Helen Mirren...honored with star on Walk of Fame! "The Queen" a hatchet job!

Yesterday, one of my favorite actresses - Helen Mirren - was honored with a star on the prestigious "Walk of Fame".

Fans jostled for a perch on bustling Hollywood Boulevard to get up-close-and-personal to the charismatic thespian who is a seasoned pro with a dazzling array of credits to her name from walking the boards in the theatre, to television, and feature film.

Some of her earlier film roles include Age of Consent, O Lucky Man!, The Long Good Friday, When the Whales Came, and Mosquito Coast.

Mirren is as adept at comedy as she is at high drama, too.

Mirren's title role in "The Queen" earned her a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award (in addition to others).

During her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards at the Kodak theatre, the stylish striking beauty praised and thanked Elizabeth II (after underscoring that the Monarch had maintained her dignity and weathered many storms during her reign).

Coincidentally, "The Queen"(which focused on the drama that unfolded at Buckingham Palace in the wake of Lady Diana's untimely death in a car crash in Paris) was broadcast on the "telly" on Sunday night.

As far as I am concerned, the flick was nothing but a hatchet job.


Though Mirrin turned in a bravado performance, I've always felt the feature was too sensational in nature.

Frankly, I also found it difficult to believe that Queen E 2 (my nickname for her majesty) could ever be as petty as she made out to be on the silver screen.

I am familiar with the term "warts and all" - but in this instant case -  the nasty producers went overboard.

That's the problem with fictionlized screen biopics, the writers have to juice up (fabricate and spin distortions of the truth) to create a controversy for publicity's sake - and with the sinister hope - of luring gossip-hungry low-lifes

Of course, being Canadian, I am both a Royal "lover" and a Royal "watcher".

In fact, when news of Lady Diana's death hit the airwaves around the globe, I remained glued by the television set for the next three days anxious to uncover every minute detail of the tragic loss to the Royal Family.

"She was just a commoner who married a Prince," a friend retorted one day.

"It will all die down in a day or two."

"Oh no," I found myself lamenting.

"She was more than a Prince's wife. Lady Diana was the "people's" Princess."

And, she'll always be remembered as the Queen of Hearts (too).

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Robert Pattinson...puts bite on Kristen Stewart! "Promise Ring" a stunner!

 

The fairty-tale romance of Wills & Kate - and the much-anticipated upcoming Royal Wedding - has stirred up passionate pangs in young Lotharios around the globe.

Was that what inspired Robert Pattinson to put the bite on Kristen Stewart last night at the premiere of the hunky Brit's new flick "Water For Elephants"?

According to the paparazzi, Robert and Kristen - not only dove into a waiting limousine together after the screening - but were spied falling into each other's arms for a bit of heavy kanoodling!

Was Kristen simply rewarding Robert for giving it the old College try?

For his acting - in the new feature-length release - silly!

No doubt Pattinson's intentions are nothing short of honorable, though, when you consider this week's latest tabloid fodder.

Allegedly, the popular hearththrob - who broke into the stratosphere big time in the "Twilight" vampire franchise - wowed his pretty Miss with a pricey sparkler as a "promise" to follow through on his unwavering romantic intentions.

The sexy suitor surprised Kristen with rose-gold bling - studded with dazzling diamonds - which set Pattinson back a whopping $17,000.00.

A handler, who chose to remain anonymous, whispered on the sidelines that not only is Robert a mature young man with sincere intentions - but also, a Vampire - once-on-the-prowl and now ready to settle down with a special lady.

Is a trot down the aisle in Kristen's future?

Or, do Robert & Kristen intend to make a mad dash to City Hall - out-of-the-blue - to make it official before the prying press can catch wind of the intensifying relationship?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Julian Ayrs...News Release! Artist returns to roots!

 

NEWS RELEASE



After engaging in a handful of artistic pursuits over the past decade or so – Canadian-born painter Julian Ayrs (and well-known blogger) – has returned to his roots.

