Three years and a few botox injections later, the gals of Sex in the City return to reprise their roles as the sluts we've grown to love; Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Although the movie is about 2 1/2 hours long, you barely even notice that the time has passed because this movie takes you on such an emotional ride that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just as in real life one may find themselves in sticky situations of heartbreak, laughter, love and regret, Sex in the City lures you into fantasies of Vera Wang and Fashion shows then SNAP you're back to the world of disappointment and disbelief from your grueling reality.
You're thoughts will race, your heart may pound, you're gut will drop, you might find yourself covered in goosebumps and you may even shed a tear watching this film - but trust me when I say this - you will feel something.
Forget the rumors you've heard about Miranda turning gay, Samantha getting engaged or Carrie bumping into Aiden. Those are all ploys to get you to see the movie, but by all means you should see the movie!
Although these gals are still the same hot mess we've grown to love (or get annoyed by), I'd have to say there still are quite a few surprises, even for the avid Sex in the City viewer. And if you aren't a Sex in the City watcher, you still won't be out of the loop because there is a brief introduction of the characters and their former clips of the show in the beginning of the film to keep you up to speed.
While Miranda and Charlotte pretty much stay the same, their challenges and hopes come to surface in the movie.
Charlotte (Kristin Davis) finds that she may have one good egg left in that body of hers, while Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) can't seem to find the time or libido to keep her marriage bed busy.
But the real shocker is Carrie and Samantha.
As shown in the trailer Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) does become a bride to
Mr. Big (Chris Noth), and being the fashion icon of the series of course she gets the wedding fantasy of her dreams by being enlisted as the "40 Year Old Bride" in a designer wedding gown spread in Vogue magazine. The challenge she faces, of course, is the same old road she's been down before with Mr. Big - cold feet.
While Big is definitely ready to spend the rest of his life with Carrie, he still struggles with the pressures of a big wedding and the embarrassment of his former two failed marriages. Instead of offering her a ring, he gives her a closet the size of my living room - which while that shows their relationship has definitely grown, it is still missing a little bit of that thing all us sappy gals love - romance.
But to my surprise co-dependent Carrie finally grows some balls and grows up a little with the help of her new assistant Louise from St. Louis (Jennifer Hudson), a young woman who rents designer purses and came to New York wide eyed and hopeful for love.
Saucy Samantha (Kim Catrall) tones it down a bit and actually becomes domesticated. But when the long working hours of boyfriend Smith Jarrod (Jason Lewis) and the steamy new neighbor of Samantha (who's sex life is the equivalent of Samantha's pre-Smith days) tempts and tortures her - she turns to two distractions; food and a furry new friend who has a bad case of the humps.
Think Samantha in canine form.
Having adopted a pooch and a with a poochy middle of her own, Samantha flies back and forth from Hollywood to New York to consult the guidance of her ever supportive gal pals.
Other than that, the girls are pretty much the same.
Miranda's still a cynical bitch, Charlotte still lives in a prissy fairytale land, Samantha's still a sex addict and Carrie's still got a bad shopping habit.
I mean, let''s face it. When you buy Louis Vuitton bags and $500 Manolo Blahnik shoes but can only afford to eat Cup O' Noodles and have duck tape holding your cell phone together - you know you've got a problem.
So one may wonder did the film live up to the reputation it's show had for so long?
With my stomach in knots from empathy and stitch in my side from laughing so hard, I'd have to say absofuckinglutely. Yeah, so what if it's a chick flick? There are some cornball parts but we all know Sex in the City has it's cheesy moments anyway.
While the show Sex in the City was definitely a treat, Sex in the City the Movie was the icing on the cake.
I give it four martini's straight up!
Overall rating: Four stars (out of four)
- Mia Carlin
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
TAKING WOODSTOCK IN DEVELOPMENT AS NEXT FILM FOR OSCAR-WINNING DIRECTOR ANG LEE
Focus Features is developing the 1969-set true story Taking Woodstock as the next project for Academy Award winner Ang Lee to direct. Focus Features CEO James Schamus confirmed the comedy’s active development today.
Mr. Schamus is writing the screenplay, which is an adaptation of Elliot Tiber’s memoir Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, A Concert, and A Life. The book, published last year by Square One Publishers, was written by Mr. Tiber with Tom Monte.
