesis in the form of a short film titled The League, featuring unionized superheroes fighting crime in 1960s Chicago.
This half-hour short transcended being a graduation requirement as it garnered attention from both of the big two - Marvel and DC - who were interested in Kyle's take on the comics side of the genre.
Joining a growing fraternity of filmmakers turned comic writers, Higgins has quickly made a name for himself writing for characters such as Captain America, Deathstroke, Batman and, of course, the original Robin, Dick Grayson, now known as Nightwing.
While making a stop in the Midwest to attend Chicago's Comic and Entertainment Expo, Higgins is also returning to his old stomping grounds.
Chicagoland native Kyle took some time to talk with us about his past, present and future as a writer in the Batman Universe sandbox.
This half-hour short transcended being a graduation requirement as it garnered attention from both of the big two - Marvel and DC - who were interested in Kyle's take on the comics side of the genre.
Joining a growing fraternity of filmmakers turned comic writers, Higgins has quickly made a name for himself writing for characters such as Captain America, Deathstroke, Batman and, of course, the original Robin, Dick Grayson, now known as Nightwing.
While making a stop in the Midwest to attend Chicago's Comic and Entertainment Expo, Higgins is also returning to his old stomping grounds.
Chicagoland native Kyle took some time to talk with us about his past, present and future as a writer in the Batman Universe sandbox.
- 5/12/2013
- by Michael Pellegrini
- The Geek Files
Last year it was reported that Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetsman would be adapting the Erik Larson novel, In the Garden of the Beasts, for the big screen. Hanks would take on the lead role in the film, and now there's a new report from Deadline saying that The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius is currently in talks to helm, and Natalie Portman could end up playing Hanks' daughter in the story.
The film is set during Hitler’s rise to power. It's based on the true story of William Dodd, "the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
The film is set during Hitler’s rise to power. It's based on the true story of William Dodd, "the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
- 9/14/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
First reported on late last year , Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman have plans to adapt Erik Larson's non-fiction novel In the Garden of the Beasts for the screen with Hanks playing a leading role. Now, Deadline reports that The Artist director Michel Hazanavicius is in talks to helm with Natalie Portman eyed to play Hanks' character's daughter. The book itself, published last year, is officially described as follows: With this new book, I invite you to journey to Berlin during Hitler.s first year in power, 1933, in the company of a real-life father and daughter from Chicago who suddenly found themselves transported to the heart of the city. They had no conception of the harrowing days that lay ahead. At the time, nothing was certain.Hitler did not yet...
- 9/13/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Last week I bitched and moaned about how we’ve turned our backs on comics that can be appreciated by readers of all ages in order to follow the money that kids ain’t got and some adults might have. I also tied this into continuity impenetrable to newcomers that is spread over about a hundred dollars’ worth of monthly product. I can be snotty that way.
In just the past couple of years, we have seen something of a return to comics that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. Publishers can’t help the self-consciousness suffered by Baby Boomers and some Gen-Xers, but today’s new middle-agers were raised without much of the stigma us old folks suffered during the Wertham rage. So, I am now taking it upon myself to point out a few titles that work for a general audience that is fearless enough to...
In just the past couple of years, we have seen something of a return to comics that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. Publishers can’t help the self-consciousness suffered by Baby Boomers and some Gen-Xers, but today’s new middle-agers were raised without much of the stigma us old folks suffered during the Wertham rage. So, I am now taking it upon myself to point out a few titles that work for a general audience that is fearless enough to...
- 6/27/2012
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
Title: An Incomplete History of the Art of Funerary Violin Author: Rohan Kriwaczek Length: 209 Pages Publisher: Duckworth Overlook Publication Date: 2006 Micro-histories are growing in esteem in both scholarly and popular reading circles. With authors like David Starkey and Erik Larson making historic events, eras and figures accessible to a more expansive audience, the genre is growing and new generations are becoming acquainted with an ever…...
- 2/22/2012
- Horrorbid
Just because he plays a vampire dad doesn't mean Peter Facinelli can't have human tastes.
The actor has come a long way since first catching our eye as Mike Dexter, Jennifer Love-Hewitt's loser boyfriend in "Can't Hardly Wait." Now not only is he best known for playing vampire patriarch Dr. Carlisle Cullen in "The Twilight Saga," but he also stars as another doctor, Fitch Cooper, in Showtime's "Nurse Jackie."
