In the 2012 making-of documentary "The Nightmare Isn't Over: The Making of Halloween II," producer Irwin Yablans admits it was he who pushed John Carpenter to make "Halloween II." Carpenter, as most horror nuts might be able to tell you, wasn't really interested in making a sequel to "Halloween," feeling that the story had reached an effective conclusion. In Murray Leeder's 2013 "Halloween" entry into the Devil's Advocates essay book series, Carpenter admitted that when he sat down to write "Halloween II," he had nothing but beer and a complete lack of ideas. Carpenter admits that he only decided that Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) should be the sister of the killer, Michael Myers, out of sheer desperation.
But Yablans insisted on a sequel because "Halloween" made so much money. Horror fans may know that "Halloween" was made for a tiny budget of about $300,000, but netted over $70 million at the box office.
But Yablans insisted on a sequel because "Halloween" made so much money. Horror fans may know that "Halloween" was made for a tiny budget of about $300,000, but netted over $70 million at the box office.
- 10/19/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Over the course of a film career that stretches back 50 years, Charles Band has produced nearly 400 projects and directed several dozen – and in his memoir Confessions of a Puppetmaster (pick up a copy Here), he says that one of the movies fans mention to him the most is the 1983 sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn… which happens to have fun connections to both Jaws 3-D and the sitcom Night Court.
Directed by Band from a screenplay by Alan J. Adler, Metalstorm has the following synopsis: On a desert planet, warlord Jared-Syn is trying to convince a tribe of mutants that he’s their messiah and gain unlimited power hidden in a crystal. Ranger Dogen and explorer Dhyana, who’s father was murdered by Syn, must stop him.
Band and Adler also produced the movie with Band’s father Albert Band.
The film stars Jeffrey Byron, Michael Preston, Tim Thomerson,...
Directed by Band from a screenplay by Alan J. Adler, Metalstorm has the following synopsis: On a desert planet, warlord Jared-Syn is trying to convince a tribe of mutants that he’s their messiah and gain unlimited power hidden in a crystal. Ranger Dogen and explorer Dhyana, who’s father was murdered by Syn, must stop him.
Band and Adler also produced the movie with Band’s father Albert Band.
The film stars Jeffrey Byron, Michael Preston, Tim Thomerson,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
John Carpenter changed horror movie history in 1978 with the release of "Halloween." With it, the pale-faced, seemingly immortal, babysitter killer better known as Michael Myers became an iconic villain and "Halloween" became one of the most successful slasher franchises of all time. Not bad for a film with a budget of 325,000. After the successful release of "Halloween," John Carpenter and his producing partner, Debra Hill, were hot commodities in Hollywood, and Avco Embassy Pictures offered the pair a two picture deal — the first of which would become "The Fog," and the second of which would eventually lead to "Escape From New York."
"The Fog" and an adaptation of Charles Berlitz and William F. Moore's 1979 novel "The Philadelphia Story: Project Invisibility," was supposed to be the young director's next hits. After the successful release of "The Fog," Carpenter hit a very large snag with "The Philadelphia Story: Project Invisibility." In...
"The Fog" and an adaptation of Charles Berlitz and William F. Moore's 1979 novel "The Philadelphia Story: Project Invisibility," was supposed to be the young director's next hits. After the successful release of "The Fog," Carpenter hit a very large snag with "The Philadelphia Story: Project Invisibility." In...
- 9/23/2022
- by Christian Gainey
- Slash Film
Longtime producer Mace Neufeld died Friday in Beverly Hills, Calif. He was 93.
A representative for Mace Neufeld Productions said he died peacefully in his sleep.
Born in New York City, Neufeld started in the business as a songwriter and then a talent agent, managing comedy and music talents including Don Knotts, Don Adams, Randy Newman and Neil Diamond. Before entering entertainment, he pursued photography, winning an award for his photo of a returning WWII veteran.
He moved into producing for television in the 1970s, overseeing shows such as “The Captain and Tennille” variety show, “The Kids from C.A.P.E.R.” and “Quark.” He was nominated for a primetime Emmy for the TV movie “East of Eden” in 1981.
His first feature film credit came on hit horror film “The Omen” in 1976, and he produced its sequels as well. Neufeld had a long association with author Tom Clancy, starting with...
A representative for Mace Neufeld Productions said he died peacefully in his sleep.
Born in New York City, Neufeld started in the business as a songwriter and then a talent agent, managing comedy and music talents including Don Knotts, Don Adams, Randy Newman and Neil Diamond. Before entering entertainment, he pursued photography, winning an award for his photo of a returning WWII veteran.
He moved into producing for television in the 1970s, overseeing shows such as “The Captain and Tennille” variety show, “The Kids from C.A.P.E.R.” and “Quark.” He was nominated for a primetime Emmy for the TV movie “East of Eden” in 1981.
His first feature film credit came on hit horror film “The Omen” in 1976, and he produced its sequels as well. Neufeld had a long association with author Tom Clancy, starting with...
- 1/21/2022
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Perfection is a word used too frequently to describe a movie. But in the case of the 1953 romantic comedy “Roman Holiday,” perfection is not hyperbole. Directed by William Wyler and nominated for 10 Academy Awards, “Roman Holiday” is a gem of a fairy tale.
Audrey Hepburn plays Princess Ann, a young sheltered monarch from a European country bored to tears on a goodwill trip who decides to escape her guardians while in Rome. She ends up falling in love with a handsome American reporter (Gregory Peck). He recognizes the princess on the lam and initially befriends her to get her story only to fall for the winsome young woman. Eddie Albert plays Peck’s carefree, womanizing friend who is a photographer.
“Roman Holiday,” which just made its Blu-Ray debut, was a change of pace for Wyler, who was best known for his dramatic work, having already won Oscars for 1942’s “Mrs. Miniver...
Audrey Hepburn plays Princess Ann, a young sheltered monarch from a European country bored to tears on a goodwill trip who decides to escape her guardians while in Rome. She ends up falling in love with a handsome American reporter (Gregory Peck). He recognizes the princess on the lam and initially befriends her to get her story only to fall for the winsome young woman. Eddie Albert plays Peck’s carefree, womanizing friend who is a photographer.
“Roman Holiday,” which just made its Blu-Ray debut, was a change of pace for Wyler, who was best known for his dramatic work, having already won Oscars for 1942’s “Mrs. Miniver...
- 9/23/2020
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
John Carpenter keeps his office in a converted hillside Hollywood home, on a quiet tree-lined street evocative of the sleepy suburb Michael Myers terrorized in 1978’s Halloween. Inside, the walls are lined with memories marking Carpenter’s four decades in film: original prints, awards, figurines of Kurt Russell as Snake Plisskin and the Creature From The Black Lagoon movie Carpenter spent years trying to make at Universal, a sculpture commemorating the prankster goosings on the set of his Big Trouble In Little China. Carpenter, 67, chain smokes as we revisit the films that made his career — starting with Halloween, a film originally titled The Babysitter Murders that the hungry young director took after making his debut with 1974 sci-fier Dark Star and honing his chops with 1976’s Assault On Precinct 13.
Carpenter speaks candidly of his successes and failures, and of the health issues that required emergency eye surgery in recent years...
Carpenter speaks candidly of his successes and failures, and of the health issues that required emergency eye surgery in recent years...
- 10/31/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Women presidents at the Academy: Cheryl Boone Isaacs is only the third one (photo: Angelina Jolie, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Brad Pitt) (See previous post: "Honorary Award Non-Winners: Too Late for Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich.") Wrapping up this four-part "Honorary Oscars Bypass Women" article, let it be noted that in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 85-year history there have been only two women presidents: two-time Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis (for two months in 1941, before the Dangerous and Jezebel star was forced to resign) and screenwriter Fay Kanin (1979-1983), whose best-known screen credit is the 1958 Doris Day-Clark Gable comedy Teacher's Pet. Additionally, following some top-level restructuring in April 2011, the Academy created the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, with the CEO post currently held by a woman, former Film Independent executive director and sometime actress Dawn Hudson. The COO post is held...
- 9/4/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Alex Gibney, Rick Carter among Academy’s new Board of Governors members (photo: Alex Gibney) The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the names of the 2013-2014 Board of Governors contingent. As per the Academy’s press release, ten first-time governors have been elected this time around. Besides, eight current Board of Governors members have been reelected and one previous member is coming back. This year’s election increased the Academy’s Board of Governors from 43 to 48 members. The Academy’s release adds that AMPAS’s "16 branches, including the recently created Costume Designers Branch, are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. For the first time, the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch is represented by three governors; the branch was previously represented by one." First-time Board of Governors members The first-time governors are: Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side,...
