What are the greatest action movies of all time? It’s a controversial question, isn’t it? Any time any publication or site puts out a new list of what they consider the best action movies of all time, it can’t help but generate a ton of controversy. Nevertheless, we here at JoBlo have decided to throw our hats into the ring with a list we really hope generates some nostalgia among our viewers but also encourages them to seek out the movies on this list that they may not have seen. But first, some may wonder where superhero movies are on this list. Given how broad that genre is, we decided to stick to old-school action, so we have left them off the list, as they deserve their own ranking. There are also a few absences from the list, notably some Jackie Chan films (like Police Story), with...
- 5/25/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
To celebrate the release of Dogman starring Caleb Landry Jones – out 11th March on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital – we have a Blu-ray up for grabs!
The latest film from Luc Besson – the visionary filmmaker The Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita and the Transporter series – Dogman won the Graffetta d’Oro for Best Film at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. It’s extraordinary, intense and heartfelt – everything you’d expect from the unique and uncompromising mind of Besson.
Caleb Landry Jones (Cannes winner for Best Actor for Nitram) stars as Doug, a troubled man who finds salvation through his canine friends. The cast also includes Jojo T Gibbs (Fresh), Christopher Denham (Billions), Clemens Schick (Das Boot), and Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon). Featuring an emotive score by Besson’s longtime collaborator Éric Serra (Léon), and exquisitely filmed by Colin Wandersman (Pandemonium), Dogman features production design by César award winner Hugues Tissandier (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec...
The latest film from Luc Besson – the visionary filmmaker The Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita and the Transporter series – Dogman won the Graffetta d’Oro for Best Film at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. It’s extraordinary, intense and heartfelt – everything you’d expect from the unique and uncompromising mind of Besson.
Caleb Landry Jones (Cannes winner for Best Actor for Nitram) stars as Doug, a troubled man who finds salvation through his canine friends. The cast also includes Jojo T Gibbs (Fresh), Christopher Denham (Billions), Clemens Schick (Das Boot), and Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon). Featuring an emotive score by Besson’s longtime collaborator Éric Serra (Léon), and exquisitely filmed by Colin Wandersman (Pandemonium), Dogman features production design by César award winner Hugues Tissandier (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec...
- 3/14/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
To celebrate the release of Dogman starring Caleb Landry Jones – out 11th March on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital – we have a Blu-Ray up for grabs!
he latest film from Luc Besson – the visionary filmmaker The Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita and the Transporter series – Dogman won the Graffetta d’Oro for Best Film at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. It’s extraordinary, intense and heartfelt – everything you’d expect from the unique and uncompromising mind of Besson.
Caleb Landry Jones (Cannes winner for Best Actor for Nitram) stars as Doug, a troubled man who finds salvation through his canine friends. The cast also includes Jojo T Gibbs (Fresh), Christopher Denham (Billions), Clemens Schick (Das Boot), and Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon).
Featuring an emotive score by Besson’s longtime collaborator Éric Serra (Léon), and exquisitely filmed by Colin Wandersman (Pandemonium), Dogman features production design by César award winner Hugues Tissandier (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec...
he latest film from Luc Besson – the visionary filmmaker The Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita and the Transporter series – Dogman won the Graffetta d’Oro for Best Film at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. It’s extraordinary, intense and heartfelt – everything you’d expect from the unique and uncompromising mind of Besson.
Caleb Landry Jones (Cannes winner for Best Actor for Nitram) stars as Doug, a troubled man who finds salvation through his canine friends. The cast also includes Jojo T Gibbs (Fresh), Christopher Denham (Billions), Clemens Schick (Das Boot), and Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon).
Featuring an emotive score by Besson’s longtime collaborator Éric Serra (Léon), and exquisitely filmed by Colin Wandersman (Pandemonium), Dogman features production design by César award winner Hugues Tissandier (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec...
- 3/9/2024
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Caleb Landry Jones is “DogMan,” whatever that moniker means.
The indie actor, who has appeared in the acclaimed likes of “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri” and “Nitram,” leads controversial French director Luc Besson’s latest feature. Per the elusive logline, “DogMan” tells the story of a man who, following a traumatic childhood, finds salvation and justice through his connection with dogs.
Yet, there’s more to the twisted crime thriller than just that: Jones plays Douglas Munrow, a victim of childhood abuse who relives his past while being interviewed by a psychiatrist (Jojo T. Gibbs) after Douglas is accused of murder. Turns out Douglas’ childhood was far from fetching, with his only source of love being the dogs his father (Clemens Schick) would lock him in cages with.
As an adult, Douglas balances performing in drag as iconic stars like Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, and Marilyn Monroe with a crime spree.
The indie actor, who has appeared in the acclaimed likes of “Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri” and “Nitram,” leads controversial French director Luc Besson’s latest feature. Per the elusive logline, “DogMan” tells the story of a man who, following a traumatic childhood, finds salvation and justice through his connection with dogs.
Yet, there’s more to the twisted crime thriller than just that: Jones plays Douglas Munrow, a victim of childhood abuse who relives his past while being interviewed by a psychiatrist (Jojo T. Gibbs) after Douglas is accused of murder. Turns out Douglas’ childhood was far from fetching, with his only source of love being the dogs his father (Clemens Schick) would lock him in cages with.
As an adult, Douglas balances performing in drag as iconic stars like Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, and Marilyn Monroe with a crime spree.
- 2/22/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In life, spewing hate comes easy; finding the good takes effort. That’s my mantra for “Revenge of the Remakes.” Get dirty and identify value where others hastily — maybe unfairly — laid harsh criticisms. Any remake, in any genre, faces biased outrage from peanut galleries who refuse to remove their nostalgia goggles. It’s easy to prey on the hate clickers out there, which is why I use this column as a voice for the misunderstood and wrongly delegitimized. A remake isn’t trash because it’s a remake, there’s more to the equation.
That said (and believed), not all remakes are created equal. With soaring highs come subterranean lows. Sometimes remakes are nothing but a copy-and-paste cash grab, devoid of creative ambitions. These examples fuel smear campaigns about remakes at large — and today, we’re dissecting one of the worst.
John McTiernan’s Rollerball is an unprecedented studio disaster...
