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Oscar Winner Casey Affleck Defended by His “Manchester” Director Kenneth Lonergan in College Newspaper

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Winner Casey Affleck Defended by His “Manchester” Director Kenneth Lonergan in College Newspaper

Oscar winning screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan has sent a very damning letter to the Wesleyan Argus, the college newspaper of his school. Lonergan is properly outraged and defends Oscar winning actor Casey Affleck, star of their movie “Manchester by the Sea.”

Lonergan’s piece is entitled “How Connor Aberle and The Argus are Complicit in Slandering Casey Affleck.”

Frankly, this business of damning Casey Affleck because of sexual harassment lawsuits has gotten out of hand. The cases were settled, as Lonergan, no one lost and no one won. Plus, this is entirely different than the Nate Parker story. Parker was arrested and tried– and acquitted– in a court of law. Then he omitted that from his personal history and presented a movie that hinged on a rape.

Here is Lonergan’s letter. I’ve broken it into paragraphs to make it easier to read:

Connor Aberle’s article about myself, Casey, Affleck and Wesleyan’s supposed complicity in condoning sexual misconduct – and worse – by tauting me as a Wesleyan alumn after I won an Oscar last week is such a tangle of illogic, misinformation and flat-out slander that only the author’s presumed youth can possibly excuse his deeply offensive display of ignorance, and warped PC-fueled sense of indignation. His random use of the terms “sexual misconduct” “sexual harrassment” “sexual abuse” and “sexual violence,” as if they were legally or physically interchangeable, only indicates the reckless sloppiness of his thinking.

Never mind what he doesn’t know about the movies and how they are cast: That’s not as important, although it does underline that he doesn’t mind knowing nothing about his own subject.

But frequently dropping the word “alleged,” which grown-up journalists mindful of their own vulnerability to libel suits are careful to include when they compose equally wrongheaded pieces on this subject, he writes as if Casey Affleck were actually guilty of a crime.

In fact, it was alleged 7 years ago, in a civil lawsuit for breach of contract, that Casey sexually harrased two women formerly in his employ. Casey denounced the allegations as being totally fabricated. Like most civil suits, this one was settled out of court by mutual consent on undisclosed terms. In other words nothing was proved or disproved. So how does Mr Aberle dare to write as if he knows who was telling the truth and who was not? Anyone can sue anyone for anything in this country; the unsubstantiated details go in the public record and stay there.

Somebody as interested in actual as opposed to merely vocalized social justice as Mr Aberle presumably is, should unwind his tangled, immoral chain of reasoning and start over at the fundamental precept that an allegation is not an indictment. Nor can it be treated as such by any ethical person living in a democratic society supposedly based on the rule of law. Anything less vigilant exemplifies a disjointed abuse of morals and reason which those of us on the Left like to imagine exists only on the Right. I wish it were so.

But I do hope that Mr Aberle is capable of taking a much harder look at the merits of his own arguments before he decides to air his views in public again.

Kenneth Lonergan

Exclusive: Tom Cruise’s Scientology Spy Now Movie Producer Gets a Surprise at LA-Italia Film Fest

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Tom Cruise’s Scientology Spy Now Movie Producer Gets a Surprise at LA-Italia Film Fest

The Scientologists behind a new movie called “In Search of Fellini”– co-written by Nancy–voice of Bart Simpson–Cartwright– and another long time Scieno, Peter Knenaas, and produced by Tom Cruise former BFF and former reported Scieno snitch Michael Doven— got a big surprise recently when their film debuted at the LA-Italia Film Festival.

“Fellini” stars Maria Bello (how she wound up in this who knows). When the festival wanted to honor her at the movie’s premiere on February 24th who did they call? Why Paul Haggis, famous former Scientologist, Oscar winner, and great friend of Bello.

