'Best Man' bags Schoenfeld

The incoming Broadway revival of "Gore Vidal's The Most Effective Guy" has reserved the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater for just about any March start, with thesps Jefferson Mays, Dakin Matthews and Donna Hanover all signed onto join the cast. Mays, who acquired a Tony for his perf in 2003 outing "I am My Own, Personal Wife," may have a businessman inside the play in regards to the behind-the-moments machinations inside a national political convention. Matthews ("Henry IV") is aboard just like a senator, while Hanover -- the actress and tv journo proven to Gothamites as Rudolph Giuliani's ex -- may have a reporter. Stars sign up for a starry cast that already includes James Earl Manley, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette, Eric McCormack and Angela Lansbury. Michael Wilson ("The Orphans' Home Cycle") helms. "Best Guy" moves to the Rialto venue potential vacated by short-were living tuner "Bonnie and Clyde." Both "Bonnie," which shuts 12 ,. 30, and "Best Guy" are produced by Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, while using duo also among the producers backing a completely new version of "Best Guy" following their participation a young Broadway staging in 2000. Latest version in the 1960 Vidal Play begins previews March 6 before an April 1 opening. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Mission Impossible Producer Wants Difficulties for Five More Films

Hopefully Difficulties likes individuals shaken martinis. Within an interview using the newspaper The Folks, Mission Impossible producer Michael G. Wilson stated he desired to see Craig come in another five Bond films following 'Skyfall.' "Filming went perfectly and I'd love Daniel to exceed Roger's [Moore] record and do eight pictures," Wilson told the paper. Per THR, which means Craig is in some way "in talks" for five more Bond films, though that appears specious to visualize at best. In the end, Craig includes a very full plate -- additionally to Bond, he might have two more 'Dragon Tattoo' films coming later on -- and there's no indication anywhere that he's in active discussions revisit Bond following a conclusion of 'Skyfall.' Apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln subsequently, etc. Directed by Mike Mendes, 'Skyfall' stars Craig, Javier Bardem, Rob Fiennes, Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw. It comes to theaters on November. 9, 2012. [via THR] [Photo: The new sony] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The Rif Lover (L'amante du Rif)

A Jbila Mediterranee Prods., CCM, Tarantula, 2M Soread, SNRI, Urban Factory, Mollywood production. (International sales: Urban Distribution Intl., Montreuil, France.) Produced by Narjiss Nejjar, Lamia Chraibi, Joseph Rouschop, Valerie Bournonville, Frederic Corvez, Clement Duboin. Directed, written by Narjiss Nejjar.With: Nadia Kounda, Mourade Zeguendi, Ouidad Elma, Nadia Niazi, Fehd Benchemsi, Omar Lotfi, Siham Assif, Raouia, Narjiss Nejjar. (Arabic, French dialogue)Seductively riffing on Bizet's "Carmen," "The Rif Lover" is a bold, visually ravishing drama about l'amour fou and the taboo that patriarchal culture places on women's bodies and desires. Moroccan helmer-writer Narjiss Nejjar ("Cry No More") once again fashions a strong feminist statement that will be perceived by some as over-the-top. But the beauty and energy of the filmmaking -- and the female thesps -- go a long way toward compensating for narrative wobbles and melodramatic excesses. Further fest exposure is a given, while nudity and fraught sexual situations will be more acceptable to Euro outlets than to Moroccan ones. Inspired by a tragic incident that befell a member of Nejjar's extended family, the pic is essentially a cri de coeur that powerfully indicts a culture that muzzles female desire by labeling it impure, and equates a woman's virginity with honor. Impetuous, flirtatious 20-year-old Aya (Nadia Kounda) lives in a small seaside village in the picturesque Rif Cordillera with her mother (Nadia Niazi) and two brothers, Ahed (Fehd Benchemsi) and Hafid (Omar Lotfi). While her never-seen father labors as a fisherman in Spain, her brothers opt for easier albeit less honest work in the employ of a hashish trafficker, "the Baron" (Mourade Zeguendi, a smoldering presence). Aya and best friend Raida (Ouidad Elma) spend their days romping through the burg's maze-like streets in skimpy attire, sunning themselves on the beach and lounging on the roof of their connecting homes while longing for romance to sweep them off their feet. Aya fetishizes the Carlos Saura film "Carmen" and craves the heroine's sexual power and sensual ease. When Aya's brother Ahed secretly pimps her to the Baron, hoping to obtain his own cannabis field in return, he sets in motion a dangerous game in which Aya becomes a pawn. Raising the question of whether a young woman schooled on naive notions of romance can control her own destiny, Nejjar allows her tragic heroine to narrate her own tale from a sadder but wiser perspective. A striking, color-desaturated opening sequence finds Aya directly addressing the camera, noting, "I gave in to a love song." Beneath the dazzling beauty of the section unfolding in the Rif, enclosed spaces hint at females' lack of freedom while blood-red colors metaphorically rep the stain left by a bride's broken hymen. The fluid camerawork makes all this much less heavy-handed than it sounds. However, things do bog down during an extended -- and overheated -- episode set in a women's prison that could match any Roger Corman babes-in-the-big-house genre production. While some of the pic's dialogue comes off as overripe, Aya's mother gets some great lines. Tech credits are stellar, with lenser Maxime Alexandre's gorgeous widescreen compositions, Tal Haddad's shimmering score and Julien Foure and Jacques Comets' evocative jump-cut editing particularly worthy of mention.Camera (color, DV-to-35mm, widescreen), Maxime Alexandre; editors, Julien Foure, Jacques Comets; music, Tal Haddad; art directors; Laurie Colson, Aurore Benoit; costume designer, Nezha Bakil; sound (Dolby Digital), Benjamin Falsimagne. Taoufik Mikraz, Patrice Mendez. Reviewed at Dubai Film Festival (competing), Dec. 8, 2011. Running time: 91 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Mt. Olympus is not for redheads

William H. Macy, Dax Shepard, Matthew Morrison and Kristen Bell fundraise for UNICEF .Sean Penn awards Mike Medavoy .Transformed into a candlelit winter wonderland, the Beverly Wilshire was the site of the UNICEF ball Thursday night.In his introduction of Irena, Nick and Mike Medavoy, Sean Penn called out a few of his fellow presenters."I say this every time I come to these things, but the timing is a little bassackwards," Penn said of handing out awards, "because they really should do these things before they serve the alcohol. But in this case I feel liberated because Dennis Quaid and Brooklyn Decker will be up here soon and they're sauced."Mike Medavoy shared his excitement at receiving the Danny Kaye Award. "He was like me, a redhead," he began. "For us, this group, unless you're living in Ireland or unless you know Greek history in which redheads were thrown off of Mt. Olympus when they were born, is a small group."Lionel Richie performed for a crowd that included Quincy Jones, Megan Mullally, Kate Walsh, Matthew Morrison, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Dark Dark night Rises' Viral Campaign Results In Prologue Tests

Last Friday would be a very heavy day for fans of "The Dark Dark night Increases." From the new viral advertising campaign to responses towards the movie's much talked about contributing to-to-be launched prologue scene, Batman virtually centered the comic movie news space. Click onto catch on everything you might have skipped about Gotham City and much more! "Dark Dark night Increases" Viral Decoded The most recent viral game for "The Dark Dark night Increases," entitled Operation Early Bird, continues to be solved. The finish result, not surprisingly, is the fact that certain lucky fans have gained the opportunity to begin to see the long awaited prologue to Christopher Nolan's final Batman movie a few days early. The overall game itself wasn't as complicated as some previous "Dark Dark night" viral efforts, but just in case of future occasions, make certain to see our "Dark Dark night Increases" viral survival guide! "Dark" Prologue Will get Warm Reaction Talking about the "Dark Dark night Increases" prologue, a lucky couple of were asked to screen the six-minute sequence late a week ago. Among individuals people are "Iron Guy" director Jon Favreau, "Scott Pilgrim" director Edgar Wright, "Moon" helmer Duncan Johnson and "Hostel" mastermind Eli Roth. Their a reaction to the footage? Seriously I do not need to answer that, will i? Just in case you cannot decipher it on your own, listed here are their "Increases" responses. "Dark Dark night" Actor Dies In less beneficial news, tragedy has once more struck the "Dark Dark night" crew. It had been reported lately that the extra died throughout shooting in NY City recently. The unknown actor experienced a fatal cardiac arrest throughout a rest in rehearsals for any scene to become shot within the city's Financial District. Warner Bros. released an argument around the matter, which you'll read right here. Best Super hero Of 2011 Finally, and unrelated to "The Dark Dark night," the MTV Movies team continues our think back in the year in film by suggesting that you election around the best super hero of 2011. Your options: Captain America, Eco-friendly Hornet, Eco-friendly Lantern, Magneto and Thor. Which do you consider was the very best this season? Mind to Splash Page and cast your election today! Inform us that which you think about present day comic movie news within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Equity Accepting Noms for Diversity Award

Equity Accepting Noms for Diversity Award By Daniel Holloway December 8, 2011 Actors' Equity Association introduced today it's accepting nominations due to its 2012 Rosetta LeNoire Award. Very good is provided yearly for a person or institution getting an established good reputation for employing, marketing, or casting women, ethnic unprivileged, or perhaps the disabled. The award was created in 1989 and named for your first recipient, Rosetta LeNoire, founding father of NY's Amas Repertory Theatre (now Amas Musical Theatre). Past honorees include Ernest Papp as well as the NY Shakespeare Festival, Ellen Stewart of la MaMa ETC in New You'll be able to, Dennis Zacek and Marcelle McVay of Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater, as well as the Shakespeare Center of los angeles. Programs and supporting material are due Feb. 10, 2012. For additional particulars, contact Luther Goins, Equity's national equal employment chance coordinator, at (312) 641-0393, ext. 237, or lgoins@actorsequity.org. Equity Accepting Noms for Diversity Award By Daniel Holloway December 8, 2011 Actors' Equity Association introduced today it's accepting nominations due to its 2012 Rosetta LeNoire Award. Very good is provided yearly for a person or institution getting an established good reputation for employing, marketing, or casting women, ethnic unprivileged, or perhaps the disabled. The award was created in 1989 and named for your first recipient, Rosetta LeNoire, founding father of NY's Amas Repertory Theatre (now Amas Musical Theatre). Past honorees include Ernest Papp as well as the NY Shakespeare Festival, Ellen Stewart of la MaMa ETC in NY, Dennis Zacek and Marcelle McVay of Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater, as well as the Shakespeare Center of los angeles. Programs and supporting material are due Feb. 10, 2012. For more information, contact Luther Goins, Equity's national equal employment chance coordinator, at (312) 641-0393, ext. 237, or lgoins@actorsequity.org.