“During a recent trip to San Francisco, I was inspired to take up the brush again,” he enthused in a recent interview.

Ayrs is currently working on a spanking-new series of paintings – crafted in pencil, chalk and water color – that is appropriately titled:

“Color, Spirit, and Light"

“The creations sprang up from an inner joy I experienced in recent days during a vacation to the picturesque tourist mecca. I find that San Francisco is very conducive to the creative spirit.”

Ayrs first exhibited his fine line drawings and sketches at Rochdale College in the fall of 1968 in his hometown (Toronto/Canada) @ 341 Bloor West.

A group show followed at the prestigious Galerie Allen in Gastown the following fall when he relocated to the West Coast of Canada.

The young painter's work was well-received by the local art community and noted art critics such as respected Joan Lowndes at the Vancouver Sun (Southam News).

A one-man exhibition of major pieces followed in March (1972).

In 1972 Ayrs was also commissioned to create street kiosks for the downtown core in Vancouver (B.C.).

The following year, the city also purchased a handful of original paintings to enliven the halls of public buildings and government offices.

A brief stint in New York City - and a tunnelful of images in the city's underground subway - inspired a series of graffiti paintings which were summarily unveiled at the tony Contemporary Royale Gallery (owned by high-flying financier Nelson Skalbania) in 1974.

The Vancouver Sun profiled Ayrs in a feature in the afternoon daily (reference/Holyoak).

For a brief period, Julian tried his hand at model ling. His face has graced the pages of slick ads for American Express, the Hudson Bay Company, T. Eaton Company, and Datsun.

In 1983, Ayrs jumped at the chance to pursue his literary interests once again, when he was offered a column in the Province Newspaper (Southam News).

Ayrs regular feature - "Dressing Right" (which focused on menswear and fashion) - appeared in the morning paper for a year-or-so before Ayrs up and moved to the U.S. to pursue an acting career.

Ayrs was first published by Coach House Press (IS.8/Victor Coleman/Editor) in 1968.

A short story - "Cottage Cheese" - was purchased for broadcast by CBC Radio in 1972 (Robert Chesterman/Producer).

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Ayrs became a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and began landing acting jobs in Hollywood.

Julian first starred in the one-act play - The Marriage Proposal - by Anton Chekhov.

He was given the nod with an "Award of Merit" by Simpsons Drama Festival jurors early on in his budding career.

In Hollywood, the struggling actor managed to land a few bit parts on the popular TV sitcom "Murphy Brown", the comedy variety-show hit "In Living Color", and highly-rated daytime soap operas such as "General Hospital" and the "Young & the Restless".

For a period of approximately two years, Ayrs was also a Literary Agent representing screenwriters at Roy Wallack & Associates and the Camille Sorice Agency (both SAG franchised agents) respectively.

During his tenure at Wallack, Tom Hank's film production office invited Ayrs to submit story ideas for projects, with the specific aim of changing the actor's "Big" image, and the express hope that the rising star stretch his acting "muscles".

A scripted idea for an A.I.D.S. drama (conceived by Julian) was originally rejected by Hanks ("who didn't want to do an A.I.D.S. feature at the time) but later embraced for some inexplicable reason.

During the first season of Fox's reality show - "On the Lot" - which focused on fledgling filmmakers (Steven Spielberg/Executive Producer) - Ayrs was invited to pen a blog.

Ayrs' posts were often featured on the main homepage, and subsequently, he drummed a huge reader base interested in his daily musings on celebrities, show business-in-general, and what-have-you.

When the experimental night-time bill-of-fare was can celled, Ayrs moved over to Google, and started up his own blog which became known as "The Tattler".

Today, the Tattler has made Mr. Ayrs one of the world's best-known bloggers in the world (recognized at high-profile red-carpet events, in the bustling streets among the common folk, etc.)

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/

Daily, avid readers surf to the current highly-ranked site to peruse movie reviews, reports on celebrity figures, and catch up on his - at times controversial - social and political commentaries (with a main thrust on Pop Culture).

