Mark Shelmerdine, the Emmy-nominated producer who remade Alexander Korda’s dormant London Films label into an independent production powerhouse behind projects including I, Claudius, has died. He was 78.
Shelmerdine died Oct. 26 in Santa Barbara after a long illness, friend and fellow producer Brian Eastman told The Hollywood Reporter. After being diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer in 2016, he had a life-saving liver transplant in 2018.
In the 1980s, Shelmerdine co-founded the Los Angeles branch of BAFTA and the Association of Independent Television Producers, which helped shape the sector that now dominates British TV production. He also published self-help books written by his late wife, Susan Jeffers.
The first of three children, Shelmerdine was born on March 27, 1945, in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, Dick, worked as a police office in Singapore and the Bahamas and as a postmaster in Gloucestershire, England.
Shelmerdine started out as an accountant at Coopers & Lybrand and Taylor Clark Ltd.
Shelmerdine died Oct. 26 in Santa Barbara after a long illness, friend and fellow producer Brian Eastman told The Hollywood Reporter. After being diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer in 2016, he had a life-saving liver transplant in 2018.
In the 1980s, Shelmerdine co-founded the Los Angeles branch of BAFTA and the Association of Independent Television Producers, which helped shape the sector that now dominates British TV production. He also published self-help books written by his late wife, Susan Jeffers.
The first of three children, Shelmerdine was born on March 27, 1945, in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, Dick, worked as a police office in Singapore and the Bahamas and as a postmaster in Gloucestershire, England.
Shelmerdine started out as an accountant at Coopers & Lybrand and Taylor Clark Ltd.
- 11/29/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To celebrate the release of Mark Cousins’ new documentary The Storms of Jeremy Thomas, a portrait of the Oscar-winning producer responsible for bringing to life films by David Cronenberg, Jonathan Glazer, Jim Jarmusch, Bernardo Bertolucci, Nagisa Ôshima, Jerzy Skolimowski, and many more, NYC’s Quad Cinema is fittingly paying tribute to his career with a fantastic retrospective.
“Jeremy Thomas Presents” kicks off today and runs through September 28 at Quad Cinema, with The Storms of Jeremy Thomas opening this Friday, September 22. As the retrospective commences, we’re pleased to exclusively share the trailer along with comments directly from Thomas looking back at the making of these iconic films.
Sexy Beast
I was sent a script with a Jonathan Glazer attached, called “Sexy Beast”. It was on a Friday night, and I read it over the weekend. The screenplay was brilliant, and on the Monday I bought it before anyone else could.
“Jeremy Thomas Presents” kicks off today and runs through September 28 at Quad Cinema, with The Storms of Jeremy Thomas opening this Friday, September 22. As the retrospective commences, we’re pleased to exclusively share the trailer along with comments directly from Thomas looking back at the making of these iconic films.
Sexy Beast
I was sent a script with a Jonathan Glazer attached, called “Sexy Beast”. It was on a Friday night, and I read it over the weekend. The screenplay was brilliant, and on the Monday I bought it before anyone else could.
- 9/18/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Everyone knows the problem: there’s too much really good TV these days, and not enough time to watch it all. But if you’re a fan of gripping, adult drama that follows twisted, complicated relationships with high stakes, it’s well worth putting aside a few hours of your time to watch Sky Atlantic’s Domina.
Domina is the story of Livia Drusilla, the wife of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. The historical Livia is a truly fascinating character. Her father fought and died with the assassins of Julius Caesar, she endured a siege with a toddler, then she ended up married for 50 years to the man whose army was on the attacking side in both cases. She had more power and influence than any other woman in Roman history and worked together with Augustus to help him rule, but his reign was peppered with the untimely deaths of multiple family members,...
Domina is the story of Livia Drusilla, the wife of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. The historical Livia is a truly fascinating character. Her father fought and died with the assassins of Julius Caesar, she endured a siege with a toddler, then she ended up married for 50 years to the man whose army was on the attacking side in both cases. She had more power and influence than any other woman in Roman history and worked together with Augustus to help him rule, but his reign was peppered with the untimely deaths of multiple family members,...
- 9/13/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
‘Return To Seoul’, ‘Pamfir’ also in cinemas.
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in 705 cinemas this weekend, and will look to continue the increase in takings from the first to the second film.
The third standalone Guardians film sees Peter Quill rally his team to defend the universe, in a mission that could mean the end of the group.
Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff all return with Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Maria Bakalova in voice roles, with Screen Star of Tomorrow 2013 Will Poulter new to the cast as Adam Warlock,...
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) title Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in 705 cinemas this weekend, and will look to continue the increase in takings from the first to the second film.
The third standalone Guardians film sees Peter Quill rally his team to defend the universe, in a mission that could mean the end of the group.
Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff all return with Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Maria Bakalova in voice roles, with Screen Star of Tomorrow 2013 Will Poulter new to the cast as Adam Warlock,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The scandalous love triangle between poet Robert Graves, his feminist wife and a charismatic American writer is the subject of this erotic and entertainingly silly film
Britain’s premier literary throuple is the subject of this gamey, borderline-silly but watchably acted movie, which might have sat more comfortably as a three-part Sunday night TV drama. Robert Graves (Tom Hughes) is the poet traumatised and creatively blocked by his experiences in the great war, Nancy Nicholson (Laura Haddock) is his forward-thinking feminist wife, and Laura Riding (Dianna Agron) is the charismatic American writer who comes to live with them in a scandalous menage.
Laura entrances them both sexually and stirs Robert’s stagnant juices in every sense, leading him to invent an entire pagan aesthetic around his adoration for her as the “goddess” at the centre of his poetic being – with Nancy’s slightly wan permission. But Riding’s irreverent lustiness...
Britain’s premier literary throuple is the subject of this gamey, borderline-silly but watchably acted movie, which might have sat more comfortably as a three-part Sunday night TV drama. Robert Graves (Tom Hughes) is the poet traumatised and creatively blocked by his experiences in the great war, Nancy Nicholson (Laura Haddock) is his forward-thinking feminist wife, and Laura Riding (Dianna Agron) is the charismatic American writer who comes to live with them in a scandalous menage.
Laura entrances them both sexually and stirs Robert’s stagnant juices in every sense, leading him to invent an entire pagan aesthetic around his adoration for her as the “goddess” at the centre of his poetic being – with Nancy’s slightly wan permission. But Riding’s irreverent lustiness...
- 5/4/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
This article contains spoilers for all of House of the Dragon season 1.
Author George R.R. Martin draws on lots of different things for inspiration when he writes his A Song of Ice and Fire series, which was adapted into Game of Thrones and now House of the Dragon. The influence of the medieval era on the history of Westeros is well known, from Henry I making his barons swear loyalty to his daughter Matilda just as Viserys I makes his lords swear loyalty to his daughter Rhaenyra in Fire & Blood (adapted into House of the Dragon), to the conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters in A Song of Ice and Fire that partly mirrors the conflict between the real life houses of York and Lancaster in the 1400s.
But there’s another semi-historical influence on Martin’s world that is not so often talked about. In 1934, Robert Graves’ novel I,...
Author George R.R. Martin draws on lots of different things for inspiration when he writes his A Song of Ice and Fire series, which was adapted into Game of Thrones and now House of the Dragon. The influence of the medieval era on the history of Westeros is well known, from Henry I making his barons swear loyalty to his daughter Matilda just as Viserys I makes his lords swear loyalty to his daughter Rhaenyra in Fire & Blood (adapted into House of the Dragon), to the conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters in A Song of Ice and Fire that partly mirrors the conflict between the real life houses of York and Lancaster in the 1400s.