- 7/19/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal and Fox Searchlight co-president Nancy Utley are among 10 first-time members voted to the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences.
This year’s election increases the Academy’s governing body from 43 to 48.
The other inductees are: Judianna Makovsky and Deborah Nadoolman representing the costume designers branch; Rick Carter and Jan Pascale of the designers branch; Alex Gibney for documentary; Lynzee Klingman for film editors; and Kathryn Blondell and Bill Corso from the makeup artists and hairstylists branch.
The re-elected governors are: Ed Begley, Jr, actors branch; John Bailey, cinematographers; Kathryn Bigelow, directors; Charles Fox, music; Jon Bloom, short films and feature animation; Curt Behlmer, sound; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; and Robin Swicord, writers.
Mark Johnson, representing the producers branch, returns to the board after a break.
The Academy’s 16 branches, including the recently created costume designers branch, are each represented by three governors, who may serve...
This year’s election increases the Academy’s governing body from 43 to 48.
The other inductees are: Judianna Makovsky and Deborah Nadoolman representing the costume designers branch; Rick Carter and Jan Pascale of the designers branch; Alex Gibney for documentary; Lynzee Klingman for film editors; and Kathryn Blondell and Bill Corso from the makeup artists and hairstylists branch.
The re-elected governors are: Ed Begley, Jr, actors branch; John Bailey, cinematographers; Kathryn Bigelow, directors; Charles Fox, music; Jon Bloom, short films and feature animation; Curt Behlmer, sound; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; and Robin Swicord, writers.
Mark Johnson, representing the producers branch, returns to the board after a break.
The Academy’s 16 branches, including the recently created costume designers branch, are each represented by three governors, who may serve...
- 7/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Amy Pascal/Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment - Getty Images North America
Ten first-time governors have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. In addition, eight incumbents have been reelected and one previous governor is returning to the board. This year’s election increases the Academy’s governing body from 43 to 48.
The first-time governors are Judianna Makovsky and Deborah Nadoolman, representing the Costume Designers Branch; Rick Carter and Jan Pascale, Designers Branch; Alex Gibney, Documentary; Lynzee Klingman, Film Editors; Amy Pascal, Executives; Kathryn Blondell and Bill Corso, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; and Nancy Utley, Public Relations.
The reelected governors are Ed Begley, Jr., Actors Branch; John Bailey, Cinematographers; Kathryn Bigelow, Directors; Charles Fox, Music; Jon Bloom, Short Films and Feature Animation; Curt Behlmer, Sound; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; and Robin Swicord, Writers.
Mark Johnson, representing the Producers Branch, is returning to the board after a hiatus.
Ten first-time governors have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. In addition, eight incumbents have been reelected and one previous governor is returning to the board. This year’s election increases the Academy’s governing body from 43 to 48.
The first-time governors are Judianna Makovsky and Deborah Nadoolman, representing the Costume Designers Branch; Rick Carter and Jan Pascale, Designers Branch; Alex Gibney, Documentary; Lynzee Klingman, Film Editors; Amy Pascal, Executives; Kathryn Blondell and Bill Corso, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; and Nancy Utley, Public Relations.
The reelected governors are Ed Begley, Jr., Actors Branch; John Bailey, Cinematographers; Kathryn Bigelow, Directors; Charles Fox, Music; Jon Bloom, Short Films and Feature Animation; Curt Behlmer, Sound; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; and Robin Swicord, Writers.
Mark Johnson, representing the Producers Branch, is returning to the board after a hiatus.
- 7/15/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
HollywoodNews.com: Producer Hawk Koch was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (July 31) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his first term in the office.
Koch, who is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Producers Branch, has served as first vice president of the Academy during the past year. He previously served three one-year terms as treasurer and one term as vice president.
In addition, Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected first vice president; Producers Branch governor Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Public Relations Branch governor Rob Friedman was elected treasurer; and Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected secretary.
Koch’s producer credits include “Losing Isaiah” and “Gorky Park.” He recently served as executive producer...
Koch, who is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Producers Branch, has served as first vice president of the Academy during the past year. He previously served three one-year terms as treasurer and one term as vice president.
In addition, Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected first vice president; Producers Branch governor Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Public Relations Branch governor Rob Friedman was elected treasurer; and Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected secretary.
Koch’s producer credits include “Losing Isaiah” and “Gorky Park.” He recently served as executive producer...
- 8/1/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
credit: Jordan Strauss
Producer Hawk Koch was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (July 31) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his first term in the office.
Koch, who is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Producers Branch, has served as first vice president of the Academy during the past year. He previously served three one-year terms as treasurer and one term as vice president.
In addition, Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected first vice president; Producers Branch governor Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Public Relations Branch governor Rob Friedman was elected treasurer; and Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected secretary.
Koch’s producer credits include “Losing Isaiah” and “Gorky Park.” He recently served as executive...
Producer Hawk Koch was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (July 31) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his first term in the office.
Koch, who is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Producers Branch, has served as first vice president of the Academy during the past year. He previously served three one-year terms as treasurer and one term as vice president.
In addition, Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected first vice president; Producers Branch governor Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Public Relations Branch governor Rob Friedman was elected treasurer; and Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected secretary.
Koch’s producer credits include “Losing Isaiah” and “Gorky Park.” He recently served as executive...
- 8/1/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Beverly Hills, CA – Producer Hawk Koch was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (July 31) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his first term in the office. Koch, who is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Producers Branch, has served as first vice president of the Academy during the past year. He previously served three one-year terms as treasurer and one term as vice president. In addition, Public Relations Branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs was elected first vice president; Producers Branch governor Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Public Relations Branch governor Rob Friedman was elected treasurer; and Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected secretary. Koch’s producer credits include “Losing Isaiah” and “Gorky Park.” He recently served as executive...
- 8/1/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' board of governors elected film producer Hawk Koch as the organization's new president Tuesday night. The board also elected public relations branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs as first vice president. Producer Kathleen Kennedy was elected to one vp post, and writers branch governor Phil Robinson was elected to the other vp post. Public relations branch governer Rob Friedman, co-chairman and CEO of Summit Entertainment, was elected treasurer. And executives branch governor Robert Rehme, a past Academy president, was elected secretary. Koch has been a member of the Academy's producers branch since
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- 8/1/2012
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Six first-time governors have been elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences . Dante Spinotti, representing the Cinematographers branch; Lisa Cholodenko, Directors branch; Dick Cook, Executives; John Knoll, Visual Effects; Scott Millan, Sound and Bill Condon, Writers. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Mann, Directors; Arthur Hamilton, Music; and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers. Mann previously served from 2000 to 2006. Hamilton most recently served from 2008 to 2011, he has served a total of 33 years. Kennedy was on the board from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2011.
The reelected governors are Tom Hanks, Actors; Jim Bissell, Designers; Rob Epstein, Documentary; Mark Goldblatt, Film Editors; Leonard Engelman, Makeup and Hairstylists; Rob Friedman, Public Relations and Bill Kroyer; Short Films & Feature Animation.
Fourteen of the Academy.s...
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Mann, Directors; Arthur Hamilton, Music; and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers. Mann previously served from 2000 to 2006. Hamilton most recently served from 2008 to 2011, he has served a total of 33 years. Kennedy was on the board from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2011.
The reelected governors are Tom Hanks, Actors; Jim Bissell, Designers; Rob Epstein, Documentary; Mark Goldblatt, Film Editors; Leonard Engelman, Makeup and Hairstylists; Rob Friedman, Public Relations and Bill Kroyer; Short Films & Feature Animation.
Fourteen of the Academy.s...
- 7/17/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Award-winning architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali will design the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science announced today.
“Renzo.s track record of creating iconic cultural landmarks combined with Zoltan.s success in transforming historically-significant buildings is a perfect marriage for a museum that celebrates the history and the future of the movies,” said Dawn Hudson, Academy CEO.
Piano, who in 1998 was awarded the Pritzker Prize . architecture.s highest honor . is the founder of the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. With offices in Paris, Genoa and New York, Rpbw has been acclaimed for its international commissions. Piano.s significant design accomplishments include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Central St. Giles Court in London, the Kansai International Airport Terminal in Osaka, the Menil Collection in Houston, and the headquarters of The New York Times.
Piano also designed the expansion of the Los Angeles...
“Renzo.s track record of creating iconic cultural landmarks combined with Zoltan.s success in transforming historically-significant buildings is a perfect marriage for a museum that celebrates the history and the future of the movies,” said Dawn Hudson, Academy CEO.
