November 2008 Archives

FURTHER to my interview feature with Robert De Niro in today's Birmingham Mail, here's one that didn't make the cut.

It features the thoughts of Art Linson, the Hollywood producer whose memoirs inspired their new film together, What Just Happened.

ROBERT De Niro's reputation for being 'difficult' often comes before him.

But you surely can't win six Oscar nominations or make as many films as he has without enjoying a collaborative spirit.

Driven to succeed for sure, his primary aim is to focus on his work and let the results speak for themselves on screen.

To that extent, his visit to London was an ultra-rare chance to find out what really makes him tick.

Film distributors Pathe had other ideas - partnering him with writer-producer Art Linson on the press merry-go-round.

As you'd expect, for a man charged with constantly trying to fund different projects, Linson is the one with the gift of the gab.

The more he talks, the more you just know that having a minder in tow means De Niro has the perfect excuse not to open up.

But Linson is an interesting chaperone, even telling a story which his star hadn't heard before.

"When we screentested Goodfellas, one third of the audience walked out," he reveals.

"Test audiences are often right. And they are often wrong.

"Sometimes they'll be so upset by a film they can't bring themselves to say they've liked it.

"Yet when it goes on release they'll go to see it again and still feel the same way!"

What Art won't do is name names when it comes to revealing the source of his film's comedy.

"That would make it too specific even though I don't see this as biting the hand that feeds," he says.

"I don't really like to recall the pain of making movies - it must be like childbirth for women.

"My first movie really bombed and one producer said to me: 'I don't understand why anybody would want to make a movie like that'.

"Everybody is good at success (if they don't go overboard) and knows how to handle good news.

"You never leave Hollywood. It leaves you.

"It was a very hard beginning and that continues throughout your career, but my associate producer was Jerry Bruckheimer and he's done all right.

"In today's harsh economic climate, I think Hollywood will continue to do well - people always want to be entertained."

I SAW an exclusive preview of Madagascar - Escape 2 Africa (PG, 90 mins) tonight at the IMAX and I couldn't wipe the smile of my face from start to finish.

True, there's a scene of granny beating which goes over the top and way beyond Tom & Jerry, but the rest of the movie scarcely puts a hoof, or a paw, wrong.

For my money, it's the best animated sequel since Toy Story 2 (1999) and the 'courting' scene with two hippos is worth the admission alone.

Madagascar 2 is in cinemas everywhere this Saturday and Sunday thanks to special advance screenings.

But far and away the best place to see it will be at the extraordinary IMAX screen at Millennium Point.

Here, the ticket premium will more than 'pay' for itself given that you can see the adventure ten-times bigger than normal size and four times clearer thanks to the amazing technology involved with DMR (digital re-mastering).

IMAX DMR prices are £9.25 for adults and £7.25 for adults / concessions (two adults, two children - £30).

To book, visit www.imax.ac or call 0121 202 2222. The film's website is at www.madagascar-themovie.com

I'll be fully reviewing Madagascar 2 in the Mail on Friday, December 5.

Meanwhile, here's some exclusive news about forthcoming movies at IMAX.

Narrated by Jim Carrey, look out for Under the Sea 3D in February.

In March, there's Watchmen (2D), followed by Monsters vs Aliens 3D in April and Star Trek (2D) in May - the trailer looks amazing so try watching it at http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/startrek/small_trailer2.html

Also due in May is Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2D).

June heralds Transormers: Revenge of the Fallen (2D) before Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince (2D & 3D) arrives in July, followed by A Christmas Carol (3D) directed by Robert 'Polar Express' Zemeckis.

Then, there will be the daddy of them all - Avatar 3D.

James Cameron's long-awaited first film since Titanic is due in December, 2009 to round off the first decade (gulp!) of the 21st Century in style.

All told, next year is going to be the making of the IMAX Cinema.

It's one of the world's great screens and it's right on our doorstep at Millennium Point, Curzon St - just five minutes walk from New Street and Moor Street railway stations.

If you haven't been before, now's the time to start getting attached. You won't regret it.

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Following our recent office move to Fort Dunlop and various training courses for colleagues, I've not yet had the time to reveal who has won our Queen + Paul Rodgers film concert competition.

But I'll be letting everyone know tomorrow afternoon so stand by if you entered...

Tickets are also on sale for Queen and Paul Rodgers: Let The Cosmos Rock (PG) which will play at 8pm on Monday, December 1 at Vue Star City. The AIDS-awareness gig was filmed in Ukraine in September in front of a record 350,000 fans. More details from www.myvue.com

CHRISTIAN Bale is set to appear as The Dark Knight for one more time at the IMAX, Millennium Point.

Christopher Nolan's film, the first blockbuster to have been shot partly using amazing IMAX cameras, has one more screening left - at 8pm on Saturday, November 29.

If you haven't seen it on a screen this big, don't miss your last chance. See earlier blogs for my comparisons between watching this film at IMAX and on normal cinema screens.

After that, much of the rest of the year is being taken over by Madagascar 2, but don't forget that Polar Express 3D is back every weekend at IMAX during the festive period.

For more details, visit: http://www.imax.ac/page.asp?section=342§ionTitle=Programme

Meanwhile, The Electric Cinema on Station Street is trying something new tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 26).

It's got a free screening of a new horror film called The Children (18) at 6.30pm, with tickets being given out on a first come, first served basis from 5.30pm.

There will also be a meet and greet with the stars HANNAH TOINTON (Hollyoaks), JEREMY SHEFFIELD (Holby City), RACHEL SHELLEY (L-Word), EVA BIRTHISTLE (Ken Loach's Ae Fond Kiss), and TOM SHANKLAND (WAZ).

