Film Junk » Biopic http://www.filmjunk.com Blog and Podcast Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:09:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en George Clooney Setting Up a Smothers Brothers Biopic http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/13/george-clooney-setting-up-a-smothers-brothers-biopic/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/13/george-clooney-setting-up-a-smothers-brothers-biopic/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:45:46 +0000 Aaron http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=68141 George Clooney and producing partner Grant Heslov will take a trip back to the '60s for their next effort, a film about comedians Tom and Dicky Smothers. Specifically, the movie will focus on the brothers' show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which went from clean-cut humor to a promoting the politics of the counter-culture movement. The show was also notable for featuring cutting-edge music acts such as The Who and Jefferson Airplane as well as providing a start for future stars like Steve Martin and Rob Reiner who were part of the writing staff. The film will be based on the David Bianculli book Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story Of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. No word on whether Clooney will take on acting or directing duties for the project, but since he's involved, expect to see some notable names attached. This material seems well within Clooney's wheelhouse, like a more pop culture version of Good Night, and Good Luck. Although I've only ever seen clips of the show, the time period and the people involved give me enough reason to anticipate the film. Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman have been hired to pen the screenplay. Interestingly, the duo recently finished writing Atari, a Black List script about Nolan Bushnell, "who created the video game industry and Atari, gave Steve Jobs a job, and paved the way for the computer age." How do you feel about Clooney and Heslov tackling '60s politics and social mores for their next effort?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> George Clooney and producing partner Grant Heslov will take a trip back to the '60s for their next effort, a film about comedians Tom and Dicky Smothers. Specifically, the movie will focus on the brothers' show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which went from clean-cut humor to a promoting the politics of the counter-culture movement. The show was also notable for featuring cutting-edge music acts such as The Who and Jefferson Airplane as well as providing a start for future stars like Steve Martin and Rob Reiner who were part of the writing staff. The film will be based on the David Bianculli book Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story Of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. No word on whether Clooney will take on acting or directing duties for the project, but since he's involved, expect to see some notable names attached. This material seems well within Clooney's wheelhouse, like a more pop culture version of Good Night, and Good Luck. Although I've only ever seen clips of the show, the time period and the people involved give me enough reason to anticipate the film. Brian Hecker and Craig Sherman have been hired to pen the screenplay. Interestingly, the duo recently finished writing Atari, a Black List script about Nolan Bushnell, "who created the video game industry and Atari, gave Steve Jobs a job, and paved the way for the computer age." How do you feel about Clooney and Heslov tackling '60s politics and social mores for their next effort?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/13/george-clooney-setting-up-a-smothers-brothers-biopic/feed/ Harrison Ford Offered Role in Jackie Robinson Biopic, Possibly Up for Ender’s Game? http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/09/harrison-ford-offered-role-in-jackie-robinson-biopic-possibly-up-for-enders-game/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/09/harrison-ford-offered-role-in-jackie-robinson-biopic-possibly-up-for-enders-game/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:38:28 +0000 Aaron http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=67952 In one form or another, a film about baseball great Jackie Robinson has been kicking around Hollywood for years now. The latest attempt, entitled 42, is headed by writer-director Brian Helgeland at Legendary Pictures. Many A-list actors have been sought after for the role of Branch Ricky, the Dodgers GM who signed Robinson in 1947, helping break the color barrier. Previously, Robert Redford was attached to the role and Jack Nicholson was also offered the part, but now Legendary is courting none other than Harrison Ford. There's no word on Ford's interest level in the project, only that the part is his if he wants it. Jackie Robinson's break into Major League Baseball is arguably the most important sports event of the 20th century, making it a good candidate for a compelling and worthwhile film, assuming it gets off the ground. Ford's more recent films such as Morning Glory and Cowboys and Aliens, have been thought of as potential comebacks for the actor, although neither of them fared particularly well critically or at the box office. A movie about Jackie Robinson would be a safe, crowd-pleasing project for the veteran actor and one that could provide him with a much-needed hit if treated right. Ford has also been discussed as a possibility to play Colonel Hyrum Graff in the upcoming Ender's Game adaptation, so he has some potential high-profile films in the near future - so long as he can deliver the old Ford goods. Do you think the Branch Ricky role would suit Ford well? Does he have what it takes to return to his former glory?