But there’s another semi-historical influence on Martin’s world that is not so often talked about. In 1934, Robert Graves’ novel I,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The BBC has announced its Remembrance Week 2014 television schedule.
Five-part drama The Passing Bells will air on BBC One, and follows the First World War unfolding through the eyes of two ordinary young men. The series was written by Tony Jordan (Life on Mars).
A Countryfile special explores Word War I's lasting impact on the landscape of the Western Front, as an Antiques Roadshow special follows Fiona Bruce and experts meeting families with stories of wartime history.
The People Remember will see Sophie Raworth and Andy Torbet honour heroes of war through surprise reunions, stories of bravery and special guests including Chris Tarrant and Michael Morpurgo.
On Saturday, November 8, Huw Edwards will present The Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance, which, in the presence of The Queen, the Royal Family, and political and military leaders, pays tribute to victims of war.
BBC Two will share stories from Britain's boy soldiers in Teenage Tommies,...
Five-part drama The Passing Bells will air on BBC One, and follows the First World War unfolding through the eyes of two ordinary young men. The series was written by Tony Jordan (Life on Mars).
A Countryfile special explores Word War I's lasting impact on the landscape of the Western Front, as an Antiques Roadshow special follows Fiona Bruce and experts meeting families with stories of wartime history.
The People Remember will see Sophie Raworth and Andy Torbet honour heroes of war through surprise reunions, stories of bravery and special guests including Chris Tarrant and Michael Morpurgo.
On Saturday, November 8, Huw Edwards will present The Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance, which, in the presence of The Queen, the Royal Family, and political and military leaders, pays tribute to victims of war.
BBC Two will share stories from Britain's boy soldiers in Teenage Tommies,...
- 10/27/2014
- Digital Spy
(This review pertains to the British Blu-ray release by Network)
By Adrian Smith
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
A mysterious Englishman with mystical powers, a sexy wife, a game of cricket and an insane asylum. In different hands these elements could have been combined to make an Amicus portmanteau film in the style of Tales From the Crypt or Asylum. In the hands of I, Claudius author Robert Graves and Palme d'Or-winning Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski it becomes a strange, hypnotic and fragmented tale that unsettles and confuses in equal measure.
Alan Bates, who could give Richard Burton a run for his money in the "brooding intensity" stakes, plays Crossley, a disheveled yet charismatic wanderer who bursts uninvited into the lives of Anthony and Rachel with devastating consequences. Anthony (John Hurt) is a Radiophonic Workshop-style musician who spends most of his time recording unusual noises and manipulating tape decks.
By Adrian Smith
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
A mysterious Englishman with mystical powers, a sexy wife, a game of cricket and an insane asylum. In different hands these elements could have been combined to make an Amicus portmanteau film in the style of Tales From the Crypt or Asylum. In the hands of I, Claudius author Robert Graves and Palme d'Or-winning Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski it becomes a strange, hypnotic and fragmented tale that unsettles and confuses in equal measure.
Alan Bates, who could give Richard Burton a run for his money in the "brooding intensity" stakes, plays Crossley, a disheveled yet charismatic wanderer who bursts uninvited into the lives of Anthony and Rachel with devastating consequences. Anthony (John Hurt) is a Radiophonic Workshop-style musician who spends most of his time recording unusual noises and manipulating tape decks.
- 10/3/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
John Hurt is to star in an upcoming WW1 drama on ITV.
The Doctor Who actor will play Siegfried Sassoon in The Pity of War: The Lives of Loves of the War Poets, a one-off 60-minute drama.
The drama will be centred on the relationship between Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and Robert Graves while they wrote about their war experiences.
It is part of a series of programmes marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War I.
Olivia Colman will narrate a four-part series titled The Great War: The People's Story, which tells the stories of personal accounts collected from archives and libraries.
Alison Steadman, Daniel Mays, Claire Foy and Brian Cox will also feature in the series, alongside others.
"This programme gives the stage to the authentic voice of the British people as they endured over four years of the greatest violence in human history," said Richard Klein,...
The Doctor Who actor will play Siegfried Sassoon in The Pity of War: The Lives of Loves of the War Poets, a one-off 60-minute drama.
The drama will be centred on the relationship between Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and Robert Graves while they wrote about their war experiences.
It is part of a series of programmes marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War I.
Olivia Colman will narrate a four-part series titled The Great War: The People's Story, which tells the stories of personal accounts collected from archives and libraries.
Alison Steadman, Daniel Mays, Claire Foy and Brian Cox will also feature in the series, alongside others.
"This programme gives the stage to the authentic voice of the British people as they endured over four years of the greatest violence in human history," said Richard Klein,...
- 6/25/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC Two is 50 - the British Broadcasting Corporation's second eldest child hits the half-century mark today - Sunday, April 20.
Picking out the greatest shows from five decades of broadcasting seems like a near-impossible task, but never say that Digital Spy is easily cowed. These are - in our humble opinion - the channel's finest ever offerings.
BBC Two is 50: The Hour, Bottom and more shows to bring back
The rules are as follows: shows like Red Dwarf that originated on BBC Two are eligible, but shows better associated with another channel are not - say Top of the Pops, which aired on BBC One for the majority of its run but shifted to the sister channel for its final episodes.
Oh, and we're talking only original commissions - so no Us imports either. But even that barely narrows it down, so if you think there are any glaring omissions,...
Picking out the greatest shows from five decades of broadcasting seems like a near-impossible task, but never say that Digital Spy is easily cowed. These are - in our humble opinion - the channel's finest ever offerings.
BBC Two is 50: The Hour, Bottom and more shows to bring back
The rules are as follows: shows like Red Dwarf that originated on BBC Two are eligible, but shows better associated with another channel are not - say Top of the Pops, which aired on BBC One for the majority of its run but shifted to the sister channel for its final episodes.
Oh, and we're talking only original commissions - so no Us imports either. But even that barely narrows it down, so if you think there are any glaring omissions,...
- 4/20/2014
- Digital Spy
Shake, rattle and roll. Los Angeles experienced a 4.4 magnitude earthquake Monday morning. The real star of the morning, however, was Ktla anchor Chris Schauble, whose "Oh, no!" face was captured in its full glory on-camera. Schauble's reaction - including he and co-anchor Megan Henderson's desk-dive to avoid debris falling from the ceiling of the studio - has gone viral in the wake of the event, with .gifs and videos of his facial expression being passed around on Twitter, Vine and elsewhere. United States Geographical Survey seismologist Robert Graves told the Associated Press this morning's quake was "typical" for Southern California,...
- 3/17/2014
- by Alex Heigl
- PEOPLE.com
Joss Whedon's California-set Much Ado, filmed in black and white over 12 days, is a charming and witty triumph
Reading this on mobile? Click here to watch video
There was a great fear in the 1960s and 70s that various respected directors who'd moved into making epics and blockbusters would be unable to return, even occasionally, to more modest productions. Some of them didn't, most notably David Lean. Some of them did, most impressively John Huston with Fat City, Wise Blood and The Dead. The same query was raised over Francis Ford Coppola and, more recently, hangs over Christopher Nolan. But the 49-year-old Joss Whedon has triumphantly answered the question.
After scripting Buffy the Vampire Slayer for TV and the first Toy Story for the cinema, Whedon rose fairly rapidly to direct The Avengers with a budget of $220m. His producers apparently insisted that between the long shooting schedule on...
