Following it’s theatrical release, The Dinosaur Project is released on both DVD and Blu-ray 27th August. You can pre-order your copy here. The movie is shot entirely in the first-person and stars Natasha Loring, Richard Dillane, Matt Kane, Peter Brooke, Stephen Jennings with Sid Bennett directing.
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, ”It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with, and we have great respect and admiration for the work of the Cryptozoological...
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, ”It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with, and we have great respect and admiration for the work of the Cryptozoological...
- 8/22/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We’ve acquired this lost footage for new movie The Dinosaur Project which reveals that you need to be careful when walking through an unexplored jungle which could be filled with unsuspecting dinosaurs! I’m definitely intrigued to see more!
The Dinosaur Project is released August 10th and stars Natasha Loring, Richard Dillane, Matt Kane, Peter Brooke, Stephen Jennings and is directed by Sid Bennett.
Find out more at www.cryptozoological.co.uk.
Studio Canal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today,...
The Dinosaur Project is released August 10th and stars Natasha Loring, Richard Dillane, Matt Kane, Peter Brooke, Stephen Jennings and is directed by Sid Bennett.
Find out more at www.cryptozoological.co.uk.
Studio Canal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today,...
- 8/3/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
For the most part, found-footage films have largely been couched in the horror genre, and it’s always nice to see when they take a new direction.
Not only were we treated to the massive success story Chronicle this year, we’ve still got The Dinosaur Project to look forward to in just a few weeks’ time.
The trailer we saw earlier this month was more than enough to take us in, and now we’ve been sent over the new UK quad poster ahead of its release next month.
“Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing...
Not only were we treated to the massive success story Chronicle this year, we’ve still got The Dinosaur Project to look forward to in just a few weeks’ time.
The trailer we saw earlier this month was more than enough to take us in, and now we’ve been sent over the new UK quad poster ahead of its release next month.
“Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing...
- 7/24/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Check out this trailer for The Dinosaur Project. It features “previously unseen footage from the ill-fated, eponymous 2011 expedition to the Congo in search of the Mokele Mbembe. Discover a world lost for millions of years.” The film will be released in UK cinemas August 10th...perfect timing – two days prior to the close of the London 2012 Olympics.
Synopsis:
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage …and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, “It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with, and we...
Synopsis:
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage …and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, “It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with, and we...
- 7/15/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Following on from the trailer we debuted yesterday, Studiocanal have sent over the UK quad poster for the brand new found-footage flick The Dinosaur Project. Released in UK cinemas on August 10th, the film features previously unseen footage from the ill-fated, eponymous 2011 expedition to the Congo in search of the Mokele Mbembe. Just when you thought Tape 407 had the “found footage dino-flick” market cornered…
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, “It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with,...
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues, questions remain about the source of the missing footage and the manner in which it was discovered. Producer Nick Hill said in a statement today, “It has been incredible to have the original source material to work with,...
- 7/13/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Studio Canal have released a new trailer for their movie, The Dinosaur Project. Not sure what to make of it but I do know that i’d quite like to watch out when it’s release August 10th. It stars Natasha Loring, Richard Dillane, Matt Kane, Peter Brooke, Stephen Jennings and is directed by Sid Bennett. It does seem odd that no one has done any other big budget dinosaur movie since Jurassic Park. Not that this looks especially big budget compared to the Jurassic Park franchise but it looks pretty impressive nonetheless.
Find out more at www.cryptozoological.co.uk.
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues,...
Find out more at www.cryptozoological.co.uk.
Studiocanal are delighted to finally bring this astonishing story of the missing Congo expedition to UK audiences, and the findings of the Cryptozoological Society to audiences around the world. The film features stunning recovered footage of creatures thought to be extinct for 65 million years. As the search for the missing crew continues,...
- 7/13/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Back in May StudioCanal has announced The Dinosaur Project which has already commenced principal photography in South Africa. Yet to settle on a title, the IMDb is listing Peter Brooke (Red Lights, The Dark Knight) cast as "Charlie Rutherford", Natasha Loring as "Dr. Liz Draper" and Matt Kane. In November 2010, TV programmakers Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham and producer Nick Hill walked into the London office of StudioCanal with an idea for a movie "about a father-and-son documentary team who discover dinosaurs in the African jungle." They had an outline, a showreel, a budget, a plan for the vfx and a clear timetable to progress rapidly into production -- but no script. StudioCanal took the bait. Budget is under $16 million. Check out the official Afm synopsis and art for what's being described as "the most exciting dinosaur action movie since Jurassic Park!
- 11/2/2011
- bloody-disgusting.com
The first casting news for the upcoming cinéma-vérité effort from StudioCanal featuring nature's greatest creatures, dinosaurs, is finally here, and we have the scoop on who will be finding footage that was better left lost. Dig it!
