Anyone expecting the usual A-list documentary fodder — wacky on-set anecdotes, salacious showbiz gossip — will come away disappointed from this 90-minute deep dive into William Shatner's life, work, wit and wisdom. Instead, You Can Call Me Bill takes the form of a meandering, stream-of-consciousness monologue, with its subject mostly sitting moist-eyed in a darkened room, pondering everything from the "exquisite agony" of evolution to the potential existence of God.
If this makes the film sound pretentious, well... it is, a little. Indeed, some of the lengthier sections, in which Shatner ruminates on death, loneliness and existential terror, are a bit like being trapped inside a Samuel Beckett novel. But the Star Trek icon is also so immensely likeable and engaging that for the most part, it's a joy to spend time in his company — even when he's earnestly extolling the "preciousness of snails".
Amid the experimentalism, some of the more traditional documentary boxes are ticked,...
If this makes the film sound pretentious, well... it is, a little. Indeed, some of the lengthier sections, in which Shatner ruminates on death, loneliness and existential terror, are a bit like being trapped inside a Samuel Beckett novel. But the Star Trek icon is also so immensely likeable and engaging that for the most part, it's a joy to spend time in his company — even when he's earnestly extolling the "preciousness of snails".
Amid the experimentalism, some of the more traditional documentary boxes are ticked,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Tom Ellen
- Empire - Movies
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most influential series of the early 2000s, being a series of films that had completely taken over the mainstream media space during its heyday. The series was based on a theme park ride at Disneyland and had a great cast of actors partaking in the franchise.
A still from Pirates of the Caribbean | Disney Pictures
Geoffrey Rush essayed the role of Hector Barbossa, the mutinous first mate of Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. He was an integral and iconic part of the franchise, so much so that the creators decided they wanted to bring the character back from the dead. However, Geoffrey Rush almost decided not to go with the role due to some commitments he had already made.
Geoffrey Rush wrote a four-page email explaining why he could not take the role
Captain Hector Barbossa Pirates of the Caribbean | Disney...
A still from Pirates of the Caribbean | Disney Pictures
Geoffrey Rush essayed the role of Hector Barbossa, the mutinous first mate of Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. He was an integral and iconic part of the franchise, so much so that the creators decided they wanted to bring the character back from the dead. However, Geoffrey Rush almost decided not to go with the role due to some commitments he had already made.
Geoffrey Rush wrote a four-page email explaining why he could not take the role
Captain Hector Barbossa Pirates of the Caribbean | Disney...
- 5/21/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
The seventh edition of the Quirino Awards, an annual event dedicated to promoting animation in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, saw Spain win five of the 10 awards on offer. Housed in the Teatro Leal, in the Canary Island’s Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an eclectic and, at times, musical gala concluded an upbeat Quirino Awards.
Pablo Berger’s first foray into animation, the Oscar-nominated “Robot Dreams,” continued its charge, winning awards for best feature film and sound design. A first Neon pick-up at Cannes last year, the film has won plaudits just about everywhere, described by Variety as a “sweetly sorrowful buddy movie .”
For the second year running, best series went to Spain’s “Jasmine & Jambo – Season 2” by Silvia Cortés. Series leads Jasmine and Jambo are music-obsessed and reside in Soundland. The series effortlessly educates through music-infused plots for kids, produced by Catalan company Teidees Audiovisuals in co-production with Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals.
Pablo Berger’s first foray into animation, the Oscar-nominated “Robot Dreams,” continued its charge, winning awards for best feature film and sound design. A first Neon pick-up at Cannes last year, the film has won plaudits just about everywhere, described by Variety as a “sweetly sorrowful buddy movie .”
For the second year running, best series went to Spain’s “Jasmine & Jambo – Season 2” by Silvia Cortés. Series leads Jasmine and Jambo are music-obsessed and reside in Soundland. The series effortlessly educates through music-infused plots for kids, produced by Catalan company Teidees Audiovisuals in co-production with Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals.
- 5/12/2024
- by Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
For the most recent precedent for Grand Theft Hamlet, you’d probably have to go back nearly 20 years, to a 2006 episode of South Park. Titled “Make Love, Not Warcraft,” it found Cartman marshaling his friends to take on a super-advanced rogue player with a posse of killer crabs who has taken to killing everyone in his path in the Tolkienesque greenfields of Azeroth. This virtual psychopath sends shivers down the spines of the programmers at WoW’s corporate HQ.
After Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’ documentary debuted earlier this week at SXSW, however, it is only a matter of time before directors see the multitude of possibilities to be mined from the gaming world, not least because the technical advances made in recent years mean that even the most basic console games can blow up to fill a cinema-size screen quite comfortably.
After Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’ documentary debuted earlier this week at SXSW, however, it is only a matter of time before directors see the multitude of possibilities to be mined from the gaming world, not least because the technical advances made in recent years mean that even the most basic console games can blow up to fill a cinema-size screen quite comfortably.
- 3/12/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
The Turkish satirical drama A Round of Applause is a presentation of an individual’s struggle for existence in the modern world. The Netflix original definitely takes on elements from absurdist literature and makes me want to think of the nihilistic approach that Samuel Beckett used in his play Waiting for Godot. Just like the way Estragon and Vladimir wait for Godot to arrive, Metin waits to find the meaning of his existence. Will Metin be able to find his purpose in life? Will Zeynep get another chance to go back in time and mend her relationship with Metin and Mehmet? Let’s see what the Best Director Award-winner (for Happy New Year) Bekun Oya has in store for us.
Spoilers Ahead
Why Was Mehmet Worried About Their Baby?
Mehmet and Zeynep were excited to welcome their child into the world and started preparing for it. Meanwhile, their family friends...
Spoilers Ahead
Why Was Mehmet Worried About Their Baby?
Mehmet and Zeynep were excited to welcome their child into the world and started preparing for it. Meanwhile, their family friends...
- 2/29/2024
- by Debjyoti Dey
- Film Fugitives
Cph:dox, one Europe’s leading documentary film festivals, has announced its full program, which includes no fewer than 84 world premieres out of more than 200 films being screened in the Danish capital and nationwide from March 13 through March 24.
This 21st edition, which aims to make documentary film accessible not only to a select industry few but to the public at large, will take off with a new nationwide approach, with mini festivals running simultaneously in nearly half of Denmark’s municipalities. In addition, alongside the six main awards, a new Audience Award is being revived by popular request, which comes with a €5,000 prize.
Running alongside the festival’s overarching theme of “Body Politics,” which explores questions about the body and our understanding of it, organizers have announced the other main theme of this edition: “Conflicted.”
Born from the war in Gaza, which has hit the headlines again since Oct. 7 last year,...
This 21st edition, which aims to make documentary film accessible not only to a select industry few but to the public at large, will take off with a new nationwide approach, with mini festivals running simultaneously in nearly half of Denmark’s municipalities. In addition, alongside the six main awards, a new Audience Award is being revived by popular request, which comes with a €5,000 prize.
Running alongside the festival’s overarching theme of “Body Politics,” which explores questions about the body and our understanding of it, organizers have announced the other main theme of this edition: “Conflicted.”
Born from the war in Gaza, which has hit the headlines again since Oct. 7 last year,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Lise Pedersen
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has acquired Samuel Beckett biopic Dance First for North America, to be released later this year.
The San Sebastian premiere is helmed by The Theory of Everything filmmaker James Marsh, with London and Paris-based outfit Film Constellation representing sales on the title. Studiocanal released in the UK and Ireland last year.
