Stellan Skarsgard on 'Dragon Tattoo,' Not Pleased with 'The Avengers' and the 'Good Will Hunting' Scarf

You will find certain stars that you simply meet throughout interview periods that are not worried about "remaining on message." Stellan Skarsgard is just one of individuals stars. For instance: Skarsgard freely confesses that he isn't pleased with his role in 'The Avengers.' Plus there is his relationship together with his boy, Alexander, of 'True Blood' fame: "I never help my children and that i never encourage them and that i never provide them with any advice." So, yes, that's interesting. Stellan Skarsgard does appear pleased with his role as Martin Vanger -- the brother of the girl who disappeared in 1966 -- in David Fincher's version of 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattoo.' Within this pretty wide-raging discussion, Skarsgard talks freely and freely about his ideas on Enya's presence throughout a pivotal scene, the origin material for 'Dragon Tattoo,' his unfulfilling role in 'The Avengers,' his early operate in 'The Search for Red-colored October,' and the scarf in 'Good Will Hunting.' I am happy that Enya's not playing at this time. Yeah! After I questioned your boy, Alexander, for 'Melancholia,' he'd Pink Floyd playing within the room. He really loves Pink Floyd... Yeah. And it is much better than Enya. Was Enya really playing when you were filming, or was that put in later? It had been a concept from David Fincher, I believe, to simply switch it on in the end have there been. And That I was like [sarcastically], "Yes! It's fantastic." Since it is. It's brilliant. It will play well for your scene. Yeah, it will, does not it? Was that scene as intense to film in internet marketing would be to watch? I can not imagine you will find laughs aplenty gong on. Between your goes laugh. You switch off and on. None people are actually Method stars, we do not get to be the figures. Therefore we had an enjoyable experience doing the work. But throughout the takes, obviously, it's very intense. That which was your opinion from the Swedish version? I believed it was very good. Now I believe it's muddled -- I can not say that which was in that one and that which was for the reason that one. I believe this version has characteristics that the first did not have. Certainly. Like what? It is a David Fincher movie. It's produced by among the best company directors on the planet and it is compiled by among the best authors on the planet [Steve Zaillian]. I believe that the connection between your two leading figures is much better in that one of computer is at the first. But it is also two different assumes exactly the same material, so there is no real reason for saying who's winning. Being an actor, can there be frustration whenever a movie that you are was remade? You'd it take place -- Al Pacino changed you in 'Insomnia.' No. I love Pacino. Well, I actually do, too. [Laughs] But everyone see what world you are residing in. Why it's remade? People don't wish to read subtitles. That's one reason. And when somebody great will it -- 'Insomnia' ended with a good director [Christopher Nolan] -- i quickly do not have anything against it. They are attempting to make another version of something that's good so more and more people can easily see it. It's one factor whether it's a Bergman film, produced by an excellent auteur in Europe along with a Hollywood studio states, "Well, which was a awesome film. Let us remake it and take off everything that's offensive and employ a generic director to get it done.Inch Then, it simply shows the stupidity from the studio because then they are making something completely different. But, within this situation, aside from the 2 primary figures, it is a pretty generic crime story. But it is now adopted by an auteur director in the usa -- because Fincher is definitely an auteur. So, everybody's happy about this. Well, I understand the director from the first film isn't happy about this. I guess that's understandable from his perspective. I am not too protective by what I have done. That is apparent using what you stated about 'Insomnia.' I had been proud simply because they clearly loved things i did. Thanks. Perhaps you have read 'The Girl using the Dragon Tattoo'? No, I've not browse the book. I've not either. My girlfriend has and she's mixed onto it. Yeah, my girlfriend is, too. I am talking about my spouse, she's explained everything about this, so ... and that i trust her. Here there exists a large Hollywood production being shot in Sweden, which does not happen frequently. Would you've been pissed should you were not contacted? No, because I do not go being an insult if individuals don't approach me about stuff that I enjoy do. Casting a movie, you could have the finest stars inside a film also it does not work. It is a combination of all the elements. Again, there's not lots of American productions that occur in Sweden. Should you were not considered, you would not think, seriously, the number of well-known, respected Swedish stars exist employed in the U.S.? I'd most likely be considered a little upset if he'd have cast a Russian actor who had been really bad within the role. It requires a great deal to offend me. Why Russian? I'm not sure. While he could not be Swedish. And when Pacino might have tried it, I could have been fine by using it. If had arrived at Sweden, I'd have cooked for him. Well, he's taken roles of your stuff before. I believe Pacino should re-do all my roles. Even 'Good Will Hunting'? [Laughing] 'Good Will Hunting'... I am likely to say, I am unsure that certain works too. I am likely to disagree along with you on that certain. OK, maybe not every them. Would you watch 'True Blood' regularly? No, no. I watch it occasionally. Occasionally. I do not abide by it. I do not have enough time for your. I do not abide by it regularly, however i do watch it now and then to determine where it is going. It is extremely well crafted. And i believe Alexander is getting an enjoyable experience doing the work. He explained his story about how exactly he found visit you and also he ended up in 'Zoolander.' [Laughs and shakes mind] Yeah. I wasn't even involved with it. Because, as I have stated, I never help my children and that i never encourage them and that i never provide them with any advice. It's their careers and they've to really make it themselves. So he most likely met my agent and that is the way it happened -- and all of a sudden he's burning in a service station. Your 'Smoke Jumpers' character on 'Entourage': was that actually according to Werner Herzog or have there been other influences happening there? It wasn't Herzog whatsoever. This is the perception, though. Yeah, I understand, while he was known as "Verner." But it is nothing like Herzog. And what I am doing there's like a long time of expertise of various company directors put into one. But it is just for fun. I am not likely to title them. I understand Werner Herzog and he isn't like this whatsoever. However the obsessive side from it is general -- all company directors are control freaks and incredibly obsessive. I recieve the sensation that company directors as kids, every one has were built with a childhood with little connection with other kids. They built their very own reality plus they continue doing it. It is a funny breed, company directors. I have never heard it put this way before. A minimum of the great ones. Obviously you've generic company directors which are just kind of mechanics. You are in 'The Avengers.' Mm-hm. OK, now Personally i think bad getting that up. No, number.. obviously I'm. But not so much. There's lots of folks 'The Avengers' And That I was thinking, How on the planet will you get all individuals superheroes inside a movie and fit them and have a tale that really progresses? And, also you need to satisfy lots of stars with a minimum of reasonable material. Have you feel satisfied? No. Not necessarily. But I am not among the superheroes. However, you were built with a large role in 'Thor.' Yeah, but here it is a small role. I've normal clothes and just appear briefly because individuals with funny costumes -- that's the core from it. But, Joss Whedon, it is a fantastic pure mechanical try to develop a story because of so many heroes that really works. I believe the script labored. What it will likely be if this arrives, I can not tell. And today both Kenneth Branagh and Patty Jenkins are out because the director of 'Thor 2.' I question what is going to happen there? I've no clue. I understood Branagh wouldn't, I did not think so. I do not think he'd do a different one. The concept right from the start was that it hadn't been serial to him. It had been one factor. Also it would be a very specific story where both mobile phone industry's were introduced. The Shakespearean turf ... but he was great dealing with and i believe the end result was excellent. When they requested you, what type of director can you want? I believe what Marvel continues to be very wise with, they have been picking excellent company directors -- not always experts on visual effects and large movie-making. What they desire are company directors who're good with figures and stars. It is simply as with the very first 'Pirates from the Caribbean' film: It isn't what Disney wanted. They attempted to fireplace both Gore Verbinski and The Actor-brad Pitt. Gore Verbinski's take was he focused on the stars and gave them space -- and also the audience loves it. What remember regarding your experience around the group of 'The Search for Red-colored October'? It had been my first large studio production and that i is at awe after i drove with the Melrose gate at Vital the very first time. But, also, I did not comprehend it. Since it is this type of small role and they are investing a lot money flying me top class from Sweden and set me up inside a luxury hotel for 2 days for your little role. And they known as me before we began shooting and stated, "Hey, we would like you to get it done in Russian." And That I stated, "You are kidding? You have 100s of excellent Russian stars in La. Hire someone else." And So I did not need to do it in Russian. At this time there is a Russian actor giving a job interview saying, "As lengthy because they did not cast a Swedish actor for your part, I wouldn't happen to be upset." Yeah! "Now, take a look at me, I am depriving still!" Personally i think that you simply set a shawl-putting on trend together with your character in 'Good Will Hunting.' Next movie, everybody began putting on jewelry like this. There have been many people that were not impressed with that scarf. Why? I'm not sure! I believed it was really awesome, too. I am not kidding, I believe you began a trend. "Why have you got that silly scarf?" Because professors aren't all tweed. It wasn't my idea, it had been the costume designer's idea. However it was totally consistent with mine since the first factor I stated was, "I am a college professor -- no tweed." Which was an ailment because I needed a rock 'n roll professor greater than a tweed professor. I would like a professor that fucks his students. And That I first got it! But it is true, the jewelry have grown to be extremely popular. I had been just putting on it loosely having a jacket, you realize. But it is additionally a little Italian, is not it? Whenever you shot that, did you possess an concept that it might be the success it switched to be? No. No clue. Somebody requested me, "What's happening, Stellan?" I stated, "I am shooting a little film with a few very first time authors. It is a small, independent film." Also it was. However everybody first viewed it. Everybody first viewed it. However it had some great elements. Not just a very, excellent script by Matt and Ben, they'd a really, excellent director [Gus Van Sant]. And Robin Williams plus some great stars. And Matt was great inside it. And Ben, too. Which was this type of great shoot And shooting with Gus ... he's so timid. So discrete. You begin shooting and following the first take, he's like [whispering], "Let us try it again.Inch And you're doing so over and over. And also you seem like you are doing the work again not while he wasn't pleased with it, but while he loved it a lot he really wants to view it again. Therefore we grew to become the much more bold and the much more bold. Not to mention Robin Williams he just chimes to something crazy after which he goes down another path and begins improvising things. He will get a lot material, so he is able to create what he wants in the scene. Are you aware what else it had? A very great scarf. Along with a excellent scarf! I did not realize that this scarf would turn that into such a millionaire. You are able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