The IMDb (so take this with a grain of salt) is listing Peter Brooke (Red Lights, The Dark Knight) cast as "Charlie Rutherford", Natasha Loring as "Dr. Liz Draper" and Matt Kane. The flick has already commenced principal photography in South Africa.
The film marks the directorial debut feature from CGI experts Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham, who recently formed their own production company, Kent Films. StudioCanal is handling world sales.
The project is described as “Jurassic Park meets Blair Witch in the style of District 9.” But producer Nick Hill also notes: “It’s not grainy hand-held; it will look beautiful and crisp and clear.”
The Dinosaur Project will tell the story...
The IMDb (so take this with a grain of salt) is listing Peter Brooke (Red Lights, The Dark Knight) cast as "Charlie Rutherford", Natasha Loring as "Dr. Liz Draper" and Matt Kane. The flick has already commenced principal photography in South Africa.
The film marks the directorial debut feature from CGI experts Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham, who recently formed their own production company, Kent Films. StudioCanal is handling world sales.
The project is described as “Jurassic Park meets Blair Witch in the style of District 9.” But producer Nick Hill also notes: “It’s not grainy hand-held; it will look beautiful and crisp and clear.”
The Dinosaur Project will tell the story...
- 6/20/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Back in May StudioCanal has announced The Dinosaur Project which has already commenced principal photography in South Africa. Yet to settle on a title, the IMDb is listing Peter Brooke (Red Lights, The Dark Knight) cast as "Charlie Rutherford", Natasha Loring as "Dr. Liz Draper" and Matt Kane. In November 2010, TV programmakers Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham and producer Nick Hill walked into the London office of StudioCanal with an idea for a movie "about a father-and-son documentary team who discover dinosaurs in the African jungle." They had an outline, a showreel, a budget, a plan for the vfx and a clear timetable to progress rapidly into production -- but no script. StudioCanal took the bait. Budget is under $16 million.
- 6/20/2011
- bloody-disgusting.com
It's been about a couple of months since we told you guys anything about the upcoming cinéma-vérité effort from StudioCanal featuring nature's greatest creatures, dinosaurs, but there's been a slight development we wanted to keep you abreast of.
Variety is reporting that The Dinosaur Project (tentative title) starts shooting this month in South Africa.
The film marks the directorial debut feature from CGI experts Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham, who recently formed their own production company Kent Films. StudioCanal is handling world sales.
The project is described as “Jurassic Park meets Blair Witch in the style of District 9.” But producer Nick Hill also notes: “It’s not grainy hand-held; it will look beautiful and crisp and clear.”
The Dinosaur Project will tell the story of a father-son expedition in the Congo, being followed by a TV documentary crew. After all the parties mysteriously go missing, recovered footage shows stunning...
Variety is reporting that The Dinosaur Project (tentative title) starts shooting this month in South Africa.
The film marks the directorial debut feature from CGI experts Sid Bennett and Tom Pridham, who recently formed their own production company Kent Films. StudioCanal is handling world sales.
The project is described as “Jurassic Park meets Blair Witch in the style of District 9.” But producer Nick Hill also notes: “It’s not grainy hand-held; it will look beautiful and crisp and clear.”
The Dinosaur Project will tell the story of a father-son expedition in the Congo, being followed by a TV documentary crew. After all the parties mysteriously go missing, recovered footage shows stunning...
- 5/3/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Edinburgh International Film Festival
EDINBURGH, Scotland -- A poet, a warrior and their two lovers form a complicated quartet in John Maybury's "The Edge of Love", a story of wartime romance in which fidelity and trust are put to the strictest test. It opened the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The poet is extraordinary Welshman Dylan Thomas, played with echoes of the young Richard Burton by Matthew Rhys, but the film's literary appeal is made broader because of excellent playing by Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller as the main women in his life. Capturing superbly the claustrophobic atmosphere of London in the Blitz during World War II and measuring the irreconcilable differences between love and war and poetry and combat, the film succeeds as a deeply involving study of men and women caught up in a whirlwind beyond their control.
It will take careful marketing for the film to find its audience, but the big names involved, the ongoing fascination with Thomas and excellent music supplied by veteran Angelo Badalamenti all serve it well.
Sharman Macdonald's astute screenplay swiftly sets up the dynamic between the foursome. Thomas is a sweet, gifted man who can be a right bastard. As the film starts, he is writing propaganda films as a conscientious objector. In a London pub, he runs into his childhood sweetheart, Vera (Knightley), who is a talented singer reduced to performances in London Underground stations while the Nazi bombs fall.
To Vera's dismay, Thomas has a cheerfully unfaithful wife, Caitlin (Miller), but the two fast become friends and turn into a threesome. That relationship is disturbed, however, when soldier William Killick (Cillian Murphy) falls in love with Vera and sets out to woo her. The film follows their story as Killick is sent off to battle and Vera becomes pregnant. When the warrior returns much changed, there is a seismic shift that affects all of them.