That said (and believed), not all remakes are created equal. With soaring highs come subterranean lows. Sometimes remakes are nothing but a copy-and-paste cash grab, devoid of creative ambitions. These examples fuel smear campaigns about remakes at large — and today, we’re dissecting one of the worst.
John McTiernan’s Rollerball is an unprecedented studio disaster...
- 2/21/2024
- by Matt Donato
- bloody-disgusting.com
‘Power Of The Dog’ Producer Tanya Seghatchian To Lead London Film Festival Jury
Film producer Tanya Seghatchian has been announced as the jury president for the Official Competition of the 66th BFI London Film Festival, running from October 5 – 16. Seghatchian will be joined by British actor Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami), filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane (The Disciple), and journalist Charles Gant. The jury will award the festival’s Best Film Award.
Luc Besson, James Gray, Gabe Polsky Booked For Rome’s Talks Program
Luc Besson, Gabe Polsky, James Gray, Stephen Frears and Mario Martone will be among the filmmakers setting down at the Rome Film Festival (Oct 13-23) for its two new talk sections Paso Doble and Absolute Beginners.
French filmmaker Besson will kick off the new Absolute Beginners devoted to directors speaking about their experiences on their first features.
Film producer Tanya Seghatchian has been announced as the jury president for the Official Competition of the 66th BFI London Film Festival, running from October 5 – 16. Seghatchian will be joined by British actor Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers (One Night in Miami), filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane (The Disciple), and journalist Charles Gant. The jury will award the festival’s Best Film Award.
Luc Besson, James Gray, Gabe Polsky Booked For Rome’s Talks Program
Luc Besson, Gabe Polsky, James Gray, Stephen Frears and Mario Martone will be among the filmmakers setting down at the Rome Film Festival (Oct 13-23) for its two new talk sections Paso Doble and Absolute Beginners.
French filmmaker Besson will kick off the new Absolute Beginners devoted to directors speaking about their experiences on their first features.
- 10/4/2022
- by Zac Ntim, Melanie Goodfellow, Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Fifth Element, Luc Besson’s cult-classic space opera featuring an actual alien opera singer, turns 20 this week. And to celebrate this milestone—as well as the release of Besson’s Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets this July—the film soundtrack specialists at Mondo are giving composer Eric Serra’s score, including the famous “Lucia Di Lammermoor”/“The Diva Dance” opera sequence, a deluxe vinyl release. “The Fifth Element is essential science fiction cinema,” Mondo Record Label Manager Mo Shafeek says. “Not only is the soundtrack responsible for a wildly vast tonal spectrum – you’d be hard pressed to name another film that bounces from comedic montage to straight-faced opera to action-adventure in the span of 15 minutes–but he makes it feel and sound effortless. It is a truly unique listening experience.”
The remastered Fifth Element soundtrack goes on sale this coming Wednesday, May 17 ...
The remastered Fifth Element soundtrack goes on sale this coming Wednesday, May 17 ...
- 5/11/2017
- by Katie Rife
- avclub.com
Twenty years ago, audiences were dazzled by the visionary images and epic adventure of “The Fifth Element.” To celebrate the 20th anniversary of director Luc Besson’s groundbreaking film, Fathom Events and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will present a 4K restoration of the film in movie theaters nationwide for two days only, on Sunday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 17 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. (local time) both days. Following its two-day-only theatrical presentation, “The Fifth Element” will debut on 4K Ultra HD July 11.
As an added bonus, the theatrical presentation will also offer audiences a brand-new, exclusive look at Besson’s upcoming film, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” which opens in theaters nationwide July 21, 2017. This new film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as special operatives who must protect the astonishing city of Alpha from a marauding menace that threatens not just the city but the future of the universe.
As an added bonus, the theatrical presentation will also offer audiences a brand-new, exclusive look at Besson’s upcoming film, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” which opens in theaters nationwide July 21, 2017. This new film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as special operatives who must protect the astonishing city of Alpha from a marauding menace that threatens not just the city but the future of the universe.
- 4/9/2017
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Remember Diva Plavalaguna from The Fifth Element? Remember how amazing her voice was, not to mention her range? There’s actually a story behind the song because it isn’t 100% what it seems. While much of the song is sung by a real opera singer there are actually notes in there that human beings can’t actually reach. This is a story told by Eric Serra Eric Serra tells about the notorious diva scene played by his girlfriend at the time Maïwenn, and of which he composed the music. In that scene Maïwenn plays the diva but the voice is not hers,
The Fifth Element Diva Song Was Literally Impossible to Sing Until Now...
The Fifth Element Diva Song Was Literally Impossible to Sing Until Now...
- 3/25/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
Let’s face it. The songs are the best parts of the James Bond movies. Throughout 007’s five decades, the title tracks are each film’s one hope of rising above dubious casting choices, retreads of old villains, and grandiose plots for world domination that will inevitably be foiled. And like all that other stuff, we like the songs because they’re another expected element in a series that’s filled with them, a pop cultural barometer for measuring the secret agent’s standing in the zeitgeist.
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
- 11/2/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
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Here are the songs that were considered forJames Bond themes but ultimately rejected. Some of them aren't half-bad, too...
Bond title songs are an intrinsic part of the series. But did you know that there were often unused tracks that were considered but rejected? Some of them are damn good too. This is bound to lead to comparisons and what if… discussions, and that's what we are here to encourage today.
As soon as we try to define what makes a great Bond song, we run into the problem that dogs any criticism of the series – every aspect of it is extremely divisive. Whatever element you nominate as a high point, best actor, score or film, for example, is someone else's least favourite and vice versa. The same goes for the Bond theme songs: some people like a bouncy pop song with a nice brass arrangement. For others,...
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Here are the songs that were considered forJames Bond themes but ultimately rejected. Some of them aren't half-bad, too...
Bond title songs are an intrinsic part of the series. But did you know that there were often unused tracks that were considered but rejected? Some of them are damn good too. This is bound to lead to comparisons and what if… discussions, and that's what we are here to encourage today.
As soon as we try to define what makes a great Bond song, we run into the problem that dogs any criticism of the series – every aspect of it is extremely divisive. Whatever element you nominate as a high point, best actor, score or film, for example, is someone else's least favourite and vice versa. The same goes for the Bond theme songs: some people like a bouncy pop song with a nice brass arrangement. For others,...
