Written and performed by two-time Obie Award winner Heidi Schreck Grand Concourse, 'I Love Dick' and directed by Obie Award winner Oliver Butler The Amateurs, The Light Years, What the Constitution Means to Me opens on Sunday night, March 31, 2019, at the Helen Hayes Theater 240 W 44th Street, New York, NY. Check out a first look at the cast in action...
- 3/29/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
TaTaTu, the cryptocurrency-centric social entertainment platform run by entrepreneur Andrea Iervolino, has signed content licensing agreements for library titles from Lakeshore Entertainment, Kew Media Group, and Film4.
The deals will provide more than 50 films and TV shows to TaTaTu users, including the likes of Heathers, The Amateurs, Hotel Splendide, The War Zone and the Children of the Corn trilogy, and featuring talent such as Jeff Bridges, Scarlett Johansson, Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Winona Ryder, Tommy Lee Jones and Kristen Stewart.
Financial terms of the agreements are not being disclosed. The deal significantly bolsters TaTaTu's offering by adding ...
The deals will provide more than 50 films and TV shows to TaTaTu users, including the likes of Heathers, The Amateurs, Hotel Splendide, The War Zone and the Children of the Corn trilogy, and featuring talent such as Jeff Bridges, Scarlett Johansson, Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Winona Ryder, Tommy Lee Jones and Kristen Stewart.
Financial terms of the agreements are not being disclosed. The deal significantly bolsters TaTaTu's offering by adding ...
- 1/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
TaTaTu, the cryptocurrency-centric social entertainment platform run by entrepreneur Andrea Iervolino, has signed content licensing agreements for library titles from Lakeshore Entertainment, Kew Media Group, and Film4.
The deals will provide more than 50 films and TV shows to TaTaTu users, including the likes of Heathers, The Amateurs, Hotel Splendide, The War Zone and the Children of the Corn trilogy, and featuring talent such as Jeff Bridges, Scarlett Johansson, Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Winona Ryder, Tommy Lee Jones and Kristen Stewart.
Financial terms of the agreements are not being disclosed. The deal significantly bolsters TaTaTu's offering by adding ...
The deals will provide more than 50 films and TV shows to TaTaTu users, including the likes of Heathers, The Amateurs, Hotel Splendide, The War Zone and the Children of the Corn trilogy, and featuring talent such as Jeff Bridges, Scarlett Johansson, Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Winona Ryder, Tommy Lee Jones and Kristen Stewart.
Financial terms of the agreements are not being disclosed. The deal significantly bolsters TaTaTu's offering by adding ...
- 1/30/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York Theatre Workshop Nytw announces five productions as part of its complete 201819 Season, and the first production of their 201920 Season. The season begins in Fall 2018 with What The Constitution Means To Me by two-time Obie Award winner Heidi Schreck Grand Concourse, I Love Dick and directed by Obie Award winner Oliver Butler The Amateurs, The Light Years followed by the New York Premiere ofSLAVE Play by Jeremy O. Harris Daddy.
- 4/4/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
On this episode, writercomposer Richard Thomas visits with actors Terrence Mann and Will Swenson from Thomas' controversial work Jerry Springer -The Opera, which created a sensation in the UK 13 years ago, but was considered so outrageous that it only now premieres in NYC. They discuss the spectacular production by The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center, with Michael Musto of NewNowNext.com and Susan Haskins. Next, playwright Jordan Harrison, director Oliver Butler and actor Michael Cyril Creighton talk about their production of Harrison's highly-original and thought-provoking play, The Amateurs, at the Vineyard Theatre, about a theater troop fleeing The Black Death in the Middle Ages and how these actors contributed to the modern dramatic concepts of character and individuality.
- 3/5/2018
- by Theater Talk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Film will open Goteborg and also screen in Rotterdam.
Denmark-based LevelK has boarded sales on Gabriela Pichler’s The Amateurs ahead of its world premiere as opening night at the Goteborg Film Festival.
