Source Code...Hitchcockian-style thriller! Jake Gyllenhaal excels!

 





This weekend, film buffs - and fans of actor Jake Gyllenhaal - will be scooting off to the local cinema to catch the sexy hunk's latest flick "Source Code".

If fans are anxious to feast on the stud's muscled bod once again - after getting an eyeful of his pumped flesh in one of  his last features with Anne Hathaway - they'll be SOL.

Uh-huh!

The star who broke into the International spotlight portraying a gay cowboy in Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain" - opposite Heath Ledger - may disappoint in that regard.

But, if movie-goers are intrigued by the idea of a thought-provoking cerebral thriller (prone to play havoc with the preconceived notions about fate, reality, and illusion), then this Hitchcockian-style mystery (mind-bender!) is worth the price of admission.

The plot moves along at a fast clip (without much fat), the cinematography is superb, and the special effects entertaining.

Jake, and his talented cast of supporting players, are at the top of their game here.

For the most part, the stylish well-crafted studio project has been garnering pretty positive reviews.

With one exception, however.

Critics tend to whine that the plot is a little convoluted, difficult to fathom - and, that the ending - is ambiguous.

Did those popcorn-loving movie reviewers stroll into the wrong theatre by accident?

In my mind's eye, the screenwriter struck the right balance, and delivered up a tight taut celluloid gem.

And, achieved the unthinkable, in the process.

Indeed, the studio turned out a feature that explored not only new territory, but managed to do so without losing any commercial appeal for a wide demographic around the country sure to snap up tickets over the next few weeks.

My only criticism?

It was not necessary to "tack" on the last two scenes - and thus - spoon feed the audience to "ensure" all the loose strings were tied up in a neat and tidy package.

With an intelligent offering like this, it was not necessary to treat the ticket-holders like they were stupid, in my estimation.

We got it! 

To go into details would only spoil it for 'ya.

'Til next time at the Movies!

http://www.thetattler.biz



May the Source Code bewitch you!

Anne Hathaway...cast as Catwoman! Meow!

 

Just goes to show 'ya - when you rustle up a high-profile in the biz almost overnight (in addition to turning in a couple of stellar screen characterizations in big box-office features along the way) - that the world is your oyster.

This especially appears to be true for the flavor of the month - talented actress and red-carpet head-turner - Anne Hathaway!

Shortly after starring opposite sexy Jake Gyllenhaal in "Love & Other Drugs", Ms. Hathaway has been handed the plum pussy role of "Catwoman" on a silver platter with a nod from celebrated director Christopher Nolan.

According to handlers, Hathaway is slated to lens the much-anticipated franchise sequel - "The Dark Knight Rises" - in the very near future.

Meow!

Now, Ms. Hathaway follows in a long line of distinguished oft-remembered screen Goddesses - who slipped into the feline costume with ease- in a myriad of TV & Film projects of yesteryear.

Of course, I am referring to luminaries such as Julie Newmar, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lee Meriweather and - who could forget? - oh-so-organic Eartha Kitt!

I expect that Hathaway will scratch up a storm - or at a minimum pull off a delicious tease - given the chance.

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Brokeback Mountain...5th Anniversary Screening @ Gene Autry Center!

On Saturday, December 11th, the Autry National Center will present a special 5th Anniversary special Screening of the award-winning film Brokeback Mountain (Focus Films).

After the screening, there will be a staged reading of messages, essays, poetry, and music inspired by the film.

The ground-breaking film explored the clandestine relationship between two young cowboys - portrayed by Jake Gylenhaal and Heath Ledger - coming to grips with their homosexuality in the ruggest western terrain.

The event is part of the acclaimed program - "Out West" at the Autry - which is a series of public events focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) history and culture in the West with gallery talks, film screenings, lectures, performances and other cultural events.

"Brokeback Mountain helped to bring wide attention to important conversations about LGBT issues in modern Western communities,” noted Autry President and CEO Dan Finley.

“This powerful film resonates deeply with the Autry’s own strong connection to the history of Western films as well as our mission to share and explore the inspiring stories of all the peoples of the American West.”