This move didn’t go over very well at the festival, where Haggis had to be on guard because of all the Scienos in the audience. Haggis was the main source for the book and documentary called “Going Clear,” which outed a lot of the cult’s misdeeds and named Doven as Cruise’s chief of staff. I’ve written about Doven over the years as well.

“When Doven heard that Haggis was presenting to Bello, he freaked out. He said Haggis was ‘too controversial.'” Nevertheless Haggis did the job.

It’s unclear whether the LA-Italia people understood “In Search of Fellini” was a Scientology movie. Except for Bello, everyone involved is a big time member including the director, whose wedding to a fellow member was held at Hollywood’s Celebrity Center.

It does seem that Doven’s reward for his loyalty to leader David Miscavige was to head up Scientology’s new movie company called United Pictures. (Doven’s tie to Hollywood is that his wife is the daughter of the great actor Bobby Morse of “Mad Men” and “How to Succeed in Business” fame.)

What comes next for “In Search of Fellini” is whether Doven and co. can fool a regular film distributor to pick up the movie and send it out into the mainstream world. That’s certainly the mandate. And oh yeah– if you’re still watching “The Simpsons,” indeed Bart is voiced by Cartwright, a prominent member of the cult. She’s made millions for them.

Movies: “Logan” Scores $85Mil, Comedy Legend Carl Reiner Joins Sandra Bullock’s “Ocean’s Eight,” Shirley MacLaine’s “Last Words”

Roger Friedman
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Movies: “Logan” Scores $85Mil, Comedy Legend Carl Reiner Joins Sandra Bullock’s “Ocean’s Eight,” Shirley MacLaine’s “Last Words”

Box office news: “Logan,” the final Wolverine movie and appearance by Hugh Jackman as the claw, racked up a whopping $85,3 million over the weekend. There are all kinds of records there including one for IMAX. At number 2, Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” is a stunner at a total now of $76 million. “The Shack,” which is not the story of Shake Shack, came in at number 3…

Is “Ocean’s Eight” going to have one of the biggest casts in history? Already starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and six more female stars. Many members of the “Ocean’s 11” movies are coming back, too. Comedy legend Carl Reiner Tweeted that he’s shooting his scene or scenes tomorrow. He’s 93 years young! “Ocean’s Eight also features Vogue editor Anna Wintour and a bunch of fashionistas, remaking The Met Ball. This movie is either going to be lots of fun or a huge sinking battle ship. I hope it’s the former…

LAST WORDS Shirley MacLaine opened in a new film on Friday called “Last Words” from Bleecker Street. The film, which tells the tale of MacLaine’s Harriet, a tough as nails ad executive who at the end of her life, enlists obituary journalist Anne (Amanda Seyfried) to help her rework her legacy after a lifetime of tough relationships with those closest to her, including her daughter, played by the always terrific Anne Heche. Famed Philip Baker Hall and adorable newcomer Ann Jewel Lee are in the cast as well last the always solid Thomas Sadoski, who plays a radio DJ helping to facilitate Harriet’s bucket list.

Sadoski met real life girlfriend Seyfried on the set and are soon to be new parents. MacLaine kept playfully putting her hands on Amanda’s stomach on the red carpet. “This baby is blessed,” said Shirley, “these two are truly aligned.” She went on to explain her co-star, “I love her face, that face is a painting. What goes on there is in her heart.”

I asked Shirley how she felt about Charlize Theron’s tribute to her on the Oscars. “I knew she was going to do that. But I didn’t know exactly how it would turn out. When I saw that clip from ‘The Apartment,’ oh my god, it felt like another lifetime. But I don’t ever look at my old stuff on TCM, or anywhere. I always think I could have done it all better and that’s uncomfortable for me. I always think I could have been better. And I truly didn’t think someone like me could inspire someone like Charlize.”