Mr. Tiber played an unexpected but pivotal role in making the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival into the famed happening it was. Working as an interior designer in Greenwich Village during culturally and politically exciting times, Mr. Tiber felt empowered by the gay-rights movement. But he was also still staked to the family business – a Catskills motel. As its part-time manager, he had become the local town’s issuer of event permits, granting himself one annually for a small music festival. When he heard that the planned Woodstock concert had had its own permit denied by a neighboring town, he called to offer his own. Soon half a million people were on their way to Mr. Tiber’s neighbor’s farm in White Lake, New York, and Mr. Tiber found himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.
Mr. Schamus commented, “Elliot’s exuberant and heartfelt story is a perfect window onto the Woodstock experience, exploring an inspiring historical moment when liberation and freedom were in the air.”
Mr. Tiber has written and produced numerous award-winning plays and musical comedies for the theater, television, and film. As a professor of comedy writing and performance, he has taught at the New School University and Hunter College in New York City. His first novel Rue Haute, was an instant bestseller in Europe, and was published in the U.S. under the title High Street.
Mr. Monte has written more than thirty books and hundreds of articles for such publications as Life, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Chicago Tribune. Among his many works are The Way of Hope, about the AIDS crisis in New York City; and Recalled by Life, which he co-authored with Dr. Anthony Sattilaro.
Mr. Schamus is writing the screenplay, which is an adaptation of Elliot Tiber’s memoir Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, A Concert, and A Life. The book, published last year by Square One Publishers, was written by Mr. Tiber with Tom Monte.
Mr. Tiber played an unexpected but pivotal role in making the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival into the famed happening it was. Working as an interior designer in Greenwich Village during culturally and politically exciting times, Mr. Tiber felt empowered by the gay-rights movement. But he was also still staked to the family business – a Catskills motel. As its part-time manager, he had become the local town’s issuer of event permits, granting himself one annually for a small music festival. When he heard that the planned Woodstock concert had had its own permit denied by a neighboring town, he called to offer his own. Soon half a million people were on their way to Mr. Tiber’s neighbor’s farm in White Lake, New York, and Mr. Tiber found himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.
Mr. Schamus commented, “Elliot’s exuberant and heartfelt story is a perfect window onto the Woodstock experience, exploring an inspiring historical moment when liberation and freedom were in the air.”
Mr. Tiber has written and produced numerous award-winning plays and musical comedies for the theater, television, and film. As a professor of comedy writing and performance, he has taught at the New School University and Hunter College in New York City. His first novel Rue Haute, was an instant bestseller in Europe, and was published in the U.S. under the title High Street.
Mr. Monte has written more than thirty books and hundreds of articles for such publications as Life, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Chicago Tribune. Among his many works are The Way of Hope, about the AIDS crisis in New York City; and Recalled by Life, which he co-authored with Dr. Anthony Sattilaro.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
BETTER DEAD THAN WED ON JULY 1ST
NAVARRE CORPORATION’S BCI ANNOUNCES
JOHN WATERS’ CULT TV SHOW
“’Til Death Do Us Part”
FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD
DON’T FEAR THE GROOM REAPER!
Los Angeles, CA – Director John Waters has become an icon of independent film with ground-breaking works like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray, so it’s no surprise that this foray into television would push the envelope in both content and taste. On July 1st, BCI, a Navarre Corporation Company, will release ‘Til Death Do Us Part, the series that lets Waters run amok with a campy marriage of madcap melodrama and macabre humor. This beautifully packaged 3-disc box set contains all 13 episodes (plus a bouquet of never-before-seen bonus footage of Waters at work) and will be available at the SRP of $29.98.
“We are pleased to present this twisted TV show to our audience, not just because it features an original talent like John Waters, but also because it’s a unique series that many missed the first time it aired,” said Cliff MacMillan, BCI’s Director of Brand Management and Acquisitions. “We know fans of Waters will love it, but so will anyone with an interest in the offbeat.”
John Waters is the host of this wickedly amusing anthology series about what happens after the honeymoon. Known to the viewer simply as “the Groom Reaper,” Waters leads us through slyly sinful stories of vindictive and vicious husbands and wives with each cautionary tale ending in one spouse pushing up the daisies - always to the delight of our naughty narrator.
"We asked fans if they wanted to see this amazing show on DVD, and they said, ‘I do!’” stated Jeff Siegel, FremantleMedia's VP of Home Entertainment for the Americas. “Now, with BCI, we are happy to provide them with an excellent shower gift. That is, if the shower they are planning is anything like the one in Psycho."