Reading this on mobile? Click here to watch video
There was a great fear in the 1960s and 70s that various respected directors who'd moved into making epics and blockbusters would be unable to return, even occasionally, to more modest productions. Some of them didn't, most notably David Lean. Some of them did, most impressively John Huston with Fat City, Wise Blood and The Dead. The same query was raised over Francis Ford Coppola and, more recently, hangs over Christopher Nolan. But the 49-year-old Joss Whedon has triumphantly answered the question.
After scripting Buffy the Vampire Slayer for TV and the first Toy Story for the cinema, Whedon rose fairly rapidly to direct The Avengers with a budget of $220m. His producers apparently insisted that between the long shooting schedule on...
- 6/17/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Rome Episode 1 Season 1 ‘The Stolen Eagle’
Written by Bruno Heller
Directed by Michael Apted
Aired 2005 on HBO
We have Band of Brothers to thank for Rome. The success of that collaboration between the BBC and HBO cemented the partnership which made the show possible. It helped that the HBO bosses at the time were fans of I Claudius – the BBC produced series based on Robert Graves’ books, which established the crowd-pleasing potential of the period by leavening the dull history bits with the spectacle of John Hurt as Caligula exercising his god-fantasies by getting his sister pregnant and snacking on her unborn child.
HBO liked the idea of Rome, which fast forwarded past the antics of Caligula et al to the equally eventful but slightly less colorful period when Julius Caesar conquered Gaul, so much that although the original pitch was for a mini-series, the network commissioned a full 12 episodes.
Written by Bruno Heller
Directed by Michael Apted
Aired 2005 on HBO
We have Band of Brothers to thank for Rome. The success of that collaboration between the BBC and HBO cemented the partnership which made the show possible. It helped that the HBO bosses at the time were fans of I Claudius – the BBC produced series based on Robert Graves’ books, which established the crowd-pleasing potential of the period by leavening the dull history bits with the spectacle of John Hurt as Caligula exercising his god-fantasies by getting his sister pregnant and snacking on her unborn child.
HBO liked the idea of Rome, which fast forwarded past the antics of Caligula et al to the equally eventful but slightly less colorful period when Julius Caesar conquered Gaul, so much that although the original pitch was for a mini-series, the network commissioned a full 12 episodes.
- 6/9/2013
- by Cath Murphy
- SoundOnSight
Daniel Day-Lewis might be best known for his Oscar-winning roles in movies like "There Will Be Blood" and "My Left Foot," but his first claim to fame was his father. Day-Lewis is the son of British Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis, who also wrote novels under the pseudonym Nicholas Blake.
Cecil passed away in 1972, and now his son is donating his papers to his alma mater, Oxford University. The archive includes 54 boxes of his early drafts and letters from famous figures like Robert Graves, Philip Larkin and actor John Gielgud, the Associated Press reports.
Day-Lewis has a pretty big year ahead of him. Up next, he plays Abraham Lincoln in the Stephen Spielberg-directed film "Lincoln." Though that movie doesn't come out until Nov. 16, it's already earning Day-Lewis some serious Oscar buzz.
Cecil passed away in 1972, and now his son is donating his papers to his alma mater, Oxford University. The archive includes 54 boxes of his early drafts and letters from famous figures like Robert Graves, Philip Larkin and actor John Gielgud, the Associated Press reports.
Day-Lewis has a pretty big year ahead of him. Up next, he plays Abraham Lincoln in the Stephen Spielberg-directed film "Lincoln." Though that movie doesn't come out until Nov. 16, it's already earning Day-Lewis some serious Oscar buzz.
- 10/30/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Tamasin and Daniel Day-Lewis hand over poet laureate's archive including manuscripts and letter from Wh Auden.
Wh Auden did not want to appear condescending but his criticism of Cecil Day-Lewis's poem would certainly appear to be crushing: "You are not taking enough trouble about your medium, your technique of expression," he wrote, adding that one line sounded as if Day-Lewis was waiting for his tea.
The letter, from around 1928 or 1929 when both poets were still in their 20s, is one of many to appear in an extensive literary archive that has been donated to Oxford University's Bodleian Library by Day-Lewis's children, the actor Daniel Day-Lewis and the food writer Tamasin Day-Lewis.
The library will on Tuesday host a symposium celebrating the life and work of the former poet laureate and marking what Chris Fletcher, keeper of special collections, said was an extremely generous gift.
"It is a wonderful archive...
Wh Auden did not want to appear condescending but his criticism of Cecil Day-Lewis's poem would certainly appear to be crushing: "You are not taking enough trouble about your medium, your technique of expression," he wrote, adding that one line sounded as if Day-Lewis was waiting for his tea.
The letter, from around 1928 or 1929 when both poets were still in their 20s, is one of many to appear in an extensive literary archive that has been donated to Oxford University's Bodleian Library by Day-Lewis's children, the actor Daniel Day-Lewis and the food writer Tamasin Day-Lewis.
The library will on Tuesday host a symposium celebrating the life and work of the former poet laureate and marking what Chris Fletcher, keeper of special collections, said was an extremely generous gift.
"It is a wonderful archive...
- 10/30/2012
- by Mark Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
Moby-Dick is the leviathan of American literature - a great white whale of a book that everyone has heard of but few have actually read. As a marathon readalong gets underway, organised by the University of Plymouth, we listen in to some of the celebrity readers - who include Tilda Swinton, David Cameron and David Attenborough. Plus we talk to the man behind the project, Samuel Johnson prize-winning author Philip Hoare, about his mission to democratise one of the world's great literary masterpieces.
Then we take a trip back in time with the great nephew of Robert Graves, whose new memoir, The White Goddess: An Encounter, brings an extraordinary poetic entourage to vivid life under the clear blue skies of Mallorca, where Graves, his muse, his wife and their many children ate, drank and made mayhem. We're joined by Sam Jordison, who explains why he was inspired to publish the...
Then we take a trip back in time with the great nephew of Robert Graves, whose new memoir, The White Goddess: An Encounter, brings an extraordinary poetic entourage to vivid life under the clear blue skies of Mallorca, where Graves, his muse, his wife and their many children ate, drank and made mayhem. We're joined by Sam Jordison, who explains why he was inspired to publish the...
- 9/21/2012
- by Claire Armitstead, Sam Jordison, Richard Lea, Sarah Crown, Tim Maby
- The Guardian - Film News
On Tuesday, HBO made two announcements in the realm of acquisitions. The network said it would be producing "True Detective," a crime series based on the hunt for a serial killer in Louisiana starring Matthew McConnaughey and Woody Harrelson. It also confirmed reports it was passing on the pilot for Jonathan Franzen and Noah Baumbach's adaptation of Franzen's novel "The Corrections," which starred Ewan McGregor and Maggie Gyllenhaal and was being produced by Scott Rudin.
It's tempting to interpret the twin announcements as evidence of HBO's broader plans. A sign, perhaps, that the smash success of its two highest-performing shows, "True Blood" and "Game of Thrones," has convinced the network that the path to success is the lurid, fantastical one favored by hormonal young men.
Time will tell. But for now, there's no reason to ring the alarm bells, cancel your subscriptions and sign up for Showtime in anticipation...
It's tempting to interpret the twin announcements as evidence of HBO's broader plans. A sign, perhaps, that the smash success of its two highest-performing shows, "True Blood" and "Game of Thrones," has convinced the network that the path to success is the lurid, fantastical one favored by hormonal young men.
Time will tell. But for now, there's no reason to ring the alarm bells, cancel your subscriptions and sign up for Showtime in anticipation...
