Irvin Kershner-directed The Empire Strikes Back from the Star Wars franchise is one of the highly recognized movies but it has a lot of behind-the-screen moments that would reshape the very outline of the movie. Thanks to the mastermind behind the franchise, George Lucas fans got the best treatment from the 1980 movie.
Yoda. Credit: 20th Century Studios
The Empire Strikes Back has undergone several changes before reaching the final product. Written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan from the story developed by Lucas had different plans for the iconic character, Yoda who would later make several appearances throughout the Star Wars franchise.
George Lucas’ Original Plan For Yoda Was Different
Jedi Master Yoda. Credit: 20th Century Studios
Legendary filmmaker and the father of the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, had a different plan for Yoda— a small, green humanoid alien and a Jedi Master— and that would have potentially...
Yoda. Credit: 20th Century Studios
The Empire Strikes Back has undergone several changes before reaching the final product. Written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan from the story developed by Lucas had different plans for the iconic character, Yoda who would later make several appearances throughout the Star Wars franchise.
George Lucas’ Original Plan For Yoda Was Different
Jedi Master Yoda. Credit: 20th Century Studios
Legendary filmmaker and the father of the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, had a different plan for Yoda— a small, green humanoid alien and a Jedi Master— and that would have potentially...
- 5/23/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
While these are more space fantasy than true sci-fi, the genre's core purpose is to offer commentary on our present and possible future. Films like Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, and Ridley Scott's The Martian are exemplary in their scientific fidelity. However, one film stands out for its unparalleled accuracy: Ron Howard's Apollo 13.
The Story of the Failed, Yet Heroic Flight to the Moon
"Apollo 13" is not your typical sci-fi movie but rather a science space drama with fictional elements, dramatizing the perilous events of the April 1970 space mission. Directed by Ron Howard, known for films like Willow, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code, and written by William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert, the movie meticulously recreates the dangerous mission.
The film's all-star cast, including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris, delivers stellar...
The Story of the Failed, Yet Heroic Flight to the Moon
"Apollo 13" is not your typical sci-fi movie but rather a science space drama with fictional elements, dramatizing the perilous events of the April 1970 space mission. Directed by Ron Howard, known for films like Willow, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code, and written by William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert, the movie meticulously recreates the dangerous mission.
The film's all-star cast, including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris, delivers stellar...
- 5/22/2024
- by louise.everitt@startefacts.com (Louise Everitt)
- STartefacts.com
Artificial Intelligence is taking over the world slowly but surely. Many people have started losing their jobs because they are being replaced left and right by AI systems which seem to do hours of work in a few seconds. Needless to say, AI is as much a bane as it is a boon. Steven Spielberg was one of the first to give an insight into a world with advanced AI in his 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) | DreamWorks Pictures
In a recent interview, Malcolm X colleagues Spike Lee and Giancarlo Esposito opened up about artificial intelligence and the danger it poses to both the film industry and the world. While Spike Lee admitted that A.I. Artificial Intelligence was his introduction to AI, Giancarlo Esposito was firm in his belief that no matter how much technology advances, you will never be able to replace the “soulfulness” of human beings.
Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) | DreamWorks Pictures
In a recent interview, Malcolm X colleagues Spike Lee and Giancarlo Esposito opened up about artificial intelligence and the danger it poses to both the film industry and the world. While Spike Lee admitted that A.I. Artificial Intelligence was his introduction to AI, Giancarlo Esposito was firm in his belief that no matter how much technology advances, you will never be able to replace the “soulfulness” of human beings.
- 5/22/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
The Empire Strikes Back remains one of the most iconic films of all time and arguably the best Star Wars film. As a result, many fans might be surprised to learn that the film was shot simultaneously with another iconic horror film the Stanley Kubrick directed The Shining. However, the latter was responsible for adversely affecting The Empire Strikes Back.
The Empire Strikes Back shared studio space with The Shining (Image credit: Lucasfilm).
The Empire Strikes Back and The Shining were shot at the same studio, where they shared some studio space. However, after an unforeseen accident caused the decimation of the Kubrick film’s sets, George Lucas had to give up some of the studio space reserved for the production of his much-awaited Star Wars sequel. Here is how The Shining led to troubles for The Empire Strikes Back‘s production.
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining Messed Up George...
The Empire Strikes Back shared studio space with The Shining (Image credit: Lucasfilm).
The Empire Strikes Back and The Shining were shot at the same studio, where they shared some studio space. However, after an unforeseen accident caused the decimation of the Kubrick film’s sets, George Lucas had to give up some of the studio space reserved for the production of his much-awaited Star Wars sequel. Here is how The Shining led to troubles for The Empire Strikes Back‘s production.
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining Messed Up George...
- 5/22/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Prior to directing "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" in 1989, Jeremiah S. Chechik had overseen many, many TV commercials, as well as the music videos for Van Halen's "When It's Love" and Hall & Oates' "Downtown Life." Chechik knew the commercial world well, having begun his career as a fashion photographer for Vogue, and having worked as a designer. After "Christmas Vacation," his career flourished, and he turned out many notable, high-profile films like "Benny & Joon," "Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill," the English-language remake of "Diabolique," and the sexy film adaptation of "The Avengers." After that, he moved mostly into TV, and has directed dozens of episodes of many, many acclaimed shows.
His movement from music videos into feature films, however, began in an unlikely way, and Chechik credits his big break on a flippant, sarcastic comment made by master director Stanley Kubrick. It seems that Kubrick, when...
His movement from music videos into feature films, however, began in an unlikely way, and Chechik credits his big break on a flippant, sarcastic comment made by master director Stanley Kubrick. It seems that Kubrick, when...
- 5/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Nicolas Cage is going to star in the upcoming independent horror film titled Longlegs. While the film looks very modern, it’s actually a throwback to one Old Hollywood icon. Interestingly the director of Longlegs has a major connection to the icon in question.
Nicolas Cage’s ‘Longlegs’ was inspired by 1 of the best directors ever
Longlegs will be directed by Oz Perkins. So far, Perkins is most famous for his films I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel. During a 2020 interview with Polygon, Perkins discussed Longlegs, saying it was inspired by the work of cinematic legend Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is remembered for horror films and thrillers such as Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, and North by Northwest. His movies often have good humor and a psychosexual subtext. Hitchcock might be the most acclaimed director of all time, with Stanley Kubrick being his only real rival.
Nicolas Cage’s ‘Longlegs’ was inspired by 1 of the best directors ever
Longlegs will be directed by Oz Perkins. So far, Perkins is most famous for his films I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and Gretel & Hansel. During a 2020 interview with Polygon, Perkins discussed Longlegs, saying it was inspired by the work of cinematic legend Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is remembered for horror films and thrillers such as Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, and North by Northwest. His movies often have good humor and a psychosexual subtext. Hitchcock might be the most acclaimed director of all time, with Stanley Kubrick being his only real rival.
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For a biopic about Donald Trump, The Apprentice is surprisingly concerned with other things. The film has exactly what you might expect and somehow a curiosity around every corner, a familiar historical intrigue firmly planted in a tonal shock. The shock comes from its subtlety and perspective, the latter of which has a unique bent for a film about an ex-President debuting in an election year that spotlights his third campaign.
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of American directors looking to cinematically take down Trump. But, for now, none of them get to. At least not as blatantly as Ali Abbasi, the international director who won the job to tell the story of the debased mogul from the early ’70s to the mid-80s.
The Apprentice––aptly named after both the reality TV show Trump (Sebastian Stan) created and young Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn––marks...
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of American directors looking to cinematically take down Trump. But, for now, none of them get to. At least not as blatantly as Ali Abbasi, the international director who won the job to tell the story of the debased mogul from the early ’70s to the mid-80s.
