There’s no shortage of brilliant detectives in novels, film and television, but one of the greatest — or at least the one with the fanciest facial hair — is Hercule Poirot. The Belgian investigator, created by Agatha Christie, has appeared 33 novels, more than 50 short stories, and has been played by a variety of iconic actors.
But for whatever reason, Poirot has only sporadically appeared on the big screen, with many of his earliest movie appearances being lost to time, while some of his other noteworthy adventures were rewritten as vehicles for Christie’s other beloved creation, Miss Marple.
Here we take a look at the various theatrically-released adventures of Hercule Poirot, from the 1930s to today, and see which of his mysteries were truly worth solving.
Photo credit: Columbia
Honorable Mention: “Murder By Death” (1976)
Neil Simon’s wacky spoof of the supersleuth genre, directed by Robert Moore, features an all-star cast...
But for whatever reason, Poirot has only sporadically appeared on the big screen, with many of his earliest movie appearances being lost to time, while some of his other noteworthy adventures were rewritten as vehicles for Christie’s other beloved creation, Miss Marple.
Here we take a look at the various theatrically-released adventures of Hercule Poirot, from the 1930s to today, and see which of his mysteries were truly worth solving.
Photo credit: Columbia
Honorable Mention: “Murder By Death” (1976)
Neil Simon’s wacky spoof of the supersleuth genre, directed by Robert Moore, features an all-star cast...
- 9/15/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
We’ve all felt the magnetic pull of a good murder mystery. The dimly lit corridors, the shady characters, the perplexing clues, and that nagging question: “Whodunit?” These films engross us, allowing us to don our detective hats, analyze every alibi, and make wild guesses only to be outsmarted by the twist in the tale. A quintessential murder mystery is more than just a story; it’s a riveting game of cat and mouse, where audiences are constantly challenged to unravel the puzzle before the final reveal.
This time, we’ve curated a delectable list of 16 great murder mystery movies that encapsulate this essence perfectly. From luxurious trains filled with secrets to mansions echoing with whispers of the past, here’s an indulgent selection that will captivate your senses and challenge your deductive skills. Will you be able to solve the crime?
Reel Nightmare Films 16. The Laplace’s Demon (2017)
In this gripping Italian thriller,...
This time, we’ve curated a delectable list of 16 great murder mystery movies that encapsulate this essence perfectly. From luxurious trains filled with secrets to mansions echoing with whispers of the past, here’s an indulgent selection that will captivate your senses and challenge your deductive skills. Will you be able to solve the crime?
Reel Nightmare Films 16. The Laplace’s Demon (2017)
In this gripping Italian thriller,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Jonathan Dehaan
Leave it to Edgar Allan Poe. While many probably associate the mercurial author and poet with horror milestones like “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” he’s also widely credited with inventing the detective story with his 1841 publication, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” Since then the genre of detective fiction has spanned untold numbers of short stories, novels, plays, radio shows, TV series, and of course, movies.
One of the subsets of detective fiction, the whodunit, remains almost interchangeable with the genre itself and one of its most popular variations. From the urbane, eccentric likes of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to the more grizzled Sam Spade and Mike Hammer, to the shapeshifting meta-detective Ellery Queen, stories that allow the reader or viewer to solve the mystery right alongside the protagonist are an entertainment staple to this day, as borne out by...
One of the subsets of detective fiction, the whodunit, remains almost interchangeable with the genre itself and one of its most popular variations. From the urbane, eccentric likes of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to the more grizzled Sam Spade and Mike Hammer, to the shapeshifting meta-detective Ellery Queen, stories that allow the reader or viewer to solve the mystery right alongside the protagonist are an entertainment staple to this day, as borne out by...
- 12/26/2022
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
One of the most delightful surprises for the 2022 Emmy Awards was the unexpectedly large haul of nominations — 17 in all — garnered by “Only Murders in the Building.” The comedy mystery movie received more than twice as many as any other freshman comedy series. Though once a popular genre on TV, the comedy mystery series today might seem to stand out as a bit of a novelty, but it’s only the latest variation on a long line of comic whodunnits in both film and literature. Particularly in the past 50 years, the comedy mystery film has been a familiar genre to moviegoers, and many helped to lay the groundwork for what “Only Murders” has taken to the next level.
SEEJohn Hoffman interview: ‘Only Murders in the Building’ showrunner
Comedy mysteries have been fertile ground for innovation, as well as delivering laughs both very light, very dark (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) and very shady.
SEEJohn Hoffman interview: ‘Only Murders in the Building’ showrunner
Comedy mysteries have been fertile ground for innovation, as well as delivering laughs both very light, very dark (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) and very shady.
- 8/18/2022
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
One of the most delightful surprises for the 2022 Emmy Awards was the unexpectedly large haul of nominations — 17 in all — garnered by “Only Murders in the Building.” The comedy mystery movie received more than twice as many as any other freshman comedy series. Though once a popular genre on TV, the comedy mystery series today might seem to stand out as a bit of a novelty, but it’s only the latest variation on a long line of comic whodunnits in both film and literature. Particularly in the past 50 years, the comedy mystery film has been a familiar genre to moviegoers, and many helped to lay the groundwork for what “Only Murders” has taken to the next level.
Comedy mysteries have been fertile ground for innovation, as well as delivering laughs both very light, very dark (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) and very shady. They even have found favor with Academy Awards,...
Comedy mysteries have been fertile ground for innovation, as well as delivering laughs both very light, very dark (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”) and very shady. They even have found favor with Academy Awards,...
- 8/17/2022
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, creators of the new Showtime series The Man Who Fell to Earth, talk to hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante about the movies that inspired them.
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Love Actually (2003)
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Bad News Bears (1976) – Jessica Bendinger’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Bambi (1942)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis trailer commentary
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Boy Friend (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Yellow Submarine (1968) – George Hickenlooper...
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Love Actually (2003)
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Bad News Bears (1976) – Jessica Bendinger’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Bambi (1942)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis trailer commentary
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Boy Friend (1971) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Yellow Submarine (1968) – George Hickenlooper...
- 5/24/2022
- by Alex Kirschenbaum
- Trailers from Hell
Amazon’s “Sound of Metal” is a piece of terrific filmmaking — and its achievements are even more impressive considering Hollywood’s depictions of deafness in the past.
“Sound of Metal,” directed by Darius Marder, stars Riz Ahmed as a heavy-metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing. The film has a three-act structure: Attempts by drummer Ruben to cope; his time spent in a deaf community; and his attempts to re-create his life as it was before the hearing loss.
The heart of the film is the middle segment, when community leader Joe (the excellent Paul Raci) tells Ruben that deafness “is not something to fix” and his assignment is simple: “Learn how to be deaf.”
Director Marder tells Variety, “This film is a wake-up. Most people think of deafness as a physical disability. We don’t understand that it is in fact a culture.”
In the past, most onscreen...
“Sound of Metal,” directed by Darius Marder, stars Riz Ahmed as a heavy-metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing. The film has a three-act structure: Attempts by drummer Ruben to cope; his time spent in a deaf community; and his attempts to re-create his life as it was before the hearing loss.
The heart of the film is the middle segment, when community leader Joe (the excellent Paul Raci) tells Ruben that deafness “is not something to fix” and his assignment is simple: “Learn how to be deaf.”
Director Marder tells Variety, “This film is a wake-up. Most people think of deafness as a physical disability. We don’t understand that it is in fact a culture.”
In the past, most onscreen...
- 12/11/2020
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Actor James Cromwell celebrates his 80th birthday on January 27, 2020. The actor has had a highly successful 45-year career in television and film. He won an Emmy Award in 2013 for his supporting role in the limited series “American Horror Story” and was nominated for an Oscar in 1995 for his role in “Babe.”
Cromwell first came to the public’s attention for his appearance on the wildly popular “All in the Family” in which he played the recurring character of Stretch Cunningham, a co-worker Archie Bunker. It was only his second television acting job (after an appearance on “The Rockford Files”) and it launched him to a highly steady career in guest appearances on television shows and occasional small movie roles.
That all changed for Cromwell when he appeared in “Babe” an Australian film telling the story of an orphaned baby pig who is raised by the sheep dogs on the farm where he lives.
Cromwell first came to the public’s attention for his appearance on the wildly popular “All in the Family” in which he played the recurring character of Stretch Cunningham, a co-worker Archie Bunker. It was only his second television acting job (after an appearance on “The Rockford Files”) and it launched him to a highly steady career in guest appearances on television shows and occasional small movie roles.
That all changed for Cromwell when he appeared in “Babe” an Australian film telling the story of an orphaned baby pig who is raised by the sheep dogs on the farm where he lives.
- 2/20/2020
- by Robert Pius, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
In 1976, The Hollywood Reporter said Columbia's Murder by Death was part of a film genre offering "a stellar cast of familiar faces; a light, whimsical script and competent, unelaborated direction, all backed up by thoroughly professional production craftsmanship."
THR went on to note that in the 1930s this would have been considered "routine," and it was a sign of Hollywood's decay that anything so run-of-the-mill as Murder by Death would be considered one of the year's best films. When Knives Out opens Nov. 27, critics might be saying the same about the Lionsgate/Mrc release.
Both are ...
THR went on to note that in the 1930s this would have been considered "routine," and it was a sign of Hollywood's decay that anything so run-of-the-mill as Murder by Death would be considered one of the year's best films. When Knives Out opens Nov. 27, critics might be saying the same about the Lionsgate/Mrc release.