- 5/2/2012
- by Joe Satran
- Huffington Post
On Tuesday, HBO made two announcements in the realm of acquisitions. The network said it would be producing "True Detective," a crime series based on the hunt for a serial killer in Louisiana starring Matthew McConnaughey and Woody Harrelson. It also confirmed reports it was passing on the pilot for Jonathan Franzen and Noah Baumbach's adaptation of Franzen's novel "The Corrections," which starred Ewan McGregor and Maggie Gyllenhaal and was being produced by Scott Rudin.
It's tempting to interpret the twin announcements as evidence of HBO's broader plans. A sign, perhaps, that the smash success of its two highest-performing shows, "True Blood" and "Game of Thrones," has convinced the network that the path to success is the lurid, fantastical one favored by hormonal young men.
Time will tell. But for now, there's no reason to ring the alarm bells, cancel your subscriptions and sign up for Showtime in anticipation...
It's tempting to interpret the twin announcements as evidence of HBO's broader plans. A sign, perhaps, that the smash success of its two highest-performing shows, "True Blood" and "Game of Thrones," has convinced the network that the path to success is the lurid, fantastical one favored by hormonal young men.
Time will tell. But for now, there's no reason to ring the alarm bells, cancel your subscriptions and sign up for Showtime in anticipation...
- 5/2/2012
- by Joe Satran
- Aol TV.
Thirty-five years ago, PBS captivated audiences with the blood-and-sex-laden ancient-Roman soap I, Claudius, which is still influential. A new DVD version comes out Tuesday. Over at The Daily Beast, it's the first of a new series called Rewind, which will look back at a television show or film that has proven to resonate. You can read my latest feature, "Rome Burns in I, Claudius," in which I take a look at PBS' ancient Rome-set drama, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of its U.S. broadcast this year. I, Claudius celebrates the 35th anniversary of its U.S. broadcast this year. A rapt and devoted audience consumed this spellbinding ancient-Rome period drama when it first aired in 1976 on the BBC in the U.K., and in 1977 on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre. Starring Derek Jacobi as the titular character and featuring some of the best boldface names in British acting circles, the Emmy...
- 3/27/2012
- by Jace Lacob
- Televisionary
I Claudius. Acorn media
Written by Kieran Kinsella
In a list compiled by the British Film Institute of the 100 greatest British TV shows of all time, I Claudius ranked 12th. Earlier this year The Guardian newspaper chose I Claudius as the best British TV costume drama of all time and if that wasn’t enough the Roman era drama also won three BAFTA’s and an Emmy when it was originally broadcast no less than 35 years ago. Needless to say, Acorn Media’s March release of the complete series is likely to cause quite a stir.
Before I get into the mechanics of the story let me begin by talking a little about the cast. Cadfael star Derek Jacobi takes on the title role and performs brilliantly as both the young stuttering Claudius and the aged man reflecting on his life. His deranged predecessor Caligula is played by 1984 star John Hurt...
Written by Kieran Kinsella
In a list compiled by the British Film Institute of the 100 greatest British TV shows of all time, I Claudius ranked 12th. Earlier this year The Guardian newspaper chose I Claudius as the best British TV costume drama of all time and if that wasn’t enough the Roman era drama also won three BAFTA’s and an Emmy when it was originally broadcast no less than 35 years ago. Needless to say, Acorn Media’s March release of the complete series is likely to cause quite a stir.
Before I get into the mechanics of the story let me begin by talking a little about the cast. Cadfael star Derek Jacobi takes on the title role and performs brilliantly as both the young stuttering Claudius and the aged man reflecting on his life. His deranged predecessor Caligula is played by 1984 star John Hurt...
- 2/16/2012
- by admin
Michael Chabon's "The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" could be coming to a screen near you.
According to Collider, director Stephen Daldry wants to turn the novel into a miniseries for HBO.
"I would love to do something for TV," he said. "I wanna do Kavalier & Clay on HBO as an eight-parter. It'll be so much better as a series, honestly."
There's just one catch -- Daldry doesn't have the rights to the book. Paramount does -- though Daldry himself was signed on at one point to direct a film version, the project has continued to languish.
"I spent a year working on it with Michael Chabon, so we're pretty close," Daldry told Collider. "And the rights, good question. Will Paramount give them to me? I don't know. It'll be a really good one. It'd go great with 'Boardwalk Empire.'"
HBO is already working with Chabon and...
According to Collider, director Stephen Daldry wants to turn the novel into a miniseries for HBO.
"I would love to do something for TV," he said. "I wanna do Kavalier & Clay on HBO as an eight-parter. It'll be so much better as a series, honestly."
There's just one catch -- Daldry doesn't have the rights to the book. Paramount does -- though Daldry himself was signed on at one point to direct a film version, the project has continued to languish.
"I spent a year working on it with Michael Chabon, so we're pretty close," Daldry told Collider. "And the rights, good question. Will Paramount give them to me? I don't know. It'll be a really good one. It'd go great with 'Boardwalk Empire.'"
HBO is already working with Chabon and...
- 12/13/2011
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Versatile actor and writer best known as Wexford in the TV detective stories
Of all the television detectives of recent years, George Baker's Inspector Wexford, with his mature West Country burr, slight air of fallibility and occasional stubbornness, was the one who seemed to spring from real life rather than an author's fancy. Sometimes ponderous, sometimes wrong, always homely, Baker's Wexford had his affable ex-constable's feet firmly on the ground. The character had a solid, believable family life. The actor, also a family man, had a hand in some of the adaptations that went under the title of the Ruth Rendell Mysteries. Whatever the combination of factors, it gave Baker, who has died aged 80 of pneumonia, his greatest success.
Not that fame was unfamiliar to the actor, whose career had got off to such a promising start back in the 1950s. The British cinema spotted his handsome features almost...
Of all the television detectives of recent years, George Baker's Inspector Wexford, with his mature West Country burr, slight air of fallibility and occasional stubbornness, was the one who seemed to spring from real life rather than an author's fancy. Sometimes ponderous, sometimes wrong, always homely, Baker's Wexford had his affable ex-constable's feet firmly on the ground. The character had a solid, believable family life. The actor, also a family man, had a hand in some of the adaptations that went under the title of the Ruth Rendell Mysteries. Whatever the combination of factors, it gave Baker, who has died aged 80 of pneumonia, his greatest success.
Not that fame was unfamiliar to the actor, whose career had got off to such a promising start back in the 1950s. The British cinema spotted his handsome features almost...
- 10/9/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Okay, so here’s the thing…
I started in on the sixth volume of Ooku: The Inner Chambers without bothering to re-read either the previous volumes in the series or my thoughts on those five books. As a result, I spent most of my reading time trying to remember who the various characters were and what their struggles were supposed to signify. I know that this makes me sound like a bit of a scatterbrain but Volume 6 does not feature any self-contained story lines, instead it concludes storylines from the previous volumes and lays the foundation for a storyline that will (hopefully) feature in Volume 7 if and when Viz Media get round to translating it. Given that characters in Ooku frequently change names and physical appearances with the passage of time and the somewhat interstitial nature of this volume’s narrative, I think that my disorientation is at least understandable,...
I started in on the sixth volume of Ooku: The Inner Chambers without bothering to re-read either the previous volumes in the series or my thoughts on those five books. As a result, I spent most of my reading time trying to remember who the various characters were and what their struggles were supposed to signify. I know that this makes me sound like a bit of a scatterbrain but Volume 6 does not feature any self-contained story lines, instead it concludes storylines from the previous volumes and lays the foundation for a storyline that will (hopefully) feature in Volume 7 if and when Viz Media get round to translating it. Given that characters in Ooku frequently change names and physical appearances with the passage of time and the somewhat interstitial nature of this volume’s narrative, I think that my disorientation is at least understandable,...