U.K.'s Funnel 5 sees ad gold gold coin rise 28%

LONDON -- U.K. terrestrial web Funnel 5 is predicted to link up record advertising growth this year. Its success is due to overeating U.S. imports, acquiring "Government,Inch together with a smart, multi-platform ad sales strategy Under its new owner, Richard Desmond, who paid out 103.5 million ($161 million) for your web inside the summer season of 2010, the once ailing Funnel 5 is positioned to think about greater than $543 million in ad gold gold coin this season, up 28% each year. This is actually the finest ad consume the broadcaster's 14 years on air, throughout the network's previous owner, pan-European giant RTL had not successful to exhibit Funnel 5 in to a financial success. Desmond has cut back and, most significantly, offered innovative ad deals to entrepreneurs across his U.K. TV, print an online-based interests, such as the Daily Express and OK! magazine. Ad sales topper Nick Bampton, a classic Viacom U.K. professional who grew to become an associate of Funnel 5 this past year, mentioned: "Funnel 5 just recorded an unequalled year of advertising growth after getting in new revenue from right overall.Inch He added: "Positioning the broadcaster incorporated inside a wider group sell while using magazines and newspapers has permitted us to own bigger conversations wonderful our major entrepreneurs." "Government,Inch which Funnel 5 bought in April following several days of discussions with Endemol, has aided strengthen the web's recognition while using under-35s, much desired from entrepreneurs. But Funnel 5 still produces numerous its finest audiences for Hollywood movies and U.S. fare like "The Mentalist" as well as the "CSI" franchise, plus Oz imports "Home and Away" and "Neighbours." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Occupy Wall Street Protests the Set of Law & Order: SVU

Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mariska Hargitay Occupy Wall Street has now occupied the set of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Members of the movement gathered late Thursday night in NY's Foley Square, where the NBC procedural known for "ripping from the headlines" was reportedly recreating the scene of Occupy Wall Street's former camp in Zucotti Park. Scoop: Law & Order: SVU swears in Kevin Pollak for guest spot "Law & Order was using this as a backdrop for some salacious story," a member of the Occupy Wall Street press team told The Huffington Post. "People did it in the spirit of absurdity and fun, and we like to come together in public space and share ideas and show our vision through our action. ... We're doing that tonight with a good bit of jest and big fat smiles on our faces."NBC declined to comment, but executive producer Warren Leight responded to the events on Twitter. "Saddened by last night's events," he tweeted. "We understand OWS emotions run high, and also protestors' fear of having their images and historyco-opted by corporate media. The irony here is the scene we couldn't shoot portrayed OWS in a sympathetic lightand many of the union writers, crew and set builders who worked on prepping the scene are supportive of the movement." According to MSNBC, no arrests were made and production quickly began breaking down the set. See video from the incident:

First Look inside The Hammer Vault, the Coffee-Table Tribute to a Horror Institution

I’ve spent the last few days transfixed by The Hammer Vault, Marcus Hearn’s new tour through the history and archives of the infamous genre maestros at Hammer Films. It’s got everything — from the stories behind the celebrated creature features of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing to remembrances of the risible pseudo-PSA Never Take Sweets From a Stranger to a rummage through such unmade Hammer fare like When the Earth Cracked Open and the awesome Zeppelin vs Pterodactyls (seriously). And while its official January release date won’t necessarily help you for the holidays, it’s worth earmarking a line in the early 2012 budget for any horror, fantasy and B-movie devotees in your life. CORRECTION: The publisher writes to say that it will be out for the holidays! Hallelujah! Below, Movieline has rounded up an exclusive (if tiny) sampling of the history you can expect to find in The Hammer Vault (out Dec. 20 via Titan Books). Latter-day Hammer offerings like Let Me In are featured as well, but for sheer, exhilarating nostalgia’s sake, it’s tough to beat Cushing’s script notes or Raquel Welch in all her One Million Years BC glory. Check it out… · Christopher Lee, fully made up as the Creature (The Curse of Frankenstein), examines a reel of film in the projection room. · In December 1965, Hammer placed this full-page advertisement in a Daily Cinema supplement: · In this annotated script page from The Satanic Rites of Dracula, Peter Cushing questions the speech where his character, Lorrimer Van Helsing, describes Dracula’s “mortal dread of silver.” The most poignant note on this page simply reads “Helen,” the name of Cushing’s late wife. · Acrylic artwork for a flyer that stressed the links between Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell and Hammer’s traditional Gothic horrors. [Artwork from The Hammer Vault, Marcus Hearn and Hammer Film Productions Limited as joint owners 2011.]

Guy Ritchie And Lionel Wigram Join The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros is making a deal with Guy Ritchie and his new partner Lionel Wigram to come aboard The Man From U.N.C.L.E., the film that Steven Soderbergh left just recently over budget and difficulty with casting after George Clooney dropped out. Based on the classic TV show, the film has a script by Scott Z. Burns. Ritchie and Wigram are forming a shingle together after making the Sherlock Holmes films. The intention is for Ritchie to direct the film. This would be the first project under the new shingle for the British director and producer, who open Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows on December 16. The film premieres in the UK tonight. Soderbergh has set his sights on The Bitter Pill, a thriller that Summit will put into production next year, after this week closing a deal that calls for a green light commitment on the Burns-scripted thriller.

Erin Andrews Sues for $10 Million Over 2008 Hotel Peephole Incident

NEWYORK - Yahoo said Thursday it would launch the Yahoo Comedy Channel with a slate of original comedy video content featuring such comedians as Mike O'Brien, lead writer on Saturday Night Live, and Seth Morris (No Strings Attached, Step Brothers) in the company's latest sign of commitment to the premium content space.our editor recommendsYahoo Building NY StudioYahoo Shutters Four Entertainment Blogs The channel will launch with a Bill Maher stand-up performanceentitled CrazyStupidPolitics: Bill Maher Live from Silicon Valley, available exclusively on Yahoo.The performance, which the firm said will be the first-ever, live, free broadcast online, will take place on Feb. 23, 2012 at the San Jose Performing Arts Center. The comedy news comes off the heels of Yahoo's launch of a women-focused programming slate, which had nearly 10 million streams in its first month. Yahoo, which has been exploring its options, said it is the top destination online for comedy with 1 billion streams of its original programming to-date. "Bill Maher's special is a groundbreaking event, not only for Yahoo and Bill but for the Internet as the first-ever, live, free broadcast online," said Erin McPherson, vp & head of Video at Yahoo. We are focusing on fresh, original voices like Bill and our other original programs with the Yahoo! Comedy Channel to continue to provide our consumers and advertisers with the best premium content on the Web." "I'm excited to be doing something new in bringing a live stand up show to a web giant like Yahoo," said Maher. "It is my goal to make people say "Oh no he di'nt" in every medium on earth." Yahoo's production partners in the comedy channel include Funny or Die, Broadway Video, Electus, David Morgasen and Principato-Young, among others.Among its planned programming are: - Funny Or Die Presents First Dates with Toby Harris: Starring Seth Morris, the LA-based series shows ill-fated first dates with the always single Toby Harris. "Each episode centers around a different woman and issue that will leave the audience bickering amongst themselves who was right and who was wrong, and how they would have handled it better," Yahoo said. - 7 Minutes in Heaven: Hosted by Mike O'Brien, the show invites celebrities into his closet for an intimate conversation. - Sketchy: A weekly video series featuring comedy shorts written, directed and starring Principato-Young Entertainment, whose roster includes Ed Helms, Justin Long, Anthony Anderson, Rob Corddry, Rob Riggle, Rachel Harris, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer and others. - Hackerazzi: From Morgasen, the director known for viral videos like the "David Blaine Street Magic" spoofs and "Obama-McCain Dance-off," as well as work on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The show attaches celebrity heads to actors to reach comedic effects. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Yahoo

MythBusters Mistake Transmits Cannonball Through House, Van

First Released: December 7, 2011 12:08 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman attend The Paley Center for Medias A Night Time using the Discovery Channels MythBusters on June 13, 2011 in Beverly HillsDUBLIN, Calif. -- A stunt for that Television show MythBusters sent an errant cannonball via a California familys house and right into a parked minivan a couple of hundred ft away. Producers for that Discovery Funnel show fired the cannonball Tuesday in the Alameda County Sheriffs Department explosive device range behind the Santa Rita Jail if this misfired. Sheriffs spokesperson J.D. Nelson told the Contra Costa Occasions that nobody was hurt and also the houses citizens didnt even awaken before the dust was settled literally on the top of these. Nelson, who is another consultant for that show, stated producers used the cannon they built in the range a lot more than 50 occasions without incident. The cannonball was supposed to undergo a couple of water-filled barrels along with a concrete wall. Rather, it passed within the barrels, with the wall, after which required a really unfortunate bounce that sent the ball skyward, Nelson stated. About 700 ft away, it returned while watching Dublin home, then tore with the door and out a wall on the rear of the home. The projectile then returned at least one time many entered the street before damaging the window and dashboard from the minivan, where it found relaxation. We'd some tremendous misfortune plus some tremendous best of luck for the reason that nobody was hurt, Nelson stated. Jasbir Gill, who is the owner of the minivan, stated he and the children had just become home. Its frightening, Gill stated. I had been within the van 5 minutes before happened. Nelson stated he would never know the precise size, speed or weight from the cannonball. The show, based on the Discovery Funnel website, mixes scientific method with gleeful curiosity and common-fashioned resourcefulness to produce (its) own signature type of explosive experimentation. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'The Artist,' 'War Horse' Among Contenders Nominated for Satellite Awards