Piano, who in 1998 was awarded the Pritzker Prize . architecture.s highest honor . is the founder of the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. With offices in Paris, Genoa and New York, Rpbw has been acclaimed for its international commissions. Piano.s significant design accomplishments include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Central St. Giles Court in London, the Kansai International Airport Terminal in Osaka, the Menil Collection in Houston, and the headquarters of The New York Times.
Piano also designed the expansion of the Los Angeles...
- 5/30/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali have been chosen to design the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Academy announced on Wednesday. The two men were chosen by the Academy's Museum Committee, which is made up of current AMPAS president Tom Sherak, past presidents Sid Ganis and Robert Rehme, Academy governors Craig Barron, Jim Bissell, Gale Anne Hurd and Rob Friedman, and former governor Kathleen Kennedy. Renzo Piano (below left), who won the Pritzker Prize for his architecture in 1998, previously designed the expansion...
- 5/30/2012
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: For a third consecutiver term, Tom Sherak has been re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The organization’s board of governors approved the move Tuesday night, THR reports. As an officer of the Academy, Sherak can serve up to four consecutive terms in office.
During the Tuesday meetings, Hawk Koch was elected first vice president, joining Robert Rehme (executives branch) and Phil Robinson (writers branch). Pixar mastermind John Lasseter was elected treasurer, while Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
The trade points out that Sherak has been “instrumental” in keeping the Oscar telecast in the annual awards race spotlight. His most recent decision was to eliminate the mandatory inclusion of 10 Best Picture nominees, making for a more fluid awards race.
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Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News,...
Hollywoodnews.com: For a third consecutiver term, Tom Sherak has been re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The organization’s board of governors approved the move Tuesday night, THR reports. As an officer of the Academy, Sherak can serve up to four consecutive terms in office.
During the Tuesday meetings, Hawk Koch was elected first vice president, joining Robert Rehme (executives branch) and Phil Robinson (writers branch). Pixar mastermind John Lasseter was elected treasurer, while Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
The trade points out that Sherak has been “instrumental” in keeping the Oscar telecast in the annual awards race spotlight. His most recent decision was to eliminate the mandatory inclusion of 10 Best Picture nominees, making for a more fluid awards race.
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News,...
- 8/3/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
August 2, 2011
For Immediate Release
Tom Sherak Re-elected Academy President
Beverly Hills, CA . Tom Sherak was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (August 2) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his third consecutive one-year term in the office.
Sherak is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Executives Branch. He had previously also served as treasurer for the Academy.
In addition, Producers Branch governor Hawk Koch was elected first vice president; Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor John Lasseter was elected treasurer; and Actors Branch governor Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
Sherak, a marketing, distribution and production executive with more than four decades of experience in the motion picture industry, is currently a...
For Immediate Release
Tom Sherak Re-elected Academy President
Beverly Hills, CA . Tom Sherak was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (August 2) by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his third consecutive one-year term in the office.
Sherak is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Executives Branch. He had previously also served as treasurer for the Academy.
In addition, Producers Branch governor Hawk Koch was elected first vice president; Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor John Lasseter was elected treasurer; and Actors Branch governor Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
Sherak, a marketing, distribution and production executive with more than four decades of experience in the motion picture industry, is currently a...
- 8/3/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Beverly Hills, CA – Tom Sherak was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight (August 2) by the organization's Board of Governors. This will be his third consecutive one-year term in the office. Sherak is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Executives Branch. He had previously also served as treasurer for the Academy. In addition, Producers Branch governor Hawk Koch was elected first vice president; Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor John Lasseter was elected treasurer; and Actors Branch governor Annette Bening was re-elected secretary. Sherak, a marketing, distribution and production executive with more than four decades of experience in the motion picture industry, is currently a consultant for Skydance Productions and Relativity Media. Previously, Sherak was...
- 8/3/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
HollywoodNews.com:
Tom Sherak was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his third consecutive one-year term in the office.
Sherak is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Executives Branch. He had previously also served as treasurer for the Academy.
In addition, Producers Branch governor Hawk Koch was elected first vice president; Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor John Lasseter was elected treasurer; and Actors Branch governor Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
Sherak, a marketing, distribution and production executive with more than four decades of experience in the motion picture industry, is currently a consultant for Skydance Productions and Relativity Media.
Previously, Sherak was a...
Tom Sherak was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tonight by the organization’s Board of Governors. This will be his third consecutive one-year term in the office.
Sherak is beginning his ninth year as a governor representing the Executives Branch. He had previously also served as treasurer for the Academy.
In addition, Producers Branch governor Hawk Koch was elected first vice president; Executives Branch governor Robert Rehme was elected to one vice president post and Writers Branch governor Phil Robinson was re-elected to the other vice president post; Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor John Lasseter was elected treasurer; and Actors Branch governor Annette Bening was re-elected secretary.
Sherak, a marketing, distribution and production executive with more than four decades of experience in the motion picture industry, is currently a consultant for Skydance Productions and Relativity Media.
Previously, Sherak was a...
- 8/3/2011
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
www.hollywoodnews.com: Cinematographer Richard P. Crudo, producer Gale Anne Hurd, composer David Newman and film editor Michael Tronick make up this year’s first-time electees to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Craig Barron, Visual Effects; Annette Bening, Actors; Don Hall, Sound; Jeffrey Kurland, Art Directors; John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Robert Rehme, Executives; and Phil Robinson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Apted, Documentary; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations; and Paul Mazursky, Directors. Apted previously served from 2002 to 2009. Isaacs served from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2009. Mazursky was on the board from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2006 to 2009.
Fourteen of the Academy’s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
The reelected governors are Craig Barron, Visual Effects; Annette Bening, Actors; Don Hall, Sound; Jeffrey Kurland, Art Directors; John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Robert Rehme, Executives; and Phil Robinson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Apted, Documentary; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations; and Paul Mazursky, Directors. Apted previously served from 2002 to 2009. Isaacs served from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2009. Mazursky was on the board from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2006 to 2009.
Fourteen of the Academy’s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
- 6/24/2011
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Returns Seven Incumbents
Beverly Hills, CA – Cinematographer Richard P. Crudo, producer Gale Anne Hurd, composer David Newman and film editor Michael Tronick make up this year.s first-time electees to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Board of Governors. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Craig Barron, Visual Effects; Annette Bening, Actors; Don Hall, Sound; Jeffrey Kurland, Art Directors; John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Robert Rehme, Executives; and Phil Robinson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Apted, Documentary; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations; and Paul Mazursky, Directors. Apted previously served from 2002 to 2009. Isaacs served from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2009. Mazursky was on the board from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2006 to 2009.
Fourteen of the Academy.s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may...
Beverly Hills, CA – Cinematographer Richard P. Crudo, producer Gale Anne Hurd, composer David Newman and film editor Michael Tronick make up this year.s first-time electees to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Board of Governors. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Craig Barron, Visual Effects; Annette Bening, Actors; Don Hall, Sound; Jeffrey Kurland, Art Directors; John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Robert Rehme, Executives; and Phil Robinson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Apted, Documentary; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations; and Paul Mazursky, Directors. Apted previously served from 2002 to 2009. Isaacs served from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2009. Mazursky was on the board from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2006 to 2009.
Fourteen of the Academy.s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may...
- 6/24/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Beverly Hills, CA – Cinematographer Richard P. Crudo, producer Gale Anne Hurd, composer David Newman, and film editor Michael Tronick make up this year’s first-time electees to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away. The reelected governors are Craig Barron, Visual Effects; Annette Bening, Actors; Don Hall, Sound; Jeffrey Kurland, Art Directors; John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Robert Rehme, Executives; and Phil Robinson, Writers. Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Apted, Documentary; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations; and Paul Mazursky, Directors. Apted previously served from 2002 to 2009. Isaacs served from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2009. Mazursky was on the board from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2006 to 2009. Fourteen of the Academy’s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
- 6/24/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
It has been over forty years since the original 1969 "True Grit" film hit theaters, but it is only now that Paramount revealed its sneaky marketing strategy to make the film a success. Paramount executive Bob Rehme told NY Times that the studio acquired Charles Portis novel (which Coen brothers used for their new film as well) and then researched to find out which stores NY Times monitored when compiling their best-seller list. Once the studio got that information, they sent office staff to buy boxes of "True Grit" books from the stores. At the same time, Rehme circulated the book to people in the news media, creating interest in the movie that's based on this new best-seller. Media picked up on the story and turned the novel into a hit. By the time Paramount started shooting, the novel became the second best-selling book in the country. And then John Wayne...
- 12/28/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Call it deceitful or dishonest, but you have to hand it to the marketing arm of Paramount in the 1960's. In an interview with the New York Times, former Paramount publicity executive Bob Rehme, confesses that he hyped up the 1969 version of True Grit prior to the movie's release by finding out which stores were used to gauge sales for the New York Times Best Seller list and bought boxes of books from those stores.