- 8/20/2011
- by Jonathan McCalmont
- Boomtron
Matthew McConaughey and Matt Bomer are the latest two actors to join the stripper flick "Magic Mike."
In addition to those two Hollywood beefcakes, the movie also stars Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer. "Magic Mike" is the semi-true story of Channing's time spent as an exotic dancer in Florida. Hollywood Crush has the full scoop on the casting, including McConaughey playing a retired stripper who owns the salon the boys work at and Bomer being a working boy in the group. The flick is being slated for a 2012 release date.
Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump!
"G.I. Joe 2" Gets A Grunt
"Veronica Mars" star Ryan Hansen tweeted that he is the latest actor to join "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." "I play a Joe named Grunt. Small part but awesome," he said. Hansen said he started filming on Tuesday. Grunt was a character in the...
In addition to those two Hollywood beefcakes, the movie also stars Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer. "Magic Mike" is the semi-true story of Channing's time spent as an exotic dancer in Florida. Hollywood Crush has the full scoop on the casting, including McConaughey playing a retired stripper who owns the salon the boys work at and Bomer being a working boy in the group. The flick is being slated for a 2012 release date.
Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump!
"G.I. Joe 2" Gets A Grunt
"Veronica Mars" star Ryan Hansen tweeted that he is the latest actor to join "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." "I play a Joe named Grunt. Small part but awesome," he said. Hansen said he started filming on Tuesday. Grunt was a character in the...
- 8/18/2011
- by Terri Schwartz
- MTV Movies Blog
HBO is dipping its toe into the pool of unnecessary remakes with an "I, Claudius" miniseries. This is an unnecessary remake because Derek Jacobi and the BBC already owned this in the 1976 "I, Claudius" miniseries. Like the original miniseries, this one will be based on Robert Graves' pair of books, "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God," which present the fictional autobiography of Emperor Claudius from Caesar's assassination in 44 BC through Caligula's assasssination, Claudius' rise to Emperordom, and Claudius' eventual death in Ad 54 (spoiler alert?). HBO is teaming up with the BBC for this remake and, specifically, it's going to come from the duo who was responsible for HBO's underappreciated "Rome" series. So it may be a wholly unnecessary remake, but I'm kind of excited about the prospect nevertheless. And having been created in 1976 myself, does this mean I'm now due for a remake? If so, I'd like Matt Smith...
- 6/13/2011
- by Seth Freilich
HBO has signed a deal with BBC Two to remake the 1976 Emmy-winning miniseries I, Claudius. Based on a novel by Robert Graves of the same name, I, Claudius tells the story of the eponymous Roman Emperor. The 1976 version was adapted by the BBC and proved to be one of its most successful series. HBO and BBC Two will now remake the historical novel into a new miniseries, according to Deadline. The rights to I, Claudius have long been pursued by Hollywood. Producer Scott Rudin previously attempted to mount a film version of the novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio, but the project ultimately fell through. The 1976 version (more)...
- 6/10/2011
- by By Tara Fowler
- Digital Spy
Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out.
HBO is going to bring back the great historical novel I, Claudius by Robert Graves' into a brand new series, led by Rome producers Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopoulos.
The story tells a rather fascinating account of old Rome, from the time of great Augustus to that of Claudius, all told from the narrated perspective of an elderly Claudius. The series was once adapted before in a rather excellent mini-series for PBS, and was originally aired in 1976.
If this adaptation is anything like the 1976 version, prepare for something extraordinary. I can't recommend the original series enough - it is historically fascinating, full of intrigue, drama, murder, war - and strangely enough, a dark and healthy wit. John Hurt as Caligula was a particularly memorable highlight. You can also catch a very young Patrick Stewart, playing the very ambitious...
HBO is going to bring back the great historical novel I, Claudius by Robert Graves' into a brand new series, led by Rome producers Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopoulos.
The story tells a rather fascinating account of old Rome, from the time of great Augustus to that of Claudius, all told from the narrated perspective of an elderly Claudius. The series was once adapted before in a rather excellent mini-series for PBS, and was originally aired in 1976.
If this adaptation is anything like the 1976 version, prepare for something extraordinary. I can't recommend the original series enough - it is historically fascinating, full of intrigue, drama, murder, war - and strangely enough, a dark and healthy wit. John Hurt as Caligula was a particularly memorable highlight. You can also catch a very young Patrick Stewart, playing the very ambitious...
- 6/10/2011
- by Tristan Sinns
- Planet Fury
Patrick Stewart with hair, a blond fey John Hurt eating the foetus (off screen of course) of the sister he impregnated, Brian Blessed in a toga roaring, a stuttering Derek Jacobi, Siân Phillips as the most scheming murderous shrew you've ever met, and short appearances from John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill and Kevin McNally.
They were just some of the highlights of "I, Claudius", the 1976 BBC Emmy-winning ten-part miniseries of Robert Graves' acclaimed works "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God". Now, HBO is teaming BBC2 to acquire the rights to turn the Graves historical novels into a new mini-series with the help of executive producers Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopooulos ("Rome") reports Deadline.
Considered one of the best novels of the 20th century, Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D.
The stuttering and handicapped Claudius, born into a murderous,...
They were just some of the highlights of "I, Claudius", the 1976 BBC Emmy-winning ten-part miniseries of Robert Graves' acclaimed works "I, Claudius" and "Claudius the God". Now, HBO is teaming BBC2 to acquire the rights to turn the Graves historical novels into a new mini-series with the help of executive producers Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopooulos ("Rome") reports Deadline.
Considered one of the best novels of the 20th century, Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D.
The stuttering and handicapped Claudius, born into a murderous,...
- 6/10/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
HBO has once again teamed up with BBC to develop a epic miniseries adaptation of the Robert Graves historical novel I, Claudius. The serie will be produced by Rome's Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopooulos. This wouldn't be the first time this book got an adaptation BBC developed a 13-part miniseries for it back in 1976, and it starred Derek Jacobi as the title character.
According to Deadline, "The book and mini gave a glimpse into the power, madness, murder, backstabbing and debauchery that was part and parcel of ruling class Rome. It is seen through the eyes of Claudius, who was content to be the butt of jokes and hide his brilliance behind a stutter and a limp. Because he was never perceived as a threat, Claudius was never poisoned or framed, as many others in his circle were. Claudius outlasted them all, and became emperor in 41 A.D."
Well good for him!
According to Deadline, "The book and mini gave a glimpse into the power, madness, murder, backstabbing and debauchery that was part and parcel of ruling class Rome. It is seen through the eyes of Claudius, who was content to be the butt of jokes and hide his brilliance behind a stutter and a limp. Because he was never perceived as a threat, Claudius was never poisoned or framed, as many others in his circle were. Claudius outlasted them all, and became emperor in 41 A.D."
Well good for him!
- 6/10/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Exclusive: HBO has teamed with BBC2 to acquire the rights to turn the Robert Graves historical novel I, Claudius into a miniseries. The mini will be exec produced by BBC Worldwide Productions' Jane Tranter and Anne Thomopoulos, who were executives producers of HBO's Rome. The deal ends a long series of twists and turns for the rights to a book that was previously turned into an Emmy-winning 13-part miniseries in 1976 by BBC. In that mini, Derek Jacobi turned in the role of a career as Claudius. The book and mini gave a glimpse into the power, madness, murder, backstabbing and debauchery that was part and parcel of ruling-class Rome. It is seen through the eyes of Claudius, who was content to be the butt of jokes and hide his brilliance behind a stutter and a limp. Because he was never perceived as a threat, Claudius was never poisoned as many others in his circle were.
