“Episodes” began as a journey: Two British television writers try to take their acclaimed series to America, and get caught in the web of Matt LeBlanc’s world. Sean (Stephen Mangan) and Beverly’s (Tamsin Greig) original show is flush with promise — literal promises from eager Hollywood studio executives — but “Episodes” chronicles their massive failure.
Entering Season 5, the couple has been put through the ringer. After five seasons, one awful sitcom, and a stolen bid at legitimacy, Sean and Beverly have experienced the industry at its most dysfunctional. And yet, they remain. They still care — desperately, foolishly, painfully — but they still care. They cling to the appearance of a normal life even as the flimsy walls of fake sets and fake people consistently come tumbling down.
Read More:‘Episodes’ Creators Preview the Final Season of Matt LeBlanc’s Showtime Comedy and Unveil Why It Had To End
Even those that...
Entering Season 5, the couple has been put through the ringer. After five seasons, one awful sitcom, and a stolen bid at legitimacy, Sean and Beverly have experienced the industry at its most dysfunctional. And yet, they remain. They still care — desperately, foolishly, painfully — but they still care. They cling to the appearance of a normal life even as the flimsy walls of fake sets and fake people consistently come tumbling down.
Read More:‘Episodes’ Creators Preview the Final Season of Matt LeBlanc’s Showtime Comedy and Unveil Why It Had To End
Even those that...
- 8/16/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Rushes collects news, articles, images, videos and more for a weekly roundup of essential items from the world of film.NEWSAnton Yelchin in Green RoomUnexpected and tragic news at the end of the weekend was that actor Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Only Lovers Left Alive, Joe Dante's Burying the Ex, Green Room) was accidentally killed at his home.French New Wave director Éric Rohmer was intensely private, so details of his long, productive life have generally been slim. But now, as Richard Brody writes at the New Yorker, a 2014 biography by Antoine de Baecque and Noël Herpe has been translated into English, and makes for essential reading about one of cinema's greats.We won't get properly excited until, first, the cameras are rolling, and second, there's a hope of some kind of release date, but The Film Stage has gathered enough evidence to point towards what Terrence Malick's next film will be: Radegund,...
- 6/22/2016
- MUBI
Saturday night was a perfect summer evening for free Americana music at Lincoln's Center Damrosch Park as part of the Annual Roots of American Music, Americanafest NYC. The evening featured two of the genres rising stars. The headliners played two sets with the first half of the set featuring mostly original tunes by former Nickel Creek members Sean and Sara Watkin's new band The Watkins Family Hour. They and their extraordinary band entertained a robust crowd of New Yorkers and tourists alike. One of my favorite songs of the evening was their beatiful take on the Grateful Dead's "Brokedown Palace." And co-vocalist Fionna Apple's original song "A Mistake" was quite moving. Yes, she's one of the members of this band.
The second part of the set was a full-on tribute to Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited performed in its entirety by the band -- guitarist/vocalist Sean Watkins, fiddle/vocalist Sara Watkins,...
The second part of the set was a full-on tribute to Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited performed in its entirety by the band -- guitarist/vocalist Sean Watkins, fiddle/vocalist Sara Watkins,...
- 8/9/2015
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
Moving away from home to the big city can be a life altering experience, and in his debut feature film, writer/director Jay Alvarez looks to be capturing and twisting that feeling into the surreal with "I Play With The Phrase Each Other," slated to premiere in competition at the Slamdance Film Festival. Starring Will Hand, Megan Kopp, Alexander Fraser and Alvarez himself, the film follows the neurotic Jake who moves to the city, with plans to meet up with his poet friend Sean. But when he arrives, Sean is missing Jake is left to fend for himself in a bleak landscape, which in this clip seems like the meeting point between Jim Jarmusch and David Lynch. And that's not all as Alvarez shot his film on the iPhone, with the narrative constructed entirely out of cell phone calls. It looks like a fascinating experiment. "I Play With The Phrase Each Other" screens on Saturday,...
- 1/13/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Life of Pi has taken the top prize at the Visual Effects Society Awards, tying with Brave and Game of Thrones with four awards in total.
Among its awards, Life of Pi was honored for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture, while director Ang Lee also received the Ves Visionary Award, presented by visual effects designer Dennis Muren. Actor Harrison Ford also presented veteran visual effects supervisor Richard Edlund with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award.
Disney-Pixar's Brave scooped the animated film categories while HBO series Game of Thrones dominated the TV categories.