- 10/26/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Bourne and Mission: Impossible, right back to Harry Palmer and Danger Diabolik - meet the many pretenders to James Bond's throne...
Since 1962, the James Bond franchise has come to define the spy genre, for good or ill. More broadly, every thriller and action film that comes out now either uses them as inspiration, or attempts to ignore or re-work the tropes that have come to be associated with the series.
Coming off the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service, and with the release of a new Bond film this year, now seems like the perfect time to take a look at a sample of the films which have been inspired by James Bond — either as homages, parodies or reactions.
The Ipcress File (1965)
Produced by James Bond producer Harry Saltzman as a more grounded alternative to the largesse of Bond, The Ipcress File is more concerned with the intricacies of real spy-work — the endless paperwork,...
Since 1962, the James Bond franchise has come to define the spy genre, for good or ill. More broadly, every thriller and action film that comes out now either uses them as inspiration, or attempts to ignore or re-work the tropes that have come to be associated with the series.
Coming off the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service, and with the release of a new Bond film this year, now seems like the perfect time to take a look at a sample of the films which have been inspired by James Bond — either as homages, parodies or reactions.
The Ipcress File (1965)
Produced by James Bond producer Harry Saltzman as a more grounded alternative to the largesse of Bond, The Ipcress File is more concerned with the intricacies of real spy-work — the endless paperwork,...
- 5/3/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
From Muppet Treasure Island to Speed, we take a look at the 90s soundtracks that deserve another listen...
Ah, the 1990s. The decade that brought us The Lion King. Titanic. Quentin Tarantino. That wordless bathroom scene in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peaks. Duel of the Fates from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. In the Mood for Love.
It was a good 10 years for film music, no doubt.
But scratch the surface of 1991 through 1999 and there are tons of good scores ready to spring a surprise on your ears. Some were attached to sorely underrated movies, others were overshadowed by wildly successful ones, and some have simply been forgotten in the passage of time.
Here, in no particular order, are the top 25 underappreciated film soundtracks from the 1990s.
1. Chaplin - John Barry
Okay, let's start with a big one. Richard Attenborough. Robert Downey Jr. John Barry.
Ah, the 1990s. The decade that brought us The Lion King. Titanic. Quentin Tarantino. That wordless bathroom scene in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. Angelo Badalamenti's Twin Peaks. Duel of the Fates from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. In the Mood for Love.
It was a good 10 years for film music, no doubt.
But scratch the surface of 1991 through 1999 and there are tons of good scores ready to spring a surprise on your ears. Some were attached to sorely underrated movies, others were overshadowed by wildly successful ones, and some have simply been forgotten in the passage of time.
Here, in no particular order, are the top 25 underappreciated film soundtracks from the 1990s.
1. Chaplin - John Barry
Okay, let's start with a big one. Richard Attenborough. Robert Downey Jr. John Barry.
- 4/28/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 114 scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures released in 2014 are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 87th Oscars®. The eligible scores along with their composers are listed below, in alphabetical order by film title: “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs,” Vivek Maddala, composer “Anita,” Lili Haydn, composer “Annabelle,” Joseph Bishara, composer “At Middleton,” Arturo Sandoval, composer “Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt?,” Elia Cmiral, composer “Bears,” George Fenton, composer “Belle,” Rachel Portman, composer “Big Eyes,” Danny Elfman, composer “Big Hero 6,” Henry Jackman, composer “The Book of Life,” Gustavo Santaolalla and Tim Davies, composers “The Boxtrolls,” Dario Marianelli, composer “Brick Mansions,” Trevor Morris, composer “Cake,” Christophe Beck, composer “Calvary,” Patrick Cassidy, composer “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Henry Jackman, composer “The Case against 8,” Blake Neely, composer “Cheatin’,” Nicole Renaud, composer “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,...
- 12/13/2014
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Three hundred twenty-three feature films are eligible for the 2014 Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
To be eligible for 87th Academy Awards consideration, feature films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by midnight, December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days.
Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Feature films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. The “Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 87th Academy Awards” is available at http://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also announced that 114 scores...
To be eligible for 87th Academy Awards consideration, feature films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by midnight, December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days.
Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Feature films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. The “Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 87th Academy Awards” is available at http://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also announced that 114 scores...
- 12/13/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Original scores from The Boxtrolls, Divergent, Exodus: Gods And Kings and The Grand Budapest Hotel are among 114 scores eligible for nominations in the Original Score category for the 87th Oscars. The noms will be announced on January 15. The eligible scores along with their composers are listed below, in alphabetical order by film title:
“American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs,” Vivek Maddala, composer
“Anita,” Lili Haydn, composer
“Annabelle,” Joseph Bishara, composer
“At Middleton,” Arturo Sandoval, composer
“Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt?,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Bears,” George Fenton, composer
“Belle,” Rachel Portman, composer
“Big Eyes,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Big Hero 6,” Henry Jackman, composer
“The Book of Life,” Gustavo Santaolalla and Tim Davies, composers
“The Boxtrolls,” Dario Marianelli, composer
“Brick Mansions,” Trevor Morris, composer
“Cake,” Christophe Beck, composer
“Calvary,” Patrick Cassidy, composer
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Henry Jackman, composer
“The Case against 8,” Blake Neely, composer
“Cheatin’,” Nicole Renaud,...
“American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs,” Vivek Maddala, composer
“Anita,” Lili Haydn, composer
“Annabelle,” Joseph Bishara, composer
“At Middleton,” Arturo Sandoval, composer
“Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt?,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Bears,” George Fenton, composer
“Belle,” Rachel Portman, composer
“Big Eyes,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Big Hero 6,” Henry Jackman, composer
“The Book of Life,” Gustavo Santaolalla and Tim Davies, composers
“The Boxtrolls,” Dario Marianelli, composer
“Brick Mansions,” Trevor Morris, composer
“Cake,” Christophe Beck, composer
“Calvary,” Patrick Cassidy, composer
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Henry Jackman, composer
“The Case against 8,” Blake Neely, composer
“Cheatin’,” Nicole Renaud,...
- 12/13/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
Review Ryan Lambie 10 Feb 2014 - 06:10
As Luc Besson's Leon: The Professional celebrates its 20th birthday, along comes an Anniversary Blu-ray edition. Ryan takes a look...