- 6/10/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
There are many reasons why some characters in the movies seem a bit familiar. Sometimes, the actor has become so badly typecast that they only seem to play one character, as Matthew Perry and Hugh Grant seemed doomed to do in the 1990s (before Perry was cast in short-lived TV series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Grant in the Weitz brothers’ About a Boy, 2002). Sometimes a character is transferred completely from television to film, as Leslie Nielson’s Frank Drebin was from Police Squad to The Naked Gun series. But sometimes the reference, while deliberate, is more subtle.
An ‘Actor Allusion’, as defined on TV Tropes, is a casting in-joke or reference which refers to a previous role the actor has played. In most cases, the reference is a throwaway line or two and proceeds from the happy coincidence of that actor having been cast in that role (for example,...
An ‘Actor Allusion’, as defined on TV Tropes, is a casting in-joke or reference which refers to a previous role the actor has played. In most cases, the reference is a throwaway line or two and proceeds from the happy coincidence of that actor having been cast in that role (for example,...
- 4/6/2011
- by Juliette Harrisson
- SoundOnSight
At the 2010 Venice film festival, when Essential Killing won the special jury prize, its director Jerzy Skolimowski announced: "For those who like me – I'm back; and to those who don't like me – I'm back."
There's much of the man in that wry, pugnacious stance. But what does "back" mean for a Pole who will be 73 this May, and who took nearly 20 years out of a film-directing career to be a painter? How will "back" turn out for one of film's least compromising mavericks? As far as I can tell, Britain is only the second large market to give Essential Killing a release (after Poland) – with no takers in the Us. But a story about a Taliban fighter (Vincent Gallo) who kills Americans in the Afghan desert, is captured and tortured, then flown back to Europe and able to escape into the deep snow, will not compete easily with Adam Sandler.
There's much of the man in that wry, pugnacious stance. But what does "back" mean for a Pole who will be 73 this May, and who took nearly 20 years out of a film-directing career to be a painter? How will "back" turn out for one of film's least compromising mavericks? As far as I can tell, Britain is only the second large market to give Essential Killing a release (after Poland) – with no takers in the Us. But a story about a Taliban fighter (Vincent Gallo) who kills Americans in the Afghan desert, is captured and tortured, then flown back to Europe and able to escape into the deep snow, will not compete easily with Adam Sandler.
- 3/25/2011
- by David Thomson
- The Guardian - Film News
From Ridley Scott's Robin Hood to Robert Graves's I, Claudius, the best historical representations use a colourful imagination to transport us back in time
The royal film in the news is The King's Speech, and so – as ever the first with film – I have been catching up with the 2008 version of the novel The Other Boleyn Girl. Tom Hooper's award-winner has been accused of playing fast and loose with historical fact. But the earlier film, starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, manages to virtually edit out a rather large historical fact: the Reformation.
Henry VIII is not characterised as Henry VIII at all; he has no Henry VIII-like qualities. He is just a fairytale king in a fairytale story. Figures such as Thomas More have been removed and the story of Henry's divorce from his first queen and its massive historical consequences reduced to an entirely unrealistic trial scene.
The royal film in the news is The King's Speech, and so – as ever the first with film – I have been catching up with the 2008 version of the novel The Other Boleyn Girl. Tom Hooper's award-winner has been accused of playing fast and loose with historical fact. But the earlier film, starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, manages to virtually edit out a rather large historical fact: the Reformation.
Henry VIII is not characterised as Henry VIII at all; he has no Henry VIII-like qualities. He is just a fairytale king in a fairytale story. Figures such as Thomas More have been removed and the story of Henry's divorce from his first queen and its massive historical consequences reduced to an entirely unrealistic trial scene.
- 2/28/2011
- by Jonathan Jones
- The Guardian - Film News
Orlando Bloom, Imogen Poots and Kerry Condon have all joined the cast of the upcoming William Nunez’s feature film debut titled The Laureate.
When we have this kind of project, and we already know that it’s about poet Robert Graves, then it’s quite logical Bloom will have an honor to portray the iconic British poet, right?
As we said, the film is written and directed by William Nunez, and follows the life of Robert Graves, his wife Nancy Nicholson and poet Laura Riding (Imogen Poots).
Apparently the writer had an open relationship with the two women, and they all lived together for quite some time, until Graves began to like Riding better.
Kerry Condon will play Nancy Nicholson, while Imogen Poots will play Laura Riding.
Director Nunez says that:
“At its core, ‘The Laureate’ will be a study of intense relationships: what created them, what can undo them,...
When we have this kind of project, and we already know that it’s about poet Robert Graves, then it’s quite logical Bloom will have an honor to portray the iconic British poet, right?
As we said, the film is written and directed by William Nunez, and follows the life of Robert Graves, his wife Nancy Nicholson and poet Laura Riding (Imogen Poots).
Apparently the writer had an open relationship with the two women, and they all lived together for quite some time, until Graves began to like Riding better.
Kerry Condon will play Nancy Nicholson, while Imogen Poots will play Laura Riding.
Director Nunez says that:
“At its core, ‘The Laureate’ will be a study of intense relationships: what created them, what can undo them,...
- 1/31/2011
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Were you aware that iconic British poet Robert Graves lived in an open love triangle for many, many years? Are you pretending to know who Robert Graves is right now? Me too. Graves was a formidable poet and historian of ancient world leaders like Roman Emperor Claudius, and it’s always interesting to see the personal life that made such minds tick. Newcomer William Nunez must agree because he’s written and will direct The Laureate based on Graves’s life and his romance of Nancy Nicholson and Laura Riding (both recognized artists in their own rights). According to The Playlist, Orlando Bloom will be offering his authentic accent to the role, Imogen Poots will be playing Riding, and Kerry Condon (from The Last Station) will be playing Nicholson. I honestly know little about Graves’s life, but a hot, sexy, poetic love triangle? That, I think, we all know a lot about.
- 1/28/2011
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Orlando Bloom and Imogen Poots are set to star in a biopic of poet Robert Graves entitled "The Laureate" reports Screen Daily.
The story follows the life of the young British war poet Robert Graves (Bloom), his wife Nancy Nicholson (Kerry Condon) and the passionate young American writer Laura Riding (Poots).
The focus will cover the open love triangle between them as they lived in London and Cairo and will explore the notion of intense relationships. Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell were previously attached.
William Nunez penned the script and will direct. Filming kicks off in the UK and Ireland this summer.
The story follows the life of the young British war poet Robert Graves (Bloom), his wife Nancy Nicholson (Kerry Condon) and the passionate young American writer Laura Riding (Poots).
The focus will cover the open love triangle between them as they lived in London and Cairo and will explore the notion of intense relationships. Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell were previously attached.
William Nunez penned the script and will direct. Filming kicks off in the UK and Ireland this summer.
- 1/28/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Ahh, Orlando Bloom, you once adorned every middle school girl’s bedroom door, and now father time has caught up with you.
At the ripe old age of 34, with his best years of pirating and fellowship behind him, it seems reasonable that the elderly Bloom should seek out a nice quiet place in the country, raise his family, and write poetry the rest of his days… or at least play someone who did that. Easier said than done.
“Marriage, like money, is still with us; and, like money, progressively devalued.”
This famous quote by English poet Robert Graves is particularly ironic in the context of the famous scandal that ended his marriage in 1929. Now Ol’ Bloomy seeks to portray the “I, Claudius” writer during this period of emotional turmoil and artistic success in a new film titled “The Laureate.”
According to Hollywood Wiretap, Legolas has been cast alongside hot young U.