Both are ...
- 11/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In 1976, The Hollywood Reporter said Columbia's Murder by Death was part of a film genre offering "a stellar cast of familiar faces; a light, whimsical script and competent, unelaborated direction, all backed up by thoroughly professional production craftsmanship."
THR went on to note that in the 1930s this would have been considered "routine," and it was a sign of Hollywood's decay that anything so run-of-the-mill as Murder by Death would be considered one of the year's best films. When Knives Out opens Nov. 27, critics might be saying the same about the Lionsgate/Mrc release.
Both are ...
THR went on to note that in the 1930s this would have been considered "routine," and it was a sign of Hollywood's decay that anything so run-of-the-mill as Murder by Death would be considered one of the year's best films. When Knives Out opens Nov. 27, critics might be saying the same about the Lionsgate/Mrc release.
Both are ...
- 11/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate has debuted a new trailer and final poster for Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ has landed online featuring an all-star cast all under suspicion.
Related: Knives Out Review – Tiff 2019
Directed by Johnson the cast includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Katherine Langford, Lakeith Stanfield, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
Johnson has previously stated that the Christie-based films that serve as his big influences are the “Death on the Nile,” “Evil Under the Sun,” “The Mirror Crack’d,” “Deathtrap” and comedic classics like “Clue” and “Murder by Death”.
Also in trailers – Patrick Wilson stars in trailer for ‘In The Tall Grass’
The film is released November 27. Here’s the trailer.
Knives Out Synopsis
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in Knives Out, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.
Related: Knives Out Review – Tiff 2019
Directed by Johnson the cast includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Katherine Langford, Lakeith Stanfield, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
Johnson has previously stated that the Christie-based films that serve as his big influences are the “Death on the Nile,” “Evil Under the Sun,” “The Mirror Crack’d,” “Deathtrap” and comedic classics like “Clue” and “Murder by Death”.
Also in trailers – Patrick Wilson stars in trailer for ‘In The Tall Grass’
The film is released November 27. Here’s the trailer.
Knives Out Synopsis
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in Knives Out, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.
- 9/18/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The new mystery feature "Knives Out" is written and directed by Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell and Christopher Plummer, opening November 27, 2019:
".... a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery, the film follows a family gathering gone horribly awry...
"...as renowned crime novelist 'Harlan Thrombey' (Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday.
"The inquisitive and debonair 'Det. Benoit Blanc' (Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate.
"From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web...
"...of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death..."
Cast also includes Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Raúl Castillo, Noah Segan, Frank Oz and M. Emmet Walsh.
Johnson cited several classic mystery thrillers as influences on the film,...
".... a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery, the film follows a family gathering gone horribly awry...
"...as renowned crime novelist 'Harlan Thrombey' (Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday.
"The inquisitive and debonair 'Det. Benoit Blanc' (Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate.
"From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web...
"...of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death..."
Cast also includes Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Raúl Castillo, Noah Segan, Frank Oz and M. Emmet Walsh.
Johnson cited several classic mystery thrillers as influences on the film,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Now here’s a mystery worth solving: Why doesn’t Hollywood give us more ridiculously complicated, gratuitously eccentric whodunits? You know, the kind of all-star affairs where a colorful assortment of highly suspicious characters gather in a remote manor, or at an old castle, or on the Orient Express, in order to be confronted by a corpse and the prospect that a murderer lurks among them. It’s not that audiences have lost their appetite for such tales. Au contraire, ’twas television that killed the old-fashioned detective story. Over the years, “Murder She Wrote” and “Masterpiece Mystery!” have rendered such movies redundant — on the big screen at least — by solving procedurals on the small screen each week.
With “Knives Out,” writer-director Rian Johnson shows that there’s life left in the genre, paying . Taking a break between “Star Wars” sequels to knock off something a little less far, far away...
With “Knives Out,” writer-director Rian Johnson shows that there’s life left in the genre, paying . Taking a break between “Star Wars” sequels to knock off something a little less far, far away...
- 9/8/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Sneak Peek new footage, plus images from the upcoming mystery feature "Knives Out", written and directed by Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell and Christopher Plummer, opening November 27, 2019:
".... a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery, the film follows a family gathering gone horribly awry, as renowned crime novelist 'Harlan Thrombey' (Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday. The inquisitive and debonair 'Det. Benoit Blanc' (Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death..."
Cast also includes Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Raúl Castillo, Noah Segan, Frank Oz and M. Emmet Walsh.
Johnson cited several classic mystery...
".... a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery, the film follows a family gathering gone horribly awry, as renowned crime novelist 'Harlan Thrombey' (Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday. The inquisitive and debonair 'Det. Benoit Blanc' (Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death..."
Cast also includes Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Raúl Castillo, Noah Segan, Frank Oz and M. Emmet Walsh.
Johnson cited several classic mystery...
- 7/2/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The first trailer for Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ has landed online featuring an all-star cast all under suspicion.
Directed by Johnson the cast includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Katherine Langford, Lakeith Stanfield, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
Johnson has previously stated that the Christie-based films that serve as his big influences are the “Death on the Nile,” “Evil Under the Sun,” “The Mirror Crack’d,” “Deathtrap” and comedic classics like “Clue” and “Murder by Death”.
Also in trailers – First trailer for ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ changes the game
The film is released November 27 in the U.S., followed by November 29 in the UK. Here’s the trailer, followed by the choice synopsis.
Plot:
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in Knives Out, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.
Directed by Johnson the cast includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Katherine Langford, Lakeith Stanfield, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
Johnson has previously stated that the Christie-based films that serve as his big influences are the “Death on the Nile,” “Evil Under the Sun,” “The Mirror Crack’d,” “Deathtrap” and comedic classics like “Clue” and “Murder by Death”.
Also in trailers – First trailer for ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ changes the game
The film is released November 27 in the U.S., followed by November 29 in the UK. Here’s the trailer, followed by the choice synopsis.
Plot:
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in Knives Out, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.
- 7/2/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Actor James Cromwell celebrates his 79th birthday on January 27, 2019. The actor has had a highly successful 45-year career in television and film. He won an Emmy Award in 2013 for his supporting role in the limited series “American Horror Story” and was nominated for an Oscar in 1995 for his role in “Babe.”
Cromwell first came to the public’s attention for his appearance on the wildly popular “All in the Family” in which he played the recurring character of Stretch Cunningham, a co-worker Archie Bunker. It was only his second television acting job (after an appearance on “The Rockford Files”) and it launched him to a highly steady career in guest appearances on television shows and occasional small movie roles.
SEEOscar Best Supporting Actor Gallery: Every Winner in Academy Award History
That all changed for Cromwell when he appeared in “Babe” an Australian film telling the story of an orphaned baby...
Cromwell first came to the public’s attention for his appearance on the wildly popular “All in the Family” in which he played the recurring character of Stretch Cunningham, a co-worker Archie Bunker. It was only his second television acting job (after an appearance on “The Rockford Files”) and it launched him to a highly steady career in guest appearances on television shows and occasional small movie roles.
SEEOscar Best Supporting Actor Gallery: Every Winner in Academy Award History
That all changed for Cromwell when he appeared in “Babe” an Australian film telling the story of an orphaned baby...
- 1/27/2019
- by Robert Pius and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Film-score buffs had a bonanza of riches to choose from in 2018 — notwithstanding the fact that the soundtrack business is almost unrecognizable from what it was even a decade ago. Instead of farming out their new scores to the traditional soundtrack labels, most studios now retain them for their own in-house labels and generally release them digitally. Meanwhile, the labels that once relied on current films for their bread-and-butter releases are focusing more on the niche market for classic film scores: re-releasing old ones with new material, finding worthy titles that somehow never got released, and in some cases even re-recording classic scores.
It’s a complicated business, label executives say. Not only must they track down the best available audio (studios and production companies don’t always retain the elements or sometimes can’t find them), they have to clear the rights (and sometimes the music publishing details have changed). And,...
It’s a complicated business, label executives say. Not only must they track down the best available audio (studios and production companies don’t always retain the elements or sometimes can’t find them), they have to clear the rights (and sometimes the music publishing details have changed). And,...
- 12/30/2018
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Writer Neil Simon was an American treasure, and created humor that anchored his often neurotic characters into our consciousness. From his early days in 1950s TV (“Your Show of Shows”) to winning a 1990s Pulitzer Prize for “Lost in Yonkers,” he refined and produced “the laugh.” Simon died on August 26th, 2018, at age 91, in New York City.
Neil “Doc” Simon, 1927-2018
Photo credit: File Photo
Neil Simon was born in the Bronx on the 4th of July, and got his nickname “Doc” at DeWitt Clinton High School in NYC. After the Army Reserves and a little college, he partnered with his brother Danny in the 1950s to write radio scripts and eventually “Your Show of Shows.” His first play was “Come Blow Your Horn” in 1961, which established him in New York theater. The hits kept coming, and during the 1966 season, Simon had four shows running simultaneously – “The Odd Couple,...
Neil “Doc” Simon, 1927-2018
Photo credit: File Photo
Neil Simon was born in the Bronx on the 4th of July, and got his nickname “Doc” at DeWitt Clinton High School in NYC. After the Army Reserves and a little college, he partnered with his brother Danny in the 1950s to write radio scripts and eventually “Your Show of Shows.” His first play was “Come Blow Your Horn” in 1961, which established him in New York theater. The hits kept coming, and during the 1966 season, Simon had four shows running simultaneously – “The Odd Couple,...