This article appears in the Dec. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsThe Making of Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse'From 'The Artist' to 'War Horse,' 23 Awards Contenders That Prominently Feature Animals (Photos)'War Horse': Newest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Pulling (Video)'War Horse' Star Jeremy Irvine to Play Young Colin Firth in 'The Railway Man' (Exclusive)Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson: The Titans Behind 'The Adventures of Tintin' In October 2010, Steven Spielberg fell in a hole. "I was walking in a trench with my viewfinder and the crew following me, and all of a sudden I disappeared," recalls the director of the time when he was shooting War Horse just outside London. "It was a hole dug for explosive charges, and a storm had washed away the warning cones and filled it up. I was totally under ice water. I threw my hands over my head, and two big grips pulled me out." Now, 13 months after wrapping his World War I epic, Spielberg can laugh about "the murder hole." But that was only one of the challenges involved in bringing his movie to the screen, along with fighting freezing weather, dealing with an army of 5,800 extras and about 300 horses, and turning to filmmaker Peter Jackson for crucial wartime artifacts from his private collection -- all within a 63-day shoot and with an exceptionally tight $70 million budget ($65 million after tax breaks). PHOTOS: The Making of 'War Horse' Spielberg first heard about War Horse in the summer of 2009. That's when his longtime producer Kathleen Kennedy mentioned the West End adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's 1982 novel, which centers on a British horse named Joey that we follow from birth through four years of war. During that time, he is enlisted by the army, captured by Germans and hidden by French farmers, all while being trailed by Albert, the young Englishman who raised him. When Kennedy spoke of the project, Spielberg was on the scoring stage for The Adventures of Tintin. Having finished 31 days of motion-capture work, he was in a yearlong holding pattern until animation was completed and he could return to the film. To his surprise, he discovered that the book's movie rights had not been optioned, so Kennedy flew to England, where she had breakfast with Morpurgo, then hired Billy Elliot scribe Lee Hall to craft an initial draft. COVER STORY: Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson -- The Titans Behind 'Tintin' "What was irresistible for me had nothing to do with global war," says Spielberg. "It was how Joey linked disparate characters together and the length to which Albert went to find him." After working briefly with Hall, Spielberg moved on to a second writer, Four Weddings and a Funeral's Richard Curtis, in an attempt to bring the screenplay closer to the book. Curtis was nervous: He'd met Spielberg only once before, at France's César Awards in 1995, when the presenter declared Spielberg's Schindler's List a masterpiece and said, "If any other film wins, it will be a disgrace to the honor of France" -- only for Four Weddings to pick up the best foreign film trophy. PHOTOS: Steven Spielberg on Set But Spielberg was more interested in the new picture, and he was clear it should focus on the horse -- like the novel, the movie was to be told from the horse's point of view -- rather than intercutting that story with the boy's. Curtis became convinced this would work when he read the book aloud to his 14-year-old daughter while she was in bed, awaiting an operation. "I found it hard to read the last 10 pages to her because they were so emotional," he recalls, declining to say more about the operation. "I thought immediately, 'If it works in the book, we can do it in the film.' " PHOTOS: 'The Adventures of Tintin' Now he moved fast, whipping through more than a dozen drafts in three months while conducting two-hour telephone conversations with Spielberg. On one occasion, he had to hide in a hospital medicine cabinet while discussing the script, "surrounded by syringes and pills, because I couldn't talk in my daughter's room." As he wrote, a research team plowed through troves of artifacts at England's Imperial War Museum, frequently copying photos that would be used to stage scenes. Spielberg was fascinated by their discoveries. "I was not prepared for how many millions of horses perished during the Great War -- it was over 4 million," he says. "And it wasn't all in close combat; a lot was just through malnutrition and mistreatment. But don't forget that the Humane Society was born out of the First World War, and it was a huge turning point in technological warfare that supplanted the horse once and forever." PHOTOS: 23 Awards Contenders Featuring Animals In addition to the material his researchers found, Spielberg drew on an unexpected source: his Tintin producer Jackson, who collects war memorabilia. "He's even got about 15 working biplanes, which we didn't need," marvels Spielberg. "He sent about three cargo containers to the U.K., free of charge. He pretty much lent me his entire World War I collection." As all of that fell into place, a critical matter loomed: finding the right actor to play Albert, who ages from 15 to 21. "I looked for months and months," says Spielberg. "I was running out of hope, then Jeremy Irvine came in toward the last third of the casting process." There was one snag: The 20-year-old Irvine's most extensive acting experience had been playing a tree in the chorus of the Royal Shakespeare Company. "I had a couple of months of going in to audition two or three times a week, sometimes doing videotape and knowing it would be shown to Steven," he says. "It was quite intense." Weeks after his first audition, adds Irvine: "I got a call at about 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., saying, 'Can you meet Steven for tea in a hotel in London tomorrow morning?' I did what any actor would do: I freaked out." He won the role regardless, and shooting commenced Aug. 6, 2010, in Dartmoor, in the south of England. Production designer Rick Carter had searched for British locations that would be convincing, such as the bucolic farm where Joey's story begins and the no-man's-land where the war is fought. A crew of 750 worked ferociously so each location would be ready when filming took place. Operations revolved around seven locales, ranging from the untamed moors of Dartmoor to a derelict airfield in Surrey, England (where land could be dug up to look like a battlefield) to the Duke of Wellington's storied estate west of London. Each had its share of difficulties. In Dartmoor, a nature preserve, the land couldn't be touched. "We had to put down netting and bring the dirt in and plant what looked like rocks and dig into that," says Carter. The appalling weather created some "nail-biting situations," he adds. Right before the shoot, a terrific storm blew away part of a thatched roof on Albert's farmhouse -- in actuality, made of Styrofoam. "We had to have a crew repaint it every day because it was falling apart," Carter notes. For one shot, in which men and horses emerge like ghosts from a field of reeds, the plants were moved from another part of the country and set in place individually. "There was a marsh somewhere in the south of London still in bloom; we went there and paid a farmer to cut his whole field down, then we put the reeds in Styrofoam." Even the 250 yards of trenches Carter dug, which might seem a simple task but involved laying down an infrastructure to keep them in place and allow tracking shots, required six weeks of preparation alone. "It was like a construction site, with 20 Caterpillars running around," he says. Creating clothing for the men who would inhabit those locations was no easier. "[Costume supervisor] Dave Crossman would trawl through eBay, seeing what we could get -- the hardware and the insignias," says costume designer Joanna Johnston, a longtime Spielberg collaborator. Beyond the beauty of the uniforms, she was surprised at the real-life parallels she discovered with the movie. "The great-grandfather of a girl who worked with us was a milkman whose horse was taken during the war -- and amazingly, the horse made it back," she says. As far as the present horses were concerned, Kennedy brought one huge advantage: Having produced 2003's Seabiscuit, she knew the ins and outs of working with equines. "That was one of the biggest departments on the film, with 200 to 300 people," she says of the animal unit. "You'd sometimes have as many as 180 to 280 horses in a scene. You'd have groomers and drivers to haul the horses and the feed, people to set up portable barns, vets and everyone else who handled the tack and the horses' makeup." Fourteen horses in all played Joey, the most prominent being one named Finder, which had starred in Seabiscuit. "We had bought horses for Seabiscuit, then we sold them -- and Bobby Lovgren, our lead trainer, bought Finder," says Kennedy. "He turned out to be one of the best horses Bobby had ever worked with, so he brought Finder with him to England." Except for one notable shot in which the horse stumbles and falls into a trench, most of the work was done without CGI effects. That added pressure to the shoot, as did the ever-changing British weather. "It was unbelievably rainy and cold," says Kennedy. "Even when you had your wellies on, sometimes you'd just take a step and one would be left stuck in the mud. It was freezing and raining, but then there would be these amazing skies and the whole crew would stop and gaze out at the landscape because it was so beautiful." Moments like these vanished during the hardest part of filming, when the trench warfare took place. "As soon as your big woolen uniform gets wet, the weight is unbelievable," says Irvine, "and you'd be running across no-man's-land, right through the mud and dirt. There were sequences where explosions would take place next to me and three or four stuntmen would fly through the air -- and then there'd be other scenes where you're just soaking wet. I got trench foot [a medical condition contracted through lengthy contact with dampness]. The soldiers used to get it all the time. And then there were the rats." Several dozen rodents were released into the trenches with the actors, much to their horror. But the rats were even more of a nightmare for the producers. "When you put mud on a rat, it immediately starts to clean itself. We could never keep them covered in mud," says Kennedy with a laugh. Shooting wrapped Oct. 27, 2010, following five days of studio work. Audiences will see the finished movie when Disney releases it domestically on Christmas Day through its distribution pact with DreamWorks, which financed the film through its partnership with Reliance Entertainment. (The picture unfurls internationally starting Dec. 26 in Australia.) The U.S. opening comes four days after the Dec. 21 North American release of Tintin, which already has proved an international blockbuster. In some ways, War Horse is more important for DreamWorks -- Tintin, a joint venture between Sony and Paramount, wasn't financed by the company. The former's success is critical for the studio, which has had some recent disappointments along with one megahit, The Help. Spielberg says he'll cherish the memories of making the film -- the tenderness of working with the horses, the miracle of the sunsets and the chance to bring history to life -- despite all the obstacles he encountered. "The thing about filming is, [almost] everything goes wrong," he says. "It's using the parts that go right in the finished film that counts." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Making of Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse' Related Topics Steven Spielberg International Kathleen Kennedy War Horse Awards Season Preview Books Books to Film

In Honor of ScarJo's Dean Martin Duet, 5 of the Most Random Celebrity Holiday Tracks

It’s the week after Thanksgiving which means that it’s time to start firing up some holiday playlists. Here to help is Scarlett Johansson, whose virtual duet with Dean Martin hit the Internet today. Is their posthumous rendering of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” creepy? A little. A necessary addition to the holiday track canon? Not at all. But random? Completely! In honor of this Christmas-time cut, let’s review five of the other most random celebrity holiday recordings to confound the masses. 1. David Hasselhoff, “Silent Night” (In German!) Granted, David Hasselhoff lip sync-ing to “Stille Nacht” on a winter wonderland soundstage (complete with dry ice snow effect) may seem semi-relevant in Germany — the nation that made the Baywatch actor a pop star in the late ’80s — but in the U.S., this clip is just deliciously irrelevant and completely random. Dig in! 2. Heidi Klum, “Wonderland” German beauty Heidi Klum is already a successful model, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer and television producer. So why would she dare try her hand at singing? Because she can and because someone — again in Germany — hired her to do so. Here lies the multihyphenate’s 2006 debut single “Wonderland,” which was penned for a series of German ads. 3. Kathie Lee Gifford, “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” (Hip Hop Version) Startling news: Back in 1995, shortly before her sweatshop scandal, Kathie Lee Gifford recorded a Christmas album Rock N Tots Cafe: A Christmas “Giff” Song Album by Kathie Lee Gifford. Even more frightening than the title was her attempt at hip hop with the track “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Below, find the damning music video evidence in which Kathie Lee wears a waitress uniform and bops around a Pee-wee Herman-style set. You’ve been warned. 4. Ozzy Osbourne and Jessica Simpson, “Winter Wonderland” You may not want to put your eyes back into their sockets for the next selection on Movieline’s ode to random holiday tracks. For 2003’s long-forgotten Osbourne Family Christmas Special, mismatched former MTV stars Ozzy Osbourne and Jessica Simpson recorded a duet in which Simpson tried to sexily shimmy up to Osbourne while he shrieked into the microphone like an off-key scarecrow. 5. Bea Arthur and Assorted Aliens, “Good Night, But Not Goodbye” Back in 1978, CBS aired The Star Wars Holiday Special, which followed Chewbacca and Han Solo as they traveled back to Chewie’s home world to celebrate a very special holiday, Life Day. While franchise stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher took part in the small-screen, variety show-style festivities, Bea Arthur inexplicably appeared as a Mos Eisley cantina bartender who sings to a set of aliens including Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes. Enjoy with furrowed brow. Now that you’ve survived the above, what is your favorite celebrity holiday track?