At the ripe old age of 34, with his best years of pirating and fellowship behind him, it seems reasonable that the elderly Bloom should seek out a nice quiet place in the country, raise his family, and write poetry the rest of his days… or at least play someone who did that. Easier said than done.
“Marriage, like money, is still with us; and, like money, progressively devalued.”
This famous quote by English poet Robert Graves is particularly ironic in the context of the famous scandal that ended his marriage in 1929. Now Ol’ Bloomy seeks to portray the “I, Claudius” writer during this period of emotional turmoil and artistic success in a new film titled “The Laureate.”
According to Hollywood Wiretap, Legolas has been cast alongside hot young U.
- 1/28/2011
- by Max Evry
- NextMovie
Orlando Bloom continues his return to the screen after being absent for most of the past four years. He shot a role in Paul Ws Anderson's The Three Musketeers and will reprise his career-originating role of Legolas in The Hobbit. But before he gets back into breeches and latex ear appliances he'll play poet Robert Graves in The Laureate. The film is written and directed by William Nunez, and follows the life of Robert Graves, his wife Nancy Nicholson (Kerry Condon) and poet Laura Riding (Imogen Poots), specifically with respect to the open love triangle between them as they lived in London and Cairo. [Screen Daily [1]] After the break, Jonas Åkerlund makes Small Apartments and one more joins John Hillcoat's The Wettest County in the World. Jonas Åkerlund (Spun, The Horsemen) is moving into comedy -- well, intentional comedy -- with Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Alice in Wonderland) as his mouthpiece.
- 1/28/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Though York couldn't maintain the Christie-like success of her 60s peak, her unusual choices made for an interesting career
There was a rage for Susannah York in the 60s like there was for Julie Christie and Vanessa Redgrave, so it seemed odd when it ended in the mid-70s. All of a sudden, the rush of good parts stopped. This seemed odd, after her Oscar nomination as best supporting actress in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969). But then, why did she let herself take such roles as that of the superfluous wife in The Battle of Britain in the same year?
In her early career, York had seemed a conventional English beauty: as Alec Guinness's daughter in 1960's Tunes of Glory (her actual debut) and a touching lead performance the following year in Lewis Gilbert's The Greengage Summer as a young woman in France coming to sexual maturity.
There was a rage for Susannah York in the 60s like there was for Julie Christie and Vanessa Redgrave, so it seemed odd when it ended in the mid-70s. All of a sudden, the rush of good parts stopped. This seemed odd, after her Oscar nomination as best supporting actress in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969). But then, why did she let herself take such roles as that of the superfluous wife in The Battle of Britain in the same year?
In her early career, York had seemed a conventional English beauty: as Alec Guinness's daughter in 1960's Tunes of Glory (her actual debut) and a touching lead performance the following year in Lewis Gilbert's The Greengage Summer as a young woman in France coming to sexual maturity.
- 1/18/2011
- by David Thomson
- The Guardian - Film News
The real-life, blonde precursor to Nickelodeon's iCarly, Justine Ezarik, finds her way onto scads of screens with a breezy style and a deep understanding of influence.
This interview is part of our ongoing series related to The Influence Project.
Creating a random viral moment is as rare as getting struck by lightning, but Justine Ezarik has found a way to routinely bottle the juice and light up the Internet. With over 300 million YouTube views, the coal miner's daughter and social media savant is a double-live platinum new media star. Operating under the nom de net iJustine, Ezarik has built a cyber empire with a remarkably loyal following of 13-24 year old girls--and, of course the boys who love them and her. It's a fan base that is so engaged that with a casual tweet and a short YouTube video last Friday, Ezarik catapulted to the number two spot in The Influence Project.
This interview is part of our ongoing series related to The Influence Project.
Creating a random viral moment is as rare as getting struck by lightning, but Justine Ezarik has found a way to routinely bottle the juice and light up the Internet. With over 300 million YouTube views, the coal miner's daughter and social media savant is a double-live platinum new media star. Operating under the nom de net iJustine, Ezarik has built a cyber empire with a remarkably loyal following of 13-24 year old girls--and, of course the boys who love them and her. It's a fan base that is so engaged that with a casual tweet and a short YouTube video last Friday, Ezarik catapulted to the number two spot in The Influence Project.
- 7/28/2010
- by Mark Borden
- Fast Company
If, by some quirk in the time-space continuum, I was able to time travel, probably one of the last places I would want to end up would be ancient Rome. It's not the food, the constant wars, or the public toilets that bother me (derail: sat on one of those at a Roman archeological dig in Israel--i prefer to do my business when I don't have a neighbor's butt about five inches from mine). Nope, it's about the murdering--the constant, constant murdering.
When I set down Robert Graves's I, Claudius for the final time, I tried to figure out how many of the main and secondary characters had been taken out by poisoning, bludgeoning, or neglect. It's a pretty staggering number. We have mothers killing daughters by walling them up in a room and listening to them starve to death, grandmothers gradually poisoning grandsons, and emperors getting their jaws hacked off by assassins.
When I set down Robert Graves's I, Claudius for the final time, I tried to figure out how many of the main and secondary characters had been taken out by poisoning, bludgeoning, or neglect. It's a pretty staggering number. We have mothers killing daughters by walling them up in a room and listening to them starve to death, grandmothers gradually poisoning grandsons, and emperors getting their jaws hacked off by assassins.
- 5/13/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
Writer whose accounts of postwar working-class life included Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
Alan Sillitoe, who has died of cancer aged 82, was one of the most important British writers of the postwar era. He made his name with the novel Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1958) and the collection of short stories The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1959), and he is still routinely perceived as a member of the kitchen-sink branch of the Angry Generation. Such characterisations obscure the breadth and originality of his writing.
Among his 53 volumes – including novels, short stories, plays, children's fiction, poetry, travel books, drama, memoirs and criticism – there are works that defy classification. A Start in Life (1970) and Life Goes On (1985) marry a picaresque style with the drabness of post-1950s Britain. Travels in Nihilon (1971), inspired by his experiences in the Ussr, invokes the tradition of Orwell's...
Alan Sillitoe, who has died of cancer aged 82, was one of the most important British writers of the postwar era. He made his name with the novel Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1958) and the collection of short stories The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1959), and he is still routinely perceived as a member of the kitchen-sink branch of the Angry Generation. Such characterisations obscure the breadth and originality of his writing.
Among his 53 volumes – including novels, short stories, plays, children's fiction, poetry, travel books, drama, memoirs and criticism – there are works that defy classification. A Start in Life (1970) and Life Goes On (1985) marry a picaresque style with the drabness of post-1950s Britain. Travels in Nihilon (1971), inspired by his experiences in the Ussr, invokes the tradition of Orwell's...
- 4/26/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
George Mallory may have never come down from Mt. Everest (spoiler alert) but his attempts have gone down into legend as mountaineers have researched and debated whether or not he truly reached the summit. Even the discovery of his body in 1999 didn't put the questions to rest, and now the hunt continues for his Kodak camera to settle the summit question once and for all.
But Hollywood will undoubtedly take a side, as Variety reports that Mallory and his fateful climb are getting the big-screen treatment. Julia Roberts' Red Om Productions and Kevin Townsend's Science + Fiction are producing, and Shekhar Kapur has claimed the director's chair. Townsend, Matthew Faulk and Mark Skeet penned the script.
The film will begin in England, post World War I, and follow Mallory's determination to conquer Everest and "the toll it takes on his marriage as the mountain becomes his obsession." I don't...