Maybury draws terrific performances from his cast. Rhys (ABC's "Brothers & Sisters") reads Thomas' poetry wonderfully and plays the Welsh icon with warts and all. Murphy also brings poetry to the role of the warrior.
But the film belongs to the women, with Knightley going from strength to strength (and showing she can sing!) and Miller again proving that she has everything it takes to be a major movie star.
Production: Capitol Films and BBC Films present in association with the Wales Creative IP Fund and Prescience Film Partners 2 a Sarah Radclyffe/Rainy Day Films. Cast: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys. Director: John Maybury. Screenwriter: Sharman Macdonald. Producers: Rebekah Gilbertson, Sarah Radcliffe. Running time 109 minutes. Executive producer: David Bergstein, Paul Brett, Linda James, Hannah Leader, Nick Hill, Joe Oppenheimer, Tim Smith, David M. Thompson. Director of Photography: Jonathan Freeman. Production Designer: Alan MacDonald. Music: Angelo Badalamenti. Costume designer: April Ferry. Editor: Emma E. Hickox. Sales: Capitol.
EDINBURGH, Scotland -- A poet, a warrior and their two lovers form a complicated quartet in John Maybury's "The Edge of Love", a story of wartime romance in which fidelity and trust are put to the strictest test. It opened the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The poet is extraordinary Welshman Dylan Thomas, played with echoes of the young Richard Burton by Matthew Rhys, but the film's literary appeal is made broader because of excellent playing by Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller as the main women in his life. Capturing superbly the claustrophobic atmosphere of London in the Blitz during World War II and measuring the irreconcilable differences between love and war and poetry and combat, the film succeeds as a deeply involving study of men and women caught up in a whirlwind beyond their control.
It will take careful marketing for the film to find its audience, but the big names involved, the ongoing fascination with Thomas and excellent music supplied by veteran Angelo Badalamenti all serve it well.
Sharman Macdonald's astute screenplay swiftly sets up the dynamic between the foursome. Thomas is a sweet, gifted man who can be a right bastard. As the film starts, he is writing propaganda films as a conscientious objector. In a London pub, he runs into his childhood sweetheart, Vera (Knightley), who is a talented singer reduced to performances in London Underground stations while the Nazi bombs fall.
To Vera's dismay, Thomas has a cheerfully unfaithful wife, Caitlin (Miller), but the two fast become friends and turn into a threesome. That relationship is disturbed, however, when soldier William Killick (Cillian Murphy) falls in love with Vera and sets out to woo her. The film follows their story as Killick is sent off to battle and Vera becomes pregnant. When the warrior returns much changed, there is a seismic shift that affects all of them.
Maybury draws terrific performances from his cast. Rhys (ABC's "Brothers & Sisters") reads Thomas' poetry wonderfully and plays the Welsh icon with warts and all. Murphy also brings poetry to the role of the warrior.
But the film belongs to the women, with Knightley going from strength to strength (and showing she can sing!) and Miller again proving that she has everything it takes to be a major movie star.
Production: Capitol Films and BBC Films present in association with the Wales Creative IP Fund and Prescience Film Partners 2 a Sarah Radclyffe/Rainy Day Films. Cast: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys. Director: John Maybury. Screenwriter: Sharman Macdonald. Producers: Rebekah Gilbertson, Sarah Radcliffe. Running time 109 minutes. Executive producer: David Bergstein, Paul Brett, Linda James, Hannah Leader, Nick Hill, Joe Oppenheimer, Tim Smith, David M. Thompson. Director of Photography: Jonathan Freeman. Production Designer: Alan MacDonald. Music: Angelo Badalamenti. Costume designer: April Ferry. Editor: Emma E. Hickox. Sales: Capitol.
- 6/17/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Lionsgate U.K. has embraced U.K. and Australian rights to John Maybury's "The Edge of Love" from sales and finance house Capitol Films, the parties said Tuesday.
The deal was negotiated by Capitol managing director Nick Hill and Lionsgate U.K. chief executive Zygi Kamasa just a few days into the movie's production.
Hill said Lionsgate had been "keen supporters" of the Maybury project, previously known as "The Best Time of Our Lives", which stars Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy.
"(Lionsgate's) proven track record in releasing sophisticated yet commercial fare is second to none and their involvement at this early stage will be of great benefit as we continue to plan the worldwide distribution of the film," Hill said.
For his part, Kamasa said the acquisition represented "just the sort of project that is a perfect fit for our U.K. and Australian operations: a classic story of broken promises, passion and betrayal, featuring some of the hottest young talent worldwide today."
Billed as a romantic tale, "Love" tells the story of two feisty, free-spirited women and the brilliant, charismatic poet Dylan Thomas, who loves both women.
The deal was negotiated by Capitol managing director Nick Hill and Lionsgate U.K. chief executive Zygi Kamasa just a few days into the movie's production.
Hill said Lionsgate had been "keen supporters" of the Maybury project, previously known as "The Best Time of Our Lives", which stars Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy.