‘Til Death Do Us Part is like no other TV series - an unlikely marital mash-up of ‘50s soap opera hysterics, the black comedy of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and a touch of good old tabloid sensationalism that all adds up to perverse entertainment that’s custom made for the wicked wit and demented mind of John Waters.
Till Death Do Us Part
Street Date: July 1, 2008
Retail Price: $29.98
Genre: TV
Running Time: 286 minutes (approx.)
Rating: N/R
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Trailer & Poster for Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars: Theatrical Trailer Star Wars as you've never seen it before, coming to the big screen on August 15, 2008.
http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/video/sr_trailer.html
May 06, 2008
First Theatrical Trailer for Animated STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS to Premiere Exclusively Across Multiple Turner Networks Thursday, May 8
Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, CNN, and Boomerang All to Showcase Newest Star Wars Adventure at 7:58 p.m.
[ The Trailer & Poster for Star Wars: The Clone Wars ] Star Wars fans will get an unprecedented look at the newest intergalactic adventure on Thursday, May 8, when the world-premiere trailer for the upcoming CG-animated movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars debuts across five Turner networks simultaneously.
At 7:58 p.m. in all U.S. time zones, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, CNN, and Boomerang will debut an action-packed, two-minute preview of the animated adventure from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. It marks the first time a theatrical trailer has received a simultaneous, cross-network airing on Turner Networks. The trailer debuts in theaters on Friday, May 9, along with the first poster for the movie. The poster is available for pre-order exclusively at StarWarsShop. Check it out here.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars opens in movie theaters Aug. 15.
"By combining the power of the Turner Networks and the power of the Force, we're able to create a fantastic event for Star Wars fans of all ages," said Howard Roffman, vice president of Lucasfilm Ltd. "We're incredibly proud of The Clone Wars, and eager to be able to showcase it for the first time in such an exciting way."
The newest tale of adventure, intrigue and excitement in a galaxy far, far away combines the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars Saga with a signature animation style from Lucasfilm Animation.
On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padm� Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin's padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains -- led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous -- are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
The theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars tells an all-new story that leads directly in to this fall's premiere of a weekly, animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series on Cartoon Network, followed by airings on TNT.
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S “KUNG FU PANDA” KICKS OFF CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2008
Jack Black spreads “Panda-monium” Throughout Festival. SWEEPS
Cannes, Frances, May 14, 2008 -– DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) kicked off the 61st annual Cannes Film Festival today, as Jack Black, star of the company’s June 6 release, “Kung Fu Panda,” spread “Panda-monium” as he emerged from a water taxi to be greeted on the Carlton Hotel pier by nearly 40 life-sized Po, the Panda’s—his on-screen persona and the hero of the film.
Black and the other “kung fu pandas” posed for a barrage of photojournalists and camera crews, signaling that the celebrity- and film-fueled glitter of the 2008 Festival had officially begun. Black’s arrival at the Carlton is just the beginning of the “Kung Fu Panda-monium” set to sweep Cannes, culminating with the film’s worldwide premiere, tomorrow, May 15th, at 7:30pm at the nexus of the Festival, the Palais. The pre-screening red carpet arrivals will spotlight Black and several of his “Kung Fu Panda” co-stars—Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu—along with directors John Stevenson and Mark Osborne, producer Melissa Cobb, and co-producers / screenwriters Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, along with DreamWorks Animation’s Jeffrey Katzenberg.
In addition to the coverage supplied by the throng of international journalists on hand at the Festival, the “Kung Fu Panda” appearances and activities will be broadcast in real time to fans around the globe, thanks to satellite hookups beaming the Pandamonium worldwide.
Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black) is the biggest fan of kung fu around…which doesn’t exactly come in handy while working every day in his family’s noodle shop. When he’s unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po’s dreams become reality and he joins the world of kung fu to study alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five: Tigress (Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie); Crane (Emmy winner David Cross); Mantis (Emmy nominee Seth Rogen); Viper (Emmy/SAG nominee Lucy Liu); and Monkey (international superstar Jackie Chan) — under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu (two-time Oscar® winner Dustin Hoffman). But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung (Emmy/Golden Globe winner Ian McShane) is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a kung fu master into reality? Po puts his heart into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths. The film opens nationwide in the US on June 6, 2008.