Here's an excerpt of the New York Times Article:...
- 12/27/2010
- by Get The Big Picture
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Fans of old school Westerns, and particularly of John Wayne, are usually the only ones who stand by the original True Grit as a classic, while the rest of the world has kind of moved on without it. But even less well-remembered is the Charles Portis novel it was based on, and which the Coen Brothers studied thoroughly as they prepared their new version of the story, which hit theaters a few days ago. The novel was the #2-best-selling book in the country when the True Grit movie came out in 1968, but there may be an explanation for why not that many people remember it-- no one actually read it the first time around either. The New York Times talked to former Paramount publicity exec Bob Rehme, who confessed that he was in charge of goosing sales of the book before the movie adaptation hit theaters. Paramount wanted the book...
- 12/27/2010
- cinemablend.com
(Beverly Hills, CA) A trio of Oscar recipients, director Kathryn Bigelow, film editor Anne Coates and documentarian Michael Moore, make up the year’s first-time electees to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors.
Coates received her award for the editing of ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ Moore won in the Documentary Feature category for ‘Bowling from Columbine,’ and Bigelow received Oscars this year in the Directing category and as one of the producers of ‘The Hurt Locker.’ In addition, nine incumbents were reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, Sound Branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, Art Directors; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; Leonard Engelman, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; Charles Fox, Music; Jim Gianopulos, Executives; Hawk Koch, Producers; Marvin Levy, Public Relations; and Frank Pierson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, Cinematographers; Ed Begley,...
Coates received her award for the editing of ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ Moore won in the Documentary Feature category for ‘Bowling from Columbine,’ and Bigelow received Oscars this year in the Directing category and as one of the producers of ‘The Hurt Locker.’ In addition, nine incumbents were reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, Sound Branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, Art Directors; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; Leonard Engelman, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; Charles Fox, Music; Jim Gianopulos, Executives; Hawk Koch, Producers; Marvin Levy, Public Relations; and Frank Pierson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, Cinematographers; Ed Begley,...
- 7/8/2010
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
HollywoodNews.com: Director Kathryn Bigelow, film editor Anne Coates and documentarian Michael Moore have been selected to make up the year’s first-time electees to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors.
Coates received her award for the editing of “Lawrence of Arabia,” Moore won in the Documentary Feature category for “Bowling from Columbine,” and Bigelow received Oscars® this year in the Directing category and as one of the producers of “The Hurt Locker.” In addition, nine incumbents were reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, Sound Branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, Art Directors; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; Leonard Engelman, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; Charles Fox, Music; Jim Gianopulos, Executives; Hawk Koch, Producers; Marvin Levy, Public Relations; and Frank Pierson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, Cinematographers; Ed Begley, Jr.
Coates received her award for the editing of “Lawrence of Arabia,” Moore won in the Documentary Feature category for “Bowling from Columbine,” and Bigelow received Oscars® this year in the Directing category and as one of the producers of “The Hurt Locker.” In addition, nine incumbents were reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the Board after a time away.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, Sound Branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, Art Directors; Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; Leonard Engelman, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists; Charles Fox, Music; Jim Gianopulos, Executives; Hawk Koch, Producers; Marvin Levy, Public Relations; and Frank Pierson, Writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, Cinematographers; Ed Begley, Jr.
- 7/7/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Oscar winners Kathryn Bigelow, Michael Moore and Anne Coates have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' board of governors.
All three are first-time members of the board. Bigelow became the first woman to win the directing Oscar earlier this year when she picked up her trophy for "The Hurt Locker." Moore won in the documentary feature category for 2002's "Bowling for Columbine." Film editor Coates took home the award for her work on 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia."
Additionally, nine incumbents have been reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the board.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, sound branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, art directors; Richard Edlund, visual effects; Leonard Engelman, makeup artists and hairstylists; Charles Fox, music; Jim Gianopulos, executives; Hawk Koch, producers; Marvin Levy, public relations; and Frank Pierson, writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, cinematographers; Ed Begley, Jr.
All three are first-time members of the board. Bigelow became the first woman to win the directing Oscar earlier this year when she picked up her trophy for "The Hurt Locker." Moore won in the documentary feature category for 2002's "Bowling for Columbine." Film editor Coates took home the award for her work on 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia."
Additionally, nine incumbents have been reelected and three other filmmakers will return to the board.
The reelected governors are Curt Behlmer, sound branch; Rosemary Brandenburg, art directors; Richard Edlund, visual effects; Leonard Engelman, makeup artists and hairstylists; Charles Fox, music; Jim Gianopulos, executives; Hawk Koch, producers; Marvin Levy, public relations; and Frank Pierson, writers.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are John Bailey, cinematographers; Ed Begley, Jr.
- 7/7/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Harold Becker.
Digging up The Onion Field with Harold Becker
by Jon Zelazny
On January 27th, 2010, Gregory Ulus Powell went before a parole board at The Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, California. Powell has been serving a suspended death sentence for the 1963 kidnapping of Lapd officers Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger, and the murder of Campbell.
The crime was the subject of L.A. cop-turned-author Joseph Wambaugh’s 1974 non-fiction bestseller, The Onion Field. Five years later the movie appeared, directed by Bronx native Harold Becker, who went on to popular hits like Taps (1981), Sea of Love (1989) and Malice (1993).
With Greg Powell back in the news, I met with Becker at his office in Beverly Hills.
Harold Becker: The Onion Field was my big break. I had made one feature film in England, The Ragman’s Daughter (1972). It was well received over there, but didn’t really cut through here.
Digging up The Onion Field with Harold Becker
by Jon Zelazny
On January 27th, 2010, Gregory Ulus Powell went before a parole board at The Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, California. Powell has been serving a suspended death sentence for the 1963 kidnapping of Lapd officers Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger, and the murder of Campbell.
The crime was the subject of L.A. cop-turned-author Joseph Wambaugh’s 1974 non-fiction bestseller, The Onion Field. Five years later the movie appeared, directed by Bronx native Harold Becker, who went on to popular hits like Taps (1981), Sea of Love (1989) and Malice (1993).
With Greg Powell back in the news, I met with Becker at his office in Beverly Hills.
Harold Becker: The Onion Field was my big break. I had made one feature film in England, The Ragman’s Daughter (1972). It was well received over there, but didn’t really cut through here.
- 3/2/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Foundation allows AMPAS to present its public programs like the "Gold Standard," "Oscar's Docs" and "Contemporary Documentaries" screening series.
By Wrap Staff
Robert Rehme, an Executives Branch governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was elected as president of the Academy Foundation, AMPAS announced Wednesday.
Others who will serve on the educational and cultural arm of the Academy include: Actors Branch governor Annette Bening, elected vice president; Film Editors Branch governor Donn Camb...
By Wrap Staff
Robert Rehme, an Executives Branch governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was elected as president of the Academy Foundation, AMPAS announced Wednesday.
Others who will serve on the educational and cultural arm of the Academy include: Actors Branch governor Annette Bening, elected vice president; Film Editors Branch governor Donn Camb...
- 8/20/2009
- by Amy Kaufman
- The Wrap
Robert Rehme has been elected president of the Academy Foundation, the educational and cultural arm of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences. A past Academy president, Rehme is a governor of the Academy's executive branch.
Actors branch governor Annette Bening was elected vp; film editors branch governor Donn Cambern was re-elected vp; Sid Ganis, a govenor of the public relations branch who just stepped down as president of the Academy, was re-elected treasurer; and executives branch governor and newly elected Academy president Tom Sherak was re-elected secretary. Academy executive director Bruce Davis continues as executive secretary of the Foundation.
The Academy Foundation supports the public film programs that the Academy presents each year as well as its Science and Technology Council programming and exhibitions. It also conducts the annual Student Academy Awards and Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competitions. And it operates the Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive.
Actors branch governor Annette Bening was elected vp; film editors branch governor Donn Cambern was re-elected vp; Sid Ganis, a govenor of the public relations branch who just stepped down as president of the Academy, was re-elected treasurer; and executives branch governor and newly elected Academy president Tom Sherak was re-elected secretary. Academy executive director Bruce Davis continues as executive secretary of the Foundation.
The Academy Foundation supports the public film programs that the Academy presents each year as well as its Science and Technology Council programming and exhibitions. It also conducts the annual Student Academy Awards and Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competitions. And it operates the Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive.
- 8/19/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film exec Tom Sherak has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization's board of governors, who met Tuesday evening.
He begins his term of office immediately and succeeds outgoing president Sid Ganis, who has served four consecutive one-year terms, the maximum any Academy member can serve in one office.