Irish actor Gabriel Byrne plays the Irish literary great, with the film exploring the many parts of his life: Second World War resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, and recluse.
Aidan Gillen, Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake and Fionn O’Shea star.
Dance First was developed and packaged by 2Le Media,...
The San Sebastian premiere is helmed by The Theory of Everything filmmaker James Marsh, with London and Paris-based outfit Film Constellation representing sales on the title. Studiocanal released in the UK and Ireland last year.
Irish actor Gabriel Byrne plays the Irish literary great, with the film exploring the many parts of his life: Second World War resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, and recluse.
Aidan Gillen, Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake and Fionn O’Shea star.
Dance First was developed and packaged by 2Le Media,...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
Ben Whishaw felt inspired to become an actor after watching a Samuel Beckett play.The 43-year-old star has revealed that he quit university and decided to pursue an acting career after watching 'Waiting for Godot'.Ben - who is now set to star in a new West End production of the play - told BBC News: "When I was 18 I was doing an art foundation course in Bedford and went one night with a friend to London to see a play that was part of a season of plays by Samuel Beckett at the Barbican Theatre. The play was 'Waiting for Godot'."The next day I dropped out of my art course, having decided I wanted to study acting instead. "I am unbelievably thrilled and excited - and a little terrified too - to be having this chance to perform Beckett's utterly radical and incredibly beautiful play.
- 12/7/2023
- by Josh Evans
- Bang Showbiz
What is poetry? For some it is merely a matter of form, which supports the content or the theme the poet addresses. At the same time, sticking purely to the form is a bit short-sighted as – like with all literature – it can transform people, places and even time, seeking something beautiful, noteworthy or insightful, which then can transform the reader as he/she now has a new perspective on the world. While there is this notion that poetry has to be about beauty and form, this definition does not fully appreciate what poets can do, if they have the necessary skills. In a way, this somewhat banal description may serve as a solid foundation when approaching Guo Zhenming's documentary “Tedious Days and Nights”, a story of a poet coming back to his hometown, only to find it in a state of decay, mirroring his own physical condition.
Tedious Days and...
Tedious Days and...
- 12/4/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Though the Red Sea Film Festival will feature a slew of films from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region – including 11 feature films from Saudi Arabia – there is a rich roster of international fare set to launch locally from Jeddah.
Kaleem Aftab, the festival’s director of international programming, says they received lots more submissions for this year’s third edition. He is particularly proud of the presence in competition of Indian-born auteur Tarsem Singh’s romancer “Dear Jassi,” the first film set in India by the flamboyant director of “The Cell,” and of Japanese master Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Venice prizewinner “Evil Does Not Exist.”
Peppered through various Red Sea sections are the Mena region premieres of other high-profile titles such as Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla”; Belgian-based Moroccan duo Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah flashy third feature “Gangsta”; British director James Marsh’s biographical film about Irish playwright Samuel Beckett...
Kaleem Aftab, the festival’s director of international programming, says they received lots more submissions for this year’s third edition. He is particularly proud of the presence in competition of Indian-born auteur Tarsem Singh’s romancer “Dear Jassi,” the first film set in India by the flamboyant director of “The Cell,” and of Japanese master Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Venice prizewinner “Evil Does Not Exist.”
Peppered through various Red Sea sections are the Mena region premieres of other high-profile titles such as Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla”; Belgian-based Moroccan duo Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah flashy third feature “Gangsta”; British director James Marsh’s biographical film about Irish playwright Samuel Beckett...
- 11/30/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Mubi launched ‘How To Have Sex’ on 150 sites.
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Nov 3-5)Total gross to date Week 1. Trolls Band Together (Universal) £1.8m £12.8m 3 2. Five Nights At Freddy’s (Universal) £1.4m £8.7m 2 3. Killers Of The Flower Moon (Paramount) £1.1m £7.8m 3 4. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Trafalgar) £970,488 £11.7m 4 5. Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (Paramount) £536,000 £7.2m 4
Trolls Band Together has usurped Universal stablemate Five Nights At Freddy’s to top the UK-Ireland box office; as Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex started with just over £100,000 for Mubi.
Trolls Band Together added £1.8m on its third weekend in cinemas – a 28% fall, that...
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Nov 3-5)Total gross to date Week 1. Trolls Band Together (Universal) £1.8m £12.8m 3 2. Five Nights At Freddy’s (Universal) £1.4m £8.7m 2 3. Killers Of The Flower Moon (Paramount) £1.1m £7.8m 3 4. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Trafalgar) £970,488 £11.7m 4 5. Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (Paramount) £536,000 £7.2m 4
Trolls Band Together has usurped Universal stablemate Five Nights At Freddy’s to top the UK-Ireland box office; as Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex started with just over £100,000 for Mubi.
Trolls Band Together added £1.8m on its third weekend in cinemas – a 28% fall, that...
- 11/6/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Studiocanal has Samuel Beckett biopic ‘Dance First’.
Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex, Emma Seligman’s Bottoms and Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel are all opening in UK-Ireland cinemas, on a weekend with several well-reviewed films by and about women.
Starting in 150 cinemas through Mubi, How To Have Sex is the debut feature of Screen 2021 Star of Tomorrow Walker. The film follows three British teenage girls on a clubbing holiday in Malia, where one of the group has her first experiences with sex. The cast includes fellow Screen Stars Mia McKenna-Bruce and Samuel Bottomley, with casting director...
Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex, Emma Seligman’s Bottoms and Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel are all opening in UK-Ireland cinemas, on a weekend with several well-reviewed films by and about women.
Starting in 150 cinemas through Mubi, How To Have Sex is the debut feature of Screen 2021 Star of Tomorrow Walker. The film follows three British teenage girls on a clubbing holiday in Malia, where one of the group has her first experiences with sex. The cast includes fellow Screen Stars Mia McKenna-Bruce and Samuel Bottomley, with casting director...
- 11/3/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
In what is one of our favourite interviews in some time, we spoke to the brilliant Gabriel Byrne on portraying Samuel Beckett in Dance First, which is released on November 3rd.
In this fascinating chat with the affable performer, we discuss his process of playing a character like Beckett, as he talks to us about his own personal relationship with the author, and whether it’s been altered as a result of making this film. He also talks about the unique approach to the biopic which we see here, and he talks about acting as a craft, and how, in some ways, it’s all rather embarrassing.
Watch the full interview with Gabriel Byrne here:
Synopsis
Many parts of the literary Samuel Beckett giant’s life: Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse.
Dance First is out on November 3rd
The post Gabriel Byrne on Dance First,...
In this fascinating chat with the affable performer, we discuss his process of playing a character like Beckett, as he talks to us about his own personal relationship with the author, and whether it’s been altered as a result of making this film. He also talks about the unique approach to the biopic which we see here, and he talks about acting as a craft, and how, in some ways, it’s all rather embarrassing.
Watch the full interview with Gabriel Byrne here:
Synopsis
Many parts of the literary Samuel Beckett giant’s life: Parisian bon vivant, World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse.
Dance First is out on November 3rd
The post Gabriel Byrne on Dance First,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Vivid portrait of the great playwright of inertia points up the contrast with his real-life romantic entanglements and daring work for the French resistance
Director James Marsh has boldly, maybe even sacrilegiously, given us a Hollywoodised biopic of Samuel Beckett. It starts with Beckett surreally escaping the Nobel ceremony to talk in private with a doppelganger confessor – a breezier, more worldly self in a rollneck sweater and jacket – and glumly wondering to whom in his life he should penitentially give the prize money, a guilt list which ushers in the flashbacks.
