Walk down the streets of Hollywood and you’ll see scores of attractive, wannabe actors and filmmakers serving you coffee, grub, and liquor at every corner. New to Blu-ray and DVD, Starry Eyes (98 minutes, MPI) takes that environment to the nth degree, as Tinseltown’s bottom feeding underbelly is witnessed through the desperate “eyes” of Sarah Walker (Alex Essoe, delivering a stunning performance).
Tired of waitressing at a dead end job and exasperated with her slacker friends, Walker is determined to make it in show business, even if it means sacrificing her sanity in the process. After landing a soul crunching audition from a shady production company, Walker is offered a Faustian bargain which ensures a meaty leading part.
Getting the job may be a dream come true, but Walker’s gradual mental and physical deterioration reaches horrific levels, as her benefactors’ deathly grip on her life leads to an inevitable transformation.
If you’re a fan of the David Lynch Los Angeles noir masterpiece Mulholland Falls or just love creepy, unsettling thrillers (Jonathan Snipes’mesmerizing music score is also a highlight), Starry Eyes definitely fits the bill.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
Commentary with co-directors Kevin Kolsh & Dennis Widmyer, and producer Travis Stevens.
10 Deleted Scenes (11:37) – Most of these scenes were understandably cut from the film, as the directors obviously wanted to retain the flick’s lean, 98-minute running time. Since most of the narrative deals on Sarah Walker’s perceptions of reality, there is an earthquake sequence that’s worth a look.
Jonathan Snipes Music Video(2:28) – A must for audio geeks, as viewers get a peek inside Snipes’ music studio as he creates a track for the movie.
Alex Essoe Audition Video (13:52) – Features Alex Essoe’s two auditions for Starry Eyes. Ironically, some of the scariest moments from the film come from Sarah Walker’s auditions, and seeing Essoe trying to land the role for her own auditions is a sight to behold (see the movie first before launching this special feature).
Behind The Scenes Photo Gallery
Trailer
During my interview with Alex Essoe, she talked about how she connected to Sarah Walker sans any judgement:
It was a film centric Monday for me, as I started the day co-hosting Behind The Lenswith film critic/interviewer debbie lynn elias over at Adrenaline Radio, where we discussed the new documentaries Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of and Energizing Our World (narrated by Edward James Olmos, whom we interviewed on the show).
But the day was far from over, as I trekked to Hollywood to catch an evening discussion with this year’s Oscar nominated screenwriters. The “Q&A With Jeff Goldsmith”event took place at The Los Angeles Film School, a venue which, along with being an educational institution, also offers up free screenings and discussions for the general public.
Pictured (L-R) Damien Chazelle, Anthony McCarten, Graham Moore, E. Max Frye, Jeff Goldsmith, Alex Dinelaris Jr., Jason Hall, Dan Gilroy. Credit: The Los Angeles Film School
Although Foxcatcher scribe E. Max Frye humorously complained to Goldsmith that the group was much funnier during their Santa Barbara International Film Festival panel, Monday evening’s discussion was definitely informative. Each scribe reflected on the most challenging moments of their screenwriting careers and broke down the challenges of creating their respective narratives.
Along with Frye, the attendees included writers Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”), Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”) Graham Moore (“The Imitation Game”), Alex Dinelaris Jr. (“Birdman”), Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler), and Jason Hall (“American Sniper”).
Graham Moore – Writer, “The Imitation Game.” Credit: The Los Angeles Film SchoolDamien Chazelle, Writer/Director of “Whiplash” (Credit: The Los Angeles Film School)
For more information on the Oscar nominated screenwriters panel and The Los Angeles Film School, click here.
Tonight’s episode of Chicago Fire (NBC, 10 pm et/pt) continues the investigation on the fire which killed Shay (Lauren German), as Severide (Taylor Kinney) discovers an unexpected source that may provide important information on the case.
Speaking of sources, Chicago Fire technical advisor/fireman Steve Chikerotis has been invaluable to the cast and crew of the production. Check out the video below as Taylor Kinney, Jesse Spencer, and Eamonn Walker talk about Chikerotis’ (he retired from active duty in November 2014) impact on the show:
CHICAGO FIRE — “Three Bells” Episode 313 — Pictured: Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE – Pictured: (l-r) Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden, Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
Renowned artist Justin BUA and art dealer Paula Wagner are the hosts and judges of Street Art Throwdown, an intense new series which has artists ply their trade in the diverse streets of Los Angeles.
