Thompson on Hollywood

Cannes 2012: Tarantino's 'Django Unchained' Looks Like a Hard-Ass Sergio Leone Western [Updated]

Festivals

The Majestic Salon Diane was packed with the top movie press in Cannes, notebooks poised, as the King of Cannes, Harvey Weinstein, introed and unveiled footage from three upcoming Oscar hopefuls that weren't ready for the Croisette this year: Paul Thomas Anderson's $35 million "The Master" (here's how the footage played; it's set for an October 12 release, which TWC is releasing globally, financed by Megan Ellison's Annapurna), David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" (TWC, November 21) and Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained," a global partnership with Sony (slates for December 25, we'll see if it happens).

By Anne Thompson
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May 21, 2012 3:41 PM
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Cannes 2011 Box Office Recap: Some Played, Most Didn't

Festivals

As we anticipate savoring the various sections of Cannes 2012 (official and sidebar), let's dig into the level of success of last year’s entries – including the first Best Picture Oscar-winner launched at the festival, and two others also nominated in the same category.

By Tom Brueggemann
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April 21, 2012 7:15 AM
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New York Yankees Take Stand Against Bullying (Video)

Video

As "Bully" breaks wider this weekend, Harvey Weinstein has pulled in the heavy hitters to sell his anti-bullying message. He persuaded the top of the New York Yankee batting order to do a 30-second PSA against bullying during spring training in Tampa, Florida. Whether team manager Joe Girardi and Yankees Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Curtis Granderson will get people to show up to see a documentary about the subject of bullying is another matter.

By Anne Thompson
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April 11, 2012 6:17 PM
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Weekend Box Office: What the Indie Numbers Really Mean UPDATED

Box Office

The weekend marks the return of two veteran filmmakers who were established in specialized theaters in the 1990s – Whit Stillman and Nanni Moretti. Films from both directors (who have always made pointed observations about their surroundings) opened to respectable if not spectacular grosses this holiday weekend.

By Tom Brueggemann
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April 10, 2012 1:52 PM
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Weekend Indie Box Office: What It Means, from 'Bully' to 'Island President' UPDATED

Box Office

“Bully” led a slew of documentary openers this weekend (at least eight) both in terms of attention and success. The others, including two with significant previous acclaim, reveal the results of the new Oscar rule requiring full week theatrical dates in New York and/or Los Angeles with published reviews in their leading papers.

By Tom Brueggemann
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April 2, 2012 10:39 PM
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Weekend Box Office: 'Hunger Games' Slays 'Titans' and 'Mirror Mirror,' Races Past $250 Million

Box Office

As expected, Lionsgates’ “The Hunger Games” held onto the top spot at the box office in spectacular fashion this weekend as the blockbuster film grossed an estimated $61.1 million, down a relatively modest 60% considering its record opening. The sci-fi actioner rocketed past the $200-million mark on Friday, or in eight days...

By Brian Fuson
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April 1, 2012 1:07 PM
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Francophile Weinstein Co. Says Oui to 'Populaire,' Remakes French Hit with 'Bridesmaid''s Feig

News

The Weinstein Co. mopped the floor with many an Oscar contender that was up against "The Artist," so why not take US rights to the next big thing from France's The Wild Bunch and do it again?

By Sophia Savage
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March 29, 2012 4:29 PM
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'Bully' Premieres in Los Angeles, Q & A with Director Lee Hirsch & Film's Families (Video)

Video

After The Weinstein Co. lost its battle with the MPAA to reduce the film's R rating to PG-13, the distributor opted to open Lee Hirsch's "Bully" unrated on March 30. Following Monday's premiere, Hirsch was joined by parents and children featured in the film for a Q & A (check out the video below).

By Sophia Savage
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March 27, 2012 12:52 PM
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IN THE WORKS: TWC Casts Streep, Roberts To Lead Adaptation of 'August: Osage County'

News

Coming off a strong year and an even hotter awards season, with “The Artist,” “My Week With Marilyn” and “The Iron Lady” already awarded and still in contention for Oscars, The Weinstein Company (TWC) today confirmed casting for the film adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Tony-awarded play, "August: Osage County."

By Justin Lowe
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February 16, 2012 12:52 AM
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Golden Globes Party Whirl: Plotting Assaults on "The Punisher," In the Clinch with Mr. Big

Awards

After my stint in the backstage press room at the Golden Globes, I headed into the night for a round of Beverly Hilton parties. First I crossed the forlorn red carpet to the tented Fox party in the parking lot.