What happens when someone isn’t happy that you’re going to play them in a biopic exploring their own life? You do it anyway, with or without their blessing. At least that’s what Pauly Shore is planning on doing. Who’s going to stop him? Richard Simmons? Please…
Pauly Shore – Insists He’ll Play Richard Simmons Despite the Latter’s Disapproval
Have you seen Pauly Shore playing Richard Simmons? Yes, you’re going to see him as the popular fitness guru soon because he is not hearing anything said fitness guru has to say.
The ‘Encino Man’ star, 56, has once again addressed the controversies surrounding his planned appearance on a Simmons biopic.
He reportedly touched on the subject during his appearance at his ‘Netflix is a Joke’ show at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles on Friday, May 3.
“I’m also gonna be starring in the Richard Simmons...
Pauly Shore – Insists He’ll Play Richard Simmons Despite the Latter’s Disapproval
Have you seen Pauly Shore playing Richard Simmons? Yes, you’re going to see him as the popular fitness guru soon because he is not hearing anything said fitness guru has to say.
The ‘Encino Man’ star, 56, has once again addressed the controversies surrounding his planned appearance on a Simmons biopic.
He reportedly touched on the subject during his appearance at his ‘Netflix is a Joke’ show at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles on Friday, May 3.
“I’m also gonna be starring in the Richard Simmons...
- 5/10/2024
- by Nmesoma Okechukwu
- Celebrating The Soaps
Pauly Shore once again addressed his in-development Richard Simmons biopic that has become a hot topic.
“I’m also gonna be starring in the Richard Simmons biopic…whether he likes it or not, Richard,” Shore said at his Netflix Is a Joke show at the Comedy Store Friday night in Los Angeles. “Just another fucking bump in my fucking road.”
Shore’s hour-and-a-half comedy set recounted his life story with a particular focus on growing up in Los Angeles with parents Sammy Shore and Mitzi Shore who co-founded the Comedy Store.
While the bulk of the set detailed his childhood through to the time he spent on MTV and even at the Playboy Mansion, at the very end he jumped to the present to talk about his current life stage and achievements and to briefly address the ongoing biopic situation.
The comment comes after a string of social media back-and-forths...
“I’m also gonna be starring in the Richard Simmons biopic…whether he likes it or not, Richard,” Shore said at his Netflix Is a Joke show at the Comedy Store Friday night in Los Angeles. “Just another fucking bump in my fucking road.”
Shore’s hour-and-a-half comedy set recounted his life story with a particular focus on growing up in Los Angeles with parents Sammy Shore and Mitzi Shore who co-founded the Comedy Store.
While the bulk of the set detailed his childhood through to the time he spent on MTV and even at the Playboy Mansion, at the very end he jumped to the present to talk about his current life stage and achievements and to briefly address the ongoing biopic situation.
The comment comes after a string of social media back-and-forths...
- 5/4/2024
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
The upcoming biopic of Richard Simmons starring Pauly Shore took a big step forward earlier this week when it was announced that Jordan Allen-Dutton (Robot Chicken) had signed on to write the script, but the subject of the film isn’t having it.
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Richard Simmons wrote on social media. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own bio pic with some help. Wait for this movie.” Shore, who is still holding out hope that Simmons will embrace the project, wrote on Instagram that these words brought him to tears.
I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet. Richard, how do you not approve of this movie? I mean, really, who’s better to play you in a movie than Me?...
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Richard Simmons wrote on social media. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own bio pic with some help. Wait for this movie.” Shore, who is still holding out hope that Simmons will embrace the project, wrote on Instagram that these words brought him to tears.
I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet. Richard, how do you not approve of this movie? I mean, really, who’s better to play you in a movie than Me?...
- 4/26/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Pauly Shore wrote on Instagram that he was “up all night crying” after Richard Simmons continued to publicly distance himself from the biopic on his life that Shore is attached to star in. Furthermore, Simmons revealed on his social media platforms that he’s talking to film studios about making his own biopic.
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Simmons posted earlier this week. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for this movie.”
Shore’s Simmons biopic, which the fitness icon is not involved with, is now in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization from writer Jordan Allen-Dutton.
“I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet,” Shore responded. “Richard, how do you not approve of this movie?...
“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Simmons posted earlier this week. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for this movie.”
Shore’s Simmons biopic, which the fitness icon is not involved with, is now in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization from writer Jordan Allen-Dutton.
“I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet,” Shore responded. “Richard, how do you not approve of this movie?...
- 4/26/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Like a sweaty workout routine, Pauly Shore‘s Richard Simmons biopic continues to gain momentum. The Wolper Organization says it’s hiring Jordan Allen-Dutton (Robot Chicken) to pen the screenplay. The biopic comes after the success of The Court Jester, a short film starring Shore as the fitness guru and sunny cheerleader for people struggling with weight control and self-esteem issues. The Court Jester sold out multiple screenings in Park City, Utah, earlier this year and gained over one million views on YouTube in 24 hours. While the project has some unfortunate vibes, the team continues to press on with development.
While details about the Richard Simmons biopic remain as scarce as a neon pink leotard up someone’s rear end at the climax of an aerobics routine, producer Mark Wolper says the project will be “a dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of Little Miss Sunshine.”
Unfortunately, a dark...
While details about the Richard Simmons biopic remain as scarce as a neon pink leotard up someone’s rear end at the climax of an aerobics routine, producer Mark Wolper says the project will be “a dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of Little Miss Sunshine.”
Unfortunately, a dark...
- 4/24/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: The Wolper Organization has tapped Jordan Allen-Dutton (Robot Chicken) to pen the script for its recently announced Richard Simmons biopic produced by and starring Pauly Shore, Deadline has learned.
While the title of the film hasn’t yet been disclosed, nor specifics to the approach it’ll take in depicting the life of the famed fitness guru, producer Mark Wolper has shared that it will be “a dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of Little Miss Sunshine.” Shore came to the project after campaigning for years to play Simmons in a feature, given popular online opinion that no one resembles the fitness icon more than him. Previously, he portrayed Simmons in The Court Jester, a short film written and directed by Jake Lewis that sold out multiple screenings in Park City, Ut earlier this year and garnered over a million views on YouTube in 24 hours.
While Simmons has...
While the title of the film hasn’t yet been disclosed, nor specifics to the approach it’ll take in depicting the life of the famed fitness guru, producer Mark Wolper has shared that it will be “a dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of Little Miss Sunshine.” Shore came to the project after campaigning for years to play Simmons in a feature, given popular online opinion that no one resembles the fitness icon more than him. Previously, he portrayed Simmons in The Court Jester, a short film written and directed by Jake Lewis that sold out multiple screenings in Park City, Ut earlier this year and garnered over a million views on YouTube in 24 hours.
While Simmons has...
- 4/24/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For a reclusive figure, Richard Simmons sure has had a public 2024 so far. First it was blasting Pauly Shore’s portrayal of him in the short film The Court Jester – apparently some sort of dream project for The Weasel – and now he is trying to convince people that he is in fact not lunging towards death’s door.
Richard Simmons drew concern from his social media followers when he wrote, in part, “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying. Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.” We say “in part” because Simmons would go on to write, “Why am I telling you this?…Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky…...
Richard Simmons drew concern from his social media followers when he wrote, in part, “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ….dying. Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.” We say “in part” because Simmons would go on to write, “Why am I telling you this?…Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky…...
- 3/19/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
After footage of Pauly Shore playing fitness guru Richard Simmons in his new short film, The Court Jester, Simmons blasted the project in a Facebook post.
In addition to the short film, there have also been rumors flying about a possible full-length feature about the fitness icon.
“You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Simmons said. “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
Later in the post, he explained that he no longer has a publicist or a manager and intends to lead a quiet life away from the public eye.
The movie idea has been in development with the Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, which has released a statement about the film.
“While we would love to have [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him,...
In addition to the short film, there have also been rumors flying about a possible full-length feature about the fitness icon.
“You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Simmons said. “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
Later in the post, he explained that he no longer has a publicist or a manager and intends to lead a quiet life away from the public eye.
The movie idea has been in development with the Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, which has released a statement about the film.
“While we would love to have [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Morgan Lee Powers
- Uinterview
Pauly Shore is responding to Richard Simmons after the fitness icon disavowed the upcoming biopic in which Shore is set to play him. Shore stopped by the Variety Studio presented by Audible while at the Sundance Film Festival and said his Simmons movie is “all about love,” with or without the real Simmons’ blessing.
