With now only six credits to his name, director Andrew Rossi has gone from a relatively unknown documentary filmmaker to one of the few “names” in the medium. He’s been primarily a director of New York-focused documentaries, that use subjects like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the New York Times to spin larger yarns about culture writ large. With his 2014 film Ivory Tower breaking this tradition a little, Rossi has returned to the story of a New York original following his 2016 film First Monday in May, Bronx Gothic.
To those with an affinity for modern performance art, the title Bronx Gothic may be familiar, and that’s because that’s the world Rossi has set his sights on. Taking inspiration from performer Okwui Okpokwasili’s one-woman show of that very name, Rossi introduces us to Okpokwasili and lets the viewer steep in the singular vision that is her harrowing show.
To those with an affinity for modern performance art, the title Bronx Gothic may be familiar, and that’s because that’s the world Rossi has set his sights on. Taking inspiration from performer Okwui Okpokwasili’s one-woman show of that very name, Rossi introduces us to Okpokwasili and lets the viewer steep in the singular vision that is her harrowing show.
- 7/13/2017
- by Joshua Brunsting
- CriterionCast
It has become a tradition of sorts for the Tribeca Film Festival to open with a documentary about a cherished New York institution, be it a person, event or thing. Last year it was “First Monday in May,” about the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual costume gala; previous years have included the “Saturday Night Live” doc “Live From New York” and “Time Is Illmatic,” a film about rapper Nas’ seminal 1994 album “Illmatic.” And on Wednesday night at Radio City Music Hall, the 16th edition of Tribeca kicked off with the doc “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives,” followed.
- 4/20/2017
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
By now you know that any who’s anyone has been hanging at the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently for an event so exclusive, it surpasses the annual (impossible-to-get invite to) Met Gala. A chosen few have been asked to recreate the “First Monday in May” for a scene in the upcoming Ocean’s Eight film (the all-female reboot to the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy). And this being the fashion event of the year, no recycled or reused gowns will do! In fact, designer Dennis Basso created “many” of the looks we’ll see in the film.
Basso shared a...
Basso shared a...
- 1/18/2017
- by Colleen Kratofil
- PEOPLE.com
Chicago – It’s that time of the film year, the “Ten Best” lists. In representing my 2016 picks – as “Patrick McDonald” – I looked for the emotional experience as much as anything. I think every filmgoer, from the most casual to the ardent buff, adhere to their favorites through that feeling of connection.
There are honorable mentions all over the place, often just missing the 10th spot – I like to characterize them as all tied for eleventh. My favorite superhero film was “Captain America: Civil War,” for the Marvel Comics angst that works best in this genre of movies. The dramas “Arrival,” “Elle,” “Little Men” and “A Monster Calls” were excellent and heartfelt experiences. I loved the wacky tribute that writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen gave to 1950s Hollywood in “Hail, Caesar!” And after watching it again after initial reservations, I realized and connected to the ardent celebration in the musical “La La Land.
There are honorable mentions all over the place, often just missing the 10th spot – I like to characterize them as all tied for eleventh. My favorite superhero film was “Captain America: Civil War,” for the Marvel Comics angst that works best in this genre of movies. The dramas “Arrival,” “Elle,” “Little Men” and “A Monster Calls” were excellent and heartfelt experiences. I loved the wacky tribute that writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen gave to 1950s Hollywood in “Hail, Caesar!” And after watching it again after initial reservations, I realized and connected to the ardent celebration in the musical “La La Land.
- 1/5/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The Importance Of Doubting Tom screens Tuesday November 8th at 7pm at Landmark’s The Tivoli Theater as part of The St. Louis International Film Festival. Ticket information can be found Here
Local actress and filmmaker Vanessa Roman presents her years-in-the-making feature debut The Importance Of Doubting Tom, a romantic screwball comedy set against the backdrop of a dart league. It tells the story of Gwen, who is shaken and confused by a recent breakup from the guy she thought was the one, but something doesn’t seem right. In searching for the truth, mixed identities, comic hijinks, and lover’s games ensue in this. Roman based her original script both on the classic Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest and on her experience playing darts at St. Louis’ own Blueberry Hill, which is where she met her husband John.
