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Paul Giamatti: 'I'm clearly not Brad Pitt'

12 November 2009 1:27 AM, PST | The Guardian - Film News | See recent The Guardian - Film News news »

Paul Giamatti tends to play moody defeatists and rageful misanthropes. Which is just the way he likes it

'I'm clearly not Brad Pitt, and I'm never going to be Brad Pitt," says Paul Giamatti, closely inspecting his coffee cup in a Polish restaurant in a leafy neighbourhood of Brooklyn. "But I don't think I'd want to be Brad Pitt, you know? So that's Ok."

This is partly just a reference to Giamatti's "character-actor" looks, but also to something deeper: a sense of composure, of being comfortable in one's own skin, that the archetypal Hollywood star exudes but both Giamatti and his characters tend to lack. "You know that thing where you can just fuckin' stand there and people can't take their eyes off the person? I don't have that weight of charisma," he explains. "That's not me. If I just stand there, it's going to be boring. You're going to »

- Oliver Burkeman

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Interview: Dean Haspiel on Act-i-vate, ‘Bored to Death’, and Jack Kirby

26 October 2009 9:00 AM, PDT | The Flickcast | See recent The Flickcast news »

Before getting a chance to sit down and talk with Dean Haspiel (American Splendor, The Quitter, Billy Dogma) at the Alternative Press Expo, I met him at the Isotope Comics Lounge on the eve of Ape weekend for a pre-ape Isotope in-store bash. Currently, Haspiel is but one artist that is part of a larger collective of storytellers at Act-i-vate.

Recently, October saw the recent release of The Act-i-vate Primer by Idw Publishing, featuring new and original stories. While at the Isotope, I discovered Haspiel is as gracious and as nice as I could have imagined just sitting and talking with him as he signed and sketched a head shot of Harvey Pekar in my copy of The Quitter.

That night talking generally about the unique positivity that courses through the comic industry, Haspiel signs my Pekar sketch advising me to “never quit.” It’s good advice.

Needless to say, »

- Joey Pangilinan

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James Gunn Reveals Exclusive Super Details

22 September 2009 6:30 AM, PDT | Atomic Popcorn | See recent Atomic Popcorn news »

Ahhh, the benefits of a Jesuit education. Saint Louis University graduate James Gunn, writer of Scooby Doo, Slither, Dawn of the Dead and the upcoming Super (which we talked about here) has been making the rounds preparing for production on his self-proclaimed dark comedic take on a superhero. The film stars Rainn Wilson of The Office, Ellen Page, and Liv Tyler. On his personal blog, James wrote:

“Rainn and I have been working together on the project for a few months now – Rainn will be playing the lead role of Frank D’Arbo who dresses up as a superhero called the Crimson Bolt; he’s got no superpowers other than a pipe wrench.  Rainn and I both worked hard to get the best possible folks involved.  We were lucky to get Ted Hope to produce – he’s done such movies as Happiness, The Ice Storm, The Savages, American Splendor, and 21 Grams. »

- John Cooper

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Duplicity Blu-ray Review

11 September 2009 9:10 AM, PDT | TheHDRoom | See recent TheHDRoom news »

Duplicity (2009) is one of the more aptly titled thriller/comedies I have seen in recent memory. Since incorporating a twist or two has become the en vogue method of flaunting cinematic ingenuity, this take on corporate espionage within the cosmetics industry (I can imagine how difficult it must be to sell a movie just on that premise) could be considered to have earned an honors degree in narrative trickery. Within the first fifteen minutes, you realize that this cinema is not just being playful with context but is actually daring you to accept the validity of any particular scene (making it not easily digestible escapist fare). Befitting the theme of coy deception, our leads, Ray Koval (Clive Owens) and Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts), are employed by British Mi:6 and the C.I.A. respectfully when they first become acquainted at a party in Dubai. Ray lays down his best pickup »

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Rainn, Ellen and Liv are Super

11 September 2009 6:39 AM, PDT | Atomic Popcorn | See recent Atomic Popcorn news »

Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page and Liv Tyler have been cast in Super, the new project from writer/director James Gunn (Slither, PG Porn).

After Variety ran a piece on the news earlier, Gunn responded with more details on his personal blog, stating that he’s “never loved a screenplay more than Super and have been working on it for years.”