The versatile actor, who wrote and stars in the film "Loosies," took a few moments to share some pop-culture picks that are pretty current for a 368-year-old vampire.
Movies 'I Saw the Devil'
Why? So damn creepy And some pretty awesome directing.
'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'
Watching this movie made me want to become an actor.
'Bullitt'
Steve McQueen -- enough said.
Music Lmfao
Can’t listen to it without moving.
'Sober,' Pink
I love Pink.
The actor has come a long way since first catching our eye as Mike Dexter, Jennifer Love-Hewitt's loser boyfriend in "Can't Hardly Wait." Now not only is he best known for playing vampire patriarch Dr. Carlisle Cullen in "The Twilight Saga," but he also stars as another doctor, Fitch Cooper, in Showtime's "Nurse Jackie."
The versatile actor, who wrote and stars in the film "Loosies," took a few moments to share some pop-culture picks that are pretty current for a 368-year-old vampire.
Movies 'I Saw the Devil'
Why? So damn creepy And some pretty awesome directing.
'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'
Watching this movie made me want to become an actor.
'Bullitt'
Steve McQueen -- enough said.
Music Lmfao
Can’t listen to it without moving.
'Sober,' Pink
I love Pink.
- 1/17/2012
- by NextMovie Staff
- NextMovie
Warner Brothers has slated the Black List screenwriter to work on the adaption of Erik Larson's New York Times Bestseller about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and one of America's most storied serial killers. Their fates were linked by the magical Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, nicknamed the “White City” for its majestic beauty. Architect Daniel Burnham built it; serial killer Dr. H. H. Holmes used it to lure victims to his World’s Fair Hotel, designed for murder. Both men left behind them a powerful legacy, one of brilliance and energy, the other of sorrow and darkness. Here, then, is your ticket to the greatest fair in history—a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares. With Devil in The White City, this will be the second project in which Graham Moore...
- 12/18/2011
- by Eric Whitman
- The Daily BLAM!
Universal has picked up the rights to Erik Larson's best-selling novel "In the Garden of the Beasts." According to Variety, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are producing through their Playtone production company. Hanks could star in the film as well although nothing has been decided.No writer or director has been mentioned. The book details the true story of William Dodd, United States Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937, and his daughter Martha, who lived in Berlin during the Nazi party's rise to power. Hanks will be seen in the upcoming "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" opposite Sandra Bullock.
- 12/1/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman gained the movie rights from Universal for Erik Larson's best-selling novel, In the Garden of Beasts. It is to be produced by their company, Playtone, which the two created in 1996 creating hits such as The Green Mile and Catch Me If You Can. Being no stranger to historical dramas, there is talk that Hanks may take the starring roll as well.
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin is a story about pre-w.W. II Nazi Germany told through William Dodd, the U.S. ambassador to Berlin, and his socialite daughter in 1933. Larson's book was published in May 2011 and quickly became critically acclaimed.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 11/30/2011 by Katie
Gary Goetzman | Tom Hanks | In the Garden of Beasts | Catch Me if You Can | The Green Mile...
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin is a story about pre-w.W. II Nazi Germany told through William Dodd, the U.S. ambassador to Berlin, and his socialite daughter in 1933. Larson's book was published in May 2011 and quickly became critically acclaimed.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 11/30/2011 by Katie
Gary Goetzman | Tom Hanks | In the Garden of Beasts | Catch Me if You Can | The Green Mile...
- 11/30/2011
- by Katie Workinger
- Reelzchannel.com
The Larry Crowne actor is looking to produce and possibly star in the adaption of the non-fiction book chronicling an American ambassador and his family living in Hitler's Berlin. The best-selling author of Devil in the White City documents the efforts of William E. Dodd, the first American ambassador to Hitler's Germany, to acclimate to a residence in an increasingly violent city where he is forced to associate with the Nazis while his daughter pursues a relationship with Gestapo chief Rudolf Diels. Universal Studios recently bought the rights to Erik Larson's In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin, which was published in May of 2011. Playtone's Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce the project with the former potentially set to star. The...