DreamWorks Animation presents “Kung Fu Panda,” a Paramount Pictures release, featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, Michael Clarke Duncan and Dan Fogler. The film is directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne. The story is by Ethan Reiff & Cyrus Voris. The screenplay is by Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger. The producer is Melissa Cobb. The executive producer is Bill Damaschke. The co-producers are Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. This film has been rated PG for sequences of martial arts action.
San Marco Theatre Midnight Movie Schedule
All "Midnight" shows start at 11:55pm
6/6 & 6/7
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH
6/13 & 6/14
HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD
(this is a really great doc by those kids at vice magazine)
6/20 & 6/21
CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
6/27 & 6/28
BLADE RUNNER the directors cut
NEW PRINT
7/4 & 7/5
GREMLINS
July 25th & 26th
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (tentative)
August 1st and 2nd
THE ANIMATION SHOW
August 11th and 12th
THE CROW
August 22nd and 23rd
Dario Argento's MOTHER OF TEARS
August 29th and 30th
POULTRYGEIST
San Marco Theatre
1996 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-4845
6/6 & 6/7
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH
6/13 & 6/14
HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD
(this is a really great doc by those kids at vice magazine)
6/20 & 6/21
CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
6/27 & 6/28
BLADE RUNNER the directors cut
NEW PRINT
7/4 & 7/5
GREMLINS
July 25th & 26th
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (tentative)
August 1st and 2nd
THE ANIMATION SHOW
August 11th and 12th
THE CROW
August 22nd and 23rd
Dario Argento's MOTHER OF TEARS
August 29th and 30th
POULTRYGEIST
San Marco Theatre
1996 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-4845
OVERTURE FILMS AND PARAMOUNT VANTAGE TEAM TO CO-FINANCE AND DISTRIBUTE MICHAEL MOORE’S NEXT FILM
(Los Angeles, CA) May 13, 2008—Paramount Vantage and Overture Films will co-finance and distribute Oscar® winner Michael Moore’s next film, a searing and provocative follow up to his groundbreaking 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. The announcement was made today by Moore, Nick Meyer, President of Paramount Vantage, John Lesher, President of Paramount Film Group, and CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett of Overture Films. Paramount Vantage will handle international distribution in all media and Overture will handle domestic distribution in all media. Paramount Vantage will be launching the film into the international marketplace this week in Cannes. The film is scheduled for release in 2009.
Moore has made three of the top five highest-grossing documentaries of all time including Fahrenheit 9/11, 2008 Academy Award® nominee Sicko, and Bowling for Columbine, the Academy Award® winner for Best Documentary in 2003. He has also written and starred in the TV shows TV Nation and The Awful Truth, both of which established his trademark style of presenting serious documentaries in humorous and engaging ways. As with all of Moore’s projects, the subject matter of the new film is being kept under wraps by all the principals.
"It's great to be working again with Chris McGurk and John Lesher,” said Moore. “Both of them have been exceptional to work with in the past and I look forward to their assistance in this new project."
“We are thrilled to be working with Michael again,” said McGurk and Rosett jointly. Adding, “His fearless filmmaking has become an important catalyst for challenging mainstream thoughts and values regarding the important critical issues facing this country and the world. Everyone on the Overture team is delighted to be involved with Michael’s exciting new film.”
“Michael is one of the most inspiring, innovative and thought-provoking filmmakers of our generation,” said Meyer. “With his unquestionable mark on our culture and politics, Moore is renowned and iconic within the international marketplace and we could not be more enthusiastic about this partnership.”
Most of the principals involved have previously worked with Moore – John Lesher represented Moore as one of his agents at Endeavor and was involved in Fahrenheit 9/11, and McGurk and Rosett, while at MGM/United Artists, oversaw the release of Bowling for Columbine.
This announcement marks the second major deal between Paramount Vantage and Overture Films. The two studios entered into an exclusive international distribution deal last year that allows Overture access to Vantage’s international sales division as well as the distribution arm of Paramount Pictures International.
Moore is repped by Ari Emanuel of Endeavor, who brokered the deal on his behalf. Justin Alvarado-Brown oversaw the deal for Overture Films and Jeff Freedman negotiated on behalf of Paramount Vantage.