Rainn and I have been working together on the project for a few months now – Rainn will be playing the lead role of Frank D’Arbo who dresses up as a superhero called the Crimson Bolt; he’s got no superpowers other than a pipe wrench.  Rainn and I both worked hard to get the best possible folks involved.  We were lucky to get Ted Hope to produce – he’s done such movies as Happiness, The Ice Storm, The Savages, American Splendor, and 21 Grams. This is not a wacky, over-the-top comedy. »

- John Cooper

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Exclusive: Harvey Pekar Talks Webcomics, Art And His New Series, 'The Pekar Project'

8 September 2009 11:41 AM, PDT | MTV Splash Page | See recent MTV Splash Page news »

"American Splendor" writer Harvey Pekar, whose life and long-running autobiographical comic inspired a 2003 film starring Paul Giamatti, has never been known for his tech savvy. Famously avoiding computers and the online world whenever possible, Pekar surprised many fans with his latest project: an ongoing webcomic series.

Titled "The Pekar Project," the ongoing series hosted by Smith Magazine kicked off its run this week with four new comics written by Pekar and illustrated by a quartet of artists. New comics will appear every two weeks, with various interviews, lists and other types of content produced by Pekar appearing in alternate weeks. (Check out Pekar's list of recommended jazz albums that appeared last week for a taste of things to come).

I spoke with the veteran writer about this new project, his relationship with technology, and what to expect from both the series and the team of artists involved with the project. »

- Rick Marshall

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'American Splendor' Creator Harvey Pekar Begins New Webcomic Series, 'The Pekar Project'

25 August 2009 10:36 AM, PDT | MTV Splash Page | See recent MTV Splash Page news »

Perhaps not as well-known as Superman—and certainly not as chiseled as the Man of Steel, either—"American Splendor" creator Harvey Pekar is nonetheless a comic book legend. The autobiographical "Splendor," which details Pekar's musings on life's everyday occurrences, has already crossed over into theaters in the form of a 2003 Paul Giamatti-starring film. Now, Pekar is trying out a whole new medium: the Internet.

Harvey Pekar and Smith Magazine are teaming up for "The Pekar Project," an all-new ongoing webcomic series written by Pekar and illustrated by artists Tara Seibel, Joseph Remnant, Rick Parker and Sean Pryor. The series will be edited by Jeff Newelt.

"Pekar [in Smith Magazine] is a natural," said Newelt. "Because this is a free webcomic, and can be read while not-working at the office, on your iPhone, etc, we're hoping to literally turn a new generation, those who are into shows like ['Seinfeld' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'], on to Pekar's work in general. »

- Josh Wigler

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Three Stooges Cast: Paul Giamatti is Larry; No Carrey for Curly

10 August 2009 9:23 AM, PDT | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

The Boston Globe recently caught up with the Farrelly Brothers (in town to see Paul McCartney perform in Fenway Park) and took the opportunity to get the lowdown on how their recently-announced feature-film of The Three Stooges is coming along.

The production hit a road bump earlier this year when Sean Penn, who was set to star as zany middleman, Larry, dropped out of the film due to personal reasons.

Since losing Penn, there’s been wide speculation and name-tossing about who should replace him as Larry, as well as continued inquiry into the early rumors that Jim Carrey would playing the most loony Stooge of them all, Curly.

Well, the Farrellys managed to provide answers on both fronts:

 

Actor Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, John Adams) has signed-on to replace Penn as Larry in The Three Stooges, joining the already-cast Benicio Del Toro, who will be playing the Stooges’ no-nonsense leader, »

- Kofi Outlaw

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Paul Giamatti Replaces Sean Penn in The Three Stooges, Jim Carrey Not Starring

10 August 2009 8:25 AM, PDT | Reelzchannel.com | See recent ReelzChannel news »

In an interview with The Boston Globe, director Peter Farrelly announced a new casting decision for The Three Stooges, which he is directing with brother Bobby Farrelly. Paul Giamatti (Sideways, American Splendor) will play Larry, replacing Sean Penn who withdrew from the movie two months ago. Giamatti will star opposite Benicio del Toro as Moe.

Jim Carrey was rumored to star as Curly, but the Farrelly Brothers confirm that this is not true, and they have not yet cast anyone in the role.

Next Showing:

Link | Posted 8/10/2009 by Rich Z

Paul Giamatti | Sean Penn | The Three Stooges »

- Rich Z Zwelling

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Sophie Barthes letter to audiences about 'Cold Souls'

7 August 2009 6:57 PM, PDT | Pretty/Scary | See recent pretty-scary news »

As director/writer Sophie Barthes's sci-fi fantasy/comedy Cold Souls hit United States theaters today (It will hit the U.K. Nov 2009,) she has a message for audiences who might be going to see her film.

Three years ago, I had a strange dream. I had just read C.G. Jung’s 'Modern Man in Search of a Soul' and watched one of my favorite Woody Allen films, 'Sleeper'. A strange synaptic connection must have happened in my brain....