One of the most oft-filmed cities on the planet, New York takes on a renewed sense of the exotic in Luc Besson's 1994 action drama, Leon: The Professional. Accompanied by Eric Serra's imaginative score, Leon's opening shots of Manhattan in the summer - a disembodied camera floating over the Hudson and Central Park - make the place look almost otherworldly.
This is entirely in keeping with the title character Leon (Jean Reno), a childlike foreigner who moves from apartment to apartment like a ghost, seemingly unnoticed among the city's bustle and thrum. An Italian migrant, Leon works as a contract killer for Danny Aiello's mafia boss Tony, who runs his operation from a restaurant in Little Italy. A solitary figure, Leon's...
As Luc Besson's Leon: The Professional celebrates its 20th birthday, along comes an Anniversary Blu-ray edition. Ryan takes a look...
One of the most oft-filmed cities on the planet, New York takes on a renewed sense of the exotic in Luc Besson's 1994 action drama, Leon: The Professional. Accompanied by Eric Serra's imaginative score, Leon's opening shots of Manhattan in the summer - a disembodied camera floating over the Hudson and Central Park - make the place look almost otherworldly.
This is entirely in keeping with the title character Leon (Jean Reno), a childlike foreigner who moves from apartment to apartment like a ghost, seemingly unnoticed among the city's bustle and thrum. An Italian migrant, Leon works as a contract killer for Danny Aiello's mafia boss Tony, who runs his operation from a restaurant in Little Italy. A solitary figure, Leon's...
- 2/7/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Trumpeter who played on every James Bond film soundtrack from Dr No to Skyfall
The trumpeter Derek Watkins, who has died aged 68 of cancer, was recognised by his fellow professionals as the finest lead player of his generation. To see him take his place in a big-band trumpet section or orchestral ensemble was to be reassured that all would be well. Dizzy Gillespie, no mean judge of trumpeters, called him "Mr Lead".
Watkins played on every James Bond film soundtrack from Dr No (1962) to Skyfall (2012), his blazing lead trumpet work evident on Monty Norman's iconic James Bond theme. The 19-year-old Watkins's spine-chilling trumpet growls set the scene on John Barry's Goldfinger (1964) theme, sung by Shirley Bassey, and Watkins was also prominent on Bill Conti's For Your Eyes Only (1981) score. As Barry said, Watkins "never failed to deliver the goods".
The film composer John Altman recalled that Watkins...
The trumpeter Derek Watkins, who has died aged 68 of cancer, was recognised by his fellow professionals as the finest lead player of his generation. To see him take his place in a big-band trumpet section or orchestral ensemble was to be reassured that all would be well. Dizzy Gillespie, no mean judge of trumpeters, called him "Mr Lead".
Watkins played on every James Bond film soundtrack from Dr No (1962) to Skyfall (2012), his blazing lead trumpet work evident on Monty Norman's iconic James Bond theme. The 19-year-old Watkins's spine-chilling trumpet growls set the scene on John Barry's Goldfinger (1964) theme, sung by Shirley Bassey, and Watkins was also prominent on Bill Conti's For Your Eyes Only (1981) score. As Barry said, Watkins "never failed to deliver the goods".
The film composer John Altman recalled that Watkins...
- 3/25/2013
- by Peter Vacher
- The Guardian - Film News
Odd List Aliya Whiteley Feb 19, 2013
Covering 85 years of cinema, Aliya provides her pick of 25 stylish, must-see French movies...
I’m going to kick this off in best New-Wave style by pointing out that we should be praising each great director’s body of work rather than showcasing favourite movies in a list format; after all, France came up with the concept of the auteur filmmaker, stamping their personality on a film, using the camera to portray their version of the world.
Yeah, well, personality is everything. So here’s a highly personal choice, arranged in chronological order, of 25 of the most individualistic French films. They may be long or short, old or new, but they all have one thing in common – they’ve got directorial style. And by that I don’t mean their shoes match their handbags.
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928)
There are no stirring battle scenes,...
Covering 85 years of cinema, Aliya provides her pick of 25 stylish, must-see French movies...
I’m going to kick this off in best New-Wave style by pointing out that we should be praising each great director’s body of work rather than showcasing favourite movies in a list format; after all, France came up with the concept of the auteur filmmaker, stamping their personality on a film, using the camera to portray their version of the world.
Yeah, well, personality is everything. So here’s a highly personal choice, arranged in chronological order, of 25 of the most individualistic French films. They may be long or short, old or new, but they all have one thing in common – they’ve got directorial style. And by that I don’t mean their shoes match their handbags.
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928)
There are no stirring battle scenes,...
- 2/18/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Odd List Ivan Radford Jan 3, 2013
As 2012 recedes into history, Ivan counts down his pick of the year's finest movie soundtracks...
While Den of Geek writers were busy voting for the top film of the year, I’ve been rifling through my collection of albums from the last 12 months to work out which film soundtrack was the best. The conclusion? It’s been one heck of a year. (Please excuse the long list of Honourable Mentions at the end…)
These are the best movie soundtracks of 2012. Probably.
1. The Master (Jonny Greenwood)
A quick rewatch of the trailer to Paul Thomas Anderson’s film reminds you of the power of Jonny Greenwood’s music. The Master is surpassed by its haunting score, which nails the psychological state of Joaquin Phoenix’s Able-Bodied Seamen, increasingly dominated by His Master’s Voice. It may not be as lyrical as Greenwood’s Norwegian Wood soundtrack,...
As 2012 recedes into history, Ivan counts down his pick of the year's finest movie soundtracks...
While Den of Geek writers were busy voting for the top film of the year, I’ve been rifling through my collection of albums from the last 12 months to work out which film soundtrack was the best. The conclusion? It’s been one heck of a year. (Please excuse the long list of Honourable Mentions at the end…)
These are the best movie soundtracks of 2012. Probably.
1. The Master (Jonny Greenwood)
A quick rewatch of the trailer to Paul Thomas Anderson’s film reminds you of the power of Jonny Greenwood’s music. The Master is surpassed by its haunting score, which nails the psychological state of Joaquin Phoenix’s Able-Bodied Seamen, increasingly dominated by His Master’s Voice. It may not be as lyrical as Greenwood’s Norwegian Wood soundtrack,...
