Giant spider-like alien monsters can be terrifying, but do you know what's really scary? Grain silos. 24 Americans died in them in 2022 alone, which might seem surprising considering how light each individual bit of grain is. It doesn't seem like it should take about 400 lbs of force to pull out a person who's waist-deep in flowing grain, but it does. It also doesn't seem like someone fully submerged in a grain silo would suffocate to death within 90 seconds, but they would. In normal circumstances, you can walk on top of a pile of dry corn relatively fine. But if the silo's being emptied, or if there's an air cavity you can't see from above, you can easily be sucked in.
"Employee #1, age 15, was atop a railroad car watching the unloading of corn from the center bin compartment," reads one of hundreds of accident reports from over the years, this one from...
"Employee #1, age 15, was atop a railroad car watching the unloading of corn from the center bin compartment," reads one of hundreds of accident reports from over the years, this one from...
- 3/30/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Here’s one that really benefits from its 4K upgrade — Terry Gilliam’s dense visuals look great with Roger Pratt’s exacting cinematography. Is this really a thinking man’s science fiction hit, or did audiences mainly want to get a look at Brad Pitt in a new mode, playing a weird motormouthed eccentric? Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe star in a time-puzzle thriller adaptation of Chris Marker’s La jetée.
12 Monkeys 4K
4K Ultra HD
Arrow Video
1995 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 129 min. / Special Edition / Street Date April 26, 2022 / Available from Amazon / 49.95
Starring: Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Jon Seda, Frank Gorshin, David Morse, Christopher Plummer.
Cinematography: Roger Pratt
Film Editor: Mick Audsley
Original Music: Paul Buckmaster
Production Design: Jeffrey Beecroft
Art Direction: Wm Ladd Skinner
Written by David Webb Peoples, Janet Peoples from the film La jetée by Chris Marker
Produced by Charles Roven
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Not...
12 Monkeys 4K
4K Ultra HD
Arrow Video
1995 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 129 min. / Special Edition / Street Date April 26, 2022 / Available from Amazon / 49.95
Starring: Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Jon Seda, Frank Gorshin, David Morse, Christopher Plummer.
Cinematography: Roger Pratt
Film Editor: Mick Audsley
Original Music: Paul Buckmaster
Production Design: Jeffrey Beecroft
Art Direction: Wm Ladd Skinner
Written by David Webb Peoples, Janet Peoples from the film La jetée by Chris Marker
Produced by Charles Roven
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Not...
- 5/7/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The 23rd annual Art Directors Guild Awards took place on Saturday (Feb. 2). These kudos have a stellar record at previewing the winner of the Best Production Design race at the Academy Awards. Over the first 22 years of these prizes, the eventual Oscar champ has always numbered among the Adg nominees in the various genre categories. Fifteen of the Academy Award winners first prevailed with the guild, including the last five in a row.
The current Oscar frontrunner for this award, “The Favourite,” won at the Adg in the period category over, among others, two of its Oscar rivals: “First Man” and “Roma.” That race was rounded out by “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” One of the other two Academy Awards contenders — “Black Panther” — won the Adg fantasy film prize. The fifth Oscar nominee, “Mary Poppins Returns,” contended in that race. The contemporary award went to “Crazy Rich Asians.
The current Oscar frontrunner for this award, “The Favourite,” won at the Adg in the period category over, among others, two of its Oscar rivals: “First Man” and “Roma.” That race was rounded out by “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” One of the other two Academy Awards contenders — “Black Panther” — won the Adg fantasy film prize. The fifth Oscar nominee, “Mary Poppins Returns,” contended in that race. The contemporary award went to “Crazy Rich Asians.
- 2/3/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
January 8 was a great day for “A Star is Born” and Bradley Cooper. The neophyte helmer was nominated twice by the Directors Guild of America. He contends for the both the big prize, Best Director, and for the first-time feature award. Earlier in the day, the sound mixing team for his film had reaped a bid with the Cinema Audio Society.
These nominations mean that his remake of the Hollywood classic keeps its perfect track record with the guild awards. It had already been cited by the actors, art directors, casting directors, cinematographers, film editors, producers and writers as one of the best of the year in their respective fields. Not surprisingly, “A Star is Born” is our frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
With their bids at the DGA, Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”), Peter Farrelly (“Green Book”), Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) and Adam McKay (“Vice”) move their movies up...
These nominations mean that his remake of the Hollywood classic keeps its perfect track record with the guild awards. It had already been cited by the actors, art directors, casting directors, cinematographers, film editors, producers and writers as one of the best of the year in their respective fields. Not surprisingly, “A Star is Born” is our frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
With their bids at the DGA, Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”), Peter Farrelly (“Green Book”), Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) and Adam McKay (“Vice”) move their movies up...
- 1/8/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“A Star is Born” maintained its perfect track record with the guild awards by reaping a bid from the Cinema Audio Society for Best Sound Mixing on Tuesday. The Cas was the eighth guild to weigh in with their picks for the best of the year. Bradley Cooper‘s remake of the Hollywood classic had already been cited by the actors, art directors, casting directors, cinematographers, film editors, producers and writers as one of the best of the year in their respective fields. Not surprisingly, it is our frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
With their bids at the Cas, “Black Panther, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “A Quiet Place” join six other films with nominations at five precursors each. The other half dozen movies so cited are “BlacKkKlansman,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Vice.”
All of these but “Crazy Rich Asians” and “A Quiet Place...
With their bids at the Cas, “Black Panther, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “A Quiet Place” join six other films with nominations at five precursors each. The other half dozen movies so cited are “BlacKkKlansman,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Vice.”
All of these but “Crazy Rich Asians” and “A Quiet Place...