- 9/1/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Neil Simon, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning playwright behind over 30 plays including The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park and Biloxi Blues, died Sunday at the age of 91.
Simon’s family confirmed his death in a statement, adding that Simon died of complications from pneumonia at a Manhattan hospital. In recent years, Simon suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
“Neil Simon’s unparalleled career in the theater included more than thirty plays and musicals that opened on Broadway over a span of four decades. He made his playwriting debut in 1961, with...
Simon’s family confirmed his death in a statement, adding that Simon died of complications from pneumonia at a Manhattan hospital. In recent years, Simon suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
“Neil Simon’s unparalleled career in the theater included more than thirty plays and musicals that opened on Broadway over a span of four decades. He made his playwriting debut in 1961, with...
- 8/26/2018
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer was married five times.
Neil Simon, the comedy playwright and four-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter whose credits included The Odd Couple and California Suite, has died He was 91.
Simon died on Sunday (August 26) in New York-Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by his immediate family. His representatives said the cause of death was complications from pneumonia.
Over a long career, he wrote numerous acclaimed films, among them The Goodbye Girl, Murder By Death, and Biloxi Blues. There were four Academy Award nominations for The Odd Couple, The Goodbye Girl, California Suite, and The Sunshine Boys.
His stage work encompassed more than...
Neil Simon, the comedy playwright and four-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter whose credits included The Odd Couple and California Suite, has died He was 91.
Simon died on Sunday (August 26) in New York-Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by his immediate family. His representatives said the cause of death was complications from pneumonia.
Over a long career, he wrote numerous acclaimed films, among them The Goodbye Girl, Murder By Death, and Biloxi Blues. There were four Academy Award nominations for The Odd Couple, The Goodbye Girl, California Suite, and The Sunshine Boys.
His stage work encompassed more than...
- 8/26/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neil Simon, one of the rare late-20th century playwrights who was a brand name for plays such as “The Odd Couple” and “Barefoot in the Park,” died Sunday. He was 91.
A statement from his reps said, “Neil Simon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, died last night at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. The cause was complications from pneumonia.”
“His wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, was at his bedside along with Mr. Simon’s daughters, Ellen Simon and Nancy Simon.”
In addition to his four Oscar nominations and 17 Tony nominations, Simon’s works brought an unsurpassed 50 Tony nominations for their actors. His competitive Tony wins came for “The Odd Couple” (best playwright) and for best play for “Lost in Yonkers” and “Biloxi Blues.”
Beginning in the 1960s, Simon could guarantee good Broadway advance sales, a rare feat for a writer. He had more than 30 plays mounted on Broadway, including...
A statement from his reps said, “Neil Simon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, died last night at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. The cause was complications from pneumonia.”
“His wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, was at his bedside along with Mr. Simon’s daughters, Ellen Simon and Nancy Simon.”
In addition to his four Oscar nominations and 17 Tony nominations, Simon’s works brought an unsurpassed 50 Tony nominations for their actors. His competitive Tony wins came for “The Odd Couple” (best playwright) and for best play for “Lost in Yonkers” and “Biloxi Blues.”
Beginning in the 1960s, Simon could guarantee good Broadway advance sales, a rare feat for a writer. He had more than 30 plays mounted on Broadway, including...
- 8/26/2018
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate the 50th anniversary release of Mel Brooks’ comedy classic The Producers in cinemas on August 5th for one day only, we’re giving you the chance to win a limited edition The Producers poster and classic cinema Blu-ray bundle, including The Graduate, Kind Hearts And Coronets and Playtime.
Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is a washed up Broadway producer forced to romance old ladies to finance his plays. When timid accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) is brought in to do his books, he inadvertently reveals to Bialystock that under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than a hit. Bialystock cajoles Bloom into helping him achieve this end and together they come up with what they consider to be a sure-fire disaster waiting to happen – a musical version of Adolf and Eva’s love story entitled ‘Springtime For Hitler’. But is it possible that...
Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is a washed up Broadway producer forced to romance old ladies to finance his plays. When timid accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) is brought in to do his books, he inadvertently reveals to Bialystock that under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than a hit. Bialystock cajoles Bloom into helping him achieve this end and together they come up with what they consider to be a sure-fire disaster waiting to happen – a musical version of Adolf and Eva’s love story entitled ‘Springtime For Hitler’. But is it possible that...
- 8/7/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
MaryAnn’s quick take… The Auto-Tuned boy-band version of the apocalypse. You will forgive that every plot point that isn’t a cliché is in fact a plot hole because the hero is so dreamy and impossibly perfect, right? I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): not a fan of the previous films
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
So, a bunch of kids — okay, just boys — are trapped in a mysterious Glade at the center of a massive Maze, and there are monsters in the Maze that keep them inside. Also, the Maze is constantly changing configuration. Also too, they all have amnesia so they don’t know who they are. Some of them have been there for years. Then Thomas arrives, and he is the Hero,...
I’m “biast” (con): not a fan of the previous films
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
So, a bunch of kids — okay, just boys — are trapped in a mysterious Glade at the center of a massive Maze, and there are monsters in the Maze that keep them inside. Also, the Maze is constantly changing configuration. Also too, they all have amnesia so they don’t know who they are. Some of them have been there for years. Then Thomas arrives, and he is the Hero,...
- 1/24/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Stars: Peter Ustinov, Lee Grant, Angie Dickinson, Richard Hatch, Brian Keith, Roddy McDowall, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rachel Roberts, Paul Ryan, David Hirokane | Written by Jerry Sherlock, Stan Burns, David Axlerod | Directed by Clive Donner
In Hawaii, master sleuth Charlie Chan unmasks the Dragon Queen as a killer. Before she’s arrested, she places a curse on Chan and his family. Years later in San Francisco, Chan is called out of retirement when the city of San Francisco finds itself in chaos over a series of weird murders. Chan is assisted by his blundering grandson, Lee Chan Jr, who is more of a hindrance than help. Yet the shadow of the Dragon Queen still hangs over the Chan family, when she becomes his number one suspect.
If you’ve never heard of (or seen) Charlie Chan & the Curse of the Dragon Queen before, where have you been? Here in the UK the...
In Hawaii, master sleuth Charlie Chan unmasks the Dragon Queen as a killer. Before she’s arrested, she places a curse on Chan and his family. Years later in San Francisco, Chan is called out of retirement when the city of San Francisco finds itself in chaos over a series of weird murders. Chan is assisted by his blundering grandson, Lee Chan Jr, who is more of a hindrance than help. Yet the shadow of the Dragon Queen still hangs over the Chan family, when she becomes his number one suspect.
If you’ve never heard of (or seen) Charlie Chan & the Curse of the Dragon Queen before, where have you been? Here in the UK the...
- 10/25/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
'And Then There Were None' movie with Barry Fitzgerald, Walter Huston, June Duprez, Louis Hayward and Roland Young. 'And Then There Were None' movie remake to be directed by Oscar nominee Morten Tyldum One of the best-known Agatha Christie novels, And Then There Were None will be getting another big-screen transfer. 20th Century Fox has acquired the movie rights to the literary suspense thriller first published in the U.K. (as Ten Little Niggers) in 1939. Morten Tyldum, this year's Best Director Academy Award nominee for The Imitation Game, is reportedly set to direct. The source for this story is Deadline.com, which adds that Tyldum himself “helped hone the pitch” for the acquisition while Eric Heisserer (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010, The Thing 2011) will handle the screenplay adaptation. And Then There Were None is supposed to have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, thus holding the...
- 9/29/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Murder mysteries are so commonplace on TV that each week offers seemingly dozens of them on police procedural series and detective shows. But in the movies, whodunits are surprisingly rare, and really good ones rarer still. There's really only a handful of movies that excel in offering the viewer the pleasure of solving the crime along with a charismatic sleuth, often with an all-star cast of suspects hamming it up as they try not to appear guilty.
One of the best was "Murder on the Orient Express," released 40 years ago this week, on November 24, 1974. Like many films adapted from Agatha Christie novels, this one featured an eccentric but meticulous investigator (in this case, Albert Finney as Belgian epicure Hercule Poirot), a glamorous and claustrophobic setting (here, the famous luxury train from Istanbul to Paris), and a tricky murder plot with an outrageous solution. The film won an Oscar for passenger...
One of the best was "Murder on the Orient Express," released 40 years ago this week, on November 24, 1974. Like many films adapted from Agatha Christie novels, this one featured an eccentric but meticulous investigator (in this case, Albert Finney as Belgian epicure Hercule Poirot), a glamorous and claustrophobic setting (here, the famous luxury train from Istanbul to Paris), and a tricky murder plot with an outrageous solution. The film won an Oscar for passenger...
- 11/28/2014
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
The Post-1960S, Pre-Digital Age: Real-time One-offs, 1975-1998
British filmmaker John Byrum is responsible for the first (and in some ways only) real-time period film. Inserts (1975), set in the early 1930s, is about a Boy Wonder movie director (called Boy Wonder, played by Richard Dreyfuss fresh from American Graffiti (1973) and Jaws (1975)) now washed up before the age of 30, resigned to making porn because of Hollywood’s conversion to sound. Not only is Inserts scrupulously real-time (with the exception of the opening credits sequence, which offers glimpses of the stag film we’re about to see made) and period, but it’s rather long for such a film, just shy of two hours. To tell the entire story would be spoiling the fun, but the Boy Wonder deals with recalcitrant actresses, the problem of his own potency, career problems, death, sex, after-death and after-sex…and in the end, as...