Brokeback Mountain was produced and released by Focus Features in December 2005.

Directed by respected director Ang Lee who won an Oscar for his efforts.

See 'ya there!

Info:

www.theautry.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

AFI Fest...whimpers to a close! Rinky-dink film par-tay a joke!

At the end of last week, the AFI's circuit offering, limped to a sorry close in Los Angeles!

What was the general consensus of film-goers - who attended the much-anticipated red carpet previews - in the end scenario?

The annual oft-ballyhooed event lacked - oomphf! - in the final analysis.

And, it was in large part due to the hit-and-miss attitude of the organizers, who failed to recognize that the medium of film  is capable of - not only entertaining - but, uplifting the human spirit, as well.

In a nutshell, the AFI Fest staff didn't know "snuff" about the Hollywood film industry, its in's-and-out's, who the players were, or how to put on a quality show under the big top!

In fact, their idea of the Hollywood "Dream" factory was a nightmare, from the get-go!

For example - one piece of celluloid trash the AFI staff screened (which was conjured up by a demented first-time-out Danish filmmaker) - couldn't help but stir up a nasty controversy.

Post:  11/11/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/afi-festscreens-sick-debauched-danish.html

"Smut masquerading as Art," was the way I put it - and, believe me - most who attended the preview of the sick flick wholeheartedly agreed!

Bob Gazzale - "doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground" - some loudly lamented about the current disreputable President & CEO (as I rubbed my hands with glee on the sidelines).

The assessment was bang on, if 'ya ask me!

And, the Fest suffered miserably as a result, in the final analysis.

Of course, the program was plagued with bad omens, from the very start.

At one panel discussion (focusing on young up-and-coming rising superstars in the film industry today) - mics persistently sputtered beneath washed out film clips - in the midst of incompetent staffers who attempted to steer the derailed program back-on-track with little success.

Post:  11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-times-actors-panelcarrie-mulligan.html

Actually, the fest's problems first festered up, when film buffs attempted to book tickets on the AFI web site which was ill-equipped to handle ticket reservations for the ten-day event to be held at a handful of prestigious venues such as Manns Chinese, the Egyptian, and-so-forth-and-so-on.

I was personally taken aback when tickets I reserved for - "The Black Swan", "Love & Other Drugs", and "The King's Speech" - were not forthcoming.

In fact, the ticket reservations vanished into thin air.

What a fiasco!

In the end scenario, I ended up with four tickets to Circus Kids, in spite of the fact I just ordered one lone ticket for the early morning screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

And, there were other snafus to contend with, as well.

For instance, I was issued double the tickets I requested for Mon Oncle, Hour of the Wolf, Amigo, an Industry Panel Discussion featuring up-and-coming stars (aforementioned), a Sony Seminar on 3D filmmaking, etc. etc.

Whew!

Talk about a rinky-dink outfit, eh?

Film buffs who turned up later at the box office in person to sort out the snafus - like moi! - wondered aloud where the celebrated guest Artistic Director - David Lynch - was in their hour of need.

Certainly not at the helm, that's for sure!

Judging by the AFI promos that sputtered to life at a handful of screenings - then, off again - he was obviously off on a drunk somewhere!

Post: 11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/david-lynchaudiences-laugh-washed-up.html


Next year I'll pass, thank you very much, Mr. Gazale!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Mann's Chinese Theatre an AFI venue in 2010

AFI Festival...David Lynch guest Artistic Director! "Love & Other Drugs" premieres!

Celebrated film director David Lynch (myspace friend) is taking the reins as guest Artistic Director at the prestigious AFI Festival this year slated to run November 4th thru November 11th.

Festival organizers announced this past week that the much-anticipated feature film - “Love and Other Drugs” (a film by Edward Zwick) starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway - will premiere at the opening night Gala.

Darren Aronofsky’s intriguing Ballet Drama - Black Swan - is scheduled to close-out the Hollywood-based Festival sponsored by AUDI.