- 11/30/2011
- by Eric Whitman
- The Daily BLAM!
It's fair to say that Tom Hanks has a certain interest in World War II, starring in "Saving Private Ryan," and producing both "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." Now comes news that the Hanks will be returning to the time period as he and Gary Goetzman's Playtone has acquired the rights to the nonfiction book "In the Garden of Beasts."
The book focuses on the United States' ambassador to Berlin in 1933, William Dodd, whose daughter took quickly to the city's social life, carrying on affairs with both a member of the Gestapo and a Soviet agent. The Hollywood Reporter explains that while "Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany...they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them."
The book's full title is "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," came out this past May...
The book focuses on the United States' ambassador to Berlin in 1933, William Dodd, whose daughter took quickly to the city's social life, carrying on affairs with both a member of the Gestapo and a Soviet agent. The Hollywood Reporter explains that while "Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany...they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them."
The book's full title is "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," came out this past May...
- 11/29/2011
- by Aubrey Sitterson
- ifc.com
Tom Hanks' Playtone and Universal Pictures have optioned the rights to Erik Larson's best-seller "In the Garden of Beasts," TheWrap has confirmed. Hanks and Gary Goetzman would produce the movie. The Oscar-winner would possibly star in the story of William Dodd -- the U.S. ambassador to Germany in the 1930s, who witnesses Hitler's consolidation of power with growing alarm -- and his sexually adventurous daughter. Also read: Warner's Not Giving Up on 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' Larson's other historical bestseller, the serial-killer drama "Devil in the White City," has been optioned by Leonardo DiCaprio...
- 11/29/2011
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Tom Hanks, along with producing partner, Gary Goetzman are working with Universal to adapt Erik Larson’s In the Garden of the Beasts for the big screen. The book is described by the author: With this new book, I invite you to journey to Berlin during Hitler’s first year in power, 1933, in the company of a real-life father and daughter from Chicago who suddenly found themselves transported to the heart of the city. They had no conception of the harrowing days that lay ahead. At the time, nothing was certain—Hitler did not yet possess absolute power, and few outsiders expected his government to survive. The family encountered a city suffused with energy and optimism, with some of the most striking, avant-garde buildings in the world. Its theaters, concert halls, and cafés were jammed; the streets teemed with well-dressed attractive people. But my two protagonists were about to begin...
- 11/29/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Sean)
- www.themoviebit.com
Tom Hanks is eyeing Erik Larson's recent nonfiction bestseller "In the Garden of Beasts" as a starring vehicle says The Hollywood Reporter.
Universal and Hanks' Playtone have optioned the film rights to the book which tells the true story of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933.
Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany, his socialite daughter had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy, but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce. Larson also penned the World's Fair serial killer tale "The Devil and the White City" which Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way label is developing.
Universal and Hanks' Playtone have optioned the film rights to the book which tells the true story of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933.
Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany, his socialite daughter had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy, but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce. Larson also penned the World's Fair serial killer tale "The Devil and the White City" which Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way label is developing.
- 11/29/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Tom Hanks isn't scared to tackle some of history's biggest and most tragic events. His next film, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," takes place during the aftermath of September 11, and now he has plans to tackle a movie about the Holocaust.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Hanks and his producing partner are planning to bring Erik Larson's non-fiction novel "In the Garden of the Beasts" to the big screen for Universal. It follows an American professor and his daughter who travel to Berlin in Hitler's first year of power, 1933, and try to temper the Fuhrer-to-be's government. Apparently the book offers a good understanding of why it took the world so long to understand the threat posed by Hitler. Hanks could potentially star in the film, as well as produce it.
Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump!
Kyle Chandler Heads To "Broken City"
Allen Hughes...
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Hanks and his producing partner are planning to bring Erik Larson's non-fiction novel "In the Garden of the Beasts" to the big screen for Universal. It follows an American professor and his daughter who travel to Berlin in Hitler's first year of power, 1933, and try to temper the Fuhrer-to-be's government. Apparently the book offers a good understanding of why it took the world so long to understand the threat posed by Hitler. Hanks could potentially star in the film, as well as produce it.
Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump!
Kyle Chandler Heads To "Broken City"
Allen Hughes...