When I told her she inspires way more people and fans than Charlize, she quipped in her most actressy fun way, “Well, I just don’t know what you’re talking about!” Then she winked and went in to the theater. Shirley, you’re a genuine Hollywood legend who never stops. This film is poignant, feisty, funny and simply engaging. Hope it sees her and company on the award trail next year. — Leah Sydney

Box Office: Wolverine Claws His Way to a Spectacular Finale with $33 Mil Opening Night

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Wolverine Claws His Way to a Spectacular Finale with $33 Mil Opening Night

Say goodbye to Wolverine. After 17 years Hugh Jackman is hanging up his claws. “Logan” opened to $33 million on Friday night for a spectacular $80 mil weekend. The X Men will go on without him. Fox and Marvel go out on top with terrific reviews, too. How long before we have “The New Adventures of Wolverine”? You can actually hold your breath. It won’t be long at all.

And don’t think for a minute someone hasn’t suggested Jackman do “Wolverine: The Musical” on Broadway.

Elsewhere at the box office, this past Sunday’s Oscar winners didn’t get much of a boost. On Monday and Tuesday curious fans sampled what was left of “Moonlight,” “La La Land,” and “Hidden Figures.” But the party is over. 2017 is a wrap. A24 didn’t put out figures for their expanded “Moonlight” release from last night.

But I do think “Moonlight” ranks as one of the lowest grossing Best Pictures of all time, maybe second to “The Hurt Locker.” They’ve banked $22 million. It’s hoped “Moonlight” will have a life beyond theatres.

Review: Disney Looks to Score Huge with Bill Condon’s Live Action “Beauty and the Beast”

Leah Sydney
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Review: Disney Looks to Score Huge with Bill Condon’s Live Action “Beauty and the Beast”

REVIEW Beauty and the Beast had its first press screening last night, and the tired-from-awards-season/jaded crowd were unabashedly loving every enchanting second of it. Directed by Bill Condon, (“Dreamgirls,” “Twilight”) this live action version is a shameless and nostalgic love letter to the animated film of 25 years ago.

Enchanting affection is woven into every visually lush scene. We first see the feisty, quirky bookworm Belle (Emma Watson) wandering through her tiny village singing her theme song, “Belle.” Emma has a gorgeous voice and the pluckiness she brings to the role is wonderful. Watson deftly brings this iconic character to life in empowering girl power fashion.

Kevin Kline plays Belle’s doting father Maurice with sweet poignancy. When Maurice is first kidnapped by the Beast (Dan Stevens) because he picked a rose to bring home to his devoted daughter, Belle quickly trades places with him against her Father’s wishes. What follows is the tale that is so known to generations at this point, her falling in love with the Beast and the beloved characters that inhabit that whimsical world.

The “Be Our Guest” number is simply magical. The Beast is more of a downer character than in the animated, but that makes the famed romance more intense and deep. Luke Evans as the narcissistic Gaston is a stand out and Josh Gad, who plays his gay loyal worshipping sidekick Le Fou, steals every scene he’s in. Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) Cogsworth the clock (Ian McKellen) Garderobe the Wardrobe (Audra McDonald) Mrs. Potts,(Emma Thompson) Plumette,(Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Cadenza (Stanley Tucci) are of course all perfect.

The score, by eight time Oscar award winner Allan Menken, who won two awards for this film back in 1991, and three time Oscar winner Tim Rice, is indelibly etched in collective memories. “Beauty and the Beast,” will be released on March 17th and expect another Disney sized major hit. Also expect to be singing those songs for the next week after you see it!

Now that “Beauty and the Beast” is done. Disney proceeds to a live action version of “The Lion King”with James Earl Jones and Donald Glover. And then– why “Aladdin,” of course, fresh from Broadway.

Fake News: Oscar Accountant Held Grudge Against La La Land: She Was Stuck in Traffic on Highway During Filming of Opening Scene

Roger Friedman
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Fake News: Oscar Accountant Held Grudge Against La La Land: She Was Stuck in Traffic on Highway During Filming of Opening Scene

BREAKING FAKE NEWS: Sources say that Martha Ruiz, one of the PriceWaterhouseCoopers accountants who screwed up the Oscars– had it in for “La La Land.”