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> In one form or another, a film about baseball great Jackie Robinson has been kicking around Hollywood for years now. The latest attempt, entitled 42, is headed by writer-director Brian Helgeland at Legendary Pictures. Many A-list actors have been sought after for the role of Branch Ricky, the Dodgers GM who signed Robinson in 1947, helping break the color barrier. Previously, Robert Redford was attached to the role and Jack Nicholson was also offered the part, but now Legendary is courting none other than Harrison Ford. There's no word on Ford's interest level in the project, only that the part is his if he wants it. Jackie Robinson's break into Major League Baseball is arguably the most important sports event of the 20th century, making it a good candidate for a compelling and worthwhile film, assuming it gets off the ground. Ford's more recent films such as Morning Glory and Cowboys and Aliens, have been thought of as potential comebacks for the actor, although neither of them fared particularly well critically or at the box office. A movie about Jackie Robinson would be a safe, crowd-pleasing project for the veteran actor and one that could provide him with a much-needed hit if treated right. Ford has also been discussed as a possibility to play Colonel Hyrum Graff in the upcoming Ender's Game adaptation, so he has some potential high-profile films in the near future - so long as he can deliver the old Ford goods. Do you think the Branch Ricky role would suit Ford well? Does he have what it takes to return to his former glory?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/09/harrison-ford-offered-role-in-jackie-robinson-biopic-possibly-up-for-enders-game/feed/ SRG Films to Adapt Biographical Thriller About WWE Star Chris Benoit http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/08/srg-films-to-adapt-biographical-thriller-about-wwe-star-chris-benoit/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/08/srg-films-to-adapt-biographical-thriller-about-wwe-star-chris-benoit/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:30:07 +0000 Aaron http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=67916 In 2007, tragedy struck when WWE wrestler Chris Benoit took the lives of his wife and son, followed by his own. The murder-suicide sent shockwaves throughout the nation and it sparked an examination of the risks and dubious practices involved in pro wrestling. Now, SRG Films is looking to turn Benoit's story into a big-screen feature called Crossface. Based on Matthew Randazzo V‘s book Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry, the film will illustrate "the mental, emotional, and physical toll the sport has on its participants" through Benoit's breakdown. Sarah Coulter, a first-time feature writer, has already handed in a first draft of the screenplay, and the studio is currently "in talks" with actors and directors about the project, which has a planned start date of fall 2012. SRG head Dale Alexander Carnegie issued the following statements in a press release:
"All of us grow up believing that wrestling is fake, but looking at the shocking number of deaths in the industry, it quickly becomes evident that there is nothing fake about the dangers of this sport. Chris Benoit has become a poster child for everything that’s wrong with professional wrestling and Sarah’s terrific script captures his struggles and the many factors that led to the deaths of three people."
While there's certainly material for a compelling story here, it would have to be handled very carefully in order to not come across as distasteful. Hopefully the right creative team can present the events in an appropriate way. Are wrestling fans ready for a Chris Benoit movie?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> In 2007, tragedy struck when WWE wrestler Chris Benoit took the lives of his wife and son, followed by his own. The murder-suicide sent shockwaves throughout the nation and it sparked an examination of the risks and dubious practices involved in pro wrestling. Now, SRG Films is looking to turn Benoit's story into a big-screen feature called Crossface. Based on Matthew Randazzo V‘s book Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit and the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry, the film will illustrate "the mental, emotional, and physical toll the sport has on its participants" through Benoit's breakdown. Sarah Coulter, a first-time feature writer, has already handed in a first draft of the screenplay, and the studio is currently "in talks" with actors and directors about the project, which has a planned start date of fall 2012. SRG head Dale Alexander Carnegie issued the following statements in a press release:
"All of us grow up believing that wrestling is fake, but looking at the shocking number of deaths in the industry, it quickly becomes evident that there is nothing fake about the dangers of this sport. Chris Benoit has become a poster child for everything that’s wrong with professional wrestling and Sarah’s terrific script captures his struggles and the many factors that led to the deaths of three people."
While there's certainly material for a compelling story here, it would have to be handled very carefully in order to not come across as distasteful. Hopefully the right creative team can present the events in an appropriate way. Are wrestling fans ready for a Chris Benoit movie?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/08/srg-films-to-adapt-biographical-thriller-about-wwe-star-chris-benoit/feed/ First Photo of Daniel Day-Lewis as Spielberg’s Lincoln http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/01/first-photo-of-daniel-day-lewis-as-spielbergs-lincoln/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/01/first-photo-of-daniel-day-lewis-as-spielbergs-lincoln/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:34:56 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=67675 With two Steven Spielberg films hitting theatres later this month, you'd think that he'd be taking a well-deserved break right about now. But he's not. Production is currently underway for his next film, Lincoln, a biopic about the great emancipator himself, Abraham Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is stepping into the role of the 16th president of the United States for the film, and has apparently been spotted around Richmond, Virginia where the film is shooting. This week one of those pesky locals snapped a photo of DDL eating lunch at a restaurant, and while he's not in full costume you can still see the killer beard he has grown for the part. Since Daniel Day-Lewis is known for never breaking character even off set, let's face it... this is basically just as good as getting still from the movie! The cast of Lincoln also includes Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jackie Earle Haley (apparently Spielberg's got a thing for people with three names). The movie is expected to hit theatres in late 2012; check out a bigger version of the image after the jump.