It isn’t hard to imagine what the man himself would have said about this movie, but though a little hammy, it is well acted and tells the story with verve, tackling the paradox of Beckett’s bleak fictional universe of stymied inaction and his dramatic real life of service in the French resistance and romantic intrigue. There’s a very thoughtful,...
Director James Marsh has boldly, maybe even sacrilegiously, given us a Hollywoodised biopic of Samuel Beckett. It starts with Beckett surreally escaping the Nobel ceremony to talk in private with a doppelganger confessor – a breezier, more worldly self in a rollneck sweater and jacket – and glumly wondering to whom in his life he should penitentially give the prize money, a guilt list which ushers in the flashbacks.
It isn’t hard to imagine what the man himself would have said about this movie, but though a little hammy, it is well acted and tells the story with verve, tackling the paradox of Beckett’s bleak fictional universe of stymied inaction and his dramatic real life of service in the French resistance and romantic intrigue. There’s a very thoughtful,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
In a genre not traditionally given to brevity, James Marsh’s literary biopic “Dance First” at least has that on its side: In 100 minutes, it races through the key events and alliances in the life of Irish author and dramatist Samuel Beckett, even finding time for some metaphysical musings alongside the cradle-to-grave checklist. But Beckett’s characteristic terseness — or radical “lessness,” to borrow a title from one of his stories — isn’t a feature of this creditable but ponderous film, which ultimately achieves its efficient runtime by skirting any meaningful engagement with Beckett’s work and literary legacy. What’s left is an anatomy of his unhappiness via a procession of stymied or soured relationships: shot with grace, acted with intelligence, but short on Beckettian daring or wit.
It’s another biopic from Marsh, following 2014’s popular “The Theory of Everything” and 2017’s less-seen “The Mercy,” that resists bringing his...
It’s another biopic from Marsh, following 2014’s popular “The Theory of Everything” and 2017’s less-seen “The Mercy,” that resists bringing his...
- 10/1/2023
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Spanish director becomes the fourth consecutive woman director to win the festival’s top prize
The Rye Horn (O Corno), the second feature by Jaione Camborda, has won the top prize, the Golden Shell, at the 2023 San Sebastian Film Festival.
Set on an island off the coast of Galicia in 1971, the film tells the story of a woman who earns a living harvesting shellfish. She is also known on the island for helping other women in childbirth but has to flee and try to cross the border into Portugal after an unexpected event.
Camborda, who was born in San Sebastian,...
The Rye Horn (O Corno), the second feature by Jaione Camborda, has won the top prize, the Golden Shell, at the 2023 San Sebastian Film Festival.
Set on an island off the coast of Galicia in 1971, the film tells the story of a woman who earns a living harvesting shellfish. She is also known on the island for helping other women in childbirth but has to flee and try to cross the border into Portugal after an unexpected event.
Camborda, who was born in San Sebastian,...
- 9/30/2023
- by Elisabet Cabeza
- ScreenDaily
Fionn O'Shea, Gabriel Byrne and James Marsh at the press conference Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival/Jorge Fuembuena The life of Samuel Beckett, although very little of the work, is explored in James Marsh’s Dance First, written by Neil Forsyth. The film, which is the closing night selection at San Sebastian Film Festival dips into the Waiting For Godot author’s life from childhood to death, featuring key performances from Gabriel Byrne and Fionn O’Shea as the author, alongside Sandrine Bonnaire and Léonie Lojkine as his wife Suzanne, with support from the likes of Aidan Gillen and Maxine Peake.
Speaking at the press conference in San Sebastian Gabriel Byrne said that “talking to himself” as the writer interrogates a second version of himself of the film was quite tricky.#
“Technically, it was difficult," he explains, “because usually when you're doing drama, you're talking to somebody else...
Speaking at the press conference in San Sebastian Gabriel Byrne said that “talking to himself” as the writer interrogates a second version of himself of the film was quite tricky.#
“Technically, it was difficult," he explains, “because usually when you're doing drama, you're talking to somebody else...
- 9/30/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
It’s always tricky to bring the lives of literary greats to the big screen. There’s a balance to be struck between the evocation of their domestic existence and their work. Irish writer Samuel Beckett is perhaps an even more difficult challenge than most since his works were largely absurdist and with a particularly strong authorial voice.
There’s some indication that writer Neil Forsyth, who has previously written TV series including Bob Servant and Guilt, is trying to avoid a straightforward biopic, largely by a device which sees Beckett have conversations with a version of himself, but nevertheless the end result feels distinctly staid and traditional. This is especially surprising given that the director is James Marsh, who has shown a nimble aptitude for embracing experimental and edgy elements in his films, including Man On Wire and The King. Dance First is the closing night movie of San.
There’s some indication that writer Neil Forsyth, who has previously written TV series including Bob Servant and Guilt, is trying to avoid a straightforward biopic, largely by a device which sees Beckett have conversations with a version of himself, but nevertheless the end result feels distinctly staid and traditional. This is especially surprising given that the director is James Marsh, who has shown a nimble aptitude for embracing experimental and edgy elements in his films, including Man On Wire and The King. Dance First is the closing night movie of San.
- 9/29/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Beloved actor Michael Gambon has passed away at the age of 82, it has been confirmed. Renowned for his performances both on screen and on stage, Gambon died peacefully following an illness. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” reads a statement on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus, released via his publicist. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
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- 9/28/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
The actor talks about his new movie Dance First, in which he plays the Irish dramatist, the time he shared a drink with Richard Burton and why he had to leave Los Angeles
In 1969, Samuel Beckett and his wife learned that he had won the Nobel prize in literature in a telegram from his publisher. “Dear Sam and Suzanne,” it read. “In spite of everything, they have given you the Nobel prize. I advise you to go into hiding.” Both were notoriously celebrity averse. Suzanne described it as a “catastrophe”. Beckett declined to give a Nobel lecture, and refused to talk when a Swedish film crew tracked him down to a hotel room in Tunisia, leaving them with a surreal mute interview.
Into this temporal void, a new psychological biopic has poured a monumental reckoning, in which the 63-year-old playwright scrambles out of the Nobel ceremony to find himself in a rough-hewn underworld.
In 1969, Samuel Beckett and his wife learned that he had won the Nobel prize in literature in a telegram from his publisher. “Dear Sam and Suzanne,” it read. “In spite of everything, they have given you the Nobel prize. I advise you to go into hiding.” Both were notoriously celebrity averse. Suzanne described it as a “catastrophe”. Beckett declined to give a Nobel lecture, and refused to talk when a Swedish film crew tracked him down to a hotel room in Tunisia, leaving them with a surreal mute interview.
Into this temporal void, a new psychological biopic has poured a monumental reckoning, in which the 63-year-old playwright scrambles out of the Nobel ceremony to find himself in a rough-hewn underworld.
- 9/22/2023
- by Claire Armitstead
- The Guardian - Film News
European pay TV platform Sky has released the trailer for Sky Original film “Dance First,” ahead of its world premiere at San Sebastian Film Festival on Sept. 30. Film Constellation is handling international sales on the film.