- 11/29/2011
- by Terri Schwartz
- MTV Movies Blog
Tom Hanks in talks to lead Universal's adaptation of Erik Larson's 'In The Garden of Beasts'
Tom Hanks has seen his fair share of adapted war stories as an actor and as a producer. Hanks has appeared in Saving Private Ryan, and helped produce the HBO series The Pacific and Band of Brothers. But now the actor is ready to return to the acting scene in Universal Pictures’ adaptation of Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts, a true story of William Dodd, the United States’ reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
We don...
Tom Hanks has seen his fair share of adapted war stories as an actor and as a producer. Hanks has appeared in Saving Private Ryan, and helped produce the HBO series The Pacific and Band of Brothers. But now the actor is ready to return to the acting scene in Universal Pictures’ adaptation of Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts, a true story of William Dodd, the United States’ reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
We don...
- 11/29/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
Forrest Gump as a Diplomat: The film rights to In the Garden of Beasts, a nonfiction book by Erik Larson, have been optioned by Universal and Playtone, Tom Hanks’ production company. Hanks is considering starring as U.S. Ambassador William Dodds, who began his diplomatic service in 1933 Berlin somewhat naively before becoming aware of the evil that surrounded him and his family. (The Hollywood Reporter) Drugs on a Sub: An action thriller about drug smuggling via semi-submersible vessels, titled Narco Sub, has been acquired by 20th Century Fox. Tony Scott has been attached to direct and David Guggenheim wrote the script; it’s described as “a priority” for the studio, which previously released Scott’s Unstoppable. (Deadline) Gotham Awards...
Read More...
Read More...
- 11/29/2011
- by Peter Martin
- Movies.com
Okay, Tom Hanks isn't actually getting into a time machine and travelling back to the 1940 when WWII was in raging in Europe. Althought the prolific actor is planning to star in Erik Larson's nonfiction bestseller In the Garden of Beasts, which recently was optioned by Universal.
"The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.
"The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.
- 11/29/2011
- by Mario Melidona
- GetTheBigPicture.net
After a lack-luster romcom, Tom Hanks is back and just where we like him -- in Nazi Germany.
Hanks and Gary Goetzman will be producing Erik Larson's nonfiction bestseller "In the Garden of Beasts," but Hanks also has his eye on the lead role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Larson's book, whose full title is "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," tells the true story of William Dodd, a mild-mannered Us ambassador sent to Berlin in 1933 along with his daughter Marth, a lively socialite who finds herself entangled in love affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. At first, the pair is ignorant to the ugliness around them but slowly realizes they're in the midst of a mounting genocide.
This move expands Hanks' ever-impressive World War II/ historical oeuvre. He will next been seen in another book adaptation, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Hanks and Gary Goetzman will be producing Erik Larson's nonfiction bestseller "In the Garden of Beasts," but Hanks also has his eye on the lead role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Larson's book, whose full title is "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin," tells the true story of William Dodd, a mild-mannered Us ambassador sent to Berlin in 1933 along with his daughter Marth, a lively socialite who finds herself entangled in love affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. At first, the pair is ignorant to the ugliness around them but slowly realizes they're in the midst of a mounting genocide.
This move expands Hanks' ever-impressive World War II/ historical oeuvre. He will next been seen in another book adaptation, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
- 11/29/2011
- by Jessie Heyman
- Huffington Post
Tom Hanks is reportedly looking to obtain the rights to Erik Larson’s WWII non-fiction best-seller In The Garden of Beasts.
The A-Lister intends to produce the adaptation, however The Hollywood Reporter has suggested that he is also contemplating the project for his next leading role.
The book narrates the true story of William Dodd, a Us Ambassador in 1933 Berlin, whose daughter became romantically involved with several high-ranking members of the Third Reich.
While initially naive about Nazi Germany the Dodd family soon came to realise the violent fascism that lay beneath Hitler’s eroding nationalism.
The project continues Hanks' interest in World War II that has seen him produce the Emmy-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, The Pacific and John Adams.
Following this year’s disappointment of Larry Crowne, Hanks will next be seen in Stephen Daldry’s post-9/11 drama, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close starring Sandra Bullock, John Goodman and Max von Sydow.