- 1/2/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise, and in conjunction with Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Capitol/Emi is proud to join the world.s celebration of 007. Best Of Bond. James Bond, a new commemorative collection of the legendary films. digitally remastered music, will be released in two configurations on October 9th (October 8th outside of North America). Best Of Bond. James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and will be available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, .50 Years . 50 Tracks. 2Cd and digital collection. On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day was celebrated around the world.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the themes from all 22 Bond films released since 1962, including The John Barry Orchestra.s seminal .James Bond Theme. from Dr. No,...
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the themes from all 22 Bond films released since 1962, including The John Barry Orchestra.s seminal .James Bond Theme. from Dr. No,...
- 10/9/2012
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise, and in conjunction with Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Capitol/Emi is proud to join the world’s celebration of 007. Best Of Bond. James Bond, a new commemorative collection of the legendary films’ digitally remastered music, will be released in two configurations on October 9th (October 8th outside of North America). Best Of Bond. James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and will be available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, “50 Years – 50 Tracks” 2Cd and digital collection.
On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day will be celebrated around the world. Best Of Bond. James Bond will be available for pre-order on James Bond Day.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the...
On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day will be celebrated around the world. Best Of Bond. James Bond will be available for pre-order on James Bond Day.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the...
- 10/2/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
While John Barry may be the name most people associate with James Bond music, a number of high profile composers including Bill Conti, George Martin and Eric Serra have had a crack at bringing their own style to the Bond sound with varying results. According to Bond fansite MI6.com the latest James Bond film Skyfall, due at the end of October, will be scored by Thomas Newman. The BAFTA and Emmy winning composer is a long time collaborator with the film’s director Sam Mendes so it comes as no surprise that he has been offered the gig.
As a member of the Newman family, which includes his father Alfred, his brother David and his cousin Randy, they are all well known for their contribution to the world of film music. Thomas was responsible for the American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Jarhead and Revolutionary Road scores all directed by Mendes.
As a member of the Newman family, which includes his father Alfred, his brother David and his cousin Randy, they are all well known for their contribution to the world of film music. Thomas was responsible for the American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Jarhead and Revolutionary Road scores all directed by Mendes.
- 1/5/2012
- by Chris Wright
- Obsessed with Film
Thomas Newman and Michael Giacchino Each Have Four Of The 97 Scores Eligible For Best Original Score
Of the 265 films eligible [1] for Oscars at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in February, 97 of them have been deemed worthy to be nominated for Best Original Score. Thomas Newman (The Adjustment Bureau, The Debt, The Help, The Iron Lady) and Michael Giacchino (Cars 2, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Monte Carlo, Super 8) lead all eligible composers with four films this year while Alexandre Desplat (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Ides of March), Tyler Bates (Conan the Barbarian, The Darkest Hour, The Way), Mark Isham (The Conspirator, Dolphin Tale, Warrior) and Henry Jackman (Puss in Boots, Winnie the Pooh, X-Men First Class) all have three. Other familiar names are on the list too such as John Williams (The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse), James Newton Howard (Green Lantern, Water for Elephants) and Danny Elfman (Real Steel, Restless) who along with Alberto Iglesias (The Skin I Live In,...
- 12/23/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®.
The eligible scores along with the composer are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Adjustment Bureau,” Thomas Newman, composer
“The Adventures of Tintin,” John Williams, composer
“African Cats,” Nicholas Hooper, composer
“Albert Nobbs,” Brian Byrne, composer
“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
“Anonymous,” Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser, composers
“Another Earth,” Phil Mossman and Will Bates, composers
“Answers to Nothing,” Craig Richey, composer
“Arthur Christmas,” Harry Gregson-Williams, composer
“The Artist,” Ludovic Bource, composer
“@urFRENZ,” Lisbeth Scott, composer
“Atlas Shrugged Part 1,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Battle: Los Angeles,” Brian Tyler, composer
“Beastly,” Marcelo Zarvos, composer
“The Big Year,” Theodore Shapiro, composer
“Captain America: The First Avenger,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Cars 2,” Michael Giacchino, composer
“Cedar Rapids,...
The eligible scores along with the composer are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Adjustment Bureau,” Thomas Newman, composer
“The Adventures of Tintin,” John Williams, composer
“African Cats,” Nicholas Hooper, composer
“Albert Nobbs,” Brian Byrne, composer
“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” Mark Mothersbaugh, composer
“Anonymous,” Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser, composers
“Another Earth,” Phil Mossman and Will Bates, composers
“Answers to Nothing,” Craig Richey, composer
“Arthur Christmas,” Harry Gregson-Williams, composer
“The Artist,” Ludovic Bource, composer
“@urFRENZ,” Lisbeth Scott, composer
“Atlas Shrugged Part 1,” Elia Cmiral, composer
“Battle: Los Angeles,” Brian Tyler, composer
“Beastly,” Marcelo Zarvos, composer
“The Big Year,” Theodore Shapiro, composer
“Captain America: The First Avenger,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Cars 2,” Michael Giacchino, composer
“Cedar Rapids,...
- 12/23/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
I was actually beginning to believe Cliff Martinez's score for Drive may actually have a shot with all the love it has received in the precursor awards, but last night the Academy announced the list of 97 scores eligible for Best Original Score at the 2012 Oscars and, oops, what do you know, both Drive and Attack the Block didn't make the cut. The only other score I had on my current list of predictions for the category to not make the cut was Howard Shore's music for David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method. Why? Well, I would assume somewhere inside there the rules for requirement weren't met. As per the Academy, "To be eligible, the original score must be a substantial body of music that serves as original dramatic underscoring, and must be written specifically for the motion picture by the submitting composer. Scores diluted by the use of...
- 12/23/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Yesterday the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences released the 97 original film scores that will running for the final five nominations for the Best Original Score category at the upcoming 84h Academy Awards. Billy Crystal will be hosting the annual awards show, which be presented on February 26, 2012. Some how I am not surprised that Attack the Block got nixed, seeing that Tron: Legacy pretty much got the same treatment last year. Glad to see that Henry Jackman’s X-Men: First Class is getting a nod, and of course Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross had to be in it. Check out the full list below.
December 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
97 Original Scores in 2011 Oscar® Race
Beverly Hills, CA – Ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
The...
December 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
97 Original Scores in 2011 Oscar® Race
Beverly Hills, CA – Ninety-seven scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 84th Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
The...