However, Australian effects company Fuel VFX lost out in both categories it was nominated in: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture and Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture for its work on Prometheus (both categories won by Life of Pi).
The Winners
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven...
Among its awards, Life of Pi was honored for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture, while director Ang Lee also received the Ves Visionary Award, presented by visual effects designer Dennis Muren. Actor Harrison Ford also presented veteran visual effects supervisor Richard Edlund with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award.
Disney-Pixar's Brave scooped the animated film categories while HBO series Game of Thrones dominated the TV categories.
However, Australian effects company Fuel VFX lost out in both categories it was nominated in: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Feature Motion Picture and Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture for its work on Prometheus (both categories won by Life of Pi).
The Winners
Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven...
- 2/6/2013
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
The Friday schedule for Comic-Con is here! Once again, it's packed full of some awesome panels! We've got Total Recall, Looper, Elysium, Wreck-it-Ralph, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Community, The Venture Bros, Firefly, Arrow, Robot Chicken, and a ton of other great stuff! Check out the full schedule below, which doesn't disappoint. I've put *** next to the panels we are looking to cover.
We will be at Comic-Con kicking all kinds of ass, so for all your Comic-Con coverage and needs make sure to keep checking back here at Geektyrant!
If you plan on attending Comic-Con we will be having our annual meet-up on Wednesday night before the madness begins! Details for the meet-up will be revealed soon, so stay tuned!
Check out the schedule and let us know what panels you'll be hitting up!
Friday July 13th:
9:30-10:20 ComicsPRO "Fresh Start"— Your day at Comic-Con gets...
We will be at Comic-Con kicking all kinds of ass, so for all your Comic-Con coverage and needs make sure to keep checking back here at Geektyrant!
If you plan on attending Comic-Con we will be having our annual meet-up on Wednesday night before the madness begins! Details for the meet-up will be revealed soon, so stay tuned!
Check out the schedule and let us know what panels you'll be hitting up!
Friday July 13th:
9:30-10:20 ComicsPRO "Fresh Start"— Your day at Comic-Con gets...
- 6/29/2012
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: Early in his career, Kenneth Branagh says he drew comparisons to Sir Laurence Olivier.
“Specifically, it all kicked off when I directed a film of ‘Henry V,’ which of course he had done spectacularly,” Branagh tells me. “The comparisons were always tough because, in my view, he’s an unsurpassable master. I never had any mind or intention of trying to compete with him. But I was inspired by him. That’s probably what gave me the courage to even try directing a film as an actor.”
Now, in Simon Curtis’ nostalgic “My Week With Marilyn,” Branagh can be seen playing Olivier during the production of the 1957 comedy “The Prince and the Showgirl,” which Olivier directed and starred in opposite Marilyn Monroe. It was a difficult shoot, one marked by creative compromise. But Olivier (through Branagh’s brilliant portrayal) understands that to capture a star as bright as Marilyn,...
Hollywoodnews.com: Early in his career, Kenneth Branagh says he drew comparisons to Sir Laurence Olivier.
“Specifically, it all kicked off when I directed a film of ‘Henry V,’ which of course he had done spectacularly,” Branagh tells me. “The comparisons were always tough because, in my view, he’s an unsurpassable master. I never had any mind or intention of trying to compete with him. But I was inspired by him. That’s probably what gave me the courage to even try directing a film as an actor.”
Now, in Simon Curtis’ nostalgic “My Week With Marilyn,” Branagh can be seen playing Olivier during the production of the 1957 comedy “The Prince and the Showgirl,” which Olivier directed and starred in opposite Marilyn Monroe. It was a difficult shoot, one marked by creative compromise. But Olivier (through Branagh’s brilliant portrayal) understands that to capture a star as bright as Marilyn,...
- 12/19/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Ever since Bing Crosby starred in the 1930 film "King of Jazz," countless musicians have tried, with varying degrees of success, to parlay their musical ability into a side career in film.
The following list -- dug up in honor of this Sunday's Video Music Awards on MTV -- is proof that not all musicians are created equal when it comes to their acting abilities.
For every Mariah Carey in "Precious," you can find a Mariah Carey in "Glitter," but these 40 artists have shown that they can, at least some of the time, create memorable roles and transcend their musical careers. Sometimes, they even win Oscars.
40. Madonna
During the nascent years of MTV, no female artist had more influence visually than the Material Girl, whose mix of eye-popping fantasy and gritty urban realism videos continue to influence a generation of vocalists. Despite a Best Actress Golden Globe for 1996's "Evita," the...