The Apprentice––aptly named after both the reality TV show Trump (Sebastian Stan) created and young Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn––marks...
- 5/21/2024
- by Luke Hicks
- The Film Stage
There is a subgenre that basks in the creaturely natures of girls and women. Forget the ethereal sisters of “The Virgin Suicides” for here are some hot messes. Found in the literature of Shirley Jackson, Angela Carter and Deborah Levy and in films by Josephine Decker and Luna Carmoon, this is a mode of characterisation that delights in stripping away the illusion of a “fairer sex” in order to marinate in the feminine grotesque.
Ariane Labed’s entry to this canon, her directorial feature debut “September Says,” is infused with her own history as a Greek New Wave actress. There are shades of her break-out role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ claustrophobic family drama “Dogtooth” and a callback to her animal impressions in Athina Rachel Tsangari’s sublime, underrated “Attenberg.” Otherwise, Labed follows the sketchy map laid out by Daisy Johnson’s source novel, “Sisters.”
September (Pascale Kann) is older than her...
Ariane Labed’s entry to this canon, her directorial feature debut “September Says,” is infused with her own history as a Greek New Wave actress. There are shades of her break-out role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ claustrophobic family drama “Dogtooth” and a callback to her animal impressions in Athina Rachel Tsangari’s sublime, underrated “Attenberg.” Otherwise, Labed follows the sketchy map laid out by Daisy Johnson’s source novel, “Sisters.”
September (Pascale Kann) is older than her...
- 5/21/2024
- by Sophie Monks Kaufman
- Indiewire
The episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? covering The Vanishing was Written and Narrated by Mike Holtz, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Andrew Hatfield and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Expectations can be a funny thing when it comes to movies. Go into a theater with absolutely no inhibitions about what you’re about to witness and you’re likely to have a far better time than if you were watching a sequel you’ve built up expectations for in your mind. Remakes? Forget it. One would wager that the likelihood of you enjoying a remake of a film that you already enjoyed in its original packaging is a considerable amount lower than had you never seen the original. For obvious reasons. This brings me to today’s topic: a 1993 American remake of the French-Dutch film Spoorlos that was attacked by many for being...
Expectations can be a funny thing when it comes to movies. Go into a theater with absolutely no inhibitions about what you’re about to witness and you’re likely to have a far better time than if you were watching a sequel you’ve built up expectations for in your mind. Remakes? Forget it. One would wager that the likelihood of you enjoying a remake of a film that you already enjoyed in its original packaging is a considerable amount lower than had you never seen the original. For obvious reasons. This brings me to today’s topic: a 1993 American remake of the French-Dutch film Spoorlos that was attacked by many for being...
- 5/20/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Does the Academy hate horror? "Hate" is probably a strong word, but it's not unfair to say the Academy has at least an aversion to the genre. With the notable exception of Jonathan Demme's "The Silence of the Lambs," which swept the Oscars and won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, the Oscars tend to overlook or ignore horror movies altogether. For (recent) example: many people thought Toni Collette should've at least nabbed a nomination for her incredible work in Ari Aster's "Hereditary," but that didn't happen.
Stephen King knows a thing or two about horror movies, especially since most of his books have been adapted to the screen. When it comes to King's movie adaptations, only one has achieved Oscar glory: "Misery," which earned Kathy Bates a Best Actress Oscar. But if King had his way, another one of his movies would've been recognized by the Academy,...
Stephen King knows a thing or two about horror movies, especially since most of his books have been adapted to the screen. When it comes to King's movie adaptations, only one has achieved Oscar glory: "Misery," which earned Kathy Bates a Best Actress Oscar. But if King had his way, another one of his movies would've been recognized by the Academy,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
New generation fans of Tom Cruise were shocked to learn that he was part of many of the fighter jet stunts in his 2022 film, Top Gun: Maverick. However, little do they know about the challenges he had to face inside real jets during the filming of the first film, Top Gun, which was released in 1986. During the training sessions, Cruise was paired with Lieutenant Commander Lloyd ‘Bozo’ Abel, who was a badass fighter jet pilot in the U.S. Navy.
Tom Cruise in a still from Top Gun (1986) | Jerry Bruckheimer Films
The Mission: Impossible actor had one hell of an adventure with Bozo and he revealed one particular experience he had inside an F14 Jet. Bozo went for a daring maneuver just when Cruise had finished chucking in a plastic bag, throwing him off balance in the jet.
Tom Cruise Couldn’t Handle The F14 Jet Ride During His First Time...
Tom Cruise in a still from Top Gun (1986) | Jerry Bruckheimer Films
The Mission: Impossible actor had one hell of an adventure with Bozo and he revealed one particular experience he had inside an F14 Jet. Bozo went for a daring maneuver just when Cruise had finished chucking in a plastic bag, throwing him off balance in the jet.
Tom Cruise Couldn’t Handle The F14 Jet Ride During His First Time...
- 5/18/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Tim Blake Nelson, the talented actor known for his roles in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, who is also set to appear in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, has opened up about his experience being cut from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two. Appearing on the Inside of You podcast, Nelson recalled being heartbroken when his role was ultimately cut from the final version of Dune 2.
Tim Blake Nelson in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs | Annapurna Television/Netflix
However, while addressing his heartbreaking cut from Dune: Part Two, Tim Blake Nelson mentioned how his experience bears a striking resemblance to the legendary story of Stanley Kubrick’s compassionate firing of a mystery actor. Nelson discussed how his story runs parallel with Kubrick’s incident of firing an unnamed actor from Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut.
Stanley Kubrick’s Unusual Approach to Firing...
Tim Blake Nelson in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs | Annapurna Television/Netflix
However, while addressing his heartbreaking cut from Dune: Part Two, Tim Blake Nelson mentioned how his experience bears a striking resemblance to the legendary story of Stanley Kubrick’s compassionate firing of a mystery actor. Nelson discussed how his story runs parallel with Kubrick’s incident of firing an unnamed actor from Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut.
Stanley Kubrick’s Unusual Approach to Firing...
- 5/18/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
There are horror movies that don’t dive straight into the most frightening parts with all those jumpscares, loud sounds and rivers of blood. On the contrary, they set a chilling atmosphere of danger coming to swallow the characters and create a never-ending sense of unease quite slowly through perfectly developing suspense.
Here are 7 slow-burn horror must-watches, handpicked by Reddit.
The Wicker Man (1973)
First comes the cultish genre’s staple that follows a Christian detective during the investigation of the disappearance of a pagan tribe’s girl. It creates a very unsettling and even paranoidal atmosphere by blending mythical elements with onscreen reality.
Funny Games (2007)
Naomi Watts and Tim Roth’s psychological horror is a perfect example of a movie that takes time for the full extent of the terror to be revealed on screen. It focuses on a couple who get captured and tormented by two young criminals on their vacation.
Here are 7 slow-burn horror must-watches, handpicked by Reddit.
The Wicker Man (1973)
First comes the cultish genre’s staple that follows a Christian detective during the investigation of the disappearance of a pagan tribe’s girl. It creates a very unsettling and even paranoidal atmosphere by blending mythical elements with onscreen reality.
Funny Games (2007)
Naomi Watts and Tim Roth’s psychological horror is a perfect example of a movie that takes time for the full extent of the terror to be revealed on screen. It focuses on a couple who get captured and tormented by two young criminals on their vacation.
- 5/17/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Surreal. That’s how Misan Harriman describes his first time at the Academy Awards earlier this year. Six years before, his wife had bought him a Fujifilm X100 for his 40th birthday and encouraged him to start taking pictures with it. Then there he was, surrounded by the global industry’s most overachieving, himself an Oscar-nominated director.