The A-Lister intends to produce the adaptation, however The Hollywood Reporter has suggested that he is also contemplating the project for his next leading role.
The book narrates the true story of William Dodd, a Us Ambassador in 1933 Berlin, whose daughter became romantically involved with several high-ranking members of the Third Reich.
While initially naive about Nazi Germany the Dodd family soon came to realise the violent fascism that lay beneath Hitler’s eroding nationalism.
The project continues Hanks' interest in World War II that has seen him produce the Emmy-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, The Pacific and John Adams.
Following this year’s disappointment of Larry Crowne, Hanks will next be seen in Stephen Daldry’s post-9/11 drama, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close starring Sandra Bullock, John Goodman and Max von Sydow.
- 11/29/2011
- by zayyaf.saleem@lovefilm.com (Zayyaf Saleem)
- LOVEFiLM
Universal Pictures has optioned the movie rights to Erik Larson's non-fiction best-seller "In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler.s Berlin" for Tom Hanks to produce and potential star in. The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd's daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
- 11/29/2011
- WorstPreviews.com
Tom Hanks is being lined up for a role in 'In the Garden of Beasts'. Studio Universal has optioned the film rights to the Erik Larson-written best-seller, with Hanks and his production partner Gary Goetzman set to work on the movie behind the scenes, and Tom eyed for the starring role. The novel tells the true tale of former Unites States Ambassador William Dodd, who worked in Berlin in 1933, and his socialite daughter Martha, who had affairs with a Soviet spy and a Gestapo official. They initially stayed in Germany following the rise...
- 11/29/2011
- Virgin Media - Movies
Universal Pictures optioned the movie rights to adapt author Erik Larson’s best-selling novel “In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin.” The studio is eyeing actor Tom Hanks as the potential star for the film adaptation. Here is the non-fiction book’s overview: The time is 1933, the place, Berlin, when William E. Dodd becomes America’s first ambassador to Hitler’s Germany in a year that proved to be a turning point in history. A mild-mannered professor from Chicago, Dodd brings along his wife, son, and flamboyant daughter, Martha. At first Martha is entranced by the parties and pomp, and the handsome young men of the Third Reich with their infectious enthusiasm for restoring Germany to a position of world prominence. Enamored of the “New Germany,” she has one affair after another, including with the suprisingly honorable first chief of the Gestapo,...
- 11/29/2011
- LRMonline.com
"The movies in The Silent Roar, Film Forum's ongoing Monday-night series of silent masterpieces from MGM studios, all date from 1924 to 1929, the glorious last half-decade before the coming of sound," writes Imogen Smith for Alt Screen. "While the series includes some director-dominated films, like Erich von Stroheim's Greed and The Merry Widow, the line-up consists mainly of star vehicles constructed around singular personalities: Greta Garbo, Buster Keaton, Lon Chaney, and Lillian Gish. Each of these icons presents a case study in silent acting, and taken together, The Silent Roar makes for an excellent primer in this lost art." The series runs through February 6.
"2011 has been a good year for silent cinema on DVD," writes Kristin Thompson, presenting "an overview of some of the highlights."
Fandor's Keyframe is dedicated this week to "The Silent Artists."
Listening (18'49"). Kevin Brownlow talks about restoring Abel Gance's Napoleon (1927) on the Leonard Lopate Show.
"2011 has been a good year for silent cinema on DVD," writes Kristin Thompson, presenting "an overview of some of the highlights."
Fandor's Keyframe is dedicated this week to "The Silent Artists."
Listening (18'49"). Kevin Brownlow talks about restoring Abel Gance's Napoleon (1927) on the Leonard Lopate Show.
- 11/29/2011
- MUBI
Tom Hanks is looking to recreate the success he enjoyed on Saving Private Ryan by snapping up the rights for Universal’s upcoming WW2 drama In The Garden Of Beasts. Adapted from the novel of the same name by American author Erik Larson, the film is based upon the real life memories of William Dodd, who was Us Ambassador to Berlin in 1933. As the country moves towards war, Dodds’ daughter becomes romantically involved with a number of high-ranking members of the Third Reich. Meanwhile the mask over Hitler’s nationalism...