The film is directed by BAFTA and Academy Award winner James Marsh (“The Theory of Everything”) and written by BAFTA winner Neil Forsyth (“Guilt”). “Dance First” will be released in movie theaters in the U.K. and Ireland in November, on Sky Cinema in those countries in December and on Sky Arts and Freeview next year.
In “Dance First,” Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne (“The Usual Suspects”) plays Samuel Beckett with young Beckett played by Fionn O’Shea (“Normal People”) in a sweeping account of the life of this 20th century literary icon. Parisian bon vivant, World War II resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse, Beckett lived a life of many parts.
The film is directed by BAFTA and Academy Award winner James Marsh (“The Theory of Everything”) and written by BAFTA winner Neil Forsyth (“Guilt”). “Dance First” will be released in movie theaters in the U.K. and Ireland in November, on Sky Cinema in those countries in December and on Sky Arts and Freeview next year.
In “Dance First,” Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne (“The Usual Suspects”) plays Samuel Beckett with young Beckett played by Fionn O’Shea (“Normal People”) in a sweeping account of the life of this 20th century literary icon. Parisian bon vivant, World War II resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse, Beckett lived a life of many parts.
- 9/21/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled its lineup for the Industry Selects program of films beyond the official fest lineup and available for worldwide acquisition as each gets an in-person screening for film buyers and industry execs.
Leading the selection is director James Marsh’s Dance First, a biopic with Gabriel Byrne playing the literary giant Samuel Beckett and Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen and Fionn O’Shea also starring; and director Neil Burger’s Inheritance, a thriller that has a woman played by Phoebe Dynevor learning her father Sam (Rhys Ifans) was once a spy, which puts her at the center of an international conspiracy.
Also picked for market screenings in Toronto is Jimmy Warden’s Borderline, set in 1996 Los Angeles and starring Eric Dane, Ray Nicholson and Samara Weaving as a pop star taken hostage; The Home, a horror pic from Purge series creator James DeMonaco, and starring...
Leading the selection is director James Marsh’s Dance First, a biopic with Gabriel Byrne playing the literary giant Samuel Beckett and Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen and Fionn O’Shea also starring; and director Neil Burger’s Inheritance, a thriller that has a woman played by Phoebe Dynevor learning her father Sam (Rhys Ifans) was once a spy, which puts her at the center of an international conspiracy.
Also picked for market screenings in Toronto is Jimmy Warden’s Borderline, set in 1996 Los Angeles and starring Eric Dane, Ray Nicholson and Samara Weaving as a pop star taken hostage; The Home, a horror pic from Purge series creator James DeMonaco, and starring...
- 8/21/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fest also announces Connections, Microsessions, and Spotlight sessions.
TIFF has announced the Industry Selects acquisition titles available to buyers during the festival, a 12-strong roster featuring new work from James Marsh, Rebecca Snow, and Neil Burger.
Gabriel Byrne plays literary giant Samuel Beckett in Marsh’s Dance First alongside Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen, and Fionn O’Shea. Film Constellation represents worldwide rights and the film will close San Sebastian.
Phoebe Dynevor stars with Rhys Ifans for Burger in Inheritance, a thriller about a woman who uncovers her father’s espionage past. CAA Media Finance handles sales.
Snow (Cheating Hitler:...
TIFF has announced the Industry Selects acquisition titles available to buyers during the festival, a 12-strong roster featuring new work from James Marsh, Rebecca Snow, and Neil Burger.
Gabriel Byrne plays literary giant Samuel Beckett in Marsh’s Dance First alongside Sandrine Bonnaire, Maxine Peake, Aidan Gillen, and Fionn O’Shea. Film Constellation represents worldwide rights and the film will close San Sebastian.
Phoebe Dynevor stars with Rhys Ifans for Burger in Inheritance, a thriller about a woman who uncovers her father’s espionage past. CAA Media Finance handles sales.
Snow (Cheating Hitler:...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Samuel Beckett biopic stars Gabriel Byrne, Aidan Gillan, Maxine Peake and Bronagh Gallagher.
The 71st San Sebastian International Film Festival will close with the world premiere of James Marsh’s Samuel Beckett biopic Dance First, playing out of competition.
Gabriel Byrne stars as the famous Irish playwright with Aidan Gillen playing James Joyce. Maxine Peake and Bronagh Gallagher co-star.
The film is the feature debut of UK TV writer Neil Forsyth whose series credits includeThe Gold and Guilt.
Dance First is produced by the UK’s 2Le, with Hungary’s Proton Cinema, Belgium’s Umedia and Constellation Productions. Film...
The 71st San Sebastian International Film Festival will close with the world premiere of James Marsh’s Samuel Beckett biopic Dance First, playing out of competition.
Gabriel Byrne stars as the famous Irish playwright with Aidan Gillen playing James Joyce. Maxine Peake and Bronagh Gallagher co-star.
The film is the feature debut of UK TV writer Neil Forsyth whose series credits includeThe Gold and Guilt.
Dance First is produced by the UK’s 2Le, with Hungary’s Proton Cinema, Belgium’s Umedia and Constellation Productions. Film...
- 8/21/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Dance First, a biographical drama from The Theory of Everything director James Marsh about the life of Irish Nobel prize-winning playwright Samuel Beckett, will close the 71st San Sebastian Festival.
The feature, which stars Gabriel Byrne as Beckett alongside Sandrine Bonnaire as his longtime partner, and eventual wife, Suzanne Deschevaux-Dumesnil, will close the 2023 San Sebastian festival on Sept. 30. Dance First will screen out of competition at San Sebastian.
Dance First follows Beckett’s life from his time as a fighter for the French Resistance during the Second World War, through his friendship with fellow Irish literary luminary James Joyce, his rise with such groundbreaking plays as Waiting for Godot, Endgame and Happy Days — which established the Theater of the Absurd movement — to his receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969, and his later life as a recluse. Written by Neil Forsyth, the film also features Aidan Gillen as James Joyce...
The feature, which stars Gabriel Byrne as Beckett alongside Sandrine Bonnaire as his longtime partner, and eventual wife, Suzanne Deschevaux-Dumesnil, will close the 2023 San Sebastian festival on Sept. 30. Dance First will screen out of competition at San Sebastian.
Dance First follows Beckett’s life from his time as a fighter for the French Resistance during the Second World War, through his friendship with fellow Irish literary luminary James Joyce, his rise with such groundbreaking plays as Waiting for Godot, Endgame and Happy Days — which established the Theater of the Absurd movement — to his receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969, and his later life as a recluse. Written by Neil Forsyth, the film also features Aidan Gillen as James Joyce...
- 8/21/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
UK director James Marsh’s literary biopic Dance First, starring Gabriel Byrne as iconic Irish writer Samuel Beckett, will close the 71st San Sebastian Film Festival.
The film is sold by London and Paris-based Film Constellation.
As per its synopsis, the biopic touches on various phases in Beckett’s life from “Parisian bon vivant, to World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse.”
Its focus, however, is on Beckett’s reaction to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969, which was a turning point in his life as he grappled with his own inner demons.
Byrne is joined in the cast by French actress Sandrine Bonnaire as Beckett’s wife.
Marsh has a long relationship with San Sebastian.
His Academy Award-winning documentary for Man on Wire (2009), directed with Simon Chinn, played at the festival in 2008.
Prior to that his early work Wisconsin Death Trip screened in...
The film is sold by London and Paris-based Film Constellation.