Moore has made three of the top five highest-grossing documentaries of all time including Fahrenheit 9/11, 2008 Academy Award® nominee Sicko, and Bowling for Columbine, the Academy Award® winner for Best Documentary in 2003. He has also written and starred in the TV shows TV Nation and The Awful Truth, both of which established his trademark style of presenting serious documentaries in humorous and engaging ways. As with all of Moore’s projects, the subject matter of the new film is being kept under wraps by all the principals.
"It's great to be working again with Chris McGurk and John Lesher,” said Moore. “Both of them have been exceptional to work with in the past and I look forward to their assistance in this new project."
“We are thrilled to be working with Michael again,” said McGurk and Rosett jointly. Adding, “His fearless filmmaking has become an important catalyst for challenging mainstream thoughts and values regarding the important critical issues facing this country and the world. Everyone on the Overture team is delighted to be involved with Michael’s exciting new film.”
“Michael is one of the most inspiring, innovative and thought-provoking filmmakers of our generation,” said Meyer. “With his unquestionable mark on our culture and politics, Moore is renowned and iconic within the international marketplace and we could not be more enthusiastic about this partnership.”
Most of the principals involved have previously worked with Moore – John Lesher represented Moore as one of his agents at Endeavor and was involved in Fahrenheit 9/11, and McGurk and Rosett, while at MGM/United Artists, oversaw the release of Bowling for Columbine.
This announcement marks the second major deal between Paramount Vantage and Overture Films. The two studios entered into an exclusive international distribution deal last year that allows Overture access to Vantage’s international sales division as well as the distribution arm of Paramount Pictures International.
Moore is repped by Ari Emanuel of Endeavor, who brokered the deal on his behalf. Justin Alvarado-Brown oversaw the deal for Overture Films and Jeff Freedman negotiated on behalf of Paramount Vantage.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS WILL RELEASE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION OF PERSEPOLIS ON APRIL 11, 2008
Sony Pictures Classics will release the English language version of "Persepolis,” Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud’s animated feature based on Satrapi’s internationally best-selling and award-winning comic book autobiography, on one hundred screens nationwide on April 11, 2007. (A list of markets the film is opening in follows below.)
The English language version of “Persepolis” features the voices of Chiara Mastroianni as Marjane, Sean Penn as Marjane’s Father Ebi, Catherine Deneuve as Marjane’s Mother Tadji, Gena Rowlands as Marjane’s Grandmother, Iggy Pop as Uncle Anouche, and Amethyste Frezignac as Young Marjane. The English language version of the film was recorded under the direction of Co-Directors Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud as the French language version of the film was being completed.
“Persepolis” was nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar, was France’s entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, shared the jury prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, showed to critical acclaim at the 2007 Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals, and closed the New York Film Festival. Sony Pictures Classics released the French language version of the film in the U.S. on December 25, 2007.
Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud co-wrote and co-directed the film, which is produced by Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault of 2.4.7. Films, and executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy of The Kennedy/Marshall Company in co-production with France 3 Cinema, Franche Connection Animations and Diaphana Distribution; in association with Celluloid Dreams, Sony Pictures Classics, Sofica Soficinema and Sofica Europacorp.
“Persepolis” is the poignant story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is through the eyes of precocious and outspoken nine year old Marjane that we see a people's hopes dashed as fundamentalists take power - forcing the veil on women and imprisoning thousands. Clever and fearless, she outsmarts the “social guardians” and discovers punk, ABBA and Iron Maiden. Yet when her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war, the daily fear that permeates life in Iran is palpable.
As she gets older, Marjane's boldness causes her parents to worry over her continued safety. And so, at age fourteen, they make the difficult decision to send her to school in Austria. Vulnerable and alone in a strange land, she endures the typical ordeals of a teenager. In addition, Marjane has to combat being equated with the religious fundamentalism and extremism she fled her country to escape. Over time, she gains acceptance, and even experiences love, but after high school she finds herself alone and horribly homesick.
Though it means putting on the veil and living in a tyrannical society, Marjane decides to return to Iran to be close to her family. After a difficult period of adjustment, she enters art school and marries, all the while continuing to speak out against the hypocrisy she witnesses. At age 24, she realizes that while she is deeply Iranian, she cannot live in Iran. She then makes the heartbreaking decision to leave her homeland for France, optimistic about her future, shaped indelibly by her past.
Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran, and currently lives in Paris. She has written several children’s books and her commentary and comics appear in newspapers and magazines around the world, including The New York Times and The New Yorker. Her most recent books are the graphic novel, Chicken with Plums and the children’s book, Monsters are Afraid of the Moon.