“My come from has always been love,” Shore said. “It’s never been vindictive. I’m not Borat. I’m not ‘let’s make fun of someone.’ It’s the opposite. At this point, it’s an unauthorized biopic and they’re made every day. Yes, I want him to put his pixie dust on this and say, ‘Go for it, Pauly.’ It’s Richard being Richard. It’s sensitive. We don’t want to bug him. We want him to be left alone and we don’t want to bug him. We want to pay...
“My come from has always been love,” Shore said. “It’s never been vindictive. I’m not Borat. I’m not ‘let’s make fun of someone.’ It’s the opposite. At this point, it’s an unauthorized biopic and they’re made every day. Yes, I want him to put his pixie dust on this and say, ‘Go for it, Pauly.’ It’s Richard being Richard. It’s sensitive. We don’t want to bug him. We want him to be left alone and we don’t want to bug him. We want to pay...
- 1/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
"Mary Poppins" has been a beloved children's film since its release in 1964. The musical comedy was a veritable hit among British and American audiences alike and launched the career of the incomparable Julie Andrews, who became one of the brightest stars of the late 20th century.
The Disney classic swept the 1965 Oscars, earning Andrews an Academy Award for her performance and snagging additional awards for visual effects, editing, and music. The film was a great triumph for the studio as well as the stars. It was immediately recognized as the masterpiece that it is and has only retained and strengthened its legendary status with age.
Sadly, as the picture ages, so too do the actors that made it such an unforgettable romp. Very few members of the main cast are still alive today and the ones that haven't made it might surprise you. Glynis Johns, who played suffragette and mother...
The Disney classic swept the 1965 Oscars, earning Andrews an Academy Award for her performance and snagging additional awards for visual effects, editing, and music. The film was a great triumph for the studio as well as the stars. It was immediately recognized as the masterpiece that it is and has only retained and strengthened its legendary status with age.
Sadly, as the picture ages, so too do the actors that made it such an unforgettable romp. Very few members of the main cast are still alive today and the ones that haven't made it might surprise you. Glynis Johns, who played suffragette and mother...
- 1/21/2024
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
Pauly Shore’s performance as Richard Simmons is seeing the light of day, less than a week after plans for a feature film biopic were announced. A 10-minute short film starring Shore, titled “The Court Jester,” premiered at the Cabin in Park City on Friday. The event wasn’t an official Sundance Film Festival screening, but was certainly positioned to draw in festivalgoers.
“The Court Jester” is now available to watch online through the Lewis Brothers’ YouTube channel. A second screening at the Cabin is set for Jan. 22. The director, Jake Lewis, went viral with his Robin Williams impersonation. It stars Jesse Heiman, best known as a conspicuous extra who has appeared in films like “Spider-Man,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “The Social Network.” Heiman plays a segment producer who partners with Simmons amid backstage drama at a talk show.
“I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world.
“The Court Jester” is now available to watch online through the Lewis Brothers’ YouTube channel. A second screening at the Cabin is set for Jan. 22. The director, Jake Lewis, went viral with his Robin Williams impersonation. It stars Jesse Heiman, best known as a conspicuous extra who has appeared in films like “Spider-Man,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “The Social Network.” Heiman plays a segment producer who partners with Simmons amid backstage drama at a talk show.
“I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world.
- 1/20/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Pauly Shore is speaking out after Richard Simmons slammed his new movie.
Earlier this week, new photos and a teaser trailer for the upcoming short film The Court Jester were released in which Pauly, 55, plays the 75-year-old fitness guru.
After the press material was released, Richard released a statement saying that he does not endorse the project.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Richard wrote on Facebook on Wednesday (Jan. 17). “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
He continued, “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
While arriving in Salt Lake City on Thursday (Jan. 18) to promote the new...
Earlier this week, new photos and a teaser trailer for the upcoming short film The Court Jester were released in which Pauly, 55, plays the 75-year-old fitness guru.
After the press material was released, Richard released a statement saying that he does not endorse the project.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Richard wrote on Facebook on Wednesday (Jan. 17). “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
He continued, “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
While arriving in Salt Lake City on Thursday (Jan. 18) to promote the new...
- 1/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Richard Simmons issued a rare statement Wednesday disavowing a planned biopic about the former fitness guru starring Pauly Shore.
In a message posted to his official Facebook account, Simmons said of the apparently unauthorized biopic, “You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
Simmons, whose sudden turn to a reclusive lifestyle prompted a podcast investigating his well-being, added, “I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful.
In a message posted to his official Facebook account, Simmons said of the apparently unauthorized biopic, “You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”
Simmons, whose sudden turn to a reclusive lifestyle prompted a podcast investigating his well-being, added, “I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful.
- 1/18/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Hours after it was announced that Pauly Shore would play him in an upcoming biopic, fitness guru Richard Simmons revealed that he did not give his blessing for the film to be made.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote on Facebook.
Simmons became known for his aerobics classes at his Beverly Hills fitness studio in the 1970s that catered to overweight people, a niche he sought to fill as he himself had lost over 100 pounds through fitness programs without the help of gyms that favored already fit people. In recent years, Simmons has stepped away from public life, something he noted in his Facebook post.
“I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try...
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote on Facebook.
Simmons became known for his aerobics classes at his Beverly Hills fitness studio in the 1970s that catered to overweight people, a niche he sought to fill as he himself had lost over 100 pounds through fitness programs without the help of gyms that favored already fit people. In recent years, Simmons has stepped away from public life, something he noted in his Facebook post.
“I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try...
- 1/17/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Update: It doesn’t seem as though Richard Simmons is a fan of Pauly Shore playing him in The Court Jester. The reclusive fitness guru surfaced on Facebook to disavow the movie. “Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read.” Simmons wrote. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.“
—
Comedian Pauly Shore is ready to show the world a different side of himself. As his fans on social media and YouTube have pointed out to him, he bears a resemblance to fitness guru Richard Simmons. Simmons himself resides with Pauly in a certain sect of pop culture in the 90s...
—
Comedian Pauly Shore is ready to show the world a different side of himself. As his fans on social media and YouTube have pointed out to him, he bears a resemblance to fitness guru Richard Simmons. Simmons himself resides with Pauly in a certain sect of pop culture in the 90s...
- 1/17/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Updated, 2:11 p.m.: Less than 12 hours after news broke that Pauly Shore would portray fitness guru Richard Simmons in a biopic in development at The Wolper Organization, Simmons has surfaced on Facebook to distance himself from the project.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
Shore came to star in the forthcoming feature on Simmons’ life after campaigning for such a project to be made, when memes went viral online noting that if any actor should be cast in a Simmons biopic given physical resemblance alone, it should be him.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
Shore came to star in the forthcoming feature on Simmons’ life after campaigning for such a project to be made, when memes went viral online noting that if any actor should be cast in a Simmons biopic given physical resemblance alone, it should be him.
- 1/17/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Just hours after it was announced that Pauly Shore would play Richard Simmons in an upcoming biopic, the reclusive fitness guru has spoken out against the film.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote on Facebook. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
A short film titled “The Court Jester,” which also stars Shore as Simmons, will premiere at Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19 and then on YouTube. The short film, directed by Jake Lewis, is unrelated to the biopic, which is produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization.
In a statement to Variety, The Wolper Organization said,...
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote on Facebook. “I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.”
A short film titled “The Court Jester,” which also stars Shore as Simmons, will premiere at Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19 and then on YouTube. The short film, directed by Jake Lewis, is unrelated to the biopic, which is produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization.
In a statement to Variety, The Wolper Organization said,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Pauly Shore is playing Richard Simmons in an upcoming short film, and later a full feature film, but the 75-year-old fitness guru isn’t in support.
New photos and a teaser trailer were released on Wednesday (January 17) for The Court Jester, which is set to premiere during the Sundance Film Festival later this month.
An unrelated movie is also in the works with Pauly playing the same role.
Keep reading to find out more…
Richard‘s rep told Et in a statement on Wednesday, “Richard and I are not endorsing this project. It is unauthorized. I spoke to Pauly last year and told him [Richard] is not ready to tell his story.”
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager,...
New photos and a teaser trailer were released on Wednesday (January 17) for The Court Jester, which is set to premiere during the Sundance Film Festival later this month.
An unrelated movie is also in the works with Pauly playing the same role.