- 1/8/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
We’ve now heard from six of the guilds — actors, art directors, cinematographers, film editors, producers and writers — as well as the casting directors with their nominees for the best of the year in their respective fields.
Only one film — “A Star is Born” — has reaped bids from all seven precursor prizes. Not surprisingly, it is our frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Six films – “BlacKkKlansman,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Vice” — have been cited by five precursors. All of these but “Crazy Rich Asians” number among our top 10 Best Picture contenders. But could we be underestimating this comedy blockbuster, which is currently in 14th place on our chart?
The current roster is rounded out by “Black Panther” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which are both in contention at four guilds as well as three-time contender “Mary Poppins Returns” and two-time nominee “If Beale Street Could Talk.
Only one film — “A Star is Born” — has reaped bids from all seven precursor prizes. Not surprisingly, it is our frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Six films – “BlacKkKlansman,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Favourite,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Vice” — have been cited by five precursors. All of these but “Crazy Rich Asians” number among our top 10 Best Picture contenders. But could we be underestimating this comedy blockbuster, which is currently in 14th place on our chart?
The current roster is rounded out by “Black Panther” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which are both in contention at four guilds as well as three-time contender “Mary Poppins Returns” and two-time nominee “If Beale Street Could Talk.
- 1/7/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“Roma,” “Black Panther,” “A Quiet Place,” and Golden Globe winner “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” lead the nominees for the 23rd Annual Adg production design awards in the categories of period, fantasy, contemporary, and animated films. The awards will be held February 2 at the InterContinental.
“A Star Is Born” (Karen Murphy), “Crazy Rich Asians” (Nelson Coates), and “Mission: Impossible — Fallout” (Peter Wenham) made the cut for contemporary. Other period nominees included “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (Jess Gonchor), “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Aaron Haye), “First Man” (Nathan Crowley), and “The Favourite” (Fiona Crombie). “Green Book” and “If Beale Street Could Talk” were snubbed.
For fantasy, “Mary Poppins Returns” (John Myhre) joined “Ready Player One” (Adam Stockhausen), and Stockhausen was also a nominee for Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated “Isle of Dogs,” sharing with co-production designer Paul Harrod.
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film:
1. Period Film
“The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs...
“A Star Is Born” (Karen Murphy), “Crazy Rich Asians” (Nelson Coates), and “Mission: Impossible — Fallout” (Peter Wenham) made the cut for contemporary. Other period nominees included “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (Jess Gonchor), “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Aaron Haye), “First Man” (Nathan Crowley), and “The Favourite” (Fiona Crombie). “Green Book” and “If Beale Street Could Talk” were snubbed.
For fantasy, “Mary Poppins Returns” (John Myhre) joined “Ready Player One” (Adam Stockhausen), and Stockhausen was also a nominee for Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animated “Isle of Dogs,” sharing with co-production designer Paul Harrod.
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film:
1. Period Film
“The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs...
- 1/7/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominations for the 23rd Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in film, TV, commercials, videos and animation features. Among the candidates: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Favourite and Roma, and, on the TV side, Sharp Objects and Glow.
Winners will be honored Saturday, February 2 in Los Angeles. The nominees were announced today by Adg President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Scott Moses, Adg. A tie in the Short Format: Web Series, Music Video or Commercial category resulted in six nominees this year.
As previously announced, the Adg Cinematic Imagery Award will be handed out to director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) and both Anthony Masters (2001: A Space Odyssey) and Benjamin Carré will be inducted into the Adg Hall of Fame. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Jeannine Oppewall,...
Winners will be honored Saturday, February 2 in Los Angeles. The nominees were announced today by Adg President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Scott Moses, Adg. A tie in the Short Format: Web Series, Music Video or Commercial category resulted in six nominees this year.
As previously announced, the Adg Cinematic Imagery Award will be handed out to director Rob Marshall (Mary Poppins Returns) and both Anthony Masters (2001: A Space Odyssey) and Benjamin Carré will be inducted into the Adg Hall of Fame. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Jeannine Oppewall,...
- 1/7/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On Jan. 7, the Art Directors Guild announced the nominees for their 23rd annual awards, which will be handed out on Feb. 2. These kudos have a stellar record at previewing the Academy Awards. Over the first 22 years of these prizes, the eventual Oscar winner for Best Production Design has always numbered among the Adg nominees in the various categories. The Adg winners will be revealed on Feb. 2, 10 days before final voting for the Oscars begins.
Redict the Oscar nominees now; change them until January 22
Period Film
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Jess Gonchor
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” Aaron Haye
“The Favourite,” Fiona Crombie
“First Man,” Nathan Crowley
“Roma,” Eugenio Caballero
Fantasy Film
“Black Panther,” Hannah Beachler
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” Stuart Craig
“The House With a Clock in Its Walls,” Jon Hutman
“Mary Poppins Returns,” John Myhre
“Ready Player One,” Adam Stockhausen
Contemporary Film
“A Quiet Place,” Jeffrey Beecroft
“A Star Is Born,...
Redict the Oscar nominees now; change them until January 22
Period Film
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Jess Gonchor
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” Aaron Haye
“The Favourite,” Fiona Crombie
“First Man,” Nathan Crowley
“Roma,” Eugenio Caballero
Fantasy Film
“Black Panther,” Hannah Beachler
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” Stuart Craig
“The House With a Clock in Its Walls,” Jon Hutman
“Mary Poppins Returns,” John Myhre
“Ready Player One,” Adam Stockhausen
Contemporary Film
“A Quiet Place,” Jeffrey Beecroft
“A Star Is Born,...