Source: LevelK
The Amateurs
In Goteborg, the film is in the festival’s Nordic Competition, and it will also screen at the International Film Festival Rotterdam as one of the Iffr Live selections.
LevelK will be selling the film at Berlin’s European Film Market, where it will host a closed screening for buyers.
Pichler previously directed 2012 festival hit Eat Sleep Die.
The Amateurs is set in the Swedish provincial town of Lafors, where the economy is on the decline. When the local council tries to attract a big German supermarket to give the town a fresh start, young people are asked to make promotional videos about Lafors, with unexpected results.
Pichler explains, ”If just one video clip would define your whole town, which...
Denmark-based LevelK has boarded sales on Gabriela Pichler’s The Amateurs ahead of its world premiere as opening night at the Goteborg Film Festival.
Source: LevelK
The Amateurs
In Goteborg, the film is in the festival’s Nordic Competition, and it will also screen at the International Film Festival Rotterdam as one of the Iffr Live selections.
LevelK will be selling the film at Berlin’s European Film Market, where it will host a closed screening for buyers.
Pichler previously directed 2012 festival hit Eat Sleep Die.
The Amateurs is set in the Swedish provincial town of Lafors, where the economy is on the decline. When the local council tries to attract a big German supermarket to give the town a fresh start, young people are asked to make promotional videos about Lafors, with unexpected results.
Pichler explains, ”If just one video clip would define your whole town, which...
- 1/15/2018
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Duncan Bowles Sep 20, 2017
Jeff Bridges chats to us about movies, Kingsman, westerns, Iron Man and more...
When preparing for an interview it can often be a double edged sword if you choose to look at other peoples’ work. Sometimes you read an interview and the answers can look frighteningly short, so panic might set in that perhaps that person isn’t very chatty, or doesn’t like doing them (though often publications just choose to use highlights), but I have to say that with Jeff Bridges, I’m glad I’d read Celia Walden’s talk with him for the Telegraph first.
I wouldn’t usually reference what I’d read in an introduction, but once you know you’re going to be sat in a room with Jeff Bridges, alone, for fifteen minutes, you need as much preparation as possible – he is, after all, a cinematic legend who needs no introduction.
Jeff Bridges chats to us about movies, Kingsman, westerns, Iron Man and more...
When preparing for an interview it can often be a double edged sword if you choose to look at other peoples’ work. Sometimes you read an interview and the answers can look frighteningly short, so panic might set in that perhaps that person isn’t very chatty, or doesn’t like doing them (though often publications just choose to use highlights), but I have to say that with Jeff Bridges, I’m glad I’d read Celia Walden’s talk with him for the Telegraph first.
I wouldn’t usually reference what I’d read in an introduction, but once you know you’re going to be sat in a room with Jeff Bridges, alone, for fifteen minutes, you need as much preparation as possible – he is, after all, a cinematic legend who needs no introduction.
- 9/19/2017
- Den of Geek
This year, the battle for the “Best Actor” category is fierce. However, one of our favorites is John Hawkes. Is brilliant performance in “The Sessions” may garner him the coveted Oscar. Soon we will find out. John Hawkes has been working non-stop since his critically acclaimed performance as Teardrop in “Winter’s Bone,” the role which earned him an Independent Spirit Award win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hawkes can be seen in Ben Lewin’s “The Sessions,” the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined – at age 38 – to lose his virginity. He also recently completed production on “Lincoln,” “Arcadia” and “The Playroom.” Hawkes’ additional film credits include “Higher Ground,” “Contagion,” “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” “Me and You and Everyone We Know,” “American Gangster,” “Miami Vice,” “Identity,” “The Perfect Storm,” “Small Town Saturday Night,” “Hardball,” “Wristcutters: A Love Story,” “The Amateurs,...