Actors branch governor Tom Hanks was elected 1st vp; the producers branch's Kathleen Kennedy and Phil Robinson, of the writers branch, were elected to vp posts; producers branch governor Hawk Koch was elected treasurer; and John Lasseter, governor of the short films and feature animation branch, was elected secretary. Ganis, representing the public relations branch, will serve as immediate past president.
In his new role, Sherak will face challenges on several fronts. At the top of his list will be the job of choosing a producer to oversee the 82nd Academy Awards, set...
He begins his term of office immediately and succeeds outgoing president Sid Ganis, who has served four consecutive one-year terms, the maximum any Academy member can serve in one office.
Actors branch governor Tom Hanks was elected 1st vp; the producers branch's Kathleen Kennedy and Phil Robinson, of the writers branch, were elected to vp posts; producers branch governor Hawk Koch was elected treasurer; and John Lasseter, governor of the short films and feature animation branch, was elected secretary. Ganis, representing the public relations branch, will serve as immediate past president.
In his new role, Sherak will face challenges on several fronts. At the top of his list will be the job of choosing a producer to oversee the 82nd Academy Awards, set...
- 8/19/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a year's hiatus, Tom Hanks is returning to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts as a representative of the actors branch.
Four filmmakers who have not previously held slots as governors were chosen by their respective branches in the group's annual elections. They are James D. Bissell, elected by the art directors; Lynne Littman, representing the documentary branch; Robert G. Friedman, co-chairman and CEO of Summit Entertainment, elected by the public relations branch; and Bill Kroyer, who will rep short films and feature animation.
Littman was elected to fill the seat originally held by Michael Apted, who stepped down early because he is directing "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader," which will take him out of the country for much of the year. Littman will serve for two years, the remainder of Apted's term.
The balloting in the directors branch resulted in a...
Four filmmakers who have not previously held slots as governors were chosen by their respective branches in the group's annual elections. They are James D. Bissell, elected by the art directors; Lynne Littman, representing the documentary branch; Robert G. Friedman, co-chairman and CEO of Summit Entertainment, elected by the public relations branch; and Bill Kroyer, who will rep short films and feature animation.
Littman was elected to fill the seat originally held by Michael Apted, who stepped down early because he is directing "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader," which will take him out of the country for much of the year. Littman will serve for two years, the remainder of Apted's term.
The balloting in the directors branch resulted in a...
- 7/7/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thirteen students from nine colleges and universities were honored Saturday night at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 36th annual Student Academy Awards.
Gary Oldman, director John Landis, animator Andreas Deja and Academy first vp Robert Rehme presented the awards at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Winners in the alternative category are: gold medal, "Alice's Attic," Robyn Yannoukos, UCLA; and silver, "Matter, in a Quiescent State, Prepares Itself to Be Transformed," Kwibum Chung, School of Visual Arts, New York.
The animation winners are: gold, "Pajama Gladiator," Glenn Harmon, Brigham Young University; silver, "Sebastian's Voodoo," Joaquin Baldwin, UCLA; and bronze, "Kites," Jed Henry, Brigham Young.
Documentary winners are: gold, "The Last Mermaids," Liz Chae, Columbia University; silver, "The Wait," Cassandra Lizaire and Kelly Asmuth, Columbia; and bronze, "A Place to Land," Lauren DeAngelis, American University, Washington, D.C.
Narrative winners are: gold, "Kavi," Gregg Helvey, USC; silver, "The Bronx Balletomane,...
Gary Oldman, director John Landis, animator Andreas Deja and Academy first vp Robert Rehme presented the awards at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Winners in the alternative category are: gold medal, "Alice's Attic," Robyn Yannoukos, UCLA; and silver, "Matter, in a Quiescent State, Prepares Itself to Be Transformed," Kwibum Chung, School of Visual Arts, New York.
The animation winners are: gold, "Pajama Gladiator," Glenn Harmon, Brigham Young University; silver, "Sebastian's Voodoo," Joaquin Baldwin, UCLA; and bronze, "Kites," Jed Henry, Brigham Young.
Documentary winners are: gold, "The Last Mermaids," Liz Chae, Columbia University; silver, "The Wait," Cassandra Lizaire and Kelly Asmuth, Columbia; and bronze, "A Place to Land," Lauren DeAngelis, American University, Washington, D.C.
Narrative winners are: gold, "Kavi," Gregg Helvey, USC; silver, "The Bronx Balletomane,...
- 6/14/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, a governor of the public relations branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has been re-elected president of the Academy Foundation.
Isaacs, who will be serving her second term as president of AMPAS' educational and cultural arm, got the vote of confidence at a board of governors meeting Tuesday.
Also reprising their roles with new terms are executives branch governor Robert Rehme and film editors branch governor Donn Cambern, who were re-elected as vp.
Sid Ganis, who is beginning his fourth term as Academy president, was elected treasurer, and executives branch governor Tom Sherak was named secretary.
Academy executive director Bruce Davis remains executive secretary.
The Foundation's trustees are elected annually by the board of governors. Foundation trustees for 2008-09 are Cambern, Ganis, Isaacs, Rehme, Sherak, Annette Bening (actors branch), Jon Bloom (short films and feature animation), James L. Brooks (writers), Caleb Deschanel (cinematographers), Jim Gianopulos (executives), Mark Goldblatt (film editors), Arthur Hamilton (music), Kevin O'Connell (sound), Frank Pierson (writers), Bill Taylor (visual) and Henry Winkler (actors).
Established in 1942, the Foundation supports the Academy's public screening series such as the "Gold Standard," "Great to Be Nominated," "Oscar's Docs" and "Contemporary Documentaries" as well as Academy Tech Council programming, tributes and exhibitions. It also is responsible for conducting the annual Student Academy Awards and Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competitions. Also, the Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive operate under its banner.
Isaacs, who will be serving her second term as president of AMPAS' educational and cultural arm, got the vote of confidence at a board of governors meeting Tuesday.
Also reprising their roles with new terms are executives branch governor Robert Rehme and film editors branch governor Donn Cambern, who were re-elected as vp.
Sid Ganis, who is beginning his fourth term as Academy president, was elected treasurer, and executives branch governor Tom Sherak was named secretary.
Academy executive director Bruce Davis remains executive secretary.
The Foundation's trustees are elected annually by the board of governors. Foundation trustees for 2008-09 are Cambern, Ganis, Isaacs, Rehme, Sherak, Annette Bening (actors branch), Jon Bloom (short films and feature animation), James L. Brooks (writers), Caleb Deschanel (cinematographers), Jim Gianopulos (executives), Mark Goldblatt (film editors), Arthur Hamilton (music), Kevin O'Connell (sound), Frank Pierson (writers), Bill Taylor (visual) and Henry Winkler (actors).
Established in 1942, the Foundation supports the Academy's public screening series such as the "Gold Standard," "Great to Be Nominated," "Oscar's Docs" and "Contemporary Documentaries" as well as Academy Tech Council programming, tributes and exhibitions. It also is responsible for conducting the annual Student Academy Awards and Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competitions. Also, the Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive operate under its banner.
- 8/15/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscars boss Sid Ganis has been re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organisation's Board of Governors.
This will be his fourth consecutive term in office.
Ganis says, "It's such a privilege to serve as president of this Academy. It's a dynamic time for our organisation and our art form. I'm incredibly proud to be part of it."
In addition, Robert Rehme, an Executives Branch governor and past Academy president, was re-elected first vice president at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
This will be his fourth consecutive term in office.
Ganis says, "It's such a privilege to serve as president of this Academy. It's a dynamic time for our organisation and our art form. I'm incredibly proud to be part of it."
In addition, Robert Rehme, an Executives Branch governor and past Academy president, was re-elected first vice president at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
- 8/14/2008
- WENN
Sid Ganis has been re-elected to his fourth consecutive -- and last -- term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Meeting Tuesday night, the Academy's board of governors also re-elected Robert Rehme, a governor in the executives branch, to the post of first vp.
Other officers for the coming year include new vps Kathleen Kennedy and Hawk Koch, both from the producers branch; executive branch governor Tom Sherak, elected treasurer; and public relations branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs, secretary.
Academy board members serve three-year terms, while officers serve one-year terms, with a maximum of four consecutive terms in any one office.
Isaacs previously served a term each as vp and treasurer, Koch served one term as treasurer, and Rehme has served in various officer posts, including president, for a total of 17 terms.
Kennedy and Sherak will serve their first terms as officers.
Ganis' production company, Out of the Blue ... Entertainment, has been housed at Sony since 1996. Before that, he held various posts at Sony, including vice chairman of Columbia Pictures and president of worldwide marketing for Columbia/TriStar Motion Picture Cos. He has also had gigs as president of the studio's motion picture group; president of worldwide marketing at Paramount Pictures; and senior vp at Lucasfilm.