Curiously - Lynch, Zwick, and Aronofsky - are all alumni of the AFI Film Conservatory.

As usual, I expect to be reporting on all the gala events, red carpet blow-outs, behind-the-scenes scuttlebutt, featured films, and so much more!

See ‘ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Prince of Persia...Jake Gyllenhaal hunk material! Ben Kingsley stellar acting...

I was under the impression that "Prince of Persia" was a historical saga.

Boy, was I wrong.

Pleasantly so!

In the first fast-paced scenes, the audience is swept up into the intriguing Persian culture - in part due - to an enchanting musical score and the broad lush strokes the skilled director (a Bruckheimer Production) has used to paint his larger-than-life canvas.

The cinematography is exquisite - breathtaking in fact - but I was more drawn to the sets which captured the distinctive arcitectural style of the era.

In a nutshell, the tale is about a tribe habitating in the wilds of Persia, who suddenly feel threatened by a neighbouring clan, a confidant alleges are crafting weapons for an ally.

A decision is made to attack the sacred Temple where their  High Priests practise a mysterious religion rife with a lot of hokus-pokus and ritual.

Once the city is stormed, one of the Princes - who just earned the title of "Lion" for his ferocious staying-power in the battle - is gifted with a unique ornate dagger with a glass case brimming with sand crystals.

As it turns out, the knife has mystical powers.

Now there is a ongoing struggle by to snatch the coveted religious artifact - with the ultimate aim of using its potent power - to rule the world.

Along the way - a cast of conniving diabolical characters - rev up the screen.

Throughout, the theatre-goer is treated to two-dozen or so spectacular fight scenes that  keep 'em on the edge of their plush seats at the theatre.

Unfortunately, the film is a tad long - so about thirty minutes prior to the screen fading to black - filmgoers tend to be squirm in their seats and glance down at their watches.

Will this movie ever end?

Nothwithstanding, I expect fans of the genre (and others) will gobble up every precious moment of this romantic action-adventure drama into summer.

Talk about a hybrid!

Of course, Jack Gyllenhaal's muscled bod - and puppy dog eyes - are worth the price of admission.

Jake, that  accent was killing me!

As usual, Ben Kingsley turned  in a stellar performance that was seamless and perfect in every way.

The supporting players also bolster the "Prince of Persia" up in a myriad of entertaining ways (making the feature truly an ensemble piece).

The plot is sheer fantasy.

But, the newly-released flick, is a delicious escape that hits the spot, for filmgoers seeking a respite for it all (if only for a couple of hours).

3 Stars!

Ben Kingsley as Gandhi

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Prince of Persia...Jake Gyllenhaal macho promo shot!

He looked hot as a studly cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain".

And now, Jake Gyllenhaal is ready to take the country by storm in a swarthy muscular persona, as the Prince of Persia.

But, honestly folks, what gives with that promotional poster for the action-adventure flick?

Did the popular heart-throb actually pump up a tad - almost-burn to a crisp under a sizzling mid-say sun to rustle up those dark brooding looks - or is it all just a clever "smoke-and-mirrors" paste-up courtesy of the publicity department at the studio designed to sell tickets?

Inquiring minds (and die-hard fans of the hunk) want to know!

News @ 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Brokeback Mountain...Cowboy shirts on display @ Gene Autry Museum! Cherished wardrobe "Ruby Red Slippers" of this generation...

Gene Autry Museum explores all people of the American West

Recently, the Gene Autry Heritage Museum invited me to attend a much-anticipated press party (August 11th) for the unveiling of a display featuring two of the Cowboys shirts that were worn by the lead characters (Jack & Ennis) in the award-winning film - "Brokeback Mountain" - directed by Ang Lee.

Unfortunately, the day for the event to put the spotlight on the iconic shirts has come, and I am unable to attend due to a back load of five or six posts that need polishing and subsequent publishing on the Internet.

I am there in spirit, though.

According to the public relations department at the Museum, the exhibit represents the LBGT community's struggle for safety and inclusion in the rural western communities from where many originate yet often feel forced to abandon.