More details from www.thechildrenmovie.com and www.theelectric.co.uk

RENOWNED Oscar-winning film producer Michael Deeley will be in Birmingham on Friday, December 5 to offer a master class to regional producers who are developing their own feature film projects.

Deeley, who is behind the cult classics Blade Runner, The Deer Hunter and The Italian Job, will be discussing his career with journalist and author Matthew Field in a conversation illustrated with clips from an incredible body of work.

Deeley links Ridley Scott's visionary sci-fi classic, a searing study of lives ruined by the Vietnam War, and a much-loved British caper that made an icon of Michael Caine.

But the urbane Englishman had to fight wars to get all three of these movies on to cinema screens at all.

His many other challenges have included: defending the legendary sex scene of Nic Roeg's Don't Look Now; ordering the controversial cutting of Robin Hardy's The Wicker Man; trekking up a New Mexico mountainside with David Bowie to realise The Man Who Fell To Earth; and seizing control of Convoy from a cocaine-ridden Sam Peckinpah.

The event, hosted by The Producers' Forum, starts at 6.30pm at the Electric Cinema, Station Street.

Forum Manager Laura Breakwell says: "It's fantastic that we will be welcoming one of Britain's most successful producers to Birmingham.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone working in film in the region to hear from a leading producer whose experience spans decades and a range of classic films.

"It is also a chance for fans of The Italian Job to get to see this classic British film on the big screen on the eve of its 40 birthday in 2009."

Further information about the event, including how to book to attend, can be found on The Producers' Forum website: www.producersforum.org.uk.

To book tickets contact the Electric Cinema box office on 0121 643 7879 (£10 / £8 to Producers' Forum members).

Michael will also be signing copies of his new book; 'Blade Runners, Deer Hunters & Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: My Life in Cult Movies'.

READERS of the Birmingham Mail today will see there's a chance to win three pairs of tickets to see a new concert film starring Queen and Paul Rodgers.
Let the Cosmos Rock was an AIDS-benefit gig in memory of Freddie Mercury and attracted a record audience of 350,000 people.
The film will play in HD and full surround sound at Vue Star Cinema at 8pm on Monday, December 1.
I've got two more pairs of tickets to give away here with a different question.
To enter, simply answer the following:
What is Queen guitarist Brian May really passionate about?
Is it: a) Astrology; b) Astronomy; c) Vauxhall Astras.
To enter, send your answer before midnight on Sunday, November 23 to graham.young@birminghammail.net
In the guide field, please write Queen Competition and your answer next to it.
Please also add your name and address and telephone number in the body of the email.
Usual Mail competition rules apply. Only one entry per address / email account please.
Our two winners will be notified by return email before Wednesday, November 26 and advised about their tickets.
Good luck!

DON'T miss Friday's Birmingham Mail - or log back on to this blog - to find out how you can win free tickets to see a cinema film of Queen and Paul Rodgers in concert.

I'll be giving away three pairs of tickets in the paper and two pairs of tickets here for a special screening in Birmingham on December 1.

Good luck!

AS DETAILED here back in April, my old friend from Sutton Coldfield Justin Edgar won the audience award at the Britspotting Festival in Berlin with his latest film Special People.

Expanded from an original short film, it tells the story of four kids in wheelchairs and an idiot film maker on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

The new version stars Dominic Coleman, Sasha Hardway, Robyn Frampton, David Proud and Jason Maza and came fourth in the Audience Appreciation chart when it premiered at last year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

I'm hoping to see the film on Monday and to catch up with Justin... still the only guy I know to have a First Class Degree after leaving (Plantsbrook) school with no 'O' Levels.

That's some achievement!

Special People will play at the Electric Cinema, Station Street from November 24-27.
More details from: http://www.theelectric.co.uk/booking/films.aspx or telephone 0121 643 7879.

THANKS to everyone who sent me an email in a bid to win one of two copies of Audrey Tautou's new DVD release, Priceless.

Our winners were Chaz Stoll and Michelle Liney.

Better luck next time to everyone else.

But, remember, for the price of a couple of mouse clicks, Chaz and Michelle have each won a prize that would set you back quite a few quid in the shops.

It always pays to read the Birmingham Mail!

JUST back from London where I met Robert De Niro today.

Fancy that!

Great to see Mr Focker looking so fit and well and with a big, cheeky grin on his face.

The days of Mean Streets, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull seem a long time ago.

But, after some of his recent efforts, it's still good to watch him back to form with his new movie, What Just Happened? which is out on November 28.

Look out for my interview in the Birmingham Mail on or before then at a date tbc.

Meanwhile, one of my first jobs in the morning will be to announce who's won the Priceless DVDs...

I'VE got two brand new DVDs of the Audrey Tautou romcom PRICELESS (12A) to give away.

Released earlier this year and just as much fun as Sex and the City, it's a lighthearted romp about a golddigger who mistakes a smartly-dressed barman for a millionaire.

To stand a chance of winning a copy, courtesy of Rabbit Publicity, simply answer this question.

What is the name of Audrey's film written by Oscar-nominated Blues' fan Steven Knight:

Is it a) Pretty Dirty Things, b) Things Are Pretty Dirty or c) Dirty Pretty Things.

Simply send an email with your correct answer to:

graham_young@mrn.co.uk

Entries must be received before 7am on Monday, November 10.

The first two correct entries drawn at random will each win a PRICELESS DVD, so don't forget to include your name and address so that I can post it out to you. Usual Mail rules apply.

Please note: A third copy of Priceless can be won in a postal competition. Simply answer the different question that has appeared on p.45 of the film pages of tonight's bumper Birmingham Mail What's On section, your unmissable weekly guide to the week.