British filmmaker John Byrum is responsible for the first (and in some ways only) real-time period film. Inserts (1975), set in the early 1930s, is about a Boy Wonder movie director (called Boy Wonder, played by Richard Dreyfuss fresh from American Graffiti (1973) and Jaws (1975)) now washed up before the age of 30, resigned to making porn because of Hollywood’s conversion to sound. Not only is Inserts scrupulously real-time (with the exception of the opening credits sequence, which offers glimpses of the stag film we’re about to see made) and period, but it’s rather long for such a film, just shy of two hours. To tell the entire story would be spoiling the fun, but the Boy Wonder deals with recalcitrant actresses, the problem of his own potency, career problems, death, sex, after-death and after-sex…and in the end, as...
- 10/18/2014
- by Daniel Smith-Rowsey
- SoundOnSight
“Life after death is as improbable as sex after marriage!”
Clue plays midnights this weekend (July 25th and 26th) at The Tivoli Theater as part of the Reel late at The Tivoli Midnight series.
Way back in 1985, before we were translating literally every board game, video game, or action figure into a movie, there was Clue.
As in the Parker Brothers board game, seven suspects find themselves in a mysterious mansion with the body of someone who has been murdered by one of them. Was it Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull) with the revolver in the conservatory? Or was it Miss Scarlett (Lesley Ann Warren) with the rope in the billiards room?
Could it be both?
Clue was filmed with three possible endings. That’s 321 fewer endings than the board game permits, but two endings more than offered by most movies.
“What are you afraid of, a fate worse than death?...
Clue plays midnights this weekend (July 25th and 26th) at The Tivoli Theater as part of the Reel late at The Tivoli Midnight series.
Way back in 1985, before we were translating literally every board game, video game, or action figure into a movie, there was Clue.
As in the Parker Brothers board game, seven suspects find themselves in a mysterious mansion with the body of someone who has been murdered by one of them. Was it Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull) with the revolver in the conservatory? Or was it Miss Scarlett (Lesley Ann Warren) with the rope in the billiards room?
Could it be both?
Clue was filmed with three possible endings. That’s 321 fewer endings than the board game permits, but two endings more than offered by most movies.
“What are you afraid of, a fate worse than death?...
- 7/21/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
We asked a few LatinoBuzz amigos to get their Robinson Crusoe on and pick a film, an album, a book and a companion from the movies to join them in their shenanigans were they to be stuck on a deserted island (and before anyone nitpicks, filmmakers are resourceful, so of course they built solar powered entertainment centers made from bamboos, coconuts and grass to watch movies and listen to baby making slow jams). We figured we'd start with the narrative filmmakers since they probably sit around thinking about this kinda stuff anyway.
Film: Choosing desert island items may mean sacrificing taste and/or reason, thinking about those items that you wouldn’t forgive yourself for not bringing them as your company, it´s like choosing the woman of your life. Here it goes: Hiroshima Mon Amour; there might be others I fancy as much as or more than (La Dolce Vita, Vertigo, M , some Lubitsch or Preminger), but I can think of no other as unique. I wouldn’t be able to choose any other without feeling Hiroshima’s absence - the best love film, the best movie about war, the best motion picture regarding the memory and its consequences. I can spend my whole life learning about film and the world because of Hiroshima...'.
Album: “Los Preludios de Debussy” by Claudio Arrau. These were so important to my life (I'm referring to my childhood of course) and I think no one does it better than Arrau. Same thing: it is endless. I think I could never tire of this and I could still wake up each and every morning amazed by it.
Book: “Sentimental Education”, by Flaubert. Similar to “Hiroshima”, a book that changed my outlook on literature and the world and I am certain it will keep transforming it forever.
Companion: Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer in 'The fabulous Baker Boys'). Since I saw the film (which I liked very much!) in the provincial movie theater of my childhood, I felt as Jack Baker´s relative and I loved Susie. If we had a piano, it would all be all be perfect. - Santiago Palavecino (Algunas chicas/Some Girls)
Film: This is a tricky question. I've always said that on a deserted island you should bring some porn. You could use that more than regular movies. But since I've got to pick a film I guess it'd be Jaws. Why? Because it's one of my favorites (I could also go with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly). But being on a deserted island, Jaws will remind me all the time what'll happen to me for sure if I try to get away!
Album: “ Appetite for Destruction” (Guns N' Roses). Hey, I was 13 when this came out. I listen to it every day while I work, anyways. My favorite, by far.
A Book: I'm going to cheat on this one: 'The Complete Works' by Jorge Luis Borges. The best writer, and enough labyrinths to get lost on endless nights.
Companion: Sherlock Holmes. He's always been my favorite, and also, since my guess is he'll be pretty useless in a deserted island, every time we fail to get out because of him I can get to tell him "Is that the best you can do, Sherlock? - Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead)
Film: Los Olvidados- this is punk rock and Pachuco. Mexico City style before the bombed out bunkers of Sid & Nancy. Bunuel is a hero and I wanna buy Jaibo a beer and milk for the old poetic man!
Album: The Blade Runner album. I can play it over and over, get cranked up or mellow with Blade Runner Blues and the constant rain.
Book: '20 years of Joda' - poems of Jose Montoya, my pop. Epic stuff! 'Ran with Miguel Pinero in the Lower Eastside!”
Companion: Michael Corleone cause he's Mack in my book! Jaibo gets an honorable mention. - Richard Montoya (Water & Power )
Film: I´d choose Misery because a year can go by and I can watch it again eagerly. It's simple and the director (Rob Reiner) and Stephen King are both masters of suspense.
Album: I know this may be considered cheating but it would have to be 'The Best of David Bowie'. That way I have 2 CD's with nearly 40 songs!
Companion: There's many great people who I would to live with but on a deserted Island? It would have to be Mary Poppins for obvious reasons.
Book: And finally the book would be 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy because it's one I haven't read yet. Analeine Cal y Mayor - (The Boy Who Smells Like Fish)
Film: I would say White Chicks. I’m going to need some humor! White Chicks is the movie that I put on when I need a good laugh. It does it for me every time. I grew up with characters like that; and admittedly, I can regress back to a few of them myself when no one is looking.
Album: ' Songs From the Capeman' - Paul Simon. I can’t get enough of that album. It instantly takes me to that world and electrifies that side of me that’s determined to make a change for Latinos. I want to keep that feeling with me alive eternally…wherever I’m at.”
Book: There are many but 'Anatomy of the Spirit' by Caroline Myss has been my compass. It taught me how to take control of my destiny by listening to my intuition and body. I stand by her quote: “Your biography becomes your biology.
Companion: The first person that came to mind when I read the question was silly Clarence from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I guess I’m going to need an angel with me, and he’s perfect. He has a pure childlike spirit that would help me find gratitude in the most unlikely moments… even on a deserted island! That right there is the meaning of life. - Carmen Marron (Endgame)
Film: There are so many brilliant, groundbreaking favorite films that have influenced me (The 400 Blows; Jules and Jim ; Law of Desire; et al) but I wouldn't bring any of them. If I'm stuck on a deserted island, I'm bringing Neil Simon's Murder by Death so I can laugh my ass off. Not a great film at all, it's true, but it's a classic comedy.
Album: Oh, this is easy: Madonna's "Ray of Light." I am no Madonna fanatic, but "deserted island, " means beach + summer weather + Fire Island-like atmosphere. So somewhere nearby there's got to be gay guys partying and I will use Madonna to lure them to me so I can be rescued.
One Book: Varga Llosa's "Feast of the Goat" ("La Fiesta del Chivo") -- it's action-packed historical fiction. It will keep me occupied. One of my favorite novels.
Companion: Huckleberry Finn. He will be a great companion: not only will he tell great stories, but undoubtedly, the ever-resourceful Huck Finn will figure out how to build a raft and get us out off that island! - Terracino (Elliot Loves )
Film: Whenever anyone asks me this I always think of what use these items would serve practically on a deserted island, so I answered this in that respect. Tokyo Story - Yasujiro Ozu. This would be a great film to take on a deserted island because it's really about the unavoidable suffering of the cycle of life, which I'm sure you'd relate to if you were stuck on an island. I really could watch this film a million times over and notice something new every time. Watching most Ozu films is not unlike participating in a Zen meditation practice. It's patience and slowness and trying to empty your mind of thought until your left with the basics of existence. Kind of like sitting on a deserted island alone. I can watch the scene where Kyoto says “Life is disappointing, isn't it?” and Noriko smiles and says “Yes it is.” I can watch that endlessly and cry every time. It's so true.
Album: ' Tusk' - Fleetwood Mac. I could also deal with 'Rumours' but I picked 'Tusk' because it's longer and denser; probably better for an island. 'Sara' is maybe my favorite song in the world and so it would be nice to have that with me. I think channeling the powerful witchy energy of Stevie Nicks would be a real asset on an island. This album has so much strange material on - you wouldn't get bored too easily with it. It's also got a range of emotions so if you get too depressed on the island you can just put on 'Never Forget' and feel better. And 'Sisters of the Moon' would be good around a fire at night. Even though you're stuck on an island, it's good to create an ambiance to remind you that life is worth living.