The following list -- dug up in honor of this Sunday's Video Music Awards on MTV -- is proof that not all musicians are created equal when it comes to their acting abilities.
For every Mariah Carey in "Precious," you can find a Mariah Carey in "Glitter," but these 40 artists have shown that they can, at least some of the time, create memorable roles and transcend their musical careers. Sometimes, they even win Oscars.
40. Madonna
During the nascent years of MTV, no female artist had more influence visually than the Material Girl, whose mix of eye-popping fantasy and gritty urban realism videos continue to influence a generation of vocalists. Despite a Best Actress Golden Globe for 1996's "Evita," the...
- 8/24/2011
- by Jason Newman
- NextMovie
[Editor's Note: This year we are two covering the 2011 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. I've asked Sean Glass to help join in the task of tackling Park City, and to begin our coverage I figured why not lay out what we're most excited in seeing. Here's Sean's List.] 1. Martha Marcy May Marlene It’s no secret how we here at Ion feel about the Borderline Films boys. Just about everyone who worked on Afterschool and the still as-yet-unreleased Two Gates of Sleep was featured on my editors American New Wave 25 list last year, and the only one left off won’t be for long. Mmmm is Sean Durkin’s turn in the directing chair, and the buzz on it has been spectacular all the way through—from the Sundance Labs to its early frontrunner status in Us Narrative Competition. The cast is superb, and Jody Lee Lipes was behind the camera with Durkin. Frequent collaborator Brady Corbet (who was in the short which this is the sequel to) is joined by Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, Hugh Dancy and Sarah Paulsen. This is not some big budget indie, these actors are there because they know these guys are for...
- 1/20/2011
- IONCINEMA.com
It all started with the vision of a kid in a bloody tuxedo, tied to a chair. Who is this kid? How did he get here? Who’s done this to him? And most importantly, how is he going to get out? Miguel Gonzalez talked to the creators of The Loved Ones to find the answers.
Knowing horror is a popular genre, Tasmanian writer/director Sean Byrne saw an opportunity to create his first feature– if only he could find a point of difference that would make him stand out from the pack; from the countless generic horror films saturating the market. His inspiration came from classics such as Carrie and The Evil Dead, taking the prom sub-genre into a cabin in the woods, and turning prom rituals like the dancing and the crowning of the king and queen
into the actual instruments of torture. Byrne then had the tuxedo...
Knowing horror is a popular genre, Tasmanian writer/director Sean Byrne saw an opportunity to create his first feature– if only he could find a point of difference that would make him stand out from the pack; from the countless generic horror films saturating the market. His inspiration came from classics such as Carrie and The Evil Dead, taking the prom sub-genre into a cabin in the woods, and turning prom rituals like the dancing and the crowning of the king and queen
into the actual instruments of torture. Byrne then had the tuxedo...
- 11/2/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
Australian actress Robin McLeavy’s performance in The Loved Ones introduces the audience to a great new cinema lunatic. Sean Byrne’s brilliant little horror film mixes the John Hughes teen drama with David Lynch or League of Gentlemen-style oddness.
Lola (McLeavy) is a demanding daddy’s girl who just wants a boyfriend and the perfect prom. Unfortunately for any man she chooses they’re just not good enough. When she asks Brent (Xavier Samuel) for a date, a white lie turns into a life-changing experience loaded with fear, menace and blood… lots of blood.
At FrightFest back in August during the quiet lull in between screenings, I sat down with Robin McLeavy to discuss her character, starring in a horror film and why, no matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t hate Lola Stone. She’s bat-shit crazy, but quite likeable… in a very weird way.
FilmShaft:...
Lola (McLeavy) is a demanding daddy’s girl who just wants a boyfriend and the perfect prom. Unfortunately for any man she chooses they’re just not good enough. When she asks Brent (Xavier Samuel) for a date, a white lie turns into a life-changing experience loaded with fear, menace and blood… lots of blood.
At FrightFest back in August during the quiet lull in between screenings, I sat down with Robin McLeavy to discuss her character, starring in a horror film and why, no matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t hate Lola Stone. She’s bat-shit crazy, but quite likeable… in a very weird way.
FilmShaft:...
- 9/29/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: It looks like AFI Fest is going to provide us with our first glimpse of Ed Zwick’s “Love and Other Drugs.” The director’s romantic drama has been named Opening Night film for the annual fest, which will be held Nov. 4-11, in Los Angeles.