Roman has assembled a first-rate cast and crew...
Local actress and filmmaker Vanessa Roman presents her years-in-the-making feature debut The Importance Of Doubting Tom, a romantic screwball comedy set against the backdrop of a dart league. It tells the story of Gwen, who is shaken and confused by a recent breakup from the guy she thought was the one, but something doesn’t seem right. In searching for the truth, mixed identities, comic hijinks, and lover’s games ensue in this. Roman based her original script both on the classic Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest and on her experience playing darts at St. Louis’ own Blueberry Hill, which is where she met her husband John.
Roman has assembled a first-rate cast and crew...
- 11/3/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Importance Of Doubting Tom screens Sunday July 17th at 6:30pm at Landmark’s The Tivoli Theater as part of the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Ticket information can be found Here
Local actress and filmmaker Vanessa Roman presents her years-in-the-making feature debut The Importance Of Doubting Tom, a romantic screwball comedy set against the backdrop of a dart league. It tells the story of Gwen, who is shaken and confused by a recent breakup from the guy she thought was the one, but something doesn’t seem right. In searching for the truth, mixed identities, comic hijinks, and lover’s games ensue in this. Roman based her original script both on the classic Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest and on her experience playing darts at St. Louis’ own Blueberry Hill, which is where she met her husband John.
Roman has assembled a first-rate cast and crew...
Local actress and filmmaker Vanessa Roman presents her years-in-the-making feature debut The Importance Of Doubting Tom, a romantic screwball comedy set against the backdrop of a dart league. It tells the story of Gwen, who is shaken and confused by a recent breakup from the guy she thought was the one, but something doesn’t seem right. In searching for the truth, mixed identities, comic hijinks, and lover’s games ensue in this. Roman based her original script both on the classic Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest and on her experience playing darts at St. Louis’ own Blueberry Hill, which is where she met her husband John.
Roman has assembled a first-rate cast and crew...
- 7/13/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Highlights include the UK premiere of Finding Dory and the world premiere of the 4K restoration of Highlander [pictured].Scroll down for competition titles
The line-up for the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has been unveiled this morning by artistic director Mark Adams.
This year’s Eiff (June 15-26) will comprise a total 161 features from 46 countries including: 22 world premieres, five international premieres, 17 European premieres and 85 UK premieres.
Highlights include the UK premiere of Disney-Pixar animation Finding Dory, in-person events that include Us indie filmmaker Kevin Smith and Sex & The City actress Kim Cattrall, and the opening and closing gala world premieres of the previously announced Tommy’s Honour and Whisky Galore!.
Old classics will be re-imagined with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performing the score to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial live at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre and the world premiere of the newly-restored 4K version of Highlander, celebrating its 30th anniversary with star Clancy Brown in attendance.
The...
The line-up for the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) has been unveiled this morning by artistic director Mark Adams.
This year’s Eiff (June 15-26) will comprise a total 161 features from 46 countries including: 22 world premieres, five international premieres, 17 European premieres and 85 UK premieres.
Highlights include the UK premiere of Disney-Pixar animation Finding Dory, in-person events that include Us indie filmmaker Kevin Smith and Sex & The City actress Kim Cattrall, and the opening and closing gala world premieres of the previously announced Tommy’s Honour and Whisky Galore!.
Old classics will be re-imagined with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performing the score to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial live at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre and the world premiere of the newly-restored 4K version of Highlander, celebrating its 30th anniversary with star Clancy Brown in attendance.
The...
- 5/25/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Arabian Nights (Miguel Gomes)
In lauding Miguel Gomes‘ three-part, six-and-a-half hour behemoth, it’s perhaps important to consider his background as a critic. Not just in terms of the trilogy’s cinephilic engagement with Rossellini, Alonso, Oliveira, etc.; also in its defiant nature. While it’s easy to assign the trilogy certain humanist and satirical labels from the get-go and just praise these films for following through on them,...