Ten of the country’s most talented artists push their stamina and skills to the breaking point, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grand prize.
STREET ART SHOWDOWN — Pictured: (l-r) Solomon “Grimnasty” Perry, Anne “Love Annie” Preece, Kristen Adamczyk, Jenna Morello, Ivan Preciado, Martilla “Marley” Miner-Davis, Lauren Wagner, Justin BUA, Alexandra “Lady One” Graniello, Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza, Matthew Pryke, Cameron Moberg “Camer1” — (Photo by: Andrew Eccles/Oxygen)
Having seen the premiere episode, the eye catching images on display is just one reason to check out the program, as Wagner and BUA don’t hold back at critiquing (as well as encouraging) the respective artists. The show is also highly rigorous, as the participants often have to run, climb (and sometimes trip) their way to their destination before any spraying begins.
In the video below, Justin BUA explains why hard work, as well as his innate talent, are key elements to his success as an artist and entrepreneur.
Mear One serves as a guest judge on tonight’s premiere episode (Oxygen, 9 pm et/pt).
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of is an obvious must watch if you’re a fan of the group, and it’s also worth your time if you’re a documentary enthusiast. Director Stephen Kijakhad the singers revisiting each of their hometowns for some much needed bonding experience.
What ensues is a closer look at the background of each of the members, as viewers are given an intense look at some of the scars (and triumphs) they’ve carried along the way. According to Howie Dorough, It was also a much needed trip, as Kevin Richardson rejoined the band for their latest album In A World Like This:
This was the first time Kevin was back in the studio with us for almost seven years. This trip was crucial in reconnecting all of us. We went out there – we pushed the envelope. The last time we had done something like this (was when) we went to the Bahamas during the (making of) the Black & Blue record. We weren’t anywhere near the same mind space where we’re at now.
As for Dorough, he has a pretty amusing (and if you have a weak stomach, digusting) remembrance of his family’s relationship with rabbits. On a more serious note, however, he also discusses stepping out of the shadows and taking a more active role as a lead singer of Backstreet Boys (this welcome turn of events is chronicled in the documentary).
To hear Howie Dorough, aka Howie D, discuss how his participation on Backstreet Boys has evolved throughout the years, click on the Soundcloud Audio below:
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of is now playing in theaters and is also available on VOD and iTunes.
20+ years later and this was one of the most emotional experiences we’ve had together as a band. #BSBTheMovie
It’s been a pleasure serving as a co-host for Behind The Lens, the film centric program created and hosted by Debbie Lynn Elias. Last week’s episode featured an in-depth interview with Supremacydirector Deon Taylor, plus coverage of the films Song One (featuring interviews w/ Anne Hathaway, Jenny Lewis, and Johnathan Lewis) andStrange Magic.
Elias, whose reviews and features can be found on moviesharkdeblore.com,also discussed her love for TCM and its #TCMParty presence on Twitter. Also, if you check out the video below, part of “Behind The Lens” also features visual aids, as Elias digs up a couple of her favorite movie books from her extensive collection every week.
I’ll be joining Elias for the next “Behind The Lens” installment, as Edward James Olmos (“American Me,” “Miami Vice”) is scheduled to talk about the documentary “Energizing Our World.” Plus, if you love the Backstreet Boys, Elias has an exclusive interview with “Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of” director Stephen Kijak.
“Behind The Lens” episode goes live Monday, February 2 at 11 a.m. pt on adrenalineradio.com.
Now out on Blu-ray and DVD, My Old Lady (PG-13, 107 minutes) is based on a play by revered playwright Israel Horovitz, and if you’re expecting a charming comedic confection with Kevin Klineand Maggie Smith, then you’ve just skimmed the surface.
Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is an embittered 57-year-old New Yorker who inherits his recently deceased father’s Parisian apartment. Thrice divorced and in desperate need of financial liquidity, Mathias is intent on selling the domicile at a huge profit.