Ayrs intends to exhibit his new series of paintings in the near future in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.

CONTACT

JULIAN AYRS

Telephone

310.929-1445

e-mail

i.julian@yahoo.com

BLOG

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com



Art is first love!



Nicole Kidman...San Francisco film shoot seeks Spanish-looking extras! March casting!



Producers for Nicole Kidman's new flick - to be shot in the San Francisco Bay area - are seeking Spanish-looking extras.

Beau Bonneau casting is seeking males 18 to 40 - with fair to medium complexions, dark hair and eyes, and lean physiques - to play soliders in the background.

The shoot dates are slated for March 11th, 14th, and the 15th.

Interested actors should contact the casting office.

INFO

Web Inquiries
www.beaubonneaucasting.com

Telephone
415.346.2278

Good luck, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Flick to be shot in Bay area!

SAG Awards...touted amidst hoopla in Hollywood! Jeff Bridges, Jesse EisenBerg, Annette Bening nominated!



Today, the Screen Actors Guild announced their nominees for the 17th Annual SAG Awards.

Not my favorite-looking statuette, by any stretch of the imagination.

Don't expect a bunch of quarrelling actors in a troubled Union to get it right!

The red-carpet celebrations will be broadcast amidst a lot of hype & hoopla on TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 30th (8 p.m. ET).

The Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles will host the much-anticipated event.

At that high-profile event, presenters - on behalf of the Guild and its membership - will announce who won top honors for film cast (since SAG does not single out a film per se along the lines of other voting bodies such as the Oscars, the Golden Globes, etc.).

The nominees are "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "The Kids Are All Right," "The King's Speech" and "The Social Network."

In the celebrated arena of Theatrical film releases, the acting nominees for 2010 are:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

JEFF BRIDGES (Rooster Cogburn)
TRUE GRIT
(Paramount Pictures)

ROBERT DUVALL (Felix Bush)
GET LOW
(Sony Pictures Classics)

JESSE EISENBERG (Mark Zuckerberg)
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
(Columbia Pictures)

COLIN FIRTH (King George VI)
THE KING’S SPEECH
(The Weinstein Company)

JAMES FRANCO (Aron Ralston)
127 HOURS
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

ANNETTE BENING (Nic)
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
(Focus Features)

NICOLE KIDMAN (Becca)
RABBIT HOLE
(Lionsgate)

JENNIFER LAWRENCE (Ree Dolly)
WINTER’S BONE
(Roadside Attractions)

NATALIE PORTMAN (Nina Sayers)
BLACK SWAN
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

HILARY SWANK (Betty Anne Waters)
CONVICTION
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

CHRISTIAN BALE (Dicky Eklund)
THE FIGHTER
(Paramount Pictures)

JOHN HAWKES (Teardrop)
WINTER’S BONE
(Roadside Attractions)

JEREMY RENNER (James Coughlin)
THE TOWN
(Warner Bros. Pictures)

MARK RUFFALO (Paul)
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
(Focus Features)

GEOFFREY RUSH (Lionel Logue)
THE KING’S SPEECH
(The Weinstein Company)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

AMY ADAMS (Charlene Fleming)
THE FIGHTER
(Paramount Pictures)

HELENA BONHAM CARTER (Queen Elizabeth)
THE KING’S SPEECH
(The Weinstein Company)

MILA KUNIS (Lily)
BLACK SWAN
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

MELISSA LEO (Alice Ward)
THE FIGHTER
(Paramount Pictures)

HAILEE STEINFELD (Mattie Ross)
TRUE GRIT
(Paramount Pictures)

Each year, the SAG voting committee singles out Outstanding Performances by an Ensemble cast in the realms of TV Comedy and Drama.

For the 2010 calendar year, well-earned nods for dramatic bill-of-fare went to "Boardwalk Empire," "The Closer," "Dexter," "The Good Wife" and "Mad Men."