Arabian Nights (Miguel Gomes)
In lauding Miguel Gomes‘ three-part, six-and-a-half hour behemoth, it’s perhaps important to consider his background as a critic. Not just in terms of the trilogy’s cinephilic engagement with Rossellini, Alonso, Oliveira, etc.; also in its defiant nature. While it’s easy to assign the trilogy certain humanist and satirical labels from the get-go and just praise these films for following through on them,...
- 5/6/2016
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
Following in the vein of last year’s excellent Ballet 422, First Monday In May offers another process-heavy view into the preparation of a prestigious event. This time, it’s the 2015 Met Ball and exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass. But while Andrew Rossi’s documentary offers a sizable window into the production period by curator Andrew Bolton and his army of helpers, and equally surprising access into fashion icon Anna Wintour’s inner sanctum, First Monday In May is disappointingly shallow despite rich subject matter.
Fawning above all else, the Tribeca 2016 opener is handsomely crafted, but there’s a total lack of focus, let alone a visual identity. And it’s certainly not for lack of material. A gorgeous short film could have been made through a gliding tour of the finished exhibition, but as a full feature, Rossi never punctures the surface, leaving a sour taste of self-importance.
Fawning above all else, the Tribeca 2016 opener is handsomely crafted, but there’s a total lack of focus, let alone a visual identity. And it’s certainly not for lack of material. A gorgeous short film could have been made through a gliding tour of the finished exhibition, but as a full feature, Rossi never punctures the surface, leaving a sour taste of self-importance.
- 4/15/2016
- by Michael Snydel
- The Film Stage
"The Met Ball is the Super Bowl of social fashion events," Andre Leon Talley explains in The First Monday in May, the new documentary that opened this year's Tribeca Film Fest that focuses on the opening party for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute show. This insider's look by director Andrew Rossi (Page One: Inside the New York Times) focuses on the star-studded affair during the museum's 2015 exhibition, China: Through the Looking Glass, which ignited a million memes around celebrity guests' unusual red carpet attire. The documentary opens in select theaters this weekend.
- 4/15/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Trailers are an under-appreciated art form insofar that many times they’re seen as vehicles for showing footage, explaining films away, or showing their hand about what moviegoers can expect. Foreign, domestic, independent, big budget: What better way to hone your skills as a thoughtful moviegoer than by deconstructing these little pieces of advertising? This week […]
The post This Week In Trailers: The Preppie Connection, Departure, My King, The First Monday in May, Ukraine Is Not A Brothel appeared first on /Film.
The post This Week In Trailers: The Preppie Connection, Departure, My King, The First Monday in May, Ukraine Is Not A Brothel appeared first on /Film.
- 2/28/2016
- by Christopher Stipp
- Slash Film
After opening the festival with a documentary on Saturday Night Live last year, the 2016 iteration of Tribeca will stay close to home with the world premiere of The First Monday in May. Coming from director Andrew Rossi (Page One: Inside The New York Times), it chronicles The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Met Ball and their exhibition China: Through the Looking Glass.
“The First Monday in May illuminates the debate between fine art, fashion, pop culture and captures the creativity, passion and visionaries behind the exhibition and gala – Andrew Bolton and Anna Wintour,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival, and Executive Chair, Tribeca Enterprises said in a press release. “It is an honor to pay tribute to a fellow New York cultural institution on our opening night.”
Ahead of the premiere, check out the first celebrity-filled trailer below.
The First Monday in May follows the creation of The...
“The First Monday in May illuminates the debate between fine art, fashion, pop culture and captures the creativity, passion and visionaries behind the exhibition and gala – Andrew Bolton and Anna Wintour,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder, Tribeca Film Festival, and Executive Chair, Tribeca Enterprises said in a press release. “It is an honor to pay tribute to a fellow New York cultural institution on our opening night.”
Ahead of the premiere, check out the first celebrity-filled trailer below.
The First Monday in May follows the creation of The...