"(Lionsgate's) proven track record in releasing sophisticated yet commercial fare is second to none and their involvement at this early stage will be of great benefit as we continue to plan the worldwide distribution of the film," Hill said.
For his part, Kamasa said the acquisition represented "just the sort of project that is a perfect fit for our U.K. and Australian operations: a classic story of broken promises, passion and betrayal, featuring some of the hottest young talent worldwide today."
Billed as a romantic tale, "Love" tells the story of two feisty, free-spirited women and the brilliant, charismatic poet Dylan Thomas, who loves both women.
LONDON -- Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs David Bergstein and Ronald Tutor have snapped up U.K. movie sales and finance house Capitol Films for an undisclosed sum, the parties said Sunday. The deal saw the three owners of Capitol Films -- Sharon Harel, Jane Barclay and Hannah Leader -- sell the company to Bergstein and Tutor, who will center Capitol in an entertainment group with interests in production, postproduction, library management and sales. Capitol will retain its London office and staff, while Barclay, Leader and co-managing director Nick Hill will continue to manage the affairs of the company, a deal statement said.
- 1/23/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs David Bergstein and Ronald Tutor have snapped up U.K. movie sales and finance house Capitol Films for an undisclosed sum, the parties said Sunday. The deal saw the three owners of Capitol Films -- Sharon Harel, Jane Barclay and Hannah Leader -- sell the company to Bergstein and Tutor, who will center Capitol in an entertainment group with interests in production, postproduction, library management and sales. Capitol will retain its London office and staff, while Barclay, Leader and co-managing director Nick Hill will continue to manage the affairs of the company, a deal statement said.
- 1/23/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- U.K. sales and finance house Capitol Films has hired Nick Hill, the former CEO of Icon Entertainment, as its joint managing director, Capitol said Tuesday. Hill joins Capitol as joint managing director alongside existing managing director Jane Barclay. Co-founder and current co-managing director Sharon Harel is stepping down from the day-to-day running of the business, making way for Hill's appointment. Said Harel in a statement: "I have decided from the New Year to take a less active role in the day-to-day running of Capitol although I remain the principal shareholder and co-chair of the board. I know that Nick Hill) will take over the mantel of day-to-day control with Jane Barclay) and Hannah Leader) bringing a fresh enthusiasm and much experience." Added Hill: "I'm very pleased to be joining Capitol. I have known Sharon, Jane and Hannah for many years and have always admired the way they have built their company."...
- 11/15/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
VENICE, Italy -- The Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney spirit is alive and well in John Turturro's "Romance & Cigarettes," with some top stars -- including James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon and Kate Winslet -- gamely putting on a show, but the sad result is a karaoke nightmare.
Loud and pointlessly crude, the film takes the disintegration of a dysfunctional working-class family and gives it the song-and-dance treatment. It's not pleasant to contemplate the kind of audience that would respond to this, but it's likely to be small and made up of people who fantasize about seeing Tony Soprano belt out "A Man Without Love" along with Engelbert Humperdinck.
Over the top from the start, the film follows Nick Murder (Gandolfini), a builder with no evident mob associations, as he grapples with his noisy wife, Kitty (Sarandon), and dabbles with his redheaded mistress named Tula (Winslet).
Garbagemen, telephone workers and firefighters burst into song at a moment's notice, dancing in the streets, usually to something by Tom Jones or James Brown, as Kitty finds out about Tula and ropes in weird Cousin Bo (Christopher Walken) to hunt her down.
There's a second generation of Murders -- Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro and Mandy Moore -- who torment their father and play in a raucous rock band in the back yard. Moore also has a syncopated passion for a flamboyant neighborhood boy who calls himself Fryburg (Bobby Cannavale).
While Kitty finds solace screaming out "Piece of My Heart" with Janis Joplin and a church choir led by an organist named Gene Vincent (Eddie Izzard, who is wasted), Nick decides to get a circumcision, the better, he believes, to delight women.
The performers all appear to be very pleased with themselves for letting their knickers down, kicking up their heels and being such good sports. Gandolfini acts like Tony Soprano, Sarandon is in full "men are swine" mode and Winslet talks dirty and inexplicably with an accent from England's far north. Ricky Gervais talked Winslet into using gutter language amusingly for his new BBC/HBO television series "Extras", but it appears she's gotten into the habit.
Walken makes an amusing entrance to Elvis Presley's "Trouble" but has little to do after that. Steve Buscemi, as always, fills whatever screen space he occupies with his unique and flawless technique, and Elaine Stritch expertly delivers a bitter but amusing reflection on the men in her life.
They are the only redeeming elements of a picture that strains too hard and bursts of its own self-regard. Turturro, a fine actor, says he dreamed up "Romance & Cigarettes" while making "Barton Fink". It looks more like something that might have been made by Jesus Quintana, the wild man of the bowling alley he played in "The Big Lebowski".