- 1/7/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
‘Buster Scruggs,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Haunting of Hill House’ Nominated for Art Directors Guild Awards
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominees for excellence in production design in feature film and television for 2018.
Among the film nominees in three categories — period, fantasy, and contemporary — were the Coen brothers’ Western anthology “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” hit Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther,” and Tom Cruise spectacle “Mission: Impossible — Fallout.”
On the television side, nominees included Netflix’s latter-year smash “The Haunting of Hill House,” Hulu’s Stephen King-inspired “Castle Rock,” HBO’s “Sharp Objects” with Amy Adams, and FX’s acclaimed episode of “Atlanta,” “Teddy Perkins.”
Previously announced, “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall will receive the Adg’s cinematic imagery award. Slated for Hall of Fame inductions are British production designer and set decorator Anthony Masters (“2001: A Space Odyssey”) and Benjamin Carre. Lifetime achievement awards will also be presented to production designer Jeannine Oppewall, senior illustrator and production designer Ed Verreaux,...
Among the film nominees in three categories — period, fantasy, and contemporary — were the Coen brothers’ Western anthology “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” hit Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther,” and Tom Cruise spectacle “Mission: Impossible — Fallout.”
On the television side, nominees included Netflix’s latter-year smash “The Haunting of Hill House,” Hulu’s Stephen King-inspired “Castle Rock,” HBO’s “Sharp Objects” with Amy Adams, and FX’s acclaimed episode of “Atlanta,” “Teddy Perkins.”
Previously announced, “Mary Poppins Returns” director Rob Marshall will receive the Adg’s cinematic imagery award. Slated for Hall of Fame inductions are British production designer and set decorator Anthony Masters (“2001: A Space Odyssey”) and Benjamin Carre. Lifetime achievement awards will also be presented to production designer Jeannine Oppewall, senior illustrator and production designer Ed Verreaux,...
- 1/7/2019
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
“The Favourite,” “Roma,” “First Man,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” on Monday all nabbed nominations for the Art Directors Guild Awards’ period-film category, the Adg category that most closely corresponds to the Academy Award for Best Production Design.
In the Adg fantasy-film category, which typically supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Black Panther,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “The House With a Clock in its Walls,” “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Ready Player One.”
Nominees in the contemporary-film category are “A Quiet Place,” “A Star Is Born,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Welcome to Marwen.”
Also Read: Producers Guild Awards Nominations Include 'Roma,' 'Black Panther,' 'A Star Is Born' - and Also 'Crazy Rich Asians'
Animated-film nominees are “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “The Incredibles 2,” “Isle of Dogs,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
In the Adg fantasy-film category, which typically supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Black Panther,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “The House With a Clock in its Walls,” “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Ready Player One.”
Nominees in the contemporary-film category are “A Quiet Place,” “A Star Is Born,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Welcome to Marwen.”
Also Read: Producers Guild Awards Nominations Include 'Roma,' 'Black Panther,' 'A Star Is Born' - and Also 'Crazy Rich Asians'
Animated-film nominees are “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “The Incredibles 2,” “Isle of Dogs,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
- 1/7/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Horror films might have not lost their popularity, but a vast majority of them these days prove the well-worn genre is losing its mojo. Heightened sound effects and music cues are all-too-predictable ways to try to scare audiences, but truly innovative or classic contemporary examples — with the occasional exception of a not easily defined hybrid that comes along to break the mold like Get Out — are not easy to find. Well, I have found one.
A Quiet Place is a genuinely effective, brilliantly executed piece of horror, a truly terrifying movie that earns its screams by essentially turning off the sound. Not since a blind Audrey Hepburn turned off the lights in Wait Until Dark a half-century ago have I had this kind of anxiety watching a movie. Director John Krasinski — who also co-wrote with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, co-produced, and co-stars with wife Emily Blunt — has delivered an...
A Quiet Place is a genuinely effective, brilliantly executed piece of horror, a truly terrifying movie that earns its screams by essentially turning off the sound. Not since a blind Audrey Hepburn turned off the lights in Wait Until Dark a half-century ago have I had this kind of anxiety watching a movie. Director John Krasinski — who also co-wrote with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, co-produced, and co-stars with wife Emily Blunt — has delivered an...
- 4/3/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Art Directors Guild has unveiled the nominees of its 20th anual Excellence in Production Design Awards and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is one of the contenders in the Contemporary Feature Film category. But it may be hard for the force to beat the magical "Cinderella!"
And as a big Madonna fan, yup I'm a Rebel Heart, it's heartwarming to see the icon as one of the nominees in the Short Format category for her "Ghosttown" music video! The only music video nominated!
Winners will be announced on January 31. Here's the full list of nominees of the Art Directors Guild Awards:
Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2015
Period Film
Bridge Of Spies
Production Designer: Adam Stockhausen
Crimson Peak
Production Designer: Thomas E. Sanders
The Danish Girl
Production Designer: Eve Stewart
The Revenant
Production Designer: Jack Fisk
Trumbo
Production Designer: Mark Ricker
Fantasy Film
Cinderella
Production Designer:...
And as a big Madonna fan, yup I'm a Rebel Heart, it's heartwarming to see the icon as one of the nominees in the Short Format category for her "Ghosttown" music video! The only music video nominated!
Winners will be announced on January 31. Here's the full list of nominees of the Art Directors Guild Awards:
Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2015
Period Film
Bridge Of Spies
Production Designer: Adam Stockhausen
Crimson Peak
Production Designer: Thomas E. Sanders
The Danish Girl
Production Designer: Eve Stewart
The Revenant
Production Designer: Jack Fisk
Trumbo
Production Designer: Mark Ricker
Fantasy Film
Cinderella
Production Designer:...
