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Darren Criss on Playing Gianni Versace's Murderer: 'It Is My Job to Humanize Him'

Darren Criss on Playing Gianni Versace's Murderer: 'It Is My Job to Humanize Him'
Darren Criss is making a (TV) murderer.

After years of being known as preppy singer Blaine Anderson on Glee, the actor takes a dark turn in American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace as Andrew Cunanan — the serial killer known for shooting the Italian fashion designer on the steps of his Miami mansion and murdering four other men in 1997.

“I had a friend tell me when I got the part, ‘You’re playing the gay boogeyman,’ ” Criss, 31, tells People in this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday. “I was like, ‘Excuse me?’ He was like, ‘When he was on the run,
See full article at PEOPLE.com »

Why Laura Branigan’s ‘Gloria’ Is the Perfect Song for an On-Screen Crime Scheme

Why Laura Branigan’s ‘Gloria’ Is the Perfect Song for an On-Screen Crime Scheme
Twice in the last month, the 1982 Laura Branigan hit “Gloria” has been used as a key plot device: to soundtrack the maniacal trance of a person about to commit a major act of violence. In “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” Darren Criss, who plays serial killer Andrew Cunanan, sings along to the tune at top-volume while driving to his next crime scene in Miami. And in “I Tonya,” Sebastian Stan, in the role of Tonya Harding’s ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, listens to the song intently as he ponders how to handicap competing figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Coincidence that both the Ryan Murphy series on FX and the Craig Gillespie-directed film feature men in their cars finding meaning in the post-disco pop song?

“I had no idea ‘Gloria’ was going to be in ‘I Tonya,'” says “Versace” music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas. “I watched the movie as a complete bystander. It was very
See full article at Variety - Film News »

Why Laura Branigan’s ‘Gloria’ Is the Perfect Song for an On-Screen Crime Scheme

Why Laura Branigan’s ‘Gloria’ Is the Perfect Song for an On-Screen Crime Scheme
Twice in the last month, the 1982 Laura Branigan hit “Gloria” has been used as a key plot device: to soundtrack the maniacal trance of a person about to commit a major act of violence. In “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” Darren Criss, who plays serial killer Andrew Cunanan, sings along to the tune at top-volume while driving to his next crime scene in Miami. And in “I Tonya,” Sebastian Stan, in the role of Tonya Harding’s ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, listens to the song intently as he ponders how to handicap competing figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Coincidence that both the Ryan Murphy series on FX and the Craig Gillespie-directed film feature men in their cars finding meaning in the post-disco pop song?

“I had no idea ‘Gloria’ was going to be in ‘I Tonya,'” says “Versace” music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas. “I watched the movie as a complete bystander. It was very
See full article at Variety - TV News »

Film Review: ‘Seeing Allred’

Film Review: ‘Seeing Allred’
Most lawyers are content to fight their battles far from the public eye. Gloria Allred isn’t like most lawyers.

As the country’s highest profile women’s rights attorney, Allred understands that the court of public opinion can sometimes find justice that even the nation’s top courts cannot, and so, she has learned to generate media attention, organize press conferences, and even stage demonstrations for the benefit of cameras. That tactic has earned her many enemies over the years (one clip in Roberta Grossman and Sophie Sartain’s “Seeing Allred” shows Jimmy Kimmel saying she “seems to be in league with the devil,” without explaining why), but it also makes her uniquely suited to a documentary — one that can bring a megaphone to her causes, while offering a more intimate, personal side of her story.

Available exclusively on Netflix three weeks after its splashy Sundance debut, “Seeing Allred” differs profoundly from nearly every other time Americans
See full article at Variety - Film News »

Performer of the Week: Darren Criss

Performer of the Week: Darren Criss
The Performer | Darren Criss

The Show | The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

The Episode | “Manhunt” (Jan. 24, 2018)

The Performance | Ryan Murphy’s TV shows offer actors a golden opportunity to spread their wings and show a side of themselves we haven’t yet seen. And in its second episode, Versace did just that for Criss, who shed his squeaky-clean Glee past to paint a vivid portrait of a murderer who’s just as charming as he is chilling.

