Friday, March 29, 2024

Ralph Fiennes Likes Orwell; Taymor’s Tempest Has Spider Man; Julia Fordham Mad About Paul Reiser

Share

Ralph Fiennes is circling a new movie–a film adaptation of George Orwell’s “Burmese Days.” I’m told he’s so excited about the project that he’s sent the script to Roger Michell, whose “Morning Glory” premieres tomorrow. Producer Avram Ludwig–who work with Doug Liman— is said to be quarterbacking. John Henry Butterworth, who co-wrote “Fair Game,” authored the script. I’m surprised we haven’t seen more Orwell on the screen. It’s a great idea…

Julie Taymor‘s “The Tempest” was screened last night for the Shakespeare Society. Helen Mirren is a superb and commanding Prospera, the first time a woman has taken on the famed lead role. She’s great, of course, and there’s an all-star cast who make memorable appearances: Alfred Molina, Russell Brand, and Djimon Honsou are all terrific. Reeve Carney, who’s about to play Peter Parker in Taymor’s “Spider Man” on Broadway, does a nice job in a supporting role. I hope “The Tempest” gets a real release. Helen Mirren is definitely Oscar material. And all the tech stuff is superb, from costumes to lighting, production design, etc. Russell Brand is a hoot…

Julia Fordham’s wonderful new album with Paul Reiser, is released today. “Unusual Suspects” can be found at www.juliafordham.com and at amazon and ITunes…

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
spot_img

Read more

In Other News