Dan Wallin, the music scoring engineer who recorded such classic film scores as “Spartacus,” “Bullitt,” “The Wild Bunch” and “Out of Africa,” died early Wednesday in Hawaii. He was 97.
Twice Oscar-nominated for best sound (1970’s “Woodstock” and 1976’s “A Star Is Born”), he won a 2009 Emmy for sound mixing on the Academy Awards telecast and received two additional Emmy nominations in the sound mixing category.
But it was Wallin’s skill behind the console, recording and mixing musical scores for movies and TV, that won him legions of fans among nearly all of Hollywood’s top composers and ensured steady employment for more than half a century.
He recorded the music for an estimated 500 films, including those for “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “Finian’s Rainbow” in the 1960s; “The Way We Were,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Nashville,” “King Kong” and “Saturday Night Fever” in the 1970s; “Somewhere in Time,” “The Right Stuff...
Twice Oscar-nominated for best sound (1970’s “Woodstock” and 1976’s “A Star Is Born”), he won a 2009 Emmy for sound mixing on the Academy Awards telecast and received two additional Emmy nominations in the sound mixing category.
But it was Wallin’s skill behind the console, recording and mixing musical scores for movies and TV, that won him legions of fans among nearly all of Hollywood’s top composers and ensured steady employment for more than half a century.
He recorded the music for an estimated 500 films, including those for “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “Finian’s Rainbow” in the 1960s; “The Way We Were,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Nashville,” “King Kong” and “Saturday Night Fever” in the 1970s; “Somewhere in Time,” “The Right Stuff...
- 4/10/2024
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Roadside Attractions has snagged U.S. rights to the comedy Summer Camp, starring Diane Keaton (Annie Hall), Kathy Bates (Richard Jewell) and Alfre Woodard (12 Years a Slave), on which we were first to report. Written and directed by Castille Landon (Perfect Addiction), the film is slated for release in theaters on May 31.
Summer Camp tells the story of Nora (Keaton), Ginny (Bates), and Mary (Woodard), who have been best friends since being inseparable at summer camp. As the years have passed, they’ve seen each other less and less, so when the chance to reunite for a summer camp reunion arises, they all take it, some begrudgingly and others excitedly. Each of their lives might not be where they’d imagined, but one thing is for sure — Nora, Ginny, and Mary need each other, and summer camp reminds them why.
A Saks Picture Company production, in association with and...
Summer Camp tells the story of Nora (Keaton), Ginny (Bates), and Mary (Woodard), who have been best friends since being inseparable at summer camp. As the years have passed, they’ve seen each other less and less, so when the chance to reunite for a summer camp reunion arises, they all take it, some begrudgingly and others excitedly. Each of their lives might not be where they’d imagined, but one thing is for sure — Nora, Ginny, and Mary need each other, and summer camp reminds them why.
A Saks Picture Company production, in association with and...
- 4/5/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There are regular true crime podcasts, and then there's "Happy Face," an endlessly disturbing 12-part deep dive into the life of a serial killer -- as told by his own daughter. The podcast from iHeartMedia first debuted in 2018, telling the harrowing story of the years Melissa Moore spent being raised by the man who would eventually become known as The Happy Face Killer. Now, a new Paramount+ series based on the same story is in the works with an intriguing cast and crew and Moore on board as an executive producer.
"Happy Face" will be the first true crime series released via the Paramount-owned streamer since 2020's "Interrogation," and only the second to date. While competing streamers like Peacock have been in the true crime adaptation game from the start (see: "Dr. Death"), Paramount+ has mostly made the "Yellowstone" extended universe its bread and butter up until this point.
"Happy Face" will be the first true crime series released via the Paramount-owned streamer since 2020's "Interrogation," and only the second to date. While competing streamers like Peacock have been in the true crime adaptation game from the start (see: "Dr. Death"), Paramount+ has mostly made the "Yellowstone" extended universe its bread and butter up until this point.
- 3/23/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
2023 was a miraculous year for German actress Sandra Huller. Not only did she receive critical acclaim for her riveting portrayal of a woman on trial for murdering her husband in France’s “Anatomy of a Fall,” she was also praised for her role as the wife of a Nazi commander in the United Kingdom’s German-language “The Zone of Interest.” Indeed, there was much interest in Huller and her two films. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Anatomy.” And both “Anatomy” and “Zone” landed slots for Best Picture, as well as Best Director bids for Justine Triet and Jonathan Glazer, respectively.
As I was speaking to academy members ahead of last Sunday’s ceremony, I detected a surprisingly robust amount of support for Huller. And many of those who had voted for her mentioned her work in “The Zone of Interest.” It really did seem...
As I was speaking to academy members ahead of last Sunday’s ceremony, I detected a surprisingly robust amount of support for Huller. And many of those who had voted for her mentioned her work in “The Zone of Interest.” It really did seem...
- 3/14/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
The films in contention for the 2024 Best Cinematography Oscar are “El Conde,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Poor Things.” Our odds currently favor “Oppenheimer” (31/10) taking the prize, followed in order by “Killers of the Flower Moon” (4/1), “Poor Things” (4/1), “Maestro” (9/2), and “El Conde” (9/2).
After 2013 and 2016, this is the third time that a 21st century cinematography lineup has exclusively consisted of previously nominated lensers. This case differs from the preceding two, however, in that none of the current contenders have ever won before. The one with the most losses so far is Rodrigo Prieto, whose bid for “Killers of the Flower Moon” is his third for a Martin Scorsese-directed film, following “Silence” (2017) and “The Irishman” (2020). Having initially earned a notice for his work on “Brokeback Mountain” (2006), he remains the category’s second most recognized Latin American-born nominee behind fellow Mexican Emmanuel Lubezki.
Currently on their respective third nominations...
After 2013 and 2016, this is the third time that a 21st century cinematography lineup has exclusively consisted of previously nominated lensers. This case differs from the preceding two, however, in that none of the current contenders have ever won before. The one with the most losses so far is Rodrigo Prieto, whose bid for “Killers of the Flower Moon” is his third for a Martin Scorsese-directed film, following “Silence” (2017) and “The Irishman” (2020). Having initially earned a notice for his work on “Brokeback Mountain” (2006), he remains the category’s second most recognized Latin American-born nominee behind fellow Mexican Emmanuel Lubezki.
Currently on their respective third nominations...
- 3/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Nominations voting is from January 11–16, 2024, with official Oscar nominations announced on January 23, 2024. Final voting is February 22–27, 2024. And finally, the 96th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 10, and air live on ABC at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt. We update predictions throughout awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2024 Oscar picks.
The State of the Race
For the first time since 2017, the Oscar cinematography nominees match the nominees for the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC): the frontrunning “Oppenheimer,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” Poor Things,” and the surprising “El Conde.” They are represented by cinematographers Hoyte van Hoytema, Rodrigo Prieto, Matthiew Libatique, Robbie Ryan, and Ed Lachman.
Van Hoytema won his first Feature Film prize at the 38th ASC Awards March 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, putting him in the Oscar driver’s seat. Significantly, four out of the five Oscar nominees were shot...
The State of the Race
For the first time since 2017, the Oscar cinematography nominees match the nominees for the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC): the frontrunning “Oppenheimer,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” Poor Things,” and the surprising “El Conde.” They are represented by cinematographers Hoyte van Hoytema, Rodrigo Prieto, Matthiew Libatique, Robbie Ryan, and Ed Lachman.
Van Hoytema won his first Feature Film prize at the 38th ASC Awards March 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, putting him in the Oscar driver’s seat. Significantly, four out of the five Oscar nominees were shot...