- 2/22/2016
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Don’t get confused, Tribeca Film Fest 2016 will still open in April (Weds April 13, to be exact). But the opening night film has been announced and kicks off the fest which runs in New York City until April 24. Magnolia Pictures' The First Monday in May, directed by Page One: Inside The New York Times director Andrew Rossi, is a trip inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and, in particular, the exhibition "China: Through the Looking Glass.” A very New York premiere. The First Monday in May follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s "China: Through the Looking Glass,” exhibition, an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collision of...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/22/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Don’t get confused, Tribeca Film Fest 2016 will still open in April (Weds April 13, to be exact). But the opening night film has been announced and kicks off the fest which runs in New York City until April 24. Magnolia Pictures' The First Monday in May, directed by Page One: Inside The New York Times director Andrew Rossi, is a trip inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and, in particular, the exhibition "China: Through the Looking Glass.” A very New York premiere. The First Monday in May follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s "China: Through the Looking Glass,” exhibition, an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collision of...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 2/22/2016
- Screen Anarchy
The First Monday In May The 15th Tribeca Film Festival will open with The First Monday in May on Wednesday, April 13. Directed by Emmy Award nominated filmmaker Andrew Rossi (Page One: Inside The New York Times) the intimate documentary looks at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's most attended Costume Institute exhibition in history, China: Through the Looking Glass.
The film follows curator Andrew Bolton, now curator in charge of the Costume Institute. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collision of high fashion and celebrity at the Met Gala, one of the biggest global fashion events co-chaired every year by Condé Nast Artistic Director and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. Featuring a cast of renowned artists in many fields (including filmmaker Wong Kar Wai and fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano), the movie dives into the debate about whether fashion should be viewed as.
The film follows curator Andrew Bolton, now curator in charge of the Costume Institute. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collision of high fashion and celebrity at the Met Gala, one of the biggest global fashion events co-chaired every year by Condé Nast Artistic Director and Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. Featuring a cast of renowned artists in many fields (including filmmaker Wong Kar Wai and fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano), the movie dives into the debate about whether fashion should be viewed as.
- 2/22/2016
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival will open with the world premiere of the art and fashion documentary “First Monday in May,” organizers announced on Monday. The film by Andrew Rossi (“Page One: Inside the New York Times”) is a look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most-attended Costume Institute exhibit ever, “China: Through the Looking Glass,” curated by Andrew Bolton, and at the Met Gala, an annual fashion and celebrity event co-chaired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The film will premiere at Tff on Wednesday, Apr. 13, the opening night of the 12-day festival. Also Read: 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday,...
- 2/22/2016
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Organizers of the Tribeca Film Festival said the 2016 event will open with the world premiere of the art world documentary The First Monday in May. Directed by Andrew Rossi, First Monday in May examines the debate over whether fashion should even be considered art through the eyes of curator Andrew Bolton, now Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The film tracks the creation of the exhibition “China: Through the Looking Glass,” an…...
- 2/22/2016
- Deadline
The Magnolia Pictures art documentary will open the 15th Tribeca Film Festival, which is scheduled to run in New York from April 13-24.
The First Monday In May hails from Page One: Inside The New York Times film-maker Andrew Rossi and tells of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art’s most attended Costume Institute exhibition in history, China: Through The Looking Glass.
“It’s an honour to premiere this film downtown with the Tribeca Film Festival for their 15th festival, and I am truly thrilled to partner again with Magnolia Pictures,” said Rossi.
“The First Monday In May celebrates creativity in art and fashion and is deeply rooted in the creative world of New York, so to launch at a festival that came into life in order to support that culture is very meaningful. We’re so excited to have the team at Magnolia behind the film, bringing it to audiences all across the country.”
Fabiola Beracasa...
The First Monday In May hails from Page One: Inside The New York Times film-maker Andrew Rossi and tells of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art’s most attended Costume Institute exhibition in history, China: Through The Looking Glass.
“It’s an honour to premiere this film downtown with the Tribeca Film Festival for their 15th festival, and I am truly thrilled to partner again with Magnolia Pictures,” said Rossi.
“The First Monday In May celebrates creativity in art and fashion and is deeply rooted in the creative world of New York, so to launch at a festival that came into life in order to support that culture is very meaningful. We’re so excited to have the team at Magnolia behind the film, bringing it to audiences all across the country.”
