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Benjamin McKenzie Braves “Gotham” Sans Caped Crusader

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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We’ve witnessed the Caped Crusader’s origin story with the Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins) and Tim Burton (Batman) features, and with the new Fox series Gotham another hero’s background will come to light. Benjamin McKenzie, TV alum of the acclaimed series Southland, plays Detective James Gordon, a lawman bent on restoring a crumbling Gotham into a shiny and livable metropolis.

Like McKenzie, Gotham cast member Donal Logue (he plays Detective Harvey Bullock) has had his share of success on television and received his share of praise for the gone too soon TV series Terriers. Both Southland and Terriers needed their share of exposure to the audience, but with Gotham the hype machine is definitely on full blast. Logue understands that he and McKenzie are in a very good place with Gotham.

“We’ve done work we’re really proud of, we’ve been in these things that have been like real family. But no (I’ve) never stepped into a situation where you didn’t have to fight and try to explain, ‘this is what or show is about and it’s called this.’ So to have that functional wave to sit on already – it’s crazy. Even when they were talking about the casting and there was a rumor that I was Gordon or whatever – my friends were like ‘dude you have to check out the internet.’ People (were) just waiting for information about who’s going to be on the show and who’s doing what.”

Click on the media bar below to hear Benjamin McKenzie explain why Gotham is not just for Batman fans:

http://youtu.be/GHKuyGkvuqI

Blu-Ray Today: Elizabeth Olsen & Dakota Fanning Are “Very Good Girls”

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Next week (September 23 to be exact) marks the Blu-ray and DVD release of Very Good Girls (Well Go USA, 91 minutes, R), a coming of age drama headlined by Elizabeth Olsen (Godzilla, Kill Your Darlings) and Dakota Fanning (The Motel Life).

Naomi Foner, best known for as the screenwriter for Running On Empty (she also penned the underrated Halle Berry/Jessica Lange drama Losing Isaiah), makes her directorial debut with Very Good Girls. The feature, which centers on New York based best friends (Olsen, Fanning) who aim to lose their virginity by the end of summer.

Very Good Girls (Well Go USA)
Very Good Girls (Well Go USA)

Everything should be hunky-dory, but when both of them have eyes for the same guy (Boyd Holbrook), their relationship suffers the requisite strain. Very Good Girls also stars Peter Sarsgaard, Demi Moore, Ellen Barkin, and Richard Dreyfuss.  Special features on the disc include interviews with Foner, Olsen, and Fanning.

With such films as Martha Marcy May Marlene, In Secret, and Oldboy, Elizabeth Olsen has displayed ample dramatic chops (she recently landed the role of Hank Williams’ wife Audra Mae in the biopic I Saw The Light). And with Very Good Girls, Olsen has found her way through the coming of age drama. Still, Olsen has much narrative ground to cover, and one area she wants to explore are romantic comedies.

In the Soundcloud bar below, Elizabeth Olsen explains why she’s not on the top of the romantic comedy list. It’s surprising given her talent that casting agents and directors wouldn’t throw romcoms her way, but she gives a great explanation:

John Leguizamo Profiled in “American Masters: The Boomer List”

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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The documentary American Masters: The Boomer List premieres on PBS Tuesday, September 23, and the documentary has director/photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders spotlighting 19 boomers from this highly influential generation.

One of the interviewees is John Leguizamo, an actor whose diverse career includes acclaimed on man shows and such standout films as Carlito’s Way, The Counselor and, more recently, Chef.

In the documentary, Leguizamo talks about the scant projects that were offered to himself and fellow colleagues Benicio del Toro and Luis Guzman (Leguizamo and Guzman starred together in Carlito’s Way).  “If there is a really great Latin role, it didn’t go to us,” Leguizamo said during the interview. “It went to, you know, Al Pacino or De Niro. I just knew that Latin people were really funny. My family was really funny to me. And we had incredible stories to tell. Where is that on TV? Where is that in movies? Where is that in plays?”

John Leguizamo in American Masters: The Boomer List (CR: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders)
John Leguizamo in American Masters: The Boomer List (CR: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders)

Even though showbiz has its share of challenges, Leguizamo pushed through and has carved out a successful acting career. During his Chef interviews John Leguizamo explains how “cooking is like acting.”

“You have to really pay attention – be in the moment. There is a generosity that happens in cooking because you’re nurturing. I think acting when it has that the generosity and you’re giving instead of trying to take, it’s the best acting you’ll ever see.”

To hear Leguizamo’s full answer, and why Chef is an analogy to the film business, click on the Soundcloud bar below:

Along with Leguizamo, Samuel L. Jackson, Billy Joel, David LaChapelle, and Maria Shriver are among the 19 subjects featured in American Masters: The Boomer List.

