Thompson on Hollywood

EL James Does 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Promo Tour (Video)

Video

Curious about EL James, author of erotic fantasy fiction "Fifty Shades of Grey"? The Twihard, who started out writing "Twilight" fan fiction before penning her own trilogy (which has been bought for the movies, under her control, by Universal and Focus Features), has been on a promo tour as her three Vintage books have sold 3 million digital and print copies in less than a month and top the New York Times bestseller list. They are also bestsellers in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Translated books are about to hit other countries too.

By Anne Thompson
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May 12, 2012 2:36 PM
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After Bidding War, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Goes to Universal/Focus; Author Keeps Control of S&M Erotica Trilogy for Women

News

Hollywood is cautious when it comes to sex in cinema. The studios are more comfortable with raunchy sex comedies from the likes of Judd Apatow and the "American Pie" series ("American Reunion" is coming up) than anything sexy and intimate. Erotica aimed at men or women is a tricky area.

By Anne Thompson & Sophia Savage
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March 26, 2012 1:42 PM
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New Trailer for 'Snow White and the Huntsman'; Stewart Is The One to End The Darkness

Video

In this extended trailer for Universal's "Snow White and the Huntsman" (June 1), the epic fairy tale adaptation looks less edgy than we'd expected. This mythical action adventure is clearly aimed at a female PG-13 audience.

By Sophia Savage
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March 19, 2012 12:16 PM
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Reeves Joins Actor-Director Gang with Chinese-Language 'Man of Tai Chi'

News

On February 28, Keanu Reeves began production in China on his directorial debut, "Man of Tai Chi." The Chinese-language film will shoot over six months in China and Hong Kong on a budget of $32 million. It is a contemporary action film; famed martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping will work with Reeves, who stars in the film, as well as co-stars Tiger Chen and Karen Mok. The project is a co-production of China Film Group, Village Roadshow, Wanda Media and Universal (which will handle distribution).

By Sophia Savage
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March 1, 2012 12:21 PM
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Focus Goes On 10th Anniversary Buying Spree, from Bana Thriller to Sundance's 'For a Good Time Call'; Talk Digital Focus World

Features

As Focus Features ramps up for its 10th anniversary, chairman James Schamus and president Andew Karpen are on a buying tear. And with three Oscar nominations in hand for BAFTA front-runner "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," which is scoring at the box office ($42 million worldwide), they're in high spirits. "It's kicking ass," says Schamus. "Remember, Gary Oldman is revered by his peers."

By Anne Thompson
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February 2, 2012 4:28 PM
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Universal Digs Into Archives to Celebrate 100 Years of Movie History Throughout 2012

News

Universal Pictures is planning a yearlong centennial celebration to celebrate 100 years of the studio's history and legacy. The celebration aims to engage with a wide range of audiences, and it will include the restoration of thirteen titles, including "To Kill a Mockingbird," "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Jaws"...

By Sophia Savage
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January 10, 2012 12:28 PM
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Oscar Watch: Beginners' Christopher Plummer Supporting Actor Frontrunner, Video Exclusive

Features

While the supporting actor category is open to change and movement over the next few months, one name is sure to land a slot on Oscar nominations morning: Christopher Plummer. The stage-trained Canadian actor, 81, has been giving great performances for decades, from Baron von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" and Rudyard Kipling in "The Man Who Would Be King" to Mike Wallace in "The Insider" and, remarkably, his first Oscar nomination as Leo Tolstoy in 2009's "The Last Station." But arguably among Plummer's best is the role Mike Mills gave him as Ewan McGregor's ailing gay father in "Beginners." It's a juicy part: late in life, although he's fighting against the dying of the light, the man has come out of the closet and is madly in love with both his freedom and his partner (Goran Visnjic). Plummer is joyful, vigorous, sexy, funny, and heartbreaking. He talks about how he approached the role in the exclusive Plummer featurette below.

By Anne Thompson
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November 11, 2011 4:16 PM
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Trailer Watch: Safe House Stars Badass Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga

Check out Universal's Safe House, from Swedish born director Daniel Espinosa. The plot sounds familiar, but we'll pay to see Denzel Washington in just about anything. Ryan Reynolds appears suitably second fiddle to Washington, and Vera Farmiga plays the tough CIA woman who balances out the requisite underwear-clad hot girlfriend. The film hits theaters February 2012.

By Sophia Savage
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November 3, 2011 7:17 AM
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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Ratner's Tower Heist Set to Topple Indie Docs & Dramas

Brett Ratner's timely Tower Heist taps into anti-Wall Street sentiment and is just what you'd expect: competent, breezy, escapist entertainment. The well-cast Madoff-inspired comedy--which stars Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni, Alan Alda and Eddie Murphy in a supporting comeback bid-- is expected to take in $29 million this weekend, while A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas 3D could score $15.5 million.

By Anne Thompson and Sophia Savage
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November 3, 2011 6:34 AM
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Universal Abandons Tower Heist VOD Plan, NATO's Fithian Debates Magnolia's Wagner

First Netflix and now Universal Pictures have killed a change in direction after fierce resistance. In the case of Universal, the studio was testing what was acceptable to their partners, theater owners, as well as moviegoers, who are demanding earlier access to new movies. Universal had planned to make Bret Rattner's Tower Heist available via Video on Demand only three weeks after opening November 4 in theaters. Exhibitors and filmmakers from James Cameron to Jon Favreau are fighting to keep the theatrical window an average of 90 days, while several studios are pushing back, under pressure to move toward a shortened window, due to the decline of DVD revenues as well as global piracy concerns.