- 1/5/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Chicago – In many ways, it’s easier to draw a direct line from 1997’s “The Game” to the work that David Fincher is doing today than it would be from “bigger hits” like “Fight Club” and “Seven.” Not only does “The Game” look strikingly similar to “Social Network” and “Girl with a Dragon Tattoo” in terms of the way Fincher and his amazing d.p. Harris Savides shoot board rooms and bad behavior but the film shares themes that still interest Fincher like obsession, ego, and deception. The Criterion edition of Fincher’s film makes the argument crystal clear that is one of the most underrated thrillers of the ’90s.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Not only does “The Game” perfectly display Fincher’s obsessive level of detail in glorious HD but it features a confidence in storytelling that was not really appreciated when it came out as too many critics focused on perceived...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Not only does “The Game” perfectly display Fincher’s obsessive level of detail in glorious HD but it features a confidence in storytelling that was not really appreciated when it came out as too many critics focused on perceived...
- 10/1/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
I have always found David Fincher's 1997 thriller The Game rather frustrating and now I've been given a chance to explore it once again as Criterion has released a brand new Blu-ray edition of the film as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. Criterion originally brought the film to laserdisc back in 1998, and has now created a brand new transfer for this Blu-ray release as well as delivered two different audio tracks, one the theatrical 5.1 surround mix and the other the near field 5.1 surround mix originally created for in '97 for the Criterion laserdisc. The audio and video are excellent, and the film certainly remains intriguing but, as I said, I find it continually frustrating. The Game finds pleasure and thrills in tormenting wealthy investment banker Nicholas Van Orton, a role perfect for Michael Douglas, playing it a bit looser than his Gordon Gekko from 1987, but no less privileged and pedestaled.
- 9/26/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
In advance of the upcoming October 11 release of Prometheus on Blu-ray and DVD, Amazon released the film on HD today for $14.99. You can order it amazon asin="B009AJDDQU" text="right here" if you just can't wait. It's also available on CinemaNow, Google Play, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox Live and YouTube. Otherwise, go ahead and preorder the amazon asin="B005LAIHXQ" text="DVD" or amazon asin="B005LAIHY0" text="Blu-ray". Now let's see what else is arriving this week in physical media... Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures The week's top pick is clearly the Indiana Jones Blu-ray collection, which I did have the time to watch the first three films and they all look and sound great. The only complaint I actually have has to do with the supplemental material, which is all pretty good, but none of it is "new". Based on the material they have they could have...
- 9/18/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Sept. 25, 2012
Price: DVD $29.95, Blu-ray $39.95
Studio: Criterion
Michael Douglas gets fed up with clowning around in The Game.
The 1997 thriller The Game is the second film by leading Hollywood filmmaker David Fincher (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) to receive a special makeover by Criterion, following his 2008 drama The Strange Case of Benjamin Button.
The film focuses on the enormously wealthy and emotionally remote investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas, Traffic), who receives a strange gift from his ne’er-do-well younger brother ( Sean Penn, Fair Game) on his forty-eighth birthday: a voucher for a game that, if he agrees to play it, will change his life.
That’s the high-concept basis for story, which kicks off a trip down a rabbit hole that proves to be puzzling, terrifying, dangerous and exhilarating for Nicholas (and the viewers that join him for his game). Compared to other fincher films,...
Price: DVD $29.95, Blu-ray $39.95
Studio: Criterion
Michael Douglas gets fed up with clowning around in The Game.
The 1997 thriller The Game is the second film by leading Hollywood filmmaker David Fincher (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) to receive a special makeover by Criterion, following his 2008 drama The Strange Case of Benjamin Button.
The film focuses on the enormously wealthy and emotionally remote investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas, Traffic), who receives a strange gift from his ne’er-do-well younger brother ( Sean Penn, Fair Game) on his forty-eighth birthday: a voucher for a game that, if he agrees to play it, will change his life.
That’s the high-concept basis for story, which kicks off a trip down a rabbit hole that proves to be puzzling, terrifying, dangerous and exhilarating for Nicholas (and the viewers that join him for his game). Compared to other fincher films,...
- 6/22/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Long rumored and wished for, "The Game" is finally getting the special edition treatment the rest of David Fincher's films have, joining the director's "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" in The Criterion Collection. That's right, this September your wallet is going to get a little bit lighter when the refreshed film becomes available from the boutique label.
So, what are you gonna get for the dollars you drop on this? Besides a newly restored transfer, the meaty part of the extras is an audio commentary, previously only available on the Region 2 edition of the DVD, featuring Fincher, Harry Savides, Michael Douglas, screenwriters John Brancato and Michael Ferris, digital animation supervisor Richard “Dr.” Baily, production designer Jeffrey Beecroft, visual effects supervisor Kevin Haug, and visual effects producer Robyn D’Arcy. Damn. There's also an hour's worth of fresh behind-the-scenes footage and film-to-storyboard comparisons for four of the film’s major set pieces,...
So, what are you gonna get for the dollars you drop on this? Besides a newly restored transfer, the meaty part of the extras is an audio commentary, previously only available on the Region 2 edition of the DVD, featuring Fincher, Harry Savides, Michael Douglas, screenwriters John Brancato and Michael Ferris, digital animation supervisor Richard “Dr.” Baily, production designer Jeffrey Beecroft, visual effects supervisor Kevin Haug, and visual effects producer Robyn D’Arcy. Damn. There's also an hour's worth of fresh behind-the-scenes footage and film-to-storyboard comparisons for four of the film’s major set pieces,...