In my dream, I am holding a box and waiting in line to see a doctor in a white futuristic office. A secretary explains that our souls have been extracted. A doctor will examine them and assess our problems. Woody Allen is also in line, just in front of me! When his turn comes, he discovers that his soul is a pale yellow seed: a chickpea. He is furious. »

- Superheidi

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'Cold Souls': Import Only, By Kurt Loder

7 August 2009 7:43 AM, PDT | MTV Movie News | See recent MTV Movie News news »

Paul Giamatti at the lost-and-found.

Paul Giamatti in "Cold Souls"

Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films

In the wonderfully odd "Cold Souls," Paul Giamatti plays Paul Giamatti, a noted actor who's floundering in rehearsals for an upcoming production of "Uncle Vanya," the Chekhov play. Paul feels weighed down, heavy, obscurely unhappy — rather like the play's title character. It's really getting to him. One night, paging through The New Yorker, he comes upon a story about a new fashion, and the company that caters to it: Soul Storage. He finds their ad in the phone book, and it speaks to him: "Is your soul weighing you down?" He notes the address.

The company's offices are sleek, bland, appropriately soulless. The director, a slick Dr. Flintstein (David Strathairn), comes right to the point: After Paul's soul is "disembodied," he can store it in a cryogenic locker there on the premises or, if he prefers »

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Interview: Sophie Barthes (Cold Souls)

3 August 2009 | ioncinema | See recent ioncinema news »

- Since this interview back in January, moments after the world premiere of Cold Souls at Sundance, it's been living out of suitcases for Sophie Barthes. Her impressive directorial debut has been spotted on the festival circuit with trips to cities on both coasts and visits in Europe and Asia before finally making its way into theaters, this coming Friday, via Samuel Goldwyn. Eric Lavallee: I read your film as both a commentary, and a critique about society and our culture's obsessiveness for altering our existence . Do you believe like Jung, that people do have souls?.... Sophie Barthes: Yes I believe people have souls, but they don't take care of them. They let them shrink like an unused muscle. For me this is the metaphor with this film and though I'm not religious, you feel that some people are “soulful.” Maybe its a poetic, utopian way of thinking about it. »

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Boyle Working On 'The Special Relationship'

20 July 2009 7:29 AM, PDT | IFTN | See recent IFTN news »

Irish costume designer Consolata Boyle (The Queen), is currently working on her latest film set 'The Special Relationship'. The film which begins principal photography in London today is the third part of writer Peter Morgan's Blair trilogy. Directed by Richard Loncraine (Richard III, Ban of Brothers) and funded by HBO Films and BBC Films, 'The Special Relationship' features a cast that includes Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) and Helen McCrory (The Queen, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), who are to play Tony and Cherie Blair. Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Big Easy) and Hope Davis (Synecdoche New York, American Splendor) will play Bill and Hillary Clinton. »

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‘Johnny Depp Playing The Riddler’ Voted Favorite ‘Batman 3’ Rumor

13 July 2009 3:13 PM, PDT | MTV Splash Page | See recent MTV Splash Page news »

In last week’s poll, I asked readers to vote on the “Batman 3″ rumors they wished were true. From Cher playing Catwoman and Christopher Nolan exiting the franchise to Philip Seymour Hoffman playing The Penguin and Christian Bale taking his growl elsewhere, there’s been no shortage of rumors surrounding the next installment of the Batman film franchise. And no rumor has been without its share of fans, either.

When all the votes were tallied, however, the margin of votes between the most popular rumor and the next wish-it-was-true option was one of the largest in any of our polls thus far. And while the winner isn’t much of a surprise, the support for some of the other might raise a few eyebrows (and cause some heart palpitations) among the Batman faithful.

After all the votes were tallied, two rumors that originated with “Batman Begins” actor Michael Caine proved »

- Rick Marshall

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Hope Davis Talks About Portraying Hillary Clinton

12 July 2009 8:27 AM, PDT | Reelzchannel.com | See recent ReelzChannel news »

Up until a few weeks ago, Julianne Moore was to star as the Hillary to Dennis Quaid's Bill in HBO Films' upcoming The Special Relationship. Moore then announced that she would withdraw from the project due to scheduling conflicts. EW now reports that HBO has signed Hope Davis (Proof, American Splendor) to take her place.

