Monday, December 26, 2011

'Hunger Games' Soundtrack: Arcade Fire, The Decemberists Join Taylor Quick on Companion Album

Lost inside the shuffle of wrapping presents, overeating food and teaching your mother and father by using their iPad these were given for Christmas was this bit of OMG-y music news from Lionsgate: furthermore to Taylor Quick, Win Butler and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire as well as the Decemberists will lead for the 'Hunger Games' companion soundtrack album likely to be in March. Pause for indie rock fan mind explosions. Produced by T Bone Burnett -- the music activity supervisor round the lengthy looked forward to film -- the album will feature brand-new tunes inspired by 'The Hunger Games.' Win and Regine authored a sound lesson referred to as "Horn of Plenty," that's probably in regards to the Cornucopia and totally amazing the Decemberists track is titled "One Engine," who've associated with the train for the Capitol or something like that like this equally fantastic. Or even all of people are totally wrong! Speculate away below. The album arrives out just before the film's release on March 23. You'll be able to give consideration to Taylor Swift's contribution, "Risk-free" with Civil Wars, below. (Still must have been "Extended Live.") [via Deadline] [Photo: Lionsgate] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Jason Bourne Tops Holiday Weekend Box Office

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol assigned the Christmas weekend box office, consuming $26.5 million, Box Office Mojo reviews. The Tom Cruise thriller knocked up two spots within the second week, getting its total to $59 million. An Online Detective: A Game Title Title of Shadows starring Robert Downey Junior. showed up at No. 2, grossing $17.8 million. The follow-up dropped substantially from last week's opening of $62.3 million. Alvin as well as the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked was next, consuming $13.3 million within the second week of release. The anticipated film adaption of Stieg Larsson's book The Woman while using Dragon Tattoo first demonstrated at No. 4, yanking in just $13 million. The Adventures of Tintin, which was also released now, adopted in fifth place getting a gross of $9.millions of. We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, first demonstrated inside the sixth place with $7.8 million. Rounding the very best ten: New Year's Eve (No. 7, $3 million), Arthur Christmas (No. 8, $2.7 million), The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1 (No. 9, $2.millions of, getting its six-week total to $270.9 million) and Hugo (No. 10, $2 million). Did help with the flicks this holiday weekend?

