Thompson on Hollywood

Leonard Maltin Joins IndieWIRE

Critic/historian/ author and Reelz Channel host Leonard Maltin's new IndieWIRE blog is finally up. He's posting classic and current reviews, as well as video from such interviews as this one on E.T. with Invictus director Clint Eastwood:

By Anne Thompson
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December 15, 2009 12:16 AM
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Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh Talk The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones presented a fascinating challenge for a movie adaptation of a book. But finally, the realities of commercial filmmaking may have been unmanageable in this case---much as they were with John Hillcoat's film version of Cormac McCarthy's The Road. What works on the page and in our imagination, no matter how harsh, can be too much to handle on the screen.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 11:06 AM
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Jezebel Interviews NYT's Dargis in a No-Fucks-Barred Q & A on Women in Hollywood

While she's as opinionated as the next critic, the NYT's Manohla Dargis is usually quite press-shy. She hates posing for photographs (this old one dates back to her LAT tenure), doesn't do panels, won't go on television. And yet she gave this refreshingly candid interview to the feminist website Jezebel on the subject of women in Hollywood, perhaps hoping to promote her recent NYT feature on her pet peeve, women directors.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 10:48 AM
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Broadcast Film Critics Give Ten Nominations to Inglourious Basterds and Nine

The Broadcast Film Critics Movie Awards nominations in a whopping 25 categories are dominated by Inglourious Basterds and Nine, with ten nominations each, followed by Avatar, with nine and The Hurt Locker and Up in the Air with eight and The Lovely Bones with six. While not every category will match up with the ultimate Oscar nominations (some have six slots), this list of ten best picture nominees could be close to the final Oscar list--no District 9, The Lovely Bones, Star Trek or The Last Station (which got savaged by At the Movies).

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 10:29 AM
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Stewart, Jett Hit Sundance with Apparition's The Runaways

It's no surprise that Apparition picked up all U.S. rights to Kristen Stewart vehicle The Runaways, which was fully financed by River Road and produced with Linson Entertainment. It's the first Apparition/River Road theatrical collaboration (Terrence Malick's Tree of Life, due in 2010, will be their second). The deal closed two weeks ago.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 8:21 AM
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New York Film Critics Circle Vote Hurt Locker, Bigelow, Streep, Clooney, Mo'Nique and Waltz

The New York Film Critics Circle is the most respected and influential of the various critics groups. While the NYFCC often like to go their way, this year they are duplicating the LAFCA with votes for best picture and director for The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow. Notably missing: the Coens' A Serious Man and Jane Campions' Bright Star, two critically acclaimed films that could have used a push. Screenplay went to Brit comedy In the Loop. Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) and George Clooney (Up in the Air) continue to rack up awards, as well as Precious star Mo'Nique and Inglorious Basterds' Christoph Waltz.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 5:33 AM
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Gibson To Direct DiCaprio in Viking Adventure

Mel Gibson may direct Leonardo DiCaprio in a Viking adventure, reports Variety. The Departed scripter William Monahan will write for producer Graham King. I like this combo. Gibson will get down and dirty with this, as he did with The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto. He's a gifted director.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 3:09 AM
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Oscar Watch: The Hurt Locker's Bigelow Heads for Best Director

It's not surprising that the Alliance of Women Film Journalists went with The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow as best picture and director (they threw a mess of other achievement prizes at her as well--she'd better show up). And gave Jane Campion some props for her Bright Star direction and screenplay. Nor is Manohla Dargis off-base when she complains about the lack of women film directors today. The AWFJ may want to cut back on duplicative awards. They also gave two apiece to Agnes Varda and Mo'Nique.)

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 12:33 AM
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AFI Top Ten List

Remember, the AFI Top Ten list is only American films. Here's the final top ten list, which does not include Avatar--it nabs a special mention for technical achievement. I have to say, going with The Hangover over Avatar is hard to fathom. And I found Dominican baseball film Sugar admirable but flat. Love it that they picked two animated films. Full release and jury on jump.

By Anne Thompson
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December 13, 2009 11:23 AM
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LA Film Critics Part II: The Hurt Locker Wins Best Picture. Director

The Hurt Locker continues to win awards as the LAFCA gave it best picture on Sunday afternoon. The runner up was Up in the Air. Award winners are: PICTURE: "The Hurt Locker" Runner-up: "Up in the Air" DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker" Runner-up: Michael Haneke, "The White Ribbon" ACTRESS: Yolande Moreau, "Séraphine" Runner-up: Carey Mulligan, "An Education" ACTOR: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart" Runner-up: Colin Firth, "A Single Man" ANIMATION: "Fantastic Mr. Fox" Runner-up: “Up" FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: "Summer Hours" Runner-up: "The White Ribbon" NEW GENERATION: Neill Blomkamp, "District 9"