Vincent Paronnaud is also known as the comic book author Winshluss. He has created, often with his friend and collaborator, Cizo, several comics and short films. The Festival d’Angoulême nominated him in 2004 for Smart Monkey and for Wizz and Buzz in 2007. Their film, Raging Blues, screened at more than 30 festivals around the world and received the Prix de la Presse aux Lutins in Paris.
2.4.7. Films is a new company created by Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault, who have both had long experience in the French film industry, particularly in production for the former and theatrical distribution for the latter. “Persepolis” is 2.4.7.films' first project. Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault are also working on a number of other projects still in development.
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall formed The Kennedy/Marshall Company in 1992. The Kennedy/Marshall Company's productions include "Snow Falling on Cedars," directed by Scott Hicks; "A Map of the World," starring Sigourney Weaver and Julianne Moore; "The Sixth Sense," starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment; "The Bourne Identity” and "The Bourne Supremacy" starring Matt Damon; M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs," "Seabiscuit," the true story based on Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling book and directed by Gary Ross; "Munich" directed by Steven Spielberg; and “Hoot,” based on the book by Carl Hiaasen.
Prior to establishing The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Frank produced “Raiders of the Lost Ark” while Kathleen produced “E.T.” They then co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg in 1982 and produced films such as “Poltergeist,” "The Color Purple," the "Back to the Future” trilogy, "The Bridges of Madison County," "Twister,” and "Jurassic Park: The Lost World." In addition, Kathleen served as executive producer on "Schindler's List," and produced "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence." Recent Kennedy/Marshall projects include, “The Bourne Ultimatum,” the third in the Bourne series of movies and "Benjamin Button," based on a F. Scott Fitzgerald short story.
The English language version of “Persepolis” features the voices of Chiara Mastroianni as Marjane, Sean Penn as Marjane’s Father Ebi, Catherine Deneuve as Marjane’s Mother Tadji, Gena Rowlands as Marjane’s Grandmother, Iggy Pop as Uncle Anouche, and Amethyste Frezignac as Young Marjane. The English language version of the film was recorded under the direction of Co-Directors Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud as the French language version of the film was being completed.
“Persepolis” was nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar, was France’s entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, shared the jury prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, showed to critical acclaim at the 2007 Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals, and closed the New York Film Festival. Sony Pictures Classics released the French language version of the film in the U.S. on December 25, 2007.
Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud co-wrote and co-directed the film, which is produced by Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault of 2.4.7. Films, and executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy of The Kennedy/Marshall Company in co-production with France 3 Cinema, Franche Connection Animations and Diaphana Distribution; in association with Celluloid Dreams, Sony Pictures Classics, Sofica Soficinema and Sofica Europacorp.
“Persepolis” is the poignant story of a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It is through the eyes of precocious and outspoken nine year old Marjane that we see a people's hopes dashed as fundamentalists take power - forcing the veil on women and imprisoning thousands. Clever and fearless, she outsmarts the “social guardians” and discovers punk, ABBA and Iron Maiden. Yet when her uncle is senselessly executed and as bombs fall around Tehran in the Iran/Iraq war, the daily fear that permeates life in Iran is palpable.
As she gets older, Marjane's boldness causes her parents to worry over her continued safety. And so, at age fourteen, they make the difficult decision to send her to school in Austria. Vulnerable and alone in a strange land, she endures the typical ordeals of a teenager. In addition, Marjane has to combat being equated with the religious fundamentalism and extremism she fled her country to escape. Over time, she gains acceptance, and even experiences love, but after high school she finds herself alone and horribly homesick.
Though it means putting on the veil and living in a tyrannical society, Marjane decides to return to Iran to be close to her family. After a difficult period of adjustment, she enters art school and marries, all the while continuing to speak out against the hypocrisy she witnesses. At age 24, she realizes that while she is deeply Iranian, she cannot live in Iran. She then makes the heartbreaking decision to leave her homeland for France, optimistic about her future, shaped indelibly by her past.
Marjane Satrapi was born in 1969 in Rasht, Iran, and currently lives in Paris. She has written several children’s books and her commentary and comics appear in newspapers and magazines around the world, including The New York Times and The New Yorker. Her most recent books are the graphic novel, Chicken with Plums and the children’s book, Monsters are Afraid of the Moon.