Connie Britton Talks “This Is Where I Leave You” & Adam Driver Collaboration

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Based on Jonathan Trooper’s bestselling novel, This Is Where I Leave You centers on four adult siblings (Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Corey Stoll, Adam Driver) who return to their childhood home after the father passes away. Forced to live together for a week, they must set aside their differences and eventually comfort each other through this tragedy. Shawn Levy, whose previous credits include The Internship, Date Night, and A Night at the Museum, is the director.

This Is Where I Leave You is an accurate title for the movie’s production process, as co-star Connie Britton (she plays Driver’s well to do girlfriend in the feature), appreciated the picture’s close knit collaboration among the cast and crew.

“One thing that was noticeable about this movie was, and I think for Shawn Levy in particular, this was really a very important movie for him. He was very passionate about because I think he has also done a lot of big budget movies where there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen and a lot of agendas. This felt more like we were being entrusted with this gem and were able to let the creation of it happen right then and there.”

In the audio clip below, Connie Britton (Nashville, Friday Night Lights) talked about Adam Driver and how she almost worked with him, Lena Dunham and producer/writer Jennifer Konner on Girls.


Pixies “Ring The Bell” With Aspiring “Hey” Filmmakers

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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One of the many elements of the Pixies’ longevity lies in their ability to follow their own path, even if it’s to the beat of a different drummer. The proverbial stick women in this case are Lital Mizel and Adi Frimmerman, the directors behind the Pixies music video “Ring The Bell.” The duor are best known for lip-synching and dancing to the Pixies song “Hey” back in 2005, and that video has gained over 34 million YouTube views.

When they finally met the band during a June Pixies concert in Israel, Frimmerman and Mizel offered to make another video clip featuring the band’s music. Putting your best foot forward is usually a good idea, and their request led them to directing “Ring The Bell.”

The video, which is available for viewing at Radio.com, has two girls (Mizel and Frimmerman) collecting various throwback items such as VHS tapes and boomboxes.

Ring The Bell Music Video - YouTube
Ring The Bell Music Video – YouTube

“We were born in the eighties and grew up during a time of rapid technology changes,” said Frimmerman. “We got the idea to make a clip about our nostalgic longing for the things that had been replaced and the childhood memories that were attached to them. We also felt connected to the ‘Generation-y’ characterization of those eighties-nineties lost kids who hold on to their memories of the past in a fast-changing, anxiety filled world.”

“Ring The Bell” is featured on Indie Cindy, the Pixies’ first new album in over 20 years. The second leg of their tour with touring bassist Paz Lenchantin begins September 27 with a stop in San Diego, California (Humphreys). Tour dates are below:

9/27  Humphreys, San Diego, CA

9/28  Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

9/30  The Masonic, San Francisco, CA

10/02   Revolution Center, Boise, ID

10/03   INB Performing Arts Center, Spokane, WA

10/05   MacEwan Hall, Calgary, AB  CANADA

10/06   Shaw Conference Center, Edmonton, AB  CANADA

10/07   TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK  CANADA

10/09   Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB  CANADA

10/11  State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN

10/12  Orpheum Theatre, Madison, WI

Here’s the 2005 “Hey” clip which put Lital Mizel and Adi Frimmerman on the map:

Janina Gavankar Gets “Buff” For ‘The Mysteries of Laura’

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Debra Messing headlines the new series The Mysteries of Laura, as she takes on the role of Detective Laura Diamond, a skilled police officer whose daily dexterity is also pushed to the limits with her two unruly sons. Janina Gavankar also stars in the TV series as Meredith Bose, a detective who isn’t the most likable colleague in the NYPD.

“Meredith is what the homicide detectives that we hung out with in New York City -she’s what they call a ‘buff,'” said Gavankar, whose previous TV work includes recurring roles on True Blood and Arrow. “Which is somebody who takes their job maybe a little too seriously. She both looks up to Laura and is absolutely aggravated by her, because in Meredith’s opinion she works twice as hard as long every day as Laura and gets half the recognition – if that.”

During our interview with The Mysteries of Laura co-stars Gavankar and Laz Alonso (he plays Laura’s partner Detective Billy Sands), Gavankar elaborated on her “nerd-based” work process as an actress, singer, and a musician.

Also, if you’re a fan of True Blood, you may enjoy this post last week from Gavankar’s Twitter feed:

The Mysteries of Laura’s special preview airs September 17 at 10/9c (NBC).

Kingdom of Heaven: Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray Ready for October

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

 

Director Ridley Scott’s director’s cut of his vastly underrated epic Kingdom of Heaven was previously just available on DVD, but thankfully 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has corrected that omission. On October 7, the Kingdom of Heaven: Ultimate Edition Blu-ray, which features the director’s cut, the director’s cut roadshow version, and the original theatrical version, will be available for purchase by eager consumers (including myself).

The Kingdom of Heaven’s director’s cut is one of Ridley Scott’s finest hours as a filmmaker. With more time to work with, Scott delves deeper into Balian’s (Orlando Bloom) backstory, thus making Balian’s transition from a wide eyed blacksmith to a brave warrior in the Crusades much more believable (the theatrical version gives Balian’s journey a much more forced and truncated feel).