As serial killer Andrew Cunanan, it’s disturbing how easily the lies spilled from Criss’ mouth, as Cunanan bragged about
See full article at TVLine.com »

‘Mr Robot’ Review: Season 3 Premiere is Mostly Set-Up, But Does Take the Blame for Trump

  • 12 October 2017
  • by Liz Shannon Miller
  • Indiewire
‘Mr Robot’ Review: Season 3 Premiere is Mostly Set-Up, But Does Take the Blame for Trump
[Editor’s note: Spoilers for “Mr. Robot” Season 3, Episode 1, “eps3.0_power-saver-mode.h” follow.]

Booting Up

Rather than immediately reunite with Elliot (Rami Malek) and his state of confusion, Season 3 of “Mr. Robot” opens with the eccentric Irving (new cast member Bobby Cannavale), a BBQ connoisseur with a Bluetooth headset who it’s revealed is Tyrell Wellick’s (Martin Wallström) first call after shooting Elliot (thus establishing that Season 3 picks up right where Season 2 left off).

A week later, Elliot’s recovering from his gunshot wound and trying to get answers as to exactly what happened, though as the audience can see he’s lacking in allies — Angela (Portia Doubleday) is keeping things from him, Darlene (Carly Chaikin) is being hunted by the Dark Army (and working with the FBI), and of course Mr. Robot (Christian Slater) has rarely been a true friend…in fact, Elliot doesn’t even talk to Mr. Robot for the entire episode. That doesn’t mean his alter ego doesn’t make himself known,
See full article at Indiewire »

TV: White Gold Review

  • 24 May 2017
  • by Gloria Daniels-Moss
  • HeyUGuys
Author: Gloria Daniels-Moss

Everyone liked The Inbetweeners, right? Yes, the show had many cringe-worthy, repetitive and outright stupid moments but offered a fair, if heightened take on the burden of adolescence.

Damon Beesley, who co-wrote the series alongside Iain Morris, now branches away from the playground and brings us a slightly darker and sassier story with travelling double-glazing salesman Vincent (Ed Westwick) heading the show. The BBC2 comedy White Gold starts as it means to go on. It’s slick, smart and silly – there is fun to be had here that’s for sure.

It’s Essex, 1983 and here we meet cocksure Vincent, our charismatic and terribly arrogant narrator that gets his claws in from the get go. This obnoxious man is the epitome of a classic salesman; giving us handy tips and breaking the forth wall just to tell us exactly how amazing he is at his job and
See full article at HeyUGuys »

Last Man on Earth Video: Kristen Wiig Is Loving the '80s in First Promo

Last Man on Earth Video: Kristen Wiig Is Loving the '80s in First Promo
Kristen Wiig dances the night away when she first arrives on The Last Man on Earth.

RelatedThe Last Man on Earth Fall Finale Recap: Did [Spoiler] Really Just Do That?!

In the first promo (which will first air tonight during Fox’s primetime line-up) released ahead of her “mysterious” midseason debut, the Bridesmaids actress can be seen exiting some sort of enclosed vault dressed in a garbage bag, protective goggles and a surgical mask — presumably in fear of catching the virus. Once she realizes she’s in the clear, Wiig strips down to patterned leggings and a bright silver vest
See full article at TVLine.com »

Singer Leonard Cohen Passes Away at 82

Singer Leonard Cohen Passes Away at 82
2016 continues to take its toll on the entertainment industry, as another huge icon has passed away. Leonard Cohen died peacefully surrounded by family this past week. He was 82 at the time of his death. A hugely influential singer and songwriter, his career spans nearly 50 years. The man's label confirmed his death on Facebook. Sony Music Canada made this announcement.