The project's focus is the relationship between Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, but part of the movie will dramatize Hillary Clinton's relationship with Bill during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Davis talked to EW about her identification with the situation:

Almost every woman in the world has been in that position -- it was a long time ago in my life -- where the person that you trusted looks at you and says, "I have an admission to make." It's a moment we've all lived through. Davis also reflected on »

- Rich Z Zwelling

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Bill Clinton to Not Have Sexual Relations with Julianne Moore

9 July 2009 7:09 AM, PDT | FilmSchoolRejects.com | See recent FilmSchoolRejects news »

Not that we were worried about it, but now we know for sure: Bill Clinton won’t be getting any tail from Julianne Moore. And, because Hope Davis is now slated to play Mrs. Clinton in HBO Films/BBC Films flick The Special Relationship, we’re pretty sure that he won’t be diddling her either. Moore backed out because of a scheduling conflict, as she is set to be shooting The Kids are All Right. Now, brainy dreamboat Hope Davis (American Splendor) and Dennis “He’s No Randy” Quaid will be the new old First Couple. Production begins in the UK in late July. The Special Relationship is an in-depth look at the relationship (which we’re assuming is special) between President Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (played by Michael Sheen) in Clinton’s second term. The Special Relationship. So that’s what the kids are calling it these days. What »

- Bethany Perryman

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Hope Davis Joins The Special Relationship

8 July 2009 10:03 PM, PDT | TheMovingPicture.net | See recent TheMovingPicture news »

Julianne Moore has dropped out of the HBO Films/BBC Films movie The Special Relationship because of a scheduling conflict with the comedy The Kids Are Alright. The actress, who was slated to play Hilary Clinton, has been replaced by Hope Davis (American Splendor, Synecdoche, New York). Moore’s departure comes only a couple of weeks after screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon) dropped out of directing the film. Morgan, who penned the screenplay and will still be involved as a producer, was replaced by Richard Loncraine (Firewall, Wimbledon). The film would have marked Morgan’s directorial debut. Special Relationship chronicles the unique and sometimes turbulent political relationship between newly installed British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s. Dennis Quaid is on board to play President Clinton and Michael Sheen as Prime Minister Blair and Helen McCrory as Cherie Blair. Sheen and McCrory »

- James Cook

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Judah Friedlander Keeps Truckin'

1 July 2009 9:02 AM, PDT | ifc.com | See recent IFC news »

Comedian-turned-actor Judah Friedlander ("Zoolander," "American Splendor") wears a lot of hats, and that's not to say he's bogged down with multiple titles. No, if you're familiar with his stand-up, VH1 appearances -- or most likely, his role as sketch comedy writer Frank Rossitano on NBC's "30 Rock"-- you've seen his endless array of trucker hats with pithy messages on them ("World Champion" being his most recognizable proclamation). Add an oversized pair of thick-rimmed glasses and five o' clock shadow, and you've got the Friedlander look, which has its own methodology, as the Spirit Award nominee (for "Duane Hopwood") would soon school me.

Adding to Friedlander's eclectic résumé is the new indie rom-com "I Hate Valentine's Day," an encore reunion for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" leads Nia Vardalos and John Corbett. Vardalos makes her directorial debut and stars as a Brooklyn florist with a strict five-date philosophy on romance, and »

- Aaron Hillis

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‘Bride of Frankenstein’ Remake Reawakened

18 June 2009 4:04 PM, PDT | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

A remake of the classic 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein has been talked about for a long while now and it looks like new life has been breathed into the project by Universal and Imagine Entertainment. Neil Burger, writer and director of The Illusionist, is reportedly in talks to direct the Bride of Frankenstein remake. If it goes through, he’ll also pen the script with writing partner Dirk Wittenborn, with Brian Grazer (Frost/Nixon, A Beautiful Mind) and Sean Daniel (The Mummy) set to produce.

 

The original Bride of Frankenstein was a straight sequel to 1931’s Frankenstein in which a mate is created for the monster by Dr. Frankenstein, only to unexpectedly find that she rejects him. As stated, a remake of the movie has been talked about for a long time now: American Splendor writers Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini were once attached to pen the screenplay for »

- Ross Miller

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Universal’s Bride of Frankenstein Remake May Actually Happen

17 June 2009 3:00 PM, PDT | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »

Seems like Universal has been angling for a remake of The Bride of Frankenstein for years. Now, according to the Risky Biz blog, it is rising again, this time with director Neil Burger (The Illusionist) slated to make the film a reality. Burger would write the film as well, with Illusionist co-writer Dirk Wittenborn. But when the only previous remake of the James Whale original is The Bride, with Sting and Jennifer Beals, what makes Universal think this one will fare better than previous attempts? The studio is actively mining the old monster properties. The Wolf Man will finally see release this year after significant delay, while a Creature From the Black Lagoon re-do is in development. American Splendor writer/directors Shari Springer Bergman and Robert Pulcini once wrote a draft of Bride that skewed the film as a modern story, with the title character being brought back to life »

- Russ Fischer

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