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> With two Steven Spielberg films hitting theatres later this month, you'd think that he'd be taking a well-deserved break right about now. But he's not. Production is currently underway for his next film, Lincoln, a biopic about the great emancipator himself, Abraham Lincoln. Daniel Day-Lewis is stepping into the role of the 16th president of the United States for the film, and has apparently been spotted around Richmond, Virginia where the film is shooting. This week one of those pesky locals snapped a photo of DDL eating lunch at a restaurant, and while he's not in full costume you can still see the killer beard he has grown for the part. Since Daniel Day-Lewis is known for never breaking character even off set, let's face it... this is basically just as good as getting still from the movie! The cast of Lincoln also includes Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jackie Earle Haley (apparently Spielberg's got a thing for people with three names). The movie is expected to hit theatres in late 2012; check out a bigger version of the image after the jump.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/12/01/first-photo-of-daniel-day-lewis-as-spielbergs-lincoln/feed/ My Week With Marilyn Review http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/25/my-week-with-marilyn-review/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/25/my-week-with-marilyn-review/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:50:18 +0000 Shannon http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=67222 I can hardly recall a movie that is so heavily reliant on one actor’s performance, but My Week With Marilyn is absolutely at the mercy of Michelle Williams’ depiction of Marilyn Monroe. As her performance goes, so goes the movie. Fortunately, she hits it out of the park as the troubled iconic starlet. There’s really not too much to the movie, but Williams is mesmerizing and commands your attention for the duration of the simple tale. In 1956, Monroe starred in The Prince and the Showgirl. The production starred Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), who also directed the film. The two didn’t exactly gel on set. Olivier wouldn’t put up with Marilyn’s frequent histrionics, and in turn, Marilyn resented him. This led to escalated tension on the set and wildly vacillating mood swings from Marilyn, which further complicated the filming. During the tumultuous situation, Marilyn turned to Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), a glorified gofer for the film. His wide-eyed innocence and non-insider status appeared to be attractive qualities to Marilyn, and Colin quickly became friend, confidante and companion to the bombshell, albeit for a brief time. Colin’s memoir "My Week With Marilyn" was adapted for the film. For those pining away for the golden age of film, the movie is a lot of fun. Julia Ormand plays Vivien Leigh (Olivier’s wife) and Branagh is fantastic as the famed actor and director. My Week With Marilyn harkens back to when actors were trotted out by studios as true stars, but the tragic undertone of the movie depicts Marilyn as a mere commodity, treated no better than a prize-winning thoroughbred horse. Her handlers dope her up to get her on set every day, giving little regard to the consequences of constantly drugging their money maker. It’s horribly sad, and this trend seems to have survived to modern times in show business. Every few months we hear of an unfortunate death of someone in the business who was surrounded by “yes men” and enablers. Marilyn was not seen as a living, breathing human being, she was just a means to an end, and that end was profit. It’s little wonder that Colin was such a comfort to Marilyn. He had yet to be corrupted by the Hollywood machine, and as such he was trustworthy. What a novelty for this woman who was immersed in notoriety and greed. Their relationship in the movie is sweet, simple, and heartfelt. It’s the antithesis of what Marilyn’s real life was like, though I would posit that Marilyn manipulates Colin to some degree with her sexuality. It’s really all she knows. Back when it was announced that Williams had been cast in the role, I had serious doubts. She’s a gifted actress,but how could a tiny waif step into the shoes of the curvaceous Monroe? Williams hardly personifies sexy, but damn if she doesn’t pull it off. Her performance is the reason to see the film. Her walk, talk, hair and makeup are impeccable, but her acting skills allow her to capture the vulnerability of Monroe. Rather than merely imitating the icon, Williams becomes her. It’s uncanny, and I won’t doubt the gal again. Williams elevates a ho-hum story into “must see to believe” status. Redmayne (who appeared in the underrated Black Death earlier this year) does a fine job as well, and will likely be catapulted into leading man status as a direct result of this film. Emma Watson, Judi Dench and Dominic Cooper and Dougray Scott round out a strong supporting cast. Temper your expectations for My Week With Marilyn. It’s not so much a romance as a character study, and Williams will simply blow you away. - Shannon

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> I can hardly recall a movie that is so heavily reliant on one actor’s performance, but My Week With Marilyn is absolutely at the mercy of Michelle Williams’ depiction of Marilyn Monroe. As her performance goes, so goes the movie. Fortunately, she hits it out of the park as the troubled iconic starlet. There’s really not too much to the movie, but Williams is mesmerizing and commands your attention for the duration of the simple tale. In 1956, Monroe starred in The Prince and the Showgirl. The production starred Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), who also directed the film. The two didn’t exactly gel on set. Olivier wouldn’t put up with Marilyn’s frequent histrionics, and in turn, Marilyn resented him. This led to escalated tension on the set and wildly vacillating mood swings from Marilyn, which further complicated the filming. During the tumultuous situation, Marilyn turned to Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), a glorified gofer for the film. His wide-eyed innocence and non-insider status appeared to be attractive qualities to Marilyn, and Colin quickly became friend, confidante and companion to the bombshell, albeit for a brief time. Colin’s memoir "My Week With Marilyn" was adapted for the film. For those pining away for the golden age of film, the movie is a lot of fun. Julia Ormand plays Vivien Leigh (Olivier’s wife) and Branagh is fantastic as the famed actor and director. My Week With Marilyn harkens back to when actors were trotted out by studios as true