Showbiz spends big on lobbying

Officially, Congress makes the laws in the United States. But companies, industries and interest groups can have a great deal of influence over the process by having lobbyists whisper in legislators' ears.That takes money, and the amount spent on lobbying can be a rough gauge of an industry's political muscle.Through the first nine months of 2011, showbiz (categorized as TV/movies/music) spent $91.8 million on lobbying, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. So far this year, the industry ranked fifth in spending. Topping the list of industries is pharmaceuticals/health products at $181.7 million.Among entertainment industry players, the biggest spenders this year have been Comcast ($14.7 million), the National Cable and Telecommunications Assn. ($13.1 million), the National Assn. of Broadcasters ($10.4 million), Time Warner Cable ($6.1 million) and National Amusements ($5.6 million).Comcast ranks seventh among all lobbying entities this year, racking up less than one third the $46.2 million in lobbying expenditures of the perennial leader, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Mad Max' May Get New Trilogy, Two Game Game titles

In Hollywood, trilogies will be the new follow-up. So that it shojuld 't be an unexpected that George Burns, creator in the original "Mad Max" series, features a new trilogy inside the works well with the franchise. The initial film inside the new series, "Mad Max: Fury Road," has extended had Tom Sturdy and Charlize Theron attached becasue it is leads, but that flick is just the first in three films Burns has written. Inside an interview while using Financial Occasions, Burns recognized the trilogy will be a natural growth of the writing process. "We started with ['Fury Road'], however we started to carry out a second story together with another. Weve written the script for your second and almost finished the next. We never designed to, they were part of the look for the figures," he mentioned. Clearly, first "Fury Road" really must be created. The flick remains infamously postponed, first last summer season, again in March and however recently because of unforeseen conditions australia wide. So, most most likely, as extended as "Fury Road" finally goes as you're watching camera and comprises an income, we might see Miller's entire new vision. Furthermore for the film, Burns also mentioned the "Mad Max" videogame influences works. Apparently Burns and Warner Bros are joining up to experience a studio in Sweden develop the sport. "While using government government bodies support we could immediately proceed with two games, Miller's partner Doug Mitchell mentioned inside the interview. "Warner Bros delays, ready to do 'Fury Road' the incentive brings it back inside a NY minute. It is not immediately apparent nevertheless the potential within the overall game game titles sector is big.In . Is it possible to get behind a completely new "Mad Max" trilogy and gaming(s)? Reveal inside the comments section below or on Twitter!

Netflix Analyst Upgrades Stock Rating From 'Negative' to 'Neutral'

Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesCharlize Theron This short article first made an appearance within the 12 ,. 2 problem from the Hollywood Reporter magazine. The Gotham Honours, presented through the Independent Filmmaker Project and based on small committees of journalists, aim to recognition the entire year's best indie films and filmmakers. The Hollywood Reporter swept up with four indie stalwarts who're receiving award tributes only at that year's ceremony. Fox Shot Entertainment co-chairman and Boss Tom Rothman, who's finding the Industry Tribute, started his film career in NY like a producer, continued to mind Samuel Goldwyn throughout the heyday of independent film and founded Fox Searchlight in 1994. This season's Career Tribute readers are actor Gary Oldman, that has made an appearance in additional than 40 films and stars in Mess Tailor Soldier Spy A Harmful Method author-director David Cronenberg and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, who stars like a troubled author in Jason Reitman's Youthful Adult. PHOTOS: THR's Actress Roundtable 2011 CHARLIZE THERON Around the character of art: "I don't think art is black and whitened or includes a beginning or perhaps an finish. It's a continuing discovery process. It's an evolution of recent things -- within the situation of the actor, a persons condition -- that inspire you thus making you obsessive and haunt you and also capture your imagination.Inch On just as one actor at 19 following a knee injuries sidelined work in ballet: "I had been mourning something I figured I'd lost completely. I needed to reexamine why I loved dance a lot to be able to find something which could substitute it. It required me really searching in internet marketing and knowning that it had been the storytelling. It had been dealing with a personality in storytelling, and [acting] would be a natural." On which she won't do on film: "It's not by what you won't do. For me personally, it's much more about, "Is the storyline that I wish to explore for the following year of my existence?" THR's Actress Roundtable: Six A-Listers Seem Off on Bad Reviews, Nudity and Playing Hitler TOM ROTHMAN Around the company directors he labored with throughout the eighties and early the nineteen nineties: "There have been a lot of seminal films: Jim Jarmusch's Lower legally, Ang Lee's first film, The Marriage Banquet, Spike Lee's School Daze, Norman Rene's Longtime Companion -- the very first commercial movie about Helps -- David Lynch's 1990 Wild in mind, Anthony Minghella's Truly, Crazily Deeply and Henry V, directed by Kenneth Branagh." On which his Gotham Award way to him: "It feels as though a homecoming, however in another sense, it feels as though my career is a continuation of individuals days. I've ongoing to utilize most of the company directors I met then, for example Ang, who's making Existence of Pi for Fox 2000. I've been fortunate during my time at Fox for the reason that the studio overall constitutes a very eclectic group of movies. Even though specialized companies came and gone, Searchlight has ongoing passionate support from myself and fellow chairman-Boss Jim Gianopulos." THR's Author Roundtable: 6 Top Scribes Talk Standing to Clint Eastwood, Coping with Rewrites and Being Fired because of your Wife GARY OLDMAN On following in Alec Guinness' actions playing George Smiley in Focus Features' Mess Tailor Soldier Spy: "One was greatly within the shadow of Guinness, since it's this kind of legendary role. Initially, I had been just a little nervous about this. You're walking across the same path, oftentimes, you're saying exactly the same words. However it's different because Guinness was nearly 70 when he performed the role, and that i'm more youthful [he's 53]. You will find facets of the smoothness that talk to me too. In the finish during the day, I contacted it exactly the same being an actor would with any classical role like Hamlet or King Lear." On which's next: "I'm unsure things i'm likely to be doing next, but that's area of the terror and excitement from the work. You are able to chase things and steer work to some degree, however, you don't get offered everything, which means you are subject to the and also the imagination of those who cast you. Inside my kids' schools, these were more impressed which i did the voice for Viktor Reznov within the Cod videogames than which i performed Sirius Black [within the Harry Potter movies]. None of it's been really planned." THR's Company directors Roundtable: How you can Fire People, Who to Steal From, and Amy Pascal's Secret Advice DAVID CRONENBERG Around the motivations behind the tales he informs: "I've no real agenda. I don't have something that I'm using film to advertise. The fundamental function would be to explore what it really way to be human: "What's the human condition? What's the character of existence? How can we live?" On the potential of "going Hollywood": "I haven't really attempted to prevent it. I've frequently joked and stated, "I've been selling out for a long time, but nobody's purchasing!" Used to do attempt to perform the Matarese Circle with Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington at MGM, but MGM went belly-up for some time. The only real in-house studio movie I ever really did was Past Violence with New Line. I've attempted, as well as in each situation, it's not happened for a myriad of reasons." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Behind the curtain of THR's Actress Roundtable 2011 Gotham Honours Charlize Theron David Cronenberg Fox Shot Entertainment Gary Oldman A Harmful Method Youthful Adult Tom Rothman Mess Tailor Soldier Spy

'Descendants,' 'Marilyn' to fly to Dubai

The eighth edition from the Dubai Film Festival revealed its selection of 171 photos from 56 areas on Monday, including Alexander Payne's "The Descendants" and British drama "My Week With Marilyn." The 2010 fest, which opens 12 ,. 7 using the world preem of "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," will host 46 world premieres and 78 Middle Eastern preems and include a number of gala photos, including Bollywood romance "Ladies versus. Ough Bahl," Disney's "The Muppets," Germany comedy "Three-Quarter Moon," Italian immigrant drama "Terraferma" and Egyptian romance "An Entire One." Lifetime achievement honours will be provided to Werner Herzog, Egyptian thesp Gamil Rateb and Indian composer A.R. Rahman. Talent likely to touch lower within the emirate throughout the fest include Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Anil Kapoor, Jum Seydoux and "Mission: Impossible" helmer Kaira Bird. Payne, Peter Weir, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh will also be confirmed to go to the fest. Arab talent includes Amr Waked, Ezzat Abou Ouf, Lebleba and Yousra from Egypt Ahmed El Zein from Lebanon and Mohammed Miftah from The other agents. A lot more than 70 photos in the Arabian Peninsula will feature within the fest this season, and 89 films will vie for that Muhr Honours, with prize money adding up to $600,000. This season, DIFF may have a unique concentrate on Germany with six photos in the territory: "Three Quarter's Moon," "Burnout," "Combat Girl," "Westwind," "Under Snow" and Georg Wilhelm Pabst's 1929 pic "Pandora's Box." "This eighth edition, a lot more than every other before it, crystallizes our standing like a complete cinema ecosystem," stated DIFF chairman Abdulhamid Juma. "Although we're a youthful festival, we now have electricity costs every year since our launch in 2004, refining our program, building exclusive competitions, strengthening our industry choices, even while planting seed products over the Arab, Asian, African and global cinema landscape. This season our harvest is abundant." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Casting Standout: 'The Help'