Kevin Kline & Maggie Smith in “My Old Lady”
Mathilde (Maggie Smith) and her daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas) are the apartment’s longtime residents, and under a French real estate law known as viager, Mathias must actually pay Mathilde, the previous owner of the state, rent until she dies. Once she passes, Mathias can immediately sell the apartment and live the rest of his life in the lap of luxury.
Although “My Old Lady” could have been framed as a light comedy wherein the initial combatants develop a profound friendship, Horovitz takes his narrative to more ambitious and darker territories, as Mathias’ flippant attitude masks a tragic past which is understandably hard to shake.
Dominique Pinon & Kevin Kline in “My Old Lady”
“Precision is the key to long life – precision and wine,” says Mathilde during her first dinner with Mathias. That similar quality is shared by debut filmmaker Horovitz, whose snappy and pinpoint dialogue are among “My Old Lady’s” many strengths.
With cinematographer Michel Amathieu, Horovitz bathes My Old Lady in the warmest of colors (almost as rich Mathilde’s preferred red wines), and while a healthy portion of the story is set within the apartment, there’s a refreshing sense of space within each frame. Whether it’s hitting thematic or visual notes, “My Old Lady” is that rare drama that allows the narrative, along with the characters who inhabit its universe, room to breathe.
Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas are all Oscar winners, and watching them weave through Horovitz’s cleverly crafted words is a pleasure to watch.
I’m not going to spoil the unexpected turns you’ll discover in “My Old Lady” and let you luxuriate within, as one of the character describes, “the blood of Paris.” A deft and occasionally heartbreaking mix of comedy and drama, My Old Lady thankfully doesn’t go gentle into that good night.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
92 Street Y Annette Insdorf Interview with Kevin Kline & Writer/Director Israel Horovitz (57:33) – This is a first rate and informative discussion that’s part of the Reel Piecesmovie series, as Horovitz delves into his lifelong friendship with mentor/father figure Samuel Beckett. At the end of the conversation, Horovitz also explains how a chance meeting with Alma Singer (Isaac Singer’s widow) inspired part of “My Old Lady’s” story.
Kevin Kline also talks about why he’s very picky with his projects (He’s been dubbed Kevin “De-Kline”) and he elaborates about his extensive work in the theater.
My Old Lady – Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Kevin Kline in “My Old Lady”
Movie Notes:
***Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott Thomas previously played husband and wife in the drama “Life As A House.”
***Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas played mother and daughter in Robert Altman’s feature “Gosford Park.”
Keanu Reeves, along with a talented ensemble (Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, and scene stealerAdrianne Palicki), were terrific inJohn Wick, and the feature comes out on Blu-ray and DVD via Lionsgate Home Entertainment on February 3.
I’m giving out three (3) Blu-rays of John Wick. To enter the Giveaway:
In the Comments section below – name your favorite Keanu Reeves movie and briefly explain why you love it.
Once you “Like” our Facebook page and Comment, send your Email info to editor@deepestdream.com – If you’re the Winner of the Giveaway, I will email you back and ask for your address & send the Blu-Ray.
The GIVEAWAY, ends Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 5:00 pm Pacific Time. Winners will be announced on the Deepest Dream Facebook Page.To qualify for the Giveaway, you must have a valid U.S. address.Good luck!!
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Ofis a surprisingly unfiltered and even handed look at the iconic boy band that captured the hearts and imagination of millions. Twenty plus years as a group, these five men continue to tour and make music, as the documentary chronicles the making of In A World Like This(it also marked the welcome return of Kevin Richardson).
Part of the documentary has the group journeying to each of their hometowns, where they reminisce about their past while continuing to strengthen their brotherly bond.
“It was a lot of emotion,” says A.J. McLean at today’s press conference, held at Hollywood’s W. Hotel. “It was very therapeutic. We learned a lot more about each other that we didn’t know for the last twenty plus years. And I think it actually made us stronger and it made us much more of a band.”
Nick Carter revisited Miles Elementary School in Tampa, Florida, the site where his musical dreams took flight, and his reunion with a special teacher is one of the doc’s more poignant moments. “It was hard for me to live during that five day period and sort of live through these other guys’ experiences,” adds Carter. “Seeing each one of them cry over a specific story or circumstance that occurred in their lives – it affected me and it really touched me in a lot of ways.”