- 6/15/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The Art Directors Guild (Adg) has announced the winners of its 16th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards for 2011. "Hugo" won in the Period Film category, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" received the Fantasy Film award, and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" took home the Contemporary Film trophy. Oh yeah, and the 83rd Oscars won in the Awards, Music, or Game Shows category, and Activision: Call of Duty won the Commercial or Music Videos category.
Winners of the 16th Annual Adg Awards were announced at a black-tie event at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Here is the full list of winners (highlighted) and nominees (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2011
Period Film
The Artist -- Laurence Bennett
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy...
Winners of the 16th Annual Adg Awards were announced at a black-tie event at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Here is the full list of winners (highlighted) and nominees (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2011
Period Film
The Artist -- Laurence Bennett
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy...
- 2/5/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
HollywoodNews.com: The Art Directors Guild (Adg) today announced nominations in nine categories of Production Design for theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials and music videos competing in the Adg’s 16th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards for 2011. The nominations were announced by Adg Council President Thomas A. Walsh and Awards co-producers Tom Wilkins and Greg Grande. Deadline for final voting, which is done online, is February 2. The black-tie ceremony announcing winners will take place Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with Paula Poundstone serving as host for the third consecutive year.
A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Emmy Award® winning Production Designer Tony Walton. In addition, the Adg will induct the following legendary Production Designers from the past into its Hall of Fame: Robert Boyle, William Darling and Alfred Junge. This year’s Art Directors Guild Cinematic Imagery Award will...
A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Emmy Award® winning Production Designer Tony Walton. In addition, the Adg will induct the following legendary Production Designers from the past into its Hall of Fame: Robert Boyle, William Darling and Alfred Junge. This year’s Art Directors Guild Cinematic Imagery Award will...
- 1/4/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
As anyone who watched James Franco's take on Oscar hosting can tell you, Hollywood award shows can be weird, weird things. Whether it's Adrien Brody planting a kiss on Halle Berry or just Ricky Gervais insulting everyone in the audience, things can get strange very fast.
But for certain awards, they don't need all the fanfare (or malice) to entice audiences; sometimes the nominees alone are enough. The Art Directors Guild awards fall squarely into this category, with their wide-ranging nominees for excellence in production design, announced last night. Where else would "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "Captain America," and "Anonymous" all be nominated for something?
The announcement of the winners will be made at the annual awards ceremony on Feb. 4.
Check out the list of nominees:
Period Film
The Artist, Production Designer: Laurence Bennett Hugo, Production Designer: Dante Ferretti The Help, Production Designer: Mark Ricker Anonymous, Production Designer:...
But for certain awards, they don't need all the fanfare (or malice) to entice audiences; sometimes the nominees alone are enough. The Art Directors Guild awards fall squarely into this category, with their wide-ranging nominees for excellence in production design, announced last night. Where else would "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "Captain America," and "Anonymous" all be nominated for something?
The announcement of the winners will be made at the annual awards ceremony on Feb. 4.
Check out the list of nominees:
Period Film
The Artist, Production Designer: Laurence Bennett Hugo, Production Designer: Dante Ferretti The Help, Production Designer: Mark Ricker Anonymous, Production Designer:...
- 1/4/2012
- by Sarah Crow
- NextMovie
The Art Directors Guild has announced the nominees for its 16th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, to be handed out Feb. 4 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Art Direction may not be at the top of your priority list for movies or TV, but I think it should be higher than many people hold it. Without art direction the tone of what you watch would be greatly impacted. I love being transported into a unique universe, and art direction helps make my movie and TV viewing experiences more enjoyable.
Here are the nominees:
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2011:
Period Film:
The Artist Production Designer: Laurence Bennett
Hugo Production Designer: Dante Ferretti
The Help Production Designer: Mark Ricker
Anonymous Production Designer: Sebastian Krawinkel
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Production Designer: Maria Djurkovic
Fantasy Film:
Harry Potter And The Deathly
Hallows Part 2 Production Designer: Stuart Craig...
Here are the nominees:
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2011:
Period Film:
The Artist Production Designer: Laurence Bennett
Hugo Production Designer: Dante Ferretti
The Help Production Designer: Mark Ricker
Anonymous Production Designer: Sebastian Krawinkel
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Production Designer: Maria Djurkovic
Fantasy Film:
Harry Potter And The Deathly
Hallows Part 2 Production Designer: Stuart Craig...
- 1/4/2012
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Tom Hooper's "The King's Speech," Christopher Nolan's "Inception," and Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan" were the big winners of the Art Directors Guild's 15th annual Excellent in Production Design Awards.
"The King's Speech" took home the Period Film prize, "Inception" received the Fantasy Film trophy, and "Black Swan" danced to the top of Contemporary Film category.
Here's the complete list of winners (bolded) and nominees of the Art Directors Guild's 15th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards (Check out my Awards Avenue for your complete pre-Oscar preparations)
Period Film
True Grit -- Jess Gonchor
The King's Speech -- Eve Stewart
Shutter Island -- Dante Ferretti
Robin Hood -- Arthur Max
Get Low -- Geoffrey Kirkland
Fantasy Film
Alice In Wonderland -- Robert Stromberg
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 -- Stuart Craig
Inception -- Guy Hendrix Dyas
Tron: Legacy -- Darren Gilford
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader...
"The King's Speech" took home the Period Film prize, "Inception" received the Fantasy Film trophy, and "Black Swan" danced to the top of Contemporary Film category.