- 12/31/2012
- by mgblog@hollywoodnews.com (Marco Gama)
- Hollywoodnews.com
HollywoodNews.com: The 16th Annual Hollywood Film Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Times, is pleased to announce that writer/director/producer Judd Apatow will be given the “Hollywood Comedy Award”; actor John Hawkes will receive the "Hollywood Breakout Performance Award"; actress Quvenzhane Wallis will receive the "New Hollywood Award"; cinematographer Wally Pfister, A.S.C. will receive the “Hollywood Cinematographer Award”; and Disney and Marvel Entertainment’s “The Avengers,” directed by Josh Whedon, produced by Kevin Feige and with visual effects from VFX supervisors Janek Sirrs and Jeff White will receive the “Hollywood Visual Effects Award.” "We look forward to celebrating these exceptionally talented filmmakers and artists for their outstanding work and creative vision," said Carlos de Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Awards. The Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 22, 2012. The event honors cherished stars and up-and-coming talent,...
- 9/12/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
With Drive Angry out now on DVD and Blu-ray, we take a look back over the finest work of co-star and acting legend, William Fichtner...
William Fichtner might not have achieved the status of household name yet, but to those familiar with his work, he inspires as much loyalty from fans as he does from the directors and producers that have repeatedly cast him in their films over the years.
Focusing on his more geek-centric films, I'll let his body of work and the sheer range and variety of his performances sell the quality of the man. He's certainly an actor I've admired and followed for many years now.
I'll freely admit that The Perfect Storm quite possibly should have made this list, but while I enjoyed the film and Fichtner's performance, there wasn't much I could find to write about it, other than that it's a solid enough drama,...
William Fichtner might not have achieved the status of household name yet, but to those familiar with his work, he inspires as much loyalty from fans as he does from the directors and producers that have repeatedly cast him in their films over the years.
Focusing on his more geek-centric films, I'll let his body of work and the sheer range and variety of his performances sell the quality of the man. He's certainly an actor I've admired and followed for many years now.
I'll freely admit that The Perfect Storm quite possibly should have made this list, but while I enjoyed the film and Fichtner's performance, there wasn't much I could find to write about it, other than that it's a solid enough drama,...
- 6/29/2011
- Den of Geek
With the Oscars fast approaching, Oscar snub stories have hit a fevered pitch. Did those wily Coen Brothers snag Chris Nolan’s Best Director nod? Did female filmmakers get the shaft (again)? How did Scott Pilgrim vs. The World not score a single tech nod? (The answers are: No. Yes. The Academy is made up of geezers.)
While pondering these craftsmen left out in the cold of the award season spotlight, I couldn’t help but think on one particularly egregious snub – that of Jeff Bridge’s beard, a truly undervalued supporting player.
Let me be clear. I love Jeff Bridges. His lack of vanity makes him an absolute joy to watch, and I think he deserves all the accolades he’s garnered and more. I just feel he should admit his greatest advocate over the past few years, the collaborator whose added to some of his greatest portrayals, is his beard.
While pondering these craftsmen left out in the cold of the award season spotlight, I couldn’t help but think on one particularly egregious snub – that of Jeff Bridge’s beard, a truly undervalued supporting player.
Let me be clear. I love Jeff Bridges. His lack of vanity makes him an absolute joy to watch, and I think he deserves all the accolades he’s garnered and more. I just feel he should admit his greatest advocate over the past few years, the collaborator whose added to some of his greatest portrayals, is his beard.
- 2/25/2011
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
William Fichtner has long been on the Den Of Geek heroes list. And as Drive Angry 3D arrives, we finally got to sit down with him for a chat...
William Fichtner is an actor who's fast cementing his reputation as a legend, with his latest film, Drive Angry 3D, proving that he's effortlessly able to shine in any kind of genre film, drawing full attention to his performance, even when facing off against someone as charismatic as Nicolas Cage.
For me, he displays the same kind of edgy skill I've always admired in actors such as Christopher Walken and James Woods, excelling at dark comedy one minute, then switching to loveable and harmless, before being absolutely terrifying.