He had always loved film, having been raised on ’80s and ’90s cinema like The Lost Boys, Big Trouble in Little China and Stand By Me. He describes Home Alone, of all things, as “more than entertainment for troubled kids like me,” and will share his connection to the classic movie’s study of “trauma response” and the way it, and films like it, saved him. Born in Nigeria in 1977, Harriman was the only Black kid at his British boarding school. “With my kind of neurodiversity, I’m not supposed to be good at anything,...
He had always loved film, having been raised on ’80s and ’90s cinema like The Lost Boys, Big Trouble in Little China and Stand By Me. He describes Home Alone, of all things, as “more than entertainment for troubled kids like me,” and will share his connection to the classic movie’s study of “trauma response” and the way it, and films like it, saved him. Born in Nigeria in 1977, Harriman was the only Black kid at his British boarding school. “With my kind of neurodiversity, I’m not supposed to be good at anything,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Joe Utichi
- Deadline Film + TV
This article contains no spoilers for House Of The Dragon season 2. But it does broadly allude to events from the source material Fire & Blood.
House of the Dragon season 2 is merely one month away from its June 16 premiere on HBO. As such, many fresh tidbits are beginning to trickle out about the next batch episodes for the Game of Thrones prequel.
The latest, and most substantial download of information arrived yesterday in the form of a massive, revealing new trailer and an equally massive, revealing feature from Entertainment Weekly. While we’ve already delved into the former, there’s a detail hidden in the later that deserves further exploration.
Amid EW‘s sprawling, well-written report focusing on House of the Dragon stars Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen) and Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), there’s a passage from series writer Sara Hess that invokes an unlikely source of inspiration for season 2: The Shining.
House of the Dragon season 2 is merely one month away from its June 16 premiere on HBO. As such, many fresh tidbits are beginning to trickle out about the next batch episodes for the Game of Thrones prequel.
The latest, and most substantial download of information arrived yesterday in the form of a massive, revealing new trailer and an equally massive, revealing feature from Entertainment Weekly. While we’ve already delved into the former, there’s a detail hidden in the later that deserves further exploration.
Amid EW‘s sprawling, well-written report focusing on House of the Dragon stars Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen) and Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), there’s a passage from series writer Sara Hess that invokes an unlikely source of inspiration for season 2: The Shining.
- 5/16/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, Gone Girl. There's hardly anyone who hasn't seen, let alone heard, all of these movies and the name of the man behind them, David Fincher. From Alien 3 to The Killer with Michael Fassbender, from House of Cards to Love, Death & Robots, Fincher's career is now in its fourth decade and his films have collectively grossed over $2.1 billion. But of course, no matter how original his work, even a director as innovative as Fincher is inspired by the achievements of filmmakers who came before him. Here is a list of 26 films that David Fincher has cited as his favorites.
26 Must-See Movies David Fincher Loves
26. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
25. Chinatown
24. Dr. Strangelove
23. The Godfather Part II
22. Taxi Driver
21. Being There
20. Alien
19. Rear Window
18. Jaws
17. Lawrence of Arabia
16. Zelig
15. Cabaret
14. All That Jazz
13. Paper Moon
12. All the President's Men
11. Citizen Kane
10. 8½
9. The Graduate...
26 Must-See Movies David Fincher Loves
26. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
25. Chinatown
24. Dr. Strangelove
23. The Godfather Part II
22. Taxi Driver
21. Being There
20. Alien
19. Rear Window
18. Jaws
17. Lawrence of Arabia
16. Zelig
15. Cabaret
14. All That Jazz
13. Paper Moon
12. All the President's Men
11. Citizen Kane
10. 8½
9. The Graduate...
- 5/16/2024
- by louise.everitt@startefacts.com (Louise Everitt)
- STartefacts.com
Oh, Canada debuting this week on the Croisette is high time to see lesser-seen Schrader on the Criterion Channel, who’ll debut an 11-title series including the likes of Touch, The Canyons, and Patty Hearst, while Old Boyfriends (written with his brother Leonard) and his own “Adventures in Moviegoing” are also programmed. Five films by Jean Grémillon, a rather underappreciated figure of French cinema, will be showing
Series-wise, there’s an appreciation of the synth soundtrack stretching all the way back to 1956’s Forbidden Planet while, naturally, finding its glut of titles in the ’70s and ’80s––Argento and Carpenter, obviously, but also Tarkovsky and Peter Weir. A Prince and restorations of films by Bob Odenkirk, Obayashi, John Greyson, and Jacques Rivette (whose Duelle is a masterpiece of the highest order) make streaming debuts. I Am Cuba, Girlfight, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Dazed and Confused are June’s Criterion Editions.
Series-wise, there’s an appreciation of the synth soundtrack stretching all the way back to 1956’s Forbidden Planet while, naturally, finding its glut of titles in the ’70s and ’80s––Argento and Carpenter, obviously, but also Tarkovsky and Peter Weir. A Prince and restorations of films by Bob Odenkirk, Obayashi, John Greyson, and Jacques Rivette (whose Duelle is a masterpiece of the highest order) make streaming debuts. I Am Cuba, Girlfight, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Dazed and Confused are June’s Criterion Editions.
- 5/14/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
The most notorious unmade Stanley Kubrick project is probably his "Napoleon," a massive biopic that the director infamously researched for years. In 2012, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosted a Kubrick exhibit, and guests were permitted to see Kubrick's filing cabinet where he stored thousands of hand-written notecards, each one detailing a single day in Napoleon Bonaparte's life. Kubrick worked on "Napoleon" in the 1970s, and claimed he wanted Jack Nicholson to play the part. Kubrick wrote a screenplay, secured filming locations in Romania, and was all ready to go. The 1970 film "Waterloo" bombed, however, and the then-recent film version of "War and Peace" threatened to flood the market with too much Napoleon. A lot of Kubrick's "Napoleon" research went into the production of 1975's "Barry Lyndon."
Kubrick's unrealized projects are plentiful. Audiences may also know all about Kubrick's plans to make "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" near the end of his life,...
Kubrick's unrealized projects are plentiful. Audiences may also know all about Kubrick's plans to make "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" near the end of his life,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
This article was originally published in Empire in October 2020
There’s never been a filmmaker like Roger Corman – putting some of the wildest premises in Hollywood history onto the screen, igniting the careers of countless fellow cinematic legends, and continuing to create against all the odds. Following his death at the age of 98, Empire presents our 2020 interview with the man himself – looking back on his wildest career moves, sharing his vital rules for making movies, and detailing the projects he still had in the works. Because even in his 90s, Corman was giving his all to cinema.
No force on Earth has ever been able to stop Roger Corman. From the moment he bankrolled his first film, Monster From The Ocean Floor, back in 1954, he has worked at a velocity that makes even Ben Wheatley look like Stanley Kubrick. Churning out one low-budget genre flick after another, he’s given...
There’s never been a filmmaker like Roger Corman – putting some of the wildest premises in Hollywood history onto the screen, igniting the careers of countless fellow cinematic legends, and continuing to create against all the odds. Following his death at the age of 98, Empire presents our 2020 interview with the man himself – looking back on his wildest career moves, sharing his vital rules for making movies, and detailing the projects he still had in the works. Because even in his 90s, Corman was giving his all to cinema.
No force on Earth has ever been able to stop Roger Corman. From the moment he bankrolled his first film, Monster From The Ocean Floor, back in 1954, he has worked at a velocity that makes even Ben Wheatley look like Stanley Kubrick. Churning out one low-budget genre flick after another, he’s given...