Menkes can get retrospective

Nina Menkes' latest film, 'Dissolution,' may have throughout this spring's retrospective, furthermore to some couple of of her older photos. Gotham's Anthology Film Archives as well as the UCLA Film Archives will partner use a retrospective of films by Nina Menkes this spring.Her latest pic, 2010's "Dissolution," may have with the retrospective week in NY, furthermore to older works.Experimental filmmaking stalwart Menkes, which has made six features, has generated a repetition for controlling every aspect of production, becoming producer, author, director and editor. She's labored with on several projects with sister Tinka Menkes as lead actress.Menkes' first feature was 1986's "Magdalena Viraga," a great L.A. prostitute jailed for killing her pimp. Other photos include Sundance alum "Filled with Diamonds" (1991), "The Bloody Child" (1996) and "Phantom Love" (2007)."Dissolution," shot in black and white-colored in Tel Aviv, is loosely based on Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." Israeli music artist and philosopher David Fire stars.Menkes' next movie, "Heatstroke," will probably be shot in Cairo and L.A., with Gus Van Sant onboard as professional producer.Bicoastal retrospective is positioned for March, with exact dates and lineups to produce. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Luke Wilson, Kevin Connolly Join 'Elvis & Nixon' (Exclusive)

Luke Wilson is within talks and Kevin Connolly has signed to become listed on the cast of Elvis & Nixon, the indie drama centering around Elvis Presley's famous ending up in Richard Nixon in 1970.our editor recommendsEric Bana to experience Elvis in 'Elvis & Nixon' Eric Bana has already been aboard to star as Presley while Danny Huston will portray Nixon within the project, which being helmed by actor Cary Elwes, making his directorial debut. The historic meeting was started by Presley, who authored Nixon a six-page letter asking for a trip and recommending he be produced a "Federal Agent-at-Large" within the Bureau of Drugs and Harmful Drugs. Within the script, the background music legend drags his entourage to Washington along with a clash of cultures develops. Wilson would play Sonny, among Presley's "Memphis Mafia" who travels with him to Washington. Connolly is playing a personality named Ronnie, a limo driver. Elwes authored the script together with Joey Sagal and Hanala Sagal. Michael Benaroya (Margin Call) and Carol Wiersma (Bobby) are creating. A The month of january begin in Louisiana has been eyed. As THR formerly reported, the film is just one of several in development concerning the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Wilson, who last made an appearance in Dying in a Funeral, next stars with Anna Paquin and Ryan Phillippe in Straight A's, a comedy from Nu Image/Millennium. He's repped by CAA and attorney Bob Wallerstein. CAA-repped Connolly was among the stars of HBO's Entourage and it has made an appearance such movies as He's Simply Not That Into You and also Secretariat. Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package Related Subjects Luke Wilson Kevin Connolly

Anchor Bay Acquires Kurt Russell-Starrer Touchback

Anchor Bay has acquired United States distribution privileges to Touchback, the Don Handfield-directed gridiron drama that stars Kurt Russell, John Presley, Melanie Lynskey, Christine Lahti, Came Powell and Marc Blucas. The program would be to release the film the coming year. Presley stars like a battling player and former football hero who laments scoring the winning touchdown within the Ohio Condition Senior High School Championship game years back, while he hurt his knee and was conned of the professional career. He dates back over time towards the week before the overall game and struggles over whether or not to call another play, and whether he should marry his shigh school sweetheart. Handfield authored the script, and Freedom Films’ John Presley, Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel created. Anchor Bay’s Kevin Kasha brokered the offer with Gersh’s Jay Cohen. Hannibal Classics is handling foreign sales.

Billy Very Tweets He's 'Doing the Oscars'

Billy Very has tweeted he'll host the 84th Academy awards telecast.He written Thursday, "Am doing the Oscars and so the youthful lady inside the pharmacy stop asking my title once i get my medicines. Searching toward the show."The Academy has confirmed and handled to obtain official by re-tweeting Crystal's tweet.The gig willmark the actor-comedian's ninth turn as master of occasions. He formerly situated in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2004.Very will replace Eddie Murphy, who walked reduced our prime-profile gig Wednesday inside the wake of Brett Ratner's decision to step lower on Tuesday. John Grazer, who grew to become an associate from the telecast Wednesay, and Don Mischer will produce.Ratner left as producer in the telecast determination quantity of ill-judged remarks in recent days, including saying "testing is ideal for fags" and speaking about his sex existence with Howard Stern.Very apparently switched lower an offer to host the honours in 2006.He next appears in "The Muppets," being launched later this month.James Franco and Hathaway As Catwoman situated the ceremony this season. The Hollywood Reporter

Gay-Rees: Driving pressure behind high-profile paperwork

James Gay-ReesAlthough he's tried the film business for 25 years, James Gay-Rees is not jaded. Contrary, he finds creating, that they is doing since 2002, invigorating."It's type of addictive," states Gay-Rees, who required doc "Exit With the Gift Shop" to Sundance this year (it later nabbed an Oscar nom) and captured introduced "Senna" towards the Park City fest, where it won a crowd award.Located in London, producer began his film career at Miramax in 1991 after graduation from England's Southampton U. having a degree in financial aspects and accounting. (His stepfather, director Mel Cruz, helmed "Tall Men" for that studio in 1989.)Following a year in NY, Gay-Rees became a member of Orbit Prods. around the Vital lot in La as mind of development, but eventually left to pursue work in creating.Directed by secretive street artist Banksy, "Exit With the Gift Shop" marked Gay-Rees' very first time creating a documentary. Although experts and audiences thought that pic was some type of hoax, it had been among last year's greatest-grossing docus."It could have been so difficult to engineer that," states Gay-Rees. "It's almost too surreal to become a hoax."Only a year later, producer made another splash at Sundance with Asif Kapadia's "Senna," about legendary Brazilian Formula 1 racing driver Ayrton Senna."It is extremely important with documentaries that you concentrate on great tales that stick out. The setting, for example, Formula 1, comes second towards the human drama."Gay-Rees is creating a story, "The Marriage Video," directed by Nigel Cole ("Calendar Women") in addition to another doc, tentatively entitled "The Pappas Siblings" about Australian skateboarders who self destruct."I wouldn't state that it had been any sort of accident which i experienced creating, however i don't believe should you understood how hard creating was you wouldn't always get into it to begin with. It certainly does not have any simpler as you become films made. It is simply that when you're doing so, despite the fact that you are aware how hard it's, it will get beneath your skin and also you continue returning for additional. Appropriately or wrongly."10 PRODUCERS To Look At 2011Jason Michael Berman Borderline Films Tyler Davidson & Sophia Lin James Gay-Rees Lawrence Inglee Red-colored Granite Pictures Laura Rister Jonathan Schwartz Diarmid Scrimshaw Kevin Walsh Contact Addie Morfoot at news@variety.com

AFM: Drafthouse Films Makes U.S. Distribution Deal With Image Entertainment

Santa Monica, CA Friday, November 4, 2011 – Drafthouse Films, the distribution arm of the Alamo Drafthouse, announced today from The American Film Market that it has entered a U.S. distribution deal with Image Entertainment, Inc., a leading licensee and distributor of programming throughout North America, solidifying itself as major player in the independent distribution arena. The exclusive distribution deal will span home video, digital, television and VOD platforms helping to further expand the ever-growing Alamo Drafthouse entertainment lifestyle brand. Drafthouse Films will release both new product and repertory titles as part of the deal with Image Entertainment. Drafthouse Films also announced today that it has acquired North American rights to award-winning films, the riveting crime drama BULLHEAD, Belgiums official 2012 Oscar candidate for Best Foreign Language Film and the outrageous international hit comedy, CLOWN. Michael Roskams BULLHEAD is a stunning debut and a harrowing tale of revenge, redemption and fate. The film has played to critical acclaim at Berlin Film Festival, Fantasia and Fantastic Fest and was called one of the most powerful experiences Ive had in a film this year, (Drew McWeeny, HitFix). Mikkel Ngaards CLOWN has been hailed as the funniest movie of the year! (Matt Singer, IFC) and raunchy, fearless and awesome! (Eric Kohn, indieWIRE). The uproarious comedy follows two wildly inappropriate friends as they run amok through the Danish countryside plowing through social taboos and unspeakable debaucheries. Also planned for Drafthouse Films in 2012 are the recently announced releases of SXSW 11 favorite THE FP and the stunning new RealD 3D restoration of 80s cult hit COMIN AT YA! As part of their plans to ramp their acquisitions and build the label, Drafthouse Films also made public today it appointed James Emanuel Shapiro, former Executive Director of Sales Planning and Acquisitions for Anchor Bay Entertainment, as the companys new Chief Operating Officer. James has been with the acquisitions and sales planning teams at Anchor Bay Entertainment since 2006 and helped build Anchor Bay Films into a top full service independent distribution company. While at Anchor Bay, James oversaw home video releases on everything from fest favorites like Paul Solet’s GRACE and Raymond De Felitta’s CITY ISLAND to TV content like AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD and the Starz original SPARTACUS to Overture and The Weinstein Company releases such as LET ME IN, BLUE VALENTINE, and this year’s Best Picture winner THE KING’S SPEECH. We are ecstatic about adding BULLHEAD and CLOWN: THE MOVIE to our growing lineup of films. They perfectly embody the bold and diverse slate that we plan to release under Drafthouse Films, and Image Entertainment is the perfect partner to help us get the broadest possible reach for them, said Drafthouse Films founder Tim League. We are thrilled at being part of Alamos expansion, commented Mark Ward, Vice President of Acquisitions at Image. Its going to be a pleasure working with them, releasing product fans will really enjoy. The deal is being negotiated by Mark Ward and Jess De Leo, Associate Director of Business and Legal Affairs on behalf of Image; Tim League, Founder and CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Victoria Cook of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz and Liesl Copland of WME Global on behalf of Drafthouse Films.

World Series draws most viewers since 2004

The first Game 7 of the World Series since 2002 drew 23.2 million viewers to Fox during primetime Friday according to preliminary Nielsens, making it the most watched baseball game in seven years.Total audience for the World Series has typically gone up by at least a million when the more precise afternoon update comes in, meaning that Game 7 (in which St. Louis topped Texas) could reach the 25 million neighborhood but might fall short of passing the first episode of ''Two and a Half Men'' with Ashton Kutcher (28.7 million) as the most-watched program on TV since the Academy Awards.Nonetheless, the mass audience, on a night that Fox typically would have struggled to reach 3 million viewers with ''Kitchen Nightmares'' and ''Fringe,'' completes a long-awaited World Series boon for Fox, which in the previous seven years had seen only one World Series go past five games. Thursday's Game 6, a 10-9 extra-inning victory by St. Louis that was considered an instant classic, broke 21 million viewers.The last time the World Series crossed 30 million viewers was with Game 7 of the 2002 World Series between Anaheim and San Francisco. The top-rated Fall Classic contest since that time was Game 4 of the 2004 World Series, in which Boston won its first title in nearly a century by sweeping St. Louis before 28.8 million.Against the World Series on the East Coast, NBC's series premiere of ''Grimm'' managed to pull a 2.1 rating and 6 share according to preliminary Nielsens with 6.5 million viewers overall. ''Grimm'' improved upon its lead-in, the season premiere of ''Chuck'' (1.0/3, 3.4 million) on its new night. On the West Coast, the World Series was still wrapping up when ''Chuck'' aired and was over by the time ''Grimm'' bowed. NBC wrapped up its night with ''Dateline'' (1.3/4, 4.8 million). Once the World Series extended to a seventh game, CBS pulled its regularly scheduled firstrun programming Friday and went with drama repeats. However, ABC maintained its schedule with two episodes of ''Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'' (1.1/3, 4.2 million) and ''20/20'' (1.2/3, 5.2 million), as did the CW with ''Nikita'' (0.6/2, 1.8 million) and ''Supernatural'' (0.7/2, 1.7 million).In the 18-49 demo, Friday's World Series Game 7 had a 6.8 rating and 20 share among viewers 18-49 during primetime, peaking at 7.9/22, 24.8 million between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Eastern, according to the prelims. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

IMAX States Weak Canadian Dollar Hurt 3Q Earnings

The giant screen theater company states it created $8.39M in internet gain for 3Q, up 24.6% versus time a year ago, on revenues of $67.5B, up 32.2%. That changed into modified earnings of 16 cents a share, light in the 20 cents the road expected. But IMAX states it needed a 6 cent hit due to “a sudden lack of the Canadian Dollar in the U.S. Dollar within the finish in the third quarter.” Nearly all IMAX’s revenues will be in U.S. dollars, quite a few their expenses will be in Canadian dollars. Since the finish of September the Canadian dollar has elevated, leading IMAX to project a $3.4M grow in 4Q. Boss Wealthy Gelfond states he’s tolerant of approaching films introduced by Vital’s Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience additionally to revenues from new theaters being built overseas. Gelfond states that 3Q was the first time that IMAX saw more gross revenues from overseas theaters than from domestic. The business elevated its worldwide growth plans by 25% and states people areas will consider about 75% in the new IMAX venues planned for an additional 15 several days.