In films such as Contact and Equilibrium, you could turn to him in a crisis. In Black Hawk Down he kicked ass in a crisis. But when the world was going to end in Armageddon,...
William Fichtner is an actor who's fast cementing his reputation as a legend, with his latest film, Drive Angry 3D, proving that he's effortlessly able to shine in any kind of genre film, drawing full attention to his performance, even when facing off against someone as charismatic as Nicolas Cage.
For me, he displays the same kind of edgy skill I've always admired in actors such as Christopher Walken and James Woods, excelling at dark comedy one minute, then switching to loveable and harmless, before being absolutely terrifying.
In films such as Contact and Equilibrium, you could turn to him in a crisis. In Black Hawk Down he kicked ass in a crisis. But when the world was going to end in Armageddon,...
- 2/24/2011
- Den of Geek
I was saddened to learn this morning that Betty Garrett, the great star of stage, screen, and TV, passed away yesterday at the age of 94 after suffering an aortic aneurysm.
Garrett was one of those rare people — like, say, Jack Valenti — who happened to be a witness to and/or participant in a remarkably high number of historic events of the 20th century. She was a member of Orson Welles’s famed Mercury Theatre company, and was with him on the night that he shook up America with his infamous radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” (1938); she was Frank Sinatra’s leading lady in two of the earliest great M-g-m musical-comedies, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (1949) and “On the Town” (1949); her career was greatly hurt by the Hollywood Red Scare after her husband, the Oscar nominated actor Larry Parks, refused to name names before the House Committee...
Garrett was one of those rare people — like, say, Jack Valenti — who happened to be a witness to and/or participant in a remarkably high number of historic events of the 20th century. She was a member of Orson Welles’s famed Mercury Theatre company, and was with him on the night that he shook up America with his infamous radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” (1938); she was Frank Sinatra’s leading lady in two of the earliest great M-g-m musical-comedies, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (1949) and “On the Town” (1949); her career was greatly hurt by the Hollywood Red Scare after her husband, the Oscar nominated actor Larry Parks, refused to name names before the House Committee...
- 2/13/2011
- by Scott Feinberg
- Scott Feinberg
Following last week’s press screening of Drive Angry 3D at London’s swanky Charlotte Street Hotel, William Fichtner joined the crowd of competition winners and critics for a Q&A about not only the film, but his career so far, his love for cars, the differences between TV and film (having worked extensively in both) and any future work in the pipeline. While a February 21st embargo means we can’t talk about the film just yet, here is a summary of Fichtner’s discussion with the crowd.
Fichtner began by saying he had not actually seen the finished film yet; he had a chance to recently but decided to go the gym instead!
On Drive Angry
Fichtner was eager to praise screenwriters Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier for a script that he pretty much fell in love with; he admired their invention and also their refusal to change...
Fichtner began by saying he had not actually seen the finished film yet; he had a chance to recently but decided to go the gym instead!
On Drive Angry
Fichtner was eager to praise screenwriters Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier for a script that he pretty much fell in love with; he admired their invention and also their refusal to change...
- 2/6/2011
- by Shaun Munro
- Obsessed with Film
The "Spider-Man" reboot is quickly becoming the new "Captain America" in regards to how many casting rumors are circling around the internet. Today we have a new one. First, HitFix reported that "Percy Jackson" star Logan Lerman was "almost 100% locked" as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Marvel quickly responded by saying that Lerman is not even being considered, despite the fact that the studio has had discussions with him. Now comes news via IESB that 18-year-old Josh Hutcherson is on the short list of actors to play Spidey. I always found him incredibly awkward, but he has a decent resume, consisting of such films as "Cirque du Freak," "Journey to the Center of the Earth," "Bridge to Terabithia," "Rv" and "Zathura." Other actors rumored for the role are Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland), Patrick Fugit (The Moguls) and Johnny Simmons (Jennifer's Body). Click here to read more about "Spider-Man."...