- 5/13/2024
- by Nick de Semlyen
- Empire - Movies
Stanley Kubrick's 1971 dystopian sci-fi film "A Clockwork Orange" points out that a modern British society -- so devoted to stuffy manners, politeness, and keeping evil out of sight -- won't know how to deal with legitimate sociopaths. Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) is a violent little punk who regularly leads his teen gang -- the Droogs -- into fights, into bars that serve drug-laced milk, and into the locked homes of their victims. Alex beats and assaults people without a scrap of conscience, and sees the world as something to consume, use up, and have sex with. Kubrick toys with the audience a little, presenting Alex as charismatic and funny, even though he's a monster.
When Alex is finally apprehended for his many crimes, the juvenile delinquent is thrown into prison and subjected to a new kind of rehabilitation technique ... involving movies. Alex has his eyes clamped open and he...
When Alex is finally apprehended for his many crimes, the juvenile delinquent is thrown into prison and subjected to a new kind of rehabilitation technique ... involving movies. Alex has his eyes clamped open and he...
- 5/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Steven Spielberg's filmmaking techniques took a large bound forward in 2001 with the release of "A.I. Artificial Intelligence." The sci-fi film, set in a near future populated by conscious androids, was a project Spielberg took over from an ailing Stanley Kubrick, who passed on it when he felt Spielberg could do it better. In "A.I.," Spielberg's photography and editing were very different from the slick, adventure films and glossy prestige pictures he had become popular making. Now everything was hazy, staid, more deliberate.
Although he had already won three Oscars (two for "Schindler's List" and one for "Saving Private Ryan") and was widely considered to be a reigning master of Hollywood's blockbuster class, Spielberg evolved. After 2001, Spielberg's career bifurcated into dispassionate effects-based thrillers wherein the filmmaker was merely experimenting, and deeply passionate political thrillers that used the politics of the past to reflect on issues of the day.
The official...
Although he had already won three Oscars (two for "Schindler's List" and one for "Saving Private Ryan") and was widely considered to be a reigning master of Hollywood's blockbuster class, Spielberg evolved. After 2001, Spielberg's career bifurcated into dispassionate effects-based thrillers wherein the filmmaker was merely experimenting, and deeply passionate political thrillers that used the politics of the past to reflect on issues of the day.
The official...
- 5/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Nicole Kidman is not one of the highest-paid actresses in the world for no reason. With her consistently incredible work in film and television, the actress has time and again proved that she can do anything and everything, no matter the genre. Whether it’s a thriller like Destroyer or a rom-com like Just Go with It, Nicole Kidman knows just how to do justice to her roles.
Nicole Kidman in Just Go with It (2011)
She has also worked as a producer on many projects including Taylor Sheridan’s spy thriller, Special Ops: Lioness. The television series stars Zoe Saldaña in the lead role as Joe, a CIA officer in charge of the Lioness program. Nicole Kidman also has a supporting, yet pivotal role in the series, which was custom-made by Taylor Sheridan himself just so he could get the actress to come in front of the cameras for the show.
Nicole Kidman in Just Go with It (2011)
She has also worked as a producer on many projects including Taylor Sheridan’s spy thriller, Special Ops: Lioness. The television series stars Zoe Saldaña in the lead role as Joe, a CIA officer in charge of the Lioness program. Nicole Kidman also has a supporting, yet pivotal role in the series, which was custom-made by Taylor Sheridan himself just so he could get the actress to come in front of the cameras for the show.
- 5/12/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
The terror in "The Twilight Zone" always comes from "What if?" What if there was a little boy with way too much power for anyone to tell him "no"? What if what you thought of as Heaven turned out to be more like Hell? What if man-eating aliens arrived and made humans as docile as lambs to the slaughter?
These questions may be outrageous fantasy, but the terror of them is timeless. We still watch "The Twilight Zone" decades later, and the best episodes can still leave you chilled -- all thanks to the imagination of series creator Rod Serling.
Serling is synonymous with "The Twilight Zone" even for casual viewers; one could call him TV's first auteur. His reputation was as much thanks to his on-camera work as his writing. Serling was the narrator of "The Twilight Zone," introducing and closing out each episode. (He got the job after...
These questions may be outrageous fantasy, but the terror of them is timeless. We still watch "The Twilight Zone" decades later, and the best episodes can still leave you chilled -- all thanks to the imagination of series creator Rod Serling.
Serling is synonymous with "The Twilight Zone" even for casual viewers; one could call him TV's first auteur. His reputation was as much thanks to his on-camera work as his writing. Serling was the narrator of "The Twilight Zone," introducing and closing out each episode. (He got the job after...
- 5/12/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Jessica Hausner on the references to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby: “The idea behind Hotel [starring Franziska Weisz] was to use all those classical horror film elements on purpose, to put them together but to not lift the secret.”
In the second instalment with Jessica Hausner on three of her feature films before her latest, the bewitching Club Zero (European Film Award Best Original Score to Markus Binder), we move the conversation to Hotel, starring Franziska Weisz with Birgit Minichmayr (Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon) and Lovely Rita with Barbara Osika as Rita, Wolfgang Kostal and Karina Brandlmayer as her parents, and Peter Fiala as her man of interest. The two films have the costumes, as always, designed by Tanja Hausner, cinematography by Martin Gschlacht, sound design by Erik Mischijew (Maren Ade’s multiple European Film...
In the second instalment with Jessica Hausner on three of her feature films before her latest, the bewitching Club Zero (European Film Award Best Original Score to Markus Binder), we move the conversation to Hotel, starring Franziska Weisz with Birgit Minichmayr (Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon) and Lovely Rita with Barbara Osika as Rita, Wolfgang Kostal and Karina Brandlmayer as her parents, and Peter Fiala as her man of interest. The two films have the costumes, as always, designed by Tanja Hausner, cinematography by Martin Gschlacht, sound design by Erik Mischijew (Maren Ade’s multiple European Film...
- 5/11/2024
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if any film could capture the awe-inspiring vastness of the cosmos? Many directors have soared through the stars in science fiction, but one visionary’s belief is as enduring as the galaxy itself. George Lucas, the renowned creator of the epic Star Wars, has a deep appreciation for a cinematic masterpiece that even his own galactic saga cannot match: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]Lucas made cinematic history in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, an instant classic that catapulted science fiction to the forefront of popular culture. Despite his phenomenal success, he remains convinced that Kubrick’s 1968 magnum opus is an unmatched masterpiece, a celestial pinnacle that no filmmaker in the near future can hope to surpass.
The film starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in the leading roles.
George Lucas [Photo: Joey Gannon/Wikimedia Commons]Lucas made cinematic history in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, an instant classic that catapulted science fiction to the forefront of popular culture. Despite his phenomenal success, he remains convinced that Kubrick’s 1968 magnum opus is an unmatched masterpiece, a celestial pinnacle that no filmmaker in the near future can hope to surpass.
The film starred Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood in the leading roles.
- 5/10/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Kung Fury— a 2015 English-language Swedish martial arts comedy film— is weirdly entertaining, the average critics’ consensus certified the movie fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 86% score. Also, fans have showered their love for the David Sandberg (not to be confused with Shazam! director) written and directed movie.
Jorma Taccone as Adolf Hitler in Kung Fury
As the movie claimed the astounding accolades, there was inherently another installment in the making. The sequel of the Sandberg-led movie who played the title character, also starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, Kung Fury 2 has never seen the light of day. Jorma Taccone played the notorious historical figure, Adolf Hitler and the actor was heartbroken as the movie was hidden from the public forever.
