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First Screenings of Paul Thomas Anderson Film Beg Question: Will Daniel Day Lewis Exit Acting with Fourth Oscar?

Leah Sydney
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First Screenings of Paul Thomas Anderson Film Beg Question: Will Daniel Day Lewis Exit Acting with Fourth Oscar?

At one of the first screenings of Focus’s “Phantom Thread” in LA on Friday, director Paul Thomas Anderson was asked how he feels each time he starts a new movie.  The six time Oscar nominee surprisingly answered, “it’s always good to feel like an amateur.  You have to pretend you have confidence, but the first day it all goes belly up anyway.

“Phantom Thread” stars the sublime Daniel-Day Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock,  a respected and most prickly fashion designer whose world does indeed go belly up by the arrival of first demure then not so much waitress/turned model/muse Alma, played wonderfully by Vicky Krieps.  The always terrific Lesley Manville plays Reynold’s stalwart, tough and loyal sister Cyril.

DDL, who has three Oscars, has said this is his last acting job. “Phantom Thread” could be his fourth. (It will likely garner a nomination — no surprise there.)

Did this world come as easy to Anderson as the others he wrote about?  Anderson quipped, “well for ‘Boogie Nights,’ it was about porn and of course that came naturally to me.” Then he added,  “for ‘There Will Be Blood,’ it was about oil and being from California I knew something about that.  But this one it was distant.  I love England and the people, the culture. The story of couture in that time, and the fairy tale that it is could only be told in Paris or London so I chose London.  Plus they have the greatest actors there.”  

Anderson’s close friend Daniel Day Lewis was also a collaborator with him in developing and writing this film.  “He had gigantic input,” Anderson explains, “He did an enormous amount of research.  He learned how to sew; he got pretty close to making 100 buttonholes.” (DDL fans will recall the actor once took off a year to be a cobbler’s apprentice in Florence, Italy.)

Lesley Manville was Thomas’s first choice in the role.  “He called me during the week and then we were to meet that Monday.”  She continued,  “I have watched all his movies but wanted to again. So I went on Amazon Prime and ordered them all. I made a pot of tea and watched them all again.” Did the actors every really meet the real Day Lewis who is known for staying in character during every film he shoots?  “Not really,” said Lesley.  “We are just starting to do a lot of press so hopefully we will then. “ 

“Phantom Thread” opens Dec 25th.  And what got equal applause from the crowd was that Anderson dedicated the film to his close friend, the late filmmaker Jonathan Demme.  Classy move.

Outrage Over NY Times Story That Tries to Normalize Neo Nazi Who Likes “Seinfeld,” Eats at Panera, Shops at Target

Roger Friedman
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Outrage Over NY Times Story That Tries to Normalize Neo Nazi Who Likes “Seinfeld,” Eats at Panera, Shops at Target

Well, thanks to clueless New York Times writer Russell Fausset (rhymes with “Faucet”), we now all about about neo Nazi Tony Hovater and his wife Maria.

Fausset is drawing outrage from all over the place for his story “A Voice of Hate in America’s Heartland.” He portrays Tony and Maria as a cool couple who like “Seinfeld,” shop at Target, eat at Panera bread.

Tony tells Fausset– and this is sooo cute– about “Seinfeld”: “I guess it seems weird when talking about these type of things,” he says. “You know, I’m coming at it in a mid-90s, Jewish, New York, observational-humor way.”

Only, of course, Tony hates Jews. He sells swastikas on his website for $20. Fausset leaves with the impression that is sooo enterprising. And ironic.

In fact, it’s really stupid of the New York Times to have published an article that comes off with no irony. It’s lots of fun for Twitter-ers, and the Atlantic has already run a parody, but to a huge number of people this piece normalizes anti-Semitism, racism, and white supremacy.

He declared the widely accepted estimate that six million Jews died in the Holocaust “overblown.” He said that while the Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler wanted to exterminate groups like Slavs and homosexuals, Hitler “was a lot more kind of chill on those subjects.”

“I think he was a guy who really believed in his cause,” he said of Hitler. “He really believed he was fighting for his people and doing what he thought was right.”

Wait– go back. Things are so bad now at the Times that they had to reference “the widely accepted estimate” of the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust with a link. Just in cause you don’t believe them.(The link is to Haaretz, which I’m sure every white supremacist believes.)

You know, the Holocaust, what Mel Gibson called “a numbers game.”

Dean Baquet, editor of the New York Times, this didn’t work. It’s disgusting. Talk about alienating your base.

Ron Howard’s Dad, Actor Rance Howard, Dies at 89: “His passion for acting changed the course of our family”

Roger Friedman
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Ron Howard’s Dad, Actor Rance Howard, Dies at 89: “His passion for acting changed the course of our family”

220px-RanceHowardActor Rance Howard, father of Ron and Clint Howard, grandfather of actress Bryce Dallas Howard, has passed away at age 89.

