Thompson on Hollywood

Waiting for Malick: The Tree of Life Should Open by Year's End

A new favorite sport among movie lovers is forecasting exactly when Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life will come out.

By Anne Thompson
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August 20, 2010 1:06 AM
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Fincher Eyes Salander Candidate Yo-Landi Vi$$er, Future of Product Placement

- David Fincher is a fan of South African band Die Antwoord's leading mini-lady Yo-Landi Vi$$er, and Vulture's sources indicate she has the exact look and mannerisms that Fincher wants for Lisbeth Salander in his remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Die Antwoord's representation, William Morris Endeavor, told Vulture that it wasn't clear whether Fincher was sincerely interested in Yo-Landi playing the part or if she is just his prime reference point. Apparently other studios have inquired about her interest in acting. Finally, Lisbeth Salander needs to be played by someone with more than a potential interest in acting, but even so Carey Mulligan may have to toughen up and get creative to fit this specified mold while campaigning for the role. Kristen Stewart ruled herself out from playing the role earlier this week, and several other names have been tossed around.

By Sophia Savage
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June 30, 2010 7:40 AM
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Ortenberg Consults for Apparition, Which Slashes Staff by Half

Ever since Bob Berney abruptly left fledgling distribution company Apparition pre-Cannes, CEO Bill Pohlad has been trying to figure out how to go forward. He gave Berney's Sundance acquisition Welcome to the Rileys back to Sony Worldwide Acquisitions Group, which pacted with Goldwyn to release. Wednesday Pohlad confirmed that he is shutting down the New York office and cutting staff by more than half, from 27 to 15. Individual severance meetings are ongoing today. The company is proceeding on "an immediate needs basis," said spokesperson Mara Buxbaum, who didn't rule out future hires. As previously reported, Pohlad has also brought in ex-Lionsgate president Tom Ortenberg to consult on how Apparition should proceed as a distrib; the indie vet will take immediate charge of Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. Outstanding movies still in theaters include The Runaways and The Square. The Tree of Life is the only mission for Apparition going forward. (River Road's upcoming thriller Fair Game will be released by Summit.)

By Anne Thompson
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June 30, 2010 4:49 AM
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MGM in Flux, Jackson Wants Hobbits, Weinsteins Lose Library, Ortenberg to Apparition

There's a lot going on in Hollywood this summer, as the economy and DVD declines continue to take their toll on several struggling distributors, from MGM and Lionsgate to the Weinstein Co., Overture and Apparition. MGM is in flux, as it struggles to pull itself back from the brink of bankruptcy and figure out a way to get The Hobbit films made with Peter Jackson at the helm. But whether that's possible is still the question. MGM needs help.

By Anne Thompson
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June 25, 2010 7:33 AM
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LAFF: Kids Are All Right Scores During Lakers Riot, 30 Films to See

The Thursday night opening of the LA Film Fest was not quite what the organizers had hoped for, with the NBA final game right next door at the Staples Center. That was one risk the LAFF took this year by moving the festival downtown. Film Independent chief Dawn Hudson insists that the influx of apartment dwellers and lively night life downtown is bound to invigorate the fest. (But Westsiders especially dread the drive during rush hour.)

By Anne Thompson
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June 19, 2010 10:35 AM
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Apparition Fate Up in Air; Graham King Flirts with Berney

Post-Cannes, the fate of Bill Pohlad's distribution start-up Apparition remains murky in the aftermath of indie distribution vet Bob Berney's unexpected departure. Now the LAT reports that producer Graham King, who founded GK Films in 2007, is talking to Berney about yet another new distrib venture, GK Distribution. At Cannes, Berney launched discussions with several possible distribution partners; at this point Berney has no news to report.

By Anne Thompson
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June 14, 2010 9:55 AM
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Oscar Talk Summer Edition: Post-Cannes, Box Office Blues

In our second Oscar Talk Summer Edition, In Contention's Kris Tapley and I cover his cross-country road trip, award contenders emerging from Cannes, and the disappointing summer so far, with some debate over indie darlings Winter's Bone and The Kids Are Alright, which opens next week's Los Angeles Film Festival.

By Anne Thompson
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June 12, 2010 3:57 AM
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EXCLUSIVE: Berney Leaves Apparition, Seeks New Gig in Cannes

Bob and Jeanne Berney are back in Cannes, staying in the same Croisette apartment overlooking the Palais as they did last year. Only this time, they are the subject of much conjecture about why they abruptly pulled out of their year-old distribution company Apparition, funded by River Road producer Bill Pohlad. Contrary to some reports, Berney is neither back in bed with Newmarket (where he enjoyed his greatest freedom and success, now aligned with Lionsgate) nor shacked up with Harvey Weinstein, although the mogul has called him and they will probably meet during the fest.

By Anne Thompson
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May 12, 2010 10:33 AM
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Berney Leaves Apparition on Eve of Cannes

Needless to say I will have a story for you---the whole story--when I get it. Now I'm boarding a plane to Nice en route to Cannes. (Oliver Stone, with a trim mustache, just said hi.) Look at this story on Deadline and you will see that it's from Bill Pohlad, as is the memo below. Yes, Bob Berney has left Apparition. The question is, why. He and wife Jeanne will be in Cannes, where I will find out what's going on.

By Anne Thompson
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May 11, 2010 1:11 AM
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Wall Street 2, Tree of Life, Woody Allen Heading for Cannes

It's not official yet, but it looks pretty sure that Oliver Stone will finally be making his Cannes debut, with the sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, starring Michael Douglas 23 years after his first turn as Gordon Gekko, and Carey Mulligan as his daughter. Shia LaBeouf and W star Josh Brolin also star. It's long overdue, if you ask me. Oliver Stone is an auteur in my book, even if the Cannes selectors hasn't deemed him one of their elite so far.