Our Own Oslo

A Ljosband production, co-produced by Film House, F&M, with the support of the Icelandic Film Center. (International sales: Ljosband, Reykjavik.) Produced by Hronn Kristinsdottir, Anna Maria Karlsdottir. Co-producers, Egil Odegard, Mike Downey, Sam Taylor. Directed by Reynir Lyngdal. Screenplay, Thorsteinn Gudmundsson.With: Thorsteinn Gudmundsson, Brynhildur Gudjonsdottir, Hilmir Snaer Gudnason, Thorhallur Sigurdsson, Lilja Gudrun Thorvaldsdottir, Maria Heba Thorkelsdottir, Valgeir H. Skagfjord.Opposites attract to incendiary effect in "Our Own Oslo" but alas, the fire is literal rather than metaphorical in debuting Icelandic director Reynir Lyngdal's romantic comedy. This jauntily helmed tale of a relationship confounded by dueling compulsions and addictions features some witty dialogue and smart digs at Iceland's post-crash economy, but lacks credible chemistry between the two leads. A local hit, the Reykjavik fest entry is a likely bet for other Nordic events. (Okkar eigin Oslo) On a business trip to Oslo, straightlaced engineer Harald (scribe Thorsteinn Gudmundsson) shares a wild night with drunken, raven-haired beauty Vilborg (Brynhildur Gudjonsdottir), but when they meet again, it's clear they're both burdened by a lot of baggage. Disciplined Harald cares for his mentally disabled half-sister (Maria Heba Thorkelsdottir) and resents his long-dead alcoholic father. Meanwhile, irresponsible Vilborg, a less-than-sympathetic drama queen, is a gambling addict with a pending fraud charge, a sullen preteen son and an attractive ex-husband (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason). The aforementioned conflagration climaxes with a disastrous weekend all of the above share at Harald's summer cottage. Tech credits are solid.Camera (color, DV), Vidir Sigurdsson; editor, Stefania Thors; music, Helgi Svavar Helgason; production designer, Egert Ketilsson. Reviewed on DVD, Chicago, Oct. 23, 2012. (In Reykjavik Film Festival -- Icelandic Panorama.) Running time: 97 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Paranormal Activity 3 Becomes Best Horror Movie Opening Ever

Paranormal Activity 3 Paranormal Activity 3 did not just beat its two forerunners in the debut weekend - it beat almost every other horror movie ever being the very best horror movie opening ever, Box Office Mojo reviews. The film scared up an believed $54 million in the opening weekend, also topping last year's Jackass three dimensional because the greatest fall opening ever. Box Office: Real Steel takes lower Footloose, The One Thing remakes No. 1 film going back two days, Real Steel, arrived second with $11.3 million. Footloose danced up $10.9 million in the future in at No. 3. Among the weekend's two other new releases, The 3 Musketeers, gained $8.8 million for 4th place. The Ides of March completed the very best five with $4.9 million. Arriving at No. 6, Dolphin Tale came $4.two million. Moneyball adopted carefully with $4.05 million to consider seventh. From the weekend's three new releases, Johnny British Reborn worked out the worst, arriving at No. 8 with $3.8 million. Rounding the top ten: The One Thing (No. 9, $3.a million) and 50/50 (No. 10, $2.8 million).

PGA taps Livolsi for legal publish

Nicole Livolsi continues to be hired as director of arbitrations & legal matters for that Producers Guild of America. PGA Executive Director Vance Van Petten made the announcement Thursday. The PGA, that has 4,500 people, held its first credit arbitrations in 2001, promulgated a Code of Credits in 2004 and acquired traction in 2005 once the Academy of movement Picture Arts & Sciences introduced the PGA's credit determination process will be the one it uses on best picture nominations. The PGA has additionally get to be the go-to org for credit determination for that Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., together with TV nominees for that Emmys. Livolsi most lately offered as lawsuit counsel towards the Century City lawyer of Newhouse Seroussi Lawyers. She formerly offered like a staff attorney using the San Manuel Gang of Mission Indians so that as a legitimate consultant for that equine racing gambling brand Youbet.com. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Catechism Cataclysm' Exclusive Clip: Granny's Got A Gun!

More and more, Steve Little is becoming one of the most instantly recognizable voices in the business. As Stevie Janowski on "Eastbound & Down," there are times when Little utters a line that would be completely harmless coming from any other actor's mouth, but his distinct voice corrupts even the most innocent of phrases and turns them into something wholly ridiculous and hilarious. Really, it's quite the gift. Little's involvement is a big part of why we're excited about "The Catechism Cataclysm," the actor's new movie opposite Robert Longstreet about two old high school buddies who reconnect over a canoe trip gone weird. Director Todd Rohal's upcoming comedy, out in limited release on October 21 and hitting VOD on October 26, show cases all kinds of stories from Little and Longstreet including this little gem you're about to see. Enjoy this exclusive "Cataclysm" clip, one that shines the spotlight on the danger of letting grandmothers drive and the danger of giving them guns.

Hugh Jackman really wants to be Mission Impossible

Has speculation already began about who'll play Mission Impossible when Difficulties decides not revisit the tuxedo? Or perhaps is Hugh Jackman just tossing his hat in to the ring early for any shot at representing the key agent?Jackman claims he'd the opportunity to play 007 when Casino Royale was searching for its lead actor but switched the role lower."I acquired a phone call from my agent saying, 'There is a few possible curiosity about you for Bond, are you currently interested?' At that time I wasn't. I had been going to shoot X-Males 2 and Wolverine had become this factor during my existence and that i did not desire to be doing two such legendary figures at the same time,Inch he told the Press Association.Would he have a similar response if he was offered the role again?"I believe every male sooner or later considers playing Mission Impossible so it wasn't right then, however it might be right whether it returns," he added.

HBO Picks Up Steven Soderberghs Liberace Film Starring Michael Douglas & Matt Damon

UPDATED: Steven Soderbergh’s long-gestating Liberace feature is headed to HBO. HBO Films has greenlighted for production Behind The Candelabra, which will be directed by Soderbergh. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous relationship between legendary entertainer Liberace, played by Michel Douglas, and Scott Thorson, his younger live-in lover, played by Matt Damon. The actors had been attached to the project when it was a feature, which also had Richard LaGravenese writing and Jerry Weintraub producing. Weintraub will now executive produce, with Gregory Jacobs and Susan Ekins producing. Soderbergh will direct from a script by LaGravenese. This is a story thats going to surprise a lot of people, said HBO Films president Len Amato. Its funny, heartbreaking and always fascinating, and we are delighted that Jerry and Steven brought the film to HBO. Weintraub and Soderbergh began working on the project 3-4 years ago. They acquired Thorson’s memoir Behind The Candelabra (My Life With Liberace) and hired LaGravenese to write a script. Douglas and Damon then came on board to star but the project was dealt a setback when Douglas had to take time off for cancer treatment. Meanwhile, Weintraub spent time working with HBO on the documentary about his career His Way and got the idea of setting the film there. “It is a great place, and they could bring us the largest audience,” Weintraub said. Added Soderbergh, “From the inception of this project, weve had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it. HBOs fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldnt be happier. The project reunites principals who have worked together before: Weintraub produced the Ocean’s Eleven movie franchise, which was directed by Soderbergh and co-starred Damon. Damon also starred in Soderbergh’s latest feature, Contagion. Meanwhile, Douglas toplined Soderbergh’s feature Traffic, which earned the director an Oscar. Behind The Candelabra will start production in summer 2012, with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs. HBO has had success with films originally developed as features and have come to the pay cable channel with A-list talent already attached, including Grey Gardens starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.

VIDEO Exclusive: Watch Usher Perform from London

Usher Experience an Usher performance by watching his London concert on Epix. In this exclusive clip from Usher: Live from London, see the singer show off his signature moves while performing - in front of fire balls! - the song "Hot Toddy." Usher: Live from London airs Sunday at 10/9c on Epix followed by the TV premiere of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.

Fox 2000 acquires 'Mr. Ed'

Fox 2000 has acquired feature film rights to the 1960s TV series "Mr. Ed," which chronicled the adventures of a talking horse. Friendly Films principal David Friendly ("Little Miss Sunshine") and Jim Mahoney will produce the live-action family film, which will feature a real horse with a CG-animated mouth. Producers will soon begin their search for a writer. The original series aired on CBS from 1961 to 1966. Allan Lane voiced the horse, while Alan Young portrayed his owner, Wilbur Post. "It's always the perfect time for a four-quadrant family movie," Friendly told Variety. "Those are the movies that have the strongest pull. As a producer, I try to envision the poster and this one looks pretty good coming from the studio behind 'Marley & Me' and 'Alvin and the Chipmunks.'" Friendly brought the project to Fox 2000 and has experience making successful films about talking animals, having previously produced "Dr. Doolittle." He and Mahoney spent several years wrangling the "Mr. Ed" rights from two different estates. Mahoney has ties to the franchise, having exec produced the 2004 TV movie "Mr. Ed," which starred David Alan Basche as Wilbur Pope and featured the voice of Sherman Hemsley. As a passionate equestrian, Fox 2000 prexy Elizabeth Gabler was the driving force behind the project, which Fox 2000 exec Carla Hacken will oversee on behalf of the studio. Fox 2000 also produced the 2006 pic "Flicka." Fox 2000's next release will be David Frankel's birdwatching comedy "The Big Year" on Oct 14. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Watch Transformers 3 Dark Of The Moon Online Free

Melissa Etheridge Will get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

FIRST Released: September 27, 2011 11:16 PM EDT La, Calif. -- Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, a cancer of the breast survivor, has brought a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Tuesdays ceremony while watching Hard Rock Coffee shop Hollywood also marked the launch of Hard Rocks monthlong Pinktober campaign, a number of concerts and celebrity occasions held to boost money and cancer of the breast awareness. The 50-year-old Etheridge is better noted for the tunes Arrived at My Window and Im the only person. She received the two,450th pavement star in Hollywood. Etheridge, who had been identified with cancer of the breast in 2004, continues to be a painter ambassador for Pinktober for six years. Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Airplane!' Star Robert Hays On the Blu-ray Release and the Lost 'Airplane' Sequel