Fabiola Beracasa...
- 2/22/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Documentary follows the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “China: through the looking glass” exhibition [pictured].
Paris-based Elle Driver has picked up the international sales rights to Andrew Rossi’s The First Monday in May following the creation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s record-breaking “China: through the looking glass” exhibition and its opening fund-raising event, the Met Gala.
The 2015 show - exploring the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion — was one of the museum’s most visited fashion events in its history.
Chaired every year by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the Met Gala, or museum’s Costume Institute Gala, is one of the biggest global fashion events of the year and traditionally takes place on the first Monday of the year.
Rossi – whose past documentaries include Page One: Inside the New York Times and Ivory Tower – was given unfettered access to the creation of the show, curated by Andrew Bolton with Wong Kar-Wai on board as artistic...
Paris-based Elle Driver has picked up the international sales rights to Andrew Rossi’s The First Monday in May following the creation of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s record-breaking “China: through the looking glass” exhibition and its opening fund-raising event, the Met Gala.
The 2015 show - exploring the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion — was one of the museum’s most visited fashion events in its history.
Chaired every year by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the Met Gala, or museum’s Costume Institute Gala, is one of the biggest global fashion events of the year and traditionally takes place on the first Monday of the year.
Rossi – whose past documentaries include Page One: Inside the New York Times and Ivory Tower – was given unfettered access to the creation of the show, curated by Andrew Bolton with Wong Kar-Wai on board as artistic...
- 2/10/2016
- ScreenDaily
It’s always exciting when there’s a new feature film being shot in St. Louis! We Are Movie Geeks was recently on the set of The Importance Of Doubting Tom, a romantic comedy set in the world of dart throwing where the “competitions play out echoing and mirroring the games that lovers play”. It’s loosely based on the classic Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest.
The Importance Of Doubting Tom is written and directed by Vanessa Roman, who has been actively working in the local theater and film industry for 15 years. Her first film, Play Dead, won Best Horror Short and Best Juvenile Actress at The St. Louis Filmmaker’s Showcase and her second, The Inheritance won Best Experimental film at the Toronto Female Eye Film Festival.
Vanessa has assembled a first-rate cast and crew for The Importance Of Doubting Tom.
Director of Photography Chris Benson has shot many commercials,...
The Importance Of Doubting Tom is written and directed by Vanessa Roman, who has been actively working in the local theater and film industry for 15 years. Her first film, Play Dead, won Best Horror Short and Best Juvenile Actress at The St. Louis Filmmaker’s Showcase and her second, The Inheritance won Best Experimental film at the Toronto Female Eye Film Festival.
Vanessa has assembled a first-rate cast and crew for The Importance Of Doubting Tom.
Director of Photography Chris Benson has shot many commercials,...
- 8/13/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Join James Snyder in an evening of firsts on this First Monday, December 1 at 54 Below. For the first time, Snyder and his family will be celebrating the holiday season in New York, while he co-stars as Josh in the Broadway sensation Ifthen. Synder recently previewed A First New York Holiday Road With Friends, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos below...
- 11/30/2014
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
Veteran actor James Garner, who won two Emmy Awards throughout his prolific TV career, died Saturday night. He was 86.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Though Garner amassed quite a list of TV and film credits throughout the years, his breakout role on the small screen was that of gambler Bret Maverick in the 1950s Western Maverick. He also starred in 1970s crime drama The Rockford Files, a role that landed him his first Emmy in 1977. (The other came in 1987, for his work as a producer on CBS’ Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Promise.)
Other highlights from the...
The cause of death is not yet known.
Though Garner amassed quite a list of TV and film credits throughout the years, his breakout role on the small screen was that of gambler Bret Maverick in the 1950s Western Maverick. He also starred in 1970s crime drama The Rockford Files, a role that landed him his first Emmy in 1977. (The other came in 1987, for his work as a producer on CBS’ Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Promise.)
Other highlights from the...