- 12/23/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
(Assia Ahhatt, above)
by Slavica Monczka
Exotic Assia Ahhatt of Ukraine made her music debut here in the Us last October with much anticipation from her international fans as well as with Assia herself. “I am absolutely delighted that I'll be performing with the true world star Chris Botti,” Assia tells me. “These concerts for me are the first experience of performing in front of American public and I'm excitedly looking forward to it.” The violin virtuoso with her striking stage presence was sure to win over a whole new set of fans, as her magnetism won me over in this interview with Assia Ahhatt.
Born in Kiev, Assia began playing the violin at the age of five. In short, Assia attended The Music Academy of Nice, France after graduating from The National Conservatory in Kiev. It was during her time with the Academy in Nice that Assia toured with...
by Slavica Monczka
Exotic Assia Ahhatt of Ukraine made her music debut here in the Us last October with much anticipation from her international fans as well as with Assia herself. “I am absolutely delighted that I'll be performing with the true world star Chris Botti,” Assia tells me. “These concerts for me are the first experience of performing in front of American public and I'm excitedly looking forward to it.” The violin virtuoso with her striking stage presence was sure to win over a whole new set of fans, as her magnetism won me over in this interview with Assia Ahhatt.
Born in Kiev, Assia began playing the violin at the age of five. In short, Assia attended The Music Academy of Nice, France after graduating from The National Conservatory in Kiev. It was during her time with the Academy in Nice that Assia toured with...
- 12/11/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Eric Serra, above.
by Slavica Monczka
(This article originally appeared on SeductivelyFrench.com.)
Music mogul Eric Serra has a wealth of experience from composing his own music for his band Rxra to being the founder of the EuroVoice competition to, what he is most commonly known for, his long list of music scores for blockbuster films. From his studio in his home in Paris, I spent a day with Eric Serra curious about his beginning that led him down this path of success, and where it will taking him next!
It was the chance meeting of director Luc Besson that launched Serra’s career in the movie industry. I should say sky-rocketed his career, with such titles as The Fifth Element (1997), The Professional (1994), and La Femme Nikita (1990), Serra has composed music for all but one of Besson’s films in his entire history as film director. Further impressive is that...
by Slavica Monczka
(This article originally appeared on SeductivelyFrench.com.)
Music mogul Eric Serra has a wealth of experience from composing his own music for his band Rxra to being the founder of the EuroVoice competition to, what he is most commonly known for, his long list of music scores for blockbuster films. From his studio in his home in Paris, I spent a day with Eric Serra curious about his beginning that led him down this path of success, and where it will taking him next!
It was the chance meeting of director Luc Besson that launched Serra’s career in the movie industry. I should say sky-rocketed his career, with such titles as The Fifth Element (1997), The Professional (1994), and La Femme Nikita (1990), Serra has composed music for all but one of Besson’s films in his entire history as film director. Further impressive is that...
- 11/29/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
James Bond isn’t always smooth. James Bond isn’t always cool. As a lifelong fan, it pains me to say it — but, sometimes, James Bond = total pants. Over 22 films (oh, all right, Bond geeks: 23 including the non-Eon produced Never Say Never Again) there have been some excruciating hands-over-the-eyes moments that make you go (for want of a better word): “Bleh.”
I don’t mean continuity errors or bloopers. I mean those scenes which make you slap your forehead in disbelief and shout ‘No, no, No!’ at the screen.
You know what I mean: Roger Moore snowboarding to the sounds of The Beach Boys; Roger Moore climbing into a submarine that’s disguised as an iceberg. Roger Moore climbing into a submarine that’s disguised as a crocodile. Roger Moore in space. Roger Moore (do you sense a theme here?) driving a motorised gondola. Grace Jones doing anything. Eric Serra...
I don’t mean continuity errors or bloopers. I mean those scenes which make you slap your forehead in disbelief and shout ‘No, no, No!’ at the screen.
You know what I mean: Roger Moore snowboarding to the sounds of The Beach Boys; Roger Moore climbing into a submarine that’s disguised as an iceberg. Roger Moore climbing into a submarine that’s disguised as a crocodile. Roger Moore in space. Roger Moore (do you sense a theme here?) driving a motorised gondola. Grace Jones doing anything. Eric Serra...
- 9/7/2011
- by Tony Greenway
- Obsessed with Film
Eric Serra is scoring the upcoming drama The Lady. The film is directed by Luc Besson who has collaborated with the composer on most of his movies (including Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element and La femme Nikita. The French/British co-production tells the true story of political activist Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband Michael Aris. Michelle Yeoh stars in the title role as Suu Kyi, the reluctant politician who spent almost 15 years under house arrest in Burma until last November. The film focuses on the heartrending choice she had to make about whether to return to England and nurse her husband, played by David Thewlis, who was dying of cancer or to carry on fighting for democracy in Burma. Besson is producing alongside Andy Harries (The Queen) and Virginie Silla (From Paris with Love). The Lady is set to premiere at this year’s Toronto Film Festival in September.
- 7/27/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
Aliens… They aren’t all bad you know! Some aliens just want to contribute to society, pay their dues, and become outstanding citizens. Maybe they feel like they can relate to us… maybe they come in search of Reece’s Pieces… Maybe they just want to rescue the girl from harms way… Point is, we here at Wamg are more than happy to have them on our site, and are not about to argue with them! So, in honor of I Am Number Four, in theaters this Friday, March 18th, we bring you
Top Ten Heroes From Another Planet
Cue The Music!
(Sidenote: Tell me that keyboard player isn’t really bringing the pizazz about 12 seconds in!)
Honorable Mention: *batteries not included
Wouldn’t it be nice if little alien robots could assist in all of life’s problems? Well, that is exactly what happens in *batteries not included. When...
Top Ten Heroes From Another Planet
Cue The Music!
(Sidenote: Tell me that keyboard player isn’t really bringing the pizazz about 12 seconds in!)
Honorable Mention: *batteries not included
Wouldn’t it be nice if little alien robots could assist in all of life’s problems? Well, that is exactly what happens in *batteries not included. When...
- 2/15/2011
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In this week’s Music in the movies column, Glen looks at the compositions of David Arnold, famous for his contemporary Bond themes...