stars, but the tragic undertone of the movie depicts Marilyn as a mere commodity, treated no better than a prize-winning thoroughbred horse. Her handlers dope her up to get her on set every day, giving little regard to the consequences of constantly drugging their money maker. It’s horribly sad, and this trend seems to have survived to modern times in show business. Every few months we hear of an unfortunate death of someone in the business who was surrounded by “yes men” and enablers. Marilyn was not seen as a living, breathing human being, she was just a means to an end, and that end was profit. It’s little wonder that Colin was such a comfort to Marilyn. He had yet to be corrupted by the Hollywood machine, and as such he was trustworthy. What a novelty for this woman who was immersed in notoriety and greed. Their relationship in the movie is sweet, simple, and heartfelt. It’s the antithesis of what Marilyn’s real life was like, though I would posit that Marilyn manipulates Colin to some degree with her sexuality. It’s really all she knows. Back when it was announced that Williams had been cast in the role, I had serious doubts. She’s a gifted actress,but how could a tiny waif step into the shoes of the curvaceous Monroe? Williams hardly personifies sexy, but damn if she doesn’t pull it off. Her performance is the reason to see the film. Her walk, talk, hair and makeup are impeccable, but her acting skills allow her to capture the vulnerability of Monroe. Rather than merely imitating the icon, Williams becomes her. It’s uncanny, and I won’t doubt the gal again. Williams elevates a ho-hum story into “must see to believe” status. Redmayne (who appeared in the underrated Black Death earlier this year) does a fine job as well, and will likely be catapulted into leading man status as a direct result of this film. Emma Watson, Judi Dench and Dominic Cooper and Dougray Scott round out a strong supporting cast. Temper your expectations for My Week With Marilyn. It’s not so much a romance as a character study, and Williams will simply blow you away. - Shannon

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/25/my-week-with-marilyn-review/feed/ Eric Roth to Rewrite Cleopatra Biopic; David Fincher May Direct http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/16/eric-roth-to-rewrite-cleopatra-biopic-david-fincher-may-direct/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/16/eric-roth-to-rewrite-cleopatra-biopic-david-fincher-may-direct/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:42:07 +0000 Aaron http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=66827 A new movie on the life of Cleopatra has been in development for quite some time now, with Angelina Jolie attached to star. David Fincher has shown interest in the project before, but has yet to commit. However, a past collaborator of Fincher's, writer Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), is now said to be rewriting the script. Based on Stacy Schiff‘s biography Cleopatra: A Life, the film will take a new look at Cleopatra, one that portrays her as a politician, strategist, and warrior instead of a simple seductress. Perhaps with a well-known, Oscar-winning screenwriter tackling the script, the film will move closer to a starting point. Producer Scott Rudin appears to think so, stating, "We’re pretty close. A lot of directors want to do it, but there is only a handful we’ll make it with." But can the production snag Fincher away from his busy schedule? With the work done for his latest film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, David Fincher has a few options for his next movie. If Dragon Tattoo performs well, he could easily move on the other two parts of the trilogy next. I'm sure we'll be able to get a better idea of that possibility come next month when the self-described "feel bad" movie of the holidays hits. But another option could be an adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which Fincher has been developing for a while now. But, whether Fincher ultimately directs or not, how much interest do you have in Cleopatra? Is there anyone else you would like to see behind the camera?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> A new movie on the life of Cleopatra has been in development for quite some time now, with Angelina Jolie attached to star. David Fincher has shown interest in the project before, but has yet to commit. However, a past collaborator of Fincher's, writer Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), is now said to be rewriting the script. Based on Stacy Schiff‘s biography Cleopatra: A Life, the film will take a new look at Cleopatra, one that portrays her as a politician, strategist, and warrior instead of a simple seductress. Perhaps with a well-known, Oscar-winning screenwriter tackling the script, the film will move closer to a starting point. Producer Scott Rudin appears to think so, stating, "We’re pretty close. A lot of directors want to do it, but there is only a handful we’ll make it with." But can the production snag Fincher away from his busy schedule? With the work done for his latest film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, David Fincher has a few options for his next movie. If Dragon Tattoo performs well, he could easily move on the other two parts of the trilogy next. I'm sure we'll be able to get a better idea of that possibility come next month when the self-described "feel bad" movie of the holidays hits. But another option could be an adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which Fincher has been developing for a while now. But, whether Fincher ultimately directs or not, how much interest do you have in Cleopatra? Is there anyone else you would like to see behind the camera?