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- 11/29/2011
- by George Wales
- TotalFilm
Tom Hanks has made plans to adapt In the Garden of Beasts. He will work with work with producing partner Gary Goetzman on the adaptation of Erik Larson's non-fiction novel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hanks is also considering taking the starring role in the movie after it was optioned by Universal Pictures. In the Garden of Beasts is the true story of William Dodd, the Us's mild-mannered and reluctant ambassador to Germany in 1933. His daughter Martha initially enjoyed affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy, but slowly the family came to realise that under (more)...
- 11/29/2011
- by By Hugh Armitage
- Digital Spy
Next month audiences will get to see Tom Hanks in the better of his two films this year as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close will likely blow Larry Crowne out of the water, but another adaptation has caught the actor's eye as a producer and maybe as a starring vehicle. THR has word that Universal Pictures has just picked up the feature film rights to Erik Larson's non-fiction book In the Garden of Beasts, the true story of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Initially, the family (including his Dodd's wife and son as well) found themselves living the life in Nazi Germany (Martha was excited when Hitler kissed her hand), but slowly and surely the Dodd's realized the horror of the genocide surrounding them.
- 11/29/2011
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
When you’re coming off the big disappointment of Larry Crowne, the simple idea of seeing Tom Hanks in another good movie is, in a slightly unfortunate way, all the more enticing. I’m fairly confident that Paul Greengrass‘ A Captain’s Duty will fit the bill — but, if for some reason it doesn’t, THR has news of another strong possibility.
As they tell us, the actor plans to lead In the Garden of Beasts, a historical drama based on Erik Larson‘s non-fiction book; he’ll also produce through Playtone with Gary Goetzman. Set in the ’30s, this tells the true story of William Dodd, America’s “reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.” While they initially enjoy their time in Nazi Germany, he and his family “slowly gained...
As they tell us, the actor plans to lead In the Garden of Beasts, a historical drama based on Erik Larson‘s non-fiction book; he’ll also produce through Playtone with Gary Goetzman. Set in the ’30s, this tells the true story of William Dodd, America’s “reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.” While they initially enjoy their time in Nazi Germany, he and his family “slowly gained...
- 11/29/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Tom Hanks’ production company Playtone, along with Universal, have optioned the film rights to the nonfiction bestseller In the Garden of Beasts, by Erik Larson, EW has confirmed.
The book chronicles the life of U.S. ambassador William Dodd and his family while Dodd was stationed in Berlin during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. Hanks, who will produce with Gary Goetzman, is also considering starring in the film as Dodd. (The Hollywood Reporter first reported the story.)
Follow Adam on Twitter @adambvary
Read more:
‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ trailer: Tom Hanks will send you on a journey…...
The book chronicles the life of U.S. ambassador William Dodd and his family while Dodd was stationed in Berlin during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. Hanks, who will produce with Gary Goetzman, is also considering starring in the film as Dodd. (The Hollywood Reporter first reported the story.)
Follow Adam on Twitter @adambvary
Read more:
‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ trailer: Tom Hanks will send you on a journey…...
- 11/29/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW - Inside Movies
Tom Hanks is set to produce and possibly star in a new film called In the Garden of Beasts that's being set up at Universal Pictures. The studio acquired the movie rights to the Erik Larson nonfiction novel, which is called In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin. This is yet another World War II project that Hanks has attached himself to. I am a huge fan of Hanks, the guy is just so damn cool and he always gets involved with solid films. This one sounds like it could be great. The film is set during Hitler’s rise to power.
The film is based on the true story of William Dodd, "the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.
The film is based on the true story of William Dodd, "the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.
- 11/29/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Tom Hanks, it seems, just can’t stay away from World War II. He’s now joined forces with Universal to snatch up the rights to Erik Larson’s nonfiction bestseller In The Garden Of Beasts to develop as a likely starring role.To give it its full title, In The Garden Of Beasts: Love, Terror And An American Family In Hitler’s Berlin, Larson’s tome follows Us Ambassador William Dodd, a gentlemanly sort who reluctantly agreed to represent the States in Berlin in 1933. He had to deal with the rise of Hitler and his socialite daughter Martha, who was notorious for her string of lovers, including a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. While the family were initially naïve about the horror building around them, they slowly became more and more aware.It sounds like prime material for Hanks, who has done well with both mild-mannered sorts and historical films.