- 3/4/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
American Cinematographer Ed Lachman will be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Camerimage Film Festival.
Lachman was born on March 31, 1946. His grandfather owned several vaudeville theatres in the 1920s, which were later converted into movie houses, co-managed with Lachman’s father, a film theatre distributor who later acquired a small cinema in Boonton, New Jersey.
Lachman’s extensive filmography includes numerous collaborations with directors such as Todd Haynes, Ulrich Seidl (Import/Export), Steven Soderbergh (The Limey and Erin Brockovich), Gregory Nava and Paul Schrader. He served as the cinematographer on Sofia Coppola’s debut feature, The Virgin Suicides, and lensed A Prairie Home Companion, Robert Altman’s last film.
He is a three-time Oscar nominee for Far from Heaven, Carol, and Pablo Larrain’s El Conde.
Lachman was born on March 31, 1946. His grandfather owned several vaudeville theatres in the 1920s, which were later converted into movie houses, co-managed with Lachman’s father, a film theatre distributor who later acquired a small cinema in Boonton, New Jersey.
Lachman’s extensive filmography includes numerous collaborations with directors such as Todd Haynes, Ulrich Seidl (Import/Export), Steven Soderbergh (The Limey and Erin Brockovich), Gregory Nava and Paul Schrader. He served as the cinematographer on Sofia Coppola’s debut feature, The Virgin Suicides, and lensed A Prairie Home Companion, Robert Altman’s last film.
He is a three-time Oscar nominee for Far from Heaven, Carol, and Pablo Larrain’s El Conde.
- 2/29/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Christine Vachon doesn’t mess around. She is a film professor, best-selling film book author, wife, mother of a film marketing professional, and most of all, producer of independent films. They’re often directed by her close friend and fellow Brown alumnus Todd Haynes. She launched her career at Sundance 1991 with her first feature film, Haynes’ “Poison,” which won the Grand Jury Prize.
Since 1995, she and her producing partner Pam Koffler’s company Killer Films has steadily produced hundreds of movies and television series. Many have won prizes and nominations over the years for the likes of Hilary Swank (“Boys Don’t Cry”), Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”) and Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara (“Carol”), but this year’s Best Picture Oscar nomination for Celine Song’s “Past Lives” is Killer’s first.
New York-based Vachon was packing her bags for the Berlin International Film Festival when we spoke on Zoom, a...
Since 1995, she and her producing partner Pam Koffler’s company Killer Films has steadily produced hundreds of movies and television series. Many have won prizes and nominations over the years for the likes of Hilary Swank (“Boys Don’t Cry”), Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”) and Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara (“Carol”), but this year’s Best Picture Oscar nomination for Celine Song’s “Past Lives” is Killer’s first.
New York-based Vachon was packing her bags for the Berlin International Film Festival when we spoke on Zoom, a...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Nominated in five categories at the 39th Film Independent Spirit Awards, the darkly humorous and ominously cringey psychological drama May December is filmmaker Todd Haynes’ tenth (!) Spirit Award nomination. A pioneer of the New Queer Cinema movement, Haynes previously won Best Director for 2002’s period romantic drama Far from Heaven (starring May December co-lead Julianne Moore), as well as the Robert Altman Award for 2007’s Bob-Dylan-inspired musical fantasia, I’m Not There.
Haynes has talked about how May December is about “the stories we tell ourselves” in order to “survive our lives.” Loosely based on the 1990s-era Irl story of Mary Kay Letourneau, the film follows 59-year-old housewife Gracie (Moore), who seems happily married with children to her 36-year-old husband, Joe Yoo, played by Charles Melton. Melton, too, is nominated for Best Supporting Performance at the 2024 Spirit Awards, streaming Live this Sunday at 2pm Pt.
The narrative tension kicks off when...
Haynes has talked about how May December is about “the stories we tell ourselves” in order to “survive our lives.” Loosely based on the 1990s-era Irl story of Mary Kay Letourneau, the film follows 59-year-old housewife Gracie (Moore), who seems happily married with children to her 36-year-old husband, Joe Yoo, played by Charles Melton. Melton, too, is nominated for Best Supporting Performance at the 2024 Spirit Awards, streaming Live this Sunday at 2pm Pt.
The narrative tension kicks off when...
- 2/21/2024
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal has been part of many appreciated films in the thirty years he has been part of the film industry. The actor has worked with acclaimed directors such as Ang Lee, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, and Dan Gilroy. The Zodiac star has been nominated for the Oscars once and the Golden Globes twice.
While the actor has starred with many prominent actors in his films, he seemed to have forgotten that he co-starred with actor Dennis Quaid. On a press tour for his animated film Strange World, Gyllenhaal was shocked to find out that the duo had played father-son before on the film The Day After Tomorrow, which was released almost eighteen years before the interview.
Jake Gyllenhaal Forgot That He Starred With Dennis Quaid Before Jake Gyllenhaal in The Day After Tomorrow
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal played the role of Sam Hall in the disaster film The Day After Tomorrow,...
While the actor has starred with many prominent actors in his films, he seemed to have forgotten that he co-starred with actor Dennis Quaid. On a press tour for his animated film Strange World, Gyllenhaal was shocked to find out that the duo had played father-son before on the film The Day After Tomorrow, which was released almost eighteen years before the interview.
Jake Gyllenhaal Forgot That He Starred With Dennis Quaid Before Jake Gyllenhaal in The Day After Tomorrow
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal played the role of Sam Hall in the disaster film The Day After Tomorrow,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Todd Haynes is planning to push the envelope with an 18-rated drama that aims to ‘go further with the sex’. Joaquin Phoenix stars.
Todd Haynes was out on the festival circuit late last summer presenting his latest film, May December, when he started to drop a few details regarding his next project – a collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix.
When Haynes revealed that he was planning to work with Phoenix next, it certainly sounded like an appealing collaboration between two highly-respected talents.
Screenwriter Jon Mildred (who previously worked with Haynes on 2002’s Far From Heaven) became involved at that point and the story was fleshed out further. As yet untitled, the story will be ‘a romance tale between two very different men set in the 1930s.’ Haynes added, ‘One is a Native American character and one is a corrupt cop in LA. It’s set in the 30s. They have to flee...
Todd Haynes was out on the festival circuit late last summer presenting his latest film, May December, when he started to drop a few details regarding his next project – a collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix.
When Haynes revealed that he was planning to work with Phoenix next, it certainly sounded like an appealing collaboration between two highly-respected talents.
Screenwriter Jon Mildred (who previously worked with Haynes on 2002’s Far From Heaven) became involved at that point and the story was fleshed out further. As yet untitled, the story will be ‘a romance tale between two very different men set in the 1930s.’ Haynes added, ‘One is a Native American character and one is a corrupt cop in LA. It’s set in the 30s. They have to flee...
- 2/7/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Upon securing a spot in the 2024 Best Supporting Actress Oscar lineup, Jodie Foster (“Nyad”) officially shattered the Academy Awards record for longest span between fourth and fifth acting nominations. Following her two Best Actress wins for “The Accused” (1989) and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1992), she had last been recognized in that category for “Nell” (1995), making for a general nomination gap of 29 years. Coincidentally, she took this particular distinction from fellow “Silence of the Lambs” winner Anthony Hopkins, who waited 22 years between his supporting bids for “Amistad” (1998) and “The Two Popes” (2020).