Book: ' In Search of Lost Time' - Marcel Proust. I've only read 'Swann's Way' which is first part of this. My analyst recommend it to me when I was totally heartbroken after someone broke up with me. It really did the trick. This would be a good long epic read that has enough complex ideas in it to keep you occupied for a life time. Probably a good book (or set of books) to get back to nature with.
Companion: I'll say Terry Malloy from “On the Waterfront”. He'd be strong and good to have around to cut down trees and hunt and stuff. He's also easy on the eyes and someone that could do with a little lonely contemplation away from the loading docks. That doesn't sound half bad...stuck on like a tropical island with a young, cute Marlon Brando, watching Ozu, reading Proust and listening to Fleetwood Mac all day. Sign me up! - Joshua Sanchez (Four)
Film: My film would have to be Luis Buñuel's Los Olvidados. I have been a movie watcher since I was a child. Raised on mainstream American films and Wuxia flicks, it wasn't until I was a late teen that I took my first film class and was introduced to the work of Buñuel. Los Olvidados literally changed my perception of the world, both socially and visually. It was also the gateway for me to progress from movie watcher to film student.
Album: Music is my religion and I belong to the church of Robert Nesta Marley. I would prefer the whole anthology, but if I had to choose one album it would be “Exodus”. When on an island listen to island music.
Book: Right around the time I discovered the work of Buñuel, I was gifted Jose Montoya's 'In Formation: 20 years of Joda'. The book is a treasure of epic poems, sketches, and corridos. All testaments to the beauty and strength of Chicana/o culture. 20 years later I pay homage to both of these Maestros in my debut feature film, “Cry Now”. The film's protagonist is nicknamed 'Ojitos' during the course of the narrative, a reference to one of the characters in Los Olvidados. The late great Lupe Ontiveros playing the role of a sage loosely recites Montoya's mantra 'La Locura Cura' (In madness you find truth) while she councils our protagonist.
Companion: To bring it all full circle my fictitious character would have to be a Wuxia hero. As a child I was awe inspired by these bigger than life martial artists. As an adult, Ang Lee's “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” did the same. I know all would be as it should if Yu Shu Lien was on that island with me. - Alberto Barboza (Cry Now )
Film: Nothing But a Man (1964) It's a film that does an incredible job balancing a character-driven story within a politically charged context. It's a film I'm finding myself inspired by as I continue to write Los Valientes.
Album: I'm not a fan of albums, but if I had to choose one I guess I would have to go with any of Prince's albums. His music always puts me in a trance.
Book: My dream journal so I can look back look for signs of what is to become of my future.
Companion: Who better than TV's MacGyver. I'd put his ass to work on getting me off the island! -Aurora Guerrero (Mosquita y Mari)
Film: Hell in the Pacific so that I can be reminded that even in paradise there is a duality.
Album: “La Scala: Concert” by Ludovico Einaudi – I've listened to it a thousand times and each time I feel or discover something new.
Book: “ Voces Reunidas” by Antonio Porchia. Each time I read one of his poems I learn something new and I'm deeply moved.
Companion: Barbarella, so I could never be lonely and I could enjoy this planet-island – Diego Quemada-Díez (La jaula de oro/The Golden Dream)
Written by Juan Caceres . LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
Film: Choosing desert island items may mean sacrificing taste and/or reason, thinking about those items that you wouldn’t forgive yourself for not bringing them as your company, it´s like choosing the woman of your life. Here it goes: Hiroshima Mon Amour; there might be others I fancy as much as or more than (La Dolce Vita, Vertigo, M , some Lubitsch or Preminger), but I can think of no other as unique. I wouldn’t be able to choose any other without feeling Hiroshima’s absence - the best love film, the best movie about war, the best motion picture regarding the memory and its consequences. I can spend my whole life learning about film and the world because of Hiroshima...'.
Album: “Los Preludios de Debussy” by Claudio Arrau. These were so important to my life (I'm referring to my childhood of course) and I think no one does it better than Arrau. Same thing: it is endless. I think I could never tire of this and I could still wake up each and every morning amazed by it.
Book: “Sentimental Education”, by Flaubert. Similar to “Hiroshima”, a book that changed my outlook on literature and the world and I am certain it will keep transforming it forever.
Companion: Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer in 'The fabulous Baker Boys'). Since I saw the film (which I liked very much!) in the provincial movie theater of my childhood, I felt as Jack Baker´s relative and I loved Susie. If we had a piano, it would all be all be perfect. - Santiago Palavecino (Algunas chicas/Some Girls)
Film: This is a tricky question. I've always said that on a deserted island you should bring some porn. You could use that more than regular movies. But since I've got to pick a film I guess it'd be Jaws. Why? Because it's one of my favorites (I could also go with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly). But being on a deserted island, Jaws will remind me all the time what'll happen to me for sure if I try to get away!
Album: “ Appetite for Destruction” (Guns N' Roses). Hey, I was 13 when this came out. I listen to it every day while I work, anyways. My favorite, by far.
A Book: I'm going to cheat on this one: 'The Complete Works' by Jorge Luis Borges. The best writer, and enough labyrinths to get lost on endless nights.
Companion: Sherlock Holmes. He's always been my favorite, and also, since my guess is he'll be pretty useless in a deserted island, every time we fail to get out because of him I can get to tell him "Is that the best you can do, Sherlock? - Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead)
Film: Los Olvidados- this is punk rock and Pachuco. Mexico City style before the bombed out bunkers of Sid & Nancy. Bunuel is a hero and I wanna buy Jaibo a beer and milk for the old poetic man!
Album: The Blade Runner album. I can play it over and over, get cranked up or mellow with Blade Runner Blues and the constant rain.
Book: '20 years of Joda' - poems of Jose Montoya, my pop. Epic stuff! 'Ran with Miguel Pinero in the Lower Eastside!”
Companion: Michael Corleone cause he's Mack in my book! Jaibo gets an honorable mention. - Richard Montoya (Water & Power )
Film: I´d choose Misery because a year can go by and I can watch it again eagerly. It's simple and the director (Rob Reiner) and Stephen King are both masters of suspense.
Album: I know this may be considered cheating but it would have to be 'The Best of David Bowie'. That way I have 2 CD's with nearly 40 songs!
Companion: There's many great people who I would to live with but on a deserted Island? It would have to be Mary Poppins for obvious reasons.
Book: And finally the book would be 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy because it's one I haven't read yet. Analeine Cal y Mayor - (The Boy Who Smells Like Fish)
Film: I would say White Chicks. I’m going to need some humor! White Chicks is the movie that I put on when I need a good laugh. It does it for me every time. I grew up with characters like that; and admittedly, I can regress back to a few of them myself when no one is looking.
Album: ' Songs From the Capeman' - Paul Simon. I can’t get enough of that album. It instantly takes me to that world and electrifies that side of me that’s determined to make a change for Latinos. I want to keep that feeling with me alive eternally…wherever I’m at.”
Book: There are many but 'Anatomy of the Spirit' by Caroline Myss has been my compass. It taught me how to take control of my destiny by listening to my intuition and body. I stand by her quote: “Your biography becomes your biology.
Companion: The first person that came to mind when I read the question was silly Clarence from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I guess I’m going to need an angel with me, and he’s perfect. He has a pure childlike spirit that would help me find gratitude in the most unlikely moments… even on a deserted island! That right there is the meaning of life. - Carmen Marron (Endgame)
Film: There are so many brilliant, groundbreaking favorite films that have influenced me (The 400 Blows; Jules and Jim ; Law of Desire; et al) but I wouldn't bring any of them. If I'm stuck on a deserted island, I'm bringing Neil Simon's Murder by Death so I can laugh my ass off. Not a great film at all, it's true, but it's a classic comedy.
Album: Oh, this is easy: Madonna's "Ray of Light." I am no Madonna fanatic, but "deserted island, " means beach + summer weather + Fire Island-like atmosphere. So somewhere nearby there's got to be gay guys partying and I will use Madonna to lure them to me so I can be rescued.
One Book: Varga Llosa's "Feast of the Goat" ("La Fiesta del Chivo") -- it's action-packed historical fiction. It will keep me occupied. One of my favorite novels.
Companion: Huckleberry Finn. He will be a great companion: not only will he tell great stories, but undoubtedly, the ever-resourceful Huck Finn will figure out how to build a raft and get us out off that island! - Terracino (Elliot Loves )
Film: Whenever anyone asks me this I always think of what use these items would serve practically on a deserted island, so I answered this in that respect. Tokyo Story - Yasujiro Ozu. This would be a great film to take on a deserted island because it's really about the unavoidable suffering of the cycle of life, which I'm sure you'd relate to if you were stuck on an island. I really could watch this film a million times over and notice something new every time. Watching most Ozu films is not unlike participating in a Zen meditation practice. It's patience and slowness and trying to empty your mind of thought until your left with the basics of existence. Kind of like sitting on a deserted island alone. I can watch the scene where Kyoto says “Life is disappointing, isn't it?” and Noriko smiles and says “Yes it is.” I can watch that endlessly and cry every time. It's so true.