Casting Standout: 'The Help' By Jamie Painter Young November 21, 2011 Photo by Dale Robinette/DreamWorks "We had an embarrassment of riches. A lot of people wanted to be a part of this film," says Kerry Barden of casting the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel "The Help." "There was a lot of momentum on the project, and people who would normally have just taken a meeting with the director were willing to read," adds Paul Schnee, who has been Barden's casting partner since 2008 and whose credits with Barden include "The Visitor," "Pineapple Express," and the upcoming musical "Pitch Perfect." Among those willing to audition was Bryce Dallas Howard, who was cast in the villainous and comedic role of Hilly Holbrook, a racist snob who gets what she deserves. Says Barden, "Bryce came and read, and we were howling with laughter because she was so funny. She was so great. She [set] the bar at that point. You would have to beat her audition to be able to get this role. Because she nailed it, she ended up getting it." Meanwhile, many fine actors, such as Sissy Spacek (as Hilly's mother), Cicely Tyson (as Skeeter's beloved maid, Constantine), Aunjanue Ellis (as Yule Mae Davis), Dana Ivey (as Gracie Higginbotham), LaChanze (as Rachel), Roslyn Ruff (as Pascagoula), and David Oyelowo (as Preacher Green), were happy to take smaller roles, just to be a part of the project.As for the lead roles of Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, the white writer, and Aibileen Clark, the black maid who confides in Skeeter, Barden says screenwriter-director Tate Taylor was interested in finding actors who best personified the characters, even if they didn't perfectly match the physical descriptions in Stockett's novel. Skeeter, for example, is described as tall, plain, and awkwardnot qualities associated with Emma Stone ("Crazy, Stupid, Love," "Easy A"). "Tate really just liked her," explains Barden. "He had always seen Skeeter as a young Joan Cusack, and even though in the book she's kind of the homely, gawky girl who is never going to be the beauty, and Emma's a gorgeous person, Tate just really, really loved Emma's energy."Likewise, when casting the role of Aibileen Clark, who is described as chunky, Viola Davis ("Doubt," "Eat Pray Love") is not probably someone that the novel's readers immediately pictured. However, as Barden explains, Davis fit the bill when it came to possessing the emotional qualities in Aibileen. Barden says, "She's an incredible actress, as we all know, and certainly found some interesting layers to Aibileen that made us realize how, even though Viola is not as Aibileen is physically written, she was great."As for casting Octavia Spencer in the breakout role of the forthright Minny Jackson, Barden says although Taylor was always sure of Spencer (a longtime friend of Taylor's and Stockett's), DreamWorks, which produced the film, needed to be convinced. Says Barden, "DreamWorks wanted to make sure that they felt as comfortable as Tate and quite frankly all of us, the casting office, felt in casting Octavia. We had cast Octavia a couple of times before. I've known Octavia and Tate and Brunson Green, the producer, for many years. So we were delighted that we were working with Tate on this first big film of his. We'd done his independent film [2008's "Pretty Ugly People"] as well, which also has Octavia in one of the leads. We were confident that she would be fine. The studio did want her to audition, which she happily did. And also she was kind enough to be our reader in Los Angeles for most of the audition sessions."As for casting the juicy role of bombshell Celia Foote, Minny's latest employer, Jessica Chastain ("The Tree of Life") was someone Barden and Schnee suggested as a fit, but a number of other actors were considered before she got the role. Says Barden, "We were simultaneously casting a film called 'Texas Killing Fields' that Jessica is in. I had not met her at that point, because we came on to the project when three of the leads were already attached, one of them Jessica. So when it came time to start auditions for Celia, I knew that she was shooting in Louisiana, and I had the shooting schedule. So I called her manager and said, 'Can she come in during this four-day time period when she's not shooting and audition for us?' And he said, 'Yes.' We were pretty deep into the process at that point. We had done NY auditions with a lot of people, and also L.A. auditions. So she flew in and read, and when she was finished with her reading, we all had wet faces because she was so stunning. We kind of knew at that point that she was our choice. We ended up doing screen tests for her character and for the Elizabeth Leefolt character [played by Ahna O'Reilly]. So Jessica did not only audition but had to come back and test for the studio. After the test, there was a lot of discussion on her and the other girls that had tested, and it finally was clear that we were all on the Jessica Chastain team."Barden particularly enjoyed the on-location casting for "The Help." He says, "I hadn't done location casting in probably a decade, and I went down to Mississippi and did the location casting with the person that was on location down there, Kim Petrofsky. So I got to meet every one of those wonderful faces that are in the film, including the twin little girls [Eleanor and Emma Henry] that play Mae Mobley. And that was a challenge, trying to find a little girl that could have that much humor and pathos. We did several open calls, and those girls came to the open call in Jackson, [Miss]."Other standouts discovered through open calls were most of the women who play the maids that show up at Aibileen's house to offer help sharing their stories for Skeeter's book. Says Barden, "They were just women who were locals in Greenwood, Miss., who had been brave enough to come to an open call because they wanted to be a part of the film. They came in and auditioned two or three times, some of them. So they have little or no acting experience."As for collaborating with Taylor on this project, Barden and Schneewho also worked with casting associates Allison Estrin and Rich Delia on itonly had good things to say. Says Schnee of Taylor, "He's been a working actor a long time before. So he has a sensitivity and a feel for what it's like from the actors' perspective." Adds Barden, "One of Tate's things was casting Southern people, and so most of the people in the film had some sort of Southern heritage, whether it was Bryce's grandparents being from Mississippi or Sissy being from Virginia or all the boys being from the Southlike Chris [Lowell, who plays Stuart] and Wes [Chatham, who plays Skeeter's brother, Carlton]. Tate wanted to keep everything authentic. He wanted to make sure that he honored the vision that Kitty had in the book, along with making sure that nobody said, 'Oh you cast the wrong person because she's not this, that, or the other.'"Casting Directors: Kerry Barden and Paul SchneeDirector: Tate TaylorWriter: Tate Taylor, based on the novel by Kathryn StockettStarring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ahna O'Reilly, Allison JanneyThe Pitch: Amid the civil rights movement, an aspiring writer (Stone) pitches a book about African-American maids and the Southern white women who employ them. To read Back Stage's complete coverage of Awards Season, please get our FREE SAG Nomination Committee Guide. Or follow all our daily coverage with Back Stage's new online Awards Season section. Casting Standout: 'The Help' By Jamie Painter Young November 21, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Dale Robinette/DreamWorks "We had an embarrassment of riches. A lot of people wanted to be a part of this film," says Kerry Barden of casting the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel "The Help." "There was a lot of momentum on the project, and people who would normally have just taken a meeting with the director were willing to read," adds Paul Schnee, who has been Barden's casting partner since 2008 and whose credits with Barden include "The Visitor," "Pineapple Express," and the upcoming musical "Pitch Perfect." Among those willing to audition was Bryce Dallas Howard, who was cast in the villainous and comedic role of Hilly Holbrook, a racist snob who gets what she deserves. Says Barden, "Bryce came and read, and we were howling with laughter because she was so funny. She was so great. She [set] the bar at that point. You would have to beat her audition to be able to get this role. Because she nailed it, she ended up getting it." Meanwhile, many fine actors, such as Sissy Spacek (as Hilly's mother), Cicely Tyson (as Skeeter's beloved maid, Constantine), Aunjanue Ellis (as Yule Mae Davis), Dana Ivey (as Gracie Higginbotham), LaChanze (as Rachel), Roslyn Ruff (as Pascagoula), and David Oyelowo (as Preacher Green), were happy to take smaller roles, just to be a part of the project.As for the lead roles of Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, the white writer, and Aibileen Clark, the black maid who confides in Skeeter, Barden says screenwriter-director Tate Taylor was interested in finding actors who best personified the characters, even if they didn't perfectly match the physical descriptions in Stockett's novel. Skeeter, for example, is described as tall, plain, and awkwardnot qualities associated with Emma Stone ("Crazy, Stupid, Love," "Easy A"). "Tate really just liked her," explains Barden. "He had always seen Skeeter as a young Joan Cusack, and even though in the book she's kind of the homely, gawky girl who is never going to be the beauty, and Emma's a gorgeous person, Tate just really, really loved Emma's energy."Likewise, when casting the role of Aibileen Clark, who is described as chunky, Viola Davis ("Doubt," "Eat Pray Love") is not probably someone that the novel's readers immediately pictured. However, as Barden explains, Davis fit the bill when it came to possessing the emotional qualities in Aibileen. Barden says, "She's an incredible actress, as we all know, and certainly found some interesting layers to Aibileen that made us realize how, even though Viola is not as Aibileen is physically written, she was great."As for casting Octavia Spencer in the breakout role of the forthright Minny Jackson, Barden says although Taylor was always sure of Spencer (a longtime friend of Taylor's and Stockett's), DreamWorks, which produced the film, needed to be convinced. Says Barden, "DreamWorks wanted to make sure that they felt as comfortable as Tate and quite frankly all of us, the casting office, felt in casting Octavia. We had cast Octavia a couple of times before. I've known Octavia and Tate and Brunson Green, the producer, for many years. So we were delighted that we were working with Tate on this first big film of his. We'd done his independent film [2008's "Pretty Ugly People"] as well, which also has Octavia in one of the leads. We were confident that she would be fine. The studio did want her to audition, which she happily did. And also she was kind enough to be our reader in Los Angeles for most of the audition sessions."As for casting the juicy role of bombshell Celia Foote, Minny's latest employer, Jessica Chastain ("The Tree of Life") was someone Barden and Schnee suggested as a fit, but a number of other actors were considered before she got the role. Says Barden, "We were simultaneously casting a film called 'Texas Killing Fields' that Jessica is in. I had not met her at that point, because we came on to the project when three of the leads were already attached, one of them Jessica. So when it came time to start auditions for Celia, I knew that she was shooting in Louisiana, and I had the shooting schedule. So I called her manager and said, 'Can she come in during this four-day time period when she's not shooting and audition for us?' And he said, 'Yes.' We were pretty deep into the process at that point. We had done NY auditions with a lot of people, and also L.A. auditions. So she flew in and read, and when she was finished with her reading, we all had wet faces because she was so stunning. We kind of knew at that point that she was our choice. We ended up doing screen tests for her character and for the Elizabeth Leefolt character [played by Ahna O'Reilly]. So Jessica did not only audition but had to come back and test for the studio. After the test, there was a lot of discussion on her and the other girls that had tested, and it finally was clear that we were all on the Jessica Chastain team."Barden particularly enjoyed the on-location casting for "The Help." He says, "I hadn't done location casting in probably a decade, and I went down to Mississippi and did the location casting with the person that was on location down there, Kim Petrofsky. So I got to meet every one of those wonderful faces that are in the film, including the twin little girls [Eleanor and Emma Henry] that play Mae Mobley. And that was a challenge, trying to find a little girl that could have that much humor and pathos. We did several open calls, and those girls came to the open call in Jackson, [Miss]."Other standouts discovered through open calls were most of the women who play the maids that show up at Aibileen's house to offer help sharing their stories for Skeeter's book. Says Barden, "They were just women who were locals in Greenwood, Miss., who had been brave enough to come to an open call because they wanted to be a part of the film. They came in and auditioned two or three times, some of them. So they have little or no acting experience."As for collaborating with Taylor on this project, Barden and Schneewho also worked with casting associates Allison Estrin and Rich Delia on itonly had good things to say. Says Schnee of Taylor, "He's been a working actor a long time before. So he has a sensitivity and a feel for what it's like from the actors' perspective." Adds Barden, "One of Tate's things was casting Southern people, and so most of the people in the film had some sort of Southern heritage, whether it was Bryce's grandparents being from Mississippi or Sissy being from Virginia or all the boys being from the Southlike Chris [Lowell, who plays Stuart] and Wes [Chatham, who plays Skeeter's brother, Carlton]. Tate wanted to keep everything authentic. He wanted to make sure that he honored the vision that Kitty had in the book, along with making sure that nobody said, 'Oh you cast the wrong person because she's not this, that, or the other.'"Casting Directors: Kerry Barden and Paul SchneeDirector: Tate TaylorWriter: Tate Taylor, based on the novel by Kathryn StockettStarring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ahna O'Reilly, Allison JanneyThe Pitch: Amid the civil rights movement, an aspiring writer (Stone) pitches a book about African-American maids and the Southern white women who employ them. To read Back Stage's complete coverage of Awards Season, please get our FREE SAG Nomination Committee Guide. Or follow all our daily coverage with Back Stage's new online Awards Season section.