On the other side of the proverbial coin, nominees singled out for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble cast in a Comedy were handed out to "30 Rock," "Glee," "Hot in Cleveland," "Modern Family" and "The Office."

Screen Actors Guild Awards 47th Annual Life Achievement Award

Ernest Borgnine, a seasoned pro - well-liked and admired in the acting community - has been bestowed with the honor of Lifetime Achievement Award this year.

Deservedly so!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Secretariat...Diane Lane & John Malcovich in heart-warming drama!

Diane Lane talented actress!

“Secretariat” is one of those Disney-style family movies where film-goers - thoroughly entertained by a cast of likeable characters (who propel the gripping piece of drama forward to an upbeat satisfying conclusion) - spontaneously applaud at the end of the flick as the credits crawl across the screen.

"Secretariat" is one of those Disney-style movies where film-goers thoroughly entertained by the likeable characters (who propel the gripping drama forward to an upbeat satisfying conclusion) spontaneously applaud as the end of the film as credits crawl across the screen.

After all, the well-produced flick - starring Diane Lane and John Malcovich - is based on a true story.

Track enthusiasts may recall that “Secretariat” - a celebrated racehorse (affectionately nick-named “Big Red” by the owners) - rode into the history books after winning the prestigious "Triple Crown" a scant few decades ago.

The film chronicles the inspiring tale in spell-binding fashion  and manages to tug at the heart strings along the way.

Diane Lane is in top form in a role that suits her to a “T”.

Ms. Lane is one of those talented performers who has been blessed with the good fortune to be well-received by film buffs at pivotal points in her illustrious film-acting career over the years.

Years ago, Ms. Lane stirred up quite a bit of excitement on the lot at Universal Studios - and earned the reputation of a being a “seasoned pro” - when she turned up daily on the set of the teen rock hit - “Streets of Fire” - to play opposite another actor who turned out to be a flash in the pan.

As the classy actress made her rounds this past week to plug “Secretariat” on the talk-show circuit - it was quite evident that the low-key actress (though not always in the public eye screaming for attention like so many of her needy contemporaries) - still garners a lot of respect with the movie-going public, critics, and in the industry-at-large.

Indeed, this past weekend, the box office receipts called attention to a glaring fact.

Ms. Lane is still a big draw in the movie business!

In “Secretariat”, Lane portrays a housewife - who is suddenly thrust into the male-dominated realms of professional horse-racing - due to an unexpected turn-of-events in her private life.

With a hope and a prayer, Ms. Lane’s character tackles the challenge head on, in a scenario that proves to be very entertaining bill-of-fare for young and old audiences alike.

Not all the local critics were thrilled with the idea of having to screen a family-oriented film that moves along at its own steady - but slow - pace.

For instance, one reviewer made a snide remark that too much precious celluloid time was wasted on Ms. Lane gazing into the eyes of the horse to the film’s detriment.

What a ridiculous criticism!

In fact, the screen moments he was referring to - resonated with quite a few film buffs (myself included) - because during the duration of those insightful moments Lane’s character was subtly establishing a bond between horse and owner.

The dopey reviewer was too lame to figure that one out!

Take aim; after all, they shoot horses, don't they?

Duh!

John Malcovich, as usual, turns in a stellar performance as a quirky horse trainer with a lousy golf putt.

The established star of stage and screen literally mesmerizes - so seamless and authentic - is his characterization here.

In fact, Malcovich breathes life into a role that less competent actors would turn into a showy piece of jambone.

Come to think of it, Marlon Brando - an actor’s actor - has even managed to flirt with that theatrical sin on occasion.

Although the well-rounded cast of supporting players turn in high caliber performances, too - in the final analysis - the audience can’t help but root for the true star of the heart-warming flick.

The four-legged beauty who plays the horse!

Why did W.C. Fields always caution actors about working with animals and children?

Because, they steal the show, of course.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Ernest Borgnine...SAG Lifetime Achievement Award! "Marty" actor energetic at 93!