Previously, the female record for longest wait for a fifth nomination was 12 years, as shared by Julianne Moore and Frances McDormand. Considering gaps between any two consecutive acting nominations, Foster ranks well behind overall record holder Judd Hirsch, whose first and second career notices for “Ordinary People” (1981) and “The Fabelmans” (2023) came 42 years apart. His female counterpart is Helen Hayes (39 years...
Previously, the female record for longest wait for a fifth nomination was 12 years, as shared by Julianne Moore and Frances McDormand. Considering gaps between any two consecutive acting nominations, Foster ranks well behind overall record holder Judd Hirsch, whose first and second career notices for “Ordinary People” (1981) and “The Fabelmans” (2023) came 42 years apart. His female counterpart is Helen Hayes (39 years...
- 2/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
“Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster IMAX spectacle and Best Picture frontrunner, dominated the Oscar craft derby with seven nominations on January 23. The historical thriller about theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) — the conflicted “father of the atomic bomb” — nearly ran the field with cinematography, costume design, production design, makeup and hairstyling, editing, score, and sound. The only misfire was getting snubbed as a visual effects finalist (it did not compete for original song).
Following right behind with six noms were Best Picture nominees “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things.” Martin Scorsese’s epic historical drama about the Osage Nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma exceeded expectations. It was honored for cinematography, costume design, production design, editing (a record ninth nomination for three-time winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker), score (for the late Robbie Robertson), and, in a surprise, original song for “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” by Scott George.
Following right behind with six noms were Best Picture nominees “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things.” Martin Scorsese’s epic historical drama about the Osage Nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma exceeded expectations. It was honored for cinematography, costume design, production design, editing (a record ninth nomination for three-time winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker), score (for the late Robbie Robertson), and, in a surprise, original song for “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” by Scott George.
- 1/23/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Oppenheimer and Poor Things lead the pack of the 2024 Oscars nominees, with both features earning 13 and 11 nominations apiece, respectively, including best picture.
The Universal biopic about the father of the A-bomb earned 13 nods for Christopher Nolan (for best director and adapted screenplay), lead actor Cillian Murphy, supporting performers Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr., plus original score, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, hair and makeup and sound.
Searchlight’s feminist spin on Frankenstein earned Emma Stone a best actress nom (and, as a producer, a best picture nom). The Yorgos Lanthimos-helmed film also earned a nod for best director, supporting actor (Mark Ruffalo), adapted screenplay, original score, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, and hair and makeup.
American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives and The Zone of Interest were also nominated for best picture.
Apple’s Killers of the Flower Moon...
The Universal biopic about the father of the A-bomb earned 13 nods for Christopher Nolan (for best director and adapted screenplay), lead actor Cillian Murphy, supporting performers Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr., plus original score, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, hair and makeup and sound.
Searchlight’s feminist spin on Frankenstein earned Emma Stone a best actress nom (and, as a producer, a best picture nom). The Yorgos Lanthimos-helmed film also earned a nod for best director, supporting actor (Mark Ruffalo), adapted screenplay, original score, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, and hair and makeup.
American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives and The Zone of Interest were also nominated for best picture.
Apple’s Killers of the Flower Moon...
- 1/23/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Julianne Moore, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, is one of the greatest screen actresses of her time, or any other. The winner of an Oscar, an Emmy and a BAFTA Award, two SAG, Golden Globe and Spirit awards and three National Board of Review and Critics Choice awards, she has also been awarded the best actress prizes of the Berlin, Cannes and Venice film festivals. She has rarely been part of a film or TV project that wasn’t at least very good, and in which she herself wasn’t great.
Moore’s latest film, May December, is no exception. A Netflix dramedy in which the star plays a woman married to a much younger man (Charles Melton), who was underage when they first hooked up 20 years earlier. Her character is now being observed by a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman), who is...
Moore’s latest film, May December, is no exception. A Netflix dramedy in which the star plays a woman married to a much younger man (Charles Melton), who was underage when they first hooked up 20 years earlier. Her character is now being observed by a Hollywood actress (Natalie Portman), who is...
- 1/14/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto’s lensing of Martin Scorsese’s drama Killers of the Flower Moon and Robbie Ryan’s photography of Yorgos Lanthimos’ fantasy Poor Things are among the nominees in the feature competition of the 2024 American Society of Cinematographers Awards, which will be held March 3 at the Beverly Hilton.
They are nominated alongside Edward Lachman, for Pablo Larraín’s El Conde; Matthew Libatique for Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Berstein drama Maestro; and Hoyte van Hoytema for Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer. All five Oscar-nominated DPs have been previously nominated in this ASC category and each are seeking their first win. Lachman, whose previous credits include Carol and Far from Heaven, was the ASC’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. This year, Prieto’s work also includes Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
A year ago, Elvis cinematographer Mandy Walker became the first woman to win the ASC feature competition. All Quiet on...
They are nominated alongside Edward Lachman, for Pablo Larraín’s El Conde; Matthew Libatique for Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Berstein drama Maestro; and Hoyte van Hoytema for Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer. All five Oscar-nominated DPs have been previously nominated in this ASC category and each are seeking their first win. Lachman, whose previous credits include Carol and Far from Heaven, was the ASC’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. This year, Prieto’s work also includes Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
A year ago, Elvis cinematographer Mandy Walker became the first woman to win the ASC feature competition. All Quiet on...
- 1/11/2024
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Todd Haynes' "May December" is a tricky, difficult drama that tells a fictionalized version of the Mary Kay LeTourneau story. Some may recall that LeTourneau, a sixth-grade teacher, was arrested in 1997 for having targeted and statutorily assaulted 12-year-old Vili Fualaau. LeTourneau had two children with Lualaau, and when she was released from prison, the two married. They remained married for 14 years. In "May December," the LeTourneau-inspired character was renamed Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianna Moore), and her much younger husband, 34 at the time of the movie, was renamed Joe Yoo (Charles Melton).
Haynes' film follows a famous actor named Elizabeth Barry (Natalie Portman), who has taken a job playing Gracie in an upcoming drama. Elizabeth spends several weeks observing Gracie, imitating her mannerisms, and interviewing the people in her life. Why, Elizabeth wonders, did Gracie commit her terrible crime? How does Joe feel about it so many years later, still married to his victimizer?...
Haynes' film follows a famous actor named Elizabeth Barry (Natalie Portman), who has taken a job playing Gracie in an upcoming drama. Elizabeth spends several weeks observing Gracie, imitating her mannerisms, and interviewing the people in her life. Why, Elizabeth wonders, did Gracie commit her terrible crime? How does Joe feel about it so many years later, still married to his victimizer?...
- 1/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
It says a lot about Julianne Moore’s talent that the film that won her an Oscar doesn’t even crack her a list of her top ten best.
After becoming a familiar face at the Academy Awards with four nominations between 1997 and 2002, Moore received her richly deserved Best Actress trophy for playing a woman with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014’s “Still Alice.” Moore is predictably excellent in that movie, hitting all the right notes over the course of its tearjerking 100-minute runtime. And although that prestige picture finally got her the gold at the ceremony, there’s plenty more interesting, unique, and memorable works in her filmography to celebrate.
The child of a military family and a theater student at Boston University, Moore began her career winning a Daytime Emmy for her work on the soap opera “As the World Turns” in 1988. A 1990 theater production of “Uncle Vanya” got...
After becoming a familiar face at the Academy Awards with four nominations between 1997 and 2002, Moore received her richly deserved Best Actress trophy for playing a woman with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014’s “Still Alice.” Moore is predictably excellent in that movie, hitting all the right notes over the course of its tearjerking 100-minute runtime. And although that prestige picture finally got her the gold at the ceremony, there’s plenty more interesting, unique, and memorable works in her filmography to celebrate.