Album: ' Tusk' - Fleetwood Mac. I could also deal with 'Rumours' but I picked 'Tusk' because it's longer and denser; probably better for an island. 'Sara' is maybe my favorite song in the world and so it would be nice to have that with me. I think channeling the powerful witchy energy of Stevie Nicks would be a real asset on an island. This album has so much strange material on - you wouldn't get bored too easily with it. It's also got a range of emotions so if you get too depressed on the island you can just put on 'Never Forget' and feel better. And 'Sisters of the Moon' would be good around a fire at night. Even though you're stuck on an island, it's good to create an ambiance to remind you that life is worth living.
Book: ' In Search of Lost Time' - Marcel Proust. I've only read 'Swann's Way' which is first part of this. My analyst recommend it to me when I was totally heartbroken after someone broke up with me. It really did the trick. This would be a good long epic read that has enough complex ideas in it to keep you occupied for a life time. Probably a good book (or set of books) to get back to nature with.
Companion: I'll say Terry Malloy from “On the Waterfront”. He'd be strong and good to have around to cut down trees and hunt and stuff. He's also easy on the eyes and someone that could do with a little lonely contemplation away from the loading docks. That doesn't sound half bad...stuck on like a tropical island with a young, cute Marlon Brando, watching Ozu, reading Proust and listening to Fleetwood Mac all day. Sign me up! - Joshua Sanchez (Four)
Film: My film would have to be Luis Buñuel's Los Olvidados. I have been a movie watcher since I was a child. Raised on mainstream American films and Wuxia flicks, it wasn't until I was a late teen that I took my first film class and was introduced to the work of Buñuel. Los Olvidados literally changed my perception of the world, both socially and visually. It was also the gateway for me to progress from movie watcher to film student.
Album: Music is my religion and I belong to the church of Robert Nesta Marley. I would prefer the whole anthology, but if I had to choose one album it would be “Exodus”. When on an island listen to island music.
Book: Right around the time I discovered the work of Buñuel, I was gifted Jose Montoya's 'In Formation: 20 years of Joda'. The book is a treasure of epic poems, sketches, and corridos. All testaments to the beauty and strength of Chicana/o culture. 20 years later I pay homage to both of these Maestros in my debut feature film, “Cry Now”. The film's protagonist is nicknamed 'Ojitos' during the course of the narrative, a reference to one of the characters in Los Olvidados. The late great Lupe Ontiveros playing the role of a sage loosely recites Montoya's mantra 'La Locura Cura' (In madness you find truth) while she councils our protagonist.
Companion: To bring it all full circle my fictitious character would have to be a Wuxia hero. As a child I was awe inspired by these bigger than life martial artists. As an adult, Ang Lee's “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” did the same. I know all would be as it should if Yu Shu Lien was on that island with me. - Alberto Barboza (Cry Now )
Film: Nothing But a Man (1964) It's a film that does an incredible job balancing a character-driven story within a politically charged context. It's a film I'm finding myself inspired by as I continue to write Los Valientes.
Album: I'm not a fan of albums, but if I had to choose one I guess I would have to go with any of Prince's albums. His music always puts me in a trance.
Book: My dream journal so I can look back look for signs of what is to become of my future.
Companion: Who better than TV's MacGyver. I'd put his ass to work on getting me off the island! -Aurora Guerrero (Mosquita y Mari)
Film: Hell in the Pacific so that I can be reminded that even in paradise there is a duality.
Album: “La Scala: Concert” by Ludovico Einaudi – I've listened to it a thousand times and each time I feel or discover something new.
Book: “ Voces Reunidas” by Antonio Porchia. Each time I read one of his poems I learn something new and I'm deeply moved.
Companion: Barbarella, so I could never be lonely and I could enjoy this planet-island – Diego Quemada-Díez (La jaula de oro/The Golden Dream)
Written by Juan Caceres . LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
- 3/5/2014
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
The Spoof, or Parody, movie has long been a mainstay of the comedy genre. Though it offers writers and directors the chance to transcend the formula they are imitating there is a very fine line between success and failure. An understanding of the form is as important as a healthy disregard for it, and many of the examples below do push the genres they spoof to ridiculous extremes. As we usher in the release of The Starving Games on DVD and VOD this week we wanted to look back at past efforts of this enduring genre.
There’s a case to be made that some of the films gathered under the umbrella of the Parody Movie are so successful they become notable examples of the genre they spoofing. Edgar Wright’s films in particular are loving tributes to a their particular genre but in each case they become far more than a mockery.
There’s a case to be made that some of the films gathered under the umbrella of the Parody Movie are so successful they become notable examples of the genre they spoofing. Edgar Wright’s films in particular are loving tributes to a their particular genre but in each case they become far more than a mockery.
- 11/12/2013
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Alec Guinness: Before Obi-Wan Kenobi, there were the eight D’Ascoyne family members (photo: Alec Guiness, Dennis Price in ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’) (See previous post: “Alec Guinness Movies: Pre-Star Wars Career.”) TCM won’t be showing The Bridge on the River Kwai on Alec Guinness day, though obviously not because the cable network programmers believe that one four-hour David Lean epic per day should be enough. After all, prior to Lawrence of Arabia TCM will be presenting the three-and-a-half-hour-long Doctor Zhivago (1965), a great-looking but never-ending romantic drama in which Guinness — quite poorly — plays a Kgb official. He’s slightly less miscast as a mere Englishman — one much too young for the then 32-year-old actor — in Lean’s Great Expectations (1946), a movie that fully belongs to boy-loving (in a chaste, fatherly manner) fugitive Finlay Currie. And finally, make sure to watch Robert Hamer’s dark comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets...
- 8/3/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Now that banks have reopened following the death of Eileen Brennan and I’ve reluctantly reopened my curtains, we can get down to real mourning. Ugggggggh. Our girl Eileen — the superfly Mrs. Peacock of Clue fame, the grizzled Billie from The Sting, the nutty Tess Skeffington of Murder By Death – died at the ripe old age of character actress and now the world is deprived of her unflinching, husky-voiced command. In her lifetime Ms. Brennan only earned a single Oscar nomination, a Best Supporting Actress nod for Private Benjamin, and wouldn’t you know it, captain?: Private Benjamin is a perfect addition to the Best Movie Ever? anthology, a comedy about basic training in self-possession. It’s the rugged flipside to 1980′s other funny feminist jam, 9 to 5.
Private Benjamin is about a spoiled woman named Judy Benjamin (Hawn) who, following the death of her hilariously selfish new husband Yale...
Private Benjamin is about a spoiled woman named Judy Benjamin (Hawn) who, following the death of her hilariously selfish new husband Yale...
- 8/1/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
Actor who made her name in comedy films as an acid-tongued, gravel-voiced tyrant
Eileen Brennan, who has died aged 80, had been a stage actor since the late 1950s, but it was as a largely comic presence in Us cinema of the 1970s and early 1980s that she was most widely admired. As the pitiless Captain Doreen Lewis, putting a dippy new recruit – Goldie Hawn – through her paces in the hit military comedy Private Benjamin (1980), she wore her trademark look: a solid frizz of red hair, a clenched, sneering smile and an expression of withering incredulity. Then there was the gravelly voice: a heard-it-all whine to match that seen-it-all face. It sounded like bourbon on the rocks. Actual rocks, that is.
Captain Lewis epitomised the sort of role Brennan was best at – and which she was still playing as late as 2001, when she made the first in a run of appearances...
Eileen Brennan, who has died aged 80, had been a stage actor since the late 1950s, but it was as a largely comic presence in Us cinema of the 1970s and early 1980s that she was most widely admired. As the pitiless Captain Doreen Lewis, putting a dippy new recruit – Goldie Hawn – through her paces in the hit military comedy Private Benjamin (1980), she wore her trademark look: a solid frizz of red hair, a clenched, sneering smile and an expression of withering incredulity. Then there was the gravelly voice: a heard-it-all whine to match that seen-it-all face. It sounded like bourbon on the rocks. Actual rocks, that is.
Captain Lewis epitomised the sort of role Brennan was best at – and which she was still playing as late as 2001, when she made the first in a run of appearances...
- 7/31/2013
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Eileen Brennan has died at the age of 80.
The actress was perhaps best known for her Oscar-nominated role in 1980 comedy Private Benjamin opposite Goldie Hawn.
She passed away at her home in Burbank, Los Angeles after a battle with bladder cancer, her managers confirmed.
Brennan was known for her distinct, husky voice and sharp presence on screen.
Hawn said in a statement: "Our world has lost a rare human. Eileen was a brilliant comedian, a powerful dramatic actress and had the voice of an angel."
Brennan was nominated for a 'Best Supporting Actress' Oscar for her role as Us Army Captain Doreen Lewis in Private Benjamin.
She later reprised the role in the TV version of the film from 1981 to 1983, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work.
Earlier in her career, Brennan received a BAFTA nomination for playing waitress Genevieve in The Last Picture Show.
Other films...
The actress was perhaps best known for her Oscar-nominated role in 1980 comedy Private Benjamin opposite Goldie Hawn.
She passed away at her home in Burbank, Los Angeles after a battle with bladder cancer, her managers confirmed.
Brennan was known for her distinct, husky voice and sharp presence on screen.
Hawn said in a statement: "Our world has lost a rare human. Eileen was a brilliant comedian, a powerful dramatic actress and had the voice of an angel."