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES
United Artists and Joel & Ethan Coen present in association with Icon Entertainment International a Greenestreet Films production
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: John Turturro
Producers: John Penotti, John Turturro
Executive producers: Jana Edelbaum, Matthew Rowland, Nick Hill, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Director of photography: Tom Stern
Production designer: Donna Zakowska
Editor: Ray Hubley
Cast:
Nick Murder: James Gandolfini
Kitty: Susan Sarandon
Tula: Kate Winslet
Angelo: Steve Buscemi
Fryburg: Bobby Cannavale
Baby: Mandy Moore
Constance: Mary-Louise Parker
Rosebud: Aida Turturro
Cousin Bo: Christopher Walken
Gracie: Barbara Sukowa
Nick's mother: Elaine Stritch
Gene Vincent: Eddie Izzard
MPAA rating R
Running time -- 105 minutes...
Loud and pointlessly crude, the film takes the disintegration of a dysfunctional working-class family and gives it the song-and-dance treatment. It's not pleasant to contemplate the kind of audience that would respond to this, but it's likely to be small and made up of people who fantasize about seeing Tony Soprano belt out "A Man Without Love" along with Engelbert Humperdinck.
Over the top from the start, the film follows Nick Murder (Gandolfini), a builder with no evident mob associations, as he grapples with his noisy wife, Kitty (Sarandon), and dabbles with his redheaded mistress named Tula (Winslet).
Garbagemen, telephone workers and firefighters burst into song at a moment's notice, dancing in the streets, usually to something by Tom Jones or James Brown, as Kitty finds out about Tula and ropes in weird Cousin Bo (Christopher Walken) to hunt her down.
There's a second generation of Murders -- Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro and Mandy Moore -- who torment their father and play in a raucous rock band in the back yard. Moore also has a syncopated passion for a flamboyant neighborhood boy who calls himself Fryburg (Bobby Cannavale).
While Kitty finds solace screaming out "Piece of My Heart" with Janis Joplin and a church choir led by an organist named Gene Vincent (Eddie Izzard, who is wasted), Nick decides to get a circumcision, the better, he believes, to delight women.
The performers all appear to be very pleased with themselves for letting their knickers down, kicking up their heels and being such good sports. Gandolfini acts like Tony Soprano, Sarandon is in full "men are swine" mode and Winslet talks dirty and inexplicably with an accent from England's far north. Ricky Gervais talked Winslet into using gutter language amusingly for his new BBC/HBO television series "Extras", but it appears she's gotten into the habit.
Walken makes an amusing entrance to Elvis Presley's "Trouble" but has little to do after that. Steve Buscemi, as always, fills whatever screen space he occupies with his unique and flawless technique, and Elaine Stritch expertly delivers a bitter but amusing reflection on the men in her life.
They are the only redeeming elements of a picture that strains too hard and bursts of its own self-regard. Turturro, a fine actor, says he dreamed up "Romance & Cigarettes" while making "Barton Fink". It looks more like something that might have been made by Jesus Quintana, the wild man of the bowling alley he played in "The Big Lebowski".
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES
United Artists and Joel & Ethan Coen present in association with Icon Entertainment International a Greenestreet Films production
Credits:
Director-screenwriter: John Turturro
Producers: John Penotti, John Turturro
Executive producers: Jana Edelbaum, Matthew Rowland, Nick Hill, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Director of photography: Tom Stern
Production designer: Donna Zakowska
Editor: Ray Hubley
Cast:
Nick Murder: James Gandolfini
Kitty: Susan Sarandon
Tula: Kate Winslet
Angelo: Steve Buscemi
Fryburg: Bobby Cannavale
Baby: Mandy Moore
Constance: Mary-Louise Parker
Rosebud: Aida Turturro
Cousin Bo: Christopher Walken
Gracie: Barbara Sukowa
Nick's mother: Elaine Stritch
Gene Vincent: Eddie Izzard
MPAA rating R
Running time -- 105 minutes...
VENICE -- The Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney spirit is alive and well in John Turturro's Romance & Cigarettes with some top stars including James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, and Kate Winslet gamely putting on a show, but the sad result is a karaoke nightmare.
Loud and pointlessly crude, the film takes the disintegration of a dysfunctional working class family and gives it the song-and-dance treatment. It's not pleasant to contemplate the kind of audience that would respond to this, but it's likely to be small and made up of people who fantasize about seeing Tony Soprano belt out A Man Without Love along with Engelbert Humperdinck.
Over the top from the start, the film follows Nick Murder (Gandolfini), a builder although with no evident mob associations, as he grapples with his noisy wife Kitty (Sarandon) and dabbles with his redheaded mistress named Tula (Winslet).
Garbage men, telephone workers and firefighters burst into song at a moment's notice, dancing in the streets, usually to something by Tom Jones or James Brown, as Kitty finds out about Tula and ropes in weird Cousin Bo (Christopher Walken) to hunt her down.