During the press conference, I asked Nick Carter about returning to his childhood home and elementary school. Click on the media bar below to hear Carter:
Opening January 30,Project Almanaccenters on David Raskin (Jonny Weston), an intelligent high school student who finds a mysterious device left by his late father. Along with sister Christina (Virginia Gardner), potential girlfriend Jessie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) and best friends Quinn and Adam (Sam Lerner, Allen Evangelista), go on an uplifting, yet ultimately unnerving, time travel journey that profoundly alters their lives.
Jonny Weston, who will also be seen this year opposite Shailene Woodley in Insurgent and Zac Efron in the EDM drama “We Are Your Friends,” has started from couch surfing as a struggling actor to landing plum feature film roles (he played surfer Jay Moriarty in the inspiring drama “Chasing Mavericks”).
During our phone interview, Weston talked about his “Project Almanac” experience and explained why acting didn’t enter his life until he turned 18.
Sam Lerner is Quinn Goldberg, Jonny Weston is David Raskin, Allen Evangelista is Adam Le, and Virginia Gardner is Christina Raskin in PROJECT ALMANAC, from Insurge Pictures, in association with Michael Bay.
David’s a genius, but is a slightly insecure guy, especially when it comes to his budding relationship with Jessie.
It was frustrating at times, because in order to play David I had to kind of focus on a lot of my insecurities I was fed up with and held back from when I was in high school. To revisit that and live in that temperament was pretty off-putting.
Was doing Project Almanac an instant no-brainer for you?
You never really know how badly you want (to do) the film until you start reading with the other actors and you start working with the director and thinking, ‘I’m going to be stuck on set with these guys in a remote town for (a number of months).’
I loved the script and the more I got involved with the people, it just got better and better. But it was a good four or five months of being told “Maybe,” “No,” or “Yes.”
To be an actor, it must take a lot of perseverance to work in this business, especially going through the rigors of the audition process.
If you love what you do, all of those things fall to the ground and break. If you want to make films because you love it or you want to make something meaningful, failure is just kind of a speed bump. So yeah, perseverance is relative – it just depends on what you want to get out of this industry.
It is what you make it, but I’m constantly surprised. It was the best part of my day – I loved it. It’s really interesting to start getting paid for something that you feel is improving you as a person as well. It’s a real trip. If it doesn’t make you happy, I wouldn’t even recommend getting started.
Jonny Weston is David Raskin and Sofia Black D’Elia is Jessie Pierce in PROJECT ALMANAC, from Insurge Pictures, in association with Michael Bay.
Is that the advice you give fellow actors?
Yes. I had a talk with one of my buddies the other day. Some of my friends who’ve started acting – I really want to give them that talk. I don’t want them to get frustrated for five years and find out that they’ve wasted all their time, you know? But the rewards are endless.
Is the best education for you as an actor seeing the world and applying it to your craft? Because in the end, the more you know about your job, the better.
That’s right. That’s why I didn’t even consider acting until I was 18. I never even considered it once. And I took this theater class on a fluke and I’m really glad I had a normal high school experience. That really grounded me.
When you’re shooting a scene, is there a key in staying in the moment?
I think that comes to making it very personal to you. Making the world and the situation seem more personal to yourself. And then you forget you’re on a movie set.
You also have to remember there is, like you were saying, that along with the training comes the understanding that it is a job and there’s a camera and you have to play to it. If you do personal work on the character, then it doesn’t matter.
The funny thing about the human mind is it focuses on the most important thing. So if the most important thing is people thinking you’re great then you will not be able to focus on the scene and vice versa.
onny Weston is David Raskin in PROJECT ALMANAC, from Insurge Pictures, in association with Michael Bay
Do you like to watch your movies with an audience to get that visceral reaction?
I used to think that I’m never going to watch myself – but it comes down to a point where you’re kind of insulting everyone that you collaborated with if you don’t go and see it. It helps if the movie is really fun and the director did a great job.
Certainly it’s gratifying to see people have a real, guttural reaction to your film. But I try not to focus on that too much because I don’t want to be that person who’s looking at myself while I’m working.
Thank you so much for your time and good luck with the film.