Rance Howard was a journeyman actor, most recently seen in Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska.” He had small roles in movies like “Chinatown” and “Cool Hand Luke.” He worked a lot in television in the late 50s, and when Ronnie Howard became Opie Taylor in “The Andy Griffith Show,” Rance played a variety of roles in four episodes. He has a long list of appearance in various shows including “Gentle Ben,” which starred his other son, Clint. Both Clint and Rance have appeared in most of Ron Howard’s movies.


Just a couple of weeks ago, Ron and daughter Bryce celebrated Rance Howard’s last movie, “Broken Memories,” at an event in Hollywood. Ron told the audience (Rance was not there): “He has an undying love of the process, which has made him appreciate every day on a film or television set. And he’s never lost the youthful excitement for being a part of a process that tells a story that reaches audiences in different ways and reflects the work of a team of collaborators that share that excitement and that always rubbed off on me, that joy of being lucky enough to be among the storytellers.”

Condolences to the Howard family. Even 89 years old is not enough.

Mariah Carey Cancels More Xmas Shows As Sales Flag, All She Wants for Christmas Is You (Literally)

Roger Friedman
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Mariah Carey Cancels More Xmas Shows As Sales Flag, All She Wants for Christmas Is You (Literally)

Mariah Carey has cancelled more shows on her holiday tour. Now the first two shows at the Beacon in New York– her hometown– have been scratched. Carey says it’s because she has an upper respiratory infection but we know better.

Last week tickets for those shows were put on discount on GoldStar.com because they weren’t selling. And they didn’t sell. It’s an infection that spread right through the Beacon.

There are still three shows at the Beacon. And like the song says, All Mariah wants for Christmas is you. On secondary markets, already purchased tickets by bots and dealers are going begging through the whole house on all three nights. On Ticketmaster’s website I was able to request groups of 6 or 8 in every section.

It might be fun just to go the Beacon on a lark and see what’s going on. Mariah has just engaged Jay Z’s Roc Nation as her manager, which means she’s not giving up hip hop. She has a dead in the water single from the Christian movie “The Star,” which is too bad since the song is good. Total sales to date are 4,500. That’s FOUR THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED. It’s not getting airplay, but maybe it will during Christmas week.

Mariah’s whole career is one train wreck after another. Or, to use another cliche, a rollercoaster. She goes way up, then way down. There are reports that she had gastric sleeve surgery recently. That is no fun according to people who’ve had it. It’s certainly not what you do right before a tour. Let’s hope she’s in good shape when she hits town next week.

Is Dead Animal Adventurer Steve Irwin’s 12 Year OId Son Being Exploited on TV Shows? (Yes)

Roger Friedman
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Is Dead Animal Adventurer Steve Irwin’s 12 Year OId Son Being Exploited on TV Shows? (Yes)

Thursday night’s Tonight show was a repeat of an episode I guess I missed from last February. It featured Robert Irwin, the 12 year old son of the late adventurer Steve Irwin, handling dangerous animals.

Of course, Steve Irwin was killed in 2006 at age 44 by stingray. It bit him in the chest.

Just prior to Irwin’s death, he exposed the then 1 year old Robert to mortal danger when he dangled him in front of a crocodile.

steve irwin

Apparently Irwin’s widow, Terri Irwin, has been doing this with both her kids since Steve’s death. She obviously can’t let go of being famous in Australia, so she’s using the kids. Maybe one of them will be eaten–sounds like good publicity. As far as this 12 year old goes, I don’t want to see him on an American TV show again until he’s of age– 21– and American TV producers should not book him. It’s exploitation.

Donald Trump Says He Turned Being Named “Probably” TIME Person of the Year, TIME Says He’s Incorrect

Roger Friedman
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Donald Trump Says He Turned Being Named “Probably” TIME Person of the Year, TIME Says He’s Incorrect

Donald Trump, Liar in Chief of the United States, Tweeted tonight that he turned down ‘PROBABLY’ being named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year.

TIME Magazine says he’s incorrect.

Trump, when he was in grade school, used to tell kids he “had a girlfriend in Canada” too.

 

LOL too funny.

Richard Stengel, former editor in chief of TIME, added:

David Cassidy’s Daughter Says His Last Words Were the Same as Bobby Ewing’s on “Dallas” At His Fake Death

Roger Friedman
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David Cassidy’s Daughter Says His Last Words Were the Same as Bobby Ewing’s on “Dallas” At His Fake Death

David Cassidy’s daughter, Katie, according to reports, says her father’s last words just before he died, were: “So much wasted time.”

Either David or Katie must have been “Dallas” fans. When Bobby Ewing “died” in his fake death (he was brought back to life two seasons later, famously– his death was a dream), he said almost the exact same thing.

Great minds think alike. Alas, David will not return in a dream.