There's a second generation of Murders, Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro and Mandy Moore, who torment their father and play in a raucous rock band in the back yard. Moore also has a syncopated passion for a flamboyant neighborhood boy who calls himself Fryburg (Bobby Cannavale).
While Kitty finds solace screaming out Piece of My Heart with Janis Joplin and a church choir led by an organist named Gene Vincent (Eddie Izzard, who is wasted), Nick decides to get a circumcision, the better, he believes, to delight women.
The performers all appear to be very pleased with themselves for letting their knickers down, kicking up their heels and being such good sports. Gandolfini acts like Tony Soprano; Sarandon is in full "men are swine" mode; and Winslet talks dirty and inexplicably with an accent from England's far north. Ricky Gervais talked Winslet into using gutter language amusingly for his new BBC/HBO television series Extras, but it appears she's gotten into the habit.
Walken makes an amusing entrance to Elvis Presley's Trouble but has little to do after that. Buscemi, as always, fills whatever screen space he occupies with his unique and flawless technique, and Elaine Stritch expertly delivers a bitter but amusing reflection on the men in her life.
They are the only redeeming elements of a picture that strains too hard and bursts of its own self-regard. Turturro, a fine actor, says he dreamed up "Romance & Cigarettes" while making Barton Fink. It looks more like something that might have been made by Jesus Quintana, the wild man of the bowling alley he played in The Big Lubowski.
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES
United Artists and Joel & Ethan Cohen present, in association with Icon Entertainment International, a Greenestreet Films production.
Credits: Director and screenwriter: John Turturro
Producers: John Penotti, John Turturro
Executive producers: Jana Edelbaum, Matthew Rowland, Nick Hill, Joel Cohen, Ethan Cohen
Director of photography: Tom Stern
Production designer: Donna Zakowska
Editor: Ray Hubley
Cast:
Nick Murder: James Gandolfini
Kitty: Susan Sarandon
Tula: Kate Winslet
Angelo: Steve Buscemi
Fryburg: Bobby Cannavale
Baby: Mandy Moore
Constance: Mary-Louise Parker
Rosebud: Aida Turturro
Cousin Bo: Christopher Walken
Gracie: Barbara Sukowa
Nick's mother: Elaine Stritch
Gene Vincent: Eddie Izzard
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 mins...
Loud and pointlessly crude, the film takes the disintegration of a dysfunctional working class family and gives it the song-and-dance treatment. It's not pleasant to contemplate the kind of audience that would respond to this, but it's likely to be small and made up of people who fantasize about seeing Tony Soprano belt out A Man Without Love along with Engelbert Humperdinck.
Over the top from the start, the film follows Nick Murder (Gandolfini), a builder although with no evident mob associations, as he grapples with his noisy wife Kitty (Sarandon) and dabbles with his redheaded mistress named Tula (Winslet).
Garbage men, telephone workers and firefighters burst into song at a moment's notice, dancing in the streets, usually to something by Tom Jones or James Brown, as Kitty finds out about Tula and ropes in weird Cousin Bo (Christopher Walken) to hunt her down.
There's a second generation of Murders, Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro and Mandy Moore, who torment their father and play in a raucous rock band in the back yard. Moore also has a syncopated passion for a flamboyant neighborhood boy who calls himself Fryburg (Bobby Cannavale).
While Kitty finds solace screaming out Piece of My Heart with Janis Joplin and a church choir led by an organist named Gene Vincent (Eddie Izzard, who is wasted), Nick decides to get a circumcision, the better, he believes, to delight women.
The performers all appear to be very pleased with themselves for letting their knickers down, kicking up their heels and being such good sports. Gandolfini acts like Tony Soprano; Sarandon is in full "men are swine" mode; and Winslet talks dirty and inexplicably with an accent from England's far north. Ricky Gervais talked Winslet into using gutter language amusingly for his new BBC/HBO television series Extras, but it appears she's gotten into the habit.
Walken makes an amusing entrance to Elvis Presley's Trouble but has little to do after that. Buscemi, as always, fills whatever screen space he occupies with his unique and flawless technique, and Elaine Stritch expertly delivers a bitter but amusing reflection on the men in her life.
They are the only redeeming elements of a picture that strains too hard and bursts of its own self-regard. Turturro, a fine actor, says he dreamed up "Romance & Cigarettes" while making Barton Fink. It looks more like something that might have been made by Jesus Quintana, the wild man of the bowling alley he played in The Big Lubowski.
ROMANCE & CIGARETTES
United Artists and Joel & Ethan Cohen present, in association with Icon Entertainment International, a Greenestreet Films production.