The face that only fans could love!

Seasoned pro, Ernest Borgnine, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild.

Borgnine is probably best-known to film fans around the globe for his remarkable portrayal of  “Marty” (in the movie of the same name) which landed him a coveted Oscar and immortality in the annals of show biz history.

Amazingly, the respected actor is still going strong at 93 years of age, while my bones are starting to creak!

The President of the Screen Actors Guild - Ken Howard - hailed Borgnine’s gifts and conjectured about his long-standing success in the industry over the decades.

"Whether portraying brutish villains, sympathetic everyman, complex leaders or hapless heroes, Ernest Borgnine has brought a boundless energy which, at 93, is still a hallmark of his remarkably busy life and career."

I expect that adaptability also figured into the picture, as well.

In spite of boasting appearances in 200 movie roles, Borgnine did not sit back on his laurels and grumble like some of his contemporaries when the age of  Television was ushered in.

In fact, shortly after the charismatic actor made the transition to TV in the 60’s, he landed a role on McHale's Navy that rustled up a whole new fan base for the formidable talent.

More recently, Mr. Borgnine was nominated for an EMMY for a role he seamlessly  played with exacting precision on the popular night-time TV drama "ER".

Borgnine’s Award - for achievement and contributions to the industry - will be presented at the next SAG awards ceremony in January 2011.

See 'ya there, Ernie!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Golden Globe Awards...Winner's circle! Avatar, Meryl Streep, Up in the Air...

Dexter actor scoops up gold!

The Hollywood Foreign Press gave the nod to the almighty buck, an usher stepped on the beautiful train of a young starlett's evening gown, and a couple of presenters raised an eyebrow or two with odd-ball behaviour that didn't sit well with the audience.

There weren't too many surprises when the gold trinkets were hauled out, either, at the 6th Annual Golden Globe Awards televised last night on NBC.

For me, there was much to crow about, though.

A number of the nominees I was pulling for - and raved about in movie reviews over the past few months - landed on top of the Hollywood Tinsel (and won out despite fierce competition).

For example, on the heels of the release of Julie & Julia, I raved about Meryl Streep's performance early last year.

Post: 08/12/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/julie-juliasidesplitting-comedy-signed.html

After all, her portrayal of legendary chef - Julia Child - was a stand-out entertaining performance.

"I just want to say that in my long career, I've played so many extraordinary woman that I'm getting mistaken for one," Streep laughed on stage after scrambled up to accept the coveted honor.

"It's clear that I'm the vessel for other people's stories and other people's lives."


Jeff Bridges also got the nod for best actor (Crazy Heart) for one of the most remarkable acting stints of his entire career.

The crowd gave a standing ovation to Bridges, a veteran actor much-loved by fans and insiders-alike.

Post: 12.02/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/jeff-bridgesrobert-duvall-maggie.html

Of course, the big splashy moment of the star-studded night, belonged to James Cameron.

With AVATAR, Cameron firmed up the notion that the Foreign Press is not only impressed by big bucks box office receipts - but inclined to single-out studio-backed blockbuster films - as well.

I was rooting for AVATAR (the remarkable imagery, imaginative technology, and execution completely wowed me) in spite of the fact the Sci-Fi action-thriller was flawed along crucial plot-lines.

Post:  01/03/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/01/avatarstale-plot-but-stunning-images.html

At the podium, the "King of the World" excitedly gushed:

"'Avatar' asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that's the wonder of cinema right there, that's the magic," Cameron said.

Although I felt Colin Firth deserved a Golden Globe for his insightful nuanced performance in Ford's - "The Single Man" - I was also pulled in the other direction by the competition.

Next year, Colin!

I was thrilled that screenwriter - Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner - won for the their offering "Up in the Air".

The George Clooney film was timely and well-written, after all.

Post: 01/03/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/01/up-in-airgeorge-clooney-shines-in.html

Chrisoph Waltz was hilarious in Inglourious Basterds & the Foreign Press recognized that.