As per its synopsis, the biopic touches on various phases in Beckett’s life from “Parisian bon vivant, to World War II Resistance fighter, Nobel Prize-winning playwright, philandering husband and recluse.”
Its focus, however, is on Beckett’s reaction to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969, which was a turning point in his life as he grappled with his own inner demons.
Byrne is joined in the cast by French actress Sandrine Bonnaire as Beckett’s wife.
Marsh has a long relationship with San Sebastian.
His Academy Award-winning documentary for Man on Wire (2009), directed with Simon Chinn, played at the festival in 2008.
Prior to that his early work Wisconsin Death Trip screened in...
- 8/21/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
“Dance First,” a portrait of Irish writer Samuel Beckett starring Gabriel Byrne and directed by Oscar winner James Marsh, will close this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival, playing out of competition.
The closing film screening, on Sept. 30, will mark the film’s world premiere.
Byrne, a memorable lead in “The Usual Suspects” and “Miller’s Crossing” who also won a Golden Globe for his performance in “In Treatment,” plays Beckett. The Nobel Prize-winning playwright was a Parisian bon vivant and WWII resistance fighter who became a recluse, living the last years of his life in a single room in a nursing home, ashamed of past actions and convinced that for much of his life he had been a failure.
U.K. director Marsh won an Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2009 with “Man on Wire.” He also directed the Stephen Hawking biopic “The Theory of Everything,” which earned five nominations at the 2015 Oscars,...
The closing film screening, on Sept. 30, will mark the film’s world premiere.
Byrne, a memorable lead in “The Usual Suspects” and “Miller’s Crossing” who also won a Golden Globe for his performance in “In Treatment,” plays Beckett. The Nobel Prize-winning playwright was a Parisian bon vivant and WWII resistance fighter who became a recluse, living the last years of his life in a single room in a nursing home, ashamed of past actions and convinced that for much of his life he had been a failure.
U.K. director Marsh won an Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2009 with “Man on Wire.” He also directed the Stephen Hawking biopic “The Theory of Everything,” which earned five nominations at the 2015 Oscars,...
- 8/21/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The Spirit of the Beehive director’s first feature in 30 years uses a film-within-a-film structure to ruminate on memory, ageing and cinema itself
82-year-old Spanish director Víctor Erice had previously released a total of three feature films: his classic The Spirit of the Beehive in 1973, The South in 1983 and The Quince Tree Sun in 1992. Now here is Close Your Eyes, co-written by Erice and Michel Gaztambide, whose title could be taken to indicate a farewell. We can only hope not. It is a mysterious, digressive, long and baggily constructed film possessed of a distinctive richness and humanity, all about the balance between memory and forgetting which we all negotiate as we come to the end of our lives. And it is also about cinema, which helps to promote memory and retrieve that which has vanished, even as it is itself in danger of being forgotten. Close Your Eyes could even...
82-year-old Spanish director Víctor Erice had previously released a total of three feature films: his classic The Spirit of the Beehive in 1973, The South in 1983 and The Quince Tree Sun in 1992. Now here is Close Your Eyes, co-written by Erice and Michel Gaztambide, whose title could be taken to indicate a farewell. We can only hope not. It is a mysterious, digressive, long and baggily constructed film possessed of a distinctive richness and humanity, all about the balance between memory and forgetting which we all negotiate as we come to the end of our lives. And it is also about cinema, which helps to promote memory and retrieve that which has vanished, even as it is itself in danger of being forgotten. Close Your Eyes could even...
- 5/25/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Recently split from his co-worker girlfriend, Vincent (Karim Leklou) is having a bad day at the office. First, a young intern batters him over the head with a laptop, and then Yves from accounting stabs him savagely with a pen. And after a meeting with human resources, the poor guy is left with the curious feeling that, somehow, he deserved it. Even his shrink, who has a print of J.M.W. Turner’s ironic masterpiece “The Fighting Temeraire” on his wall, thinks so, planting further seeds of doubt in Vincent’s mind. “I think you’re looking for attention from those who attack you,” he decides.
Vincent’s “crime” is to make eye contact, and after a further series of interactions — notably with a middle-aged female motorist, who tries to run him down, and, crucially, his upstairs neighbor’s young children — Vincent drops everything and heads to his family’s country home.
Vincent’s “crime” is to make eye contact, and after a further series of interactions — notably with a middle-aged female motorist, who tries to run him down, and, crucially, his upstairs neighbor’s young children — Vincent drops everything and heads to his family’s country home.
- 5/19/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Ghanaian-Australian vocalist Genesis Owusu has announced his sophomore album Struggler, out August 18th via Ourness/Awal. He’s offering a preview of the record with its lead single and opening track “Leaving the Light,” which comes with a dramatic accompanying music video.
Owusu’s follow-up to his 2021 album Smiling with No Teeth was recorded with a small army of producers between the US and Australia, and was inspired in part by Samuel Beckett’s tragicomic play Waiting for Godot and Franz Kafka’s magical realism novella Metamorphosis. It’s billed as “an imminent exploration of the chaos and absurdity of life,” with inspirational undertones of endurance and perseverance.
“The struggler runs through an absurd world with no ‘where’ or ‘why’ at hand,” Owusu explains in a statement. “Just an instinctual inner rhythm, yelling at them to survive the pestilence and lighting bolts coming from above. A roach just keeps roaching.
Owusu’s follow-up to his 2021 album Smiling with No Teeth was recorded with a small army of producers between the US and Australia, and was inspired in part by Samuel Beckett’s tragicomic play Waiting for Godot and Franz Kafka’s magical realism novella Metamorphosis. It’s billed as “an imminent exploration of the chaos and absurdity of life,” with inspirational undertones of endurance and perseverance.
“The struggler runs through an absurd world with no ‘where’ or ‘why’ at hand,” Owusu explains in a statement. “Just an instinctual inner rhythm, yelling at them to survive the pestilence and lighting bolts coming from above. A roach just keeps roaching.
- 5/18/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
An Oscar winner for his documentary Man on Wire and the filmmaker behind 2014’s awards juggernaut The Theory of Everything, James Marsh has been away from the big screen for a few years (his last project was the 2018 heist film King of Thieves). But he comes to Cannes with two buzzy projects in the market. In Night Boat to Tangier, he takes on Kevin Barry’s New York Times best-seller with a cast including Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth Negga.
That film hasn’t shot yet, but Marsh has already completed a rather different feature, Dance First. A sweeping account of the life of literary icon Samuel Beckett (the title is taken from his ethos, “Dance first, think later”), the film sees Gabriel Byrne as the Nobel Prize winner in a story that covers the many aspects of his younger years: from Parisian bon vivant to WWII resistance fighter and philandering husband.
That film hasn’t shot yet, but Marsh has already completed a rather different feature, Dance First. A sweeping account of the life of literary icon Samuel Beckett (the title is taken from his ethos, “Dance first, think later”), the film sees Gabriel Byrne as the Nobel Prize winner in a story that covers the many aspects of his younger years: from Parisian bon vivant to WWII resistance fighter and philandering husband.
- 5/18/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Cannes market heats up even further with a new James Marsh movie on the scene. Deadline reports that Marsh will direct an adaptation of Kevin Barry‘s 2019 novel “Night Boat To Tangier” with Michael Fassbender and Domhnall Gleeson in the leads. Ruth Negga will also star in the film. That’s quite a catch for director Marsh, who already has his Samuel Beckett biopic on the way with Gabriel Byrne and Aidan Gillen leading the cast there.