Keep reading to find out more…
Richard‘s rep told Et in a statement on Wednesday, “Richard and I are not endorsing this project. It is unauthorized. I spoke to Pauly last year and told him [Richard] is not ready to tell his story.”
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Pauly Shore is absolutely committed to the idea that he is 1980s fitness icon Richard Simmons — the “Son in Law” star is portraying Simmons in two separate projects.
First, Shore will be seen in “The Court Jester,” a short film directed and written by Jake Lewis that premieres January 19 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. A teaser trailer with Simmons (Shore) sharing words of wisdom to an overweight production assistant hit YouTube on Wednesday; the full short film will be made available on the same platform following its Sundance premiere.
Watch the teaser here:
And now, Shore will star as Simmons in a feature-length biopic currently in development at The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Bros.; the two projects are unrelated. Additional casting is underway for that film, which was also announced this morning.
Shore has been set on the idea of portraying Simmons for a long time now.
First, Shore will be seen in “The Court Jester,” a short film directed and written by Jake Lewis that premieres January 19 at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. A teaser trailer with Simmons (Shore) sharing words of wisdom to an overweight production assistant hit YouTube on Wednesday; the full short film will be made available on the same platform following its Sundance premiere.
Watch the teaser here:
And now, Shore will star as Simmons in a feature-length biopic currently in development at The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Bros.; the two projects are unrelated. Additional casting is underway for that film, which was also announced this morning.
Shore has been set on the idea of portraying Simmons for a long time now.
- 1/17/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Pauly Shore is set to take advantage of his uncanny resemblance to Richard Simmons by playing the popular fitness instructor in a new biopic, reports Variety.
Currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, the movie is in the process of filling out the additional cast.
In a statement, Shore praised Simmons’ contributions to the fitness world and overall well-being. “I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’ life with the world,” the actor and comedian said. “We all need this biopic now more than ever. Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape and being his authentic silly self! Whenever he was on TV you could never take your eyes off of him and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time.”
However, Simmons later distanced himself from the biopic on his official Facebook page. “Hi Everybody! You may have...
Currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, the movie is in the process of filling out the additional cast.
In a statement, Shore praised Simmons’ contributions to the fitness world and overall well-being. “I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’ life with the world,” the actor and comedian said. “We all need this biopic now more than ever. Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape and being his authentic silly self! Whenever he was on TV you could never take your eyes off of him and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time.”
However, Simmons later distanced himself from the biopic on his official Facebook page. “Hi Everybody! You may have...
- 1/17/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Pauly Shore is taking on the role of Richard Simmons in a new biopic.
The 55-year-old actor and comedian will appear in the film is currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, with additional casting underway, Variety report.
The biopic follows an unrelated short film about the fitness legend from director and writer Jake Lewis, called The Court Jester, which will premiere at Sundance this week, and also stars Pauly as Richard, as well as Tamra Brown as Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman as David, a television producer who lost 160 pounds thanks to Richard, and who tracked his weight-loss journey on the blog “Keep It Up David!” The short will be available worldwide on YouTube.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world,” Pauly said in a statement.
“We all need this biopic now more than ever.
The 55-year-old actor and comedian will appear in the film is currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, with additional casting underway, Variety report.
The biopic follows an unrelated short film about the fitness legend from director and writer Jake Lewis, called The Court Jester, which will premiere at Sundance this week, and also stars Pauly as Richard, as well as Tamra Brown as Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman as David, a television producer who lost 160 pounds thanks to Richard, and who tracked his weight-loss journey on the blog “Keep It Up David!” The short will be available worldwide on YouTube.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I’m really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world,” Pauly said in a statement.
“We all need this biopic now more than ever.
- 1/17/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Pauly Shore is getting ready to sweat to the oldies, as the actor and comedian will play fitness icon Richard Simmons in a new biopic.
The film is currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, with additional casting underway.
Responding to the news, the reclusive Simmons disavowed the project, posting on social media that he has never “given my permission for this movie.”
The biopic follows an unrelated short film about Simmons from director and writer Jake Lewis. That film, titled “The Court Jester,” will premiere at Sundance on Jan. 19 and also stars Shore as Simmons, as well as Tamra Brown as Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman as David, a television producer who lost 160 pounds thanks to Simmons, and who tracked his weight-loss journey on the blog “Keep It Up David!” After premiering in Park City, “The Court Jester” will immediately be available worldwide on YouTube.
“I...
The film is currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, with additional casting underway.
Responding to the news, the reclusive Simmons disavowed the project, posting on social media that he has never “given my permission for this movie.”
The biopic follows an unrelated short film about Simmons from director and writer Jake Lewis. That film, titled “The Court Jester,” will premiere at Sundance on Jan. 19 and also stars Shore as Simmons, as well as Tamra Brown as Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman as David, a television producer who lost 160 pounds thanks to Simmons, and who tracked his weight-loss journey on the blog “Keep It Up David!” After premiering in Park City, “The Court Jester” will immediately be available worldwide on YouTube.
“I...
- 1/17/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Pauly Shore is set to play fitness media mogul Richard Simmons in a feature film. The project is set up at the Wolper Organization.
Prior to the film, which the announcement notes is currently casting, Shore will be seen as Simmons in a short film, The Court Jester, which will be screening in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival but not in the fest’s lineup.
Jake Lewis, who was behind the internet video “Robin Williams Test Footage,” directed Shore in the short, which is unrelated to the feature film.
The Court Jester will premiere at The Cabin in Park City on Jan. 19 prior to being made available on YouTube later that night.
Last year, a meme noting Simmons and Shore’s similar appearance went viral, with Shore taking to social media to say he was actively trying to contact Simmons about the possibility of a film. “I’ve...
Prior to the film, which the announcement notes is currently casting, Shore will be seen as Simmons in a short film, The Court Jester, which will be screening in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival but not in the fest’s lineup.
Jake Lewis, who was behind the internet video “Robin Williams Test Footage,” directed Shore in the short, which is unrelated to the feature film.
The Court Jester will premiere at The Cabin in Park City on Jan. 19 prior to being made available on YouTube later that night.
Last year, a meme noting Simmons and Shore’s similar appearance went viral, with Shore taking to social media to say he was actively trying to contact Simmons about the possibility of a film. “I’ve...
- 1/17/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Glynis Johns in Mary Poppins Photo: The Walt Disney Company/Buena Vista Veteran star Glynis Johns, whose vast acting career included roles in everything from The Court Jester to Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 100.
Her manager Mitch Clem said in a statement that she had passed away in Los Angeles.
He said: "My heart is heavy today with the passing of my beloved client Glynis Johns. Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.
"She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.
"She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.
"Today is a sombre day for Hollywood. Not...
Her manager Mitch Clem said in a statement that she had passed away in Los Angeles.
He said: "My heart is heavy today with the passing of my beloved client Glynis Johns. Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives.
"She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years.
"She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.
"Today is a sombre day for Hollywood. Not...
- 1/5/2024
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
British actor Glynis Johns, best known for playing the “Sister Suffragette”-singing mother Winifred Banks in the 1964 classic Mary Poppins, has died at 100.
According to Johns’ manager Mitch Clem, the actor passed away on Thursday (January 4th) from natural causes in a West Hollywood assisted living facility.
“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.”
Born on October 5th, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa to actor Mevyn Johns and concert pianist Alyce Steele-Wareham, Johns was raised in London, where she first...
According to Johns’ manager Mitch Clem, the actor passed away on Thursday (January 4th) from natural causes in a West Hollywood assisted living facility.
“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely.”
Born on October 5th, 1923, in Pretoria, South Africa to actor Mevyn Johns and concert pianist Alyce Steele-Wareham, Johns was raised in London, where she first...
- 1/4/2024
- by Emma Carey
- Consequence - Film News
English actor Glynis Johns, who played the daffy suffragette mother Mrs. Banks in the classic film “Mary Poppins,” died Thursday at an assisted living home in Los Angeles, her manager Mitch Clem confirmed to Variety. She was 100.
“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”
Johns won a Tony for her...
“Glynis powered her way through life with intelligence, wit, and a love for performance, affecting millions of lives,” Clem said in a statement. “She entered my life early in my career and set a very high bar on how to navigate this industry with grace, class, and truth. Your own truth. Her light shined very brightly for 100 years. She had a wit that could stop you in your tracks powered by a heart that loved deeply and purely. Today is a somber day for Hollywood. Not only do we mourn the passing of our dear Glynis, but we mourn the end of the golden age of Hollywood.”