- 4/14/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
HitFix recently reported that "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" star Logan Lerman was Sony's choice to play Peter Parker in the "Spider-Man" reboot. Now comes word from Sony, that Lerman is not being considered for the role. While it's true that the 18-year-old actor has had conversations with the studio, he is not currently on the list of potential candidates. This obviously means that Lerman will not be Spidey. While we don't know for sure which actors are on the short list, Hitfix claims that it is Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland), Patrick Fugit (The Moguls) and Johnny Simmons (Jennifer's Body). But the site has been wrong before. Click here to read more about "Spider-Man."...
- 4/12/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Back in February, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" actor Logan Lerman revealed that he's had conversations with Sony Pictures about starring in the upcoming "Spider-Man" reboot. "There have been a few discussions, it's definitely something I'm looking into," the 18-year-old said. HitFix is now reporting that Sony has already chosen Lerman to play Peter Parker, but the two parties have yet to contractually finalize the deal. Since production is set to begin later this year, an official announcement will soon be made. The site claims that Lerman beat out such contenders as Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland), Patrick Fugit (The Moguls) and Johnny Simmons (Jennifer's Body). The "Spider-Man" reboot is set to be directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) from a script by James Vanderbilt (Zodiac). It is scheduled to hit theaters on July 3rd, 2012. Click here to read more about "Spider-Man."...
- 4/11/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Ted Danson and Jeff Bridges' new movie is to hit DVD shelves just a month after the stars promoted the film's cinema release. First Look Studios executives have announced The Moguls, in which Bridges leads a group of middle-aged neighbors - including a gay Danson - into the porn film business, will be released as a DVD in February . The film was released in just three cinemas on December 9th. It made just over $10,000 in its opening and only box office weekend, according to IMDb.com.
- 12/26/2007
- WENN
- It's never a good sign when a film's release date keeps getting pushed back, by no fault of its own, in this case it was a question of questionable distribution practices. It was supposed to get a release last year under the Bauer Martinez Distribution label, but at some point ended up being picked up in turnaround by First Look Studios. No question that there is a lot of money in porn - this takes a different "community approach". Here is the synopsis for the film formerly titled "The Moguls". Scroll down to watch the trailer. Down-and-out divorcee Andy Sargentee (Jeff Bridges), with the help of his five motley friends, brainstorms a genius idea to make their dreams come true. They are going to rally their small town to produce an amateur adult film! They think they've found the road to fame and fortune, but their fantasy quickly turns
- 10/26/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
Ted Danson has joined Mad Money, a comedic caper that Callie Khouri is directing from her own script.
Roger Cross, Stephen Root, Adam Rothenberg, J.C. MacKenzie, Chris McDonald and Finesse Mitchell also have been cast in the Millennium Films production, which is being toplined by Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
Set in Kansas City, Mo., Money follows three co-workers, all with their own motives, who hatch a plan to steal money scheduled to be destroyed at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Principal photography is due to begin Monday, April 16 in Shreveport, La.
Producing are Jay Cohen, James Acheson and Frank DeMartini. Executive producing are Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Boaz Davidson, Trevor Short, Michael P. Flannigan, Wendy Kram and Robert O. Green.
Big City Films and Lightspeed Media are also involved.
Danson, repped by CAA, next co-stars opposite Glenn Close on FX's upcoming drama series Damages. His feature credits include Saving Private Ryan, Mumford and The Moguls.
Roger Cross, Stephen Root, Adam Rothenberg, J.C. MacKenzie, Chris McDonald and Finesse Mitchell also have been cast in the Millennium Films production, which is being toplined by Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes.
Set in Kansas City, Mo., Money follows three co-workers, all with their own motives, who hatch a plan to steal money scheduled to be destroyed at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Principal photography is due to begin Monday, April 16 in Shreveport, La.
Producing are Jay Cohen, James Acheson and Frank DeMartini. Executive producing are Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Boaz Davidson, Trevor Short, Michael P. Flannigan, Wendy Kram and Robert O. Green.