How good is the movie 'Airplane!'? It's so good that we tried to kick off this intro with a clever reference to the best quote from the movie -- and couldn't narrow it down. The landmark parody film made by brothers David and Jerry Zucker and their pal Jim Abrahams, threw more jokes at you per minute than a Marx Brothers routine, features perhaps the greatest acting performance by an NBA star and turned liking gladiator movies into a dirty thing. On Sunday, Paramount premieres 'Airplane!' for the first time ever on Blu-ray (and only at Best Buy retail stores), and to celebrate, Moviefone spoke with star Robert Hays, a/k/a Ted Striker, the panic-stricken fighter pilot that must commandeer the troubled flight (he's the pilot on the right side of the picture). In our interview Hays recalls working with the late, great Leslie Nielen, reveals which actors got to make up their own lines and admits that there actually was going to be an 'Airplane 3.' Read on to find out what happened. The first time I saw 'Airplane!' I was probably too young for it, and half the jokes when over my head. A lot of the jokes become apparent, as you grow up. When you were reading the script for the first time, at what page did you realize that you had to do this movie? I read it when I was on a plane going to Minneapolis; ABC was sending a whole bunch of us for a station changeover, from NBC to ABC. There was something on every page that made me laugh out loud. It was insane, and I just loved it from the get-go. It got me. How difficult was it playing the movie straight, even though what you're saying is absurd? That's what the boys [Zucker and Abrams] wanted, and their sense of comedy is so incredible, it's so good. I knew that was the right thing too, we all had a sense that was the way to play it. The script is the main reason the thing is so funny; you start with the script, but then because we played it so seriously, that was the next big, important ingredient to the whole deal. The big trend now in comedies is to ad-lib, improv and do a lot takes; did the Zucker brothers ever try that approach? It wasn't like that at all. This was a low budget film; it was like three and half million bucks. And they had been rejected, they'd go back and work on it, and then they'd be rejected again, and go back and polish it and work on it. They did this, I think, over five years, and the script was so tight. The only people that really ad-libbed, were Steve Stucker, who played Johnny. He did the Kentucky Fried Theater with them, he was in their troupe. So they wrote that role for him, and they'd call him and go, "Hey! What about this? Hey! Johnny, what do you make of this?" and he'd say, "Yeah, I can make it a hat or a broche" and all that. That was him ad-libbing his goofy things. "Rapunzel! Rapunzel!" The only other ones were Al White and Norm Gibbs; they played the two guys that did the black jive. They asked if they could rewrite some of the words, and the boys said, "Please! We're just three white Jewish guys from Milwaukee. We don't know anything." Al told me he got a dictionary of black jive and they wrote up their whole routine. They did that whole thing. Don't Call Me Shirley Airplane! - MOVIECLIPS.com How was it working with Leslie Nielsen, because before this movie, he was known for serious films? I knew him as the Swamp Fox in the old Disney film when I was little, and he did the light, romantic comedies, but he had never done any insanity like this. Everyone was just wonderful, but this was the show that really turned him into an insane nutjob [Laughs]. And he then went on to be very successful doing that. What part of the film still makes you laugh just as hard? It's really difficult to just pick one. When I watched it everything would make me laugh, but when I watched myself I cringed like, "Oh god, I could've done that better. Why did I do that that way?" I'd just be very critical of myself, but enough time has gone by that now I watch it and enjoy it. Were there any moments that couldn't believe actually made the final cut? When sh-t hits the fan, wow, how did that one get in there? To me, it seemed like, "yeah, yeah get it all in there." I'm really anxious to see in the Blu-ray what deleted scenes they have. I wish they put a box set of both of them together with all the deleted scenes, because there are some very funny scenes in both films that were deleted. S**t Hits the Fan Airplane! at MOVIECLIPS.com At the end of 'Airplane 2,' there's a teaser for 'Airplane 3.' How close did that ever come to happening? It was very close. You have to understand the atmosphere, 31 years ago. Sequels were frowned upon. You were really looked down upon if you did sequels -- that was all you could do, you can't do anything else. They'd go, "Oh, Robert, 'Airplane' Hays, you ever gonna do something besides 'Airplane'?" I was doing other films, it's just that was the attitude that they took. Nowadays, sequels are called franchises. Now they look for them. That was the joke we had in 'Airplane 2,' when Sonny Bono was buying the bomb at the store -- "I'll take the magazine, the candy bar, and the third bomb on the left" -- and behind him was a big poster in the shop with a little bald guy with boxing gloves and American flag shorts and it said 'Rocky 38.' I was in London doing a film called 'Scandalous,' at the time, and they were negotiating for doing 'Airplane 3,' and it had really gotten to me. I was being ragged on by the press a lot when I'd go to events and the paparazzi's there, and they would rag on me. I said, "Nah, don't wanna do it." Of course all that did was raise the price more and more and more. When finally I said, "I'm not going to do it," that was it, they didn't do it. Of course, I wish we had done it, looking back now, but you know, that was then and this is now. (Banner image courtesy of Everett Collection.)

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CAA Signs Director of Toronto Hit 'Sleepless Night' (Exclusive)

Yesterday Warner Bros. closed an offer to remake in france they action thriller Sleep deprived Evening. Now, Frederic Jardin, who directed and co-authored the film that opened throughout TIFF's Night time Madness, has signed with CAA for representation. PHOTO: Toronto Film Festival: 13 Films to understand Evening was among the hits from Night time Madness, as well as in a Die Hard meets Taken tone, follows a cop who, for those intents and reasons, is held in a pulsing nightclub attempting to save his kidnapped boy and choose a missing bag full of cocaine while being went after by various drug sellers and Internal Matters detectives. But despite all of the action within the movie, Jardin focus was to create a film about fatherhood. STORY: 3 Toronto Takeaways: Academy awards, Sex and Movie Sales And after acquiring an elaborate co-production agreement, shot the film using Canon 5-D cameras (that are photo cameras, not film cameras) in France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Before the film finished screening, galleries were arranging to seize remake privileges, with Warners and producer Roy Lee winding up on the top. CAA were built with a strong showing only at that year's Night time Madness. It made the purchase for You are Next, the horror movie that offered to Lionsgate after intense interest, which week signed Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett, the film's director and author, for representation. Toronto Worldwide Film Festival CAA

Jane Lynch: I Used To Be Sue Sylvester

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- With an impressive film and TV resume, over 20 years of sobriety and a newly-penned memoir, Glee star Jane Lynch is riding high on Hollywoods hot list. However, the 51-year-old actress who hosted the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday admits she wasnt always such a joy to work with. In fact, Jane says she used to behave more like her tracksuit-loving onscreen alter ego. Youre such a happy bright person, but it wasnt always that way. You write about being very difficult to work with, Billy Bush told Jane on Wednesdays Access Hollywood Live, while discussing her new book, Happy Accidents. I was terrible, Jane explained. It was so Psychology 101 I felt terrible inside and I projected it on everybody else. I made everybody bad, wrong. I was kind of shaming and humiliating, not unlike Sue Sylvester, so I had a lot to draw on, she continued, referencing her menacing Glee character. I wasnt a nice person to have around. And I can say today, Im kind of a nice person to have around! Now, Jane is happy to leave the negativity to Ms. Sylvester and her hell-raising McKinley High ways, but enjoys letting her past unhappiness inform her performance as the angry Cheerios coach. Im having a great time. Its fun to play the person who I used to be! she told Billy and Kit. As for Janes personal life, the actress is openly gay and married to Lara Embry. However, prior to coming out, Jane had a childhood crush on actor/director Ron Howard, which she describes as normal for any good, closeted young lesbian of the 70s in her book. Common very common occurrence. Very safe guy, she joked with Billy and Kit of her crush on Ron. Richie wasnt gonna dive into the decolletage right? Billy asked, referencing Rons all-American role as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days. And we dont want him diving into the decolletage, Jane said. You know, [Ron was] one of those boys that is just a really nice boy. Hes not at all sexual, so, you dont have to deal with that. No body hair, she continued. Like, if you look at Donnie Osmond and Davy Jones theyre kind of like Ken dolls. For more with Jane, pick up a copy of Happy Accidents available in stores now. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Josh Gad to pen comedy for NBC, Gary Sanchez

NBC and may Ferrell's Gary Sanchez Prods. have struck a comedy development pact with hyphenate Josh Gad.Gad, a present Tony nominee for his performance in Broadway smash "It of Mormon," is writing a greater-concept comedy of a family on the road for Universal Television.Sanchez's Adam McKay and Owen Burke assists as executive producers. Gary Sanchez Prods. cut an over-all deal with Universal Television within this summer time.Captured, Gad grew to become an associate from the ensemble cast of Stuart Blumberg's sex addiction pic "Appreciate Talking about" along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins.In other development news, ABC has bought a drama script from ABC Art galleries within the producers of "Castle."Laurie Zaks and Moira Kirland offered "Murder Season," a drama focuses on Mia Donnelly, a gifted but troubled FBI profiler who struggles to pay for a dark secret from her past.Zaks is certainly an aura on "Castle," where Kirland works like a co-executive producer and author.Gad is repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Study: Fall's Most Anticipated New Shows Revealed

Nathan Bell/ABCCharlie's Angels If you feel Tivo's latest study, audiences are clamoring for ABC's Charlie's Angels reboot. In line with the study of Tivo clients, NBC's Maria Bello vehicle Prime Suspect and CBS' Qq Abrams thriller Person of Interestoutrank large budget efforts Terra Nova and Pan Am to tie since the second most anticipated new quantity of the fall. Among the returning crop, top rated NCIS showed up on the restarted CSI--now starring Ted Danson-- since the drama audiences are most searching toward reengaging using this season. Concerning the comedy side, Modern Family outpaced anAshton Kutcher-introduced two and a half Males since the most anticipated comedy. Fortunately for guys's new star, 35 percent in the study's participants say Kutcher might be the comedy actor they're most searching toward watching this fall. Up With The Evening's Will Arnettgarnered 11 percent of people votes, placing him at No. 2 before bold face names includingTim Allen, Hank Azaria and Christina Applegate. To date as genres go, nearly one third of Tivo's participants mentioned they will be watching crime dramas this fall, with another 22 percent acknowledging that they may't get enough reality TV. Strangely enough, when asked for to define guilty pleasure television, the important thing response was the crime dramas (reality placed third behind sitcoms). Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose ABC NBC CBS two and a half Males FOX Person of curiosity CSI: Crime Scene Analysis Charlie's Angels Prime Suspect Fall TV Preview

Agent Coulson to die in Iron Guy 3?