Johns won a Tony for her...
- 1/4/2024
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Glynis Johns, the upbeat leading lady with the British charm who starred as the spirited feminist mother Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died. She was 100.
Johns lived in West Hollywood and died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the area, her manager, Mitch Clem, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A multitalented actress, dancer, pianist and singer, Johns earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for playing the widowed saloon and hotel owner Mrs. Firth in Fred Zinnemann’s Australia-set The Sundowners (1960).
Plus, she memorably sang “Send in the Clowns,” which Stephen Sondheim wrote just for her, in her Tony Award-winning performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 production of A Little Night Music.
The husky voiced Johns was nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying a daffy older socialite who is stirred by the young stud she meets on the beach in a then-controversial film about sex,...
Johns lived in West Hollywood and died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the area, her manager, Mitch Clem, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A multitalented actress, dancer, pianist and singer, Johns earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for playing the widowed saloon and hotel owner Mrs. Firth in Fred Zinnemann’s Australia-set The Sundowners (1960).
Plus, she memorably sang “Send in the Clowns,” which Stephen Sondheim wrote just for her, in her Tony Award-winning performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 production of A Little Night Music.
The husky voiced Johns was nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying a daffy older socialite who is stirred by the young stud she meets on the beach in a then-controversial film about sex,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
No director in Hollywood has a weirder résumé than Alan Smithee. Between 1969 and 2015, his credits included the Richard Widmark western "Death of a Gunfighter"; the horror comedies "Student Bodies" and "Ghost Fever"; the Jodie Foster thriller "Catchfire"; the franchise sequels "The Birds II: Land's End" and "Hellraiser: Bloodline"; episodes of hit TV series like "MacGyver" and "Tiny Toon Adventures"; and music videos for artists like Metallica, Destiny's Child, Wu-Tang Clan, Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Lopez.
But there's a reason for that: "Alan Smithee" is not a real person. It's a pseudonym invented by the Director's Guild of America for filmmakers to use when they no longer want to be credited for their work. This usually happens when they're replaced on a project, or believe that studio interference has altered the film so much that it no longer reflects their vision. That's why you'll sometimes see "Alan Smithee" credited on TV...
But there's a reason for that: "Alan Smithee" is not a real person. It's a pseudonym invented by the Director's Guild of America for filmmakers to use when they no longer want to be credited for their work. This usually happens when they're replaced on a project, or believe that studio interference has altered the film so much that it no longer reflects their vision. That's why you'll sometimes see "Alan Smithee" credited on TV...
- 11/12/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Broadway’s legendary Angela Lansbury will receive the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, the Tony Awards Administration Committee announced today.
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in Mame to her iconic performances in Deuce and Sweeney Todd, and most recently, in the revival of A Little Night Music, Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957 in Hotel Paradiso, followed by A Taste of Honey (1960), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), and, winning her first Tony, Mame (1966). She also won Tonys for Dear World (1969), Gypsy (1974) and Sweeney Todd (1979).
After a 24-year hiatus, she returned to Broadway in Deuce (2007), followed by...
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in Mame to her iconic performances in Deuce and Sweeney Todd, and most recently, in the revival of A Little Night Music, Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957 in Hotel Paradiso, followed by A Taste of Honey (1960), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), and, winning her first Tony, Mame (1966). She also won Tonys for Dear World (1969), Gypsy (1974) and Sweeney Todd (1979).
After a 24-year hiatus, she returned to Broadway in Deuce (2007), followed by...
- 5/23/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Angela Lansbury will be honored for her lifetime achievements at the 2022 Tony Awards.
The actress, who has won five Tonys over her 75-year career, will be receiving the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in ‘Mame; to her iconic performances in ‘Deuce’ and ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and most recently, in the revival of ‘A Little Night Music,’ Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957, when she starred in “Hotel Paradiso.” She won her first Tony less than a decade later for her 1966 performance in “Mame.” She also won Tonys for “Dear World...
The actress, who has won five Tonys over her 75-year career, will be receiving the 2022 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
“Angela Lansbury’s contributions to the stage are insurmountable,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. “From her groundbreaking role in ‘Mame; to her iconic performances in ‘Deuce’ and ‘Sweeney Todd,’ and most recently, in the revival of ‘A Little Night Music,’ Ms. Lansbury has given us a lifetime of unforgettable performances, and it is a great honor to present her with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Lansbury made her Broadway debut in 1957, when she starred in “Hotel Paradiso.” She won her first Tony less than a decade later for her 1966 performance in “Mame.” She also won Tonys for “Dear World...
- 5/23/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
First 4K Ultra HD in the Paramount Presents Line Debuts May 17, 2022
with New and Legacy Bonus Content
One of the greatest Westerns in cinematic history arrives for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) as part of the Paramount Presents line when The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance debuts May 17, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Four-time Academy Award®-winning* director John Ford brought together an all-star cast for what is considered by many critics to be a quintessential—and yet pioneering—Western late in his storied career. Starring James Stewart and John Wayne (together for the first time), alongside Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, John Carradine and Lee Van Cleef, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance tells the engrossing story of a senator (Stewart), his old friend (Wayne), and a despicable outlaw called Liberty Valance (Marvin).
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance...
First 4K Ultra HD in the Paramount Presents Line Debuts May 17, 2022
with New and Legacy Bonus Content
One of the greatest Westerns in cinematic history arrives for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) as part of the Paramount Presents line when The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance debuts May 17, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Four-time Academy Award®-winning* director John Ford brought together an all-star cast for what is considered by many critics to be a quintessential—and yet pioneering—Western late in his storied career. Starring James Stewart and John Wayne (together for the first time), alongside Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, John Carradine and Lee Van Cleef, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance tells the engrossing story of a senator (Stewart), his old friend (Wayne), and a despicable outlaw called Liberty Valance (Marvin).
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance...
- 3/22/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Horror icon Barbara Crampton discusses a few of her favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Re-Animator (1985)
Body Double (1984)
Jakob’s Wife (2021)
The Court Jester (1955) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)
The Three Musketeers (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Matrix (1999)
Bound (1996)
Eyes Without A Face (1962) – Sam Hamm’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Halloween (1978) Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing, Alex Kirschenbaum’s film power rankings, Alex Kirschenbaum’s timeline power rankings
All About Eve (1950)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Relic (2020)
Anything For Jackson (2020)
The Haunting (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Strait-Jacket (1964) – David DeCoteau’s trailer commentary
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Re-Animator (1985)
Body Double (1984)
Jakob’s Wife (2021)
The Court Jester (1955) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)
The Three Musketeers (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Matrix (1999)
Bound (1996)
Eyes Without A Face (1962) – Sam Hamm’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Halloween (1978) Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing, Alex Kirschenbaum’s film power rankings, Alex Kirschenbaum’s timeline power rankings
All About Eve (1950)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Relic (2020)
Anything For Jackson (2020)
The Haunting (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Strait-Jacket (1964) – David DeCoteau’s trailer commentary
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary,...
- 12/28/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, one of the most revered actors of his generation talks Hollywood rivalries, Scottish independence – and the future of the hit TV show
Over the years, I have crossed paths several times with the Dundonian actor Brian Cox. In 2002, I interviewed him for the BBC about the controversial US indie film L.I.E., of which he remains particularly proud. We met again in Shetland, where I co-curate the annual Screenplay film festival, when he was campaigning for Scottish independence. More recently we did a podcast together in which he enthused about his love of Danny Kaye in the 1955 comedy The Court Jester, a film he rewatches every year. No wonder, then, that reading his hugely entertaining autobiography, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, feels like catching up with an old friend.
In his book he recounts being at the Golden Globes in 2020, where he...
Over the years, I have crossed paths several times with the Dundonian actor Brian Cox. In 2002, I interviewed him for the BBC about the controversial US indie film L.I.E., of which he remains particularly proud. We met again in Shetland, where I co-curate the annual Screenplay film festival, when he was campaigning for Scottish independence. More recently we did a podcast together in which he enthused about his love of Danny Kaye in the 1955 comedy The Court Jester, a film he rewatches every year. No wonder, then, that reading his hugely entertaining autobiography, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, feels like catching up with an old friend.
In his book he recounts being at the Golden Globes in 2020, where he...