Continue reading ‘Night Boat To Tangier’: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson & Ruth Negga To Star In James Marsh’s Adaptation Of Kevin Barry’s Lauded 2019 Novel at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Night Boat To Tangier’: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson & Ruth Negga To Star In James Marsh’s Adaptation Of Kevin Barry’s Lauded 2019 Novel at The Playlist.
- 5/11/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
What’s with old people and the paranormal? In movies and movies hence, we have seen how old men and women have been used as conduits not by the devil, ghosts, or souls but by filmmakers to establish fear. The Stranger has only this much relatability, and the rest is just outright absurd. But thanks to people like Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter, making sense of the absurd is something we’ve all taken a liking to, haven’t we? So, with this in mind, let’s talk about The Stranger.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘The Stranger’?
After Amanda’s husband Greg is murdered during a break-in, she takes her daughter Karli and moves to the other side of the country against the latter’s wishes. They move into a building that Amanda is going to turn into a guesthouse, but not just yet. One night, when Amanda is away,...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In ‘The Stranger’?
After Amanda’s husband Greg is murdered during a break-in, she takes her daughter Karli and moves to the other side of the country against the latter’s wishes. They move into a building that Amanda is going to turn into a guesthouse, but not just yet. One night, when Amanda is away,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Shubhabrata Dutta
- Film Fugitives
Exclusive: MGM’s extensive film & TV catalogue, built over the past century, was the main driver behind Amazon’s $8.5B acquisition of the storied Hollywood studio. For the past year, since the deal closed in March 2022, Amazon Studios has been sifting through MGM’s library, identifying about a dozen initial titles for film and/or TV development, including Robocop, Stargate, Legally Blonde, Fame, Barbershop, The Magnificent Seven, Pink Panther and The Thomas Crown Affair.
We hear A-list creative auspices have reached out to inquire about adapting MGM IP which they are fans of. Additionally, Amazon Studios also has been leaning on its own roster of talent for some projects.
Each title is being approached differently — some are being steered toward film, some toward TV and some big ones are getting both movie and TV treatment.
For instance, Amazon Studios is in active early conversation on Legally Blonde, both for a...
We hear A-list creative auspices have reached out to inquire about adapting MGM IP which they are fans of. Additionally, Amazon Studios also has been leaning on its own roster of talent for some projects.
Each title is being approached differently — some are being steered toward film, some toward TV and some big ones are getting both movie and TV treatment.
For instance, Amazon Studios is in active early conversation on Legally Blonde, both for a...
- 4/14/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Elon Musk has had a busy few days. Over the weekend, he ordered the “w” in the the sign on Twitter‘s San Francisco headquarters painted over, so that it read “Titter.” Then, on Monday, he changed his Twitter display name to “Harry Bōlz” before tweeting, “Impersonating others is wrong!” He later added: “I’m just hoping a media org that takes itself way too seriously writes a story about Harry Bōlz… ” Then, on Tuesday, he announced that the site’s unpaid “legacy” verification checks, formerly scheduled for removal on April Fool’s Day,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Miles Klee
- Rollingstone.com
Los Angeles, April 9 (Ians) Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is reported to make his first major theatre performance in a Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’.
The ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ actor, 58, once portrayed Prince Hamlet in a 1995 Manitoba Theatre Centre production of ‘Hamlet’ in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but is now said to be ready to take on his first play role in decades, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Various theatre insiders let it slip to Page Six that they have “heard that the ‘John Wick’ star will appear in the play,” but added there is “no word on who is producing or directing the piece.”
Keanu appeared in the 1993 Shakespeare movie ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ alongside Oscar-winning “Hamlet” director Sir Kenneth Branagh, 62, as well as Dame Emma Thompson, 63, Denzel Washington, 68, and Kate Beckinsale, 49.
He’s also a theatre fan, and was last year seen in the audience of ‘American Buffalo...
The ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ actor, 58, once portrayed Prince Hamlet in a 1995 Manitoba Theatre Centre production of ‘Hamlet’ in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but is now said to be ready to take on his first play role in decades, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Various theatre insiders let it slip to Page Six that they have “heard that the ‘John Wick’ star will appear in the play,” but added there is “no word on who is producing or directing the piece.”
Keanu appeared in the 1993 Shakespeare movie ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ alongside Oscar-winning “Hamlet” director Sir Kenneth Branagh, 62, as well as Dame Emma Thompson, 63, Denzel Washington, 68, and Kate Beckinsale, 49.
He’s also a theatre fan, and was last year seen in the audience of ‘American Buffalo...
- 4/9/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
A24 is getting into the theater business with the purchase of the Off-Broadway venue Cherry Lane Theatre for the purchase price was $10 million, according to a deed filed on Friday.
Cherry Lane Theatre is the longest continuously running theater in New York City’s West Village. It features a 179-seat mainstage and a 60-seat studio theater. The space will reportedly be maintained as a place for live theater.
The studio behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Uncut Gems,” “Hereditary” and “Lady Bird” raised a $225 million equity round in March of last year, with plans to use the money to produce and distribute films while also continuing to develop initiatives beyond just big-screen cinema.
Also Read:
Where to Stream 2023’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Right Now
The Cherry Lane Theatre was first established as a playhouse in 1923, courtesy of Evelyn Vaughn, William Rainey, Reginald Travers and Edna St. Vincent Millay. The theater would...
Cherry Lane Theatre is the longest continuously running theater in New York City’s West Village. It features a 179-seat mainstage and a 60-seat studio theater. The space will reportedly be maintained as a place for live theater.
The studio behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Uncut Gems,” “Hereditary” and “Lady Bird” raised a $225 million equity round in March of last year, with plans to use the money to produce and distribute films while also continuing to develop initiatives beyond just big-screen cinema.
Also Read:
Where to Stream 2023’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Right Now
The Cherry Lane Theatre was first established as a playhouse in 1923, courtesy of Evelyn Vaughn, William Rainey, Reginald Travers and Edna St. Vincent Millay. The theater would...
- 3/4/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
After conquering the independent film and TV world, A24 is venturing into live theater. The production and distribution company has bought the Cherry Lane Theatre, one of the oldest Off-Broadway venues in New York City.
According to a deed filed Friday in the New York City Department of Finance, the venue was purchased for $10 million by a corporation called the Cherry Lane Venue; said corporation’s stated address is the same as A24’s New York offices. The deal comes after the venue’s longtime owner, actor Angelina Fiordellisi, attempted to sell to the Lucille Lortel Theater Foundation in 2021, before the sale fell through due to price disagreements. A24’s interest in the property was first reported last November.
A source with knowledge of the deal told IndieWire that A24 will keep the newly acquired venue in the live theater business, as opposed to using it for film screenings or premieres.
According to a deed filed Friday in the New York City Department of Finance, the venue was purchased for $10 million by a corporation called the Cherry Lane Venue; said corporation’s stated address is the same as A24’s New York offices. The deal comes after the venue’s longtime owner, actor Angelina Fiordellisi, attempted to sell to the Lucille Lortel Theater Foundation in 2021, before the sale fell through due to price disagreements. A24’s interest in the property was first reported last November.
A source with knowledge of the deal told IndieWire that A24 will keep the newly acquired venue in the live theater business, as opposed to using it for film screenings or premieres.
- 3/3/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Off Broadway’s historic, if long financially beleaguered, Cherry Lane Theatre has been purchased by The Whale and Everything Everywhere All at Once film studio A24.
