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The Playlist
The obsessives' guide to contemporary cinema via film discussion, news, reviews, features, nostalgia, movie music, soundtracks, DVDs and more.Interviews
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Greta Gerwig Talks 'Frances Ha' & Working With Noah Baumbach -
Joel Edgerton On 'Wish You Were Here,' 'Jane' Drama & More -
James Gray On 'The Immigrant,' 'The Gray Man,' 'The Lost City Of Z' And More -
Brit Marling Talks 'The East' & Espionage Thrillers -
Nicolas Winding Refn Discusses 'Only God Forgives -
Justin Lin Talks 'Fast Furious 6' & The Influence Of Altman -
Interview: Noah Baumbach Talks 'Frances Ha' -
Ben Wheatley Talks 'Sightseers,' Violence & More -
Mark Romanek On 'One Hour Photo' & Leaving 'Cinderella'
The Playlist
Steven Spielberg Reveals Daniel Day-Lewis' 'Lincoln' Rejection Letter; Leonardo DiCaprio Was Key In Getting Him Back On Board
- By Edward Davis
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- January 8, 2013 5:17 PM
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- 9 Comments
As fans of Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" probably already know by now, Daniel Day-Lewis originally rejected the role, and the world's most famous living director had to chase the notoriously discerning actor for nine years before he agreed to take the titular part. Obviously, he eventually relented. "Lincoln" has already grossed a terrific $144 million domestically and it's poised to be one of the biggest Oscar nominees when the nods are announced on Thursday. Spielberg recently unveiled the rejection letter that Day-Lewis sent him circa 2003 (via THR), leading him to go after Liam Neeson, before circling eventually circle back to Day-Lewis).
'Amour' Wins Best Picture, Best Director & Best Actress From The National Society Of Film Critics
- By Kevin Jagernauth
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- January 6, 2013 11:13 AM
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- 1 Comment
The Oscar nominations are coming on Thursday morning, so that still leaves some time for critics groups to weigh in before the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences makes their announcement, and pretty much determines the movies that will be focus of conversation until Febraury 26th. But one movie most safely predict will be discussed, is Michael Haneke's "Amour."
12 New 'Lincoln' Photos As Film Heads Towards Wide Release & Wide Acclaim
- By Kevin Jagernauth
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- November 15, 2012 2:33 PM
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- 0 Comments
Even though none of us at The Playlist seemed to care for "Lincoln" -- here's our review, our thoughts from NYFF, and I saw it last night and thought it to be reverential to the point of tedium -- our tepid reaction to it doesn't discount the fact that it's already taken off in limited release, seems poised to do well in wide, and should be a major Oscar contender come February when the nominations are released. And Disney is certainly getting the word out with a dozen new images from the Steven Spielberg's latest effort.
Review: 'Lincoln' Is A Handsomely Shot, Immaculately Acted & Terribly Dull Historical Biopic
- By Drew Taylor
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- November 13, 2012 1:44 PM
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- 50 Comments
Steven Spielberg directing a biopic on Abraham Lincoln, even one that concerns the President's last four months in his second term, is something that positively oozes with endless possibilities. This is, after all, a filmmaker who has turned his virtuosic eye onto past historical injustices like the Holocaust ("Schindler's List") and the aftermath of the Munich Olympics massacre ("Munich"), who has always had a keen interest in the African American experience ("The Color Purple," "Amistad"). Imagine what he could do with the actual Civil War! Well, it turns out, very little. "Lincoln," for all its technical accomplishment, fine performances, and intricate script work, is something of a lifeless bore. It's in desperate need and short supply of the very Spielberg-ian dazzle that it was assumed he would bring to the project.
Spielberg Chased Daniel Day-Lewis For 9 Years, Wanted Him Before Liam Neeson To Play ‘Lincoln' & More About The Film
- By Rodrigo Perez
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- November 7, 2012 1:03 PM
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- 1 Comment
Now that President Obama is back for a second term, some Oscar pundits are claiming Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the titular leader, is a shoo-in lock for a Best Picture win at the Oscars. We wouldn’t go that far, but the political drama, which hit theaters this weekend, is certainly going to be up for a handful of Oscar nominations at the very least.
Take A Break From The Exit Polls And Watch 3 Clips From Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' Plus New Pics From The Film
- By Kevin Jagernauth
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- November 6, 2012 7:31 PM
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- 4 Comments
In a few hours we'll know who the next President of the United States will be, but until then, every network and social media outlet will be buzzing with endless chatter about electoral votes, and examining the how the results have changed as each one comes in. Pundits will be getting in their last observations before they are boxed up and brought out again four years from now, while anchors and analysts will tell the story of the election from every angle possible. Need a break? Well, Steven Spielberg has a treat for you.
Spielberg Says Getting Daniel Day-Lewis To Say Yes To 'Lincoln’ Was Tough; Sally Field Says DDL Texted Her In Character
- By Edward Davis
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- October 25, 2012 3:25 PM
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- 5 Comments
Much like Obama and Romney, Steven Spielberg’s out on the campaign trail for his upcoming historical drama/political procedural “Lincoln” (including a visible stop on "60 Minutes"). And perhaps illustrating how the film isn’t the easiest sell for audiences that may not want a history lesson this fall, even the usually press-reluctant and shy Daniel Day-Lewis is out on the stump for the movie with him.
NYFF Impressions: Steven Spielberg Unveils His 'Lincoln' History Lesson In Surprise Screening
- By Rodrigo Perez
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- October 8, 2012 10:42 PM
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- 18 Comments
Characterized by refreshing restraint, its passionate convictions and patience, if Steven Spielberg’s worst tendencies are his propensity for the sentimental and overwrought (as evinced recently in much of “War Horse”), his latest, “Lincoln,” thankfully possesses almost none of those unfortunate traits. However, as a two hour procedural about the ratification of an amendment in the House Of Representatives (does anything sound more appealing as a premise to you?), "Lincoln" is also not exactly the most engaging nor well-paced picture either.
Fall Movie Pros & Cons: Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln'
- By Oliver Lyttelton
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- October 8, 2012 5:29 PM
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- 6 Comments
A week into October, and fall movie season is firmly underway. The box office received a kick-start thanks to "Hotel Transylvania," "Looper" and "Taken 2," the Oscar contenders are starting to come into place thanks to "Argo," "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Life Of Pi," and festival screenings at Venice, Telluride, TIFF and the NYFF have provided looks at many of the films we're going to be seeing on screens as the months get colder and the days get shorter.
Watch: Presidential Debate Presents Fiery, Much More Promising Extended TV Spot For 'Lincoln'
- By Kevin Jagernauth
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- October 3, 2012 11:15 PM
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- 17 Comments
Now, this is more like it. While the DreamWorks marketing team continues to try to get a handle on how to present Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (memo: those live tech talks on faded social networks aren't working), they definitely nailed it with this new extended TV spot (which is essentially a new trailer) for the film.
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Recent Comments
R.I.P. - J.G. >>> He didn't starr in "Hemingway & Gellhorn" but in
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Armie Hammer - Respect +
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