- 10/10/2021
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Latest Addition to the Paramount Presents Line Debuts June 1, 2021 with New Special Features
The endlessly quotable and unforgettable drama Mommie Dearest celebrates its 40th anniversary with a brand-new Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line, debuting June 1, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Newly restored from a 4K film transfer, Mommie Dearest is presented in a limited-edition Blu-ray Disc™ with collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments. The Blu-ray includes a new Filmmaker Focus with biographer Justin Bozung on the film and its director Frank Perry, a new audio commentary with American drag queen Hedda Lettuce, access to a Digital copy of the film, as well as previously released bonus content. Special features are detailed below:
· Commentary by American drag queen Hedda Lettuce –New!
· Filmmaker...
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Latest Addition to the Paramount Presents Line Debuts June 1, 2021 with New Special Features
The endlessly quotable and unforgettable drama Mommie Dearest celebrates its 40th anniversary with a brand-new Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line, debuting June 1, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Newly restored from a 4K film transfer, Mommie Dearest is presented in a limited-edition Blu-ray Disc™ with collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments. The Blu-ray includes a new Filmmaker Focus with biographer Justin Bozung on the film and its director Frank Perry, a new audio commentary with American drag queen Hedda Lettuce, access to a Digital copy of the film, as well as previously released bonus content. Special features are detailed below:
· Commentary by American drag queen Hedda Lettuce –New!
· Filmmaker...
- 4/23/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
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Latest Title in the Paramount Presents Line Debuts March 30, 2021
Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille’s grand spectacle The Greatest Show On Earth arrives for the first time on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line on March 30, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
A two-time Academy Award-winner*–including Best Picture and Best Writing, Motion Picture Story–The Greatest Show On Earth captures the thrills, chills and exhilaration of the circus. Featuring three intertwining plotlines filled with romance and rivalry, DeMille's film includes spectacular action sequences, including a show-stopping train wreck. The Greatest Show On Earth also boasts a sensational cast, including Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charlton Heston, Dorothy Lamour, Gloria Grahame, and James Stewart.
Newly restored from a 4K scan of the original negative, this essential movie of the Golden Age of Hollywood packs action, romance,...
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Latest Title in the Paramount Presents Line Debuts March 30, 2021
Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille’s grand spectacle The Greatest Show On Earth arrives for the first time on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line on March 30, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
A two-time Academy Award-winner*–including Best Picture and Best Writing, Motion Picture Story–The Greatest Show On Earth captures the thrills, chills and exhilaration of the circus. Featuring three intertwining plotlines filled with romance and rivalry, DeMille's film includes spectacular action sequences, including a show-stopping train wreck. The Greatest Show On Earth also boasts a sensational cast, including Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charlton Heston, Dorothy Lamour, Gloria Grahame, and James Stewart.
Newly restored from a 4K scan of the original negative, this essential movie of the Golden Age of Hollywood packs action, romance,...
- 2/28/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Kenneth Branagh was only 29 when he wrote, directed, and starred in his debut feature, a rousing adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V that garnered massive critical acclaim upon its release in 1989. As a result, the young filmmaker was offered every costume drama and literary adaptation on the studios’ development slates, but he turned them all down in favor of an original screenplay by future Queen’s Gambit auteur Scott Frank that had been kicking around for years. Dead Again was Frank’s throwback to the gothic melodramas and film noir pictures of the 1930s and ’40s, a gloriously theatrical combination of […]
The post Dead Again, After the Thin Man, The Court Jester: Jim Hemphill's Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Dead Again, After the Thin Man, The Court Jester: Jim Hemphill's Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/24/2021
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Kenneth Branagh was only 29 when he wrote, directed, and starred in his debut feature, a rousing adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry V that garnered massive critical acclaim upon its release in 1989. As a result, the young filmmaker was offered every costume drama and literary adaptation on the studios’ development slates, but he turned them all down in favor of an original screenplay by future Queen’s Gambit auteur Scott Frank that had been kicking around for years. Dead Again was Frank’s throwback to the gothic melodramas and film noir pictures of the 1930s and ’40s, a gloriously theatrical combination of […]
The post Dead Again, After the Thin Man, The Court Jester: Jim Hemphill's Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Dead Again, After the Thin Man, The Court Jester: Jim Hemphill's Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/24/2021
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
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“The Pellet With The Poison”
By Raymond Benson
Danny Kaye was not only a brilliant triple-threat (actor/singer/dancer), but he was a stand-up comic, an expert chef, a writer, a pilot, a baseball enthusiast, a notable philanthropist, a Unicef ambassador, and an honorary member of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics (!). His decades-long career on stage, in film, and on television speaks for itself, but one of his most beloved screen vehicles was The Court Jester, a 1956 picture that was shockingly ignored at the Oscars that year.
Even more disturbing is the fact that it was allegedly the most expensive comedy film ever produced up to that time and was a box office failure (perhaps that’s the reason there was no Oscar love). Nevertheless, time has been extremely kind to the movie through revivals and television broadcasts.
“The Pellet With The Poison”
By Raymond Benson
Danny Kaye was not only a brilliant triple-threat (actor/singer/dancer), but he was a stand-up comic, an expert chef, a writer, a pilot, a baseball enthusiast, a notable philanthropist, a Unicef ambassador, and an honorary member of the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics (!). His decades-long career on stage, in film, and on television speaks for itself, but one of his most beloved screen vehicles was The Court Jester, a 1956 picture that was shockingly ignored at the Oscars that year.
Even more disturbing is the fact that it was allegedly the most expensive comedy film ever produced up to that time and was a box office failure (perhaps that’s the reason there was no Oscar love). Nevertheless, time has been extremely kind to the movie through revivals and television broadcasts.
- 1/24/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cinema Retro has received the following press release:
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of One of the Most Romantic Films of All Time
with a Newly Restored Presentation of the Classic Love Story
Limited-Edition Blu-ray™ Arrives February 9, 2021, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day
The timeless classic Love Story celebrates its 50th anniversary with a brand-new Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line, debuting February 9, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Newly restored from a 4K film transfer, this new presentation beautifully captures the highs and lows of young love in a film that remains as impactful as ever. Based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel, Love Story was nominated for seven* Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, and became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $100 million at the domestic box office. In 2002, the AFI named it as #9 on its list of the 100 greatest love stories of all time.
The limited-edition Paramount Presents Love Story Blu-ray includes the newly restored film,...
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of One of the Most Romantic Films of All Time
with a Newly Restored Presentation of the Classic Love Story
Limited-Edition Blu-ray™ Arrives February 9, 2021, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day
The timeless classic Love Story celebrates its 50th anniversary with a brand-new Blu-ray in the Paramount Presents line, debuting February 9, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.
Newly restored from a 4K film transfer, this new presentation beautifully captures the highs and lows of young love in a film that remains as impactful as ever. Based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel, Love Story was nominated for seven* Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, and became a cultural phenomenon, earning over $100 million at the domestic box office. In 2002, the AFI named it as #9 on its list of the 100 greatest love stories of all time.
The limited-edition Paramount Presents Love Story Blu-ray includes the newly restored film,...
- 1/22/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The saga continues, featuring Adam Rifkin, Robert D. Krzykowski, John Sayles, Maggie Renzi, Mick Garris and Larry Wilmore with special guest star Blaire Bercy from the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Key Largo (1948)
I Don’t Want to Talk About It (1993)
Camila (1984)
I, the Worst of All (1990)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Le Corbeau (1943)
Diabolique (1955)
Red Beard (1965)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Ikiru (1952)
General Della Rovere (1959)
The Gold of Naples (1959)
Bitter Rice (1949)
Pickup On South Street (1953)
My Darling Clementine (1946)
Viva Zapata! (1952)
Panic In The Streets (1950)
Yellow Sky (1948)
Ace In The Hole (1951)
Wall Street (1987)
Women’s Prison (1955)
True Love (1989)
Mean Streets (1973)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Abyss (1989)
The China Syndrome (1979)
Big (1988)
Splash (1984)
The ’Burbs (1989)
Long Strange Trip (2017)
Little Women (2019)
Learning To Skateboard In A War Zone (If You’re A Girl) (2019)
The Guns of Navarone...