No-limit rule a boon for global pic parade

Belgium records The Little One Having a Bike and Bullhead are generally qualified within the foreign-language film category underneath the HFPA rule that enables multiple films to become posted through the same country. 'Bullhead'The Academy awards might be America's prominent film honours, there is however one category where the Golden Globes ask them to beat: foreign-language cinema. Which makes some sense considering the makeup from the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn."We think about this category extremely important since it provides for us the sensation that people are worldwide journalists," states Serge Rakhlin, chairman from the Globes' language category, mentioning the org's people visit many festivals during the period of the entire year.While the Academy adheres to some decades-old system where a committee from each country picks one film to compete, the HFPA will consider any overseas pic posted and tested for that org, provided it opened up abroad inside the prior 14 several weeks."Unlike the Academy, we do not accept only one per country," Rakhlin states. "By our rules, they are able to submit as much as they need. There is no limit."That's essential for nations such has France, Italia and The country, which produce many quality features every year. The Academy forces these to choose. "Remember, the Oscar would go to the nation, not the filmmaker," states Mark Manley, chair from the Acad's foreign-language film professional committee. That's rarely simple for a rustic like Belgium, distinctively divided between two language factions -- French and Flemish.Belgium's committee elevated eye brows this season after picking "Bullhead," the champion of six Flanders Film Honours, over French-language Cannes grand jury champion "The Little One Having a Bike," directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne."The Dardenne siblings are just like symbols," states "Bullhead" helmer Michael R. Roskam, who fully expected everyone else-pleasing "Kid" to obtain Belgium's bid over his film, a thriller inspired by murder and corruption perpetrated through the country's "hormone mafia" within the 1990's."This is an recognition, not just to function as the associated with your country, but to possess this type of strong film as the competitor," states Roskam, whose pic won the crowd prize at AFI earlier this year.Roskam wasn't the only person surprised at Belgium's choice. The committee had formerly posted three Dardenne photos -- "Rosetta," "The Boy" and "The Kid,Inch none which was nommed -- and several consider "Kid," featuring an authentic superstar in Cecile p France, to become the Dardennes' most positive and Oscar-friendly film yet."We feel you will find individuals who really didn't would like it to be our film," confides Luc Dardenne. "We're able to state that our quasi-celebrity status in other nations made sure people jealous, also it can most likely be pinned lower to that particular.InchWhile the HFPA will consider both "Bullhead" and "Kid" because of its foreign-language prize, the Academy is subject to such political maneuvers in other nations. Another 2011 scandal involves Russia's selection of "The Citadel," Nikita Mikhalkov's significantly panned follow-as much as his Oscar-winning 1994 pic "Burnt through the Sun," for Acad consideration. Passed over were such celebrated options as "Elena" (from "The Return" director Andrei Zvyagintsev) and Aleksandr Sokurov's "Faust" (which won the Golden Lion at Venice)."Being from Russia initially, I will tell you you will find individuals who say you will find better films to represent the nation,Inch states Rakhlin, mentioning the only Russian pic up for Globes contention this season is "Elena." "I am glad we now have this film because it wasn't posted for Oscar."The HFPA's approach can also be more appropriate to support worldwide co-productions."I kind of think of it as 'The Motorcycle Diaries' problem," Manley states. "I was come to job for not getting nominated the film, however it never was posted. For reasons uknown, no country would claim it, most likely since it was this kind of worldwide film." The film did receive two other noms, original song and modified script, winning the first kind.How's that possible? Using the Academy awards, language may be the only feature category by which films don't need a 1-week being approved operate on La screens to become qualified, though doing this technically enables these to compete in other groups.That happened in 2002, when The country selected "Mondays under the sunInch over Pedro Almodovar's "Speak with Her," which continued to win a screenwriting Oscar. The country has had critique this season for selecting Agusti Villaronga's "Black Bread" rather than Almodovar's "Your Skin My home is.InchThis kind of choices are inevitably painful and potentially questionable. Films can slip with the cracks using the Globes too, though Rakhlin along with other people frequently walk out their method to encourage producers of quality foreign photos to submit -- the greater the better."Theoretically, if two works of art range from same country, have you considered both of them?Inch he states.GOLDEN GLOBES PREVIEWRicky did not lose their number Peace for some time as org and prodco collaborate No-limit rule a boon for global pic parade HFPA declines being starstruck in noms process Marketing methods can change at Globes time No relaxation for that bleary-eyed New kids on the market Contact Peter Debruge at peter.debruge@variety.com

Tim Burton's 'Peculiar Children,' 'Munsters' Live Again

"Dark Shadows" director Tim Burton will be adapting a haunted gothic novel about a dark family tragedy (shocking, we know), "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children." The story comes from author Ransom Riggs' book of the same name that feels similar to Edward Gorey by way of a vintage photo nightmare depicting peculiar children (a few of the misfits include a girl who had the ability to hold fire in her hands, another who always levitated off the ground, and there were twins who could talk without actually speaking ). Teenage Jacob visits the home in question, located on a remote island off the coast of Wales. Once there he realizes that the abandoned abode holds a darker and more dangerous secret than previously imagined. Get more on the news over here. We'll find out more when Burton collects his cast and crew, but for now visit more Horror Bites past the break. Night Vision Nightmare for 'The Devil Inside' If you've been anxious for a new exorcism flick, "The Devil Inside" should cure what ails you. Arriving in January, Paramount's new supernatural menace reunites a daughter with her criminally insane mother. A chilling 911 call from the past has everyone wondering if mom's really possessed. Enter two young exorcists who face-off with evil four powerful demons to be exact. The recently released still is a night vision image that will get you excited if you've been counting the hours until the new "Paranormal Activity." "Hellboy's" Ron Perlman Joins Del Toro Monster Movie In 2025 a long-running alien war rages on. The creatures live in the depths of the Pacific Ocean and battle massive robots piloted by humans. Wired revealed in a recent interview with Guillermo del Toro about his new monster movie, "Pacific Rim," that "Hellboy" actor Ron Perlman will be joining the cast. He'll star alongside the previously announced Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day, Idris Elba, Diego Klattenhoff, Rinko Kikuchi, and Rob Kazinsky who try to thwart the 25-story-high creatures from a hostile takeover. "Its really, its a very, very beautiful poem to giant monsters," the director told the magazine. Sold! Zoe Bell and Rachel Nichols Kick Ass in 'Raze' Described as "Hostel" meets "Fight Club," Zoe Bell ("Kill Bill") and Rachel Nichols ("Star Trek") have gotten everyone's attention with this new trailer for "Raze." The kickass female fight fest will start out as a web series, eventually transitioning into a feature film. 'The Host' Director to Film a Snowy Apocalypse Bong Joon-ho, who directed creature feature "The Host," will be directing an adaptation of the French post-apocalyptic novel, "Le Transperceneige." The movie is being dubbed "Snow Piercer," and "Oldboy's" Park Chan-wook is set to produce. The Korean filmmakers will tell the tale about a group of people on a train with no set destination during the dawn of a new ice age. The film starts shooting in Prague next March. See 'Resident Evil: Retribution's' Creature Claw on Set The cast of ''Resident Evil: Retribution" loves Twitter. Star Milla Jovovich is always chatting about her new movie with hubby Paul Anderson. She's starring alongside Boris Kodjoe, Shawn Roberts, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Li Bingbing, Kevin Durand, Johann Urb, and Colin Salmon for the new installment in the popular videogame-film franchise. Kodjoe Tweeted a pic from the set, which shows the giant claw of "Resident Evil's" Licker a deadly, mutated zombie. 'The ABCs of Death' Finds a Winner We've been telling you about "The ABCs of Death" for a while now, but the gory alphabet contest has finally come to a close. Makers of the new anthology asked 25 well-known genre filmmakers (Ti West, Simon Rumley, Jason Eisner and others) to make 25 short films each. They needed a 26th though (hopefully you figured that part out on your own) and asked people to submit a movie representing a the letter "T." It was Lee Hardcastle's "T is for Toilet" that won everybody over about a young boy using the bathroom by himself for the first time. Watch the claymation short over here. 'The Munsters' Make it to Back to TV The family at 1313 Mockingbird Lane is returning to prime time. We know we're a movie blog, but this news was too great to pass up. If you're a fan of the 1960's family "The Munsters" who resembled all the classic movie monsters from the past you'll be thrilled to know that NBC is releasing a new pilot episode that will reboot the lovable, creepy characters for a possible summer series. There have been several Munsters films, all of them pretty ridiculous, but it's the TV show that won horror fans over across the globe. Tell us what you think of this week's Horror Bites in the comments and on Twitter!

Muppet Christmas: What 'Muppets' Stars Got A Typical Plush Puppets for your Holidays

It seems like the Muppets did their holiday shopping early this year. The Holiday Gift Guide in this week's NY Magazine unveils just what the stars in the approaching movie got each other for Christmas. Even though some lead toward the apparent (Could Be got Miss Piggy some Tiffany's shades), other people are just a little surprising (Sarah Silverman got Statler and Waldorf two nights inside the Honeymoon Suite within the Waldorf-Astoria because "marriage for everyone is finally legal in NY"). Moviefone has listed some favorite picks below. To consider the whole list, mind onto NY online. &bull Kristen Schaal got Mike the Novelty helmet a "toupee styled like Ronald Reagan's infamously sleek pompadour. If Mike is ever feeling frustrated while using country's morality, it'll have the preferred effect." &bull Rashida Manley got the Swedish Chef 'Painless British for Sound system of Other Languages.' As she states, "It is time for him to talk along with his Muppet pals." &bull Jason Segel got Kermit a eco-friendly banjo created from recycled material. [via NYMag] [Photo: Disney] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Rachel Korine joins 'Spring Breakers'

KorineRachel Korine, the wife of indie filmmaker Harmony Korine, has showed up the ultimate lead within the next project, "Spring Breakers."The ladies gone wild pic follows four college ladies who who make the most of a fast food restaurant to cover springbreak in Florida. Upon arrival, they get arrested and obtain together getting a shady criminal who bails them from jail and encourages those to kill his arch-rival. Emma Roberts, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez will be in predicts play in the other three women alongside Korine, while James Franco is installed on play in the drug and arms dealer they get wrongly identified as.Tranquility Korine, who's most broadly noted for writing Ray Clark's seminal film "Kids," is pointing using their own script. MJZ prexy David Zander will produce "Spring Breakers" with Chris Hanley of Muse Prods., additionally to Charles-Marie Anthonioz and Jordan Gertner. Production will occur throughout springbreak in Florida. CAA packed the project and may repetition its domestic distribution rights.Rachel Korine, who most recently starred in Michael Tully's Sundance entry "Septien," formerly carried out Little Red-colored-colored Riding Hood in their husband's 2007 pic "Mister Lonely" in addition to came out within the latest film, "Trash Humpers." Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

REVIEW: Lars von Trier's Melancholia Offers a Glorious Peep into the Sugar Easter Egg of Doom