Monday, December 19, 2011

Year of couples therapy

'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' star Rooney Mara first impacted in a small role in director David Fincher's 'The Social Network.'Jean Dujardin and Michel Hazanavicius, here on the set of 'The Artist,' have collaborated twice on the 'OSS' laffers.Movies have always been fertile ground for double acts -- especially collaborations between directors and their stars and writers.This year's crop of award-seeking films seems particularly fruitful, with such repeat pairings of creatives as Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg ("A Dangerous Method"), Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman ("Young Adult"), Phyllida Lloyd and Meryl Streep ("The Iron Lady"), Michael Fassbender and Steve McQueen ("Shame"), Michel Hazanavicius and Jean Dujardin ("The Artist") and David Fincher and Rooney Mara ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo")."A Dangerous Method" marks the third collaboration between Cronenberg and Mortensen folowing "Eastern Promises" and "A History of Violence.""We hit it off right from the start, before filming on 'A History of Violence' commenced in 2004," Mortensen says. "We communicate in writing and by phone a lot before shooting starts. Not much needs to be said, aside from telling a good joke or making fun of ourselves and anything that comes to mind during the shoot. We understand what we are trying to accomplish, we are on the same page before I start working with the other actors, camera, and crew. I believe this allows us to keep things alive and moving forward on the set, to be open to the lucky accidents, the unexpected moments that happen while filming.""We're both fairly obsessive when it comes to research and detail," Cronenberg says. "We exchanged over 25 emails just about Freud's cigars -- the type, the size and so on. But we never question why that'd be important, and we're very gentle in terms of ego, so it makes for a very enjoyable working relationship."Ego -- or lack thereof -- also figures into Cody and Reitman's collaboration.According to Cody, the relationship is "effortless."The scribe says, "We seem to communicate in the same terms and we're never really at odds, the way some writer/director pairs are. We don't have a fiery relationship. It's calm and friendly. We have a creative shorthand and I don't have to explain myself and vice versa." Cody also stresses the creative freedom that this relationship allows."I can't think of a screenwriter who's been granted greater freedom than I have," she says. "Jason's such a generous collaborator and always looked for input from me -- even when I was a totally inexperienced writer working on 'Juno,' he wanted my opinion."For Rooney Mara, who first teamed with David Fincher on "The Social Network," the director's work ethic inspires "a similar dedication in the people he chooses to align himself with. He also has an incredible sense of humor, so on top of the hard work, there is a lot of inappropriate laughter. David says he likes to align himself with people that he can root for, people he wants to get behind. There isn't anyone I'd rather have in my corner."A strong sense of trust also opens up more possibilities on the set."I wouldn't trust him with a secret to save his life," she admits, "but I would trust him with just about anything else. David is incredibly collaborative and for me, he creates an environment that feels safe enough to try anything. As a result of that trust, there isn't a whole lot I wouldn't do for him."Trust and a willingness to -- literally -- expose every aspect of a character also drives Fassbender's collaboration with British director McQueen.For their 2008 prison drama "Hunger," he shed 40 pounds. For "Shame," he shed all his clothes, and "fully embraced" the full-frontal nudity and sex scenes that illuminate "the loneliness and disconnectedness" of his sex-addicted character."I just trust Steve's creative instincts," he says. "I knew the sex wasn't there for titillation or exploitation. It was there as a way for the audience to access this guy's head. I saw all the sexual encounters as being very revealing about what's actually going on inside (Fassbender's character) Brandon.""The Artist" is the third film collaboration for Hazanavicius and Dujardin, who teamed previously on the two "OSS 117" Gallic spy spoofs, and according to both director and actor, they mirror each other's approach to a project and their art."He thinks and I do instinctively what he has thought of," Dujardin says. "We don't need to speak to each other, and neither one of us likes to speak. We are both very shy."Adds Hazanavicius: "Sometimes I forget to tell (give him a direction) before the take, and he does it as if I had told him. We call it 'the Bluetooth' shorthand."And both stress the importance of having fun on the set. "Michel prepares his films a lot, and I prepare my roles a lot," Dujardin says. "As a result, when we're on the set, we can have fun and mostly work on the subtleties and nuances."As with other teams, trust also plays a big part in their relationship."I feel if I ask him to do anything, he'll do it," the director says. "That's very freeing for me, because our relationship is about working, and when I try things on set, he'll follow. I think he trusts my taste, and he knows I won't edit a take if he's not good."Adds Dujardin: "I think I represent his fantasy of an actor, which means he always treats me with the utmost care, which allows me to let myself go totally. Our teaming and the success that it has generated allows us to explore many things. I think it guarantees our creative freedom."GOLDEN GLOBES COUNTDOWN Year of couples therapyThe ContendersDrama: Best Picture | Comedy: Best Picture | Best Director | Drama Actor/Actress | Comedy Actor/Actress Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Monday, December 12, 2011

'Modern Warfare 3' tops $1 bil in 16 days

Activision's "Cod: Modern Warfare 3" has grew to become an associate from the large club -- after just 16 days on store shelves, setting another entertainment industry record. James Cameron's "Avatar" was the last record holder for just about any property striking the $1 billion sales mark. It needed every day a lot more than the experienceOrpresent shooter gaming to do this, however. ("Black Procedures," the last game inside the "CodInch series, needed six days striking the total amount.) "Engagement within our 'Call of Duty' audience carries on growing around the globe,In . mentioned Bobby Kotick, Boss of Activision Blizzard. "'Call of Duty' becoming an entertainment franchise bakes an indelible mark on popular culture which is broad and continuing success is further validation that audiences progressively value interactive encounters over passive encounters." The $1 billion record might be the 2nd major sales kudo for your title. "Modern Warfare 3" formerly set the record for your finest internet affiliate marketing ever for in $400 million inside the first 24 several hours. (It had formerly set the bar for the record while using previous two "CodInch obligations.) Experts expect "Modern Warfare 3" to promote 18 million-19 million models with the finish in the twelve several weeks, creating roughly $1.2 billion in revenue. The overwhelming success of the sport can be a vindication for your author. "Modern Warfare 3" might be the very first title within the company's Infinity Ward division since the abrupt dismissal of studio heads and series designers Jason West and Vince Zampella. Activision alleged they were winding up in competitor Electronic Arts about beginning a completely new development studio. West and Zampella deny that accusation. Each side are suing another, while using cases likely to visit trial next season. West and Zampella have since launched a completely new company -- Respawn Entertainment -- and several key people in the Infinity Ward team have defected in it. Due to the drama, "Modern Warfare 3" was a game title title beneath the microscope. "Every year, new people are attracted into 'Call of Duty'," mentioned Eric Hirshberg, Boss of Activision Posting. "Despite the fact that the franchise is constantly set records, our fans still seem to wish more." That demand helps drive monthly monthly subscriptions for "Cod: Elite," a normal membership service for players that provides utilization of all downloadable content for the sport additionally to tournament, video content and social media functionality for players. So far, greater than 6 000 0000 people have registered for your service. Within six occasions of their launch, it had assigned millions of needing to pay clients. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Friday, December 9, 2011