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Key Largo (1948)
I Don’t Want to Talk About It (1993)
Camila (1984)
I, the Worst of All (1990)
The Wages of Fear (1953)
Le Corbeau (1943)
Diabolique (1955)
Red Beard (1965)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Ikiru (1952)
General Della Rovere (1959)
The Gold of Naples (1959)
Bitter Rice (1949)
Pickup On South Street (1953)
My Darling Clementine (1946)
Viva Zapata! (1952)
Panic In The Streets (1950)
Yellow Sky (1948)
Ace In The Hole (1951)
Wall Street (1987)
Women’s Prison (1955)
True Love (1989)
Mean Streets (1973)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Abyss (1989)
The China Syndrome (1979)
Big (1988)
Splash (1984)
The ’Burbs (1989)
Long Strange Trip (2017)
Little Women (2019)
Learning To Skateboard In A War Zone (If You’re A Girl) (2019)
The Guns of Navarone...
- 4/17/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Glenda Jackson in A Touch Of Class is currently available on Blu-ray from Warner Archives
They thought it would be a simple fling. Instead, they got flung. Being free and easy proves neither free nor easy for already-married Steve and divorced Vickie when they fall in love.
George Segal and Glenda Jackson bring the right touch to A Touch of Class, a glossy, grown-up romantic comedy directed and cowritten by Hollywood veteran Melvin Frank. At his harried best teetering between two households, Segal plays sometimes sly, sometimes fumbling Steve. As Vickie, Jackson slings verbal jabs and hotel furnishings with equal glee – and won the second of her two Best Actress Academy Awards®.* The honors for this classiest of romantic romps don’t stop there. The two leads each won Golden Globes®. And the film earned five Oscar® nominations in all, including Best Picture. All in all, it’s entertainment touched by magic.
They thought it would be a simple fling. Instead, they got flung. Being free and easy proves neither free nor easy for already-married Steve and divorced Vickie when they fall in love.
George Segal and Glenda Jackson bring the right touch to A Touch of Class, a glossy, grown-up romantic comedy directed and cowritten by Hollywood veteran Melvin Frank. At his harried best teetering between two households, Segal plays sometimes sly, sometimes fumbling Steve. As Vickie, Jackson slings verbal jabs and hotel furnishings with equal glee – and won the second of her two Best Actress Academy Awards®.* The honors for this classiest of romantic romps don’t stop there. The two leads each won Golden Globes®. And the film earned five Oscar® nominations in all, including Best Picture. All in all, it’s entertainment touched by magic.
- 9/26/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This is my seventh TCM Classic Film Festival. At a certain point, some things become routine – one learns to expect the exhaustion at the dawn of day three (of four), the constant negotiation between personal viewing whims and rare presentations, the way plots and aesthetic choices start to run together, and the suspicion that explaining the draw of such an event to those not immediately inclined to attend it may come across a touch insane. Film festivals are innately demanding experiences, but between the pleasure of its programming, the consolidation of the venues, and the brevity of most of its films’ running times, few make it so easy to watch four, five, six movies in a day. You tell your coworkers on Monday what you did all weekend, and it starts to not make a lot of sense. But somehow, in the midst of it all, the point of it couldn’t be clearer.
- 4/11/2017
- by Scott Nye
- CriterionCast
On this day in showbiz history...
Still undersung: the great Glynis Johns in "The Ref"
1902 Ray A Kroc, who popularized the McDonald's empire is born. The Founder which is about his business shenanigans/success opens this December (it was already supposed to have opened but we can't have movies for adults in the summer for some reason).
1908 Joshua Logan is born. He later makes famous movies like Bus Stop, Picnic, Camelot and South Pacific.
1923 Happy 93rd birthday to Glynis Johns, one of the greats! Her classics include: Mary Poppins, While You Were Sleeping, The Court Jester, The Ref, and Miranda. Why she doesn't have an Honorary Oscar is simply beyond our understanding. She was nominated only once for fine supporting work in The Sundowners
1945 A strike by set decorators turns into a riot "Blood Friday" at Warner Brothers studios. Are you still enjoying our series "The Furniture" on the work...
Still undersung: the great Glynis Johns in "The Ref"
1902 Ray A Kroc, who popularized the McDonald's empire is born. The Founder which is about his business shenanigans/success opens this December (it was already supposed to have opened but we can't have movies for adults in the summer for some reason).
1908 Joshua Logan is born. He later makes famous movies like Bus Stop, Picnic, Camelot and South Pacific.
1923 Happy 93rd birthday to Glynis Johns, one of the greats! Her classics include: Mary Poppins, While You Were Sleeping, The Court Jester, The Ref, and Miranda. Why she doesn't have an Honorary Oscar is simply beyond our understanding. She was nominated only once for fine supporting work in The Sundowners
1945 A strike by set decorators turns into a riot "Blood Friday" at Warner Brothers studios. Are you still enjoying our series "The Furniture" on the work...
- 10/5/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Mark Harrison Jul 1, 2016
Need a laugh? Here's our guide to 25 comedies that are on Netflix UK now, and are well worth your time...
Putting aside all of the chunter about VPNs and rising subscription costs for a moment, there are more hidden gems to be discovered on Netflix UK than you might expect, and we've been combing through the streaming site's current catalogue to find some of the most underappreciated comedies on offer.
We've come up with this fairly broad selection of films that varies on several fronts. We've picked out a mix of belly laughers and dark comedies, with a couple of dramedies thrown in for good measure. They're not all big Hollywood comedies, but neither are they all films that you're hearing about for the first time, though we've tried to order them according to how well known they may or may not be. What they all have...
Need a laugh? Here's our guide to 25 comedies that are on Netflix UK now, and are well worth your time...
Putting aside all of the chunter about VPNs and rising subscription costs for a moment, there are more hidden gems to be discovered on Netflix UK than you might expect, and we've been combing through the streaming site's current catalogue to find some of the most underappreciated comedies on offer.
We've come up with this fairly broad selection of films that varies on several fronts. We've picked out a mix of belly laughers and dark comedies, with a couple of dramedies thrown in for good measure. They're not all big Hollywood comedies, but neither are they all films that you're hearing about for the first time, though we've tried to order them according to how well known they may or may not be. What they all have...
- 6/29/2016
- Den of Geek
From Mvd, Sneak Peek footage from "The Best Of The Danny Kaye Show", available on DVD October 7, 2014, including six uncut episodes of the Emmy-winning 1963-1967 variety series:
"...Danny Kaye was at the height of his popularity when 'The Danny Kaye Show' debuted on CBS in the fall of 1963. A pair of Broadway hits 'Lady In the Dark' and 'Let's Face It' plus a succession of popular feature films including 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', 'The Inspector General', 'Knock On Wood', 'Up In Arms', 'The Court Jester', 'Hans Christian Andersen' and 'White Christmas' made Danny Kaye one of the most beloved stars of his day..."
In this collection Danny sings with Ella Fitzgerald, Nana Mouskouri and Harry Belafonte. He sings and dances with Liza Minnelli and Gene Kelly, and deftly clowns his way through comedy sketches with Art Carney, Rod Serling,...
"...Danny Kaye was at the height of his popularity when 'The Danny Kaye Show' debuted on CBS in the fall of 1963. A pair of Broadway hits 'Lady In the Dark' and 'Let's Face It' plus a succession of popular feature films including 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', 'The Inspector General', 'Knock On Wood', 'Up In Arms', 'The Court Jester', 'Hans Christian Andersen' and 'White Christmas' made Danny Kaye one of the most beloved stars of his day..."
In this collection Danny sings with Ella Fitzgerald, Nana Mouskouri and Harry Belafonte. He sings and dances with Liza Minnelli and Gene Kelly, and deftly clowns his way through comedy sketches with Art Carney, Rod Serling,...
- 9/24/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Bill Hader has come a long way since his stint on Saturday Night Live, creating many popular characters and impersonations such as Stefon, Vincent Price and CNN’s Jack Cafferty. He is one of the highlights in such films as Adventureland, Knocked Up, Superbad and Pineapple Express, and so it is easy to see why author Mike Sacks interviewed him for his new book Poking A Dead Frog. In it, Hader talks about his career and he also lists 200 essential movies every comedy writer should see. Xo Jane recently published the list for those of us who haven’t had a chance to read the book yet. There are a ton of great recommendations and plenty I haven’t yet seen, but sadly my favourite comedy of all time isn’t mentioned. That would be Some Like It Hot. Still, it really is a great list with a mix of old and new.
- 8/28/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
CNN New Day host Chris Cuomo took a shot at “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, saying he only kidded around with guests during interviews and didn’t hold people’s feet to the fire. “…The court jester himself, Jon Stewart,” said Cuomo. “When he gets a heavy in the chair next to him, he’s making jokes or nodding yes, yes, yes! Cuomo was discussing Jimmy Fallon’s style as an interviewer with Wall Street Journal editor Christopher John Farley and was curious who wouldn’t suck up to interview subjects. Also read: George Zimmerman Tells CNN’s Chris Cuomo...