The child of a military family and a theater student at Boston University, Moore began her career winning a Daytime Emmy for her work on the soap opera “As the World Turns” in 1988. A 1990 theater production of “Uncle Vanya” got...
- 1/4/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
They say that one person’s loss is another person’s gain, but cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt had mixed emotions about his recent good fortune in landing the coveted director of photography gig on “May December,” the latest film from Todd Haynes. The director is known for his Oscar-nominated collaborations with longtime colleague Ed Lachman, which include “Carol” and “Far from Heaven.” Lachman, however, suffered a broken hip after a fall while shooting Pablo Larraín’s “El Conde,” and Haynes needed a new set of eyes. So he turned to his filmmaker pal Kelly Reichardt for recommendations, and Blauvelt stepped aboard the darkly comic tale of a tenacious actress, Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), infiltrating the lives of Gracie (Julianne Moore), a Mary Kay Letourneau-esque homemaker and her much younger husband, Joe (Charles Melton), who was 13 when they first got together.
“Kelly and Todd are teachers for me, I learned so much from them,...
“Kelly and Todd are teachers for me, I learned so much from them,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Every few years, the Golden Globe awards have a category hiccup. In 2015, the Ridley Scott/Matt Damon Robinson-Crusoe-in-space sci-fi movie “The Martian” was nominated (and won) for best motion picture — musical or comedy, even though the movie contained no songs and no one thought it was a comedy. A month ago, in that same category, the Globes gave a nomination to “May December,” Todd Haynes’ acclaimed but hard-to-categorize film based, not so loosely, on the true story of Mary Kay Letourneau. She, of course, was the sixth-grade teacher who spent seven years in prison after having been caught in a sexual relationship with one of her 12-year-old students, who she went on to marry and have a family with.
Categorizing “May December” as a “musical or comedy” is a lot more eyebrow-raising than calling “The Martian” one. In this case, though, the Globes at least have an ally: all the...
Categorizing “May December” as a “musical or comedy” is a lot more eyebrow-raising than calling “The Martian” one. In this case, though, the Globes at least have an ally: all the...
- 1/3/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Iconoclastic filmmaker Todd Haynes has made a name for himself crafting stories dealing with sexuality, discrimination and pop culture. Let’s take a look back at all nine of his narrative feature films, ranked worst to best.
Haynes first came to the attention of art house audiences with “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” (1988), a 43-minute short which used Barbie dolls to create a startling poignant, eerie biopic. This led to his feature debut, “Poison” (1991), a milestone in the New Queer Cinema that told three different narratives exploring our reactions to human carnality.
He reaped his first Oscar nomination for “Far From Heaven” (Best Original Screenplay in 2002), a meticulous recreation of Douglas Sirk melodramas centering on a 1950’s Connecticut housewife (Julianne Moore) who falls in love with her black gardener (Dennis Haysbert) after her husband (Dennis Quaid) comes out of the closet. In addition to Haynes’ bid, the film also competed...
Haynes first came to the attention of art house audiences with “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” (1988), a 43-minute short which used Barbie dolls to create a startling poignant, eerie biopic. This led to his feature debut, “Poison” (1991), a milestone in the New Queer Cinema that told three different narratives exploring our reactions to human carnality.
He reaped his first Oscar nomination for “Far From Heaven” (Best Original Screenplay in 2002), a meticulous recreation of Douglas Sirk melodramas centering on a 1950’s Connecticut housewife (Julianne Moore) who falls in love with her black gardener (Dennis Haysbert) after her husband (Dennis Quaid) comes out of the closet. In addition to Haynes’ bid, the film also competed...
- 1/3/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Who says you can’t laugh and win Oscars, too?
In a stunning year for cinema, the candidates for the coveted best picture category are overflowing with prime comedic endeavors that surpass their dramatic counterparts. From a toy doll to an author with a triumphant “Black book” to a reverse Frankenstein tale that shows a whole lot of sex, the Academy has an opportunity to invite the softer side of cinema to its ceremony.
This year, it’s hard to imagine an Oscar picture lineup that won’t include four of this year’s Globe nominees: “American Fiction” (MGM), “Barbie” (Warner Bros.), “The Holdovers” (Focus Features) and “Poor Things” (Searchlight Pictures).
When it comes to “Barbie,” when analyzing the competitive field, there’s a real possibility for Greta Gerwig’s meta-comedy about the beloved toy doll to rake in upwards of 14 Oscar nominations, which would tie for the most in...
In a stunning year for cinema, the candidates for the coveted best picture category are overflowing with prime comedic endeavors that surpass their dramatic counterparts. From a toy doll to an author with a triumphant “Black book” to a reverse Frankenstein tale that shows a whole lot of sex, the Academy has an opportunity to invite the softer side of cinema to its ceremony.
This year, it’s hard to imagine an Oscar picture lineup that won’t include four of this year’s Globe nominees: “American Fiction” (MGM), “Barbie” (Warner Bros.), “The Holdovers” (Focus Features) and “Poor Things” (Searchlight Pictures).
When it comes to “Barbie,” when analyzing the competitive field, there’s a real possibility for Greta Gerwig’s meta-comedy about the beloved toy doll to rake in upwards of 14 Oscar nominations, which would tie for the most in...
- 12/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Film at Lincoln Center
A massive Edward Yang retrospective, New York’s first in a dozen years, has begun, featuring new restorations of A Confucian Confusion and Mahjong.
Museum of the Moving Image
A Roy Andersson retrospective begins with two lesser-seen works; the Todd Haynes series continues with Carol and Far from Heaven; Ghost in the Shell plays on Friday, while The Shop Around the Corner screens through the weekend.
Film Forum
A Charlie Chaplin series is underway to coincide with the new Woman of Paris restoration; Days of Heaven (read our interview with Brooke Adams) and Michael Powell’s career-killing masterwork Peeping Tom continue.
Museum of Modern Art
The comprehensive Ennio Morricone retrospective continues, including Once Upon a Time in America.
Roxy Cinema
Amadeus plays on 35mm; Home Alone also screens.
IFC Center
It’s a Wonderful Life and Alphaville have runs; Black Christmas, Revenge of the Sith, Last Crusade,...
A massive Edward Yang retrospective, New York’s first in a dozen years, has begun, featuring new restorations of A Confucian Confusion and Mahjong.
Museum of the Moving Image
A Roy Andersson retrospective begins with two lesser-seen works; the Todd Haynes series continues with Carol and Far from Heaven; Ghost in the Shell plays on Friday, while The Shop Around the Corner screens through the weekend.
Film Forum
A Charlie Chaplin series is underway to coincide with the new Woman of Paris restoration; Days of Heaven (read our interview with Brooke Adams) and Michael Powell’s career-killing masterwork Peeping Tom continue.
Museum of Modern Art
The comprehensive Ennio Morricone retrospective continues, including Once Upon a Time in America.
Roxy Cinema
Amadeus plays on 35mm; Home Alone also screens.
IFC Center
It’s a Wonderful Life and Alphaville have runs; Black Christmas, Revenge of the Sith, Last Crusade,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Julianne Moore is predicted to land her sixth Oscar nomination thanks to her delicious role in Todd Haynes‘ Netflix melodrama “May December.” In this one, Moore features as an older woman named Gracie who is married with kids to Charles Melton‘s much younger Joe. The two are the subject of an upcoming movie and actress Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) visits them in order to properly portray Gracie. The in-movie movie will explore their scandalous affair, which started years ago when Joe was only 13.