"It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."

At this time, no cause of death has been given. And it isn't known exactly when Leonard Cohen died. Cohen's son Adam spoke with Rolling Stone shortly after the news was announced. He had this to say about his father's legacy.
See full article at MovieWeb »

The Essential Laura Branigan: Ranking Her Top 20 Songs

It’s been a decade since we lost Laura Branigan (she died in her sleep of a cerebral aneurysm), but her music will live forever, and those 80′s hits still hold up fabulously decades later.

Today would have been her 57th birthday, so let’s pay tribute to one of the most passionate vocalists in pop music history. These 20 songs represent her greatest hits, should-have-been hits, and unforgettable album cuts. It’s the Essential Laura Branigan.

20. Dim All The Lights

Year: 1995

Album: The Best Of Branigan

Chart Peak: N/A

For her last music video (and last work with Atlantic Records), Laura recorded this cover of the Donna Summer classic for her Greatest Hits collection. And yes, that’s Miss Understood and Hedda Lettuce in the video.

19. The Sweet Hello The Sad Goodbye

Year: 1993

Album: Over My Heart

Chart Peak: N/A

Per Gessle (Roxette) wrote this beautiful ballad in
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: Rebooting “Scooby-Doo,” “Ok Go” Mesmerizes, And Brett Gleason’s “I Am Not”

Birthday shoutouts go to Will Forte (above), who is 44, Jason Patric is 48, Venus Williams is 34, and Greg Kinnear is 51.

The Teen Choice Award nominations were announced today, and it includes a lot of werewolves and vampires.

Remember the two big-screen Scooby-Doo films with Sarah-Michelle Gellar? And the two small screen Scooby-Doo films with Robbie Amell? Well, Warner Bros. is hoping you forget, because they’re ready to reboot the franchise again.

Why Rick Perry Thinks It’s Politically Clever to Liken Homosexuality to Alcoholism

New Zealand Tops England In Nude Rugby Match

Here’s Ok Go with “The Writing’s On The Wall,” featuring a warehouse of optical illusions. As usual, it’s a visual feast, but I hope they’re paying New Order royalties for the sound.

Brett Gleason is one of of our favorite out artists, and he always delivers provocative and usually dark music and visuals. Here’s his latest,
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: Reeve Carney and Josh Hartnett Get Their Snog On, Rugby Brothers Fight Homophobia, And Brad Paisley Ridicules Westboro

(source)

Birthday shoutouts go to Dominic Cooper (above), who is 36, Justin Long is 36, Andy Cohen is 46, and Sally Kellerman is 77.

Speaking of, Andy Cohen Prepping I Slept With a Celebrity Reality Show, because of course he is.

Out Wrestler Darren Young Coming To GaymerX Convention

Meghan McCain has joined the Board Of Directors of GLAAD

Hair at the Hollywood Bowl: Kristen Bell, Amber Riley, Hunter Parrish lead cast. Yes, but will the nudity remain?

Towleroad has a gif bag of Josh Hartnett and Reeve Carney getting their snog on in Penny Dreadful. Here’s a tease.

Teens react to 90′s internet. Shut up, you brats!

Here’s the new trailer for the final season of True Blood. Still no Eric.

Brad Paisley doesn’t suffer fools.

Westboro Baptist Selfie!! Or west-Burro(ass) selfie. Hopefully they can hear the show out here. We'll play loud. pic.twitter.com/OrMhJjD8NE

— Brad Paisley
See full article at The Backlot »

Happy Birthday Cher! Here Are Her 20 Greatest Songs

Cher. What more needs to be said?

She’s the icon of icons, and her list of accomplishments would take forever to list. So on her 68th birthday, let’s pick the best of the best of her immense music catalog. For the purposes of this post, let’s keep it to Cher as a solo artist, and remember …

After The Nuclear Holocaust, The Only Things That Will Remain Are Cockroaches … And This List.

