The presence of older actors at Cannes Film Festival 2023 is evidence that familiarity counts for more than age when it comes to film star popularity and and box office sales, according to a National Research Group survey. It found the average age of the top 20 actors who viewers would pay to see in theatres was 58, with only one actor being under 40. The oldest stars often have a bigger appeal for audiences compared to younger actors, regardless of declining physical appearance and age. Potential star talent for Cannes in 2023 include Tye Sheridan, Talia Ryder, Lily Gladstone, Charles Melton and Lily-Rose Depp.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour could have a bigger impact on fashion trends this summer than even the catwalk, according to a report in The Telegraph. After the first show of the tour, Google data showed that searches for “metallic cowboy boots” had skyrocketed by 488%, while “silver bodysuit” was up 426%, a huge increase on the previous day. These figures reflect the impact of Beyoncé’s choice of fashion in popular culture. The star is wearing at least nine specially-designed outfits, with contributions from a large number of high-profile designers. The tour will run throughout Europe until 31 July.
The Truman Show, a 1998 film about a man who gradually discovers he is being filmed for a non-stop, 24 hour-a-day "documentary soap opera" remains a relevant work of commentary on society twenty-five years after it was released. Peter Weir, who directed the picture, recently explained that the setting was inspired by the Australian soapie Home and Away when he was reminiscing with Andrew Niccol, the film's writer. Although the Australian director said reality TV was not yet a thing when the Truman Show reached cinemas, Weir now says that "people want to see real people and like seeing themselves reflected on screen." Reality television has become an enormous industry since the release of The Truman Show, with ordinary people now placed at the center of countless reality formats. Weir, who briefly came out of retirement on Sydney’s northern beaches late last year, worked with Nicoll to “let some light in” and change Truman’s character. The Truman Show remains such an inventive and visionary film that it’s a surprise to learn from Weir that the setting was inspired by the Australian soapie Home and Away.
Amy Lehpamer, actress and singer, who will be playing Anne Hathaway in the jukebox musical & Juliet reflects on what advice Shakespeare’s wife would give to a novice nun like the Sound of Music’s Fraulein Maria. She also talks about the show's premise, which gives Juliet a chance to write her own story. Lehpamer describes the music as “part of your break-ups, that first love, that school camp" and says the show is an all-encompassing experience. Regent Theatre Melbourne will host & Juliet until 29 July.
Prince Harry will reportedly attend the coronation of his father, King Charles III, in Westminster Abbey on May 6 without his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex's decision to remain in Montecito, California, is potentially due to the couple's unpopularity in the United Kingdom and the US. Both have faced criticism since the release of their memoir "Spare" and debut Netflix documentary, while the Duke and Duchess's attacks against the British monarchy have reportedly resulted in their isolation from the larger royal family and led calls for the pair to be stripped of their royal titles.
The couple’s popularity reached an all-time low after their revelations in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and accusations of racism in the royal household, resulting in growing acrimony with Prince William and the Princess of Wales. Their engagement in vocal political activism has similarly alienated many Americans. Although Harry will attend his father’s coronation, there are no signs of any reconciliation with his brother.
Despite their royal titles, it appears unlikely that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have any role in the future of the royal family. Reports suggest that the couple’s sole focus is attaining personal wealth through media deals and production ventures.
Lanzarote, the Canary Island once known for its tacky tourism, has undergone a complete transformation over the last 20 years. With strict building regulations to minimise the impact of development on the island's ecosystem, Lanzarote has become a destination for luxury travel, stellar food and wine, spectacular scenery and stargazing, tranquil coves, paradise beaches, and active adventures. The island's resorts have a boutique feel, while hotels take on a village-like ambience. Among the island's best places to stay are:
● Hotel Fariones (Puerto del Carmen)
● Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa (Puerto Calero)
● Gran Castillo Tagoro (Playa Blanca)
The best luxury hotel is Hotel Fariones, the very first hotel to be built on the island back in 1966, with a complete renovation in 2020. Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa is the best spa hotel and offers guests indulgent treatments including the Volcanic Ritual body experience. For families, Gran Castillo Tagoro caters to children with a mini waterpark, four swimming pools, a snack bar, sports facilities, and a 5D cinema.