Jorma Taccone Was Heartbroken After Kung Fury 2’s Release Was Scrapped Jorma Taccone as Adolf Hitler in Kung Fury
Jorma Taccone played a comic version of Adolf Hitler, Kung Fuhrer,...
Jorma Taccone as Adolf Hitler in Kung Fury
As the movie claimed the astounding accolades, there was inherently another installment in the making. The sequel of the Sandberg-led movie who played the title character, also starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, Kung Fury 2 has never seen the light of day. Jorma Taccone played the notorious historical figure, Adolf Hitler and the actor was heartbroken as the movie was hidden from the public forever.
Jorma Taccone Was Heartbroken After Kung Fury 2’s Release Was Scrapped Jorma Taccone as Adolf Hitler in Kung Fury
Jorma Taccone played a comic version of Adolf Hitler, Kung Fuhrer,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
On the indie side of filmmaking life, Sean Price Williams has seen it all. He’s worked with the Safdies, Alex Ross Perry, Nathan Silver, Robert Green, and Athina Rachel Tsangari, and often more than once. He’s the premier chronicler of New York City independent movies behind the camera, typically shooting on celluloid, and bringing surreal, gritty poetry to character-driven stories that feel on the ground like portraits of versions of ourselves.
One of the most unabashedly movie-loving cinematographers working today, Williams last year moved to directing for the sprawling, scratchy-edged tale of East Coast youth, “The Sweet East,” which remains in theaters and features stars like Jacob Elordi, Simon Rex, Jeremy O. Harris, and Ayo Edebiri.
But even more recently than that directorial debut, he released a “1000 Movies” book via Metrograph Editions, a simple, unadorned paperback that offers, rather than commentary, pages listing his favorite essential films and...
One of the most unabashedly movie-loving cinematographers working today, Williams last year moved to directing for the sprawling, scratchy-edged tale of East Coast youth, “The Sweet East,” which remains in theaters and features stars like Jacob Elordi, Simon Rex, Jeremy O. Harris, and Ayo Edebiri.
But even more recently than that directorial debut, he released a “1000 Movies” book via Metrograph Editions, a simple, unadorned paperback that offers, rather than commentary, pages listing his favorite essential films and...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
One of the greatest visionary directors that Hollywood had the privilege of hosting, Stanley Kubrick revolutionized the process of filmmaking for the foreseeable future. The director of such instant classics as 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining got around to claiming Tom Cruise, the biggest movie star in the world, in one of his movies shortly before his death.
Eyes Wide Shut [Credit: Warner Bros.]
Although the collaboration was short-lived and tragically bookended, their project was anything but less than glorious. Their 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut, categorized as an erotic mystery thriller, marked the end of an era – both for Kubrick and the deteriorating relationship between the lead glamorous couple, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
Nicole Kidman Recalls Her Great Stanley Kubrick Regret
At the advent of her career, the Australian model Nicole Kidman, with her wild red mane and tall lanky figure, was considered a far...
Eyes Wide Shut [Credit: Warner Bros.]
Although the collaboration was short-lived and tragically bookended, their project was anything but less than glorious. Their 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut, categorized as an erotic mystery thriller, marked the end of an era – both for Kubrick and the deteriorating relationship between the lead glamorous couple, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
Nicole Kidman Recalls Her Great Stanley Kubrick Regret
At the advent of her career, the Australian model Nicole Kidman, with her wild red mane and tall lanky figure, was considered a far...
- 5/7/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Prior to his work on "Star Wars" in 1977, actor and bodybuilder David Prowse had made a career playing goons, creatures, and bodyguards in high-profile movies. Prowse played Frankenstien's monster in the Hammer film "The Horror of Frankenstein," a role he had already played briefly in the 1967 version of "Casino Royale." He played a comedic torturer in "Carry On, Henry," the 21st "Carry On" movie. Most visibly, Prowse played the muscular bodyguard for the injured old Frank (Patrick Magee) in Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." He was the one who got to cradle Malcolm McDowell like a baby. This was easy for Prowse, who stood six-foot-six.
The actor also played Darth Vader "Star Wars," "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" ... but only in the scenes wherein Darth Vader wore a mask. In "Jedi," when Vader finally revealed his face, Prowse was replaced by actor Sebastian Shaw.
The actor also played Darth Vader "Star Wars," "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" ... but only in the scenes wherein Darth Vader wore a mask. In "Jedi," when Vader finally revealed his face, Prowse was replaced by actor Sebastian Shaw.
- 5/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Spike Lee credits Steven Spielberg for having a “crystal ball” when it comes to the dangers of artificial intelligence.
During an interview alongside actor Giancarlo Esposito for The Hollywood Reporter, Lee pointed to Spielberg’s 2001 film “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Stanley Kubrick had been developing the sci-fi feature for two decades before Spielberg took over writing and directing after Kubrick’s death.
According to Lee, Spielberg’s film was one of the first mainstream portrayals of artificial intelligence, and served as an early warning for what the world is facing now in 2024.
“The danger that A.I. could do to cinemas is nothing compared to what it could do to the world,” Lee said when asked about the effects of A.I. on filmmaking. “It’s bigger than cinema. It’s bigger than music. I got to give it to my brother, Steven Spielberg, who peeped this many years ago when...
During an interview alongside actor Giancarlo Esposito for The Hollywood Reporter, Lee pointed to Spielberg’s 2001 film “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” Stanley Kubrick had been developing the sci-fi feature for two decades before Spielberg took over writing and directing after Kubrick’s death.
According to Lee, Spielberg’s film was one of the first mainstream portrayals of artificial intelligence, and served as an early warning for what the world is facing now in 2024.
“The danger that A.I. could do to cinemas is nothing compared to what it could do to the world,” Lee said when asked about the effects of A.I. on filmmaking. “It’s bigger than cinema. It’s bigger than music. I got to give it to my brother, Steven Spielberg, who peeped this many years ago when...
- 5/6/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
For over a decade, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were the dream Hollywood couple. The actors who had a fairytale romance on the sets of their film Days of Thunder, tied the knot in 1990 and seemed to have the perfect life until their shocking divorce in 2001. During this period, the ex-couple also starred in Stanley Kubrick’s bold erotic drama, Eyes Wide Shut.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Days Of Thunder (image credit: Paramount Pictures)
The director who pushed the boundaries of s*xual intimacy in various ways through his very specific conditions, was incidentally rumored to have been the cause for the rift between Kidman and Cruise which ultimately led to their separation. But the Oscar winner confirmed in clear terms that the film and Kubrick had nothing to do with her divorce.
Nicole Kidman Shut Down Speculations About Her Divorce With Tom Cruise
For over 11 years, Nicole...
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Days Of Thunder (image credit: Paramount Pictures)
The director who pushed the boundaries of s*xual intimacy in various ways through his very specific conditions, was incidentally rumored to have been the cause for the rift between Kidman and Cruise which ultimately led to their separation. But the Oscar winner confirmed in clear terms that the film and Kubrick had nothing to do with her divorce.
Nicole Kidman Shut Down Speculations About Her Divorce With Tom Cruise
For over 11 years, Nicole...
- 5/6/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
James Cameron gave one of the biggest blockbusters ever with the disaster epic Titanic. The film, which was a love story set during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, was the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by his own film Avatar. Cameron’s film became a pop cultural milestone for its depiction of the disaster and has become one of the most adored romances.
While Cameron has delivered blockbusters that have been great pieces of art, he is known for running a tight ship on set. Many stories have come out of his autocratic behavior and his long schedules without breaks. Titanic actor Bernard Hill mentioned that he used to be very hard on actors and crew members who did not give their full potential for the film.
Bernard Hill Recounts James Cameron’s Wrath On Titanic Bernard Hill in Titanic
Actor Bernard Hill played the...