Meeting Tuesday night, the Academy's board of governors also re-elected Robert Rehme, a governor in the executives branch, to the post of first vp.
Other officers for the coming year include new vps Kathleen Kennedy and Hawk Koch, both from the producers branch; executive branch governor Tom Sherak, elected treasurer; and public relations branch governor Cheryl Boone Isaacs, secretary.
Academy board members serve three-year terms, while officers serve one-year terms, with a maximum of four consecutive terms in any one office.
Isaacs previously served a term each as vp and treasurer, Koch served one term as treasurer, and Rehme has served in various officer posts, including president, for a total of 17 terms.
Kennedy and Sherak will serve their first terms as officers.
Ganis' production company, Out of the Blue ... Entertainment, has been housed at Sony since 1996. Before that, he held various posts at Sony, including vice chairman of Columbia Pictures and president of worldwide marketing for Columbia/TriStar Motion Picture Cos. He has also had gigs as president of the studio's motion picture group; president of worldwide marketing at Paramount Pictures; and senior vp at Lucasfilm.
- 8/13/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Annette Bening has become the new face on the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The actresss -- a three-time Oscar nominee for her performances in "The Grifters," "American Beauty" and "Being Julia" and who next stars as the gossipy Sylvia Fowler in "The Women" -- has been elected as a governor of the actors branch.
As the Academy set about filling three-year terms in 14 of its 15 branches, it also welcomed back five filmmakers who served previous stints on the board but had been away for at least a year, and it re-elected eight incumbent governors.
Those returning to the board after a hiatus are Jeffrey Kurland, in the art directors branch; Martha Coolidge, directors; Arthur Hamilton, music; and Phil Robinson, writers. Don Hall was elected to the sound branch to fill the seat left vacant when J. Paul Huntsman died in February.
Incumbent governors re-elected to another term are Owen Roizman, cinematographers; Michael Apted, documentary; Robert Rehme, executives; Donn Cambern, film editors; Kathleen Kennedy, producers; Sid Ganis, public relations; John Lasseter, short films and feature animation; and Craig Barron, visual effects.
Ganis also serves as the Academy's president.
Fourteen of the Academy's 15 branches are represented by three governors who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so that each branch elects or re-elects one governor each year. The makeup branch is represented by a single governor, currently Leonard Engelman, whose seat was not part of this election cycle.
Governors who were not up for re-election and who continue on the board are Ed Begley Jr. and Henry Winkler, actors; Rosemary Brandenburg and Jeannine Oppewall, art directors; Caleb Deschanel and Vilmos Zsigmond, cinematographers; Curtis Hanson and Paul Mazursky, directors; Rob Epstein and Richard Pearce, documentary; Jim Gianopulos and Tom Sherak, executives; Dede Allen and Mark Goldblatt, film editors; Bruce Broughton and Charles Fox, music; Mark Johnson and Hawk Koch, producers; Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Marvin Levy, public relations; Carl Bell and Jon Bloom, short films and feature animation; Curt Behlmer and Kevin O'Connell, sound; Richard Edlund and Bill Taylor, visual effects; and James L. Brooks and Frank Pierson, writers.
The actresss -- a three-time Oscar nominee for her performances in "The Grifters," "American Beauty" and "Being Julia" and who next stars as the gossipy Sylvia Fowler in "The Women" -- has been elected as a governor of the actors branch.
As the Academy set about filling three-year terms in 14 of its 15 branches, it also welcomed back five filmmakers who served previous stints on the board but had been away for at least a year, and it re-elected eight incumbent governors.
Those returning to the board after a hiatus are Jeffrey Kurland, in the art directors branch; Martha Coolidge, directors; Arthur Hamilton, music; and Phil Robinson, writers. Don Hall was elected to the sound branch to fill the seat left vacant when J. Paul Huntsman died in February.
Incumbent governors re-elected to another term are Owen Roizman, cinematographers; Michael Apted, documentary; Robert Rehme, executives; Donn Cambern, film editors; Kathleen Kennedy, producers; Sid Ganis, public relations; John Lasseter, short films and feature animation; and Craig Barron, visual effects.
Ganis also serves as the Academy's president.
Fourteen of the Academy's 15 branches are represented by three governors who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so that each branch elects or re-elects one governor each year. The makeup branch is represented by a single governor, currently Leonard Engelman, whose seat was not part of this election cycle.
Governors who were not up for re-election and who continue on the board are Ed Begley Jr. and Henry Winkler, actors; Rosemary Brandenburg and Jeannine Oppewall, art directors; Caleb Deschanel and Vilmos Zsigmond, cinematographers; Curtis Hanson and Paul Mazursky, directors; Rob Epstein and Richard Pearce, documentary; Jim Gianopulos and Tom Sherak, executives; Dede Allen and Mark Goldblatt, film editors; Bruce Broughton and Charles Fox, music; Mark Johnson and Hawk Koch, producers; Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Marvin Levy, public relations; Carl Bell and Jon Bloom, short films and feature animation; Curt Behlmer and Kevin O'Connell, sound; Richard Edlund and Bill Taylor, visual effects; and James L. Brooks and Frank Pierson, writers.
- 7/7/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, a governor of the public relations branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has been elected president of the Academy Foundation, the Academy's educational and cultural arm. It will be her first term as president.
Other officers chosen this week are executives branch governor Robert Rehme, who was elected vp, and film editors branch governor Donn Cambern, who was re-elected vp. Music branch governor Charles Bernstein was elected treasurer, and current Academy president Sid Ganis was re-elected secretary. Academy exec director Bruce Davis remains executive secretary of the foundation.
Academy Foundation trustees are elected annually by the board of governors. Foundation trustees for 2007–08 are Bernstein, Jon Bloom (short films and feature animation Branch), James L. Brooks (writers), Cambern, Caleb Deschanel (cinematographers), Ganis, Jim Gianopulos (executives), J. Paul Huntsman (sound), Isaacs, Fay Kanin (writers), Kevin O'Connell (sound), Frank Pierson (writers), Rehme, Tom Sherak (executives), Bill Taylor (visual effects) and Henry Winkler (actors).
Other officers chosen this week are executives branch governor Robert Rehme, who was elected vp, and film editors branch governor Donn Cambern, who was re-elected vp. Music branch governor Charles Bernstein was elected treasurer, and current Academy president Sid Ganis was re-elected secretary. Academy exec director Bruce Davis remains executive secretary of the foundation.
Academy Foundation trustees are elected annually by the board of governors. Foundation trustees for 2007–08 are Bernstein, Jon Bloom (short films and feature animation Branch), James L. Brooks (writers), Cambern, Caleb Deschanel (cinematographers), Ganis, Jim Gianopulos (executives), J. Paul Huntsman (sound), Isaacs, Fay Kanin (writers), Kevin O'Connell (sound), Frank Pierson (writers), Rehme, Tom Sherak (executives), Bill Taylor (visual effects) and Henry Winkler (actors).
- 8/17/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sid Ganis was re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday night by the organization's board of governors. He will be serving his third consecutive term in that office.
Robert Rehme, an executive branch governor and past Academy president, was re-elected first vp; actors branch governor Tom Hanks and music branch governor Charles Bernstein were elected to vp posts; producers branch governor Hawk Koch was elected treasurer and short films and feature animation branch governor Jon Bloom was elected secretary.
Bernstein, Koch and Bloom will be serving their first stints as officers. Hanks previously served one term each as a vp and as treasurer, while Rehme has served in various officer posts, including president, a total of 16 terms.
Ganis has served as a governor representing the public relations branch for 21 years. He founded Out of the Blue ... Entertainment, which is housed on the Sony lot, in 1996.
Robert Rehme, an executive branch governor and past Academy president, was re-elected first vp; actors branch governor Tom Hanks and music branch governor Charles Bernstein were elected to vp posts; producers branch governor Hawk Koch was elected treasurer and short films and feature animation branch governor Jon Bloom was elected secretary.
Bernstein, Koch and Bloom will be serving their first stints as officers. Hanks previously served one term each as a vp and as treasurer, while Rehme has served in various officer posts, including president, a total of 16 terms.
Ganis has served as a governor representing the public relations branch for 21 years. He founded Out of the Blue ... Entertainment, which is housed on the Sony lot, in 1996.
- 8/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Samuel L. Jackson will serve as honorary chair of the ninth annual American Film Institute Golf Classic, set for Sept. 25 at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. The event, presented by General Motors, will benefit AFI educational and cultural programs and include such celebrities as Greg Kinnear, Ray Romano, Dennis Hopper, Kevin Nealon and Scott Wolf. AFI trustees Mark Canton, Richard Frank and Robert Rehme, along with Rudy Durand, serve as tournament co-chairs.