20. Carousel Man

Year: 1973

Album: Half Breed

Chart Peak: N/A

When the album Half Breed came out in 1973, it represented a bit of a comeback after two previous chart disappointments, thanks to the #1 title song (which we’ll be seeing later), which makes it curious why the second and final single “Carousel Man” was only released as a promo to radio DJ’s, and therefore failed to chart on the Hot 100. It remains memorable thanks to that bizarre merry-go-round hook.
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: A First Look At Ben Affleck’s Batman, “Fantastic Beasts,” And Previewing The “Glee” Season Finale

Birthday shoutouts go to Hunter Parrish (above), who is 27, Lena Dunham is 28, Robert Pattinson is 28, Stevie Wonder is 64, Stephen Colbert is 50, and Armistead Maupin is 70.

Antonio Banderas: Homophobes Are Mentally Ill

Clay Aiken Wins Nc Dem Congressional Primary

The Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts is scheduled for November 2016, with plans to start a franchise.

TV Line previews tonight’s Glee Season Finale, and it’s bad news for Klaine.

It had to happen.

@MissesDynamite pic.twitter.com/1zEjEZ6wG6

— Günter Stassler (@GuenterLois) May 12, 2014

Zack Snyder tweeted out the first image of Ben Affleck as Batman

I shot this with my @Leica_Camera M Monochrom. #Batman #Batmobile #Gotham http://t.co/WPHKLxgBLM pic.twitter.com/p5DEf6fLzJ

— ZackSnyder (@ZackSnyder) May 13, 2014

Here’s your Tasty Two For Tuesday With Matt Bomer. These are from yesterday at the NYC premiere of The Normal Heart

And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: Bianca Del Rio Is A “Hot Mess,” Naked Highway Takes Our “Self Control” And Jessie J’s Bisexual “Phase” Is Over

Birthday shoutouts go to Taylor Kitsch (above), who is 33, Raven is 35, and Julian Lennon is 51. Here’s one of the most 80′s videos ever made.

Just a day after its season premiere, HBO has renewed Game Of Thrones for two more seasons.

OkCupid Co-Founder Regrets Accidentally Supporting Anti-Gay Candidate

Book delves into lives of gay Indiana steelworkers

Jessie J admits being bisexual was a “phase” and now wants to find herself a Husband. (Was the bolding really necessary? Oh wait, it’s a British tabloid, so … yes).

Here’s Bianca Del Rio and Sherry Vine in “Hot Mess.”

Here’s Naked Highway‘s cover of Laura Branigan‘s 1984 classic Self Control. Yes, Laura’s version was a cover, too, but we’ll get more into that when “Self Control” shows up on the Top 100 Hits Of The Ladies Of the 80′s … at the end of May.

Katie Couric asks the
See full article at The Backlot »

Hump Day With Adam Lambert: Burn It To The Wick

On this week’s Hump Day with Adam Lambert, Adam rules the Glee universe again, and Tweets a … cryptic message.

Adam has really helped revitalize Glee this season, and I hope when the show permanently moves to NYC, they’ll save him a place. This week’s episode bodes well, as he was actually part of the roommate drama, and had some nice scenes with Santana (Naya Rivera). And yes, I did let out a Squee! when Santana responded to Elliot with this:

Santana: “You need money? Maybe Auntie Snicks can help you out with that” #Glee

— therealSnicks (@therealSnicks) March 5, 2014

Adam was part of the two best musical numbers of the night. He teamed up with Rachel (Lea Michele) for a cover of Heart‘s classic “Barracuda.” This is another song tailor-made for Adam, and he crushed it, even if Lea seemed a little out of her comfort zone. But,
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: Travoltify Your Name, Tom Daley Is An Inspiration, And The New Cast of “Dancing With The … Stars?”

Birthday shoutouts go to Landon Donovan (above), who is 32, Adrian Zmed is 60, Chaz Bono is 45, and the faboo Catherine O’Hara is 60. Sexy Holidays to you!