Big City Films and Lightspeed Media are also involved.
Danson, repped by CAA, next co-stars opposite Glenn Close on FX's upcoming drama series Damages. His feature credits include Saving Private Ryan, Mumford and The Moguls.
- 4/16/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Andreas Klein, chairman of the board of Splendid Medien AG, has joined the board of directors of Bauer Martinez Distribution. Bauer Martinez chairman and CEO Philippe Martinez announced Klein's appointment Thursday. The fledgling U.S. distribution company most recently announced the acquisition of The Moguls, starring Jeff Bridges, and Fragile, starring Calista Flockhart.
- 11/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Touchstone Pictures has cast Jeff Bridges in the upcoming comedy Stick It. Bridges will play the coach in the sports-themed picture about a team of rule-abiding gymnasts who develop a taste for rebellion after a renegade member (Missy Peregrym) joins the crew. Vanessa Lengies co-stars as Peregrym's rival. Jessica Bendinger is making her directorial debut on the project from her own script. Nina Jacobson, Kristen Burr and Louanne Brickhouse are overseeing for the studio. Gail Lyon is producing. Bridges' recent credits include The Door in the Floor and Seabiscuit. His upcoming features include Tideland and The Moguls, in which he plays a small-town character who rounds up his friends to make a porn flick. Bridges is repped by UTA.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Moguls presents porn as the new, um, feel-good factor — just another all-American entrepreneurial venture, sparking small-town camaraderie and midlife redemption.
The moderately intriguing premise gets thin-bordering-on-brittle treatment in writer-director Michael Traeger's uncertain comedy. Not even a committed toplining turn by Jeff Bridges, in scruffy-dude mode, or the ensemble support of talented character actors can find much of a comic pulse in the material. A theatrical payday is unlikely for this tale of yokels producing their very own "porno." The film premiered in February as the closing-night presentation of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
In his directorial debut, Traeger (who scripted Dead Man on Campus) collects a handful of mildly wacky residents of white-picket-fence Butterface Fields. Their de facto chief is down-on-his-luck Andy (Bridges), who indulges in one of his notorious thinking binges after ex-wife Thelma (Jeanne Tripplehorn) marries an ultrarich guy (Steven Weber). Feeling like a loser in the eyes of his teen son (Alex Linz), Andy is determined to succeed at something and decides the $12 billion-a-year porn industry is the ticket.
None of Andy's prospective partners balks at the proposition. The supposedly hilariously named Some Idiot (Joe Pantoliano) seizes upon the opportunity to fulfill his creative destiny, taking the helm as writer-director. Closeted homosexual Moose (Ted Danson) ratchets up the macho talk about babes. Patrick Fugit does what he can with the slim role of geeky DP Emmett, and William Fichtner is appropriately off-center as Otis, whose enthusiasm and blurry sense of purpose earn him the title of executive producer — as musty a joke about moviemaking if ever there was one.
Despite the efforts of the cast, they're all one-note conceptions, particularly the second-string female characters — among them a hard-working single mom (Lauren Graham), eager-to-please stripper (Valerie Perrine) and Some Idiot's jello-dispensing mother (Eileen Brennan). Sweet, foolish Helen (Glenne Headly) perennially pins her hopes on guys who stand her up, unaware that meek Barney Tim Blake Nelson) has been in love with her his whole life.
The film clicks briefly when capturing the silliness of XXX concerns, especially in script-development scenes. But whatever hilarity might have prevailed on the set doesn't translate to the screen. Intrusive music and last-act contrivances do nothing to lift the flat tone or allow the film to earn its intended emotional payoff.