Vincent Paronnaud is also known as the comic book author Winshluss. He has created, often with his friend and collaborator, Cizo, several comics and short films. The Festival d’Angoulême nominated him in 2004 for Smart Monkey and for Wizz and Buzz in 2007. Their film, Raging Blues, screened at more than 30 festivals around the world and received the Prix de la Presse aux Lutins in Paris.
2.4.7. Films is a new company created by Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault, who have both had long experience in the French film industry, particularly in production for the former and theatrical distribution for the latter. “Persepolis” is 2.4.7.films' first project. Marc-Antoine Robert and Xavier Rigault are also working on a number of other projects still in development.
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall formed The Kennedy/Marshall Company in 1992. The Kennedy/Marshall Company's productions include "Snow Falling on Cedars," directed by Scott Hicks; "A Map of the World," starring Sigourney Weaver and Julianne Moore; "The Sixth Sense," starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment; "The Bourne Identity” and "The Bourne Supremacy" starring Matt Damon; M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs," "Seabiscuit," the true story based on Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling book and directed by Gary Ross; "Munich" directed by Steven Spielberg; and “Hoot,” based on the book by Carl Hiaasen.
Prior to establishing The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Frank produced “Raiders of the Lost Ark” while Kathleen produced “E.T.” They then co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg in 1982 and produced films such as “Poltergeist,” "The Color Purple," the "Back to the Future” trilogy, "The Bridges of Madison County," "Twister,” and "Jurassic Park: The Lost World." In addition, Kathleen served as executive producer on "Schindler's List," and produced "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence." Recent Kennedy/Marshall projects include, “The Bourne Ultimatum,” the third in the Bourne series of movies and "Benjamin Button," based on a F. Scott Fitzgerald short story.
HIAM ABBASS, GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL, PAZ DE LA HUERTA, ALEX DESCAS, JOHN HURT, YOUKI KUDOH, BILL MURRAY, JEAN-FRANÇOIS STÉVENIN, TILDA SWINTON, LUIS TOSAR
IN NEW FILM FROM WRITER/DIRECTOR JIM JARMUSCH;
PRODUCTION UNDERWAY
Independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s new film, the tentatively titled The Limits of Control, has confirmed the addition of ten actors to its cast. Mr. Jarmusch started shooting the picture, to which Focus Features has worldwide rights, in Madrid, Spain earlier this month.
Joining previously announced lead actor Isaach De Bankolé, in his fourth collaboration with Mr. Jarmusch, are Hiam Abbass, whose films include Munich and Paradise Now; Gael García Bernal, of Focus’ Academy Award-winning The Motorcycle Diaries; Paz De La Huerta, whose independent feature work includes the upcoming The Guitar, with Mr. De Bankolé; Alex Descas, who starred opposite Mr. De Bankolé in the “No Problem” segment of Mr. Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes; two-time Academy Award nominee John Hurt; Youki Kudoh, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s Mystery Train; Bill Murray, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s most recent film, Broken Flowers, which was also handled worldwide by Focus; Jean-François Stévenin, whose films include Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Man on the Train; Tilda Swinton, also a Broken Flowers cast member, and currently an Academy Award nominee for her performance in Michael Clayton; and Luis Tosar, whose films include Miami Vice, in which Mr. De Bankolé also appeared. Focus is co-financing the film with Entertainment Farm.
In addition to Broken Flowers, Mr. Jarmusch’s films include Permanent Vacation, Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law, Mystery Train, Night on Earth, Dead Man, Year of the Horse, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Coffee and Cigarettes, and the short film “INT. TRAILER. NIGHT.”
The new film is the story of a mysterious loner (to be played by Mr. De Bankolé), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged. The film is set in the striking and varied landscapes of contemporary Spain (both urban and otherwise).
Mr. Schamus said, “These acclaimed actors span an international spectrum of talent, and are sterling additions to this exciting new project. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with several of them previously, and eagerly anticipate their work with Jim.”
Stacey Smith, who has worked with Mr. Jarmusch for over a decade, and Gretchen McGowan (who co-produced the filmmaker’s Coffee and Cigarettes) are producing the new film. Award-winning cinematographer Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love) is the film’s director of photography; Eugenio Caballero, an Academy Award winner last year for his art direction of Pan’s Labryinth, is the film’s production designer. The filmmaker’s longtime collaborator Jay Rabinowitz will edit the feature. Jon Kilik (Babel) is executive-producing the film, continuing his association with Mr. Jarmusch.