Here's the complete list of winners (bolded) and nominees of the Art Directors Guild's 15th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards (Check out my Awards Avenue for your complete pre-Oscar preparations)
Period Film
True Grit -- Jess Gonchor
The King's Speech -- Eve Stewart
Shutter Island -- Dante Ferretti
Robin Hood -- Arthur Max
Get Low -- Geoffrey Kirkland
Fantasy Film
Alice In Wonderland -- Robert Stromberg
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 -- Stuart Craig
Inception -- Guy Hendrix Dyas
Tron: Legacy -- Darren Gilford
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader...
- 2/7/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominees for its 15th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards! Winners will be revealed on Feb. 5.
Here's the complete list of nominees (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2010
Period Film
True Grit -- Jess Gonchor
The King's Speech -- Eve Stewart
Shutter Island -- Dante Ferretti
Robin Hood -- Arthur Max
Get Low -- Geoffrey Kirkland
Fantasy Film
Alice In Wonderland -- Robert Stromberg
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 -- Stuart Craig
Inception -- Guy Hendrix Dyas
Tron: Legacy -- Darren Gilford
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader -- Barry Robison
Contemporary Film
Black Swan -- Therese DePrez
The Social Network -- Donald Graham Burt
The Fighter -- Judy Becker
The Town -- Sharon Seymour
127 Hours -- Suttirat Larlarb
Nominees...
Here's the complete list of nominees (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Nominees For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2010
Period Film
True Grit -- Jess Gonchor
The King's Speech -- Eve Stewart
Shutter Island -- Dante Ferretti
Robin Hood -- Arthur Max
Get Low -- Geoffrey Kirkland
Fantasy Film
Alice In Wonderland -- Robert Stromberg
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 -- Stuart Craig
Inception -- Guy Hendrix Dyas
Tron: Legacy -- Darren Gilford
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader -- Barry Robison
Contemporary Film
Black Swan -- Therese DePrez
The Social Network -- Donald Graham Burt
The Fighter -- Judy Becker
The Town -- Sharon Seymour
127 Hours -- Suttirat Larlarb
Nominees...
- 1/6/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
hollywoodnews.com: The Art Directors Guild (Adg) today announced nominations in nine categories of Production Design for theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials and music videos competing in the Adg’s 15th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards for 2010. The nominations were announced by Adg Council President Tom Walsh and Awards co-producers Dawn Snyder and Tom Wilkins. Deadline for final voting, which is done online, is February 3. The black-tie ceremony announcing winners will take place Saturday, February 5, 2010 from the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with Paula Poundstone serving as host for the second consecutive year.
Theme of this year’s awards ceremony is “Designs on Film” as a tribute to Cathy Whitlock’s new HarperCollins book that traces 100 years of Hollywood Art Direction. Walsh will introduce the event,
A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Academy Award® winning Production Designer Patricia Norris with director David Lynch set to present to her.
Theme of this year’s awards ceremony is “Designs on Film” as a tribute to Cathy Whitlock’s new HarperCollins book that traces 100 years of Hollywood Art Direction. Walsh will introduce the event,
A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Academy Award® winning Production Designer Patricia Norris with director David Lynch set to present to her.
- 1/5/2011
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
There are many theories, ideas or should I say 'schools of thought' on how the world would end. At the height of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation ranks at the very top. While others argue it will not be man who will destroy the world (directly) but - an epidemic of global proportions (most probably from a potent strain of virus - think: I am Legend) or severe climactic change (another ice age perhaps? That would be Day After Tommorow right?) or mechanical uprising (The Terminator, anyone?) or even attack from the outside - conquering aliens (Mars Attacks!) or perhaps an asteroid. And let's not forget zombies!
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- 11/8/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
There are many theories, ideas or should I say 'schools of thought' on how the world would end. At the height of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation ranks at the very top. While others argue it will not be man who will destroy the world (directly) but - an epidemic of global proportions (most probably from a potent strain of virus - think: I am Legend) or severe climactic change (another ice age perhaps? That would be Day After Tommorow right?) or mechanical uprising (The Terminator, anyone?) or even attack from the outside - conquering aliens (Mars Attacks!) or perhaps an asteroid. And let's not forget zombies!
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- 11/8/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
There are many theories, ideas or should I say 'schools of thought' on how the world would end. At the height of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation ranks at the very top. While others argue it will not be man who will destroy the world (directly) but - an epidemic of global proportions (most probably from a potent strain of virus - think: I am Legend) or severe climactic change (another ice age perhaps? That would be Day After Tommorow right?) or mechanical uprising (The Terminator, anyone?) or even attack from the outside - conquering aliens (Mars Attacks!) or perhaps an asteroid. And let's not forget zombies!
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- 11/8/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
There are many theories, ideas or should I say 'schools of thought' on how the world would end. At the height of the Cold War, nuclear annihilation ranks at the very top. While others argue it will not be man who will destroy the world (directly) but - an epidemic of global proportions (most probably from a potent strain of virus - think: I am Legend) or severe climactic change (another ice age perhaps? That would be Day After Tommorow right?) or mechanical uprising (The Terminator, anyone?) or even attack from the outside - conquering aliens (Mars Attacks!) or perhaps an asteroid. And let's not forget zombies!
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- - -
- - - Inspired by the upcoming release of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic 2012, tMF listed down 10 of the most fascinating 'end of the world' movies.
Before looking at the list, you need to know that it's not based...
- 11/8/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
The Art Directors Guild announced its nominees for the 2008 Excellence in Production Design Awards. The much beloved "The Dark Knight" is one of the nominees in the Fantasy film category.
Adg members will vote for the winners by Feb. 12th, and the awards gala will be a Valentine for the top dogs for it will be held Feb. 14th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Click Read More to see the complete list of nominees for the best Production Design in 2008.