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/11/16/eric-roth-to-rewrite-cleopatra-biopic-david-fincher-may-direct/feed/ Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Reunite for Boston Crime Movie http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/24/ben-affleck-and-matt-damon-reunite-for-boston-crime-movie/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/24/ben-affleck-and-matt-damon-reunite-for-boston-crime-movie/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:16:17 +0000 Aaron http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=65651 It's been a big week for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon news with each one attaching themselves to different directing gigs (Damon with his debut film and Affleck adapting Stephen King's The Stand). But it's been some time since they have collaborated on a movie, a prospect that many people have questioned the actors about on numerous occasions. A while back, the two were in talks for the wife-swapping comedy The Trade, but that project fell through due to legal issues. Now, the right opportunity has arrived for the duo as Damon revealed they will team up for a film about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger, leader of South Boston's Winter Hill Gang. The production is based at Warner Bros. with Damon set to star as Bulger, Affleck taking directing duties, and Terence Winter (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) writing the script. There are several other movies about Bulger currently taking shape, so Damon hopes his announcement will give them the upper hand. Right now it's uncertain how much of Bulger's life will be covered in the film. We could see a more straight ahead biopic or a focus on a particular time in the criminal's sordid career. Either way, I don't think you'll hear too many complaints about Affleck directing another Boston-set crime film after he's proven himself to be so well-suited to them - especially with Damon on board this time. After forging their separate careers, it's somewhat refreshing to hear that they'll be collaborating again and the Boston setting brings everything full circle from where they started. It's unclear as to when they'll be fitting this film into their busy schedules, but I'm sure we'll hear more details later. Are you excited that Affleck and Damon are teaming up for a new film?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> It's been a big week for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon news with each one attaching themselves to different directing gigs (Damon with his debut film and Affleck adapting Stephen King's The Stand). But it's been some time since they have collaborated on a movie, a prospect that many people have questioned the actors about on numerous occasions. A while back, the two were in talks for the wife-swapping comedy The Trade, but that project fell through due to legal issues. Now, the right opportunity has arrived for the duo as Damon revealed they will team up for a film about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger, leader of South Boston's Winter Hill Gang. The production is based at Warner Bros. with Damon set to star as Bulger, Affleck taking directing duties, and Terence Winter (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) writing the script. There are several other movies about Bulger currently taking shape, so Damon hopes his announcement will give them the upper hand. Right now it's uncertain how much of Bulger's life will be covered in the film. We could see a more straight ahead biopic or a focus on a particular time in the criminal's sordid career. Either way, I don't think you'll hear too many complaints about Affleck directing another Boston-set crime film after he's proven himself to be so well-suited to them - especially with Damon on board this time. After forging their separate careers, it's somewhat refreshing to hear that they'll be collaborating again and the Boston setting brings everything full circle from where they started. It's unclear as to when they'll be fitting this film into their busy schedules, but I'm sure we'll hear more details later. Are you excited that Affleck and Damon are teaming up for a new film?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/24/ben-affleck-and-matt-damon-reunite-for-boston-crime-movie/feed/ Sony Picks Up Steve Jobs Biopic http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/13/sony-picks-up-steve-jobs-biopic/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/13/sony-picks-up-steve-jobs-biopic/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:29:40 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=64924 Despite persistent rumours about his failing health, the death of Steve Jobs clearly shocked a lot of people last week. The Apple and Pixar co-founder was one of those people who actually lived up to the word "visionary" and truly succeeded in changing the world around us. With all the media coverage surrounding his passing, you had to assume that Hollywood would be looking for a way to capitalize on it immediately. As it turns out, it took Sony just two days to make their move. Deadline reports that they are currently in negotiations to acquire the movie rights to Steve Jobs, an upcoming biography by Time Magazine managing editor Walter Isaacson that will be turned into a biopic for the big screen. The book has not been published yet but is set to hit stores on October 24th. Steve Jobs' life was featured on screen once before in the made-for-TV movie Pirates Of Silicon Valley, which focused more on the rivalry between Microsoft and Apple. Anthony Michael Hall played Bill Gates while Noah Wyle starred as Jobs. The new biopic will likely be a bit more serious in tone, and considering that Sony is the same studio responsible for The Social Network and Moneyball, it could actually end up being something more than just a cash grab. There are already whispers that Aaron Sorkin might write the screenplay, and although there is no solid evidence to support that, he did have a friendship of sorts with Steve Jobs. He recently revealed that Jobs would often call him up to chat, and that Jobs had also wanted him to write a Pixar movie. What do you think, are you a fan of Steve Jobs and are you interested in seeing a Jobs biopic on the big screen? On a related note, Discovery will air the Steve Jobs documentary iGenius: How Steve Jobs Changed The World this Sunday at 8 pm.