Lars von Trier’s Melancholia is neither the provocation nor the yowl of anguish that his last picture, Antichrist, was. For those reasons, it’s less effective and also far less of a workout: Antichrist was the first von Trier movie I genuinely loved, after a decade’s worth of railing against the sufferdome atmosphere of pictures like Dogville, Dancer in the Dark, and even the mildly bearable Breaking the Waves. Antichrist stunned and upset me, but it also filled me with compassion toward the man who made it, a feeling I’d never imagined I could have. The gift of Antichrist — with its horrific depictions of emotional suffering, its wailing-wind subtext of “Nature is everywhere, inside you and outside, and it is not your friend” — was that von Trier had surprised me. That is a critic’s greatest pleasure — or at least it’s mine. With Melancholia, von Trier hasn’t tried to top himself, thank God. Despite the somber nature of the title, the movie is something of a breather, a respite, a chance for von Trier to explore emotional anguish and intricacies in vibrant, often elegant visual ways, with no self-mutilation involved. Melancholia is gorgeous to look at, deeply moody and atmospheric, and it’s always in on its own grim little joke. At the press conference following the movie’s Cannes press screening — before the director put his foot in his mouth with those ill-advised Nazi comments — von Trier said this movie is a comedy. He’s right. Melancholia is the story of the end of the world, a day that’s coming very soon according to numerous doomsayers. And yet for one of the movie’s two heroines, it turns out that end can’t come soon enough. The end of everything we know also means we no longer have to worry about any of it: It’s kind of like the maid’s day off, except it lasts an eternity. Justine (Kirsten Dunst) is a new bride, married only a few hours when the movie opens, and the first chapter of the film (one of two) belongs to her. She and her husband (Alexander Skarsgrd, son of Stellan, who also appears in the film) are en route to their own wedding reception at a palatial golf resort owned by her brother-in-law (Kiefer Sutherland, a marvelous scowling sourpuss) — the place looks like Augusta National transplanted to Versailles. The massive, hours-long wedding celebration has been overseen by Justine’s sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), whose efficiency seemingly goes unappreciated by everyone other than herself. But it becomes clear early on that this magnificent celebration — presided over by the sisters’ feuding, long-separated parents, played with great fireball energy by John Hurt and Charlotte Rampling — won’t be enough to draw Justine through the emotional keyhole that connects her dark, interior world with the regular one outside. Her gown looks as if it were made of translucent meringue, all rosettes and furbelows; but when the camera tracks to her face, we see a dull blankness that signifies internal terror. The groom is an afterthought. In fact, Justine indulges in a brutal act of female seduction, if you could even call it that, with another wedding “guest” out on the golf course, beneath a floodlight. Her insides and her outsides are mixed up: She flagrantly exposes everything that should be kept private and guards with utmost secrecy the things she ought to be sharing. Claire looks on with exasperation. But she has her own worries, as the movie’s second chapter reveals. Her husband, an astronomy enthusiast, has gotten her and the couple’s young son hepped up about an impending event, a planet (named Melancholia) that is quickly approaching the earth, though he assures them there will be no collision. Claire isn’t so sure, and when the planet does appear in the sky — it’s an orb that glows powder-blue by day and whitish by night, like the moon’s long-lost twin — she uses a home-made astronomer’s tool, devised by her son, to make sure it’s not coming any closer. But she can’t ignore the signs of impending disaster, and neither, it seems, can the horses hunkered down in the resort’s stables. When Claire and Justine go out riding in the mornings, Justine’s horse, a normally docile creature, repeatedly stops at the same location, unwilling to budge even when Justine beats him. But as Claire becomes more anxious about the bitter end, Justine blossoms, almost literally: One night Claire catches her lying naked on a riverbank, lounging placidly in the glow of Melancholia — it coats her skin with a pearlescent sheen. She’s already accepted the worst; the apocalypse will just be the icing on the cake. Gainsbourg’s Claire and Dunst’s Justine are both individual, distinctly human figures, possessed of varying degrees of fear and bravery. Justine, so fragile in the movie’s first half, is an armor-clad warrior in the second — paradoxically, once she concedes defeat, victory is hers. Claire is self-assured in the first half and hesitant in the second: Because she knows how to function in the real world, she’s much less sure about the unreal one she may be stepping into. The actresses’ performances intertwine beautifully, like twin climbing vines vying for the attention of the sun. Claire and Justine are also inhabitants of a landscape, and that’s where von Trier outdoes himself. With cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro, he’s created a natural world of highly unnatural, manicured beauty. That’s particularly true of the movie’s opening sequence, a preview (set to Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde prelude) of everything to come. By design, von Trier tells us the whole plot of the movie in the first 10 minutes, using a series of slow-moving pictures rendered in High Renaissance colors. The images include Justine facing the camera, and the world, as dead birds drop from the sky around her; a horse easing himself to the ground, either in pain or out of exhaustion; a nightmare vision of Gainsbourg’s Claire attempting to carry her child across the grassy golf course, her feet sinking deeper into the soil with each step; the bride Justine as John Millais’ floating, lifeless Ophelia. These are somber, glorious images: They incite both dread and shivery anticipation — the effect is that of gazing deep into the sugar Easter Egg of doom. What, exactly, is von Trier trying to say here? Antichrist was a scream of pain; Melancholia is more like a heavy sigh, a gasp at the horrible wonder of it all. It isn’t nearly as somber as its title would lead you to believe, and it’s so beautiful to look at that it feels decadent, almost luxurious. It’s also, for all its weirdness, reasonably accessible, as if von Trier had decided — tentatively — that once in a while it might feel good to be part of the human race instead of just railing against it. If it’s true that misery loves company, maybe this is von Trier’s way of reaching out. Melancholia may be as close as he’ll ever come to giving us a bear hug. Editor’s note: This review appeared earlier, in a slightly different form, in Stephanie Zacharek’s Cannes Film Festival coverage. Follow Stephanie Zacharek on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Tweaks on tap for broadcast lineups

ABC drama 'GCB,' with Kristin Chenoweth, and NBC's 'Awake,' starring Jason Isaacs, are probably the high-profile midseason records. 'GCB'While Fox and CBS can make a couple of changes for their skeds at midseason, exactly the same can not be stated for ABC and NBC, where there's lots of product waiting in the future in from the bench. The Alphabet, a minimum of, has some momentum on its side, as a number of its new shows have labored this fall the Peacock, meanwhile, continues to be looking for its first sustained scripted hit since "Work.InchPossibly ABC's greatest midseason goal would be to improve Thursday, in which the aging but nonetheless potent "Grey's Anatomy" can use some support on each side.1 possibility is always to change "Castle" or "Body of Proof" using their early-week 10 p.m. slots towards the leadoff hour on Thursday something needs to go opposite "Large Bang Theory" and "The American Idol Show,Inch along with a mystery series perform good enough within an hour without any competing Large Four dramas. The evening could then be assigned by Shonda Rhimes' new crisis-manager drama "Scandal." On Sunday, the internet could turn to follow "Not so long ago" and "Desperate Average women" using the cleaning soap "GCB" (which hopefully is going to be retitled). If effective, after that it turns into a logical option to replace "Average women" next fall.Overtaking the ten p.m. slot on Monday or Tuesday after "DwtsInch might be new Ashley Judd thriller "Missing."ABC also offers "The River," there is however no apparent place with this save drama that some liken to "Paranormal Activity."In comedy, the "Bosom Pals"-like "Arrange ItInch appears just like a better fit Tuesdays at after Tim Allen's "Last Guy Standing" compared to current "Guy Up." The internet could go with "Cougar Town" and "Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23" (hopefully retitled) within the 9 p.m. hour before "Dancing" returns in March.(ABC will keep close track of Fox's 9 p.m. Tuesday comedy "New Girl," which opened up strong but fell upon its baseball-determined hiatus, possibly departing the doorway open for ABC to complete better within the hour with comedy than may have appeared possible the 2009 fall.) At NBC, singing competition "The Voice" leading into "Smash" is a great enough arrange for Mondays, however the internet must consider paring "The Greatest Loser" lower for an hour on Tuesday to create room for something at 9. There's not a lot of midweek openings, but this really is possibly the Peacock's best shot at developing a new hour for drama.Thursday at 10 is sensible for alternate-reality drama "Awake," that ought to hold some male appeal within an hour that skews female around the competish also, the net's Thursday comedy block is well-liked by males, and current 10 p.m. Thursday drama "Prime Suspect" is not performing.Obviously, you can make a disagreement that NBC must have never abandoned its six-comedy Thursday template of last season. Bad it does not still possess "Outsourced," that was a great pairing with "WorkInch and probably could be doing much better than this fall's "Whitney" within the publish-"Office" slot at 9:30.The internet should think about a selection of "30 Rock," "Community," "Work,Inch "Parks and Entertainment," "Up Through The Night" and possibly a rotating wheel of repeats or something like that such as the "SNL: Weekend Update" special offers it did a couple of years back.For "Whitney," possibly the internet has another multicamera half-hour it may pair with elsewhere since it really sticks out being an ill match the only-camera half-hrs on Thursday.Meanwhile, back in the relatively stable nets, Fox has introduced a Monday plan which will return "House" to eight o'clock, then the brand new "Alcatraz." In the other finish each week, the internet will most likely plug "Bob's Hamburgers" within the 8:30 Sunday slot sooner than expected following a weak begin in the timeslot March. 30 for that preem of "Allen Gregory."For CBS, the lackluster perf of "Memorable" on Tuesdays could cause a change to Friday at 8, making room for brand new cop drama "The Two-2" (hopefully retitled), which may fit well on Tuesday behind a mans-friendly "NCIS" duo.A change to four laffers on Thursday will most likely have to hang about until the autumn, as "Person of great interestInch does OK within the 9 o'clock hour there and also the internet will have to find out if the Monday tandem of rookie "2 Broke Women" and also the restarted "2 . 5 Males" endure before splitting up its signature comedy evening. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com

Exclusive two and a half Males Video: Watch Jon Cryer Become Charlie!

Jon Cryer Charlie Harper has came back! Well, type of.On Monday's episode of two and a half Males, the spirit of Charlie Sheen's dead decadent bachelor will rear his ugly mind as... Alan (Jon Cryer)?Have a look at photos from two and a half MenDon't worry. You will discover no Ouija board shenanigans or anything. But poor Alan has not be ready for his bro's dying, so after Walden (Ashton Kutcher) gives Charlie's piano, Alan handles to get rid of his marbles and becomes Charlie.Watch this exclusive clip below to find out Cryer do his best Sheen. two and a half Males airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.

Crown Media States Hallmark Movie Funnel Adds To Strong 3Q

Who owns The Hallmark Funnel were built with a happy story of their own to inform in 3Q as ad sales enhanced, marketing expenses dropped — also it recorded a large gain from the deferred tax resource. With this $191.7M one-time tax jolt,Crown had net gain of $203.3M, up from $5.9M this quarter this past year, on revenues of $74M, up 18%. The organization states that ad revenue was up 15% to $56M because it elevated average per-viewer prices, while obligations from pay TV marketers were up 29% to $18M. The Hallmark Movie Funnel led $7.8M in ad sales, up 69.6%. Crown states additionally, it achieved positive results from enhanced rankings from shows within the Hallmark Funnel’s daytime block, including The Martha Stewart Show, Martha Bakes, and Mad Hungry With Lucinda Scala Quinn. Crown didn’t spend just as much on marketing earlier this quarter because it did last year if this released The Martha Stewart Show. “We have observed solid growth for the overall advertising sales revenues and therefore are positive the trend continues,” states Boss Bill Abbott.