This isn’t the first time Moore has been exquisite in a Haynes movie, of course, as the two are frequent collaborators. “Far From Heaven” is perhaps their best work together so far but “May December” is right up there and the same can be said about Moore’s supporting performance. Indeed, we are predicting that Moore will indeed be nominated for Oscar number six alongside predicted...
This isn’t the first time Moore has been exquisite in a Haynes movie, of course, as the two are frequent collaborators. “Far From Heaven” is perhaps their best work together so far but “May December” is right up there and the same can be said about Moore’s supporting performance. Indeed, we are predicting that Moore will indeed be nominated for Oscar number six alongside predicted...
- 12/20/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Julianne Moore has some major beef with mashed potatoes.
The 63-year-old actress has been promoting her new movie May December, in which she stars alongside Natalie Portman and Charles Melton.
During a cast panel moderated by Happy Sad Confused podcast host Josh Horowitz on November 30 in New York City, Julianne made it known that when it comes to her least favorite foods, mashed potatoes is at the top of her list.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Why do people like mashed potatoes? It’s just mush. It’s just mush!” she said.
In response, Charles defended the dish, but Julianne stood firm in her belief.
“I know, people love it, they love them — it’s just mashed mush,” she fired back.
The confession is actually Julianne‘s second time admitting that she hates mashed potatoes.
During an interview with Wired alongside Matt Damon in October 2017, the Far from Heaven...
The 63-year-old actress has been promoting her new movie May December, in which she stars alongside Natalie Portman and Charles Melton.
During a cast panel moderated by Happy Sad Confused podcast host Josh Horowitz on November 30 in New York City, Julianne made it known that when it comes to her least favorite foods, mashed potatoes is at the top of her list.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Why do people like mashed potatoes? It’s just mush. It’s just mush!” she said.
In response, Charles defended the dish, but Julianne stood firm in her belief.
“I know, people love it, they love them — it’s just mashed mush,” she fired back.
The confession is actually Julianne‘s second time admitting that she hates mashed potatoes.
During an interview with Wired alongside Matt Damon in October 2017, the Far from Heaven...
- 12/19/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
In 2000 – merely two years after she scored her first Golden Globe nomination for her supporting turn in “Boogie Nights” – Julianne Moore earned concurrent lead notices from the same organization for “The End of the Affair” (drama) and “An Ideal Husband” (comedy/musical). That instance of dual recognition made her the 16th woman to have competed for all three possible film acting Golden Globes, joining the likes of Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, and Emma Thompson.
Now, two decades deeper into her career, she just landed another Best Film Supporting Actress bid for “May December,” which makes her only the third performer with at least three mentions in each film Golden Globe category.
With this new film nomination, Moore has three of each kind. The 63-year-old’s sophomore supporting notice came in 2010 for “A Single Man,” while her remaining lead bids were for the comedies “The Kids Are All Right” (2011) and “Maps to the Stars...
Now, two decades deeper into her career, she just landed another Best Film Supporting Actress bid for “May December,” which makes her only the third performer with at least three mentions in each film Golden Globe category.
With this new film nomination, Moore has three of each kind. The 63-year-old’s sophomore supporting notice came in 2010 for “A Single Man,” while her remaining lead bids were for the comedies “The Kids Are All Right” (2011) and “Maps to the Stars...
- 12/12/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
“May December,” the newest acclaimed drama film from Todd Haynes, is now available to stream on Netflix, and one of the film’s stars, Julianne Moore, is already an early favorite to receive a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her spellbinding performance. Let’s look back at her five Academy Award races and talk about why Moore finally won her first gold trophy in 2015 for “Still Alice” (2014).
Her first Oscar nomination came in 1998 in the Best Supporting Actress category for “Boogie Nights” (1997). Moore’s only Academy Award nom of the 1990s put her up against Joan Cusack for “In & Out,” Minnie Driver for “Good Will Hunting,” Gloria Stuart for “Titanic” and Kim Basinger for “L.A. Confidential.” Moore didn’t have a chance that first time around because Basinger dominated the category all season, her beloved film often showing up in the Best Picture and Best Director categories,...
Her first Oscar nomination came in 1998 in the Best Supporting Actress category for “Boogie Nights” (1997). Moore’s only Academy Award nom of the 1990s put her up against Joan Cusack for “In & Out,” Minnie Driver for “Good Will Hunting,” Gloria Stuart for “Titanic” and Kim Basinger for “L.A. Confidential.” Moore didn’t have a chance that first time around because Basinger dominated the category all season, her beloved film often showing up in the Best Picture and Best Director categories,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
When it comes to entertainment, the holiday season means an endless procession of specials and familiar movies. But for all the holiday favorites, there’s no shortage of new streaming releases to catch this December. Theaters, meantime, are also filled with prestigious movies. Here are some of this month’s most promising offerings, from Eileen, starring Anne Hathaway, to Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. (Plus: Check out our favorite...
When it comes to entertainment, the holiday season means an endless procession of specials and familiar movies. But for all the holiday favorites, there’s no shortage of new streaming releases to catch this December. Theaters, meantime, are also filled with prestigious movies. Here are some of this month’s most promising offerings, from Eileen, starring Anne Hathaway, to Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. (Plus: Check out our favorite...
- 12/8/2023
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with the Todd Haynes-directed May December starring Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and Charles Melton. It made a splash at Cannes this year when the darkly comedic and complex feature, loosely based on the story of Mary Kay Letourneau, was picked up by Netflix in a splashy $11 million rights deal.
“It’s just made all of us feel emboldened,” Haynes told Deadline at the time.
Written by Samy Burch (its her first produced script), the film follows the nature of a scandalous romance between a married woman and a 13-year-old that was a tabloid staple when it happened 20 years ago. As in the high-profile romance between teacher Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, Moore’s character served time for seducing an underaged teen, but eventually married the kid and they moved away to raise a family and live quietly.
“It’s just made all of us feel emboldened,” Haynes told Deadline at the time.
Written by Samy Burch (its her first produced script), the film follows the nature of a scandalous romance between a married woman and a 13-year-old that was a tabloid staple when it happened 20 years ago. As in the high-profile romance between teacher Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, Moore’s character served time for seducing an underaged teen, but eventually married the kid and they moved away to raise a family and live quietly.
- 12/6/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone else, even just for an hour? Well, the old adage “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” has spurred an entire comedy movie sub-genre: the sometimes hilarious, plenty times not, body swap trope that sits right up there with buddy movies and road trip plots for recognizable narrative arcs.
The concept has been explored with plenty of non-comedy body swaps; it’s a staple in the horror genre thanks to possessions (“Invasion of the Body Snatchers”), Satanic rituals (“The Skeleton Key”), sacrifices gone wrong (“Jennifer’s Body”), and plain ol’ demons (“The Exorcist”). Then, there’s the surgical body swap that lacks the certain je n’ai sais quoi of mystical intervention that comedies such as the live-action “Scooby Doo” movie and “All of Me” offer.
And doe time travel count as body swapping? As much as we love “13 Going on 30,” “Big,...
The concept has been explored with plenty of non-comedy body swaps; it’s a staple in the horror genre thanks to possessions (“Invasion of the Body Snatchers”), Satanic rituals (“The Skeleton Key”), sacrifices gone wrong (“Jennifer’s Body”), and plain ol’ demons (“The Exorcist”). Then, there’s the surgical body swap that lacks the certain je n’ai sais quoi of mystical intervention that comedies such as the live-action “Scooby Doo” movie and “All of Me” offer.