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> Despite persistent rumours about his failing health, the death of Steve Jobs clearly shocked a lot of people last week. The Apple and Pixar co-founder was one of those people who actually lived up to the word "visionary" and truly succeeded in changing the world around us. With all the media coverage surrounding his passing, you had to assume that Hollywood would be looking for a way to capitalize on it immediately. As it turns out, it took Sony just two days to make their move. Deadline reports that they are currently in negotiations to acquire the movie rights to Steve Jobs, an upcoming biography by Time Magazine managing editor Walter Isaacson that will be turned into a biopic for the big screen. The book has not been published yet but is set to hit stores on October 24th. Steve Jobs' life was featured on screen once before in the made-for-TV movie Pirates Of Silicon Valley, which focused more on the rivalry between Microsoft and Apple. Anthony Michael Hall played Bill Gates while Noah Wyle starred as Jobs. The new biopic will likely be a bit more serious in tone, and considering that Sony is the same studio responsible for The Social Network and Moneyball, it could actually end up being something more than just a cash grab. There are already whispers that Aaron Sorkin might write the screenplay, and although there is no solid evidence to support that, he did have a friendship of sorts with Steve Jobs. He recently revealed that Jobs would often call him up to chat, and that Jobs had also wanted him to write a Pixar movie. What do you think, are you a fan of Steve Jobs and are you interested in seeing a Jobs biopic on the big screen? On a related note, Discovery will air the Steve Jobs documentary iGenius: How Steve Jobs Changed The World this Sunday at 8 pm.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/13/sony-picks-up-steve-jobs-biopic/feed/ Johnny Depp to Star in Dr. Seuss Biopic http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/12/johnny-depp-to-star-in-dr-seuss-biopic/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/12/johnny-depp-to-star-in-dr-seuss-biopic/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:58:54 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=64916 With Johnny Depp focusing his career more and more on Disney movies and family-oriented fare nowadays, it seems that anyone hoping for a movie aimed at grown-ups from him will have to settle for a biopic about a well-known author of popular children's books. It's true, Johnny Depp has signed on to star in a movie based on the life story of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known under his pen name Dr. Seuss, the man who brought us such classics as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The project is being set up at Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me), with Depp himself listed among the producers. Universal Pictures will distribute the as-of-yet untitled film. I have to admit, I don't know much about the life of Dr. Seuss, but having grown up on this weird and wonderful stories I would at least be curious to see a biopic. Illumination Entertainment is currently in post-production on a CG-animated adaptation of The Lorax, and according to Heat Vision, "they are not ruling out animated bells and whistles." That could be an interesting idea to turn this into something more than another Finding Neverland. Keith Bunin (In Treatment) has been hired to write the script, but no director has signed on thus far. Hey, even if this movie doesn't turn out great, maybe it will finally get someone to greenlight the supposedly great Jim Henson biopic The Muppet Man, based on the spec script written by Christopher Weekes. What do you think, are you interested in a Dr. Seuss biopic or are you sick of seeing Johnny Depp take on these kinds of roles?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> With Johnny Depp focusing his career more and more on Disney movies and family-oriented fare nowadays, it seems that anyone hoping for a movie aimed at grown-ups from him will have to settle for a biopic about a well-known author of popular children's books. It's true, Johnny Depp has signed on to star in a movie based on the life story of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known under his pen name Dr. Seuss, the man who brought us such classics as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The project is being set up at Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me), with Depp himself listed among the producers. Universal Pictures will distribute the as-of-yet untitled film. I have to admit, I don't know much about the life of Dr. Seuss, but having grown up on this weird and wonderful stories I would at least be curious to see a biopic. Illumination Entertainment is currently in post-production on a CG-animated adaptation of The Lorax, and according to Heat Vision, "they are not ruling out animated bells and whistles." That could be an interesting idea to turn this into something more than another Finding Neverland. Keith Bunin (In Treatment) has been hired to write the script, but no director has signed on thus far. Hey, even if this movie doesn't turn out great, maybe it will finally get someone to greenlight the supposedly great Jim Henson biopic The Muppet Man, based on the spec script written by Christopher Weekes. What do you think, are you interested in a Dr. Seuss biopic or are you sick of seeing Johnny Depp take on these kinds of roles?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/12/johnny-depp-to-star-in-dr-seuss-biopic/feed/ My Week with Marilyn Trailer Starring Michelle Williams http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/06/my-week-with-marilyn-trailer-starring-michelle-williams/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/06/my-week-with-marilyn-trailer-starring-michelle-williams/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:09 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=64686 After taking home the big award last year with The King's Speech, it looks like Harvey Weinstein is pinning his Oscar hopes this year on Michelle Williams. Probably not a bad bet, considering that she has been nominated twice (including last year for Blue Valentine) but still has yet to win. In My Week with Marilyn, Williams takes on the role of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe -- a big opportunity to be sure (the Academy typically has a thing for historical figures), but also one that could easily become nothing more than an cliche. Fortunately, this doesn't appear to be your typical biopic. It's not a movie about Marilyn's life story, but instead it is based on the memoir of Colin Clark, a British filmmaker who worked as an assistant on the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl. He was assigned to escort her around the country for one week, during which time a romance developed. However, he found himself wondering if it was real or just another performance by Marilyn. The cast also includes Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cooper, Toby Jones, Judi Dench and Emma Watson. My Week with Marilyn hits select theatres on November 4th; check out the trailer after the jump and see what you think.