Jobs Bio Scores Greatest Debut of the season

Jobs,Walt Isaacson's biography from the late Apple co-founder, offered a lot more than 379,000 copies in the first six times of available on the market, based on a study within the British magazineThe Booksellerusing figures supplied by Nielsen BookScan. PHOTOS: 10 Memorable Key events from the Apple Co-Founder's Career Jobs, released by Simon & Schuster, had the very best debut week since November 2010, whenThe Diary of the Wimpy Kid: The Ugly TruthbyJeff KinneyandDecision PointsbyGeorge W. Bushboth offered more than 430,000 copies within the first week.The Diary of the Wimpy Kid, released by Abrams,continued to market 3.3 million copies this year andDecision Points, released by Crown, 2.six million copies. Isaacson's book sold more copies than the week's other high-profile debut-John Grisham'sThe Litigators(Random House)-with a margin more than three to 1.In accordance toThe Bookseller,Steve Jobsis already the year's 18thbestselling book, just ahead ofGrisham'sThe Confession. STORY: Eulogy by Jobs Sister Sparks Sincere Reaction The Bookselleralso reported the Uk sales forSteve Jobs, released by Little, Brown within the United kingdom, at 37,645 copies for that first week, which makes it the 5th best-selling debut ofbiography or memoir within the United kingdom since BookScan started in 1998 . The state amounts underestimate the particular sales ofSteve Jobs. Calculating book sales is infamously difficult. Nielsen BookScan only covers around three-quarters of U.S. book sales.Consider it depends on point-of-purchase data, the information it collects is extremely accurate.Invoice discounting within the missing retail shops, first week sales forSteve Jobslikely exceed 500,000. Related Subjects Jobs Apple

Miramax proposes refinancing plan

Miramax features an idea to re-finance its outstanding debt.Company is going to do an resource-backed securitization -- while using the library and receivables to problem notes to traders.With different release, Miramax hopes to seal the sale by fourth quarter of 2011."The Miramax film library securitization is prone to market together with other concerns, so there can be no assurance that it's going to be completed on terms that are acceptable to Miramax or whatsoever," the business mentioned in the statement. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Malin Akerman and Tyler Labine on 'Cottage Country,' Killing Family Members and Angry Squirrels

'Bad Teacher' scene-stealer Lucy Punch is shivering in the cold cottage country air as Daniel Petronijevic ('Happy Town') takes aim at her with a bow and arrow. Tyler Labine ('Rise of the Planet of the Apes') jumps in to stop the madness, while Malin Akerman ('Watchmen') takes everything in from a safe distance. The four funny people are filming a scene for 'Cottage Country,' a new dark comedy about an eager-to-please yes-man (Labine) trying to create the perfect getaway for himself and his super-hot girlfriend (Akerman). Much to his chagrin, his incredibly annoying brother (Petronijevic) shows up with his loopy girlfriend (Punch). Determined not to get pushed around anymore, Labine stands up for himself -- and winds up killing his brother! Hilarious antics ensue in this flick, set to hit theaters at some point next year. The movie is set in the summer, but the fall Ontario weather has been far from warm. The chilly climate has been a particular shock for Akerman, who just finished shooting 'Rock of Ages' in balmy Miami alongside Tom Cruise and Paul Giamatti. Moviefone braved the wind, rain and cold for a day earlier this month to chat with Akerman, Labine and Petronijevic about why you won't want to miss this wacky little dark comedy. (Brace yourself for Labine's amazing squirrel impression. It's priceless.) ['Cottage Country' Photo Courtesy of Christos Kalohoridis/Alliance Films] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Melanie Griffith in Predicts Star in Lifetime Pilot, 'American Housewife'

Lifetime is ongoing its push into noisy programming with bold-faced talent.our editor recommends'Puss in Boots' Premiere Red-colored-colored Carpet ArrivalsAntonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Holding Obama Fundraiser event at Their Property The feminine-skewing cable network has bought an plane pilot for just about any drama tentatively titled American Housewife, of a well-to-do housewife that begins hearing voices. PHOTOS: 'Puss in Boots' Premiere Red-colored-colored Carpet Arrivals The project, that is produced by Fox TV Art galleries, continues to be setup just like a star vehicle for Melanie Griffith, who's in discussions to behave and executive produce. Her actor husband Antonio Banderas is at predicts be the professional producer round the project, they created with fellow Air and pilot scribe Erik Jendresen (Gang of Brothers and sisters). STORY: Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Holding Obama Fundraiser event at Their Property Ray Ricard may also be in predicts executive produce the project alongside Griffiths, Banderas and Jendresen, with Eclipses' David Slade to direct the pilot. Banderas is repped by CAA Griffiths and Slade are repped by WME. Related Subjects Antonio Banderas Melanie Griffith Lifetime TV Development

Dolby, Barco set ShowEast demo

Dolby and global tech company Barco have planned a demo for ShowEast 2011 designed to show that a single projector can playback at nearly three times the frame rate of traditional movie exhibition rates of 24 frames per second. Barco and Dolby have scheduled demos that will present 2D 2K high frame rate at 48 fps; 2D 4K at 24 fps; and 2K high frame rate at 48 and 60 fps per eye for 3D. All these demos will be done using a single Barco DP2K-20C projector with a prototype 2K/4K Dolby Integrated Media Block (IMB) and Dolby DSS200 cinema server. There has been industry interest in higher frame rates for decades, but only recently -- with the advent of digital cinema technology -- has it even become thinkable at the exhibition level. Prior to that, presenting films at a higher frame rate carried a huge cost barrier to exhibitors. Barco and Dolby aim to show that their ultra-bright DLP projectors and 3D cinema system, respectively, can successfully playback at a high frame rate while still maintaining a high-level experience for the audience. "Dolby's rich heritage in working with content creators and partners like Barco gives us the experience and perspective to anticipate future market needs for the cinema industry," said Ramzi Haidamus, Dolby Laboratories exec VP of sales and marketing. "Dolby and Barco's technical demonstration of high frame rate in different formats reinforces our goal to provide filmmakers a choice that matches their creative vision while delivering audiences the highest-quality presentation possible in emerging digital cinema environments." Barco's "High Frame Rate" presentation will take place today between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. during ShowEast 2011 at the Westin Diplomat Hotel, Miami/Hollywood, Fla. There will be a second presentation at Barco's Belgian Beer Bar on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Marriott Hollywood Beach Hotel, by invitation only. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

ABC's Once Upon a Time Turns Fairytales Into Reality

Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas ABC's Once Upon a Time is about to take the fairytale characters out of the world of make believe and bring them into reality. In the series, (premiering Sunday at 8/7c on ABC), the Evil Queen banishes Snow White, Prince Charming and their fairytale kin to the real-world town of Storybrooke, where they lead normal lives, never realizing who they were. It's not until Henry (Jared Gilmore) drags his estranged mom, tough bail bondsman Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), into town to help her realize a shocking truth: Fairytales are real, and Emma is the daughter of Snow White. VIDEO: Watch the first 9 minutes of ABC's Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time will follow Emma as she tries to comprehend this rather surprising turn of events. "She's a rational person," executive producer Steve Pearlman says. "She knows the fairytales aren't real, they can't possibly be true. Yet, things keep happening that suggest that maybe they are true." Though trapped in Storybrooke, traces of the fairytale characters' old lives remain, i.e. school teacher Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin), formerly Snow White, is still afraid of apples, and Regina (Lana Parrilla), the Mayor of Storybrooke, is just as dastardly as the Evil Queen. (As for why she has joined her fairytale enemies in the real world? Stay tuned.) "Mary Margaret knows she's having these urges to, for instance, stand up to Regina and she's not able to quite follow through," Goodwin says. "Something is being kindled in her and she assumes that it's the influence of Emma. She doesn't realize it might be a magical influence of Emma's." Mary Margaret herself is hard-pressed to believe she's part of a fairytale. "It would be ridiculous," Goodwin says. Exclusive First Look: Dive into the magical world of Once Upon a Time One of the effects of the Evil Queen's curse is keeping Snow White and Prince Charming apart. So even while Mary Margaret finds herself drawn to a hospital patient known as John Doe (Josh Dallas), aka Prince Charming, it'll take more to bring them together. "That's what the curse is trying to do," Dallas says. "It is keeping us as far apart as possible because true love is a very powerful thing.It can destroy worlds, it's so powerful." Other famed characters will also come into play, including Cinderella (Jessy Schram), a friend of Snow White, Maleficent (Kristin Bauer), a frenemy of the Queen's, as well as Hansel and Gretel and the Blind Witch. "We very much want to be able to broaden the world of the show to bring in other fairytale elements," Pearlman says. "In some cases, we're trying to introduce a character in an episode who you might not even know who they are or what significance they have until a couple episodes later." Once Upon a Time Scoop: A Deadwood alum is coming to town Even that infamous red apple will come into play. "In an episode a little bit later, we tell the story of how the Queen came to get the red apple that she is going to kill Snow White with," Pearlman says. "It's totally fabricated by the writers on this show. It has nothing to do with the mythology of the original fairytales." Once Upon a Time premieres Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.