And doe time travel count as body swapping? As much as we love “13 Going on 30,” “Big,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson and Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Any movie that gets made is nothing short of a small miracle, so when the final product is as unfathomably good as "May December," it's worth celebrating. Todd Haynes' newest film is a striking, discomforting story of an actor (Natalie Portman) shadowing the life of a woman (Julianne Moore) she'll be playing in a movie based on the woman's notorious marriage to the man she groomed when she was 36 and he was only 12. It's a ghastly situation loosely based on the real lives of Mary Kay Letourneau (Rip Bozo) and Vili Fualaau, presented in the beautifully complex and gasp-inducing melodrama that could only come from Todd Haynes. The score is perfect, the camera work is masterful, the acting performances are some of the best of the year, and Samy Burch's script is a revelation. And to think it all almost fell apart before it ever began.
Cinematographer Edward Lachman...
Cinematographer Edward Lachman...
- 12/5/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
“Past Lives,” “May December” and “American Fiction” got an Oscar boost on Tuesday as they topped the Independent Spirit Awards nominations with five apiece. Other top Oscar hopefuls with multiple bids include “All of Us Strangers” and “The Holdovers” with three and four, respectively. This, of course, comes with a caveat since only American films with a budget below $30 million are eligible, but it’s never a bad thing to stock up on nominations anywhere and build momentum.
The nomination leaders are all up for Best Feature alongside “All of Us Strangers,” “Passages” and “We Grown Now.” “Past Lives'” haul isn’t surprising in the least since the romantic drama has been a critical and audience favorite since its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January, but it has slid down our Oscar odds in multiple categories are more contenders enter the race. Currently, “Past Lives” is only forecasted to score...
The nomination leaders are all up for Best Feature alongside “All of Us Strangers,” “Passages” and “We Grown Now.” “Past Lives'” haul isn’t surprising in the least since the romantic drama has been a critical and audience favorite since its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January, but it has slid down our Oscar odds in multiple categories are more contenders enter the race. Currently, “Past Lives” is only forecasted to score...
- 12/5/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
If you believe Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman didn’t win their Oscars for their best performances, well, they agree with you.
On Monday’s “Watch What Happens Live,” the “May December” stars played 1, 2, Agree or Disagree with Andy Cohen, during which the host read statements to see if their answers match. The very first one: “I consider the role for which I won my Oscar to be my best performance to date.” Both women flashed the “disagree” sign. Portman, of course, won Best Actress for “Black Swan” (2010) and Moore won the same prize for “Still Alice” (2014).
After the game, Cohen did Film Twitter a solid and asked the important follow-up: What performance do they each feel is their best? “It’s very embarrassing to say that about yourself,” Portman nervously demurred before Cohen said he didn’t think so. “Um, Ok. I felt like ‘Jackie’ was a big one for me.
On Monday’s “Watch What Happens Live,” the “May December” stars played 1, 2, Agree or Disagree with Andy Cohen, during which the host read statements to see if their answers match. The very first one: “I consider the role for which I won my Oscar to be my best performance to date.” Both women flashed the “disagree” sign. Portman, of course, won Best Actress for “Black Swan” (2010) and Moore won the same prize for “Still Alice” (2014).
After the game, Cohen did Film Twitter a solid and asked the important follow-up: What performance do they each feel is their best? “It’s very embarrassing to say that about yourself,” Portman nervously demurred before Cohen said he didn’t think so. “Um, Ok. I felt like ‘Jackie’ was a big one for me.
- 12/5/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Newcomer Samy Burch wasn’t exactly shooting for the stars when she started writing “May December” — which would go on to become a parley between Best Actress winners Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, directed by indie icon Todd Haynes — on spec. “I really wrote this in the coat closet of our apartment. If I had had the people that got these roles on the corkboard, I would’ve seemed grandiose,” said the screenwriter to IndieWire during a sit-down at the 2023 Middleburg Film Festival. “My goal with it was honestly to get representation. So everything that’s happened after that has been incredible.”
After making the outline with husband Alex Mechanik, Burch finished the script on Memorial Day 2019, the holiday that coincidentally kicks off the film, which follows an actress who embeds herself into the lives of a scandalized couple when she is cast in a film about them. And, yes,...
After making the outline with husband Alex Mechanik, Burch finished the script on Memorial Day 2019, the holiday that coincidentally kicks off the film, which follows an actress who embeds herself into the lives of a scandalized couple when she is cast in a film about them. And, yes,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Todd Haynes is, in this writer’s opinion, one of our greatest living filmmakers. Ever since his 1987 film, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, a moving examination of the singer’s battle with anorexia using Barbie dolls and created while he was at Bard College, his unique voice has enraptured audiences. Safe. Velvet Goldmine. Far From Heaven. Carol. The Velvet Underground. There are too many classics to mention.
In his latest film, May December, Haynes has reunited with his muse Julianne Moore for their fifth collaboration over nearly three decades. She plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo,...
In his latest film, May December, Haynes has reunited with his muse Julianne Moore for their fifth collaboration over nearly three decades. She plays Gracie Atherton-Yoo,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Oscar season begins this week in the Big Apple.
The New York Film Critics Circle will be the first major group of film journalists to unveil its winners on Nov. 30. And its selections should provide an important look at which films are viable contenders for big awards. After all, there’s been plenty of prognosticating about the movies that are generating the most heat with Oscar voters and other awards bodies. But those predictions are taking place before much hardware has actually been handed out.
Unlike previous years, where NYFCC members might not yet have seen a late-breaking contender or two (as was the case last year with “Avatar: The Way of Water”), this time there aren’t many unknown entities to factor in. Every major December release, including “The Iron Claw” and “The Color Purple,” has screened for voters. So the NYFCC honors won’t come with an asterisk.
The New York Film Critics Circle will be the first major group of film journalists to unveil its winners on Nov. 30. And its selections should provide an important look at which films are viable contenders for big awards. After all, there’s been plenty of prognosticating about the movies that are generating the most heat with Oscar voters and other awards bodies. But those predictions are taking place before much hardware has actually been handed out.
Unlike previous years, where NYFCC members might not yet have seen a late-breaking contender or two (as was the case last year with “Avatar: The Way of Water”), this time there aren’t many unknown entities to factor in. Every major December release, including “The Iron Claw” and “The Color Purple,” has screened for voters. So the NYFCC honors won’t come with an asterisk.
- 11/29/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
On December 6, the 2023 IndieWire Honors ceremony will celebrate 11 filmmakers, creators, and actors for their achievements in creative independence. We’re showcasing their work with new interviews leading up to the Los Angeles event.
From Cate Blanchett’s meet-cute hat-tip to shopgirl Rooney Mara in “Carol” and Julianne Moore’s farewell on a train platform to Dennis Haysbert at the end of “Far from Heaven” to, now, Natalie Portman’s straight-to-the-camera monologue as an actress playing an actress who is also playing another role in “May December,” Todd Haynes might not see his images as destined-to-be-iconic while on set as we do on our screens. At first.
That’s partly because, for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker upon whom IndieWire Honors will bestow the Vanguard Award on December 6 in Los Angeles, “every film has been a tremendous challenge in terms of resources and time and financing. I’ve always felt that I have...
From Cate Blanchett’s meet-cute hat-tip to shopgirl Rooney Mara in “Carol” and Julianne Moore’s farewell on a train platform to Dennis Haysbert at the end of “Far from Heaven” to, now, Natalie Portman’s straight-to-the-camera monologue as an actress playing an actress who is also playing another role in “May December,” Todd Haynes might not see his images as destined-to-be-iconic while on set as we do on our screens. At first.
That’s partly because, for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker upon whom IndieWire Honors will bestow the Vanguard Award on December 6 in Los Angeles, “every film has been a tremendous challenge in terms of resources and time and financing. I’ve always felt that I have...