I’m told that Ruiz was stuck on the highway that Damien Chazelle used to film the opening sequence of the movie– for hours. “Martha was on that highway when people started jumping out of their cars and dancing on the hoods,” my source says. “She was furious. She had no idea. She was going to see Brian Cullinan”– the other Oscar accountant–“to discuss how screw up the 2016 Grammy awards. It was a Saturday and she didn’t see the road closure sign.”

Ruiz was made to dance repeatedly to the “La La Land” opening song and wasn’t allowed to leave the highway for hours. “She vowed revenge against the movie,” I’m told.

By coincidence, Cullinan may have also had a grudge against the winner “Moonlight.” Sources at rival Ernst & Young are claiming that Cullinan had auditioned for the part that went to Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the movie. “But he couldn’t swim,” says a source, “and they were afraid to let him do those scenes. He offered to do them in a bathtub, but the Barry Jenkins was against it.”

Cullinan had to settle for seeking his own revenge against the movie. “He had no idea ‘Moonlight” would be nominated let alone be in contention against La La Land. Brian was plotting to make Sully the winner. But it wasn’t even nominated.”

Both Cullinan and Ruiz have been held by authorities all week since the Oscars in an undisclosed location below Academy headquarters. There’s been talk of deportation, or sending both of them to pick up all of the unwatched DVDs of “Toni Erdmann.”

UPDATE Watch Jennifer Hudson Shred UK “The Voice” Last Night with New Single “Remember Me”

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE Watch Jennifer Hudson Shred UK “The Voice” Last Night with New Single “Remember Me”

UPDATE MONDAY MORNING
JHud performed Remember Me on Sunday night’s British edition of “The Voice”.

And wow.

Jennifer Hudson told me a couple of weeks ago she had a new single coming called “Remember Me.” Last night it dropped as a surprise release. “Remember Me” was written with Jennifer and Jamie Hartman, who co-wrote the big hit “Human” for the Rag n Bone Man. This could be Jennifer’s “Hello,” full of drama and gospel. (I just wish it had a big fade out ending.) Jennifer has the BEST voice of any singer in her generation. It’s time for a huge hit. Can’t wait to hear this on the radio. Come on Z100. We need some soul!

Nearly A Year to the Day Don Henley Said the Eagles were Done, Report They Fly Again

Roger Friedman
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Nearly A Year to the Day Don Henley Said the Eagles were Done, Report They Fly Again

The Eagles are back.

A year ago almost to the day, Don Henley confirmed that the super group were done following the death of co-founder Glenn Frey. “I don’t think you’ll see us performing again…I think that was probably it,” Henley said to BBC2 Radio. The group re-formed last December for their Kennedy Center induction, and that was supposed to be it.

But now their superstar manager Irving Azoff is reportedly putting together two mega shows, in LA and NY, for the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Yes, Fleetwood Mac, another group that was supposedly done.

Azoff has no doubt had his eye on creating his own “Desert Trip,” the mega concert last fall in Indio, California aka OldChella. Azoff is the only one who could mount such a thing, and I’m sure he’s got some other ideas for these July shows as reported by the L.A. Times. The shows would be at Dodger Stadium one weekend, and CitiField in NY the next. Azoff could add Sting and Earth, Wind & Fire, maybe Steely Dan, and knock out Desert Trip’s October plans. Very clever.

I don’t begrudge the Eagles anything, plenty of groups like The Who and The Rolling Stones have gone on playing after deaths of founding members. But this didn’t take long, did it? We’ll just have to take it easy.