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> After taking home the big award last year with The King's Speech, it looks like Harvey Weinstein is pinning his Oscar hopes this year on Michelle Williams. Probably not a bad bet, considering that she has been nominated twice (including last year for Blue Valentine) but still has yet to win. In My Week with Marilyn, Williams takes on the role of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe -- a big opportunity to be sure (the Academy typically has a thing for historical figures), but also one that could easily become nothing more than an cliche. Fortunately, this doesn't appear to be your typical biopic. It's not a movie about Marilyn's life story, but instead it is based on the memoir of Colin Clark, a British filmmaker who worked as an assistant on the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl. He was assigned to escort her around the country for one week, during which time a romance developed. However, he found himself wondering if it was real or just another performance by Marilyn. The cast also includes Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cooper, Toby Jones, Judi Dench and Emma Watson. My Week with Marilyn hits select theatres on November 4th; check out the trailer after the jump and see what you think.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/10/06/my-week-with-marilyn-trailer-starring-michelle-williams/feed/ Steve Carell to Play a Schizophrenic Millionaire in Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/30/steve-carell-to-play-schizophrenic-millionaire-in-bennett-millers-foxcatcher/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/30/steve-carell-to-play-schizophrenic-millionaire-in-bennett-millers-foxcatcher/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:23:02 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=64457 Although Steve Carell did not win an Emmy for his final season on The Office, he certainly proved that he can handle a fair bit of dramatic material in addition to comedy. It's true that he has previously given somewhat dramatic performances in movies like Little Miss Sunshine, Dan in Real Life, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, but this showed a bit more range, and now he looks to be seeking out even bigger challenges on the big screen. According to Variety, Carell has landed the lead role in an upcoming film called Foxcatcher, based on the true story of millionaire John du Pont, a paranoid schizophrenic who was convicted of murdering an Olympic wrestler. The movie will be helmed by Moneyball director Bennett Miller. John du Pont was a multimillionaire, a member of the wealthy du Pont family who was a philanthropist and a huge sports enthusiast. He built a training facility on his estate where he trained amateur wrestlers under the name Team Foxcatcher, and on January 26, 1996, he shot and killed gold medalist Dave Schultz... for no apparent reason. He hid from police and barricaded himself in his mansion for two days until eventually he emerged and was arrested; he would go on to spend the rest of his life in prison. Clearly du Pont was a troubled individual, and had been undergoing a mental breakdown comparable to someone like Howard Hughes. While the story is somewhat bizarre, it certainly doesn't seem particularly comedic and I can't imagine Bennett Miller framing it that way either. The script was written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman (the latter of which also wrote Capote for Miller), and they are aiming to start production next March. What do you think? Does this sound like a movie worth making and is Steve Carell a good choice to play John du Pont?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> Although Steve Carell did not win an Emmy for his final season on The Office, he certainly proved that he can handle a fair bit of dramatic material in addition to comedy. It's true that he has previously given somewhat dramatic performances in movies like Little Miss Sunshine, Dan in Real Life, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, but this showed a bit more range, and now he looks to be seeking out even bigger challenges on the big screen. According to Variety, Carell has landed the lead role in an upcoming film called Foxcatcher, based on the true story of millionaire John du Pont, a paranoid schizophrenic who was convicted of murdering an Olympic wrestler. The movie will be helmed by Moneyball director Bennett Miller. John du Pont was a multimillionaire, a member of the wealthy du Pont family who was a philanthropist and a huge sports enthusiast. He built a training facility on his estate where he trained amateur wrestlers under the name Team Foxcatcher, and on January 26, 1996, he shot and killed gold medalist Dave Schultz... for no apparent reason. He hid from police and barricaded himself in his mansion for two days until eventually he emerged and was arrested; he would go on to spend the rest of his life in prison. Clearly du Pont was a troubled individual, and had been undergoing a mental breakdown comparable to someone like Howard Hughes. While the story is somewhat bizarre, it certainly doesn't seem particularly comedic and I can't imagine Bennett Miller framing it that way either. The script was written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman (the latter of which also wrote Capote for Miller), and they are aiming to start production next March. What do you think? Does this sound like a movie worth making and is Steve Carell a good choice to play John du Pont?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/30/steve-carell-to-play-schizophrenic-millionaire-in-bennett-millers-foxcatcher/feed/ Moneyball Review http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/23/moneyball-review/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/23/moneyball-review/#comments Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:51:07 +0000 Colin http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=64111 Take my review of Moneyball with a grain of salt. Its two-and-a-quarter-hour running time probably rivals the aggregate amount of professional baseball I've watched over the past three years – which is to say, not much. I'm not the target audience for any sports flick, but a great cast delivering an Aaron Sorkin script put me in the seats. On that level, Moneyball delivers. Sorkin has a knack for finding the humanity in black and white statistics. It's in part what made his telling of Facebook's success story (last year's brilliant, brainy The Social Network) so remarkable. A fitting – if inferior – follow-up, Moneyball is as much about business as it is about baseball. In fact, the thesis of author Michael