The 179-seat mainstage venue, located on one of the most picturesque side streets of Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood, is a central part of Off Broadway history, founded as a playhouse in 1923 and eventually providing a home space for such major theatrical figures as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Edward Albee, Clifford Odets, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Eugene Ionesco, LeRoi Jones, Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, Joe Orton and David Mamet.
Recent years have seen the small, tucked-away venue hitting one financial brick wall after another, most recently when executive director Angelina Fiordellisi agreed to sell the theater to the Lucille Lortel Theatre Foundation for $11 million in 2021. According to The New York Times, that deal fell through over the selling price.
A deed...
The 179-seat mainstage venue, located on one of the most picturesque side streets of Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood, is a central part of Off Broadway history, founded as a playhouse in 1923 and eventually providing a home space for such major theatrical figures as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Edward Albee, Clifford Odets, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Eugene Ionesco, LeRoi Jones, Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, Joe Orton and David Mamet.
Recent years have seen the small, tucked-away venue hitting one financial brick wall after another, most recently when executive director Angelina Fiordellisi agreed to sell the theater to the Lucille Lortel Theatre Foundation for $11 million in 2021. According to The New York Times, that deal fell through over the selling price.
A deed...
- 3/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent film studio A24 has purchased a small Off-Broadway venue, the Cherry Lane Theatre.
The theater, which is located in New York City’s West Village, was purchased for just over $10 million, according to a deed filed Friday. Cherry Lane Theatre is the longest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York and features a 179-seat mainstage and a 60-seat studio theater.
A person with knowledge of the deal told The Hollywood Reporter that A24 plans to keep the space as a venue for live theater.
The purchase comes after the studio, which is behind this awards season’s The Whale and Everything Everywhere All at Once, raised a $225 million equity round in March 2022, with plans to use the capital to continue to produce and distribute films but also “continue to develop high-quality initiatives beyond the screen.” New York-based venture capital firm Stripes was the lead investor in that round.
A...
The theater, which is located in New York City’s West Village, was purchased for just over $10 million, according to a deed filed Friday. Cherry Lane Theatre is the longest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York and features a 179-seat mainstage and a 60-seat studio theater.
A person with knowledge of the deal told The Hollywood Reporter that A24 plans to keep the space as a venue for live theater.
The purchase comes after the studio, which is behind this awards season’s The Whale and Everything Everywhere All at Once, raised a $225 million equity round in March 2022, with plans to use the capital to continue to produce and distribute films but also “continue to develop high-quality initiatives beyond the screen.” New York-based venture capital firm Stripes was the lead investor in that round.
A...
- 3/3/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Carpenter's 1982 remake of "The Thing" is, like many of Carpenter's movies, possessed of a nihilistic streak. The titular Thing is a living mass of alien tissues, existing without form, able to invade a host, consume it, and replicate it down to its very brain functions. It can look and sound like anyone. The Thing doesn't appear to be intelligent and lives only to consume and perpetuate itself. Carpenter's film is set at a remote Antarctic outpost populated by bored, surly, mostly bearded men, tired of their isolated job and only barely staving off mind-crushing boredom. When the Thing infiltrates their ranks, paranoia immediately takes over, and the characters all begin suspecting one another. Only the stalwart pilot MacReady (Kurt Russell) holds it together enough to seek out the creature in a logical fashion.
By the end of the film, most of the outpost will be burned down, and...
By the end of the film, most of the outpost will be burned down, and...
- 2/20/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Principal photography has wrapped in New Jersey on Coup!, a period satire starring Peter Sarsgaard and directed by Austin Stark and Joseph Schuman.
Deadline can also share a first-look image from the pic above.
London and Paris-based production, finance, and sales company Film Constellation is handling world sales and is bringing the pic to the EFM.
Set on a seaside estate in the United States during the 1918 Spanish Flu, the pic follows a rebellious servant who spearheads an uprising against his wealthy employer.
Sarsgaard stars alongside Billy Magnussen, Sarah Gadon, and Skye P. Marshall (Matlock).
Coup! is produced by Brian Levy for Entertainment 360, Warner Davis and Todd Friedman at Hemlock Circle Productions, and Molly Conners, Amanda Bowers, and Jane Sinisi for Phiphen alongside Harris Gurny.
Deadline can also share a first-look image from the pic above.
London and Paris-based production, finance, and sales company Film Constellation is handling world sales and is bringing the pic to the EFM.
Set on a seaside estate in the United States during the 1918 Spanish Flu, the pic follows a rebellious servant who spearheads an uprising against his wealthy employer.
Sarsgaard stars alongside Billy Magnussen, Sarah Gadon, and Skye P. Marshall (Matlock).
Coup! is produced by Brian Levy for Entertainment 360, Warner Davis and Todd Friedman at Hemlock Circle Productions, and Molly Conners, Amanda Bowers, and Jane Sinisi for Phiphen alongside Harris Gurny.
- 2/17/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
After 30 years in TV film and theater, where she has performed in plays by Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter and Shakespeare, Filipina actress Dolly De Leon made news stories all around the world during Cannes 2022 for playing a cleaner. But not just any cleaner; as the savvy Abigail, who turns the tables when a luxury cruise ship capsizes in Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning social satire Triangle of Sadness, De Leon gives a masterclass in skewering lazy clichés and assumptions about her home country. Proving the power of De Leon’s performance is the response from countries all around the world, notably the U.K., where she made the Bafta longlist, and the U.S., where she is in the running for a Golden Globe.
Related Story ‘Triangle Of Sadness’: Read The Screenplay From Ruben Östlund That Takes On Our Obsession With Beauty Related Story How To Watch The...
Related Story ‘Triangle Of Sadness’: Read The Screenplay From Ruben Östlund That Takes On Our Obsession With Beauty Related Story How To Watch The...
- 1/10/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
With filming currently underway, yet another name in the form of Gabriel Byrne has joined the cast of the ‘John Wick’ spin-off, ‘Ballerina.’
The story will revolve around Ana de Armas’ young female assassin who seeks revenge against those who killed her family. Any additional plot details remain under lock and key, but producer Basil Iwanyk described McShane’s role as “pivotal.” It’s not clear how Reeves, should his deal close, will fit into the story.
Producer Basil Iwanyk says in a statement: “For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
Also in news – Daisy Edgar-Jones to star in musical ‘Beautiful’
Angelica Huston is reprising her role as The Director, and the head of the Ruska Roma crime organization. She first appeared in ‘John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and joins fellow returnee,...
The story will revolve around Ana de Armas’ young female assassin who seeks revenge against those who killed her family. Any additional plot details remain under lock and key, but producer Basil Iwanyk described McShane’s role as “pivotal.” It’s not clear how Reeves, should his deal close, will fit into the story.
Producer Basil Iwanyk says in a statement: “For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
Also in news – Daisy Edgar-Jones to star in musical ‘Beautiful’
Angelica Huston is reprising her role as The Director, and the head of the Ruska Roma crime organization. She first appeared in ‘John Wick Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and joins fellow returnee,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Click here to read the full article.
Gabriel Byrne has joined Lionsgate’s Ballerina, a spinoff movie set in the John Wick universe starring Keanu Reeves as the title character.
“For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world,” producer Brady Iwanyk said in a statement.