Austrian actor Helmut Berger has died at the age of 78 at his home in Salzburg. Known for his intense performances and ability to charm audiences with subtle gestures, Berger was an icon in European cinema and a frequent collaborator with Italian master director Luchino Visconti. Berger appeared in three of Visconti's films, including his breakout performance in the operatic drama The Damned in which he played the psychotic grandson of a German industrial family. Berger appeared in 70 films and television shows throughout his career; in later years, he struggled with addiction and alcoholism. Berger, who was bisexual, was the subject of photography by Andy Warhol and was once named "the most beautiful man in the world" by the German press. He is survived by his estranged wife, Italian actress Francesca Guidato.
‘White Men Can’t Jump’ suits up, again, in 21st-century form for the NBA playoffs
CNN
23-05-19 12:19
The 1992 movie White Men Can’t Jump has been brought up-to-date by Hulu with primarily cosmetic differences from the original but sacrificing the charm, says Variety. The basic matrix of rivals coming together to hustle on the basketball courts remains but the movie has dispensed with the original’s racial jokes. Marking the screen debut of rapper Jack Harlow, the movie works "reasonably well" highlighting the lives of former players once the promise of lucrative NBA signing bonuses and endorsement deals have disappeared, said Variety.
Actor Harrison Ford has made headlines after a reporter complimented him on his looks at a press conference for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The reporter said to Ford: "Hi, how are you? I still think you're very hot." She added: "We were stunned to see you take off your shirt in the second scene. You've still got it. How do you keep fit?" Responding deadpan, Ford, now 80, said: "I have been, uh, blessed with this body. Thanks for noticing."
Actor and director Sean Penn has spoken out about the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike at the Cannes Film Festival, calling any pushback from producers on the use of artificial intelligence for scripting "a human obscenity". Penn joined a growing group of stars at Cannes who are endorsing the strike action, including Ethan Hawke, who wore a "Pencils Down" T-shirt, and Paul Dano, who is planning to picket with his wife, Zoe Kazan. The WGA is seeking better pay, streaming-era contracts and protection against the use of scripted AI.
Political drama series Succession has drawn comparisons to the right-wing press, most notably Fox News, as it depicts corruption and destructive family dynamics at the top of a powerful conglomerate. However, its interpretation leaves out the influence of non-elites, outside that of the investors in Waystar Royco. Whereas Succession primarily portrays elite-driven and family-driven narratives as the main factors in political action, in reality, the masses contribute to political action more than is depicted. The characterisation of Fox News in Succession, billing the 2020 election night disputing, is shown as merely a story of internal family dynamics. However, in reality, the way in which Fox News handles such issues reflects the demands of its audience who want reality-TV drama and a clear storyline with heroes and villains.
The disenfranchisement of non-elites in contemporary politics is not unique to Succession. Democracy’s defining feature is its difficult characterisation of mass public opinion,which is hard to visualise in fiction. This is because although people talking can generate political action, ordinary people, as opposed to powerful elites, are frequently relegated to the background in dramatic productions. Therefore, despite Succession’s attempt to put a window on Fox News’ inner workings, it seems critics are convinced that the drama is ultimately overshadowed by its own narrative.
Nicole Holofcener's latest film, You Hurt My Feelings, explores the impact of a husband criticising a wife's art and how it can impact on a relationship. Drawing from her own personal experience of dating someone who did not appreciate her movies, Holofcener crafted an "utterly captivating notion" that Julia Louis-Dreyfus felt would the devastating for an artist to face. The film stars Louis-Dreyfus as a moderately successful author living in New York City. The film was shot on a small budget and directed remotely via an iPad from her sickbed after Holofcener contracted COVID-19 during filming. Despite the challenging circumstances, Holofcener even said it is the most fun she has ever had on a film. After it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year to fantastic reviews and audience reactions, A24 decided to give the film a nationwide launch.