'Little People, Big World' Holiday Special: Jeremy's Homecoming and Dad's 50! (Exclusive Video)

Jani Lane, worth a reported $600,000 at the time of his death, failed to leave behind a will. Now, his daughter is requesting an estate administrator to sort out his assets.our editor recommendsWarrants Jani Lane Died of Alcohol PoisoningWarrant's Jani Lane: 5 Things to Know PHOTOS: Dollars After Death 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts This according to court documents obtained by TMZ, though it remains unclear what the late singer's estate consists of.The ex-Warrant frontman is survived by his wife and two daughters. TMZ also notes that the mother of his second daughter could be in contention for a portion of his trust. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Lane died at 47-years-old after suffering from alcohol poisoning. He was found in a Comfort Inn Hotel in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Aug. 11, 2011. Lane, whose real name was John Kennedy Oswald left the 1980s glam band in 2008. The singer had a history of alcohol-related arrests. He was taken into custody in June 2009 for reportedly crashing into a parked car. A year later, he was arrested for a similar incident that landed him in jail for 120 days. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Dollars After Death: 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts Related Topics

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

David E. Kelley, Dr. Sanjay Gupta Team for TNT Medical Drama

Patty Jenkins Petty Jenkins is no longer directing Thor 2. The filmmaker, best known for directing the Charlize Theron movie Monster and AMC's pilot for The Killing, was to have been the first female director of a Marvel Studios movie. Alas, "creative differences" are being blamed. "I havehada great time working at Marvel," Jenkins toldThe Hollywood Reporterin an exclusive statement."We parted on very good terms, and I look forward to working with them again." The move is sudden since as late as Monday afternoon Jenkins was actively working on the movie. The filmmaker participated in an interview and photo shoot withTHRon Dec. 2, during which she discussed her involvement in the project and praised Marvel. "I have a long love of superhero films and I'd been saying over and over again to my agents at CAA that I'd like to do one," Jenkins told THR for a magazine feature on female directors that hits newsstands on Dec. 8. "That's the real revolution."The Marvel guys are so brave in terms of who they choose overall, and I don't think they had any pause about me being a woman." Jenkins told THR she had stayed away from features from the past several years because of her young son but eagerly accepted the Thor 2 job. "I met with all the actors and to my surprise, here we are," she said. Marvel is said to want to work with Jenkins again in some capacity. According to insiders, the studio is now on the hunt for a new filmmaker and the vacancy is expected to be filled very quickly. The director's departure is the second for Thor 2; Kenneth Branagh, who directed the first movie, did not return for a second outing, also citing "creative differences." Marvel had no comment. Pamela McClintock contributed to this report. Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Kit PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Thor: Behind the Scenes Thor Thor 2

AXN partners on Takayama skein

Tokyo, japan -- The The new sony-backed AXN Mystery Funnel has joined with Hong Kong-based Charis Entertainment to co-create a new unscripted series for Japanese and Asian auds. Entitled "Cyril's Family Trip,Inch the six-episode show will feature Japanese illusionist Cyril Takayama travelling in Hawaii together with his family and astounding the local people. The show is really a follow-as much as this year's strand "Cyril: Simply Miracle," that also broadcast on AXN, using the target aud finding yourself in Japan and Asia. One of the executive producers are Takayama, Charis' Sophistication Chen and thesp Andy Lau, together with his Focus Group shingle. Shooting is skedded to begin the coming year with release skedded for that spring. AXN Mystery Funnel is handled by The new sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and The new sony Pictures Television's Asian branch. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Saturday, December 3, 2011

'Melancholia' tops European Film Honours

'Melancholia'London-- Lars von Trier's finish-of-the-world drama "Melancholia" nabbed the very best film prize in the European Film Honours, that have been passed out Saturday in Berlin.The pic, which in fact had capped the noms with eight mentions, also required home two craft awards, cinematographer for Manuel Alberto Claro, and production designer for Jette Lehmann.Tom Hooper's "The King's Speech" required three awards: Colin Firth was named best actor, Tariq Anwar snapped up the editor award, and also the film also required the Individuals Choice award, that was chosen for through the public.Susanne Bier was named best director for contempo drama "Inside a Better World," and also the film writer prize visited Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for "The Little One Having a Bike." Tilda Swinton was named best actress for troubled teen tale "We have to Discuss Kevin." Helmer-scribe Hendes Van Nuffel won the invention Award for "Oxygen," that also focuses on a teenager in crisis. The pic follows a boy struggling with cystic fibrosis.Ludovic Bource required the award for composer for "The Artist." The docu prize was acquired by three dimensional dance film "Pina," written and directed by Wim Wenders.The animated feature film kudo was acquired by "Chico and Rita," directed by Tono Errando, Javier Mariscal and Fernando Trueba. Stephen Frears was handed the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mads Mikkelsen was feted using the European Achievement in World Cinema award.French thesp Michel Piccoli, who toplined "You will find there's Pope," was handed the Special Honorary Award. Contact Leo Barraclough at leo.barraclough@variety.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sundance kids aim high and wide