Tribeca Film Fest Reveals Heavy Slate Including Hot Prospects “The Dinner” and Burt Reynolds Comeback “Dog Years”

Roger Friedman
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Tribeca Film Fest Reveals Heavy Slate Including Hot Prospects “The Dinner” and Burt Reynolds Comeback “Dog Years”

Here’s the Tribeca Film Fest list and it’s hot: I’m really interested in Oren Moverman’s all star “The Dinner,” from the Herman Koch novel, and Adam Rifkin’s “Dog Years” starring Burt Reynolds. The latter is said to be very, very good and a total surprise comeback for Reynolds. I sure hope so. Kathleen Nolan is in the cast. I had a crush on her from “The Real McCoys.” Go look it up.

U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Aardvark, directed and written by Brian Shoaf. (USA)
Abundant Acreage Available, directed and written by Angus MacLachlan. (USA)
Blame, directed and written by Quinn Shephard. (USA)
The Endless, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, written by Justin Benson. (USA)
Flower, directed by Max Winkler, written by Alex McAulay, Max Winkler, Matt Spicer. (USA)
Keep the Change, directed and written by Rachel Israel. (USA)
Love After Love, directed by Russell Harbaugh, written by Russell Harbaugh, Eric Mendelsohn. (USA)
One Percent More Humid, directed and written by Liz W. Garcia. (USA)
Saturday Church, directed and written by Damon Cardasis. (USA)
Thirst Street, directed by Nathan Silver, written by Nathan Silver, C. Mason Wells. (USA, France)

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION
The Divine Order (Die göttliche Ordnung), directed and written by Petra Volpe. (Switzerland)
Holy Air (Hawa Moqaddas), directed and written by Shady Srour. (Israel)
Ice Mother (Bába z ledu), directed and written by Bohdan Sláma. (Czech Republic, Slovakia, France)
King of Peking, directed and written by Sam Voutas. (China, USA, Australia)
Newton, directed by Amit V Masurkar, written by Mayank Tewari, Amit V Masurka. (India)
Nobody’s Watching (Nadie Nos Mira), directed by Julia Solomonoff, written by Julia Solomonoff, Christina Lazaridi. (Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, USA, Spain)
November, directed and written by Rainer Sarnet. (Estonia)
Sambá, directed by Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas, written by Ettore D’Alessandro, Carolina Encarnacion. (Dominican Republic)
Son of Sofia (O Gios tis Sofias), directed and written by Elina Psykou. (Bulgaria, France, Greece)
Tom of Finland, directed by Dome Karukoski, written by Aleksi Bardy. (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany)

WORLD DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Bobbi Jene, directed by Elvira Lind, written by Elvira Lind, Adam Nielsen. (Denmark, Israel, USA)
Copwatch, directed by Camilla Hall. (USA)
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, directed by David France, written by David France, Mark Blane. (USA)
The Departure, directed by Lana Wilson. (USA)
No Man’s Land, directed by David Byars. (USA)
The Reagan Show, directed by Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengill, written by Josh Alexander, Pacho Velez. (USA)
A River Below, directed by Mark Grieco. (Colombia, USA)
The Sensitives, directed by Drew Xanthopoulos. (USA)
Shadowman, directed and written by Oren Jacoby. (USA)
A Suitable Girl, directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sarita Khurana. (USA, India)
True Conviction, directed by Jamie Meltzer, written by Jamie Meltzer, Jeff Gilbert. (USA)
When God Sleeps, directed and written by Till Schauder. (USA, Germany)

SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE
The Boy Downstairs, directed and written by Sophie Brooks. (USA)
Buster’s Mal Heart, directed and written by Sarah Adina Smith. (USA)
Chuck, directed by Philippe Falardeau, written by Jeff Feuerzeig, Jerry Stahl. (USA)
The Clapper, directed and written by Dito Montiel. (USA)
Dabka, directed and written by Bryan Buckley. (USA)
The Dinner, directed and written by Oren Moverman. (USA)
Literally, Right Before Aaron, directed and written by Ryan Eggold. (USA)
The Lovers, directed and written by Azazel Jacobs. (USA)
Manifesto, directed and written by Julian Rosefeldt. (Germany)
Permission, directed and written by Brian Crano. (USA)
Rock’n Roll, directed by Guillaume Canet, written by Guillaume Canet, Rodolphe Lauga, Philippe Lefebvre. (France)
Sweet Virginia, directed by Jamie Dagg, written by The China Brothers. (USA)
Take Me, directed by Pat Healy, written by Mike Makowsky. (USA)
Thumper, directed and written by Jordan Ross. (USA)
The Trip to Spain, directed by Michael Winterbottom. (U.K.)

SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY
ACORN and the Firestorm, directed and written by Reuben Atlas and Sam Pollard. (USA)
AlphaGo, directed by Greg Kohs. (USA)
Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World, directed and written by Barry Avrich. (Canada)
ELIÁN, directed by Tim Golden, Ross McDonnell. (USA)
Frank Serpico, directed and written by Antonino D’Ambrosio. (USA)
Get Me Roger Stone, directed and written by Dylan Bank, Daniel DiMauro, Morgan Pehme. (USA)
Gilbert, directed by Neil Berkeley, written by Neil Berkeley, James Leche. (USA)
A Gray State, directed by Erik Nelson. (USA)
Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS, directed by Sebastian Junger and Nick Quested, written by Mark Monroe. (USA)
Hondros, directed by Greg Campbell, written by Greg Campbell, Jenny Golden. (USA)
I Am Evidence, directed by Trish Adlesic and Geeta Gandbhir. (USA)
LA 92, directed by Daniel Lindsay, TJ Martin. (USA)
No Stone Unturned, directed by Alex Gibney. (USA, Northern Ireland)
WASTED! The Story of Food Waste, directed by Anna Chai and Nari Kye. (USA)
Whitney. “can I be me,” directed by Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal, written by Nick Broomfield. (U.K)
Year of the Scab, directed by John Dorsey. (USA)

VIEWPOINTS
City of Ghosts, directed by Matthew Heineman. (USA)
Dog Years, directed and written by Adam Rifkin. (USA)
The Family I Had, directed by Katie Green and Carlye Rubin, written by Tina Grapenthin, Katie Green, Carlye Rubin. (USA)
The Farthest, directed and written by Emer Reynolds. (Ireland)
Flames, directed and written by Zefrey Throwell and Josephine Decker. (USA)
For Ahkeem, directed by Jeremy S. Levine and Landon Van Soest. (USA)
The Last Animals, directed by Kate Brooks, written by Kate Brooks and Mark Monroe. (USA)
Mr Long, directed and written by SABU. (Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan R.O.C., Germany)
My Art, directed and written by Laurie Simmons. (USA)
My Friend Dahmer, directed and written by Marc Meyers. (USA)
Pilgrimage, directed by Brendan Muldowney, written by Jamie Hannigan. (USA, Ireland)
A Thousand Junkies, directed and written by Tommy Swerdlow. (USA)
The Wedding Plan (Laavor et HaKir), directed and written by Rama Burshtein. (Israel)

MIDNIGHT
Devil’s Gate, directed by Clay Staub, written by Peter Aperlo, Clay Staub. (Canada, USA)
Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine, directed by Patrick O’Dell. (USA)
Hounds of Love, directed and written by Ben Young. (Australia)
Psychopaths, directed and written by Mickey Keating. (USA)
Super Dark Times, directed by Kevin Phillips, written by Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski. (USA)
Tilt, directed by Kasra Farahani, written by Jason O’Leary, Kasra Farahani. (USA)

Watch “Green Light” Lorde’s First New Single in 2 Years Since Her “Royals” Success

Roger Friedman
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Watch “Green Light” Lorde’s First New Single in 2 Years Since Her “Royals” Success

Lorde is back. The 20 year old New Zealand pop star has just dropped her first new single since her “Royals” success. Sounds good. Her album is on its way. Lorde promotes her new phase on “SNL” March 10th. Congrats to Charlie Walk and Republic Records.

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