Brennan was nominated for a 'Best Supporting Actress' Oscar for her role as Us Army Captain Doreen Lewis in Private Benjamin.
She later reprised the role in the TV version of the film from 1981 to 1983, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work.
Earlier in her career, Brennan received a BAFTA nomination for playing waitress Genevieve in The Last Picture Show.
Other films...
- 7/31/2013
- Digital Spy
Beloved actress Eileen Brennan has died in Burbank, California. The eighty year old passed away on Sunday due to bladder cancer according to her publicist.
The actress began her career on Broadway, which included the role of Irene Malloy in the original production of "Hello, Dolly!". She went onto film and TV work with memorable roles in "The Sting," "The Last Picture Show," "The Cheap Detective".
She scored an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in 1980's "Private Benjamin," and won both an Emmy and Golden Globe for the role in the subsequent TV series adaptation in the early 1980s. She also had a memorable turn as Tess Skeffington, the blonde sidekick to Peter Falk's San Francisco gumshoe Sam Diamond, in the all-star Agatha Christie spoof "Murder by Death".
It was about that time she was hit by a car and suffered massive injuries. It took her years to recover,...
The actress began her career on Broadway, which included the role of Irene Malloy in the original production of "Hello, Dolly!". She went onto film and TV work with memorable roles in "The Sting," "The Last Picture Show," "The Cheap Detective".
She scored an Oscar nomination for her supporting role in 1980's "Private Benjamin," and won both an Emmy and Golden Globe for the role in the subsequent TV series adaptation in the early 1980s. She also had a memorable turn as Tess Skeffington, the blonde sidekick to Peter Falk's San Francisco gumshoe Sam Diamond, in the all-star Agatha Christie spoof "Murder by Death".
It was about that time she was hit by a car and suffered massive injuries. It took her years to recover,...
- 7/30/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Actress Eileen Brennan, perhaps best known for her role as tough drill captain Doreen Lewis who ordered around Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin (1980), has died.
She was 80 years old.
Pics: The Most Shocking Celeb Deaths of All Time
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Brennan died early Sunday at her home in Burbank of bladder cancer.
Brennan earned an Oscar nomination for her Private Benjamin role, and starred in such hits as The Last Picture Show (1971), The Sting (1973), and Murder By Death (1976).
Pics: Nicole Richie Channels Goldie Hawn's 'Private Benjamin' Style
She is survived by her sons Sam and Patrick (himself an actor), daughter-in-law Jessica, sister Kate and grandchildren Liam and Maggie.
She was 80 years old.
Pics: The Most Shocking Celeb Deaths of All Time
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Brennan died early Sunday at her home in Burbank of bladder cancer.
Brennan earned an Oscar nomination for her Private Benjamin role, and starred in such hits as The Last Picture Show (1971), The Sting (1973), and Murder By Death (1976).
Pics: Nicole Richie Channels Goldie Hawn's 'Private Benjamin' Style
She is survived by her sons Sam and Patrick (himself an actor), daughter-in-law Jessica, sister Kate and grandchildren Liam and Maggie.
- 7/30/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
According to the UK Daily Mail, the gothic estate best known as Dr. Frank N. Furter's mansion in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and which has also been the filming location of several Hammer horror productions, is now officially up for sale. Oakley Court, located near Hammer's historic Bray Studios (itself destined for demolition, despite much protest from Hammer fans), was a private residence until 1965, after which it became the shooting location for several Hammer films and other productions. In 1981 it reopened as a luxury hotel with 188 bedrooms, a golf course and 37 acres of landscaped gardens. But the hotel is now going out of business, so Oakley is back on the market again. In addition to Rocky Horror (the house's most famous screen role), genre fans will no doubt recognize Oakley Court from Hammer classics like Brides of Dracula and Plague of the Zombies, and non-Hammer films like Vampyres, William Castle...
- 7/2/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
After listening to the same old bands as I always have and next to no new music last year, I resolved to change that in 2012. These Top 10 choices are based on what I listened to most according to Last.fm with a little tweaking.
1) Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror
Sledge hammer noise-pop with big-arse guitar riffs, pounding drums, sunny and lush vocals and some stupidly catchy melodies. Why this incredible duo aren’t the biggest band in the world, I have no idea. Best Track – Demons
2) Purity Rings – Shrines
Ambient and intimate synth-based pop soundscapes that manage to simultaneously sound sparse and expansive. Intelligent and soothing work. Best Track – Belispeak
3) Murder By Death – Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon
The alt-country act continues to mature magnificently on their sixth album. Perhaps more understated than their previous albums, but the song-writing has come on in leaps and bounds. Best Track – I Came Around...
1) Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror
Sledge hammer noise-pop with big-arse guitar riffs, pounding drums, sunny and lush vocals and some stupidly catchy melodies. Why this incredible duo aren’t the biggest band in the world, I have no idea. Best Track – Demons
2) Purity Rings – Shrines
Ambient and intimate synth-based pop soundscapes that manage to simultaneously sound sparse and expansive. Intelligent and soothing work. Best Track – Belispeak
3) Murder By Death – Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon
The alt-country act continues to mature magnificently on their sixth album. Perhaps more understated than their previous albums, but the song-writing has come on in leaps and bounds. Best Track – I Came Around...
- 12/26/2012
- by Jack Kirby
- Nerdly
My favorite thing about Truman Capote is his, uh, "performance" in the awful 1976 whodunit Murder By Death. Have you seen this vile mansion caper? It's Clue without the zing and exotic weaponry. (And I have my own problems with Neil Simon, but we'll get to that another day.) Here's Truman Capote as eccentric millionaire Lionel Twain, the host of the sinister dinner party. You'll notice David Niven is making a weak attempt to out-gay him.
It's so much. Peter Falk can't help but flash a wicked, Colin Firth-y stare at him.
What's amazing about Capote's weird role in Murder By Death is it's representative of the public's perception of him as a whole: He's celebrated as a wit, a fabulous bon vivant, and for being in total control as a writer -- an entrancing "host" for readers, if you will. Capote, the 2005 biopic starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, unpacks...
It's so much. Peter Falk can't help but flash a wicked, Colin Firth-y stare at him.
What's amazing about Capote's weird role in Murder By Death is it's representative of the public's perception of him as a whole: He's celebrated as a wit, a fabulous bon vivant, and for being in total control as a writer -- an entrancing "host" for readers, if you will. Capote, the 2005 biopic starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, unpacks...
- 9/17/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
In the short history of "Best Movie Ever?", I've covered enough cinematic treasure to render Leonard Maltin catatonic and super-gay for yeeeears. From Nine to Five and Working Girl to Clueless and Mean Girls, we've reexamined a lot of staggering celluloid and, more importantly, women in blazers. Today, I offer up a movie that I can hardly judge as a mere admirer. It's my favorite movie, it's probably your favorite movie, and when we add up its five most unbelievable elements, we'll be so high on glamorous (and Inconceivably Silly) goodness that we'll strike each other with candlesticks, lead pipes, and Colleen Camp's triumphant bazooms. Can you dig it? It's the zany whodunit Clue, darlings, and it's what makes Western civilization good.
Now, full disclosure: I've already written one magnum opus about Clue, and it's pretty comprehensive. But I wrote that for (gasp!) a largely straight audience, and now...
Now, full disclosure: I've already written one magnum opus about Clue, and it's pretty comprehensive. But I wrote that for (gasp!) a largely straight audience, and now...
- 5/16/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
A golden member of Hollywood, the very tall James Cromwell has played almost every part in the business. With more than 150 film/TV roles to his name, Cromwell has embodied princes, majors, presidents, vice presidents, doctors, and manipulative geniuses. Despite the positions of power he usually plays, he received an Oscar nomination for playing Farmer Arthur Hodgett in Babe.
In his latest role, he once again provides working man wisdom as the chauffeur to fallen silent film star George Valentin in The Artist. Although his time on-screen is in brief segments, Cromwell’s appearance in the movie provides an excellent bridge of the older days of Hollywood (his family was in the business) to the newer ways of filmmaking, in which timeless stories remain true in movies like The Artist.
I sat down with James Cromwell in a roundtable interview to discuss his passion for this movie, what he thinks of sound engineers,...
In his latest role, he once again provides working man wisdom as the chauffeur to fallen silent film star George Valentin in The Artist. Although his time on-screen is in brief segments, Cromwell’s appearance in the movie provides an excellent bridge of the older days of Hollywood (his family was in the business) to the newer ways of filmmaking, in which timeless stories remain true in movies like The Artist.
I sat down with James Cromwell in a roundtable interview to discuss his passion for this movie, what he thinks of sound engineers,...
- 2/23/2012
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Chicago – The character actor has always been a fixture in Hollywood culture, and there are few as unique as James Cromwell. He’s had many memorable roles in films like “Babe,” “L.A. Confidential” and within the “Star Trek” legacy. Currently, he portrays Clifton in the Oscar-nominated “The Artist.”
Cromwell was born of Hollywood royalty. His father was director John Cromwell (”Of Human Bondage,” “Since You Went Away”) and his mother was notable 1930s film actress Kay Johnson. He grew up in New York City, and studied acting at the Carnegie Mellon school in Pittsburgh. After years of stage work, he broke into TV in the mid-1970s, with a noteworthy role in “All in the Family,” as the talked-about-yet-never-seen character of Stretch Cunningham (see story below). This started a series of supporting parts in films and TV throughout the next couple of decades.