- 11/29/2011
- EmpireOnline
Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s Playtone company has, along with help from Universal, optioned the next big Hanks-starring vehicle. This one will be an adaptation of a novel called “In the Garden of the Beasts” and will see Hanks traveling back in time to Nazi Germany to play U.S. ambassador William Dodd. Dodd, along with his socialite daughter Martha, were fully engrained in the upper crust of Berlin back in 1933, right when things were starting to get crazy there but before everybody knew just how crazy. Dodd and his family lived amongst the Nazis, with his daughter even having an affair with a Gestapo official, but eventually conflict arose when they started to become more and more aware of the violence and evil that was happening right under their noses. Couple of real detectives, those two. “In the Garden of the Beasts” was written by Erik Larson, who is also known for “The Devil and...
- 11/29/2011
- by Nathan Adams
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Tom Hanks, Oscar-winning star of Saving Private Ryan and producer behind Band of Brothers, hopes to be heading back to war for an adaptation of Erik Larson.s non-fiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts. Universal has optioned the rights to Larson.s story for Hanks and his producing shingle, Playtone, and will position it as a vehicle for the leading man, The Hollywood Reporter reports. Hanks would play William Dodd, America.s ambassador to Berlin in the early 1930s who gradually realized the atrocities that were being conducted around him as World War II escalated. Adding to the mix, according to the trade, is Dodd.s daughter Martha, who was romantically involved with Gestapo officials and even dated a Societ spy, no doubt complicating matters for Dodd. The scenario appears to create a lot of gray area in which Hanks, an immensely talented actor who.s rarely tested, can...
- 11/29/2011
- cinemablend.com
The studio and Hanks' Playtone have optioned film rights to Erik Larson's nonfiction bestseller with Hanks eyeing it as a starring vehicle.
Universal has optioned the movie rights to Erik Larson's nonfiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts for Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman to produce via the duo's Playtone banner. Hanks is eyeing the project as a potential starring vehicle.
The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd's daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
The book, whose full title is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin,...
Universal has optioned the movie rights to Erik Larson's nonfiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts for Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman to produce via the duo's Playtone banner. Hanks is eyeing the project as a potential starring vehicle.
The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd's daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her hand) but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.
The book, whose full title is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin,...
- 11/29/2011
- icelebz.com
Borys Kit, Andy Lewis
Universal has optioned the movie rights to Erik Larson’s nonfiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts for Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman to produce via the duo’s Playtone banner. Hanks is eyeing the project as a potential starring vehicle. The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her
read more...
Universal has optioned the movie rights to Erik Larson’s nonfiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts for Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman to produce via the duo’s Playtone banner. Hanks is eyeing the project as a potential starring vehicle. The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States' reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy. Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany (Dodd’s daughter was excited when Hitler kissed her
read more...
- 11/28/2011
- by Borys Kit, Andy Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Hanks might have suffered a commercial hiccup with his adult romance Larry Crowne this summer but that didn’t slow down the 55-year-old actor, director and producer one bit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures acquired rights to Erik Larson’s In The Garden Of Beasts, about U.S. Ambassador to Germany William Dodd and his daughter Martha living in 1933 Berlin and witnessing the brutal rise of the Nazi Party. Universal partnered with Hanks and his Playtone partner Gary Goetzman to produce the historical drama. Larson wrote The Devil and the White City; about a serial killer loose in Chicago’s 1893 Worlds Fair, set to star Leonardo DiCaprio in a movie adaptation.
- 11/28/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman have plans to adapt Erik Larson's non-fiction novel In the Garden of the Beasts for the screen. The Hollywood Reporter has word that Universal has secured the rights to the book, which the author describes as follows on his official site: With this new book, I invite you to journey to Berlin during Hitler.s first year in power, 1933, in the company of a real-life father and daughter from Chicago who suddenly found themselves transported to the heart of the city. They had no conception of the harrowing days that lay ahead. At the time, nothing was certain.Hitler did not yet possess absolute power, and few outsiders expected his government to survive. The family encountered a city suffused with energy and optimism, with some of...
- 11/28/2011
- Comingsoon.net
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