President of production John Lyons and senior vice president, international production and post-production Allison Silver are overseeing the project on behalf of Focus.
Focus Features (www.focusfeatures.com) is a motion picture production, financing, and worldwide distribution company committed to bringing moviegoers the most original stories from the world’s most innovative filmmakers.
In addition to Mr. Jarmusch’s new film, current and upcoming Focus Features releases include Joe Wright’s Atonement, nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture; Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes, which world-premiered as the Opening-Night film of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival; Bharat Nalluri’s Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams; Andrew Fleming’s irreverent comedy Hamlet 2, starring Steve Coogan; Shane Acker’s animated fantasy epic 9, starring Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly; Henry Selick’s stop-motion animated feature Coraline, starring Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher; Cary Fukunaga’s immigrant thriller Sin Nombre; Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn After Reading, starring George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, and Brad Pitt; Gus Van Sant’s Milk, starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk; and a contemporary comedy to be directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.
PRODUCTION UNDERWAY
Independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s new film, the tentatively titled The Limits of Control, has confirmed the addition of ten actors to its cast. Mr. Jarmusch started shooting the picture, to which Focus Features has worldwide rights, in Madrid, Spain earlier this month.
Joining previously announced lead actor Isaach De Bankolé, in his fourth collaboration with Mr. Jarmusch, are Hiam Abbass, whose films include Munich and Paradise Now; Gael García Bernal, of Focus’ Academy Award-winning The Motorcycle Diaries; Paz De La Huerta, whose independent feature work includes the upcoming The Guitar, with Mr. De Bankolé; Alex Descas, who starred opposite Mr. De Bankolé in the “No Problem” segment of Mr. Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes; two-time Academy Award nominee John Hurt; Youki Kudoh, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s Mystery Train; Bill Murray, who starred in Mr. Jarmusch’s most recent film, Broken Flowers, which was also handled worldwide by Focus; Jean-François Stévenin, whose films include Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Man on the Train; Tilda Swinton, also a Broken Flowers cast member, and currently an Academy Award nominee for her performance in Michael Clayton; and Luis Tosar, whose films include Miami Vice, in which Mr. De Bankolé also appeared. Focus is co-financing the film with Entertainment Farm.
In addition to Broken Flowers, Mr. Jarmusch’s films include Permanent Vacation, Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law, Mystery Train, Night on Earth, Dead Man, Year of the Horse, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Coffee and Cigarettes, and the short film “INT. TRAILER. NIGHT.”
The new film is the story of a mysterious loner (to be played by Mr. De Bankolé), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged. The film is set in the striking and varied landscapes of contemporary Spain (both urban and otherwise).
Mr. Schamus said, “These acclaimed actors span an international spectrum of talent, and are sterling additions to this exciting new project. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with several of them previously, and eagerly anticipate their work with Jim.”
Stacey Smith, who has worked with Mr. Jarmusch for over a decade, and Gretchen McGowan (who co-produced the filmmaker’s Coffee and Cigarettes) are producing the new film. Award-winning cinematographer Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love) is the film’s director of photography; Eugenio Caballero, an Academy Award winner last year for his art direction of Pan’s Labryinth, is the film’s production designer. The filmmaker’s longtime collaborator Jay Rabinowitz will edit the feature. Jon Kilik (Babel) is executive-producing the film, continuing his association with Mr. Jarmusch.
President of production John Lyons and senior vice president, international production and post-production Allison Silver are overseeing the project on behalf of Focus.
Focus Features (www.focusfeatures.com) is a motion picture production, financing, and worldwide distribution company committed to bringing moviegoers the most original stories from the world’s most innovative filmmakers.
In addition to Mr. Jarmusch’s new film, current and upcoming Focus Features releases include Joe Wright’s Atonement, nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture; Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes, which world-premiered as the Opening-Night film of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival; Bharat Nalluri’s Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams; Andrew Fleming’s irreverent comedy Hamlet 2, starring Steve Coogan; Shane Acker’s animated fantasy epic 9, starring Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly; Henry Selick’s stop-motion animated feature Coraline, starring Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher; Cary Fukunaga’s immigrant thriller Sin Nombre; Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn After Reading, starring George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, and Brad Pitt; Gus Van Sant’s Milk, starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk; and a contemporary comedy to be directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes.
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