13th Annual Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Awards
Nominations
Period Films
Changeling
Production Designer: James J. Murakami
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt
Doubt
Production Designer: David Gropman
Frost/Nixon
Production Designer: Michael Corenblith
Milk
Production Designer: Bill Groom
Fantasy Films
The Dark Knight
Production Designer: Nathan Crowley
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Production Designer: Guy Hendrix Dyas
Iron Man...
Adg members will vote for the winners by Feb. 12th, and the awards gala will be a Valentine for the top dogs for it will be held Feb. 14th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Click Read More to see the complete list of nominees for the best Production Design in 2008.
13th Annual Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Awards
Nominations
Period Films
Changeling
Production Designer: James J. Murakami
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt
Doubt
Production Designer: David Gropman
Frost/Nixon
Production Designer: Michael Corenblith
Milk
Production Designer: Bill Groom
Fantasy Films
The Dark Knight
Production Designer: Nathan Crowley
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Production Designer: Guy Hendrix Dyas
Iron Man...
- 1/11/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Michael Douglas has survived wild escapades and adventures with a book-writing blonde in "Romancing the Stone" and was tormented by an obsessive wacko in "Fatal Attraction", but the dial gets turned up in "The Game", a chilly psychological suspenser unveiled at the Toronto International Film Festival as PolyGram Films' maiden release.
Chilled and edged to near-perfection by director David Fincher, "The Game" should win approval from sophisticated viewers, but its overall dark tone and lack of warmth will dampen word-of-mouth. While the mind-game histrionics are inventive and intriguing, "The Game" stays at a clinical distance from our feelings.
His hair pulled back in a full mane, his wardrobe cuff-linked by an expensive array of designer suits and his manner revved up to a composed vehemence, Douglas seems the West Coast reincarnation of Pat Riley in this slick venture as Nicholas Van Orton, a hardball investment banker of considerable family wealth. About to celebrate (in his case, ignore) his 48th birthday, Nicholas' manner is, not surprisingly, czarlike. He drives his big, black BMW with the full fury of a man who has never much worried about the peasantry getting in the way; indeed, Nicholas is not much of a people person. Sipping a scotch with the old boys at the club or dozing in front of the Financial News Network is his idea of human connection.
But not all is as placid or even-keeled under that steely demeanor - he's tormented by his father, who killed himself on his 48th birthday (has he got that in his genes?). To aggravate matters, his prodigal younger brother (Sean Penn) shows up with a mysterious birthday gift: a certificate for a life-changing experience as orchestrated by a company called CRS - Consumer Recreation Services.
Reluctant, but undeniably intrigued, Nicholas signs up, going through a battery of physical and psychological tests to prove he is up to "the game." Each game is designed for the individual, giving them something they desperately need but are not capable of doing on their own, constricted by their psychological makeup or life circumstances.
The game begins and, for Nicholas, it is designed to go right toward his weaknesses and, accordingly, his phobia. Man-in-control Nicholas is assaulted by an onslaught of unsettling experiences: his home sanctuary is violated, he screws up a business meeting, he's made to look messy and ridiculous.
In short, his whole world is assaulted, and his ability to make things happen is quashed. Nicholas wants out, but once you're in "the game," it's to the end. It's as if he's riding a raging roller coaster, the type of model he's least able to handle.
The premise by writers John Brancato and Michael Ferris is brainy, entertaining and smartly cross-connected to the character's hot wires. Never letting Nicholas, or the audience, get a firm sense of footing, "The Game" is fast, devious and all-involving. Still, its Byzantine gyrations, despite being firmly rooted in character and narrative logic, ultimately prove mind-numbing and, perhaps not surprisingly, we become somewhat distanced from Nicholas' woes.
It's a quality inherent in a story that centers on a cold fish; in essence, our sympathies with this character never warm to the extent they did, say in "Romancing the Stone" or "Fatal Attraction", where we feel sorry for the guy. Only those people who rooted for Deep Blue in the chess match with Garry Kasparov will, perhaps, feel an affinity for veins-of-ice Nicholas.
But "The Game" is tantalizing entertainment overall, its psychological creases perfectly fleshed by the talented production team. From cinematographer Harris Savides' chilly, gelid hues to composer Howard Shore's ripe, minor-key gracings, "The Game" is superbly crafted. Also deserving praise are production designer Jeffrey Beecroft for the sumptuously unnerving look and costume designer Michael Kaplan for Douglas' severe, tasteful threads.
The supporting players are smartly cast, with Penn convincing as Nicholas' loose-cannon, drug-addled younger brother and Deborah Kara Unger properly mysterious as a devious blonde. Other performances add smartly shaded particularity, including James Rebhorn's elusive CRS rep, Carroll Baker's steadfast domestic, Peter Donat's supportive attorney and Armin Mueller-Stahl's cuddly book editor.
THE GAME
PolyGram Films
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
A Propaganda Films production
A David Fincher film
Producers Steve Golin, Cean Chaffin
Director David Fincher
Screenwriters John Brancato, Michael Ferris
Director of photography Harris Savides
Production designer Jeffrey Beecroft
Editor James Haygood
Sound designer Ren Klyce
Music Howard Shore
Costume designer Michael Kaplan
Executive producer Jonathan Mostow
Co-producers John Brancato, Michael Ferris
Casting Don Phillips
Color/stereo
Cast:
Nicholas Van Orton Michael Douglas
Conrad Sean Penn
Christine Deborah Kara Unger
Jim Feingold James Rebhorn
Samuel Sutherland Peter Donat
Ilsa Carroll Baker
Elizabeth Anna Katarina
Anson Baer Armin Mueller-Stahl
Running time - 128 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Chilled and edged to near-perfection by director David Fincher, "The Game" should win approval from sophisticated viewers, but its overall dark tone and lack of warmth will dampen word-of-mouth. While the mind-game histrionics are inventive and intriguing, "The Game" stays at a clinical distance from our feelings.