- 8/29/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Sid Ganis is the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, elected Tuesday night by the organization's board of governors. He succeeds outgoing president Frank Pierson, who had served the maximum four consecutive years in the office. Ganis, who is beginning his 19th year as a governor representing the public relations branch, had served as first vp at the Academy for the past two years. He will be succeeded as first vp by Robert Rehme, an executive branch governor and past Academy president.
- 8/24/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Sid Ganis is the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, elected Tuesday night by the organization's board of governors. He succeeds outgoing president Frank Pierson, who had served the maximum four consecutive years in the office. Ganis, who is beginning his 19th year as a governor representing the public relations branch, had served as first vp at the Academy for the past two years. He will be succeeded as first vp by Robert Rehme, an executive branch governor and past Academy president.
- 8/24/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Directors Alexander Payne and John Lasseter are among five new governors, three of them serving for the first time, who have been elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Nine incumbent governors also have been re-elected. Newcomers include Payne, elected to the directors branch, Lasseter, joining the short films and feature animation branch, and Craig Barron, an Academy nominee for 1992's Batman Returns, who has been elected to the visual effects branch. Returning to the board are Albert Wolsky, joining the art directors after an absence of three years, and former Academy president Robert Rehme, who joins the executives branch after having been off the board for a year. Wolsky and Rehme had left after serving the maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.
- 7/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Directors Alexander Payne and John Lasseter are among the five new governors, three of them serving for the first time, who have been elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Nine incumbent governors also have been re-elected reelected. Payne, who has been elected to the directors branch, and Lasseter, who is joining the short films and feature animation branch, are among the newcomers, along with Craig Barron, an Academy nominee for 1992's "Batman Returns", who has been elected to the visual effects. Returning to the board are Albert Wolsky, joining the art directors after an absence of three years, and former Academy president Robert Rehme, who joins the executives branch after having been off the board for a year. Wolsky and Rehme had left the board after serving the maximum of three consecutive three-year terms.
- 7/15/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday announced the election of five new governors, including three first-timers, to its board to represent their respective branches, with nine incumbent governors getting re-elected The three first-time governors include Alexander Payne, directors branch; John Lasseter, short films and feature animation; and Craig Barron, visual effects, with the two returning governors being Albert Wolsky, art directors, after an absence of three years; and past Academy president Robert Rehme, from the executives branch, who was off the board for one year. Both had left the board after serving the maximum of three consecutive three-year terms Re-elected incumbents are Tom Hanks, actors branch; Owen Roizman, cinematographers; Michael Apted, documentary; Donn Cambern, film editors; Charles Bernstein, music; Kathleen Kennedy, producers; Sid Ganis, public relations; J. Paul Huntsman, sound; and Fay Kanin, writers Three governors represent each of the Academy's branches and are elected for staggered terms, so that each branch elects or re-elects one governor each year.
- 7/15/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BERLIN -- "Asylum" is a psychological thriller without bothering much with psychology. Come to think of it, the thrills are pretty much missing, as well.
Director David MacKenzie, who received critical plaudits in some quarters in 2003 for "Young Adam", has thoroughly consulted the Alfred Hitchcock playbook to create the atmosphere and suspense for this tale of (literally) mad love. Certainly Mark Mancina's score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's scores for the late master, and numerous images want to put audiences in a Hitchcock frame of mind. It's hard, however, to imagine Hitchcock even raising an eyebrow over this weak story.
Natasha Richardson adds plenty of glamour and marquee value to this Paramount Classics release. The fun of the movie comes in watching this intelligent and always interesting actress navigate the heroine's implausible course of obsessive love and increasing psychosis. It's a star turn evocative of the way Joan Fontaine or Susan Hayward used to entertain audiences, especially women. But audiences have changed greatly since those days. Despite the cool calculation of MacKenzie's direction, the movie's overheated emotionalism will look and feel mostly silly to today's audiences. Theatrical prospects appear slim.
Perhaps the basic premise in this tale, written by Patrick Marber ("Closer") from a Patrick McGrath novel, is that in any madhouse it's hard to tell who's crazier -- the patients or the doctors. The minute the new deputy head of an English asylum drives onto the grounds with his wife of 12 years and young son, you sense things are going to go very wrong. The movie quickly lets you know that this is a loveless marriage. Stella (Richardson) smokes cigarettes in a manner that screams boredom with her life. Occasionally, someone reminds her to "behave," which must mean she's been a bad girl before.
Her inattentive and unfeeling husband Max (Hugh Bonneville) -- talk about a physician who needs to heal himself -- arranges for a greenhouse to be repaired so Stella can at least putter with her plants. The patient brought in to do the repairs is Edgar Stark (a brooding Marton Csokas), a sculptor jailed for having brutally murdered his wife. He has problems with jealousy, you understand, but he is the favorite patient of Dr. Cleave (Ian McKellen in a mischievous performance where every line feels like an innuendo). The good doctor assures one and all that Edgar Stark -- don't you love that name! -- is harmless despite a habit of skulking that reminds you of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho".
Well, wouldn't you know, the bored housewife and the wife killer fall into a passionate affair virtually the moment they lay eyes on each other. He escapes, she follows him to London and they set up housekeeping in what looks like an abandoned building. Soon enough, he reverts to his jealous behavior.
Things only get worse, but other than those mesmerized by Richardson -- she does possess certain magic -- few are likely to find the downward spiral of events either credible or compelling. The filmmaking skills of MacKenzie and a top-notch production team keep one mildly interested, yet the payoff is decidedly not worthy of these collective skills. The story is just too nonsensical to hold water.
ASYLUM
Paramount Classics
Seven Arts Pictures/Samson Films
Credits: Director: David MacKenzie; Writer: Patrick Marber; Based on the novel by: Patrick McGrath; Producers: Laurence Borg, David E. Allen, Mace Neufeld; Executive producers: Michael Barlow, Natasha Richardson, Robert Rehme, Baron Davis, Steven Markoff, Bruce McNall, Chris Curling, Harmon Kaslow, John Buchanan; Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens; Production designer: Laurence Dorman; Music: Mark Mancina; Costumes: Consolata Boyle; Editors: Colin Monie, Steven Weisberg. Cast: Stella: Natasha Richardson; Peter: Ian McKellen; Edgar: Marton Csokas; Max: Hugh Bonneville; Charlie: Gus Lewis; Brenda: Judy Parfitt; Mr. Straffen: Joss Ackland.
MPAA rating R, running time 99 minutes.
Director David MacKenzie, who received critical plaudits in some quarters in 2003 for "Young Adam", has thoroughly consulted the Alfred Hitchcock playbook to create the atmosphere and suspense for this tale of (literally) mad love. Certainly Mark Mancina's score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's scores for the late master, and numerous images want to put audiences in a Hitchcock frame of mind. It's hard, however, to imagine Hitchcock even raising an eyebrow over this weak story.
Natasha Richardson adds plenty of glamour and marquee value to this Paramount Classics release. The fun of the movie comes in watching this intelligent and always interesting actress navigate the heroine's implausible course of obsessive love and increasing psychosis. It's a star turn evocative of the way Joan Fontaine or Susan Hayward used to entertain audiences, especially women. But audiences have changed greatly since those days. Despite the cool calculation of MacKenzie's direction, the movie's overheated emotionalism will look and feel mostly silly to today's audiences. Theatrical prospects appear slim.
Perhaps the basic premise in this tale, written by Patrick Marber ("Closer") from a Patrick McGrath novel, is that in any madhouse it's hard to tell who's crazier -- the patients or the doctors. The minute the new deputy head of an English asylum drives onto the grounds with his wife of 12 years and young son, you sense things are going to go very wrong. The movie quickly lets you know that this is a loveless marriage. Stella (Richardson) smokes cigarettes in a manner that screams boredom with her life. Occasionally, someone reminds her to "behave," which must mean she's been a bad girl before.
Her inattentive and unfeeling husband Max (Hugh Bonneville) -- talk about a physician who needs to heal himself -- arranges for a greenhouse to be repaired so Stella can at least putter with her plants. The patient brought in to do the repairs is Edgar Stark (a brooding Marton Csokas), a sculptor jailed for having brutally murdered his wife. He has problems with jealousy, you understand, but he is the favorite patient of Dr. Cleave (Ian McKellen in a mischievous performance where every line feels like an innuendo). The good doctor assures one and all that Edgar Stark -- don't you love that name! -- is harmless despite a habit of skulking that reminds you of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho".