While Cameron has delivered blockbusters that have been great pieces of art, he is known for running a tight ship on set. Many stories have come out of his autocratic behavior and his long schedules without breaks. Titanic actor Bernard Hill mentioned that he used to be very hard on actors and crew members who did not give their full potential for the film.
Bernard Hill Recounts James Cameron’s Wrath On Titanic Bernard Hill in Titanic
Actor Bernard Hill played the...
- 5/6/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
The Golden Raspberry is one of the most important industry anti-prizes. Every year, the worst movies of the season are nominated for it: from failed blockbusters to dramas that look more like comedies. But often the winners are simply misunderstood masterpieces.
Some of these underrated films were chosen by Reddit users.
1. The Blair Witch Project, 1999
Can you believe it? The movie that changed the horror industry was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Anti-Award in the category Worst Picture. Maybe, from a certain point of view, even this kind of PR benefits the movie, but to be honest, The Blair Witch Project had no chance to "win" that year – it was up against Adam Sandler's Big Daddy, The Haunting, and Will Smith's Wild Wild West.
2. The Bodyguard, 1992
It is safe to say that the cult melodrama has become Kevin Costner's acting calling card. His unforgettable screen duet with...
Some of these underrated films were chosen by Reddit users.
1. The Blair Witch Project, 1999
Can you believe it? The movie that changed the horror industry was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Anti-Award in the category Worst Picture. Maybe, from a certain point of view, even this kind of PR benefits the movie, but to be honest, The Blair Witch Project had no chance to "win" that year – it was up against Adam Sandler's Big Daddy, The Haunting, and Will Smith's Wild Wild West.
2. The Bodyguard, 1992
It is safe to say that the cult melodrama has become Kevin Costner's acting calling card. His unforgettable screen duet with...
- 5/5/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has reportedly reconciled with his former friends, the Beckhams, following an alleged feud. Cruise and the Beckhams reportedly bonded when the celebrity couple decided to move to Los Angeles after David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy squad in 2007. The trio, along with the actor’s ex-wife Katie Holmes, were frequently spotted together.
Tom Cruise | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Over time, their friendship waned, with reports even suggesting that the Top Gun star had not spoken to his former friends for years. However, after he joined the fashion designer’s star-studded 50th birthday bash earlier in April, reports suggest that the actor now seeks to patch things up with his former friends.
Tom Cruise Joined Victoria Beckham’s Birthday Bash
Victoria Beckham celebrated her 50th birthday in April with a lavish star-studded bash joined by multiple stars including the Spice Girls and the Hollywood star Tom Cruise. The latter’s appearance surprised many,...
Tom Cruise | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Over time, their friendship waned, with reports even suggesting that the Top Gun star had not spoken to his former friends for years. However, after he joined the fashion designer’s star-studded 50th birthday bash earlier in April, reports suggest that the actor now seeks to patch things up with his former friends.
Tom Cruise Joined Victoria Beckham’s Birthday Bash
Victoria Beckham celebrated her 50th birthday in April with a lavish star-studded bash joined by multiple stars including the Spice Girls and the Hollywood star Tom Cruise. The latter’s appearance surprised many,...
- 5/5/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Director Stanley Kubrick is known for his perfectionist tendencies while on set. His commitment to getting the shot technically and artistically right has resulted in some of the best films of all time such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, Paths of Glory, Full Metal Jacket, and The Shining among others.
Kubrick passed away before the release of his final film Eyes Wide Shut, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were then married. While the psychological thriller drama has been regarded as one of Kubrick’s best and is considered to be one of the greats, the filmmaker himself reportedly did not like the film and especially hated working with Cruise and Kidman.
Stanley Kubrick Reportedly Hated Working With Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman A still from Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut
After working with newcomers and unknown actors for a long time, Stanley Kubrick reportedly...
Kubrick passed away before the release of his final film Eyes Wide Shut, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were then married. While the psychological thriller drama has been regarded as one of Kubrick’s best and is considered to be one of the greats, the filmmaker himself reportedly did not like the film and especially hated working with Cruise and Kidman.
Stanley Kubrick Reportedly Hated Working With Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman A still from Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut
After working with newcomers and unknown actors for a long time, Stanley Kubrick reportedly...
- 5/5/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Mike Flanagan, the prolific filmmaker behind “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Doctor Sleep” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” is in talks to direct “The Exorcist” sequel for Universal and Blumhouse, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. The source stressed it’s early days and a deal is far from guaranteed, but there is interest from both sides and Flanagan has a take on the material.
Universal directed TheWrap’s inquiry to Blumhouse, who had no comment.
In 2021, Universal shelled out $400 million for the rights to the “Exorcist” franchise and planned a trilogy of films, but director and cowriter David Gordon Green exited the series after directing last year’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” despite having mapped out the next two films.
Flanagan is no stranger to stepping into existing horror franchises and putting his own spin on things. He crafted 2016’s surprisingly great “Ouija: Origin of Evil...
Universal directed TheWrap’s inquiry to Blumhouse, who had no comment.
In 2021, Universal shelled out $400 million for the rights to the “Exorcist” franchise and planned a trilogy of films, but director and cowriter David Gordon Green exited the series after directing last year’s “The Exorcist: Believer,” despite having mapped out the next two films.
Flanagan is no stranger to stepping into existing horror franchises and putting his own spin on things. He crafted 2016’s surprisingly great “Ouija: Origin of Evil...
- 5/3/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
10. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Whenever Stanley Kubrick is involved, you know there has to be something outstanding. 2001: A Space Odyssey follows an adventure to Jupiter where the astronauts have to oppose their board computer that tries to stop them…
But more than a good movie, it’s an unforgettable visual experience, an experiment in bizarre.
You can watch 2001: A Space Odyssey on Max, Netflix, and Prime Video.
9. Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A Time In America isn’t special due to its captivating story of a small-time criminal turned mafia kingpin. The movie's sensational visuals could have been less impressive in our eyes, too — if not for the fact that in 1984, there was no CGI, and its stunning shots were all done with practical effects alone.
You can watch Once Upon A Time In America on Netflix and Prime Video.
8. Life of Pi...
Whenever Stanley Kubrick is involved, you know there has to be something outstanding. 2001: A Space Odyssey follows an adventure to Jupiter where the astronauts have to oppose their board computer that tries to stop them…
But more than a good movie, it’s an unforgettable visual experience, an experiment in bizarre.
You can watch 2001: A Space Odyssey on Max, Netflix, and Prime Video.
9. Once Upon A Time In America (1984)
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A Time In America isn’t special due to its captivating story of a small-time criminal turned mafia kingpin. The movie's sensational visuals could have been less impressive in our eyes, too — if not for the fact that in 1984, there was no CGI, and its stunning shots were all done with practical effects alone.
You can watch Once Upon A Time In America on Netflix and Prime Video.
8. Life of Pi...
- 5/2/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
In Golden Age Hollywood, it was common for a director to be fired in the middle of shooting. Moreover, only the one who finished the movie had a chance to be in the credits.
So Spartacus went down in history as a Stanley Kubrick movie, even though Anthony Mann started making it. And The Honeymoon Killers’ credits did not reflect Martin Scorsese's contribution at all – all the praise went to Leonard Kastle, who came after him.
For directors, especially debutants, such situations turned into career disasters: the half-finished movie was taken away from them, the footage was used without their participation, and after that it was not easy to find a new job – after all, the entire Hollywood knew about such dismissals, and no matter what the reason for the disagreement between the parties turned out to be, such stories did not bring positive reputation to the fired director.