Post: 08/22/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/inglourious-basterdsalmost-genius.html

Regular readers of the Tattler are keenly aware that I am always plugging "Dexter".

Michael C. Hall is the only actor who looks fabulous! darling with splatters of blood on his delicious person from head to toe!

I raved about Robert Downey Jr. in "Sherlock Holmes", too, so that bow was anticipated also (to say the least).

Post:  12/25/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/sherlock-holmesrobust-turkey-with-lots.html

"The Hangover" took the prize for best comedy, a surprise to some.

Sandra Bullock, as expected, was honored for her well-acted role in "The Blind Side."

"The White Ribbon" which sold out early yesterday afternoon at the theatre at the Embarcadero mall nabbed Foreign Language Film kudos.

Mo'Nique accepted her Golden Globe for a performance (Precious) that many found heartbreaking.

"Up" received a statuette for Animated film & for Michael Giacchino's score.

"The Weary Kind" ("Crazy Heart) - a haunting beautiful ballad - won for best song (written by Ryan Bingham & T Bone Burnett).

Wnnner's Circle

Television

Series Drama:
 "Mad Men" (AMC)

Drama Actress:
Julianna Margulies
"The Good Wife"

Series Musical or Comedy:
 "Glee" (Fox)

Actor Musical or Comedy:
Alec Baldwin
 "30 Rock"

Actress Musical or Comedy:
Toni Collette
"United States of Tara."

Miniseries or Movie:
 "Grey Gardens" (HBO)

Actor Series Miniseries or Movie:
 Kevin Bacon
"Taking Chance"

Actress Series Miniseries or Movie:
Drew Barrymore
"Grey Gardens"

Supporting Actor Series Miniseries or Movie:
 John Lithgow
"Dexter"

Supporting Actress Series Miniseries or Movie:
Chloe Sevigny
 "Big Love"

http://www.julianayrs.com

Paris Hilton (Premiere Video)...Paris dazzles in silk & diamonds! Fans & paparazzi frenzy...

Paris Hilton wowed! fans and paparazzi alike in a silk designer gown & jewels that sparkled and caught the light sending a million little rainbows scattering like stardust here and there on the red carpet.

A darling, Paris stopped and chatted, and allowed a multitude of photo ops for the excited film-goers there to catch her new documentary!

HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.

Exclusive Video of Paris Hilton @ Julian Ayrs YouTube site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ijulian9

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Jane Fonda...tired old grouch!

Jane's G spot!

When Jane Fonda (infamous for using the "c" word on morning talk shows) breezed out of a function the other evening, the over-the-hill starlet was confronted with a gaggle of fans and a swarm of paparazzi.

With her head down - and tinted shades in a snug fit on her snoz (in spite of the fact it was the twilight hour) - the Barbarella babe was inclined to sign a handful of autographs grudgingly.

But, the bad attitude of the jaded old grouch got the best of her when TV newsies (TMZ crew among 'em) fielded a few questions her tired old way.

"Who has the best work-out video," one asked enthusiastically.

Without batting an eye, the star flung out an acid retort.

"I don't care!"

Undaunted, another cub reporter asked Fonda what she thought of the Obama stimulus package.

"Stimulating," she huffed in exasperation.

Keeping you up late, Missy?

Before the seventy-something show-biz trooper stormed off (in what appeared to be a drug-induced stupor) she was quizzed about who she'd like to tread the boards with again.

Ignoring the thrust of the question, she selfishly lamented:

"I like to work!"

By the time Ms. Fonda (who was ushered into show biz on the good graces of her respected father - yeah, Jane's just another spoiled show biz kid - born with a clap board in her big mouth) stormed off, a fan or two appeared to be at-the-ready to wipe their a** with her signature.

Wouldn't you? After all, her conduct was deplorable.

They didn't call the once-perky dame "Hanoi Jane" for no good reason!

http://www.julianayrs.com