You can see it here at the 2 minute mark:

Source: John Lasseter Already Out of Pixar for Good, Disney Waiting to Announce After “Coco” Oscar Run

Roger Friedman
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Source: John Lasseter Already Out of Pixar for Good, Disney Waiting to Announce After “Coco” Oscar Run

Pixar’s John Lasseter is supposedly on a six month leave of absence from the animation house.

But I’m told that Lasseter has already negotiated his exit with parent company, Disney. They’re just waiting until “Coco,” Pixar’s release this weekend, has its Oscar run without interference. The six months would end just after the Academy Awards on March 4th.

Lasseter said he was taking his leave as a “a six-month sabbatical” after unspecified “missteps” that made some staffers feel “disrespected or uncomfortable.” But as with all the other sexual harassment situations in Hollywood, more stories came in that make Lasseter’s return seem impossible.

Disney bought Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion. Since then Pixar — like Marvel and LucasFilm– has supplied the company with some of its biggest hits. “Coco” is the latest, and tipped early on to win the Oscar for animation.

Lasseter also oversees animation for Disney and is considering the most important creative voice at the company. But that seems not to be enough to keep him on.

“Grabbing, kissing, making comments about physical attributes” — which is what Lasseter is accused of– doesn’t sound very professional, just maybe over animated (to use a pun). Lasseter’s “sabbatical” is just a way of easing him, sources contend.

Calls to Disney PR and an email were not returned.

PS You may not know this, but it was Lasseter who designed the Weinstein Company logo back in 2005.

Review: Broadway Hit “Something Rotten” Gives Hollywood Something to Laugh About

Leah Sydney
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Review: Broadway Hit “Something Rotten” Gives Hollywood Something to Laugh About

Hollywood audiences appreciate theater as much as New York or London. That was proven once again at the premiere of the Broadway hit “Something Rotten,” this week at the esteemed Ahmanson Theater in downtown Los Angeles.  Hysterical, irreverent, slap sticky, showbiz savvy with show stopping songs, with an exuberant cast, the show got a rapturous reception from the crowd.  

“Something Rotten” playfully skewers Shakespeare, rewriting history telling the tale that the Bard ripped off his best lines from the Bottom brothers. The cast is superb.  Rob McClure as Nick Bottom, Adam Pascal as Shakespeare, Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom, Maggie Lakis as Bea, Blake Hammond as Nostradamus and Autumn Hurlbert as Portia, are simply beyond terrific.

Just as in New York, the brilliant first act blockbuster “A Musical,” number got the audience up for a rare mid show standing ovation. Director-Choreographer Casey Nicholaw gets it all right, with this fast pace punchy crowd pleasing musical.  “Something Rotten!” which runs till Dec 31st, is cockeyed and crazy; one of the most enjoyable, deliriously fun and entertaining musicals ever.  

Grammy Nominations Coming on Tuesday: Album of the Year Predictions Point to Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and…

Roger Friedman
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Grammy Nominations Coming on Tuesday: Album of the Year Predictions Point to Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and…

The 2018 Grammy nominations are coming on Tuesday. Which collections will be nominated for Album of the Year? Here’s an idea:

Ed Sheeran’s “Divide” will be nominated not only for Best Album, but Best Song, Best Record, Best Male Pop Vocal. He could win all of them. “Divide” is the big hit of this Grammy year. All of it is Sheeran’s to lose.

Lady Gaga’s “Joanne” came out right at the beginning of eligibility last year. It didn’t make much noise despite how good it was. Then Gaga played the Super Bowl and there was mayhem. “Million Reasons” is certainly a Best Song/Best Record combo. Gaga should get an Album of the Year nomination. She deserves it.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Damn” was the rap hit of the year. Album of the Year, with all of his tracks top the Streaming chart last April. That’s an accomplishment that shouldn’t be ignored.

Kesha’s “Rainbow” is a likely Album of the Year candidate, especially since it was her persistence that kicked open the door for women who felt harassed or otherwise abused. Plus, the songs– including “Praying,” her big hit– are excellent. Kesha poses the biggest threat to Ed Sheeran.

And then something from the country world. Miranda Lambert’s “Weight of these Wings” would be a good choice. So would Chris Stapleton’s “From a Room, Volume 1.”

As for R&B, Bruno Mars had the biggest hit of the year with “24K Magic.” Lots of hits, and wouldn’t it be swell to have him perform on the Grammys?

This was not the greatest year in music. The big build up to Harry Styles’ album was a bit of a disappointment considering several of the songs sounded like they were lifted from 70s tunes. Very weird. Styles acquitted himself in the movie “Dunkirk” so it all worked out. I’m sure “Sign of the Tunes” will get him into Best Pop Male Vocal.

But no album this year had a real vision. I’m not sure that any album has had that in two decades. What we’d give for a real masterpiece in pop, rock, soul, rap, country– anything. The Grammy nominations have always been a mystery to me. I’m sure on the 28th we will all have a long list of WTH’s.

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