So Spartacus went down in history as a Stanley Kubrick movie, even though Anthony Mann started making it. And The Honeymoon Killers’ credits did not reflect Martin Scorsese's contribution at all – all the praise went to Leonard Kastle, who came after him.
For directors, especially debutants, such situations turned into career disasters: the half-finished movie was taken away from them, the footage was used without their participation, and after that it was not easy to find a new job – after all, the entire Hollywood knew about such dismissals, and no matter what the reason for the disagreement between the parties turned out to be, such stories did not bring positive reputation to the fired director.
- 5/2/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
With films like The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick’s legacy will live on for centuries to come. During his life and even after his death in 1999, he’s widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers to have ever graced the film industry with his talent. But even a man of his caliber had to have been a fan of someone, and that “someone” for Stanley Kubrick was none other than James Cameron.
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980)
James Cameron has been responsible for helming some of the most unforgettable and successful films in Hollywood. Therefore, it makes sense that Stanley Kubrick would be in awe of some of his work, and the feeling was mutual between the directors. When James Cameron decided to give himself a birthday present by meeting Stanley Kubrick, he was shocked to learn just how much of a True Lies fan he was.
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980)
James Cameron has been responsible for helming some of the most unforgettable and successful films in Hollywood. Therefore, it makes sense that Stanley Kubrick would be in awe of some of his work, and the feeling was mutual between the directors. When James Cameron decided to give himself a birthday present by meeting Stanley Kubrick, he was shocked to learn just how much of a True Lies fan he was.
- 4/29/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Maïwenn’s Jeanne du Barry is a work without a unifying thesis. Born Jeanne Bécu in 1743, Louis Xv’s favorite mistress (played as an adult by Maïwenn herself) was a courtesan who was elevated to a countess, and to the scandalized horror of the French court. At first, the film seems primed to deliver a send-up of courtly ritual and hypocritical noble decorum, à la Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. But like the real Countess du Barry, it’s eventually caught up in the very pomp and splendor that it initially lampoons.
It’s in that initial, comical examination of court etiquette that Maïwenn’s film is at its strongest. When Jeanne, a courtesan favored by aristocrats who take her along to court, arrives at Versailles and is offered like livestock to Louis Xv (Johnny Depp), we see through her eyes how the palace has turned every single action into...
It’s in that initial, comical examination of court etiquette that Maïwenn’s film is at its strongest. When Jeanne, a courtesan favored by aristocrats who take her along to court, arrives at Versailles and is offered like livestock to Louis Xv (Johnny Depp), we see through her eyes how the palace has turned every single action into...
- 4/28/2024
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Nicole Kidman received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award Saturday at a gala in Los Angeles, where she became the first-ever Australian to earn the honor.
Kidman co-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Morgan Freeman — who spoofed Kidman’s iconic AMC ad at the ceremony — were on hand to celebrate the Oscar-winning Moulin Rouge actress.
Morgan Freeman parodies Nicole Kidman’s AMC spot at #AFILife pic.twitter.com/LHnblEh33Y
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 28, 2024
Fellow Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett also contributed video tributes to Kidman,...
Kidman co-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Morgan Freeman — who spoofed Kidman’s iconic AMC ad at the ceremony — were on hand to celebrate the Oscar-winning Moulin Rouge actress.
Morgan Freeman parodies Nicole Kidman’s AMC spot at #AFILife pic.twitter.com/LHnblEh33Y
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 28, 2024
Fellow Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett also contributed video tributes to Kidman,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Luca Guadagnino, director of Challengers, took a less intense approach to shooting the new Zendaya movie, a method that David Fincher or Stanley Kubrick might not have approved of. Fincher, renowned for his exhaustive number of takes per scene, received a subtle jab when Guadagnino expressed his disdain for such a method, deeming it torture for the actors.
A still from Challengers How Luca Guadagnino Shot Zendaya’s Challengers
The highly anticipated Zendaya movie, Challengers, has finally hit the screens and is surely the talk of the town. Ever since its teaser was released, audiences have eagerly anticipated seeing Zendaya in this new avatar.
Suggested“That’s really low”: Zendaya Fans Find ‘Challengers’ CinemaScore Rating Unacceptable
In a recent interview with The New York Times, director Luca Guadagnino shared insights into his filmmaking process for the movie. He said,
“I hate pushing,-If it’s great, why do you have to torture people?...
A still from Challengers How Luca Guadagnino Shot Zendaya’s Challengers
The highly anticipated Zendaya movie, Challengers, has finally hit the screens and is surely the talk of the town. Ever since its teaser was released, audiences have eagerly anticipated seeing Zendaya in this new avatar.
Suggested“That’s really low”: Zendaya Fans Find ‘Challengers’ CinemaScore Rating Unacceptable
In a recent interview with The New York Times, director Luca Guadagnino shared insights into his filmmaking process for the movie. He said,
“I hate pushing,-If it’s great, why do you have to torture people?...
- 4/28/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Hollywood legends gathered Saturday night to celebrate Nicole Kidman as she received the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Film Institute.
The ceremony featured tributes from Kidman’s esteemed peers and collaborators, including Meryl Streep, Zoe Saldaña, Naomi Watts, Zac Efron, David E. Kelley, Morgan Freeman, Keith Urban, Aaron Sorkin and Reese Witherspoon. The audience also included Lee Daniels, Mimi Leder and “Expats” creator and director Lulu Wang along with Kidman’s co-stars Ji-young and Sarayu Blue. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress expressed her deep gratitude for her distinguished career.
Kidman was visibly moved by the accolades from numerous distinguished colleagues, including Miles Teller, who was personally cast by Kidman in his first-ever film role “Rabbit Hole ” which was also her first produced feature. However, her husband, Keith Urban, shared intimate details about their life together, highlighting when he entered rehabilitation for substance abuse five months into their marriage,...
The ceremony featured tributes from Kidman’s esteemed peers and collaborators, including Meryl Streep, Zoe Saldaña, Naomi Watts, Zac Efron, David E. Kelley, Morgan Freeman, Keith Urban, Aaron Sorkin and Reese Witherspoon. The audience also included Lee Daniels, Mimi Leder and “Expats” creator and director Lulu Wang along with Kidman’s co-stars Ji-young and Sarayu Blue. The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress expressed her deep gratitude for her distinguished career.
Kidman was visibly moved by the accolades from numerous distinguished colleagues, including Miles Teller, who was personally cast by Kidman in his first-ever film role “Rabbit Hole ” which was also her first produced feature. However, her husband, Keith Urban, shared intimate details about their life together, highlighting when he entered rehabilitation for substance abuse five months into their marriage,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Nicole Kidman has captivated audiences with her spellbinding acting for over 40 years and has excelled in theatre, film, and television. Not only is she an accomplished producer but a five-time Academy Award nominee. Her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours (2002) earned her the Oscar for Best Actress in 2002.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1967, she began her career in Australia as a teenager with roles in Bush Christmas (1983) and BMX Bandits (1983). Her performance in Dead Calm (1989) would grab the attention of Hollywood, and Tom Cruise, casting her in her breakout role as neurologist Dr. Claire Lewicki, in Days of Thunder (1990).
Her trajectory to establishing herself among Hollywood’s A-List continued as she starred alongside Cruise again in Far and Away (1992), mastered her comedic acting chops as an aspiring television personality in Gus Van Sant’s black comedy, To Die For (1995), and portrayed another doctor in the superhero film Batman Forever (1995), opposite Val Kilmer.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1967, she began her career in Australia as a teenager with roles in Bush Christmas (1983) and BMX Bandits (1983). Her performance in Dead Calm (1989) would grab the attention of Hollywood, and Tom Cruise, casting her in her breakout role as neurologist Dr. Claire Lewicki, in Days of Thunder (1990).