Lewis, upon whose book Sorkin and co-writer Steven Zaillian sculpted the screenplay, is that victory on the field can be reduced to mere mathematics. Enter Brad Pitt as Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane. After being creamed in the playoffs, many of his star players pick up contracts with teams that have deeper pockets. The truth, as Beane puts it, is that baseball is a fundamentally unfair game. Affluent teams can afford the best players, and subsequently win the most games and the most championships. But rather than accept the status quo, Beane hires Yale grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), and cooks up a way to build a team around underrated but undesirable players, like a pitcher with unorthodox form and a ex-star pushing 40. "We're card counters now," Beane explains to his mystified staff. Moneyball plays almost like a heist – and cheating any flawed system is exhilarating to watch. The problems stem from elsewhere; the movie drags in its second half, lacking the concise narrative momentum of fiction. It's a problem from which many biopics suffer, and though Sorkin fares better than most, he doesn't have a David Fincher behind the lens this time around. Granted, director Bennett Miller is no slouch, having earned an Oscar nomination for his Hollywood debut, Capote, in 2005. With Moneyball, Miller faithfully photographs Sorkin and Zaillian's script, but never elevates it. Pitt and Hill are empathetic underdogs, and their performances convey admirable depth. Still, even in their best moments, it's hard not to wish that there wasn't more going on onscreen. Moneyball also gets bogged down by superfluous subplots like flashbacks to Beane's fizzled pro baseball career and his relationship with his twelve-year-old daughter. The sequences give insight into the inner workings of the character's mind, but seldom feel relevant to the main thrust of the plot. Especially when they beget a string of false endings that has the audience on the edge of their seats in the worst sense of the term. Those scenes don't sink Moneyball, but they somewhat stifle its potential for greatness. The fascinating premise, that computers can pick winners better than we can, is partially buried under content far less novel. I've seen enough strained father/daughter relationships, thanks. The film would likewise run thinner and healthier without Beane's trips down memory lane. But it still works. Probably the best indication of the film's merit is that it appeals to viewers with no vested interest in the sport. At its finest, Moneyball is about the deconstruction of baseball romanticism, with a straightforward exchange of ideas that feels almost like a documentary at times. Surprisingly enough, it's the conventional storytelling devices that feel sluggish, unexciting, and repetitive. Not the baseball. – Colin

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> Take my review of Moneyball with a grain of salt. Its two-and-a-quarter-hour running time probably rivals the aggregate amount of professional baseball I've watched over the past three years – which is to say, not much. I'm not the target audience for any sports flick, but a great cast delivering an Aaron Sorkin script put me in the seats. On that level, Moneyball delivers. Sorkin has a knack for finding the humanity in black and white statistics. It's in part what made his telling of Facebook's success story (last year's brilliant, brainy The Social Network) so remarkable. A fitting – if inferior – follow-up, Moneyball is as much about business as it is about baseball. In fact, the thesis of author Michael Lewis, upon whose book Sorkin and co-writer Steven Zaillian sculpted the screenplay, is that victory on the field can be reduced to mere mathematics. Enter Brad Pitt as Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane. After being creamed in the playoffs, many of his star players pick up contracts with teams that have deeper pockets. The truth, as Beane puts it, is that baseball is a fundamentally unfair game. Affluent teams can afford the best players, and subsequently win the most games and the most championships. But rather than accept the status quo, Beane hires Yale grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), and cooks up a way to build a team around underrated but undesirable players, like a pitcher with unorthodox form and a ex-star pushing 40. "We're card counters now," Beane explains to his mystified staff. Moneyball plays almost like a heist – and cheating any flawed system is exhilarating to watch. The problems stem from elsewhere; the movie drags in its second half, lacking the concise narrative momentum of fiction. It's a problem from which many biopics suffer, and though Sorkin fares better than most, he doesn't have a David Fincher behind the lens this time around. Granted, director Bennett Miller is no slouch, having earned an Oscar nomination for his Hollywood debut, Capote, in 2005. With Moneyball, Miller faithfully photographs Sorkin and Zaillian's script, but never elevates it. Pitt and Hill are empathetic underdogs, and their performances convey admirable depth. Still, even in their best moments, it's hard not to wish that there wasn't more going on onscreen. Moneyball also gets bogged down by superfluous subplots like flashbacks to Beane's fizzled pro baseball career and his relationship with his twelve-year-old daughter. The sequences give insight into the inner workings of the character's mind, but seldom feel relevant to the main thrust of the plot. Especially when they beget a string of false endings that has the audience on the edge of their seats in the worst sense of the term. Those scenes don't sink Moneyball, but they somewhat stifle its potential for greatness. The fascinating premise, that computers can pick winners better than we can, is partially buried under content far less novel. I've seen enough strained father/daughter relationships, thanks. The film would likewise run thinner and healthier without Beane's trips down memory lane. But it still works. Probably the best indication of the film's merit is that it appeals to viewers with no vested interest in the sport. At its finest, Moneyball is about the deconstruction of baseball romanticism, with a straightforward exchange of ideas that feels almost like a documentary at times. Surprisingly enough, it's the conventional storytelling devices that feel sluggish, unexciting, and repetitive. Not the baseball. – Colin

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2011/09/23/moneyball-review/feed/