Credits: Director and screenwriter: John Turturro
Producers: John Penotti, John Turturro
Executive producers: Jana Edelbaum, Matthew Rowland, Nick Hill, Joel Cohen, Ethan Cohen
Director of photography: Tom Stern
Production designer: Donna Zakowska
Editor: Ray Hubley
Cast:
Nick Murder: James Gandolfini
Kitty: Susan Sarandon
Tula: Kate Winslet
Angelo: Steve Buscemi
Fryburg: Bobby Cannavale
Baby: Mandy Moore
Constance: Mary-Louise Parker
Rosebud: Aida Turturro
Cousin Bo: Christopher Walken
Gracie: Barbara Sukowa
Nick's mother: Elaine Stritch
Gene Vincent: Eddie Izzard
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 mins...
Screened
Locarno International Film Festival
LOCARNO, Switzerland -- Irish director Gaby Dellal's first feature, "On a Clear Day", is the kind of drama that British television used to do so well, a well-constructed, smartly observed story of ordinary people learning how to communicate with one another.
With a Scottish setting and a cast led by veteran experts Peter Mullan and Brenda Blethyn and featuring ex-Hobbit Billy Boyd, the story of a laid-off 55-year-old who attempts to swim the English Channel should find an appreciative audience in sports fans and baby boomers.
It's not really a sports movie, but the challenge that laid-off Glasgow shipbuilder Frank (Mullan) takes on is one that all athletes and would-be athletes will respond to, and the family drama is wryly told.
Made redundant when building at his shipyard dwindles, Frank discovers that a lifetime of hard work has left him unable to communicate with his devoted wife, Joan (Blethyn), and especially his son Robert (Jamie Sives).
Key to their alienation is the death by drowning of another son, Stuart, when he was 7. Robert is a very un-Glaswegian househusband, looking after his own two sons responsibly while his wife works, and he thinks his father looks down on him for it. He also believes his father blames him for his brother's death.
Fit and strong, Frank decides on a whim that swimming the English Channel is something he could do, and he is encouraged by his mates, stalwart co-worker Eddie (Sean McGinley), meek Norman (Ron Cook), stoic chip-shop manager Chan (Benedict Wong) and happy-go-lucky Danny (Boyd), who sees him as the father he never had.
As he goes into serious training, Frank elects not to tell his family, but that furthers the number of secrets held and makes worse his relationship with Robert. Joan, meanwhile, has a secret of her own as she tries to pass the test to become a bus driver.
Screenwriter Alex Rose crafts his portrait of working-class life with affection but without gloss. The underlying theme of Frank's guilt over being unable to save his son is played in sensible tones. The subtleties in the emotional ties between Frank and his wife, his son, his grandchildren and his friends are calibrated and portrayed with insight and humor.
There are potential pitfalls in one or two scenes in which Frank observes a handicapped child spending every ounce of determination to complete one lap of the swimming pool, but they are shrewdly navigated.
Locations in Glasgow and Dover are put to very good use, and Stephen Warbeck's music appealingly underscores the film's goodhearted intentions.
ON A CLEAR DAY
Forthcoming Prods., InFilm Prods.
Credits:
Director: Gaby Dellal
Screenwriter: Alex Rose
Producers: Dorothy Berwin, Sarah Curtis
Executive producers: Bill Allan, Steve Christian, Leonard Crooks, Nick Hill, Andy Mayson
Cinematographer: David Johnson
Production designer: Mark Leese
Editors: Robin Sales, John Wilson
Composer: Stephen Warbeck
Cast:
Frank: Peter Mullan
Joan: Brenda Blethyn
Danny: Billy Boyd
Eddie: Sean McGinley
Norman: Ron Cook
Chan: Benedict Wong
Rob: Jamie Sives
Angela: Jodhi May
Mad Bob: Paul Ritter
The Observer: Shaun Dingwall
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 98 minutes...
Locarno International Film Festival
LOCARNO, Switzerland -- Irish director Gaby Dellal's first feature, "On a Clear Day", is the kind of drama that British television used to do so well, a well-constructed, smartly observed story of ordinary people learning how to communicate with one another.
With a Scottish setting and a cast led by veteran experts Peter Mullan and Brenda Blethyn and featuring ex-Hobbit Billy Boyd, the story of a laid-off 55-year-old who attempts to swim the English Channel should find an appreciative audience in sports fans and baby boomers.
It's not really a sports movie, but the challenge that laid-off Glasgow shipbuilder Frank (Mullan) takes on is one that all athletes and would-be athletes will respond to, and the family drama is wryly told.
Made redundant when building at his shipyard dwindles, Frank discovers that a lifetime of hard work has left him unable to communicate with his devoted wife, Joan (Blethyn), and especially his son Robert (Jamie Sives).
Key to their alienation is the death by drowning of another son, Stuart, when he was 7. Robert is a very un-Glaswegian househusband, looking after his own two sons responsibly while his wife works, and he thinks his father looks down on him for it. He also believes his father blames him for his brother's death.