Following on from the recent piece looking at John Barry's musical contribution to the Bond franchise, I thought it would be suitable to look at the man who has taken charge of scoring duties for the modern Bond movies, David Arnold.
Arnold worked extensively for TV, prior to working on movies, and composed a fine score for one of 2010's finest new series in BBC's Sherlock. His first exposure on the big screen came through his work on Young Americans, for which he provided the score as well as co-writing the rather wonderful Play Dead with Bjork, and it was the success of his work here that would bring him to the attention of Roland Emmerich, whom he would go on to work with...
Stargate
One...
Following on from the recent piece looking at John Barry's musical contribution to the Bond franchise, I thought it would be suitable to look at the man who has taken charge of scoring duties for the modern Bond movies, David Arnold.
Arnold worked extensively for TV, prior to working on movies, and composed a fine score for one of 2010's finest new series in BBC's Sherlock. His first exposure on the big screen came through his work on Young Americans, for which he provided the score as well as co-writing the rather wonderful Play Dead with Bjork, and it was the success of his work here that would bring him to the attention of Roland Emmerich, whom he would go on to work with...
Stargate
One...
- 1/10/2011
- Den of Geek
With the exception of Ruby Rhod, Luc Besson's epic sci-fi concoction The Fifth Element had plenty to like: Bruce Willis kicking ass, Milla Jovovich looking gorgeous and kicking ass, funky costumes, outlandish aliens, Gary Oldman gnawing scenery, a huge orb of space evil, Tiny Lister as the President, and a show-stopping vocal performance by a giant blue tentacle-headed lady. At the time, singer Inva Mula reportedly claimed that composer Eric Serra's music for Diva Plavalaguna's "Diva...
- 11/19/2010
- by Dave Davis
- JoBlo.com
Jean Reno stars in this revenge thriller from the producers of Taken. But is it as good as its tenuous Luc Besson connections imply? Duncan finds out…
Two years ago, I leapt at the opportunity to review Taken, based mainly on my love for Liam Neeson and revenge films in general, and I absolutely adored the end result. Looking back, I think it's safe to say that Mad Max was the first film of that kind I'd ever seen, starting a lifelong passion for the wronged hero seeking vengeance in all kinds of unethical and violent ways.
Like any genre, the offerings can be a mixed batch. The last decade has provided some films that are now firm favourites, such as Denzel Washington's superb Man On Fire and the Jim Caviezel/Guy Pearce version of The Count Of Monte Cristo (which I'll mention any chance I get), while the...
Two years ago, I leapt at the opportunity to review Taken, based mainly on my love for Liam Neeson and revenge films in general, and I absolutely adored the end result. Looking back, I think it's safe to say that Mad Max was the first film of that kind I'd ever seen, starting a lifelong passion for the wronged hero seeking vengeance in all kinds of unethical and violent ways.
Like any genre, the offerings can be a mixed batch. The last decade has provided some films that are now firm favourites, such as Denzel Washington's superb Man On Fire and the Jim Caviezel/Guy Pearce version of The Count Of Monte Cristo (which I'll mention any chance I get), while the...
- 9/2/2010
- Den of Geek
The music of James Bond has topped the charts around the world, as evidenced by this rare Japanese 45 Rpm release of John Barry's famous theme song. By Lee Pfeiffer
Last Friday's tribute to the music of James Bond at Carnegie Hall was a magnificent evening of entertainment. The New York Pops, under the direction of conductor Carl Davis, did justice to the canon of great film themes that have characterized the 007 movies. To the relief of Bond fans, the Pops did nothing to "soup up" the arrangements of the familiar songs, opting instead to perform the traditional arrangements. The two hour-plus event managed to incorporate almost all of the main title themes which were played more or less in sequential order, and it was especially rewarding to hear Burt Bacharach's The Look of Love included, despite the fact that it derived from the mostly-detested 1967 slapstick version of Casino Royale.
Last Friday's tribute to the music of James Bond at Carnegie Hall was a magnificent evening of entertainment. The New York Pops, under the direction of conductor Carl Davis, did justice to the canon of great film themes that have characterized the 007 movies. To the relief of Bond fans, the Pops did nothing to "soup up" the arrangements of the familiar songs, opting instead to perform the traditional arrangements. The two hour-plus event managed to incorporate almost all of the main title themes which were played more or less in sequential order, and it was especially rewarding to hear Burt Bacharach's The Look of Love included, despite the fact that it derived from the mostly-detested 1967 slapstick version of Casino Royale.
- 3/11/2009
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The subject of many books, operas and movies and amply written about in her time -- though not referred to as Joan of Arc until many years after her execution in 1431 -- the teenage girl from Domremy who led a French army that defeated the English many times is given the royal cinematic treatment by Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element") with mixed results. While male viewers looking for a distaff "Braveheart" will come away with memorable new scenes of medieval warfare, "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" lacks the emotional power of prior versions -- most notably Carl Dryer's silent masterpiece.
Along with Sony's other challenging, somewhat timely period epic "Ride With the Devil", "The Messenger" (which opens today in France) probably will perform only moderately well in domestic theaters. But overall returns, with an Oscar nomination or two in nonmajor categories, won't be too shabby. Probably not assured of a lasting place in movie history, Milla Jovovich's performance in such a difficult role has many commendable features, but she has to work extra hard to compete with the often-stunning widescreen imagery and doesn't always succeed.
Big, brawny and evocatively filmed, if not always stunningly acted, the Gaumont and Columbia Pictures presentation in English features Besson's ex-in-real-life Jovovich and John Malkovich as the Dauphin, who Joan helps crown King of France. While the battle scenes almost always make a lasting impression for their ferocity and the filmmakers' ability to orchestrate large quantities of extras, the mystical nature of this messenger's mission is not presented as the purely Christian saga it became after she was vindicated and became known as St. Joan.
After an initial disappointment at the English dialogue and accents, such as young Jane Valentine's at the outset (can you imagine a Davy Crockett movie in, say, German?), one more or less surrenders to Besson's "Alexander Nevsky"-meets-"Carrie" vision. Prophecised by mystics in a thoroughly whipped France under the yoke of English conquerors -- after Agincourt in 1415, not just the worst military defeat of the Hundred Years' War but in all of French history -- the Joan of Luc Besson's and Andrew Birkin's screenplay starts off as an 8-year-old (Valentine) who confesses frequently and claims to hear God talking to her.