With Joss Whedon accountable for The Avengers, more often than not there's the worry a relatively major character won't achieve the conclusion. Too as with the Marvel world that each seems being Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson."I've understand this! I'm flattered that people care, but when only they'd stop saying this since they're prone to put it in somebody's mind!" Coulson told Crave Online when asked for if he was worried Whedon might kill him off."I'm speaking on their behalf about doing Iron Guy 3 at this time around, and somebody's going 'Maybe Agent Coulson should die,' and i'm like, 'Hey, hey, hey! This really is really the very best job I've ever suffered! Stop talking about killing Agent Coulson off.'"Same goes with he no less than safe inside the Avengers?"I spoken to Joss Whedon in the beginning. I mentioned 'Hey, how come everyone saying this?' Which he mentioned, 'Yeah, I've done that before. Don't get worried. You're safe.'"Really it absolutely was Whedon who gave SHIELD's Agent Coulson this kind of large role inside the Avengers."Once we i did so the panel for Thor at Comic Disadvantage, before we ongoing stage Joss Whedon comes over and introduces themselves and states, 'I written a very large number inside the Avengers, um... Is One Able To introduce you incorporated within the cast in the Avengers, with Robert Downey, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo? Everyone's here.' Which I had been like, 'Yeah, In my opinion that could be okay!'" Gregg mentioned.

R.I.P. High high cliff Robertson

The rugged leading guy and 1968 Best Actor Oscar champion for Charly died today after acareer that began just like a handsome youngthesp and continuedwell into his dotage. He was 88.ButCliff Robertson might be appreciated to get downoneof most likely the very best Hollywood moguls, David Begelman.In 1977, Robertson found that his title happen to be forged about the $10,000 make sure that they recognized he'd not acquired.He soon discovered it absolutely was a forgery completed of Begelman andtriggered one of the biggeststudio ripoffs in the seventies. Begelman resigned, and Robertsoncouldn’t get acting work before early eighties.Robertsons extended movie career began with Possess a have a picnic in 1955 and continuing through Spider-Guy which is initial few sequels as “Uncle Ben Parker”.But he would be better appreciated for playingJohn F Kennedyin the biopicPT 109 andwas selected personally with the leader.He appeared to become a familiar face in television dramas within the earliest occasions from the little screen.

Toronto 2011: Indomina Accumulates Johnnie To's 'Life Without Principle'

Michael Buckner/Getty Images Fledgling distribution and creating entity the Indomina Group has acquired United States release privileges to Existence Without Principle, the most recent action movie from Hong Kong director Johnnie To. The purchase may come as the film premieres in the 68th Venice Worldwide Film Festival and days before it screens in the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival. The film follows three figures eager for money who look for a bag of stolen money. An experienced from the Hong Kong film scene, To is renowned for his crime thrillers like the Mad Detective, PTU, and Exiled. Indomina has Detective Dee and also the Mystery from the Phantom Flame from director Tsui Hark in theaters now and earlier launched Griff the Invisible, an intimate comedy starring Ryan Kwanten. Within the summer time, the organization acquired the comedy An Incredible Anxiety about Everything starring Simon Pegg and joined with Samuel L. Jackson to make a live-action version of Afro Samurai. Worldwide Asia Johnnie To Existence Without Principle

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Four One Existence to reside Stars Sign Up for Web Version

Erika Slezak One Existence to reside stars Ted King, Michael Easton, Kassie DePaiva and Erika Slezak have signed deals to carry on about the cleaning soap opera if this moves online.Prospect Park, the organization keeping both One Existence to reside and all sorts of The Kids alive once they finish their ABC runs, stated the deals are pending your final union agreement using the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The 4 stars are the initial to become listed on the internet manufacture of the show. Are The Kids and something Existence to reside moving to cable?Prospect Park acquired the privileges to both shows in This summer and it is settling with cable systems about airing the series on television.1 Existence to reside will air its ABC finale in The month of january, while My Children will sign off Sept. 23. Both of them are likely to debut online early the coming year.

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Kate Bosworth Calls James Marsden a Coward in 'Straw Dogs' Clip

We know, we know -- you are sick of Hollywood remaking classic films. And, hey, we are too. If there was ever a list of movies that should not be remade, Sam Peckinpah's 'Straw Dogs' would probably be on it. However, we are way past that now -- after all, the new 'Straw Dogs' will hit theaters September 16. We aren't really sure how good (or bad) this new version will be, but it is nice to see Alexander Skarsgard break out of his vampire shell (he plays Eric in HBO's 'True Blood'). This new clip of the remake features the two lead actors, James Mardsen (David) and Kate Bosworth (Amy) discussing the possibility of firing the group of locals who are working on a house they plan to sell. Of course, if you have seen the original, you know that doesn't work out so well. [via Hollywood.com]

'Last Call With Carson Daly' Strikes Deal to Re-Air on Fuse (Exclusive)

Last Call With Carson Daly is getting a second run on Fuse.our editor recommendsNBC Renews 'Last Call With Carson Daly''The Voice's' Carson Daly on Season 2: We Won't 'Whore It Out' The music network has acquired the rights to re-air NBC's long-running late night series, which will begin rebroadcasting the show the following day with the launch of the 2011 season. New and expanded Last Call content, including interviews and musical performances, will appear on The Madison Square Garden Company-owned net's site, Fuse.TV. "Last Call is all about discovering great stories, interviews and most of all new music," said Carson Daly. "Since Fuse is where music lives, this partnership is a no-brainer." The news comes as Daly's profile has been raised as host of NBC's breakout singing competition seriesThe Voice.The one-timeTRLveejay's late night series, which airs afterJimmy Fallon's show, is up 12 percent in total viewers, year over year. "Anybody who loves music on television, loves and respects Carson Daly," addedBrad Schwartz, Fuse's senior VP of programming and operations. "Carson's star has never been brighter and his music expertise, credibility and interview style resonates with artists and fans everywhere. It is going to be an awesome addition to Fuse's music lineup." Fuse will serve up Daly's show at 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., as well as on weekends. On Aug. 24, the network will begin airing previously aired episodes of the late night series. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose Related Topics NBC The Voice Carson Daly

The Year of the Tiger (El ano del tigre)

A Fabula production. (International sales: Funny Balloons, Paris.) Produced by Juan de Dios Larrain, Pablo Larrain, Gonzalo Maza. Executive producers, Mariane Hartard, Andrea Carrasco Stuven, Juan Ignacio Correa. Directed by Sebastian Lelio. Screenplay, Gonzalo Maza.With: Luis Dubo, Sergio Hernandez, Viviana Herrera.Chile's devastating 2010 earthquake and tsunami form the background of "The Year of the Tiger," Sebastian Lelio's understated exploration of fate, freedom and faith, which builds power and complexity via minimal means. Tackling larger issues than his previous pics "Navidad" and "The Sacred Family," "Tiger" is Lelio's first feature without a religious title, yet it's also his most considered meditation on the presence or absence of God. Auds uncomfortable with religion-flavored pics shouldn't be frightened off, since Lelio is no preacher and the story's subtlety and satisfying indie concept make it deserving of cutting-edge arthouse attention. Manuel (Luis Dubo, strong) is in prison for an unspecified offense. A conjugal visit from wife Marcela (Viviana Herrera) turns rough, hinting at a streak of violence in Manuel's character. Later, when the earthquake strikes, the prisoners pour out of jail into a devastated landscape. When Manuel reaches the coast and his former house, all he finds are ruins, along with personal items that indicate his family was swept away by the tsunami. He heads to his mother's house, where he finds her dead amid muck and detritus. After burying the body, he wanders the area and comes across a dazed tiger in a cage. Manuel frees the tiger and keeps moving, but he's held at gunpoint by an abusive farmer (Sergio Hernandez), demanding he work for an ear of corn he stole. Scenes between the two men form the heart of "Tiger," as the farmer descends into a drunken spiral of self-pity, shouting that God destroys the wicked and requesting divine forgiveness for being a terrible husband and father. Dialogue was improvised, with Lelio and scripter Gonzalo Maza providing guidelines rather than a set text; the results, especially in this scene (by far the most wordy in a largely wordless film), further a sense of untutored naturalness deliberately cultivated in the lensing. Manuel's violence reasserts itself, partly in response to the incomprehensible destruction around him and partly as a reaction to the farmer's brutality. A scene during a service outside a ruined church throws into high relief the conflict between those seeking comfort in a benevolent God testing His flock and those who reject the existence of God in a world of unfathomable disasters. Lelio doesn't privilege one viewpoint over the other, allowing both outlooks to exist uneasily side by side. Instead, what the pic implies is that there is no point in looking for a reason, no matter what your beliefs, since there is no rationale behind catastrophe. At the same time, Lelio explores concepts of liberty (including, of course, free will) and the near-agoraphobia that can result from sudden freedom. The helmer and scripter do so via the subtlest of means and without a hint of sermonizing, instead presenting the struggle and trusting an intelligent audience to enter into the dialogue. Though Lelio and d.p. Miguel Ioan Littin shoot on HD, they give the pic a sense of texture, especially in darker scenes, which likely will be enhanced following an anticipated blowup to 35mm. In shooting the earthquake's shocking devastation and its aftermath, the collaborators give certain sequences the feel of amateur footage; it's the right approach to the impossibility of capturing the wreckage, understanding that to make it look beautiful or consciously artistic would be unwise.Camera (color, HD), Miguel Ioan Littin; editors, Sebastian Sepulveda, Lelio; music, Cristobal Carvajal; production designer, Fernando Briones; sound (Dolby SR), Roberto Espinoza; line producer, Javier Pradenas. Reviewed at Locarno Film Festival (competing), Aug. 8, 2011. (Also in Toronto Film Festival -- Vanguard.) Running time: 82 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Back To Stay: Film Review