The moderately intriguing premise gets thin-bordering-on-brittle treatment in writer-director Michael Traeger's uncertain comedy. Not even a committed toplining turn by Jeff Bridges, in scruffy-dude mode, or the ensemble support of talented character actors can find much of a comic pulse in the material. A theatrical payday is unlikely for this tale of yokels producing their very own "porno." The film premiered in February as the closing-night presentation of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
In his directorial debut, Traeger (who scripted Dead Man on Campus) collects a handful of mildly wacky residents of white-picket-fence Butterface Fields. Their de facto chief is down-on-his-luck Andy (Bridges), who indulges in one of his notorious thinking binges after ex-wife Thelma (Jeanne Tripplehorn) marries an ultrarich guy (Steven Weber). Feeling like a loser in the eyes of his teen son (Alex Linz), Andy is determined to succeed at something and decides the $12 billion-a-year porn industry is the ticket.
None of Andy's prospective partners balks at the proposition. The supposedly hilariously named Some Idiot (Joe Pantoliano) seizes upon the opportunity to fulfill his creative destiny, taking the helm as writer-director. Closeted homosexual Moose (Ted Danson) ratchets up the macho talk about babes. Patrick Fugit does what he can with the slim role of geeky DP Emmett, and William Fichtner is appropriately off-center as Otis, whose enthusiasm and blurry sense of purpose earn him the title of executive producer — as musty a joke about moviemaking if ever there was one.
Despite the efforts of the cast, they're all one-note conceptions, particularly the second-string female characters — among them a hard-working single mom (Lauren Graham), eager-to-please stripper (Valerie Perrine) and Some Idiot's jello-dispensing mother (Eileen Brennan). Sweet, foolish Helen (Glenne Headly) perennially pins her hopes on guys who stand her up, unaware that meek Barney Tim Blake Nelson) has been in love with her his whole life.
The film clicks briefly when capturing the silliness of XXX concerns, especially in script-development scenes. But whatever hilarity might have prevailed on the set doesn't translate to the screen. Intrusive music and last-act contrivances do nothing to lift the flat tone or allow the film to earn its intended emotional payoff.
The 2005 Santa Barbara International Film Festival will open with a special preview of Woody Allen's Melinda and Melinda, while the world premiere of The Moguls will close. The centerpiece presentation will be the world premiere of Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys, directed by Santa Barbara resident Jeff Arch. The 10-day festival, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary and runs Jan. 28-Feb. 6, will include 98 world premieres and 119 U.S. premieres. As previously announced, the fest will pay tribute to Kevin Bacon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. New additions to the list are Annette Bening and David Attenborough.
William Fichtner has joined the cast of The Longest Yard at Paramount Pictures. He joins Gary Oldman, Burt Reynolds, Chris Rock and Adam Sandler, who toplines the remake of the 1970s comedy. Sandler also is producing with Happy Madison partner Jack Giarraputo. MTV Films president Van Toffler and exec vp David Gale are executive producing along with Barry Bernardi, Michael Ewing and Albert Ruddy. Brian Witten is overseeing for the studio. Fichtner has been on a roll lately, notching a number of indie movies, including The Moguls (formerly known as Chum Scrubbers), Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Ultraviolet and Crash. The actor is repped by WMA.
- 6/30/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeanne Tripplehorn has signed to play opposite Jeff Bridges in the indie feature The Moguls. Talks are under way with a raft of players to round out the ensemble film, including Tim Blake Nelson, Jennifer Coolidge, Isaiah Washington, Glenne Headly, Joe Pantoliano and Lauren Graham. Michael Traeger is directing the film about a man (Bridges) who comes up with a scheme to cast all of his friends in a porn movie. Aaron Ryder is producing through Raygun Prods., with Michael Kuhn financing and executive producing via his Qwerty Films shingle. Tripplehorn's recent credits include Swept Away, Mickey Blue Eyes and the telefilm Word of Honor. Tripplehorn is repped by the Gersh Agency. Nelson is repped by UTA and Gateway Management. Washington is repped by Innovative Artists. Graham and Headly are repped by ICM. Pantoliano is repped by UTA.
- 5/11/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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