But Hollywood will undoubtedly take a side, as Variety reports that Mallory and his fateful climb are getting the big-screen treatment. Julia Roberts' Red Om Productions and Kevin Townsend's Science + Fiction are producing, and Shekhar Kapur has claimed the director's chair. Townsend, Matthew Faulk and Mark Skeet penned the script.
The film will begin in England, post World War I, and follow Mallory's determination to conquer Everest and "the toll it takes on his marriage as the mountain becomes his obsession." I don't...
- 4/22/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- Cinematical
Big screen biopics will always be a Hollywood staple. They're a tricky genre to master, as they can end up mawkish Oscar bait, whitewashed fluff, fictional and fun, or grueling epics that leave no stone unturned. But at their best, they can entertain and educate without dangerous inaccuracies -- and anything that gets people digging into history or literature is fine by me.
I don't know what the committee process is for picking who gets a biopic and when, but it seems like there's a lot of individuals who are long overdue for the cinematic treatment. So, inspired by the news that Steve McQueen and Ernest Hemingway are getting theirs, I thought I'd pose the question to our readers.
I'll kick off the discussion with a few picks of my own. My controversial one would be Lev Trotsky, who was a college obsession of mine partly due to the above photo.
I don't know what the committee process is for picking who gets a biopic and when, but it seems like there's a lot of individuals who are long overdue for the cinematic treatment. So, inspired by the news that Steve McQueen and Ernest Hemingway are getting theirs, I thought I'd pose the question to our readers.
I'll kick off the discussion with a few picks of my own. My controversial one would be Lev Trotsky, who was a college obsession of mine partly due to the above photo.
- 2/4/2009
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- Cinematical
Jim Sheridan seems to be getting ready to get back on track after the stupid 50 cent movie. Relativity Media has picked up the rights to Robert Graves brilliant novel I,Claudius for Jim Sheridan to direct. The film is right now in the scripting stages and he will co write it with Nye Heron.
It is a secret autobiography of Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome, who used his wits and intelligence to survive his murderous family and become one of Rome’s greatest emperors. This is surely going to be something for the fans of the TV series Rome who have just been waiting...
(more...)...
It is a secret autobiography of Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome, who used his wits and intelligence to survive his murderous family and become one of Rome’s greatest emperors. This is surely going to be something for the fans of the TV series Rome who have just been waiting...
(more...)...
- 9/16/2008
- by John
- ReelSuave.com
Jim Sheridan is set to write and direct the big-screen adaptation of Robert Graves' classic novel "I, Claudius" for Relativity Media.
The Hollywood Reporter says Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D.
Sheridan will write the script with Nye Heron, his longtime second unit director. "I, Claudius" made it onto the big screen for the first time in 1937, followed by a BBC miniseries in 1976.
Sheridan, whose directing credits include "My Left Foot" and "In America," is currently working on "Brothers," which stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman. The film is a remake of Susanne Bier's acclaimed hit of the same title.
The Hollywood Reporter says Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D.
Sheridan will write the script with Nye Heron, his longtime second unit director. "I, Claudius" made it onto the big screen for the first time in 1937, followed by a BBC miniseries in 1976.
Sheridan, whose directing credits include "My Left Foot" and "In America," is currently working on "Brothers," which stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman. The film is a remake of Susanne Bier's acclaimed hit of the same title.
- 9/14/2008
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
I love when Hollywood remembers to adapt (or re-adapt, in this case) a classic. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Relativity Media has picked up the rights to Robert Graves' brilliant novel I, Claudius for Jim Sheridan to direct. He'll also be writing the adaption, along with his usual collaborator Nye Heron.
I, Claudius purports to be the secret autobiography of Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome, who used his wits and intelligence to survive his murderous family and become one of Rome's greatest emperors. Fans of HBO's Rome will love it, as it features four strong and manipulative women who manipulate their men in and out of power, peace, and war. Seriously, read it. It's the perfect read for fall.
A new adaptation has been kicking around Hollywood for a year or more -- last year, producer Scott Rudin won the rights, and attached Leonardo DiCaprio and William Monahan to the project,...
I, Claudius purports to be the secret autobiography of Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome, who used his wits and intelligence to survive his murderous family and become one of Rome's greatest emperors. Fans of HBO's Rome will love it, as it features four strong and manipulative women who manipulate their men in and out of power, peace, and war. Seriously, read it. It's the perfect read for fall.
A new adaptation has been kicking around Hollywood for a year or more -- last year, producer Scott Rudin won the rights, and attached Leonardo DiCaprio and William Monahan to the project,...
- 9/13/2008
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- Cinematical
One of the best miniseries in the history of television will soon get a big screen makeover, courtesy of director Jim Sheridan. Dark Horizons reports that Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father) will adapt Robert Graves' classic historical drama I, Claudius.
The novel was immediately praised upon its release in 1934 and has long been considered one of the best novels of the 20th Century. Claudius eventually became one of the greatest and most progressive Roman emperors, despite being afflicted with most likely either Tourette's Syndrome or cerebral palsy.
Graves' book was turned into an epic ten-episode BBC miniseries in the 1970s, which starred Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Patrick Stewart, and others.
Relativity Media will produce this new version of I, Claudius, which has no production date scheduled yet. Just about a year ago, there were reports that Leonardo DiCaprio and screenwriter William Monahan were interested...
The novel was immediately praised upon its release in 1934 and has long been considered one of the best novels of the 20th Century. Claudius eventually became one of the greatest and most progressive Roman emperors, despite being afflicted with most likely either Tourette's Syndrome or cerebral palsy.
Graves' book was turned into an epic ten-episode BBC miniseries in the 1970s, which starred Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Patrick Stewart, and others.
Relativity Media will produce this new version of I, Claudius, which has no production date scheduled yet. Just about a year ago, there were reports that Leonardo DiCaprio and screenwriter William Monahan were interested...
- 9/13/2008
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Relativity Media has snagged rights to adapt Robert Graves' novel "I, Claudius." Jim Sheridan will direct as well as co-write the screenplay with Nye Heron, with whom he has collaborated with several times. Chief Exec Ryan Kavanaugh will produce with Sheridan. The first adaptation of the novel was back in 1934 which Josef von Sternberg directed. The film starred Charles Laughton. In 1976, BBC followed with a miniseries starring Derek Jacobi, Sian Phillips and John Hurt...
- 9/12/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Toronto -- Relativity Media has picked up the rights to Robert Graves' classic Roman Empire-set novel "I, Claudius." Jim Sheridan will write the screenplay with longtime collaborator Nye Heron and direct as well.
Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D. The stuttering and handicapped Claudius, born into a murderous, imperial family, used his cunning mind and rivals' misjudgment to not only survive but eventually become one of Rome's greatest emperors.
Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh will produce alongside Sheridan. Relativity's production president Tucker Tooley will serve as an executive producer.
The novel was adapted into the 1937 film of the same name, directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton. But it is best known as the basis for the 1976 BBC miniseries, "I, Claudius," that starred Derek Jacobi as the stuttering Claudius, Sian Phillips as the...
Graves' 1934 novel recounts the internecine plots and counterplots surrounding Claudius, the fourth emperor of Rome who ruled from 41-54 A.D. The stuttering and handicapped Claudius, born into a murderous, imperial family, used his cunning mind and rivals' misjudgment to not only survive but eventually become one of Rome's greatest emperors.
Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh will produce alongside Sheridan. Relativity's production president Tucker Tooley will serve as an executive producer.
The novel was adapted into the 1937 film of the same name, directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton. But it is best known as the basis for the 1976 BBC miniseries, "I, Claudius," that starred Derek Jacobi as the stuttering Claudius, Sian Phillips as the...
- 9/12/2008
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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