Thompson on Hollywood

Sony Pictures Classics Hits the Croisette, Buys 'Love is All You Need'

News

Always a major North American presence on the Cannes Croisette, Sony Pictures Classics covers the official selection and market screenings like a blanket. In many ways it's the unfinished material that tests the mettle of the buyers. Which movies are ready to bid on, sight unseen, off bits of footage and scripts?

By Anne Thompson
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May 16, 2012 12:58 PM
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Cannes Market, New Image: 'Emperor' with Tommy Lee Jones

News

"Emperor," Peter Webber's political thriller centers on the tensions and uncertainties in the days just after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. It's currently at the Cannes Market. General Douglas MacArthur (Tommy Lee Jones, new picture above) is the de facto ruler of Japan, as the Supreme Commander of the occupying forces. A member of his staff and leading Japanese expert General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox) is charged with reaching a decision of historical importance: should Emperor Hirohito be tried and hanged as a war criminal? TOH's earlier write-up of "Emperor" explores director Peter Webber's career trajectory. Webber previously directed "The Girl with a Pearl Earring," as well as episodes of HBO's "Six Feet Under."

By Maggie Lange
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May 16, 2012 12:31 PM
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Trailers from Hell: Weird and Delirious "The Lair of the White Worm" Still Embarrasses Hugh Grant

News

In our second Trailers From Hell feature, Dan Ireland takes us on an exploration of weird and campy "The Lair of the White Worm." Ireland produced "The Lair of the White Worm" for Ken Russell for Best Run Pictures. It's a delirious adaptation of a Bram Stoker novel that pays heavy homage to Oscar Wilde.

By Maggie Lange
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May 16, 2012 10:53 AM
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A Beautiful Friendship: 'Casablanca' Screens on Facebook

News

Worlds collide for this confusing and spectacular event: "Casablanca" will screen on Facebook Wednesday night at 7PM ET/ PT. Fans of romantic comedy or romance in general can watch a free screening of the timeless love story and comment in real time on the film's Facebook page. We'll take it!

By Maggie Lange
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May 16, 2012 9:07 AM
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Sony Lands Sorkin for Steve Jobs Biopic

News

Following up on their successful collaboration on David Fincher's "The Social Network," Sony and producer Scott Rudin are bringing on Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to adapt Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs' bestselling biography. The project is being produced by Rudin, Mark Gordon and Guymon Casady.

By Anne Thompson
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May 16, 2012 2:11 AM
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LAFF Announces Guest Director William Friedkin; Artists in Residence Elfman, Voltaggio & Saadiq

Festivals

Continuing to move away from their Film Independent indie branding, The Los Angeles Film Festival has named Hollywood veteran filmmaker William Friedkin as Guest Director for the 2012 Festival. The director of "The Exorcist," "The French Connection" and "To Live and Die in L.A." will screen his latest, indie fest circuit film "Killer Joe."

By Anne Thompson
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May 15, 2012 4:56 PM
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Student Academy Award Winners Announced

Awards

U.S. winners of the 39th annual Student Academy Awards are in: ten students from nine schools have been chosen in Alternative, Animation, Documentaries and Narrative categories.

By Sophia Savage
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May 15, 2012 3:33 PM
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Cannes Market: Brosnan & Cooper in Espionage Thriller 'November Man'; Roger Donaldson to Direct

News

The Solution Entertainment Group is partnering with Pierce Brosnan's Irish DreamTime production banner in a multi-picture financing and distribution deal, and will be shopping the first title at Cannes, "November Man," directed by Australian-born, New Zealand-raised Roger Donaldson ("The Recruit," "Thirteen Days").

By Sophia Savage
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May 15, 2012 3:33 PM
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'A Cat in Paris' Aims for Families with New English Language Cast: Harden, Huston, Modine, Blum

News

Some of the best animation in the world comes from overseas, but that doesn't mean mainstream family audiences flock to see it. Disney/Pixar John Lasseter has been trying to build an audience beyond the art house for years for the great Hayao Miyazaki, nominated for two Oscars and winner for "Spirited Away."

By Anne Thompson
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May 15, 2012 11:53 AM
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In The Works: Scorsese Producing Rolls Royce Love Story; Roach, Downey Jr. & Cruise Wanted for 'El Presidente'

News

Jay Roach ("Game Change," "The Campaign") is in negotiations to direct "El Presidente," from "Parks and Recreation" writer Dan Goor. The Warner Bros. comedy follows an overzealous secret service agent who is relegated to guarding America's worst former president. The plan is to offer Tom Cruise the role of the agent, and Robert Downey Jr. the role of the sleazy ex-president. Vulture has the scoop.