Well, wouldn't you know, the bored housewife and the wife killer fall into a passionate affair virtually the moment they lay eyes on each other. He escapes, she follows him to London and they set up housekeeping in what looks like an abandoned building. Soon enough, he reverts to his jealous behavior.
Things only get worse, but other than those mesmerized by Richardson -- she does possess certain magic -- few are likely to find the downward spiral of events either credible or compelling. The filmmaking skills of MacKenzie and a top-notch production team keep one mildly interested, yet the payoff is decidedly not worthy of these collective skills. The story is just too nonsensical to hold water.
ASYLUM
Paramount Classics
Seven Arts Pictures/Samson Films
Credits: Director: David MacKenzie; Writer: Patrick Marber; Based on the novel by: Patrick McGrath; Producers: Laurence Borg, David E. Allen, Mace Neufeld; Executive producers: Michael Barlow, Natasha Richardson, Robert Rehme, Baron Davis, Steven Markoff, Bruce McNall, Chris Curling, Harmon Kaslow, John Buchanan; Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens; Production designer: Laurence Dorman; Music: Mark Mancina; Costumes: Consolata Boyle; Editors: Colin Monie, Steven Weisberg. Cast: Stella: Natasha Richardson; Peter: Ian McKellen; Edgar: Marton Csokas; Max: Hugh Bonneville; Charlie: Gus Lewis; Brenda: Judy Parfitt; Mr. Straffen: Joss Ackland.
MPAA rating R, running time 99 minutes.
- 3/23/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BERLIN -- "Asylum" is a psychological thriller without bothering much with psychology. Come to think of it, the thrills are pretty much missing, as well.
Director David MacKenzie, who received critical plaudits in some quarters in 2003 for "Young Adam", has thoroughly consulted the Alfred Hitchcock playbook to create the atmosphere and suspense for this tale of (literally) mad love. Certainly Mark Mancina's score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's scores for the late master, and numerous images want to put audiences in a Hitchcock frame of mind. It's hard, however, to imagine Hitchcock even raising an eyebrow over this weak story.
Natasha Richardson adds plenty of glamour and marquee value to this Paramount Classics release. The fun of the movie comes in watching this intelligent and always interesting actress navigate the heroine's implausible course of obsessive love and increasing psychosis. It's a star turn evocative of the way Joan Fontaine or Susan Hayward used to entertain audiences, especially women. But audiences have changed greatly since those days. Despite the cool calculation of MacKenzie's direction, the movie's overheated emotionalism will look and feel mostly silly to today's audiences. Theatrical prospects appear slim.
Perhaps the basic premise in this tale, written by Patrick Marber ("Closer") from a Patrick McGrath novel, is that in any madhouse it's hard to tell who's crazier -- the patients or the doctors. The minute the new deputy head of an English asylum drives onto the grounds with his wife of 12 years and young son, you sense things are going to go very wrong. The movie quickly lets you know that this is a loveless marriage. Stella (Richardson) smokes cigarettes in a manner that screams boredom with her life. Occasionally, someone reminds her to "behave," which must mean she's been a bad girl before.
Her inattentive and unfeeling husband Max (Hugh Bonneville) -- talk about a physician who needs to heal himself -- arranges for a greenhouse to be repaired so Stella can at least putter with her plants. The patient brought in to do the repairs is Edgar Stark (a brooding Marton Csokas), a sculptor jailed for having brutally murdered his wife. He has problems with jealousy, you understand, but he is the favorite patient of Dr. Cleave (Ian McKellen in a mischievous performance where every line feels like an innuendo). The good doctor assures one and all that Edgar Stark -- don't you love that name! -- is harmless despite a habit of skulking that reminds you of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho".
Well, wouldn't you know, the bored housewife and the wife killer fall into a passionate affair virtually the moment they lay eyes on each other. He escapes, she follows him to London and they set up housekeeping in what looks like an abandoned building. Soon enough, he reverts to his jealous behavior.
Things only get worse, but other than those mesmerized by Richardson -- she does possess certain magic -- few are likely to find the downward spiral of events either credible or compelling. The filmmaking skills of MacKenzie and a top-notch production team keep one mildly interested, yet the payoff is decidedly not worthy of these collective skills. The story is just too nonsensical to hold water.
ASYLUM
Paramount Classics
Seven Arts Pictures/Samson Films
Credits: Director: David MacKenzie; Writer: Patrick Marber; Based on the novel by: Patrick McGrath; Producers: Laurence Borg, David E. Allen, Mace Neufeld; Executive producers: Michael Barlow, Natasha Richardson, Robert Rehme, Baron Davis, Steven Markoff, Bruce McNall, Chris Curling, Harmon Kaslow, John Buchanan; Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens; Production designer: Laurence Dorman; Music: Mark Mancina; Costumes: Consolata Boyle; Editors: Colin Monie, Steven Weisberg. Cast: Stella: Natasha Richardson; Peter: Ian McKellen; Edgar: Marton Csokas; Max: Hugh Bonneville; Charlie: Gus Lewis; Brenda: Judy Parfitt; Mr. Straffen: Joss Ackland.
MPAA rating R, running time 99 minutes.
Director David MacKenzie, who received critical plaudits in some quarters in 2003 for "Young Adam", has thoroughly consulted the Alfred Hitchcock playbook to create the atmosphere and suspense for this tale of (literally) mad love. Certainly Mark Mancina's score, reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann's scores for the late master, and numerous images want to put audiences in a Hitchcock frame of mind. It's hard, however, to imagine Hitchcock even raising an eyebrow over this weak story.
Natasha Richardson adds plenty of glamour and marquee value to this Paramount Classics release. The fun of the movie comes in watching this intelligent and always interesting actress navigate the heroine's implausible course of obsessive love and increasing psychosis. It's a star turn evocative of the way Joan Fontaine or Susan Hayward used to entertain audiences, especially women. But audiences have changed greatly since those days. Despite the cool calculation of MacKenzie's direction, the movie's overheated emotionalism will look and feel mostly silly to today's audiences. Theatrical prospects appear slim.
Perhaps the basic premise in this tale, written by Patrick Marber ("Closer") from a Patrick McGrath novel, is that in any madhouse it's hard to tell who's crazier -- the patients or the doctors. The minute the new deputy head of an English asylum drives onto the grounds with his wife of 12 years and young son, you sense things are going to go very wrong. The movie quickly lets you know that this is a loveless marriage. Stella (Richardson) smokes cigarettes in a manner that screams boredom with her life. Occasionally, someone reminds her to "behave," which must mean she's been a bad girl before.
Her inattentive and unfeeling husband Max (Hugh Bonneville) -- talk about a physician who needs to heal himself -- arranges for a greenhouse to be repaired so Stella can at least putter with her plants. The patient brought in to do the repairs is Edgar Stark (a brooding Marton Csokas), a sculptor jailed for having brutally murdered his wife. He has problems with jealousy, you understand, but he is the favorite patient of Dr. Cleave (Ian McKellen in a mischievous performance where every line feels like an innuendo). The good doctor assures one and all that Edgar Stark -- don't you love that name! -- is harmless despite a habit of skulking that reminds you of Anthony Perkins in "Psycho".
Well, wouldn't you know, the bored housewife and the wife killer fall into a passionate affair virtually the moment they lay eyes on each other. He escapes, she follows him to London and they set up housekeeping in what looks like an abandoned building. Soon enough, he reverts to his jealous behavior.
Things only get worse, but other than those mesmerized by Richardson -- she does possess certain magic -- few are likely to find the downward spiral of events either credible or compelling. The filmmaking skills of MacKenzie and a top-notch production team keep one mildly interested, yet the payoff is decidedly not worthy of these collective skills. The story is just too nonsensical to hold water.
ASYLUM
Paramount Classics
Seven Arts Pictures/Samson Films
Credits: Director: David MacKenzie; Writer: Patrick Marber; Based on the novel by: Patrick McGrath; Producers: Laurence Borg, David E. Allen, Mace Neufeld; Executive producers: Michael Barlow, Natasha Richardson, Robert Rehme, Baron Davis, Steven Markoff, Bruce McNall, Chris Curling, Harmon Kaslow, John Buchanan; Director of photography: Giles Nuttgens; Production designer: Laurence Dorman; Music: Mark Mancina; Costumes: Consolata Boyle; Editors: Colin Monie, Steven Weisberg. Cast: Stella: Natasha Richardson; Peter: Ian McKellen; Edgar: Marton Csokas; Max: Hugh Bonneville; Charlie: Gus Lewis; Brenda: Judy Parfitt; Mr. Straffen: Joss Ackland.
MPAA rating R, running time 99 minutes.
- 2/12/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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