Byrne will next be seen as legendary writer Samuel Beckett in the biopic Dance First for director James Marsh. He also stars as Enzo Ferrari in Grindstone’s Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend, and appeared in Epix’s series War of the Worlds and the feature Murder at Yellowstone City.
Byrne’s other credits include Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, and the limited series ZeroZeroZero, directed by Janus Metz, Stefano Sollima and Pablo Trapero for Amazon Studios.
Byrne is the latest to join Ballerina,...
Gabriel Byrne has joined Lionsgate’s Ballerina, a spinoff movie set in the John Wick universe starring Keanu Reeves as the title character.
“For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world,” producer Brady Iwanyk said in a statement.
Byrne will next be seen as legendary writer Samuel Beckett in the biopic Dance First for director James Marsh. He also stars as Enzo Ferrari in Grindstone’s Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend, and appeared in Epix’s series War of the Worlds and the feature Murder at Yellowstone City.
Byrne’s other credits include Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, and the limited series ZeroZeroZero, directed by Janus Metz, Stefano Sollima and Pablo Trapero for Amazon Studios.
Byrne is the latest to join Ballerina,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gabriel Byrne, the Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning “In Treatment” star, is the latest addition to the “John Wick” spinoff film “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas.
Production on the film is currently underway, with Len Wiseman directing from a screenplay penned by Shay Hatten (“John Wick: Chapter 4”). Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski are producing, while Lionsgate’s Brady Fujikawa and Chelsea Kujawa are overseeing the project.
“For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films,” Iwanyk said in a statement. “You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
Also Read:
‘John Wick’ Spinoff ‘Ballerina’ Set at Lionsgate With ‘Total Recall’ Director Len Wiseman
Previously announced ensemble members include Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Norman Reedus.
Byrne will next be seen playing literary giant Samuel Beckett in the biopic “Dance First,...
Production on the film is currently underway, with Len Wiseman directing from a screenplay penned by Shay Hatten (“John Wick: Chapter 4”). Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski are producing, while Lionsgate’s Brady Fujikawa and Chelsea Kujawa are overseeing the project.
“For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films,” Iwanyk said in a statement. “You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
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‘John Wick’ Spinoff ‘Ballerina’ Set at Lionsgate With ‘Total Recall’ Director Len Wiseman
Previously announced ensemble members include Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Norman Reedus.
Byrne will next be seen playing literary giant Samuel Beckett in the biopic “Dance First,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The 2x Primetime Emmy nominated and Golden Globe winning Gabriel Byrne has closed a deal, we hear, to star opposite Ana de Armas in the John Wick spinoff Ballerina.
He joins the ever-expanding cast which includes Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus.
Producer Basil Iwanyk said: “For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
The movie is now shooting with Len Wiseman directing off Shay Hatten’s script. In addition to Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski produce. Brady Fujikawa and Chelsea Kujawa are overseeing the project for Lionsgate.
Bryne’s Emmy noms and Globe win are for his turn on HBO’s In Treatment. The Miller’s Crossing star will next be seen as literary giant Samuel Beckett...
He joins the ever-expanding cast which includes Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus.
Producer Basil Iwanyk said: “For decades, Gabriel’s mysterious and enigmatic presence has enriched dozens of films. You can never quite be sure what he’s thinking, and that’s perfect for this world.”
The movie is now shooting with Len Wiseman directing off Shay Hatten’s script. In addition to Iwanyk, Erica Lee and Chad Stahelski produce. Brady Fujikawa and Chelsea Kujawa are overseeing the project for Lionsgate.
Bryne’s Emmy noms and Globe win are for his turn on HBO’s In Treatment. The Miller’s Crossing star will next be seen as literary giant Samuel Beckett...
- 12/20/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Good Night Oppy” lived up to its name. The space doc about rovers on Mars took the top honors at the 7th Annual Critics Choice Awards in midtown Manhattan. The move from Brooklyn (where the show had been produced for the last six years) was an upgrade. “Take a look around the Edison Ballroom,” ‘Oppy’ filmmaker Ryan White said. “It was a theater for over 60 years and did ‘Oh Calcutta’ for 13 years. Totally nude with sex-related sketches written by Sam Shepard, Samuel Beckett, Jules Feiffer and John Lennon.” Okay, yes, this place in the Edison Hotel is cooler.
Comic Wyatt Cenac hosted. “Keep making good stuff,” he told the audience. “So next year we don’t have to turn this thing into an awards show for TikTok explainer videos.” The star power was amped up for the new digs. Paul Shaeffer gave “The Beatles: Get Back” its Best Musical Doc award.
Comic Wyatt Cenac hosted. “Keep making good stuff,” he told the audience. “So next year we don’t have to turn this thing into an awards show for TikTok explainer videos.” The star power was amped up for the new digs. Paul Shaeffer gave “The Beatles: Get Back” its Best Musical Doc award.
- 11/14/2022
- by Bill McCuddy
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Film Constellation has sealed a raft of deals on Spanish director Juan Galiñanes’s upcoming thriller Fatum, as it continues sales on the title at the AFM with a first promo.
The film has been acquired for France (Canal+), Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy (Plaion) and Latin America (California Filmes).
The Spanish-language feature brings together a compulsive gambler and an elite sniper, whose destinies become intertwined on a fateful day when the local betting shop gets robbed.
When a single gunshot is fired, the next 24 hours will set them on a race against time that will define their lives forever.
The cast features Luis Tosar, Álex García, Elena Anaya and Arón Piper.
The production will be released in Spain in 2023 by Universal Studios.
The film has been acquired for France (Canal+), Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy (Plaion) and Latin America (California Filmes).
The Spanish-language feature brings together a compulsive gambler and an elite sniper, whose destinies become intertwined on a fateful day when the local betting shop gets robbed.
When a single gunshot is fired, the next 24 hours will set them on a race against time that will define their lives forever.
The cast features Luis Tosar, Álex García, Elena Anaya and Arón Piper.
The production will be released in Spain in 2023 by Universal Studios.
- 11/3/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
London and Paris-based production, finance and sales outfit Film Constellation has inked a first raft of pre-sales on romantic thriller “Haunted Heart” by Academy Award-winning director Fernando Trueba (“Belle Époque”), and starring Academy Award nominee Matt Dillon (“Crash”).
The film sold in Latin America (California Filmes), Italy (Plaion), Greece and Turkey (Tanweer) and Cis (Nashe Kino). Film Constellation has unveiled the first still from the film, and will be introducing a teaser promo to buyers during the American Film Market this week.
The English-language film, also starring Aida Folch (“The Artist and the Model”) and Juan Pablo Urrego (“Memoria”), is shooting in Greece.
The film is set on a remote island in Greece, where Alex joins the team of a boutique seaside restaurant as their new waitress. Despite her femme-fatale charm quickly winning the heart of the charismatic Enrico, she instead falls for the enigmatic restaurant manager Max, a reclusive American,...
The film sold in Latin America (California Filmes), Italy (Plaion), Greece and Turkey (Tanweer) and Cis (Nashe Kino). Film Constellation has unveiled the first still from the film, and will be introducing a teaser promo to buyers during the American Film Market this week.
The English-language film, also starring Aida Folch (“The Artist and the Model”) and Juan Pablo Urrego (“Memoria”), is shooting in Greece.
The film is set on a remote island in Greece, where Alex joins the team of a boutique seaside restaurant as their new waitress. Despite her femme-fatale charm quickly winning the heart of the charismatic Enrico, she instead falls for the enigmatic restaurant manager Max, a reclusive American,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
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