- 2/18/2014
- by James Crugnale
- The Wrap
After a week break in which the team was on separate coasts, Nathaniel reunites with Nick, Katey and Joe to discuss Matthew McConaughey & Jared Leto's Oscar-seeking duet in Dallas Buyers Club.
That's the focus but we also make time for talking about previously tweeted adventures: Nathaniel's AFI celebrity encounters (including Saving Mr Banks) and Joe's Doc NY screenings (We Steal Secrets and We Always Lie to Strangers). We chat about Megan Ellison at Annapurna, James Schamus's departure at Focus, and Katey and Joe's new jobs at Vanity Fair and The Atlantic Wire. Joe tries to start a fight between Nick and Katey about Ron Howard's Rush.
Finally we talk about the unloved (this year) Best Animated Feature category and The Croods. And we reveal what we've been watching as far as older films go: Danny Kaye in The Court Jester, Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, Robert Altman's The Last Goodbye,...
That's the focus but we also make time for talking about previously tweeted adventures: Nathaniel's AFI celebrity encounters (including Saving Mr Banks) and Joe's Doc NY screenings (We Steal Secrets and We Always Lie to Strangers). We chat about Megan Ellison at Annapurna, James Schamus's departure at Focus, and Katey and Joe's new jobs at Vanity Fair and The Atlantic Wire. Joe tries to start a fight between Nick and Katey about Ron Howard's Rush.
Finally we talk about the unloved (this year) Best Animated Feature category and The Croods. And we reveal what we've been watching as far as older films go: Danny Kaye in The Court Jester, Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, Robert Altman's The Last Goodbye,...
- 11/18/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Anne Marie concludes her AFI adventures. Nathaniel picks up the baton tomorrow. He's running behind as per usual!
At the midway point of AFI Fest, I experienced what I’m sure many film festival-goers experience at some point: fatigue. The films were Great with a capital G, which meant that while many were truly great films they were also very heavy and in most cases very, very depressing. (Dear Academy, please nominate more comedies!) Nevertheless I persevered, and started Day Four with a little light comedy.
Get it? Got it! Good
Day 4 Part 1: The Court Jester - Sometimes you just need Danny Kaye singing tongue twisters in Technicolor to start your day. If I ever write a list of Greatest Swordfights In Film, Kaye’s comic fight with Basil Rathbone will definitely make the list. And for you Old Hollywood actressexuals, there are not one but Two actresses: The...
At the midway point of AFI Fest, I experienced what I’m sure many film festival-goers experience at some point: fatigue. The films were Great with a capital G, which meant that while many were truly great films they were also very heavy and in most cases very, very depressing. (Dear Academy, please nominate more comedies!) Nevertheless I persevered, and started Day Four with a little light comedy.
Get it? Got it! Good
Day 4 Part 1: The Court Jester - Sometimes you just need Danny Kaye singing tongue twisters in Technicolor to start your day. If I ever write a list of Greatest Swordfights In Film, Kaye’s comic fight with Basil Rathbone will definitely make the list. And for you Old Hollywood actressexuals, there are not one but Two actresses: The...
- 11/15/2013
- by Anne Marie
- FilmExperience
Once again this Fall AFI Fest will take place in the heart of Hollywood on November 7-14, 2013. Presented by the American Film Institute and Audi, the 27th edition of the festival encompasses the year's best in cinema from around the world's most important festivals. The program includes some of the most anticipated films that will surely be in the running this Award Season, as well as several Foreign Language Oscar Submissions, films from new voices in cinema, as well as classic films restored for the delight of new audiences. AFI Fest is a World Class film festival that is also, surprisingly, free for the public, which really assures people in Los Angeles, and those who visit for the festival, that they can enjoy great films without any burden.
The festival's director Jacqueline Lyanga talked to us about the specifics of each section in the festival, the arduous selection that begins early every year, and how AFI Fest represents the new, broader way Hollywood operates today.
Carlos Aguilar: Could you briefly discuss the selections process for the festival, given that it is a very eclectic and varied program?
Jacqueline Lyanga: Our festival has evolved over the past few years; we are not a festival that focuses on World Premieres. What we do is, we start looking for films in January at Sundance, and then we go to Rotterdam, Berlin, Tribeca and South By Southwest, Cannes, Locarno, Telluride, and lastly Toronto is the last festival that we attend. We look to bring, as best as we can, a program that serves as a kind of almanac of the year. We look to bring the best films of the year and try to inspire in the local audience, and in those who come to Los Angeles for the festival, dialogues around cinema that we have experience over the course of the year as we go from festival to festival, to showcase the ideas that filmmakers are exploring around the world.
Aguilar: In regards to each section, what is new this year? Could you give us an overview of the distinct sections of the festival?
Lyanga: We have one competitive section for feature films, that’s our New Auteurs section. New Auteurs is a section that highlights first and second time international filmmakers. We look to have it be very international, there is one American filmmaker in it, and we look to showcase films of young filmmakers with a bold new creative vision. That’s a really exciting program, many of these films have won awards at other festivals, and then they play together in the same section at AFI Fest.
World Cinema encompasses a number of kinds of filmmakers, emerging filmmakers, master filmmakers, The Lunchbox is by a first time director, then we have filmmakers like Kim Ki-duk with Moebius, or Sebastian Lelio, who has made a few films, with Gloria starring Paulina Garcia. It showcases a lot of great international performances as well.
The Special Screenings are highly anticipated films often from the Fall Festival Circuit, and of course our Galas, our big nightly red carpets. That section is also very much a combination of studio films, independent films, auteur films, and foreign films. We have The Last Emperor in 3D, we have Inside Llewyn Davis, Saving Mr. Banks, Out of the Furnace, so a lot of different kinds of filmmaking, which really showcases what Hollywood is now, which is really a big part of our message this year.
We want people to see the festival as the way in which Hollywood encompasses icons, masters, and emerging filmmakers, American filmmakers and foreign filmmakers. Our guest Artistic Director is Agnes Varda, as I’m sure you know, she selected a program of films. That program will showcase two of her films Cleo from 5 to 7 and Documenteur, as well as a film that she restored with her children, her daughter Rosalie and her son Mathieu, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, her late husband Jacques Demy’s film.
So we have a really great cross-section of filmmaking in the program. We also have a new section this year called Cinema’s Legacy in which we highlight restoration and film anniversaries, all of the films in that section have a connection to our program the one I just mentioned, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, that Agnes Varda restored. The other two are The Court Jester, which stars Danny Kaye, who also starred in the original The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It is Danny Kaye’s centennial this year, which we are celebrating. The third film Mary Poppins, which is the film that inspired our Opening Night film Saving Mr. Banks that tells the story of the making of Mary Poppins.
Aguilar: What drew you to select Agnes Varda to be this year’s Guest Artistic Director?
Lyanga: It is really exciting for us that she is our first female Guest Artistic director, and a director that has been so influential to the French New Wave. The French New Wave was extremely influential to American filmmakers especially in the 70’s, so that influence and us seeking for masters in that role like David Lynch, and as you know Pedro Almodovar or Bernardo Bertolucci, and it just seemed perfect to follow those three with Agnes Varda.
Aguilar: Given that you have attended all the major film festivals in the world what makes AFI Fest different or special?
Lyanga: One of the great things about the festival is that it’s free. I think it’s amazing, because of great partners, great sponsors like Audi, American Airlines who helps us bring in the filmmakers, or Motorola who is a big sponsor this year, or Coca-Cola, they enable us to really put on a World Class film festival for free. The audience doesn’t have to worry about the cost of the ticket; the cost of the ticket doesn’t have to be a barrier to experience the best of contemporary World Cinema. I think that’s what makes me really excited every year about programming this festival and then ultimately about Opening Night.
Aguilar: What is the relationship between AFI Fest and the AFI Conservatory Alummi?
Lyanga: The festival offices are on the Institute’s campus, which is where the conservatory is housed. Every year, including this year, we definitely have some AFI Alumni’s films playing at the festival. Drake Doremus, who was a Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner with Like Crazy a few years ago, has a film called Breath In at the festival this year. Producer Brian Udovich is present with a film called We Gotta Get Out Of This Place in our American Independent section, which was at Toronto earlier this year. We have alumni as a screenwriter and another as a cinematographer on Out of the Furnace. Also La Jaula de Oro a Spanish/Mexican Co-Production directed by an AFI cinematography alumni. We have some in the shorts program as well; a short called Whale Valley, another short called Machsom, also Wild Horses by Stephanie Martin. So we have several AFI Alumni with films in the program.