Fit and strong, Frank decides on a whim that swimming the English Channel is something he could do, and he is encouraged by his mates, stalwart co-worker Eddie (Sean McGinley), meek Norman (Ron Cook), stoic chip-shop manager Chan (Benedict Wong) and happy-go-lucky Danny (Boyd), who sees him as the father he never had.
As he goes into serious training, Frank elects not to tell his family, but that furthers the number of secrets held and makes worse his relationship with Robert. Joan, meanwhile, has a secret of her own as she tries to pass the test to become a bus driver.
Screenwriter Alex Rose crafts his portrait of working-class life with affection but without gloss. The underlying theme of Frank's guilt over being unable to save his son is played in sensible tones. The subtleties in the emotional ties between Frank and his wife, his son, his grandchildren and his friends are calibrated and portrayed with insight and humor.
There are potential pitfalls in one or two scenes in which Frank observes a handicapped child spending every ounce of determination to complete one lap of the swimming pool, but they are shrewdly navigated.
Locations in Glasgow and Dover are put to very good use, and Stephen Warbeck's music appealingly underscores the film's goodhearted intentions.
ON A CLEAR DAY
Forthcoming Prods., InFilm Prods.
Credits:
Director: Gaby Dellal
Screenwriter: Alex Rose
Producers: Dorothy Berwin, Sarah Curtis
Executive producers: Bill Allan, Steve Christian, Leonard Crooks, Nick Hill, Andy Mayson
Cinematographer: David Johnson
Production designer: Mark Leese
Editors: Robin Sales, John Wilson
Composer: Stephen Warbeck
Cast:
Frank: Peter Mullan
Joan: Brenda Blethyn
Danny: Billy Boyd
Eddie: Sean McGinley
Norman: Ron Cook
Chan: Benedict Wong
Rob: Jamie Sives
Angela: Jodhi May
Mad Bob: Paul Ritter
The Observer: Shaun Dingwall
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 98 minutes...
LONDON -- Icon Film Distribution U.K. said Tuesday that it has appointed Alex Hamilton as president. He will report to newly appointed CEO Martin Bigham. Hamilton joins the U.K. distribution outpost of Bruce Davey and Mel Gibson's Icon Entertainment from Momentum Pictures, where he was in sales and business development. He is scheduled to start at Icon later this month. "I'm delighted to be joining Icon and very much look forward to working with the talented and experienced team there," Hamilton said. He joins Icon in the wake of the unexpected departure of former U.K. chief Nick Hill in recent weeks and last month's exit of Icon Film Distribution president Sally Caplan, who left to head up the U.K. Film Council's Premiere Fund.
- 4/13/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Icon Film Distribution has snapped up U.K. rights for an undisclosed amount to a project about poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes from BBC Films, the BBC said Wednesday. The project, which stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Daniel Craig, has been known as Ted and Sylvia but is expected to be retitled. Icon has taken all U.K. rights to the Christine Jeffs-directed project -- which is in postproduction -- leaving the BBC with free-to-air rights. The deal was brokered for BBC Films by Isabel Begg and Jane Wright and for Icon by Icon Film Distribution U.K. CEO Nick Hill. Icon previously had snapped up Australian rights to the title from U.K. sales, financing and production company Capitol Films. Financing for the project comes from BBC Films, the Film Council's Premiere Fund -- which pumped £2.45 million ($3.92 million) into the production -- and Capitol Films. Alison Owen developed John Brownlow's screenplay for Ruby Films with Tracey Scoffield and Jamie Laurenson for BBC Films. The film is being produced by Owen's Ruby Films banner, which she heads with partner Neris Thomas. Capitol is selling remaining international rights, with Focus Features having already snapped up North American distribution rights at the Festival de Cannes last year.
LONDON -- Video rental giant Blockbuster UK will continue its policy of not stocking Warner Home Video product in response to WHV's implementation of a two-tier pricing strategy that the retailer claims limits consumer choice.
Following its decision not to stock the July title "Training Day," Blockbuster said Friday that it will not be offering Mel Gibson's "We Were Soldiers," which WHV UK released Monday on behalf of Icon Entertainment.
WHV UK managing director Neil McEwan had no comment on the latest move beyond saying it "did not come as a shock." Icon managing director Nick Hill also had no comment.
Warner's new strategy, which also does away with the rental-to-sell-through window, has met with opposition by many rental retailers, who object strongly to paying a premium for the right to rent DVDs previously available at sell-through prices.
Following its decision not to stock the July title "Training Day," Blockbuster said Friday that it will not be offering Mel Gibson's "We Were Soldiers," which WHV UK released Monday on behalf of Icon Entertainment.
WHV UK managing director Neil McEwan had no comment on the latest move beyond saying it "did not come as a shock." Icon managing director Nick Hill also had no comment.
Warner's new strategy, which also does away with the rental-to-sell-through window, has met with opposition by many rental retailers, who object strongly to paying a premium for the right to rent DVDs previously available at sell-through prices.
- 8/27/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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