'Puss in Boots 3D' Going Out on 268 Imax Screens

TORONTO -- Giant screen exhibitor Imax Corp. will roll out DreamWorks Animation's Puss in Boots in 3D from Octo. 28, simultaneous with its North American wide release.our editor recommends'Puss in Boots' Opening a Week Earlier on Oct. 28Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Bring 'Puss in Boots' to France (Cannes) Imax plans 268 domestic playdates for the animated pic, and another 47 screens internationally, with 24 theaters releasing day-and-date. Directed by Chris Miller, Puss in Boots 3D is voiced by Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thorton and Amy Sedaris. Related Topics International DreamWorks SKG Puss in Boots

Glam Slam: Fall Trends For Mommies-To-Be

First Published: October 20, 2011 1:10 PM EDT Credit: WireImage LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Beyonce performs at the 2011 MTV VMAsBeyonce, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garner, Bryce Dallas Howard and Rebecca Gayheart are all expecting little ones! Congrats ladies! They are looking so stylish during their pregnancies and you can too, thanks to these fall trend dos and donts from Elise Rosemarin, maternity style expert and co-founder of Moody Mamas Inc. maternity fashion brand. TRY A TUX Remember how foxy pregnant Beyonce looked in her chic tuxedo outfit at the VMAs? You too can pull off mens styled tailoring if you are feeling bold and ready for hint of 1970s glamour. DO: Chose a jacket that allows for breathing room. If you are further into your pregnancy, treat the tux as an accessory; keep the buttons open for comfort and choose styles that are not too tight around your arms or belly. Opt for fun colors and textures such as velvet, satin or tweed for a modern twist. DONT: Even though Beyonce paired her jacket with high waisted shorts, this look is not recommended for most pregnant women; after all, she is Beyonce. If you are early enough in your pregnancy and want to go high waisted, make the attempts and try. However, if you are looking for a safe bet, think skinny pants or leggings for your bottoms. Finish off the look with a classic tee or a bow blouse, minimal jewelry, ballerina flats and leave the top hat at home. SWINGING 60S Though the boho chic look of the 70s is still on trend, there is a new retro decade that is taking over this season and has garnered fans such as Adele and Anne Hathaway. Dictated by beehives, bold makeup and color-block prints, the mod squad of the 60s is giving millennial fashionistas a chance to look groovy. DO: From A-line cut dresses, dainty rounded Peter Pan collars to geometric shapes and jeweled necklines, there are lots of ways pregnant ladies can channel a distinctive 60s vibe. Embrace houndstooth check prints, pops of color, and a sexy cat-eye to make your 60s look sizzle. DONT: Stay far, far away from the 60s styled muumuu. Boxy shapes, body skimming silhouettes, and overly large, loose fitting dresses are a big no-no for pregnant ladiesyou will end up looking like Frumpty Dumpty rather than a modern day Audrey Hepburn. SPOT ON! Playful, feminine and sophisticated, polka dots are popping up all over and we have pop princess Katy Perry to thank! From freckled bags to spotted shoes, this classic print is a wearable trend that adds an element of fun to any outfit. DO: Choose dots that are size appropriate. Teeny polka dots are best for petite ladies, while more dramatic prints are better for larger women. DONT: Go dotty and wear a variety of dots from head to toe. Keep the look stylish by allowing one piece to make the statement and allow the rest of your outfit to remain neutral. UNLEASH YOUR INNER ANIMAL! Its a jungle out there, so better equip yourself with some animal print frocks if you want to embrace this trend like Jessica Alba did when she was pregnant with baby number two! From hats and scarves to printed clothing, adding an animal printed piece can take a dull outfit and make it sexy and fabulous. DO: Go bold and look for abstract graphic prints such as giraffe or a horse if you are looking to be playful, or stick with timeless prints such as leopard or cheetah if you want to play it safe. While largely thought of as a vixen look, animal prints can be worn in a sophisticated manner that will make a strong fashion statement. Opt for just one piece such as a sleek clutch or a chic wrap dress to create a sleek effect. DONT: While clashing prints are actually on trend this season, avoid mixing your animal prints. When wearing an animal print, look for colors that are part of the print to enhance the outfit or choose neutrals such as black or brown for a polished palette. For stylish and affordable maternity options, check out Moody Mamas capsule collection at Walmart.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Steve Jobs' Apple Memorial Page Already Is Wearing The Million Tributes

It increased being worldwide news when Apple co-founder Jobs died March. 5 from breathing arrest after fighting Pancreatic cancer for any very long time.our editor recommendsA Studio Chief Pens Revealing First-Person Jobs Remembrance'iGenius: How Jobs Changed the World' Airs Sunday on Discovery10 Stylish-Hop Tunes Referencing Jobs (Video) PHOTOS: Jobs' Dying: How a Magazines Covered Right after his dying, the business created their email for people to deliver inside their ideas. Apple has since complied the messages, which it is said they've received around the million, which is showing them around the tribute page around the organization's website. PHOTOS: Jobs' 10 Memorable Key occasions The stark page, that's in line with Apple's minimalist style, is simply titled "Remembering Steve." and reads: "Around the million people from around the world have shared their recollections, ideas, and feelings about Steve. One factor everybody has to keep - from personal pals to co-employees to entrepreneurs of Apple products - is whether they have been touched through the love and creativity. You will notice a couple of of those messages below.And share your individual atrememberingsteve@apple.com". PHOTOS: Apple Products in TV and flicks A lot of the messages are the type of thanks. "It absolutely was the Apple IIe that got me started in programming once i was 12 (EARLY 80's). Thanks and goodbye, Steve." written Andrew. STORY: Jobs Appreciated at Memorial Service for Apple Employees While Valentin mentioned, "Steve changed the means by which we use machines. I am grateful for his vision around the globe once referred to as sci-fi. It's real now. He's gone. Thanks!Inch Apple remains spearheading memorial efforts due to its former leader since his dying. Wednesday, the business situated a memorial service at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters March. 19, that 100s of thousands of Apple employees attended. Norah Manley and Coldplay were open to provide performances. A reverse phone lookup came just days carrying out a private memorial happened on Stanford College's campus. Related Subjects Jobs Apple

Nossa takes '11-11-11,' 'Papam,' 'Artigas'

RIO DE JANEIRO -- "11-11-11," "Habemus Papam" and "Artigas" feature on the first distribution slate of Nossa Distribuidora, Brazil's groundbreaking new distribution service unveiled last Tuesday at the Rio Film Festival. The company will release about 50 films over late 2011, 2012 and first quarter 2013, CEO Marco Aurelio Marcondes told Variety, which underscores the leverage Nossa seeks to exercise with exhibitors in Brazil. One of Nossa's first releases will be supernatural chiller "11-11-11" from Darren Lynn Bousman ("Saw II," "Saw III" and "Saw IV"). Produced by Epic Pictures Group and Spain's Canonigo Films, it will bow in Brazil on Nov. 11, day-and-date with the U.S. Nanni Moretti's "Papam" is a comic drama about a reluctant new pontiff. "Artigas," helmed by cinematographer-turned-helmer Cesar Charlone ("The Pope's Toilet"), turns on Jose Gervasio Artigas, who struggled from 1806 to 1820 to wrestle independence for Uruguay. This diversity will typify Nossa's pick-ups, from home and abroad, said Marcondes. Nossa will also support new filmmakers. One Nossa title, as already announced, is "Artificial Paradises," about Brazil's rave scene. "Paradises" marks the fiction feature directorial debut of Marcos Prado, producer of "Elite Squad" and "Elite Squad 2." Another Nossa title, Brazilian Western "Matraga -- the Hour and Turn," is a further debut, this time from Vinicius Coimbra, an assistant director on Walter Salles' "Central Station." "Matraga" world premiered last week at the Rio Festival in its Premiere Brasil section. Nossa's first slate will be unveiled in full at the Show Buzios industry convention on Nov. 24-25, Marcondes said. About 30 of Nossa's 50 will be international titles, he added. Nossa's founding partners are largely top-level Brazilian producers -- Jose Padilha and Marcos Prado's Zazen, Fernando Meirelles' o2 Filmes, Daniel Filho's Lereby, Conspiracao Films and Morena Films -- plus Fabio Lima and Marcondes' investment company, FL & MAM Participacoes. But Nossa will be able to access international titles from one partner, indie distrib Vinny Films, run by former Europa Filmes owner Wilson Feitosa. Under Nossa's collections arrangement, box office revenues are paid into a joint account handled by a film's producer and Nossa. "Some of our aims are transparency, being a showcase for talent and having a sensitivity for consumer taste," Marcondes said. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Tone Loc Collapses Onstage in Atlanta

Rapper Tone Loc flattened onstage in an Atlanta concert on Saturday. Based on reviews, the 45-year-old MC, most widely known for megahits "Wild Factor" and "Funky Cold Medina," has past seizures. Last Year, he'd an identical incident in an outside performance in Pensacola Beach, Fla. The reason was stated to become getting too hot.our editor recommendsRapper Ron Ross Suffers Seizure, Forces Emergency Plane LandingRick Ross Seizure: Exactly what the Music Business is SayingRick Ross Recuperating Tweets Video From Plane Based on TMZ, Loc (real title: Anthony Terrell Cruz), was moved to some nearby hospital and launched. Following reviews of the seizure, his manager told the web site Loc was doing fine and was struggling with exhaustion. STORY:Ron Ross Recuperating Tweets Video From Plane On March. 14, rapper Ron Ross were built with a seizure during a flight ticket bound for Memphis, Tenn., where he was because of perform on Friday evening, forcing an urgent situation landing. Late this past year, Tone Loc was stopped in L.A. on suspicion of Drunk driving, which police later came to the conclusion would be a seizure driving. The most recent collapse comes 11 days after Loc pleaded no contest to weapons and domestic violence charges, stemming from an arrest in La on June 18 following an alleged physical altercation using the mother of 1 of his children. Loc was discovered owning an non listed assault weapon (a Colt AR-15 Sporter), although a release in the La County da's office specified that it hadn't been utilized in the assault. He was sentenced to 1 day in city jail, 3 years of formal probation, thirty days of community service and 52 days of anger-management counseling by Burbank Superior Court Judge Patrick Hegarty. Related Subjects Ron Ross Tone Loc

'The Avengers' Trailer Downloaded Greater Than ten million Occasions in 24 Several hours

Marvel The Avengers trailer first demonstrated on October 11, departing high-pitched screams of enjoyment from the majority of the fans in the approaching superhero epic.our editor recommends'Avengers' Robert Downey Junior. and Chris Hemsworth On Hypothetical Fight Between Thor and Iron Guy (Video)'The Avengers': New Images Hit the internet (Photos)'The Avengers' Trailer Hits the internet (Video) It absolutely was so loved, really, it had been downloaded greater than ten million occasions inside the first 24 several hours it had been on iTunes, Marvel Art galleries introduced. This shattered the iTunes site's previous record for a lot of seen trailer inside the site's history. PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Superhero Film The superhero ensemble film, which opens in theaters on May 4, 2012, features a thrilling-star superhero cast, including Iron Guy (Robert Downey, Junior.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) returns since the S.H.I.E.L.D. leader who'll move the world-savers in the combat Loki (Tom Hiddleston). VIDEOS: Disney's D23 Expo 2011 A clip gave fans the initial longer-than-a-blink think about the weaponry and suits in the superhero pack, plus a look into the interactions involving the figures. Hint: Tony Stark remains a smart ass. VIDEO: 'Avengers' Tom Hiddleston Talks the Return of Loki Iron Guy actor Downey and Thor actor Hemsworth spoke to THR in regards to the ensemble picture at Disney's D23 conference inside the summer season about concentrating on the Joss Whedon-helmed project. "Workload might be a better as it is spread within the team instead of you holding everything,Inch mentioned Hemsworth. "It absolutely was really a significant tough shoot. It absolutely was a very ambitious story, together with a extended schedule, but nobody required to work too much,In . mentioned Downey. Watch a clip for your Avengers here.