- 7/20/2014
- TVLine.com
There have arguably been bigger stars in television history than the late James Garner, but none who ever made it look quite so easy. Garner, who reportedly died in his home on Saturday at the age of 86, first hit it big in 1957 with "Maverick," a comical Western in which he played Bret Maverick, a Wild West cardsharp who was as quick on the draw as he was with a quip. At a time when TV was dominated by Westerns — and very solemn ones, at that — Garner was happy to play the same material lighter, to occasionally be the clown or the guy who gets punched in the face, and yet always made it clear that Maverick could easily kill you if he wanted to — it just wasn't his preferred way of doing things. Garner left Maverick after only a few seasons (and had spent much of that time alternating episodes...
- 7/20/2014
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Los Angeles — Charles Durning grew up in poverty, lost five of his nine siblings to disease, barely lived through D-Day and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge.
His hard life and wartime trauma provided the basis for a prolific 50-year career as a consummate Oscar-nominated character actor, playing everyone from a Nazi colonel to the pope to Dustin Hoffman's would-be suitor in "Tootsie."
Durning, who died Monday at age 89 in New York, got his start as an usher at a burlesque theater in Buffalo, N.Y. When one of the comedians showed up too drunk to go on, Durning took his place. He would recall years later that he was hooked as soon as he heard the audience laughing.
He told The Associated Press in 2008 that he had no plans to stop working. "They're going to carry me out, if I go," he said.
Durning's longtime agent and friend,...
His hard life and wartime trauma provided the basis for a prolific 50-year career as a consummate Oscar-nominated character actor, playing everyone from a Nazi colonel to the pope to Dustin Hoffman's would-be suitor in "Tootsie."
Durning, who died Monday at age 89 in New York, got his start as an usher at a burlesque theater in Buffalo, N.Y. When one of the comedians showed up too drunk to go on, Durning took his place. He would recall years later that he was hooked as soon as he heard the audience laughing.
He told The Associated Press in 2008 that he had no plans to stop working. "They're going to carry me out, if I go," he said.
Durning's longtime agent and friend,...
- 12/25/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Charles Durning grew up in poverty, lost five of his nine siblings to disease, barely lived through D-Day and was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge.
His hard life and wartime trauma provided the basis for a prolific 50-year career as a consummate Oscar-nominated character actor, playing everyone from a Nazi colonel to the pope to Dustin Hoffman’s would-be suitor in Tootsie.
Durning, who died Monday at age 89 in New York, got his start as an usher at a burlesque theater in Buffalo, N.Y. When one of the comedians showed up too drunk to go on,...
His hard life and wartime trauma provided the basis for a prolific 50-year career as a consummate Oscar-nominated character actor, playing everyone from a Nazi colonel to the pope to Dustin Hoffman’s would-be suitor in Tootsie.
Durning, who died Monday at age 89 in New York, got his start as an usher at a burlesque theater in Buffalo, N.Y. When one of the comedians showed up too drunk to go on,...
- 12/25/2012
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside Movies
Austin boasts a wide range of networking opportunities within the local film industry, and a few years ago I joined Reel Women at their First Monday Mix at Opal Divine's Penn Field from time to time. Sadly Reel Women is no more, but from its more active members a new group has grown -- Austin Film Meet. Austin Film Meet is presented by the Association for Independent filMedia (Aim), which is focused on "facilitating opportunities for independent film, video and media makers of all types and skill levels ... by bringing people together to support, network, learn and collaborate."
The primary coordinator for the Austin Film Meet is H. Cherdon Bedford, a local actress and filmmaker whom I met at the Austin Film Organizations panel held at the University of Texas at Austin's Women in Cinema April meeting. I was thoroughly impressed with Bedford's enthusiasm and creativity. I was especially pleased...
The primary coordinator for the Austin Film Meet is H. Cherdon Bedford, a local actress and filmmaker whom I met at the Austin Film Organizations panel held at the University of Texas at Austin's Women in Cinema April meeting. I was thoroughly impressed with Bedford's enthusiasm and creativity. I was especially pleased...