His hair pulled back in a full mane, his wardrobe cuff-linked by an expensive array of designer suits and his manner revved up to a composed vehemence, Douglas seems the West Coast reincarnation of Pat Riley in this slick venture as Nicholas Van Orton, a hardball investment banker of considerable family wealth. About to celebrate (in his case, ignore) his 48th birthday, Nicholas' manner is, not surprisingly, czarlike. He drives his big, black BMW with the full fury of a man who has never much worried about the peasantry getting in the way; indeed, Nicholas is not much of a people person. Sipping a scotch with the old boys at the club or dozing in front of the Financial News Network is his idea of human connection.
But not all is as placid or even-keeled under that steely demeanor - he's tormented by his father, who killed himself on his 48th birthday (has he got that in his genes?). To aggravate matters, his prodigal younger brother (Sean Penn) shows up with a mysterious birthday gift: a certificate for a life-changing experience as orchestrated by a company called CRS - Consumer Recreation Services.
Reluctant, but undeniably intrigued, Nicholas signs up, going through a battery of physical and psychological tests to prove he is up to "the game." Each game is designed for the individual, giving them something they desperately need but are not capable of doing on their own, constricted by their psychological makeup or life circumstances.
The game begins and, for Nicholas, it is designed to go right toward his weaknesses and, accordingly, his phobia. Man-in-control Nicholas is assaulted by an onslaught of unsettling experiences: his home sanctuary is violated, he screws up a business meeting, he's made to look messy and ridiculous.
In short, his whole world is assaulted, and his ability to make things happen is quashed. Nicholas wants out, but once you're in "the game," it's to the end. It's as if he's riding a raging roller coaster, the type of model he's least able to handle.
The premise by writers John Brancato and Michael Ferris is brainy, entertaining and smartly cross-connected to the character's hot wires. Never letting Nicholas, or the audience, get a firm sense of footing, "The Game" is fast, devious and all-involving. Still, its Byzantine gyrations, despite being firmly rooted in character and narrative logic, ultimately prove mind-numbing and, perhaps not surprisingly, we become somewhat distanced from Nicholas' woes.
It's a quality inherent in a story that centers on a cold fish; in essence, our sympathies with this character never warm to the extent they did, say in "Romancing the Stone" or "Fatal Attraction", where we feel sorry for the guy. Only those people who rooted for Deep Blue in the chess match with Garry Kasparov will, perhaps, feel an affinity for veins-of-ice Nicholas.
But "The Game" is tantalizing entertainment overall, its psychological creases perfectly fleshed by the talented production team. From cinematographer Harris Savides' chilly, gelid hues to composer Howard Shore's ripe, minor-key gracings, "The Game" is superbly crafted. Also deserving praise are production designer Jeffrey Beecroft for the sumptuously unnerving look and costume designer Michael Kaplan for Douglas' severe, tasteful threads.
The supporting players are smartly cast, with Penn convincing as Nicholas' loose-cannon, drug-addled younger brother and Deborah Kara Unger properly mysterious as a devious blonde. Other performances add smartly shaded particularity, including James Rebhorn's elusive CRS rep, Carroll Baker's steadfast domestic, Peter Donat's supportive attorney and Armin Mueller-Stahl's cuddly book editor.
THE GAME
PolyGram Films
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
A Propaganda Films production
A David Fincher film
Producers Steve Golin, Cean Chaffin
Director David Fincher
Screenwriters John Brancato, Michael Ferris
Director of photography Harris Savides
Production designer Jeffrey Beecroft
Editor James Haygood
Sound designer Ren Klyce
Music Howard Shore
Costume designer Michael Kaplan
Executive producer Jonathan Mostow
Co-producers John Brancato, Michael Ferris
Casting Don Phillips
Color/stereo
Cast:
Nicholas Van Orton Michael Douglas
Conrad Sean Penn
Christine Deborah Kara Unger
Jim Feingold James Rebhorn
Samuel Sutherland Peter Donat
Ilsa Carroll Baker
Elizabeth Anna Katarina
Anson Baer Armin Mueller-Stahl
Running time - 128 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
A visionary filmmaker, Gilliam has few competitors in terms of sheer inventiveness and visual imagination. In each of his films, he constructs a universe that overwhelms the senses with bravura production design, but in the process neglects dramatic logic and narrative coherence, basic principles that would make his stories more involving and meaningful. Gilliam’s work is long on sensibility, short on sense.
A dark and somber sci-fier in the mold of “Blade Runner,” Terry Gilliam’s “12 Monkeys” is a spectacular mess, an excessively complicated film that attempts to be timely by blending a “virus” thriller with a post-apocalyptic anti-science drama. Gilliam’s seventh feature is neither as visually compelling as “Brazil” nor as emotionally gripping as “The Fisher King.” A cast boasting two of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, should elevate pic’s visibility in the crowded holiday season, but ambitious, big-budget effort will ultimately prove a B.
A dark and somber sci-fier in the mold of “Blade Runner,” Terry Gilliam’s “12 Monkeys” is a spectacular mess, an excessively complicated film that attempts to be timely by blending a “virus” thriller with a post-apocalyptic anti-science drama. Gilliam’s seventh feature is neither as visually compelling as “Brazil” nor as emotionally gripping as “The Fisher King.” A cast boasting two of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, should elevate pic’s visibility in the crowded holiday season, but ambitious, big-budget effort will ultimately prove a B.
- 12/22/1995
- by Emanuel Levy
- Variety Film + TV
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