- 11/29/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Contrary to what you might think based on the plethora of Christmas films and TV series that flooded the streaming landscape recently, we're only now heading into the final month of 2023 and the winter holiday bonanza that comes with them. For Netflix, in particular, December is a time when it pulls out the big guns, tempting its subscribers with an eclectic blend of prestige television, awards season contenders, and crowd-pleasers. This year, that includes the end of the royal drama with "The Crown" season 6, part 2, Bradley Cooper going for the gold (again) with his Leonard Bernstein biopic "Maestro," and whatever the hell Zack Snyder has cooked up for us with the first half of his two-part "Star Wars"-inspired cosmic epic, "Rebel Moon -- Part One: A Child of Fire."
However, in lieu of focusing on the releases that are positioned to soak up the bulk of everyone's attention, I...
However, in lieu of focusing on the releases that are positioned to soak up the bulk of everyone's attention, I...
- 11/27/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) switching from Best Supporting Actress to Best Actress feels like some time ago now but the impact of that move can still be felt as the former category is the most open race we have this year. Such an open race, however, leads to excitement and surprise, leaving the door open for any number of contenders to take the lead in this race.
And no performance deserves to be out in front more in this category than Julianne Moore‘s role in Todd Haynes‘ “May December.” Moore collaborates with Haynes again after they worked together in several movies including “Far From Heaven,” but Netflix’s “May December” is a bold new entry in their canon that you can now catch in US theaters after it released on November 17. The movie will drop on Netflix on December 1.
Moore stars as Gracie, who is in...
And no performance deserves to be out in front more in this category than Julianne Moore‘s role in Todd Haynes‘ “May December.” Moore collaborates with Haynes again after they worked together in several movies including “Far From Heaven,” but Netflix’s “May December” is a bold new entry in their canon that you can now catch in US theaters after it released on November 17. The movie will drop on Netflix on December 1.
Moore stars as Gracie, who is in...
- 11/24/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” announced Todd Haynes as a filmmaker to be watched back in 1987 while the luscious dramas “Far From Heaven” (2002) and “Carol” (2015) cemented his status as one of the best talents working in Hollywood. That talent continues to burn brightly with his new movie, Netflix’s “May December,” which was released in US theaters on November 17.
The film will start streaming on Netflix on December 1 but catch it on the big screen to take in all of its melodramatic delights. Natalie Portman stars Elizabeth, as an actress who visits Charles Melton‘s Joe and Julianne Moore‘s Gracie to do research for a movie based on the couple’s past. The past in question concerns the affair they had when Joe was 13 and Moore was much older. It’s a dramatic premise but it’s also a film full of comedy and deliciously dark moments. Haynes’ clever...
The film will start streaming on Netflix on December 1 but catch it on the big screen to take in all of its melodramatic delights. Natalie Portman stars Elizabeth, as an actress who visits Charles Melton‘s Joe and Julianne Moore‘s Gracie to do research for a movie based on the couple’s past. The past in question concerns the affair they had when Joe was 13 and Moore was much older. It’s a dramatic premise but it’s also a film full of comedy and deliciously dark moments. Haynes’ clever...
- 11/23/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Actors flock to work with Todd Haynes, a filmmaker with an impeccable track record who has made a habit of drawing some of the greatest performances out of actors who already boast impressive credits, but also for discovering newer talent. In films like “Far From Heaven,” “I’m Not There” and “Carol,” he’s guided Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara to Oscar nominations. He was actually the first director to cast Moore in her first leading film role in 1995’s “Safe,” and discovered Millicent Simmonds for “Wonderstruck” before her star turn in “A Quiet Place.”
In his new film “May December,” now in theaters, Haynes once again assembles an impressive ensemble. Natalie Portman plays Elizabeth, an actor who infiltrates the lives of Gracie (Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton) in order to portray the former in an upcoming movie. Though the pair are seemingly happily married they caused a scandal...
In his new film “May December,” now in theaters, Haynes once again assembles an impressive ensemble. Natalie Portman plays Elizabeth, an actor who infiltrates the lives of Gracie (Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton) in order to portray the former in an upcoming movie. Though the pair are seemingly happily married they caused a scandal...
- 11/17/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
L to R: Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry with Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo, in May December. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Director Todd Haynes re-teams with Julianne Moore, star of his Douglas Sirk-style melodrama Far From Heaven, for another soapy melodrama (complete with emotionally-overwrought score) for Haynes’ new May December. The story was apparently inspired by the 1990s Mary Kay LeTourneau case, a tabloid scandal about a married, 36-year-old teacher who was convicted of raping her 12-year-old male student, a crime for which she went to jail and where she gave birth in prison. The pair had another child and eventually married when the boy reach adulthood although they divorced years later.
It is a tabloid tale that seems made for Todd Haynes. However, while the couple in the movie have a somewhat similar history, the movie’s story takes place twenty years after the infamous events, when...
Director Todd Haynes re-teams with Julianne Moore, star of his Douglas Sirk-style melodrama Far From Heaven, for another soapy melodrama (complete with emotionally-overwrought score) for Haynes’ new May December. The story was apparently inspired by the 1990s Mary Kay LeTourneau case, a tabloid scandal about a married, 36-year-old teacher who was convicted of raping her 12-year-old male student, a crime for which she went to jail and where she gave birth in prison. The pair had another child and eventually married when the boy reach adulthood although they divorced years later.
It is a tabloid tale that seems made for Todd Haynes. However, while the couple in the movie have a somewhat similar history, the movie’s story takes place twenty years after the infamous events, when...
- 11/17/2023
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Since the beginning of his career, Todd Haynes has made films about two things: fame and transgression. Born in 1961 to a Los Angeles family, Haynes received his Bfa in film from Bard College, where he made a short that set the tone for his filmography. Acted out using Barbie dolls, “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” is an unauthorized story of the real-life pop singer and her struggles with anorexia, which is permanently out of circulation thanks to a music copyright lawsuit. Looking at it today through bootleg, the movie’s study of the crushing effects of fame — and hiding misery and suffering behind a happy, plastic façade — feels like the crucible for the artist’s later fixations.
As Haynes graduated from shorts and moved to feature filmmaking, his work began splitting into two types of films. The first type can be described as the movies about ordinary people whose unhappiness...
As Haynes graduated from shorts and moved to feature filmmaking, his work began splitting into two types of films. The first type can be described as the movies about ordinary people whose unhappiness...
- 11/17/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore has been a cinematic muse for the likes of Todd Haynes, Paul Thomas Anderson, Robert Altman, Alfonso Cuaron, David Cronenberg and the Coen Brothers, to name but a few. But how many of her films are classics? Let’s take a look back at 15 of her greatest roles, ranked worst to best.
Moore became a darling of independent cinema with appearances in such films as “Short Cuts” (1993), “Vanya on 42nd Street” (1994), and “Safe” (1995). It didn’t take long for Oscar voters to notice her talents, and the Academy rewarded her with four nominations in quick succession: Best Actress for “The End of the Affair” (1999) and “Far From Heaven” (2002); Best Supporting Actress for “Boogie Nights” (1997) and “The Hours” (2002). Her two bids in 2002 put her in an elite group of performers to receive lead and supporting citations in the same year.
After her double-dipping achievement, however, it seemed...