- 5/31/2012
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones has been the subject of several sports features this week. First Monday night (May 21), an Espn documentary about her life aired on the sports network, then Tuesday (May 22), HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" did a profile on Jones.
In the Espn piece, Jones details her poor upbringing in Des Moines, Iowa, talking about how she was shoplifting at an early age - but not for fun, like some teens. She was shoplifting food.
"I definitely would say, by sixth grade, I was a professional shoplifter. And not because I wanted to. I'm not going out to shoplift earrings or clothes or shoes like the average teenager," says Jones. "I was shoplifting frozen dinners at a grocery store. I could shoplift four frozen dinners, easily."
Jones' family was living in the local Salvation Army and using food stamps, struggles which gave her such a drive to succeed.
In the Espn piece, Jones details her poor upbringing in Des Moines, Iowa, talking about how she was shoplifting at an early age - but not for fun, like some teens. She was shoplifting food.
"I definitely would say, by sixth grade, I was a professional shoplifter. And not because I wanted to. I'm not going out to shoplift earrings or clothes or shoes like the average teenager," says Jones. "I was shoplifting frozen dinners at a grocery store. I could shoplift four frozen dinners, easily."
Jones' family was living in the local Salvation Army and using food stamps, struggles which gave her such a drive to succeed.
- 5/23/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
British comics makers had to wait a few weeks longer than their American counterparts to order iPads from Apple, but Dave Gibbons and Paul Cornell were among the first to jump on the devices when they became available in the U.K. over the weekend. Both sides of the Atlantic, by contrast, got to see "Iron Man 2," and Jimmy Palmiotti and Jhonen Vasquez both encountered some surprises related to the film off-screen.
There were a few scattered disappointments floating around the comics Twitterverse this morning as well, though. Actress Lena Horne's death, the new Meat Loaf album and Dan Slott's discovery that he can no longer get on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disney World were among them. Check out these concerns and a photo of Stan Lee partying it up with some Image Comics founders below.
It's all in the Twitter Report for May 10, 2010.
@JhonenV Most...
There were a few scattered disappointments floating around the comics Twitterverse this morning as well, though. Actress Lena Horne's death, the new Meat Loaf album and Dan Slott's discovery that he can no longer get on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disney World were among them. Check out these concerns and a photo of Stan Lee partying it up with some Image Comics founders below.
It's all in the Twitter Report for May 10, 2010.
@JhonenV Most...
- 5/10/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Splash Page
As a member of Austin Cinemaker Co-op -- a Super 8 filmmaking collective that is sadly no more -- one of the most popular events was our annual Make a Film in a (M.A.F.I.A.) weekend event. Filmmakers had 48 hours to film a short in camera with no editing, incorporating a prop that was provided at the beginning of the event. Nowadays local nonprofit Austin School of Film hosts a Youth M.A.F.I.A. Day Film Festival for SXSW every year. Students have only 24 hours to conceive, shoot, and edit their films.
One of the largest 48-hour filmmaking events, The 48 Hour Film Project, will include an Austin event this year. The project is spread across over 50 cities across the United States and another 34 international cities. Reel Women founder Sherry Mills is organizing the Austin event, which takes place June 25-27. 48 Hour Film Project began in...
One of the largest 48-hour filmmaking events, The 48 Hour Film Project, will include an Austin event this year. The project is spread across over 50 cities across the United States and another 34 international cities. Reel Women founder Sherry Mills is organizing the Austin event, which takes place June 25-27. 48 Hour Film Project began in...
- 5/10/2010
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
Chicago – The film buff’s essential network, Turner Classic Movies, is having a film festival next month in Hollywood from April 22nd to the 25th, and as promotion for that festival, Eva Marie Saint will introduce “North by Northwest” in Chicago.
Chicago is part of the “Road to Hollywood” series that TCM is doing in conjunction with the April TCM Film Festival. Tuesday, March 30th, Eva Marie Saint and TCM host Robert Osborne will introduce North by Northwest at the historic Music Box Theater. The event is sold out.
