Thompson on Hollywood

Now and Then: On Film, America's Culture of Violence

Reviews

The most terrifying 80 minutes I've spent in my career as a film critic were those spent watching "Elephant," in which even the rhythmic click-click-click of photographic negatives being shaken in chemicals brought me the edge of what I can bear.

By Matt Brennan
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May 1, 2012 6:14 AM
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Indies React to Tugg, Which Lets You Choose What Will Play at Your Movie Theater, Adds 'Tree of Life' and 'Bullhead' to Roster

News

New startup Tugg, launched Wednesday, lets audiences choose what will screen at their local multiplex. We polled several indie exhibitors and distribs for feedback (below).

By Anne Thompson and Maggie Lange
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February 23, 2012 2:38 PM
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IN THE WORKS: Damon & Affleck Together Again for Bulger; Bana as Elvis; Akira Casting

It's about time. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will work together again along with Casey Affleck to bring life to the story of Whitey Bulger at Warner Bros. Bulger was a New England mob boss and subsequent 16-year fugitive before being caught in Santa Monica, CA, last June. Affleck will direct as well as co-produce and co-star with Damon, who will play Bulger. Neither of the Affleck brothers' roles are confirmed. It gets better: Boardwalk Empire writer and creator Terence Winter is writing the script, which will track the mobster's youth in Alcatraz, his rise to the top of the crime world and his secret involvement as an FBI informant.

By Sophia Savage
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October 24, 2011 11:04 AM
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Now and Then: The Transformation of Michael Bay to Sunday Hangover Auteur

Occasioned by the DVD release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon last week, and a few too many drinks Saturday night, Matt Brennan’s “Now and Then” column celebrates director Michael Bay, Sunday hangover auteur. Trailers below:

By Matt Brennan
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October 3, 2011 3:48 AM
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Johansson Sings, Cranston for Affleck's Argo, Denzel Washington for Katrina Drama, Patel for Sorkin

- Scarlett Johansson will star in Judd Apatow's Can A Song Save Your Life?, written and to be directed by John Carney (Once). The musically themed story will pair a young songstress with "a washed up A&R man." They form a bond and sing, putting Johansson's singing talent to use. Carney confirms to The Sunday Business Post: "‘I went out to Los Angeles to meet Scarlett a couple of months ago. She was everything you could imagine – very hot, elegant and she’s really smart." Mark Ruffalo and Jim Carrey are rumored as possible co-stars. ThePlaylist has more.

By Sophia Savage
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June 29, 2011 5:24 AM
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Ben Affleck To Direct Tell No One Remake, Holds Actors Hostage for Argo

In mid-career, Ben Affleck, who has always been one of the smarter actors around, has opted to chase his potential as a writer and director. It's a lot more work, of course.

By Anne Thompson and Sophia Savage
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June 15, 2011 8:27 AM
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Unite for Japan: Stars Ask for Donations for Post-Tsunami Relief

As I watched this video, I realized how upset I am about what happened in Japan. Ken Watanabe organized this plea for help, aided by Johnny Depp, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, John Legend, Jonah Hill, Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck and many others. The PSA launched today. Unite for Japan.

By Anne Thompson
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April 27, 2011 7:49 AM
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AFI Lifetime Award to Morgan Freeman: Pitt, Hanks, Mirren, Nicholson, Eastwood To Pay Tribute

The American Film Institute is honoring Morgan Freeman with their 39th Lifetime Achievement Award. The Gala Benefit on June 9 (airing on TV Land June 26) will host the following committee members to play tribute to Freeman: Ben Affleck, Jim Carrey, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Ashley Judd, Helen Mirren, Mike Nichols, Jack Nicholson, Brad Pitt, Sidney Poitier, Robert Redford, Tim Robbins, Steven Spielberg, Hilary Swank, Denzel Washington and Alfre Woodard.

By Sophia Savage
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April 26, 2011 3:44 AM
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Things I Learned On the Awards Party Circuit

On Oscar night I started on the red carpet --taking pictures, grabbing video interviews and tweeting madly--and then repaired to the interview room to listen to the show and backstage Q and As (transcripts here). After the best picture winners for The King's Speech had wrapped up, I walked over to the Governor's Ball just as Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban were leaving, heading down the escalator; the trio of winning producers, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, posed for me with their Oscars.