“AFI is where it began for me, and where I return as often as possible, to teach and to learn,” said Zwick. “I’m honored to open the festival, and to join Darren, David, and so many alumni for whom this marks a kind of coming home.”
The Darren he refers to is Aronofsky, who will close this year’s fest with his searing ballet drama “Black Swan.”
”As an alumnus of the AFI Conservatory, it’s always a thrill to partake in the wonderful festival AFI puts on,” said Aronofsky. “The fact that we get to show...
Hollywoodnews.com: It looks like AFI Fest is going to provide us with our first glimpse of Ed Zwick’s “Love and Other Drugs.” The director’s romantic drama has been named Opening Night film for the annual fest, which will be held Nov. 4-11, in Los Angeles.
“AFI is where it began for me, and where I return as often as possible, to teach and to learn,” said Zwick. “I’m honored to open the festival, and to join Darren, David, and so many alumni for whom this marks a kind of coming home.”
The Darren he refers to is Aronofsky, who will close this year’s fest with his searing ballet drama “Black Swan.”
”As an alumnus of the AFI Conservatory, it’s always a thrill to partake in the wonderful festival AFI puts on,” said Aronofsky. “The fact that we get to show...
- 9/23/2010
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
He's the arch seducer who is settling down; the BBC renegade who is hot property in Hollywood. Everyone loves Russell Brand – but not half as much as he loves himself
Russell Brand stalks into a Manhattan hotel room, sharp-elbowed, bent-kneed, staring wildly through the windows of the 37th floor. He looks like Jack Frost and sounds – "Going for the hip-hop look?" – like someone's sarcastic older brother. I glance down. Above the waistband of my jeans something has, indeed, gone horribly awry.
"Two inches of visible pants!" Brand looks delighted. "But aren't you nice and slim! You don't look like a person who's – I mean, you're not tortured by that, are you? It's not like you starve yourself?"
Er, no.
"Nice work."
Here it is, Brand's stock in trade, the casual delivery of absurd or obnoxious statements, and it gets excellent results. The 35-year-old has enormous faith in his power to win over people,...
Russell Brand stalks into a Manhattan hotel room, sharp-elbowed, bent-kneed, staring wildly through the windows of the 37th floor. He looks like Jack Frost and sounds – "Going for the hip-hop look?" – like someone's sarcastic older brother. I glance down. Above the waistband of my jeans something has, indeed, gone horribly awry.
"Two inches of visible pants!" Brand looks delighted. "But aren't you nice and slim! You don't look like a person who's – I mean, you're not tortured by that, are you? It's not like you starve yourself?"
Er, no.
"Nice work."
Here it is, Brand's stock in trade, the casual delivery of absurd or obnoxious statements, and it gets excellent results. The 35-year-old has enormous faith in his power to win over people,...
- 6/4/2010
- by Emma Brockes
- The Guardian - Film News
DVD Playhouse: March 2010
By
Allen Gardner
Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” By Sapphire (Lionsgate) In-your-face, but undeniably powerful film that follows the plight of an overweight inner-city teen (Gabourey Sidbe, a real find) who must deal with an abusive mother (Mo’Nique, in a career-making turn for which she won a most-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar), a baby born of her abusive, and absent, father, and trying to survive day-to-day with few people to offer her help, save for a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton) in a special ed program. Director/producer Lee Daniels, a former personal manager/producer-turned-filmmaker, brings a kitchen sink authenticity to the proceedings, along with a cast of famous powerhouse performers, who manage to disappear into their roles. Tough stuff, but not to be missed. Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher). Bonuses: Commentary by Daniels; Featurettes; Interviews with Sapphire and Daniels; Deleted scene. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
By
Allen Gardner
Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” By Sapphire (Lionsgate) In-your-face, but undeniably powerful film that follows the plight of an overweight inner-city teen (Gabourey Sidbe, a real find) who must deal with an abusive mother (Mo’Nique, in a career-making turn for which she won a most-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar), a baby born of her abusive, and absent, father, and trying to survive day-to-day with few people to offer her help, save for a sympathetic teacher (Paula Patton) in a special ed program. Director/producer Lee Daniels, a former personal manager/producer-turned-filmmaker, brings a kitchen sink authenticity to the proceedings, along with a cast of famous powerhouse performers, who manage to disappear into their roles. Tough stuff, but not to be missed. Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher). Bonuses: Commentary by Daniels; Featurettes; Interviews with Sapphire and Daniels; Deleted scene. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
- 3/19/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
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