Eva Marie Saint was born on the 4th of July in Newark, New Jersey. She did extensive work in early TV and radio before scoring on Broadway in “The Trip to Bountiful” in 1953. At the same time she was training at the famed Actor’s Studio, and was cast in her first film, “On the Waterfront.” by Studio founder and director Elia Kazan.
Chicago is part of the “Road to Hollywood” series that TCM is doing in conjunction with the April TCM Film Festival. Tuesday, March 30th, Eva Marie Saint and TCM host Robert Osborne will introduce North by Northwest at the historic Music Box Theater. The event is sold out.
Eva Marie Saint was born on the 4th of July in Newark, New Jersey. She did extensive work in early TV and radio before scoring on Broadway in “The Trip to Bountiful” in 1953. At the same time she was training at the famed Actor’s Studio, and was cast in her first film, “On the Waterfront.” by Studio founder and director Elia Kazan.
- 3/29/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Emmy nominee Joe Mantegna is in final negotiations to join CBS' drama Criminal Minds.
The hire caps weeks of exhaustive searching for a new lead on the two-year-old crime drama after star Mandy Patinkin's abrupt departure last month from the show because of what he called in a statement "creative differences."
"We are very excited to tell you all that Joe Mantegna is officially joining the cast of 'Criminal Minds, ' " the show's executive producer/showrunner, Ed Bernero, wrote in a posting on the Minds fan blog during the weekend. "Thanks for hanging with us, everyone."
Details about Mantegna's character as well as when he will be introduced have yet to be determined. Patinkin's character, Jason Gideon, was the leader of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit at the center of the show, which is produced by ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Co.
Mantegna is nominated for an Emmy for his role on USA Network's miniseries The Starter Wife.
The actor has strong ties with CBS. He co-starred on two CBS series, Joan of Arcadia and First Monday, as well as on the network's miniseries The Last Don, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
The hire caps weeks of exhaustive searching for a new lead on the two-year-old crime drama after star Mandy Patinkin's abrupt departure last month from the show because of what he called in a statement "creative differences."
"We are very excited to tell you all that Joe Mantegna is officially joining the cast of 'Criminal Minds, ' " the show's executive producer/showrunner, Ed Bernero, wrote in a posting on the Minds fan blog during the weekend. "Thanks for hanging with us, everyone."
Details about Mantegna's character as well as when he will be introduced have yet to be determined. Patinkin's character, Jason Gideon, was the leader of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit at the center of the show, which is produced by ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Co.
Mantegna is nominated for an Emmy for his role on USA Network's miniseries The Starter Wife.
The actor has strong ties with CBS. He co-starred on two CBS series, Joan of Arcadia and First Monday, as well as on the network's miniseries The Last Don, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
- 8/13/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joe Mantegna is back in business with CBS. The actor, who co-starred in last season's short-lived drama First Monday, has struck a deal that calls for CBS to develop two series projects for him, both targeted for fall 2003. Mantegna is said to be open to both comedy and drama ideas. In the first phase of the deal, Mantegna will receive a consulting fee for closely working with writers on developing the two projects. It is understood that the agreement is designed to accommodate the actor's schedule and that Mantegna is not obligated to commit to one of the two projects. But if one of the projects is picked up as a pilot, Mantegna is guaranteed a sizable fee for the pilot plus multiple episodes, and he'll also serve as a producer on the show. The deal is said to follow the template that CBS established earlier this year in a development pact with actor Danny Glover.
- 10/10/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joe Mantegna is back in business with CBS. The actor, who co-starred in last season's short-lived drama First Monday, has struck a deal that calls for CBS to develop two series projects for him, both targeted for fall 2003. Mantegna is said to be open to both comedy and drama ideas. In the first phase of the deal, Mantegna will receive a consulting fee for closely working with writers on developing the two projects. It is understood that the agreement is designed to accommodate the actor's schedule and that Mantegna is not obligated to commit to one of the two projects. But if one of the projects is picked up as a pilot, Mantegna is guaranteed a sizable fee for the pilot plus multiple episodes, and he'll also serve as a producer on the show. The deal is said to follow the template that CBS established earlier this year in a development pact with actor Danny Glover.
- 10/10/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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