Willem Dafoe Talks Fireflies in the Garden and Platoon at 25

“Usually when I hear the words ‘family drama,’ I run,” said Willem Dafoe, who nevertheless found something to savor in writer-director Dennis Lee’s Fireflies in the Garden. Little did Dafoe or his castmates Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Emily Watson, Hayden Panettiere and least of all Lee himself know that their particular family drama wouldn’t make it to American theaters only today — nearly four years after its Berlin Film Festival premiere in 2008. Fireflies features Dafoe as Charles, a domineering father facing reconciliation with his estranged son (Reynolds) after a sudden tragedy claims the life of his very, very patient and sensitive wife (Roberts). It’s not a villain role per se, but the tests through which Charles puts his family — and the long-term consequences — make an interesting addition to Dafoe’s history of complex antagonists. He recently spoke to Movieline about the role, as well as about another, more beneficent character he made famous a quarter-century ago in Oliver Stone’s milestone Vietnam War film Platoon. Congratulations on this one finally making it to screens. It’s been a… while. Yeah. Have you seen the latest cut? I haven’t. I don’t know what the cut is, actually. What’s your recollection of it from when you did see it — and I guess what’s happened since? I saw it in Berlin, and I… I don’t remember too much. [Laughs] Because, you see, I can direct myself more to the filming than I can to watching the movie. Has this happened to you before, where you’ve had a film held up this long between completion and making it to theaters? Probably not. Maybe the very first film I did, which was Kathryn Bigelow’s first film [The Loveless]. I think we shot that in maybe ‘80, and it didn’t come out until maybe like ‘82 or ‘83. You’re a veteran, though — you’ve seen a lot, and you’ve rolled with a lot of punches. Is it frustrating at this stage to know that you have work out there that nobody could see? Yes, but I knew this would eventually find its way. I can think of one film in particular that’s been held up, and that’s really unfortunate, because it’s a film I like. Which one? Go Go Tales. Oh, of course. Abel Ferrara. I remember seeing that at the NY Film Festival like four years ago. I thought that got like a week-long NY run at Anthology not long ago. No, it didn’t get released. They maybe did a special screening, but that wasn’t a release. I want to ask you about Abel’s new one in a bit, but going back: What do you remember from shooting Fireflies in the Garden? When I read the script, I thought, “Wow, nobody makes movies like this anymore.” It seems like a weird throwback. But I don’t mean that in a negative way; I was interested in the value of what that kind of story is now, and the fact that there was a contemporary story, and the themes were quite familiar, but it also had this nostalgic, in-the-past vibe to it. Plus the house that we shot it in was in this town — Bastrop, Texas — that really defies… You can’t place it. And also, I remember Julia Roberts was involved, and she was attracting a really good cast. I hadn’t played a character like this before, and usually when I hear the words “family drama,” I run. But this seemed like a good exception. You’ve played some pretty bad guys over the course of your career. Charlie isn’t necessarily a “villain,” but he does some truly awful things. Oh, sure. Where would he rank on that spectrum of bastards? Well, I’m going to tell you a kind of company line: I don’t judge these characters. I’m always surprised when people think they’re horrible. Bobby Peru [from Wild at Heart] isn’t a bad guy? Well, Charles is a tragic character, and he does get his comeuppance. Of course he’s very tough, and he does some seemingly very sadistic things. But it’s clear that he comes from a culture of tough love and a “This is gonna hurt me more than it’s gonna hurt you” kind of parenting. And also, while he himself is pretty damaged, I think the story is very much about the sins of the father, you know? And they get passed on to the son, and they just have a different manifestation. But then later, clearly they have a chance to correct these things. I mean, how many people do you know who are damaged by their parents? A couple! Changing gears, though, this fall marks the 25th anniversary of Platoon… Yep. Which was a pretty major milestone for you… Yep. What’s your relationship with that film 25 years later? It was very important for me. Not only was it the first time I was nominated for an Academy Award, it was a film that was a small film that found popular and critical [acclaim]. It was received very positively. And there was the fact that it almost crossed over into hard news in the respect that, while publicizing it, we dealt with a lot of veterans groups, and it really had a big effect in how they were dealing with their communities and just being a veteran. So it really changed how people looked at things — it helped people re-see the Vietnam War. Your character’s death scene is an iconic shot of contemporary cinema, coming up in a lot of clip packages we see of war films, Vietnam films, films from the ’80s, Oliver Stone’s career, your career… What do you think of that shot whenever it comes up? [Pauses] It’s me, but it’s not me. Usually when I see a film or I see a still or something, I have a very strong association to the making of the film, and I do remember the making of that shot. It was something that was very pure in the respect that it was performing at the most elemental. It was just a very clear action played the proper way. The right physical language was found. The right music was found. All this stuff came together to make this thing that I was a part of but also became something way beyond me. [Pause] And that’s what you like to have happen. [Laughs] I think we’d all agree it succeeded. Back to Abel, and also speaking of things that are beyond us, he told a story at the premiere of his new film [4:44 Last Day on Earth] — which features footage of the famous Ice Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys — that you were at that game. Is that true? Yes. That’s amazing. I hear he might lose the footage because of licensing issues, but how did that ever come about for the movie? We were working mostly from a scenario, and we would usually make these themes — invent the themes. We knew these place we had to go, but they were roughed out. And occasionally we would invent a scene that wasn’t even in the scenario. And we would talk about the things we would do given that it’s their last day. And I don’t know how it came up — I really don’t recall — but I offered up that information, and… Yeah. You know, I don’t have a good story for you. When you work well when you’re collaborating, you forget who brings what to the table when. You’re just kind of problem-solving and making things. Let’s put it this way: Like a lot of stuff in Abel’s films, it’s not scripted in a conventional way. And obviously that was something I brought to him — that basic story — and we found an action for it, and it was useful, probably to accomplish a tone more than anything else in one part of the story where we thought we needed it. Did you realize when you were attending that game the history you were witnessing? What do you realize when you’re 11 years old as far as history? Nothing! [Laughs] Especially at 20 below zero, or whatever the hell it was out there. Yeah! No, it felt pretty historic, but I was so overwhelmed just by being there that you’re thinking just about tomorrow morning. You have no perspective because you haven’t lived long enough, I suppose. [Top photo: Getty Images]

Go Into The Cut 'Footloose' Contest

FROM HOLLYWOOD CRUSH: Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough aren't the only real ones cutting loose for that remake from the classic 1980s dance flick "Footloose." Country star Blake Shelton will even start his Sunday footwear around the soundtrack having a remake from the foot-tapping "Footloose" theme song (initially sang by Kenny Loggins). And you will participate in the enjoyment! In celebration from the flick's release this Friday, we are offering one skinned guitar signed by Mr. Shelton themself! And entering for an opportunity to win could not be simpler. All you want do is answer a couple of a quick question (which you'll want to find following the jump) by October 18, and you will be joined for an opportunity to win! Obtain the full particulars at Hollywood Crush!

I have not Been So Happy

A Center Theater Group presentation from the musical by 50 percent functions with book and lyrics by Kirk Lynn, music and lyrics by Peter Stopschinski and created by Rude Mechs. Directed by Thomas Graves and Lana Lesley. Choreography, Dayna Hanson. Sets, Leilah Stewart costumes, Laura Cannon lighting, John H. Scott animation, Miwa Matreyek music direction and appear, Stopschinski. Opened up up, examined March. 8, 2011. Runs through March. 23. Running time: 2 Several hours, 10 MIN. Musical Amounts: "Annabellee's Dream," "Prelude," "A Dog's Existence," "Magical Knot," "Everything's Tied," "Ropebreak Ballet," "Electric Signals," "Oh Shit," "Opera & Crying," "I have not Been So Happy," "She Likes Fur," "Hoo Doo," "Prelude to behave II," "Electric Signals Redux," "We Search the Lion," "Western Approach to Livin'," "Have No Clue Sing," "Western Way Redux," "A Couple of A Few Things I Loved Relating To This Dog," "I have not Been So Happy."Annabellee - Meg Sullivan Jeremy - E. Jason Liebrecht Brutus - Lowell Bartholomee Julie - Cami Alys Sigfried - Paul Soileau Sigmunda - Jenny Larson Sheriff - Kerri Atwood With: Liz Cass, Noel Gaulin, Thomas Graves, Hannah Kenah, Lana Lesley, Michael Mergen, Erin Meyer, Eric Roach, Peter Stopschinski.Rude Mechs executes a postmodern deconstruction round the tuner form in "I have not Been So Happy," a sentiment unlikely being shared by many people people patrons departing the Kirk Douglas Theater. The Mechs are shooting for just about any Fringe Festish/"Urinetown" undertake the West's true character, but instead than specific witty satire they offer a titanically irrelevant story, stale Brechtian signs and meandering tunes. Librettist Kirk Lynn cannot be bothered to create why the thuggish Brutus (Lowell Bartholomee), improbable host of some type of Nashville-style TV variety series, won't let daughter Annabellee (Meg Sullivan) abroad, nor why the C&W diva doesn't just bolt if, as she sings, she's so restless. (She's a lot more pitchy than she's restless.) Prime stage time is devoted to some dachshund desert race - yup, you heerd right, podner - before we switch to some "wymyn's commune" that Julie (Cami Alys) must exile boy Jeremy (E. Jason Liebrecht) your entire day he becomes a man. She accomplishes this by tying him by rope to Texas' last mountain lion, delivering fella and feline around the journey to enlightenment. Julie wails "essentially were a completeInch she'd have Jeremy remain along with her forever, prior to the song's over she's boasting she socialized for his or her own good. She keeps explaining her decision in speech and song, through the fifth attempt you may wish you'd introduced along some measures of rope of the to wipe some smirks in the come up with faces. Eventually the theme is entered block letters: Free Air travel must attempt to accommodate designers in the land along with the spirit humans and monsters tradition and progress males and wymyn alike. It's a QED notion hardly any triggered inside the DOA narrative, through which little is ever at risk. The buttonless amounts stimulate anything western in comparison to emo ballads an Austin cafe might commission on Open Mike Evening. Composer Peter Stopschinski summons up a distinctive act two instrumental prelude, together with a stirring drum break completed with the communards (if Darth Vader's Dying Star situated a lesbian collective, this is just what they'd appear like). The lion can get a fascinating "I am In A Position To Has Cheezburger"-style ditty, and dachshunds Jenny Larson and Paul Soileau turn on some chuckles, though their switch to German accents for just about any joke-telling session obliterates the humor. However, entertainment-dampening might be the Mechs' clearly-intended strategy throughout. You're feeling it could in some manner be beneath those to indulge an audience with enjoyable tunes, truly felt feelings and figures aside from crude stereotypes (Bartholomee's dull heavy Kerri Atwood's butchily obnoxious sheriff). Dayna Hanson's choreography includes line dancing moves coupled with deliberate arm gestures in the Macarena. For preshow as well as the half-hour "shindig" intermission, the Douglas lobby remains decorated when it comes to your budget-challenged high school's junior promenade getting a "Dying Valley Days" theme. Within the Drink & Stink Saloon the chicken chili is extremely tasty, better put inside the cornbread in comparison to Fritos. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com