Aguilar: The program includes several Submissions to compete for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award; do you think AFI serves as a platform to increase the chances of these films at getting a nomination?
Lyanga: Often times when we invite a film it hasn’t even been selected yet, so we don’t know, we find out afterwards. It’s always exciting to find that out because it means more opportunities and more attention for the filmmakers. Festivals certainly do have a role to help promote cinema, and to build audiences for the filmmakers, and to help build the filmmakers’ careers. The fact that the festival takes place in Los Angeles provides a great opportunity for those films and those filmmakers to get the attention from both the public audience and the industry audience that might have been difficult for them to attain otherwise.
Aguilar: Lastly, why should people come to AFI Fest 2013, and what are you most excited about this year?
Lyanga: I think a lot of people came to festival over the past two or three years and had a great experience, and discovered new films and new filmmakers, and fell in love with films that they were looking forward to seeing. We will definitely have that again this year. There are some films that people have been hearing about, films like Her, Philomena, Mandela, August Osage County, or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, that people can’t wait to see and they are going to come see them at the festival. There is the return of some great filmmakers like the Cohen Brothers, that’s really exciting, is something great to look forward to. They return to their partnership with T-Bone Burnett. Of course, I think in our New Auteurs section specially, there are some great new directors to discover. Across the World Cinema program, fantastic performances in Child’s Pose, in Gloria, Omar, Bethlehem, Gabrielle, there is a global experience and what filmmakers are exploring and the issues that people are tackling around the word. It’s a great place to escape, to be entertained, and in many way to educate both in documentaries and in narrative films.
For tickets, schedules, and more information on AFI Fest visit Here...
The festival's director Jacqueline Lyanga talked to us about the specifics of each section in the festival, the arduous selection that begins early every year, and how AFI Fest represents the new, broader way Hollywood operates today.
Carlos Aguilar: Could you briefly discuss the selections process for the festival, given that it is a very eclectic and varied program?
Jacqueline Lyanga: Our festival has evolved over the past few years; we are not a festival that focuses on World Premieres. What we do is, we start looking for films in January at Sundance, and then we go to Rotterdam, Berlin, Tribeca and South By Southwest, Cannes, Locarno, Telluride, and lastly Toronto is the last festival that we attend. We look to bring, as best as we can, a program that serves as a kind of almanac of the year. We look to bring the best films of the year and try to inspire in the local audience, and in those who come to Los Angeles for the festival, dialogues around cinema that we have experience over the course of the year as we go from festival to festival, to showcase the ideas that filmmakers are exploring around the world.
Aguilar: In regards to each section, what is new this year? Could you give us an overview of the distinct sections of the festival?
Lyanga: We have one competitive section for feature films, that’s our New Auteurs section. New Auteurs is a section that highlights first and second time international filmmakers. We look to have it be very international, there is one American filmmaker in it, and we look to showcase films of young filmmakers with a bold new creative vision. That’s a really exciting program, many of these films have won awards at other festivals, and then they play together in the same section at AFI Fest.
World Cinema encompasses a number of kinds of filmmakers, emerging filmmakers, master filmmakers, The Lunchbox is by a first time director, then we have filmmakers like Kim Ki-duk with Moebius, or Sebastian Lelio, who has made a few films, with Gloria starring Paulina Garcia. It showcases a lot of great international performances as well.
The Special Screenings are highly anticipated films often from the Fall Festival Circuit, and of course our Galas, our big nightly red carpets. That section is also very much a combination of studio films, independent films, auteur films, and foreign films. We have The Last Emperor in 3D, we have Inside Llewyn Davis, Saving Mr. Banks, Out of the Furnace, so a lot of different kinds of filmmaking, which really showcases what Hollywood is now, which is really a big part of our message this year.
We want people to see the festival as the way in which Hollywood encompasses icons, masters, and emerging filmmakers, American filmmakers and foreign filmmakers. Our guest Artistic Director is Agnes Varda, as I’m sure you know, she selected a program of films. That program will showcase two of her films Cleo from 5 to 7 and Documenteur, as well as a film that she restored with her children, her daughter Rosalie and her son Mathieu, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, her late husband Jacques Demy’s film.
So we have a really great cross-section of filmmaking in the program. We also have a new section this year called Cinema’s Legacy in which we highlight restoration and film anniversaries, all of the films in that section have a connection to our program the one I just mentioned, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, that Agnes Varda restored. The other two are The Court Jester, which stars Danny Kaye, who also starred in the original The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It is Danny Kaye’s centennial this year, which we are celebrating. The third film Mary Poppins, which is the film that inspired our Opening Night film Saving Mr. Banks that tells the story of the making of Mary Poppins.
Aguilar: What drew you to select Agnes Varda to be this year’s Guest Artistic Director?
Lyanga: It is really exciting for us that she is our first female Guest Artistic director, and a director that has been so influential to the French New Wave. The French New Wave was extremely influential to American filmmakers especially in the 70’s, so that influence and us seeking for masters in that role like David Lynch, and as you know Pedro Almodovar or Bernardo Bertolucci, and it just seemed perfect to follow those three with Agnes Varda.
Aguilar: Given that you have attended all the major film festivals in the world what makes AFI Fest different or special?
Lyanga: One of the great things about the festival is that it’s free. I think it’s amazing, because of great partners, great sponsors like Audi, American Airlines who helps us bring in the filmmakers, or Motorola who is a big sponsor this year, or Coca-Cola, they enable us to really put on a World Class film festival for free. The audience doesn’t have to worry about the cost of the ticket; the cost of the ticket doesn’t have to be a barrier to experience the best of contemporary World Cinema. I think that’s what makes me really excited every year about programming this festival and then ultimately about Opening Night.
Aguilar: What is the relationship between AFI Fest and the AFI Conservatory Alummi?
Lyanga: The festival offices are on the Institute’s campus, which is where the conservatory is housed. Every year, including this year, we definitely have some AFI Alumni’s films playing at the festival. Drake Doremus, who was a Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner with Like Crazy a few years ago, has a film called Breath In at the festival this year. Producer Brian Udovich is present with a film called We Gotta Get Out Of This Place in our American Independent section, which was at Toronto earlier this year. We have alumni as a screenwriter and another as a cinematographer on Out of the Furnace. Also La Jaula de Oro a Spanish/Mexican Co-Production directed by an AFI cinematography alumni. We have some in the shorts program as well; a short called Whale Valley, another short called Machsom, also Wild Horses by Stephanie Martin. So we have several AFI Alumni with films in the program.
Aguilar: The program includes several Submissions to compete for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award; do you think AFI serves as a platform to increase the chances of these films at getting a nomination?
Lyanga: Often times when we invite a film it hasn’t even been selected yet, so we don’t know, we find out afterwards. It’s always exciting to find that out because it means more opportunities and more attention for the filmmakers. Festivals certainly do have a role to help promote cinema, and to build audiences for the filmmakers, and to help build the filmmakers’ careers. The fact that the festival takes place in Los Angeles provides a great opportunity for those films and those filmmakers to get the attention from both the public audience and the industry audience that might have been difficult for them to attain otherwise.
Aguilar: Lastly, why should people come to AFI Fest 2013, and what are you most excited about this year?
Lyanga: I think a lot of people came to festival over the past two or three years and had a great experience, and discovered new films and new filmmakers, and fell in love with films that they were looking forward to seeing. We will definitely have that again this year. There are some films that people have been hearing about, films like Her, Philomena, Mandela, August Osage County, or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, that people can’t wait to see and they are going to come see them at the festival. There is the return of some great filmmakers like the Cohen Brothers, that’s really exciting, is something great to look forward to. They return to their partnership with T-Bone Burnett. Of course, I think in our New Auteurs section specially, there are some great new directors to discover. Across the World Cinema program, fantastic performances in Child’s Pose, in Gloria, Omar, Bethlehem, Gabrielle, there is a global experience and what filmmakers are exploring and the issues that people are tackling around the word. It’s a great place to escape, to be entertained, and in many way to educate both in documentaries and in narrative films.
For tickets, schedules, and more information on AFI Fest visit Here...
- 11/8/2013
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
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