Moore became a darling of independent cinema with appearances in such films as “Short Cuts” (1993), “Vanya on 42nd Street” (1994), and “Safe” (1995). It didn’t take long for Oscar voters to notice her talents, and the Academy rewarded her with four nominations in quick succession: Best Actress for “The End of the Affair” (1999) and “Far From Heaven” (2002); Best Supporting Actress for “Boogie Nights” (1997) and “The Hours” (2002). Her two bids in 2002 put her in an elite group of performers to receive lead and supporting citations in the same year.
After her double-dipping achievement, however, it seemed...
- 11/16/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
First reviews out of Cannes for Todd Haynes’ poisonously witty and complex new film “May December” heralded “a heartbreakingly sincere piece of high camp,” “a camp and curious pleasure,” a “camp look at an actor’s process of transformation into a character.”
But how does “camp” figure into the context of a film starring Natalie Portman as a celebrity actress studying Julianne Moore as a Southern spin on Mary Kay Letourneau, the middle school teacher who had a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student, was convicted of rape and imprisoned, and then married and had two children with him? Portman’s character is set to play Moore’s in a new movie. Is it by virtue of seeing these two gay-iconic actresses on a set with the director of “Carol,” “Velvet Goldmine,” and “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story,” a 1988 documentary about the ill-fated singer stop-motion-animated with Barbie dolls? Is it...
But how does “camp” figure into the context of a film starring Natalie Portman as a celebrity actress studying Julianne Moore as a Southern spin on Mary Kay Letourneau, the middle school teacher who had a sexual relationship with her 12-year-old student, was convicted of rape and imprisoned, and then married and had two children with him? Portman’s character is set to play Moore’s in a new movie. Is it by virtue of seeing these two gay-iconic actresses on a set with the director of “Carol,” “Velvet Goldmine,” and “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story,” a 1988 documentary about the ill-fated singer stop-motion-animated with Barbie dolls? Is it...
- 11/15/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Few directors show their cinematic influences as readily as Todd Haynes. Just watch one of his movies, and the filmmakers that helped shape his style — Douglas Sirk and Nicolas Roeg, to name two — become incredibly apparent. His stylized melodrama and favored themes of social taboos and celebrity carry the DNA of both directors. But at the same time? His work is entirely his own.
Born in Los Angeles during 1961, Haynes studied art at Brown and cinema at Bard College, where he made the short film that first brought him notoriety. Made entirely with dolls, 1987’s “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” tells the story of the titular popular pop singer and her struggles with anorexia. Its unauthorized nature, unflattering portrayal of Carpenter’s brother and music partner Richard, and unlicensed use of the Carpenters’ music made it the subject of a lawsuit, and it remains withdrawn from circulation. Available only via bootleg,...
Born in Los Angeles during 1961, Haynes studied art at Brown and cinema at Bard College, where he made the short film that first brought him notoriety. Made entirely with dolls, 1987’s “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” tells the story of the titular popular pop singer and her struggles with anorexia. Its unauthorized nature, unflattering portrayal of Carpenter’s brother and music partner Richard, and unlicensed use of the Carpenters’ music made it the subject of a lawsuit, and it remains withdrawn from circulation. Available only via bootleg,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Todd Haynes doesn't target "the mainstream" with his films.The 62-year-old director has helmed movies such as 'Far from Heaven' and 'May December' and thinks that his work is diverse as it originates "from the margins".Todd told the Guardian newspaper: "People have definitely put my films into thematic through-lines: films that deal with domestic stories and female subjects in one category, and films that deal with artists and musicians in another."In both, I'm interested in places where identity is called into question by circumstances or by artistic practices."But I think the thing that all directors share is that we don't really see if it's the same movie over and over: we're trying something different each time in terms of genre, setting, language or historical moment. That's why I guess it's cool to hear somebody say my films are diverse."The filmmaker added: "Another interesting thing about my movies,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
As the start of the Camerimage Film Festival approaches, Variety asked four festival regulars, all sought-after cinematographers, to weigh in on the issues, trends and opportunities the profession is encountering this year – all subjects expected to come up during the fest, which runs Nov. 11-18. Here’s what they had to say:
Mandy Walker, currently filming Disney’s live action “Snow White” remake, and chairing Camerimage main competition jury.
“I see more and more women are shooting [film] projects and TV – in the States, a lot more women are shooting TV shows. A lot more in the camera department in general, camera operators, first ACs, and it’s definitely getting better. But there’s still a bit of a hump to get over before it’s anywhere near equal.”
“The technology – for me, when I first started shooting movies, there was no VFX, there was no blue screen because I was shooting very small indie projects.
Mandy Walker, currently filming Disney’s live action “Snow White” remake, and chairing Camerimage main competition jury.
“I see more and more women are shooting [film] projects and TV – in the States, a lot more women are shooting TV shows. A lot more in the camera department in general, camera operators, first ACs, and it’s definitely getting better. But there’s still a bit of a hump to get over before it’s anywhere near equal.”
“The technology – for me, when I first started shooting movies, there was no VFX, there was no blue screen because I was shooting very small indie projects.
- 11/7/2023
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance are co-repping North American rights and Protagonist Pictures has come on board to handle international rights to Summer Camp. The film stars Diane Keaton and Kathy Bates along with Alfre Woodard. Rounding out the ensemble is Eugene Levy, Dennis Haysbert, Nicole Richie (Great News) and Josh Peck (Oppenheimer).
The film is currently in post-production and exclusive footage will be available to screen at AFM.
Written and directed by Castille Landon (After franchise), Summer Camp tells the story of Nora, Ginny and Mary, who have been best friends since childhood, spending their summers together at sleepaway camp. Fifty years later, a reunion at Camp Pinnacle means they’ll be back together just like old times. Their lives might not be where they’d imagine,...
The film is currently in post-production and exclusive footage will be available to screen at AFM.
Written and directed by Castille Landon (After franchise), Summer Camp tells the story of Nora, Ginny and Mary, who have been best friends since childhood, spending their summers together at sleepaway camp. Fifty years later, a reunion at Camp Pinnacle means they’ll be back together just like old times. Their lives might not be where they’d imagine,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
This story about Christine Vachon first appeared in the College Issue of TheWrap’s magazine.
Over the course of more than 30 years and 100 films, Christine Vachon has become one of the most impactful producers of independent film — and as the artistic director of the Mfa program at Stony Brook Manhattan, one of the most intriguing film educators as well. She founded her company, Killer Films, with fellow New York-based producer Pamela Koffler in 1996, five years into a career that had begun with Todd Haynes’ feature debut, “Poison,” and would go on to include every one of Haynes’ movies, among them “Velvet Goldmine,” “Far From Heaven,” “Carol” and the upcoming “May December.”
Vachon’s other films include Larry Clark’s “Kids,” Todd Solondz’s “Happiness,” John Cameron Mitchell’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Kimberly Peirce’s “Boys Don’t Cry” and Paul Schrader’s “First Reformed.” She’s known for working with young and first-time directors,...
Over the course of more than 30 years and 100 films, Christine Vachon has become one of the most impactful producers of independent film — and as the artistic director of the Mfa program at Stony Brook Manhattan, one of the most intriguing film educators as well. She founded her company, Killer Films, with fellow New York-based producer Pamela Koffler in 1996, five years into a career that had begun with Todd Haynes’ feature debut, “Poison,” and would go on to include every one of Haynes’ movies, among them “Velvet Goldmine,” “Far From Heaven,” “Carol” and the upcoming “May December.”
Vachon’s other films include Larry Clark’s “Kids,” Todd Solondz’s “Happiness,” John Cameron Mitchell’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Kimberly Peirce’s “Boys Don’t Cry” and Paul Schrader’s “First Reformed.” She’s known for working with young and first-time directors,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
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