'Take Shelter''Like Crazy''Martha Marcy May Marlene'The distance between the Sundance Film Festival and the Academy Awards isn't as vast as one might think.Last year, Sundance standouts "Winter's Bone," "The Kids Are All Right," "Blue Valentine" and "Animal Kingdom" nabbed Oscar 10 nominations among them. In 2009, Park City premieres "Precious" and "An Education" represented with nine noms between them. Great filmmakers have to start somewhere.This year, a number of Park City newbies have broken out of the indie box and received widespread recognition -- it's not any independent film that gets screened at the White House (as Sean Durkin's "Martha Marcy May Marlene" recently did).Along with Durkin, who is just 28, writer-directors Jeff Nichols, 32 ("Take Shelter"), and Drake Doremus, 28 ("Like Crazy"), are among a new breed of American filmmakers making important movies by the skin of their teeth.One of the biggest challenges for Durkin, for instance, was just trying to get investors to have the confidence in a first-time director."It was a gradual process of making people believe that I could make a film," he says.Helped by the fact that his short film, "Mary Last Seen," won a prize in Cannes, he got into the Sundance Lab, and Ted Hope came on board as an executive producer. "Martha" finally got its greenlight with an under-$1 million budget.Similarly, while Nichols had made a film before -- 2007's "Shotgun Stories" -- he admits, "It wasn't like people were lining up to make a Jeff Nichols film."Eventually, Nichols found the support of then CAA agent Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, who helped line up funds from producer Tyler Davidson and exec producer Sarah Green. While "Shelter's" budget has been reported as $5 million, Nichols says it was made for less. "A ridiculously low amount of money," he says."As an independent filmmaker," Nichols continues, "in the same way that you're creative about the style of the story, you have to be very creative about how you make your movie. You have to be constantly aware of your resources and how to maximize them."Indeed, Doremus made "Like Crazy" with a $250,000 budget, shooting the film in 22 days.According to Doremus, the crew endured several 14- to 16-hour shooting days, because they had a limited amount of time in each location. And with the camera constantly rolling ("I didn't have time to call action and cut and re-set the scene," he says), the filmmakers had to sift through almost 80 hours of footage in post. "It was not a very good shooting ratio," Doremus says.If the films' limited budgets proved daunting, these tyro directors also had to pull off tricky dramatic material.Both Durkin's "Martha Marcy" and Nichols' "Take Shelter," for example, tread a fine line between psychological thriller and arthouse drama -- a delicate balance that wasn't always so easy to achieve.As Nichols says, "I thought 'anxiety' was worth making a movie about, but how do you take this subject mater and present it in a way that is palatable?"Nichols used such films as Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," Todd Haynes' "Safe" and Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" as reference points."In the way Kubrick moves that slow creeping camera, there's a supernatural force that lives outside of the frame and enters into the film," he says. "And the same thing applies in 'Take Shelter.' "For Durkin, it's harder to define the tension he was trying to convey."I think a lot of it was in the script, but when you're on set, you just feel it," he says. "And there were certain scenes where we needed it, and didn't get it, and those are not in the movie."Durkin's influences were less direct; he mentions Robert Altman's "Three Women" and Alan Pakula's "Klute." But "Martha Marcy" was more inspired by the film's central location: an abandoned farmhouse in upstate NY, with its "worn, weathered and beautiful" appearance, explains Durkin, demarcated by milky black interiors and brightly lit exteriors."Like Crazy" -- with its more traditional tale of young love -- might seem more inspired by Hollywood romances, but Doremus' influences were no less cinephilic. In his desire to capture "something truthful or magical" in the relationship between his two characters, he cites the importance of Lars von Trier's "Breaking the Waves" and Alfonso Cuaron's "Y tu mama tambien.""Those films were constantly in my head in pre-production," he says.All three filmmakers also acknowledge the importance of another key player in the cultivation of their work: Sundance itself. Durkin says his experience at the Sundance Labs was "life changing," giving him the confidence to conceive the film in the first place.Each of the directors points to the significance of the festival as a place that puts special focus on the filmmaker, placing them in the limelight."For an independent film, it is the best way to speak to the industry in one sitting," says Nichols. In one week in Park City, he adds, "all of L.A. saw my movie."Eye on the Oscars: The Director PreviewArt springs eternal | Adaptability key when diving into the unknown | Sundance kids aim high and wide | Genre vehicles take high road Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com