James Cromwell as Clifton in ‘The Artist...
Cromwell was born of Hollywood royalty. His father was director John Cromwell (”Of Human Bondage,” “Since You Went Away”) and his mother was notable 1930s film actress Kay Johnson. He grew up in New York City, and studied acting at the Carnegie Mellon school in Pittsburgh. After years of stage work, he broke into TV in the mid-1970s, with a noteworthy role in “All in the Family,” as the talked-about-yet-never-seen character of Stretch Cunningham (see story below). This started a series of supporting parts in films and TV throughout the next couple of decades.
James Cromwell as Clifton in ‘The Artist...
- 1/30/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Each week within this column we strive to pair the latest in theatrical releases to the worthwhile titles currently available on Netflix Instant Watch.
In theaters this week love stories will do battle with a tent-pole thrill-ride and a Sundance thriller. Robots, lovebirds, and David Hyde Pierce! (Oh my!) For more tales of love — between men and machine, man and woman, or dinner parties and mayhem — check out our latest batch of suggested viewing.
—
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Shia LeBeof and his giant robot buds the Autobots are back to battle the Decepticons for a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon…Or something. Michael Bay directs, so expect explosions.
Boys love toys. Here’s three more tales of men and machine:
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Vol. 1: (1984) If you grew up tuning to the adventures of Optimus Prime and the company, it’s likely you were also a Voltron watcher.
In theaters this week love stories will do battle with a tent-pole thrill-ride and a Sundance thriller. Robots, lovebirds, and David Hyde Pierce! (Oh my!) For more tales of love — between men and machine, man and woman, or dinner parties and mayhem — check out our latest batch of suggested viewing.
—
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Shia LeBeof and his giant robot buds the Autobots are back to battle the Decepticons for a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon…Or something. Michael Bay directs, so expect explosions.
Boys love toys. Here’s three more tales of men and machine:
Voltron: Defender of the Universe: Vol. 1: (1984) If you grew up tuning to the adventures of Optimus Prime and the company, it’s likely you were also a Voltron watcher.
- 6/30/2011
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
Us actor whose success as the scruffy TV detective Columbo was complemented by a wide range of stage and screen roles
Show-business history records that the American actor Peter Falk, who has died aged 83, made his stage debut the year before he left high school, presciently cast as a detective. Despite the 17-year-old's fleeting success, he had no thoughts of pursuing acting as a career – if only because tough kids from the Bronx considered it an unsuitable job for a man. Just 24 years later, Falk made his first television appearance as the scruffy detective, Columbo, not only becoming the highest paid actor on television – commanding $500,000 an episode during the 1970s – but also the most famous.
Inevitably the lieutenant dedicated to unravelling the villainy of the wealthy and glamorous dominated his career, although – unlike some actors – he escaped the straitjacket, or in his case shabby raincoat, of typecasting. In addition to stage work,...
Show-business history records that the American actor Peter Falk, who has died aged 83, made his stage debut the year before he left high school, presciently cast as a detective. Despite the 17-year-old's fleeting success, he had no thoughts of pursuing acting as a career – if only because tough kids from the Bronx considered it an unsuitable job for a man. Just 24 years later, Falk made his first television appearance as the scruffy detective, Columbo, not only becoming the highest paid actor on television – commanding $500,000 an episode during the 1970s – but also the most famous.
Inevitably the lieutenant dedicated to unravelling the villainy of the wealthy and glamorous dominated his career, although – unlike some actors – he escaped the straitjacket, or in his case shabby raincoat, of typecasting. In addition to stage work,...
- 6/26/2011
- by Brian Baxter
- The Guardian - Film News
The legendary raspy voiced Peter Falk has passed away at his home in Beverly Hills according to a family statement. He was 83 and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite a rumpled appearance, a glass right eye and a quiet voice - Falk was also a fiercely compelling actor who handled dark drama and comedic farce with equal skill. Starting out on stage, he first got noticed for his work as a gangster in "Murder, Inc" and followed that with Frank Capra's last film "Pocketful of Miracles" - scoring Oscar nominations for both performances.
He also worked with John Cassavetes on both "Husbands" and "A Woman Under the Influence", played a closeted Raymond Chandler-inspired detective in the mystery spoof "Murder by Death", and had roles in "The Great Race," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," "Vibes," "The In-Laws," "The Princess Bride,...
Despite a rumpled appearance, a glass right eye and a quiet voice - Falk was also a fiercely compelling actor who handled dark drama and comedic farce with equal skill. Starting out on stage, he first got noticed for his work as a gangster in "Murder, Inc" and followed that with Frank Capra's last film "Pocketful of Miracles" - scoring Oscar nominations for both performances.
He also worked with John Cassavetes on both "Husbands" and "A Woman Under the Influence", played a closeted Raymond Chandler-inspired detective in the mystery spoof "Murder by Death", and had roles in "The Great Race," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," "Vibes," "The In-Laws," "The Princess Bride,...
- 6/25/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
By Lee Pfeiffer
Peter Falk, the iconic actor of stage, screen and television, died yesterday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 83 years old and had been battling Alzheimer's Disease. Falk created a legendary persona that served him well: that of the inarticulate street guy. He also had a physical abnormality that he made work to his advantage: since the age of 3, he had a glass eye. Despite the fact that he rode to success playing rough, street-wise characters, he was actually highly educated. He earned a master's degree and did not enter acting until the relatively late age of 29. He found almost immediate success and appeared in acclaimed New York stage productions of classic plays by Arthur Miller and Paddy Chayefsky, among others. Falk also found a welcome reception in Hollywood, often playing gangsters. He scored a Best Supporting Actor nomination of Murder, Inc in 1960 and would be...
Peter Falk, the iconic actor of stage, screen and television, died yesterday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 83 years old and had been battling Alzheimer's Disease. Falk created a legendary persona that served him well: that of the inarticulate street guy. He also had a physical abnormality that he made work to his advantage: since the age of 3, he had a glass eye. Despite the fact that he rode to success playing rough, street-wise characters, he was actually highly educated. He earned a master's degree and did not enter acting until the relatively late age of 29. He found almost immediate success and appeared in acclaimed New York stage productions of classic plays by Arthur Miller and Paddy Chayefsky, among others. Falk also found a welcome reception in Hollywood, often playing gangsters. He scored a Best Supporting Actor nomination of Murder, Inc in 1960 and would be...
- 6/25/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
There's some sad news to report today as Peter Falk, TV's Columbo, has passed away at age 83. The actual cause of death has not been released, although it's known that Falk had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for the past few years. He was a talented actor who enjoyed success in both TV and film, earning multiple awards and nominations from each medium. Although Falk started in theater, he quickly transitioned into films, achieving back-to-back Best Supporting Actor nominations for Murder, Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles. From there he enjoyed steady work in films like The Great Race, Castle Keep, and Murder by Death. Falk was also known for his friendship with actor/director John Cassavetes and the two collaborated on more verité-style films like Husbands and A Woman Under the Influence. And then there was Columbo, the role Falk would be most associated with. He started playing the seemingly inept...
- 6/25/2011
- by Aaron
- FilmJunk
Columbo has died and it’s so hard to believe. For decades, well before I was born, he was the guy who would turn up when someone had passed away, always in his piece of junk car, messily dressed with his cigar a part of his physical person, looking and acting like he had spent the whole night boozing. He would be the only person unsure that foul play wasn’t involved, spend the following weeks almost befriending the murderer before just ‘one last thing’ and tiring and wearing them down until they would confess it all to him. His bumbling fool was an act, a false sense of security that would catch them off guard to let a damning clue slip, and his mind-games with the killer would always pay off – not even William Shatner, Dick Van Dyke, Ricardo Montalban, Leonard Nimoy, Donald Pleasence or even Johnny Cash and...
- 6/24/2011
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Peter Falk, beloved character actor who starred in Columbo and The Princess Bride, passed away last night. The two-time Oscar nominee had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for three years at the time of his death. He was 83 years old. Here’s what some of his celebrity fans have Tweeted about his eclectic career:
Michael McKean: “As many film fans know, Falk was already an angel. The rest is just paperwork.”
Kevin Pollak: “Peter Falk will always be one of my favorite actors. Check his work in Murder Inc. Oscar-nominated, I believe. Sad…”
Al Roker: “Few were better...
Michael McKean: “As many film fans know, Falk was already an angel. The rest is just paperwork.”
Kevin Pollak: “Peter Falk will always be one of my favorite actors. Check his work in Murder Inc. Oscar-nominated, I believe. Sad…”
Al Roker: “Few were better...
- 6/24/2011
- by Lanford Beard
- EW.com - PopWatch
"Original," "unique," and "one of a kind" are terms that get used fairly often when talking about the actors and actresses we adore -- but once in a while those terms truly Fit the person under discussion. Today we lost an original, a unique performer, and a wonderfully one of a kind personality: the perpetually lovable Peter Falk has passed away at the age of 83. Best known for his squinty eyes, his creaky voice and his fantastic dry delivery, Peter Falk dominated the airwaves in Columbo throughout the 1970s, but to several generations of movie buffs, he was the fast-talking con man in The In-Laws, the flawlessly affectionate grandpa in The Princess Bride, the clever self-parody in Murder By Death, and dozens of other roles. Mr. Falk did fine films with...
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- 6/24/2011
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
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