As the stage adaptation of Annie Proulx's story "Brokeback Mountain" hits the West End, Ed Cumming takes a reflective look back on Heath Ledger and the role that made him an unforgettable talent. Prior to Brokeback Mountain, Ledger had struggled to find fulfilling work within the industry and described to Time Magazine in 2005 how he had been "spoon-fed" his career by a studio who believed they could make a product out of him. Despite tough competition for the role from the likes of Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix, Ledger convinced the filmmakers his more introverted and less showy nature was what made him the right choice to play Ennis del Mar. Annie Proulx even went so far as to credit Ledger for "erasing her original character" and replacing her own interpretation with something far more visceral and effective. The role took an emotional toll on Ledger and he found himself seeking reassurance from the screenwriter, Diana Ossana, during filming. Ledger died in 2008, leaving behind a career marked by incredible talent and potential.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been criticised for her portrayal of an "arcane dealer" in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Her character, archaeologist Helena Shaw, chooses to leave her godfather, Indiana Jones, to be preyed upon by neo-Nazi agents after acquiring an ancient computing tool known as the Antikythera and travelling to Tangier to sell it to the highest bidder. The performance, and character motivation in particular, has been criticised as basic and a waste of Waller-Bridge's "brilliant mind".
Actor Sean Penn has expressed his support for the Writers Guild of America's (WGA) first strike in 15 years. Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, Penn criticised Hollywood studios' opposition to granting WGA's request to limit the use of artificial intelligence to write scripts. The dispute over AI is one of the reasons the WGA has gone on strike. The association has said studios dismissed the use of AI in writing scripts, saying they would review such technologies once a year. "These kinds of concepts just strike me as a kind of human obscenity," said Penn.
US football Hall of Famer, Hollywood actor and Civil Rights activist Jim Brown died on Thursday at the age of 87 at his home in Los Angeles, according to a family spokesperson. Brown, one of American football's greatest stars, was also an accomplished Hollywood actor, appearing in more than 30 films. He used his profile to amplify the voices of Black Americans in the fight for equality and later worked to help curb gang violence in LA with the founding of Amer-I-Can, a program designed to help disadvantaged inner-city youth and ex-convicts. Although Brown faced allegations of domestic violence, he was never convicted.
Jim Brown, the former American football player turned Hollywood actor, has died at the age of 87. Brown was known for his activism, particularly regarding the civil rights cause during the 1950s and 1960s. He was instrumental in organising a 1967 meeting of black sports stars who supported Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War. Brown appears in some 30 films, including reprises in TV series such as The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, and The Running Man, as well as Hollywood classics such as The Dirty Dozen and Ice Station Zebra. He was also listed as the NFL’s greatest player of the 20th century.
Harrison Ford returned for his last outing in the Indiana Jones series, on the condition that the character had an “equal relationship” with a woman and not simply be a rescuing love interest. He put this demand forward as one of several requirements, which The Dial of Destiny script had to meet for Ford, now 80, to reprise the role. In this film, that leading lady is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator of Fleabag and Killing Eve, who plays Jones’s goddaughter. Addressing his character’s age was another stipulation made by Ford before agreeing to join the project.
All-time NFL great and social activist Jim Brown dead at 87
The Globe and Mail
23-05-19 20:15
Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown, the former running back for the Cleveland Browns, has died aged 87. Brown was chosen the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1965 before retiring after a short career spanning 1957-65 to become an actor. He made more than 30 films. He used his voice to support the civil rights movement in the US in the 60s and worked to tackle inner-city gang violence in LA. After his playing days ended, Brown set off for Hollywood where he settle. Brown advised Cleveland coach Blanton Collier of his retirement while on the set of The Dirty Dozen in England.
Jim Brown, legendary NFL running back who left the game to become an activist and actor, has died at age 87
CNN
23-05-19 19:54
Jim Brown, the NFL Hall of Fame member, has died at age 87 at his LA home. Brown played for one team, the Cleveland Browns and won multiple MVP awards before ending his playing career and moving into a career in Hollywood and the civil rights movement. He was named one of ESPN’s top-15 players in NFL history and appeared in more than 50 film and television projects. In addition to his sports achievements, he was an advocate for civil rights, working with inmates and inner-city gang members.