Kingdom of Heaven: Ultimate Edition (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)
Kingdom of Heaven: Ultimate Edition (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)

The nine hours worth of Special features on the ultimate edition include: an introduction from Ridley Scott, Roadshow commentary with Orlando Bloom, Ridley Scott, and writer William Monahan, world premiere footage, and numerous featurettes.

During the interviews for Sympathy for Delicious, I asked Orlando Bloom about his experience working on Kingdom of Heaven, and he talked about how the epic will stand the test of time.

“It was amazing to work on the film and the director’s cut is – I really think it puts (epic films) to bed. It was amazing and I loved it. It’s funny, I think Ridley had that experience with Blade Runner . . . and I think Kingdom of Heaven will stand the test of time in many ways…“

To hear Orlando Bloom’s full answer regarding Kingdom of Heaven, click on the media bar below (Juliette Lewis is also heard in the clip):

Michelle Monaghan Explores Military Life With Resonant “Fort Bliss”

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Opening in theaters and VOD September 19, Fort Bliss centers on Maggie Swann (Michelle Monaghan), a dedicated U.S. Army medic who returns home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Although Maggie puts her life on the line for her country, her honorable sacrifice comes at a huge price when she must slowly regain her 5-year-old son’s (Oakes Fegley) trust and love.  Lending solid support is Ron Livingston, who co-stars as the son’s father, with Emmanuelle Chriqui playing Livingston’s girlfriend.

Fort Bliss

“It’s such a collaborative experience that everyone has when you’re doing an independent film,” said Monaghan. “Because they’re so hard to get made. It’s a very inclusive process – everybody’s position is embraced.”

During this week’s Fort Bliss interviews, I asked Michelle Monaghan how she is able to bring a seamless, emotional access to her roles (for proof, check out her standout performances in Trucker, True Detective, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Balancing studio driven films and indie projects has been a staple in Monaghan’s career, and although I’m more than happy to watch escapist fare such as  Mission: Impossible III and Eagle Eye, the character driven stuff resonates on a much different level.

Here’s Monaghan’s response to my question:

“I just say it’s being present. I feel grounded. I’m the most emotionally honest when a character feels very real to me. It’s somebody next door. It’s somebody’s sister or mother or wife…it’s a total testament to the writing and the material that’s been given to me.”

Monaghan’s complete answer, in which she also praises Fort Bliss writer/director Claudia Myers, can be heard in the following audio clip:

Taraji P. Henson’s “No Good Deed” Scares Came From Creepy House

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

For Taraji P. Henson, the real scares from No Good Deed wasn’t being chased around set by Idris Elba. Although the thespians square off in the thriller (opening Friday, September 12), the challenge for Henson was after the shooting day was done.

Living in a spacious house in a nice area should only be a good thing, but sometimes the creepiness factor can set in, especially when no one’s around.

“I decided to stay in a five bedroom house in Atlanta,” said Henson, who plays a housewife who’s terrorized by an escaped convict (Elba) in No Good Deed. “By myself – filming this thriller. All night shoots, so I’m getting home at weird hours at night. If you could see me making a mad dash to that other room – I don’t know what the other rooms look like. There was this one door that stayed lock – I was like something is going to come out of that room and get me!”

To hear Taraji P. Henson explain why the house reminded her of a scene from The Shining, click on the Soundcloud audio below:

Today is also Taraji P. Henson’s birthday, and she posted this following tweet on her Twitter account (@TherealTaraji):

Vanessa Hudgens Heads To Broadway With ‘Gigi’

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Vanessa Hudgens has signed on to headline a Broadway production of the Oscar and Tony award winning film and stage musical Gigi  (Leslie Caron starred in the 1958 film) The project is penned by Emmy nominated screenwriter Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife, Upstairs Downstairs, Cranford) and directed by Eric Schaeffer (Follies, Million Dollar Quartet).

“I started performing in musicals from a young age, and it has always been my dream to be on Broadway,” said Hudgens in a statement. “I cannot wait to get back on stage, singing and dancing these songs and living in Gigi’s glamorous world.”

Vanessa Hudgens, photographed by Andrew Macpherson

“I have been living with Colette’s feisty, elegant, feline Gigi in my imagination for a long time now – and in Vanessa Hudgens, she is finally made flesh,” said Thomas.

A pre-Broadway engagement, which takes place at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., runs from January 16-February 12, 2015 (opening night is January 29). Tickets go on sale Monday, September 22 to Kennedy Center members and on Wednesday, October 1 to the general public. For further details go to www.kennedy-center.org.

Vanessa Hudgens has turned in her share of inspired work with The Frozen Ground and Gimme Shelter. During the Gimme Shelter interviews, she talked about “riding on a total high” while doing the film.

In the following audio clip, Vanessa Hudgens talks about preparing for her role in The Frozen Ground:

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