The shirts are on loan from openly gay collector, producer, and sociopolitical commentator - Tom Gregory - who teasingly referred to the shirts worn by stars in the film as the"ruby red slippers" of this generation.

In my generation - "The Front Runner" - was the book that impacted young men struggling with their sexual identity and a prevailing attitude that yearnings for a homosexual relationship signaled a mental illness that was curable with appropriate treatment.

One Doctor (back in the fifties) argued that men flirted with "homosexuality" (the term gay had not been coined yet) - not because they were attracted to members of the same sex - but rather - because they were seeking their manhood (yet undeveloped in themselves due to an overbearing mother or the lack of a father figure in the home environment) in another male.

He theorized that once the individual was secure in his own masculinity, the unhealthy sexual phase would pass, and that the "once-confused" young male would move on to heterosexual relationships with women, start a family, whatever.

Meanwhile, between the covers of the "Front Runner", author - Patricia Nell Warren - put forth the notion that it was not only okay to be "gay" - but entirely appropriate - to shout it out.

The shocking climax in her subculture classic underscored, however, that there may be dire consequences in following one's heart.

I read the book years ago when I attended West Hill Collegiate in a Toronto suburb.

Because I was a long-distance runner on the track & field team, I was immediately drawn to Warren's book, for obvious reasons.

In fact, I day-dreamed about playing the lead character, the young runner.

The plot focuses on a gay coach (pre "out-&-proud" days) who transfers to a small University so that he may remain closeted about his homosexuality and free of temptation.

A young runner saunters onto campus, strikes up an intimate relationship with the reluctant lover, and with his mentor's expert coaching skills goes on to compete in the Olympics as the 1st openly-gay athlete.

Controversial stuff in those days!

Years later - during my stint as a Literary Agent representing screenwriters - it occurred to me that "The Front Runner" was ripe for adaptation for the big screen.

If two identifiable bankable stars signed on for the lead roles, it would surely be a box-office hit, in my estimation.

One one occasion, when I met Patricia Nell Warren at a Book Fair, I blurted out my once all-consuming-passion to play the lead when I was a young actor.

I stuttered for a moment, then made a confession to the startled writer.

"I'm too old to play Billy now. The Coach, maybe. But, I'm not right for that part."

She stared at me like I was mad!

Unfortunately, whenever it was announced there was a production in the works featuring a popular actor like Jan Michael Vincent (star material at the time his name was bandied about - who likewise - met the sexy hunk requirements) or Paul Newman (and yes - even straight-as-lace - Robert Redford) the gay community got revved up once again over the possibilities.

But, on each auspicious occasion, the projects fizzled out.

Today, the "Front Runner" has little relevance, except in respect to the fact it was one of the first gay-themed books on athletes "coming out" about their sexuality.

So, when it was announced that a short story about two studly cowboys entwined in a love trys, was being adapted for the silver screen, I was skeptical.

In fact, when I slipped into the theatre opening day, I did so with a lot of trepidation.

But, a short few minutes into the well-crafted beautifully-thought-out-feature, my fears were alleviated.

For instance, when the two lead characters in Brokeback (played by Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger) first encounter each other at a job site, the awkward love ritual that plays out thereafter onscreen - not only resonates with remarkable truth - but also speaks volumes about the love that once dare not utter its name.

The wardrobe pieces featured in the film weren't particularly fancy.

But, the shirts on display at the Gene Autry Museum, have been intertwined without shame to represent a "visual symbol of love", according to a Museum spokesperson.

Why the Gene Autry Museum?

Jeffrey Richardson, assistant curator for film and popular culture at the Museum, was instrumental in accelerating the idea for the project, once it was pointed out to him by a patron that the Autry Museum has always been celebrated and respected for exploring all people of the American West.

Now, Jack & Ennis - two love-struck cowboys portrayed on celluloid in Brokeback Mountain (and the symbol of their love) - are a part of that glorious Western folk lore.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger take leap of faith with Ang Lee

http://www.julianayrs.com