Always employing a busy camera, which helps accentuate the confusion of the battle scenes, Besson and favorite cinematographer Thierry Arbogast set themselves some pretty daunting tasks, not the least of which is the initial setup. This is accomplished with young Joan having a vision as she lies in a field. She comes to with a sword lying next to her. Then, in the first of many jarring leaps in space and time, she's rushing through the forest toward a horrific, traumatizing moment when her sister is raped and killed in an especially grisly (and symbolic) fashion by an English soldier.
From an obsessed little girl who has interior dialogues with her "conscience" -- envisioned as a young boy, young man and finally, in the period after her capture, as Dustin Hoffman -- Joan emerges at 17 to gain the confidence of the Dauphin by promising to see him crowned King Charles VII.
With the timely support of Charles' mother-in-law (Faye Dunaway) and the allegiance of his warrior half-brother (Tcheky Karyo), Joan is allowed to command an army that accomplishes just that, but then she's betrayed, tried as a witch and burned at the stake. Along the way, she is almost killed and miraculously rejoins the fight the next day, one of many stories of the legend presented in an imaginative way by Besson -- including a stunning moment where Jovovich falls back off a ladder into a swirling mass of soldiers below her.
Alas, when the subdued, mostly hidden-in-shadows Hoffman engages Joan in a dialogue about her faith and her seeming conversion to nonviolence in the wake of the bloody carnage she partakes in, one starts to notice the long running time. Elevating Eric Serra's cantata-like score to a major element of the finale, Besson tries to end it all with a fiery bang (leading into the swoony end-title song "My Heart Calling", sung by Israeli singer Noa), but the real gut-wrenching reaction he wants to engender is fleeting.
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Columbia Pictures and Gaumont
Director:Luc Besson
Screenwriters:Andrew Birkin, Luc Besson
Producer:Patrice Ledoux
Director of photography:Thierry Arbogast
Production designer:Hugues Tissandier
Editor:Sylvie Landra
Costume designer:Catherine Leterrier
Music:Eric Serra
Casting:Lucinda Syson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Joan of Arc:Milla Jovovich
Dunois:Tcheky Karyo
Charles VII:John Malkovich
Yolande D'Aragon:Faye Dunaway
Joan's Conscience:Dustin Hoffman
Duke of Alencon:Pascal Greggory
Gilles de Rais:Vincent Cassel
Running time -- 148 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Along with Sony's other challenging, somewhat timely period epic "Ride With the Devil", "The Messenger" (which opens today in France) probably will perform only moderately well in domestic theaters. But overall returns, with an Oscar nomination or two in nonmajor categories, won't be too shabby. Probably not assured of a lasting place in movie history, Milla Jovovich's performance in such a difficult role has many commendable features, but she has to work extra hard to compete with the often-stunning widescreen imagery and doesn't always succeed.
Big, brawny and evocatively filmed, if not always stunningly acted, the Gaumont and Columbia Pictures presentation in English features Besson's ex-in-real-life Jovovich and John Malkovich as the Dauphin, who Joan helps crown King of France. While the battle scenes almost always make a lasting impression for their ferocity and the filmmakers' ability to orchestrate large quantities of extras, the mystical nature of this messenger's mission is not presented as the purely Christian saga it became after she was vindicated and became known as St. Joan.
After an initial disappointment at the English dialogue and accents, such as young Jane Valentine's at the outset (can you imagine a Davy Crockett movie in, say, German?), one more or less surrenders to Besson's "Alexander Nevsky"-meets-"Carrie" vision. Prophecised by mystics in a thoroughly whipped France under the yoke of English conquerors -- after Agincourt in 1415, not just the worst military defeat of the Hundred Years' War but in all of French history -- the Joan of Luc Besson's and Andrew Birkin's screenplay starts off as an 8-year-old (Valentine) who confesses frequently and claims to hear God talking to her.
Always employing a busy camera, which helps accentuate the confusion of the battle scenes, Besson and favorite cinematographer Thierry Arbogast set themselves some pretty daunting tasks, not the least of which is the initial setup. This is accomplished with young Joan having a vision as she lies in a field. She comes to with a sword lying next to her. Then, in the first of many jarring leaps in space and time, she's rushing through the forest toward a horrific, traumatizing moment when her sister is raped and killed in an especially grisly (and symbolic) fashion by an English soldier.
From an obsessed little girl who has interior dialogues with her "conscience" -- envisioned as a young boy, young man and finally, in the period after her capture, as Dustin Hoffman -- Joan emerges at 17 to gain the confidence of the Dauphin by promising to see him crowned King Charles VII.
With the timely support of Charles' mother-in-law (Faye Dunaway) and the allegiance of his warrior half-brother (Tcheky Karyo), Joan is allowed to command an army that accomplishes just that, but then she's betrayed, tried as a witch and burned at the stake. Along the way, she is almost killed and miraculously rejoins the fight the next day, one of many stories of the legend presented in an imaginative way by Besson -- including a stunning moment where Jovovich falls back off a ladder into a swirling mass of soldiers below her.
Alas, when the subdued, mostly hidden-in-shadows Hoffman engages Joan in a dialogue about her faith and her seeming conversion to nonviolence in the wake of the bloody carnage she partakes in, one starts to notice the long running time. Elevating Eric Serra's cantata-like score to a major element of the finale, Besson tries to end it all with a fiery bang (leading into the swoony end-title song "My Heart Calling", sung by Israeli singer Noa), but the real gut-wrenching reaction he wants to engender is fleeting.
THE MESSENGER: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Columbia Pictures and Gaumont
Director:Luc Besson
Screenwriters:Andrew Birkin, Luc Besson
Producer:Patrice Ledoux
Director of photography:Thierry Arbogast
Production designer:Hugues Tissandier
Editor:Sylvie Landra
Costume designer:Catherine Leterrier
Music:Eric Serra
Casting:Lucinda Syson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Joan of Arc:Milla Jovovich
Dunois:Tcheky Karyo
Charles VII:John Malkovich
Yolande D'Aragon:Faye Dunaway
Joan's Conscience:Dustin Hoffman
Duke of Alencon:Pascal Greggory
Gilles de Rais:Vincent Cassel
Running time -- 148 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 10/27/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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