LOCARNO - The lives of three sisters in their crumbling Buenos Aires mansion are evoked with empathy in writer-director Milagros Mumenthaler'sslow-burning, squarely feminine-focused debut Back To Stay. World premiering in competition at Locarno, it took the festival's top prize, the Golden Leopard, as well as the international critics' award and Best Actress (for María Canale). These accolades should kick off an extended run on the film-festival circuit, especially at events keen on uncovering fresh talent. But this Argentinian/Swiss co-production is ultimately a little too small-scale to stand much chance commercially outside Spanish-speaking territories. Even there it's a strictly niche offering.our editor recommendsLocarno Film Festival: Argentina's 'Back to Stay' Takes the Top Prize Born in Argentina, the 34-year-old Mumenthaler, who has two sisters of her own, moved to Switzerland as a baby, but returned to study cinema and then directed a small handful of well-received shorts. Her first feature evidently draws heavily on autobiographical details, and feels especially well-observed in the way it traces the tricky, volatile dynamic that often develops when sisters find themselves in close proximity for extended periods of time. STORY: Locarno Film Festival: Argentina's 'Back to Stay' Takes the Top Prize Mumenthaler is deliberately sparing with background information, but we glean that Marina (María Canale), Sofia (Martina Juncadella) and Violeta Tauss (Ailín Salas) have been raised by their grandmother following the death of their parents. When the grandmother also passes away (just before the start of the film), the trio must find new ways to get along without a controlling 'parental' figure. They reluctantly examine their lives and priorities, engage in (mainly) low-level bickering and, as the seasons pass outside, haltingly emerge from their cozy, inertia-bound semi-exile. The girls have grown up among the dusty trappings of the past: The house is full of chintzy furniture and long-outmoded electrical appliances, including an amusingly retro-style bed complete with jolting vibrate option, but the time has clearly come to open doors and windows (hence the original Spanish-language title, Abrir puertas y ventanas). Crucial to their 'coming-out' is handyman-neighbor Francisco (Julián Tello) who, after the sudden departure overseas of the restless Violeta - a pivotal event which occurs offscreen, but has a major impact on all that follows - edges towards a relationship with Marina, the oldest and most insecure of the sisters. Keeping the emphasis firmly on character development and atmosphere, Mumenthaler , whose choice of subject matter and technique unavoidably recalls the early works of her acclaimed compatriot Lucrecia Martel (The Swamp, The Holy Girl), takes her own sweet time in the early and middle sections, exploring the house and its grounds with an anthropologist's keen fascination for the most humdrum of details. This approach risks, and sometimes crosses the line into self-indulgence and/or tedium. But audiences willing to be patient may find themselves becoming imperceptibly drawn into the Tauss girls' world. Indeed, Back To Stay is a movie, which, though seemingly humdrum, does linger resonantly in the mind. Certain key scenes exert an entrancing spell, such as the one in which the sisters, slumped on a sofa, casually join together in singing along to the ethereal 1970s folk-song (sung by Bridget St. John) that provides the English-language title. Overall there's the tangible sense that these are real people, not just scriptwriting constructs as Mumenthaler elicits strong performances from her tight little ensemble. Venue: Locarno Film Festival Production companies: Alina Film, Ruda Cine (in co-production with Waterland Film and Radio Télévision Suisse) Cast: María Canale, Martina Juncadella, Ailín Salas, Julián Tello Director/screenwriter: Milagros Mumenthaler Producers: Violeta Bava, David Epiney, Rosa Martínez Rivero, Eugenia Mumenthaler Director of photography: Martín Frias Production designer: Sebastián Orgambide Costume designer: Françoise Nicolet Editor: Gion-Reto Killias Sales: The Match Factory, Cologne No rating, 100 minutes Festival de Cannes

Bruce Willis Enters Negotiations to Play the Original Joe in 'G.I. Joe 2' (Exclusive)

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Bruce Willis in talks to join the cast of Paramount's G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation, with the veteran action actor marked to play the original Joe. Willis, if a deal comes together, would play General Joe Colton, the man who in 1980s comic books starts the G.I. Joe strike team, called the ultimate freedom fighting force, and got the handle G.I. Joe. Jon M. Chu is directing the Lorenzo di Bonaventura-produced action movie, which is bringing a mostly new cast to the franchise. Dwayne Johnson, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Stevenson and RZA are among the recruits for the second film. The movie begins shooting later this month in New Orleans. Paramount has staked out a June 29, 2012 release date. Willis, whose last starring gig was the hit Summit action movie Red, most recently shot the thrillers Cold Light of Day, the Henry Cavill-starrer that is in post-production, as well as Looper, directed by Rian Johnson. Willis is repped by CAA. Paramount to declined to comment. Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Kit Bruce Willis G.I. Joe 2

'Tia & Tamera' Premiere Sets Ratings Record For Style

Last night's premiere of Style Networks new docu-seriesTia & Tamera posted the networks most-watched series launch in history. The series starring twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry averaged 757,000 total viewers at 9 PM and 1.5 million for the 9 PM and 10 PM airings combined. The 9 PM premiere also ranks as Styles most-watched series launch ever among women 18-49 (357,000) and women 18-34 (203,000). The successful launch gives Tia Mowry two hit cable series; she also stars on BET's The Game. Meanwhile, last night's third-season finale of VH1's Basketball Wives logged a 1.6 rating in adults 18-49, making it the highest-rated telecast on VH1 in two years, and drew 2.6 million viewers.

Tips for Working with Fake Blood

Vampires and zombies. Cops and corpses. Murderers and mad scientists. All parts an actor might be called on to play-and all will likely put you in the vicinity of fake blood. Here are a few tips for working with this sticky, sinister substance.1. Wear your laundry-day underwear. Even if you're protected by a multilayered costume, there's no guarantee the stuff you've got on underneath will survive a day of pseudo-gore. Actor David Mattey sacrificed a few unmentionables while being drenched in 18 gallons of fake blood during a gory death scene in the cult-classic film "Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV.""The underwear I had on under my costume for that scene was pink for the rest of its life," he says. "Wear stuff that you aren't in love with, 'cause you may have to throw it out."2. Invest in a can of shaving cream. Your skin may also bear the brunt of heavy-duty blood work. "Shaving cream is really effective at taking the red stains out of your skin without being too abrasive," says actor Graham Skipper, who engages in plenty of bloodletting as mad med student Herbert West in the L.A. stage hit "Re-Animator: The Musical."And there's an added beauty benefit, notes Mattey: "Shaving cream not only gets the stuff off, it moisturizes." 3. React. Fake blood may be one of many effects you're working with, but try to remember that it's more than a mere prop. It likely represents something crucial happening in the scene."When the actor can link himself or herself with this special effect that they're wearing, then they have the ability to move with it and let it become an extension of that character," says special-effects designer Waldo Warshaw, who has worked on multiple productions of the blood-soaked play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore."Jaime Kirk, co-owner of the pirate performance group PDXYAR, has extensive experience in stage combat. When they're prepping, he advises actors to think of the last time they saw their own blood: "That first crystallized moment of realization that lasts what seems like forever. The initial instant wherein it stopped being just visual data and became real. Lock that thought away, because it's about to become part of your process. If you make the blood feel real, the audience will feel it as well.""If you allow the reality of it to take over, you will do a good job," adds actor Jaime Andrews, who had to vomit up a whole mess of blood for a gruesome sequence in the short film "Wretched." "If you believe this is coming out of you, or out of another person, you can't help but react."And take special care to consider how your character in particular would react. "My character isn't very squeamish when it comes to blood, so I try to relish it as much as I can," says Skipper of his "Re-Animator" performance. "There's a scene where I behead my nemesis with a shovel, and quite a bit of blood shoots up into my face, chest, mouth, nose, eyes-pretty much anywhere-when I do it. I really revel in that moment, because I feel like having the audience seeing me rejuvenated by all that gore ends up getting them more into the spirit of things."4. Get technical. Even if you're connecting with your bloody scene emotionally, you'll be sunk if you don't master a few technical details. Remember, for instance, that fake blood is slippery: If it's all over the floor, watch your step. If you have to spit it out, learn how to aim. (Mattey credits Little League for schooling him in the art of "being a good spitter.") And when it's coming right at you, figure out where it's going to hit."I learned to know when and where it's going to be spraying," says Skipper. "In the scene where I wrestle with a bile-spewing intestine, there was one night early on when a high-powered spray of blood got me in both eyes. I finished the scene almost completely blind. That wasn't a fun surprise to have while singing a song."When in doubt about the technical aspects, says Mattey, don't panic. The makeup effects team is your greatest resource. "They're going to be there to take care of you," he says. "And in most cases, they have more experience than you do dealing with this stuff."5. Take care of yourself. At the end of the day, working with blood can be just as draining as any other acting challenge-sometimes even more so. "Don't underestimate how upsetting it can be," says Andrews. "If you're going to go to a dark place in the scenario, make plans afterward for a bath with good music or a quiet night with good friends." By Sarah Kuhn August 8, 2011 Vampires and zombies. Cops and corpses. Murderers and mad scientists. All parts an actor might be called on to play-and all will likely put you in the vicinity of fake blood. Here are a few tips for working with this sticky, sinister substance.1. Wear your laundry-day underwear. Even if you're protected by a multilayered costume, there's no guarantee the stuff you've got on underneath will survive a day of pseudo-gore. Actor David Mattey sacrificed a few unmentionables while being drenched in 18 gallons of fake blood during a gory death scene in the cult-classic film "Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV.""The underwear I had on under my costume for that scene was pink for the rest of its life," he says. "Wear stuff that you aren't in love with, 'cause you may have to throw it out."2. Invest in a can of shaving cream. Your skin may also bear the brunt of heavy-duty blood work. "Shaving cream is really effective at taking the red stains out of your skin without being too abrasive," says actor Graham Skipper, who engages in plenty of bloodletting as mad med student Herbert West in the L.A. stage hit "Re-Animator: The Musical."And there's an added beauty benefit, notes Mattey: "Shaving cream not only gets the stuff off, it moisturizes." 3. React. Fake blood may be one of many effects you're working with, but try to remember that it's more than a mere prop. It likely represents something crucial happening in the scene."When the actor can link himself or herself with this special effect that they're wearing, then they have the ability to move with it and let it become an extension of that character," says special-effects designer Waldo Warshaw, who has worked on multiple productions of the blood-soaked play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore."Jaime Kirk, co-owner of the pirate performance group PDXYAR, has extensive experience in stage combat. When they're prepping, he advises actors to think of the last time they saw their own blood: "That first crystallized moment of realization that lasts what seems like forever. The initial instant wherein it stopped being just visual data and became real. Lock that thought away, because it's about to become part of your process. If you make the blood feel real, the audience will feel it as well.""If you allow the reality of it to take over, you will do a good job," adds actor Jaime Andrews, who had to vomit up a whole mess of blood for a gruesome sequence in the short film "Wretched." "If you believe this is coming out of you, or out of another person, you can't help but react."And take special care to consider how your character in particular would react. "My character isn't very squeamish when it comes to blood, so I try to relish it as much as I can," says Skipper of his "Re-Animator" performance. "There's a scene where I behead my nemesis with a shovel, and quite a bit of blood shoots up into my face, chest, mouth, nose, eyes-pretty much anywhere-when I do it. I really revel in that moment, because I feel like having the audience seeing me rejuvenated by all that gore ends up getting them more into the spirit of things."4. Get technical. Even if you're connecting with your bloody scene emotionally, you'll be sunk if you don't master a few technical details. Remember, for instance, that fake blood is slippery: If it's all over the floor, watch your step. If you have to spit it out, learn how to aim. (Mattey credits Little League for schooling him in the art of "being a good spitter.") And when it's coming right at you, figure out where it's going to hit."I learned to know when and where it's going to be spraying," says Skipper. "In the scene where I wrestle with a bile-spewing intestine, there was one night early on when a high-powered spray of blood got me in both eyes. I finished the scene almost completely blind. That wasn't a fun surprise to have while singing a song."When in doubt about the technical aspects, says Mattey, don't panic. The makeup effects team is your greatest resource. "They're going to be there to take care of you," he says. "And in most cases, they have more experience than you do dealing with this stuff."5. Take care of yourself. At the end of the day, working with blood can be just as draining as any other acting challenge-sometimes even more so. "Don't underestimate how upsetting it can be," says Andrews. "If you're going to go to a dark place in the scenario, make plans afterward for a bath with good music or a quiet night with good friends."