Fox has picked its Bruce Wayne for Gotham, and it’s … a little kid! Which makes perfect sense, of course. I don’t know why the hell I thought it would be a hot twenty-something.

I’m verklempt. I mean seriously having palpitations. I already posted the audio of “Barracuda” from tonight’s Glee, and here are Santana, Elliot, and Rachel doing Laura Branigan‘s classic “Gloria” (a song which may come in … very high … on my Top 100 Ladies of The 80′s List). The late Laura is my second all-time favorite singer, and I love when she gets recognition.

Archie Comics Hires Gay Writer as First Chief Creative Officer

Travoltify Your Name! I’m “Saif.” If I use my other name, it’s “Jan
See full article at The Backlot »

Briefs: “Chicken-Fried Ciccone,” Tom Daley Is Still Adorable, And Previewing The Penultimate Episode Of “Looking”

Here is last week’s caption pic winner. This week’s caption pic is at the bottom of the page.

Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is …

“Johnny Weir’s looking a bit ruff, isn’t he?”

Thanks to Darrien for this week’s winning caption!

Weekend Birthdays! Antonio Sabato Jr. (above) is 42, Javier Bardem is 45, Mark Paul Gosselaar is (gulp) 40, Ke$ha is 27, Karen Carpeneter would have been 64, Jon Bon Jovi is 52, Daniel Craig is 46, Bernadette Peters is 66, and Dale Bozzio is 59. Here’s her greatest song.

We failed in Sochi because we didn’t risk a thing

J. Stephen Brantley’s Chicken-Fried Ciccone Turns Madonna‘s Hits Into Country Cabaret

Why covering gay athletes is news

Tom Daley Doesn’t Show Us His Butt Again, But Does Show Us His Cute Cellphone Cover. Aww!

Top Twelve Most Homophobic Nations.

Here’s the teaser trailer for Season Two of Orphan Black.
See full article at The Backlot »

‘Gloria’ represents a confident counter to mainstream, male-centric dramas

Gloria

Written by Sebastián Lelio and Gonzalo Maza

Directed by Sebastián Lelio

Chile and Spain, 2013

The advantage that the new film Gloria has is its uniqueness. At one moment, the title character winds up face to face with a striking white peacock, a creature as rare as she. Though a number of actresses continue to work in Hollywood after reaching the age of 50, not many can claim to have an impressive filmography from that point onwards. (Not everyone can be Meryl Streep.) For any movie, from the Us or abroad, to put an older woman in the spotlight and to surround her with an intentionally no-frills story and world is extremely hard to find nowadays. The story told in Gloria is not heavily plotted, nor is it full of shocking, heart-wrenching twists; its charm is that it’s content to be a low-key, intelligent character study.

Paulina Garcia plays Gloria,
See full article at SoundOnSight »

Briefs: “The Golden Girls” Are Super Spies, “Things That Go Bump In The Night,” and The Gospel According To Britney

Here is last week’s caption pic winner. This week’s caption pic is at the bottom of the page.

Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is …

“Different Freddy. Different nightmare.”

Thanks to dostka for this week’s winning caption!

Weekend Birthdays! Tom Hardy Logan Marshall-Green (above) is 37, Toni Collette is 41, Penn Bagdley is 27, k.d. lang is 52, Justin Chatwin is 31, and Anna Wintour is allegedly 64..

Lifetime has cancelled The Client List after two seasons, but it apparently has less to do with ratings, and more to do with “creative differences” with star Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Hallmark has apologized for changing the “gay” in “Deck The Halls” to “fun” on a holiday ornament, but won’t stop selling it.

Rob James-Collier, Downton Abbey Star, Says It’s ‘Easier’ To Kiss A Man.

Canada is so much more entertaining than the rest of the world.

A New Musical Will Tell
See full article at The Backlot »
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