Her trajectory to establishing herself among Hollywood’s A-List continued as she starred alongside Cruise again in Far and Away (1992), mastered her comedic acting chops as an aspiring television personality in Gus Van Sant’s black comedy, To Die For (1995), and portrayed another doctor in the superhero film Batman Forever (1995), opposite Val Kilmer.
- 4/28/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Stanley Kubrick was a peculiar man and so it’s really no wonder that his list of favorite films is so diverse. There are works by Welles and Chaplin and Bergman, but he also dug White Men Can’t Jump and The Jerk. Kubrick, too, apparently took to True Lies – so much so that he sat director James Cameron down and asked just how he pulled it off.
Back in the ‘90s, James Cameron decided to give himself a special 40th birthday present: the chance to meet Stanley Kubrick. And so after he gave him a call, he finally did so, encountering the legendary director between Full Metal Jacket and what would be his final film a few years later, Eyes Wide Shut. But Cameron was in for a surprise, as Kubrick was less interested in expounding on the depths of 2001: A Space Odyssey or playing chess but rather...
Back in the ‘90s, James Cameron decided to give himself a special 40th birthday present: the chance to meet Stanley Kubrick. And so after he gave him a call, he finally did so, encountering the legendary director between Full Metal Jacket and what would be his final film a few years later, Eyes Wide Shut. But Cameron was in for a surprise, as Kubrick was less interested in expounding on the depths of 2001: A Space Odyssey or playing chess but rather...
- 4/27/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Doctor Strange director, Scott Derrickson, is known for two things: horror and Marvel. His epic vision and style shine through in films like Sinister and The Day the Earth Stood Still. And yet, fans weep over the scandal-ridden production of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness.
An IP that should have remained in the hands of Derrickson, the changing of the old guard to bring in Sam Raimi was a decision praised by many. However, with time, regrets surface, and missed opportunities are realized as fans grasp the true scale of Scott Derrickson’s vision.
Doctor Strange (2016) [Credit: Marvel Studios]
Doctor Strange Was Always Destined for Greatness
There are truly one or two things in this world that are worthy of being called the stuff of legends. Among monuments, it’s the Giza Necropolis; in literature, Homer’s Iliad; and, of course, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey when it comes to film.
An IP that should have remained in the hands of Derrickson, the changing of the old guard to bring in Sam Raimi was a decision praised by many. However, with time, regrets surface, and missed opportunities are realized as fans grasp the true scale of Scott Derrickson’s vision.
Doctor Strange (2016) [Credit: Marvel Studios]
Doctor Strange Was Always Destined for Greatness
There are truly one or two things in this world that are worthy of being called the stuff of legends. Among monuments, it’s the Giza Necropolis; in literature, Homer’s Iliad; and, of course, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey when it comes to film.
- 4/27/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Luca Guadagnino Says No Movie Should Have ‘90 Takes’ Per Scene: ‘Why Do You Have to Torture People?’
Many film directors, including the likes of David Fincher and Stanley Kubrick, openly believe in capturing endless takes of their actors as a way of giving space to the unexpected. But Luca Guadagnino is coming out against the philosophy. In a recent New York Times interview for “Challengers”, Guadagnino explained why he’s happy to walk away after one or two takes of a scene. “I hate pushing,” he said. “If it’s great, why do you have to torture people?”
“It’s exciting when you observe performance,” Guadagnino continued. “I will quit the moment in which I know that I’m going to be lazy or bored or I don’t have this energy of seeing performance happening — which, by the way, doesn’t need to take 90 takes. I think this movie is an average of one or two.”
In the realm of filmmaking, this is a surprisingly unique perspective,...
“It’s exciting when you observe performance,” Guadagnino continued. “I will quit the moment in which I know that I’m going to be lazy or bored or I don’t have this energy of seeing performance happening — which, by the way, doesn’t need to take 90 takes. I think this movie is an average of one or two.”
In the realm of filmmaking, this is a surprisingly unique perspective,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Have you ever witnessed a cinematic moment so moving that it lingered long after the credits rolled? The death of Natasha Romanoff in Avengers: Endgame was just one of the moments that devastated Marvel fans, and Scarlett Johansson found it almost as hard to come to terms when she learned about her character’s fate.
Kevin Feige produced the 2019 superhero flick, which is a direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Mark Ruffalo.
Scarlett Johansson in and as Black Widow
Indeed, Johansson handled Feige’s cruel Avengers: Endgame decision with the poise of a true champion, a decision that continues to shock Marvel fans to this day. But behind the scenes, the Black Widow actress, 39, was not immune to the weight of this narrative shift, admitting to crying in her shower alone—a raw, human reaction to a character she had lived and breathed for almost a decade.
Kevin Feige produced the 2019 superhero flick, which is a direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Mark Ruffalo.
Scarlett Johansson in and as Black Widow
Indeed, Johansson handled Feige’s cruel Avengers: Endgame decision with the poise of a true champion, a decision that continues to shock Marvel fans to this day. But behind the scenes, the Black Widow actress, 39, was not immune to the weight of this narrative shift, admitting to crying in her shower alone—a raw, human reaction to a character she had lived and breathed for almost a decade.
- 4/27/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
It's no secret to any horror buff that the genre's greatest offerings aren't always defined by critical prestige. But when it comes to horror television, the uphill battle that new shows face to overcome skepticism and garner positive reviews is even steeper. This is aptly demonstrated by the TV landscape of the '90s, in which writers and directors galvanized the medium by venturing into as-yet-unexplored depths of scariness, violence, and production value. However, creators weren't always able to translate that broadening of horizons into favorable critical notes.
Sure, it was the decade of "Twin Peaks," "The X-Files," Stephen King's "It," and all the bold new offerings for which such beloved programs paved the way by evidencing audiences' appetite for serious, well-made horror TV. But it was also the decade of a vast number of critical flops, which have been either largely forgotten or marred by extremely negative reputations...
Sure, it was the decade of "Twin Peaks," "The X-Files," Stephen King's "It," and all the bold new offerings for which such beloved programs paved the way by evidencing audiences' appetite for serious, well-made horror TV. But it was also the decade of a vast number of critical flops, which have been either largely forgotten or marred by extremely negative reputations...
- 4/27/2024
- by Leo Noboru Lima
- Slash Film
2024 has already been a year of crossovers and unexpected returns and it has only been 4 months since the year started. To add another wild return in 2024, The Shawshank Redemption star is making a comeback!
Although the news is very good for the people, the director’s choice for a comeback has been the point of an intense discussion. As per the reports and speculations, the director is allegedly returning to direct two episodes of Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5!
A still from Netflix’s Stranger Things (2016-)
The Shawshank Redemption Director Is Returning For Stranger Things!
Back in 1994, director Frank Darabont directed the iconic film The Shawshank Redemption which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins in the lead roles. Based on Stephen King’s novella titled “Rita Haywire and Shawshank Redemption”, the film was about redemption, friendship, hope, and, trust.
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption
Being...
Although the news is very good for the people, the director’s choice for a comeback has been the point of an intense discussion. As per the reports and speculations, the director is allegedly returning to direct two episodes of Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5!
A still from Netflix’s Stranger Things (2016-)
The Shawshank Redemption Director Is Returning For Stranger Things!
Back in 1994, director Frank Darabont directed the iconic film The Shawshank Redemption which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins in the lead roles. Based on Stephen King’s novella titled “Rita Haywire and Shawshank Redemption”, the film was about redemption, friendship, hope, and, trust.
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption
Being...
- 4/27/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
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