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Clooney “Monuments Men” Moves to Spring 2014 and Out of Oscar Race

Roger Friedman
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Clooney “Monuments Men” Moves to Spring 2014 and Out of Oscar Race

George Clooney has asked that his “Monuments Men” be delayed until Spring 2014 according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The all star film was supposed to be ready for release at Christmas and was primed for Oscar season. There was an even an extensive plan for international premieres all to be underwritten by art dealer Larry Gagosian.

But Clooney says the movie was not yet scored, and that composer Alexander Desplat was just getting under way with an orchestra. Plus, many of the special effects weren’t finished. “Monuments Men” is thus postponed. I wouldn’t be surprised if it opened in Cannes given its global nature. That, or a premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February. (That might be a little awkward as the movie is about finding art stolen by or hidden from the Nazis.)

Sony may be relieved. They’ve got the very solid “Captain Phillips” in Oscar contention now. David O. Russell’s “American Hustle” will also be in the mix. Sony Pictures Classics has a sure thing in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine.” Given the company’s calamitous summer, these films are enough. Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher” was also postponed for release until next year, although I am told that one is ready.

This leaves Clooney as “just” the producer of “August: Osage County” and a supporting actor in “Gravity.” I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t an Oscar campaign for his role in the Alfonso Cuaron movie now.

 

Paul McCartney, A Young 71, Debuts at Number 3 on the Charts with “New”

Roger Friedman
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Paul McCartney, A Young 71, Debuts at Number 3 on the Charts with “New”

We think of Paul McCartney as ageless, or maybe 25. But he’s 71 years young. He’d be the oldest person in the Top 50 this week if it weren’t for Willie Nelson, who’s 80, and has an album of duets with some female singers called “To All the Girls.” We can say McCartney is the oldest rocker on the charts. And he has a great album in “New” (bad title but what can you do).

“New” sold 66,000 copies and was just behind Miley Cyrus’s “Bangerz” at number 2 and Pearl Jam’s “We’re Still Here Mumbling”– er, “Lightning Bolt” at number 1 with an impressive 170,000 sold. Willie Nelson sold 42,000 and came in at number 8.

The real stunner is Cher, who’s been selling consistently for several week with her “Closer to the Truth” album. She’s at number 10. Her success is a real example of what happens when a label puts some elbow grease and moolah into an album.

Elton John’s “The Diving Board” is hanging in there at number 24 and waiting for some Grammy nominations.

My favorite new album is Gavin DeGraw’s “Make a Move” at number 12. with over 36,000 copies. If Gavin were releasing albums in 1977, he’d be number 1. But he’s not taking his clothes off or sampling anything, or having sex with machinery in videos. He’s just really talented, a Billy Joel for this generation. Check him out.

“Homeland” and “Masters of Sex” Renewed by Showtime for 2014

Roger Friedman
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“Homeland” and “Masters of Sex” Renewed by Showtime for 2014

Carrie off her meds and the show is a little kooky so far. But “Homeland” will be back in 2014 for a fourth season. Showtime just announced that the most emotional terrorist hunters in history will keep looking for double agents and good pharmaceuticals next year. They’re also bringing back “Masters of Sex,” which is a no brainer. Michael Sheen and Lizzie Caplan are great, but really– an excuse to see naked people all humping every week. Come on. Genius! Showtime, all I care about is “Episodes.” It’s the antidote to everything. Even Brody enjoys it from South America.

Meantime. “Homeland” star Damian Lewis is moving into films. Remember what the “Homeland” producers said earlier this year. No one is safe. Could Carrie be tracking and falling in love with another terrorist next season? Absolutely!

Sean Penn Says He’d Like to See Julia Roberts “Eat in 3D” (Watch Video)

Roger Friedman
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Sean Penn Says He’d Like to See Julia Roberts “Eat in 3D” (Watch Video)

Sean Penn gave Julia Roberts a very odd, rambling toast last night at the Hollywood Awards. Penn said: “We’re all humbled to recognize that film is an integrative exercise. Great writing will catch each and every stumble. Julia is poetic. In the words of William Saroyan, ‘She is that who shines and is beyond corruption.’  I could watch her eat for hours on end.  Even if the food gets stuck in her teeth.  I want her to make a movie in 3D with a virtual toothpick. I’d like to use that to get the pieces out.”

Roberts is never one to shy away from a good retort: “Jesus,” she said, “how can I say anything after that?  Fortunately I am a hearty eater. I told my husband on our first date 13 years ago, I just don’t eat salads.”

Carlos de Abreu, The Hollywood Film Festival’s Founder, made sure the event was star studded and quirky.  Other stars such as Sandra Bullock, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, Harrison Ford, Geoffrey Rush, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey and Bruce Willis were just some of the celebrities making an appearance.  The event of course was very industry heavy, each of the studios had tables on the floor of the ballroom.  The studios have suddenly seized on the Hollywood Awards and festival as a new marketing tool. Viva Carlos!

Director Steve McQueen and actor Jared Leto got their respective Breakthrough awards, both joked how they have been knocking around for awhile.  Matthew McConaughey gave a casual, but detailed explanation od how he let his agents know that he wanted a more serious career change and that, “it’s gonna be dry for awhile.  And it was!”

A highlight for the jaded crowd was Coldplay’s Chris Martin performing ‘Atlas,’ from the upcoming ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.’  Harvey Weinstein was referred to through much of the night,  thanked by many and even being pressed to employ Sandra Bullock who said, “Harvey why don’t you hire me?  I even wore your wife’s dress!”

Jerry Weintraub told a funny story about how his award-receiving career started.  “Frank Sinatra got it all started.  He arranged for me to receive a B’nai Brith and an NAACP award in one night.”  He went on to explain that, “I got all these awards in my house. They are all going on eBay when I die. In my 30s I already had awards and in my 40s they called me an icon. Now in my 70s, they want to call me a legend.” The next stop is Hillside Cemetery’.”

Brian Hegeland, ’42’s’ writer/director, presented the final award to a subdued and probably tired at this point, but grateful Harrison Ford.  Since this is the kick off to awards season, Carlos pulled it off with great aplomb.

Fruitvale, Her, Nebraska Get San Fran Nod, Duchovny Louder, Kanye’s Obvious Question

Roger Friedman
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Fruitvale, Her, Nebraska Get San Fran Nod, Duchovny Louder, Kanye’s Obvious Question

….The San Francisco Film Society will honor four films at its first ever Fall Gala on November 14th. One of them is close to their hearts since the amazing  “Fruitvale Station” takes place in Oakland. I have no sense of how “Fruitvale” has played in the Bay area, but the transit police should have a real sense of shame about the unprovoked murder of Oscar Grant. The other films film are “Nebraska,” “Her,” and “The Square.” All the main players for the films will be on hand including Alexander Payne and Spike Jonze. The event is co-hosted by Sid Ganis and director Chris Columbus…

…Before Comic Con last week, “X Files” star David Duchovny was out at the Hamptons Film Festival for the premiere of “Louder Than Words.” The Anthony Fabian directed  feature film which also stars Hope Davis and Timothy Hutton, tells the true story of Maria Fareri, who died in 1995 at age 13 from rabies. Her family, rather than wallow in grief, mobilized and started a children’s hospital at Westchester Medical Center in her memory.

Duchovny told our REGINA WEINREICH: “When I got the script, I knew it was based on true events, thought it was an amazing thing to have happened in real life, not even thinking of it as fiction or documentary, or somewhere in between, not that that’s what the movie is, I thought if the family has the courage or the balls to make this film I can have the same. Everybody is always looking for something that is emotionally true. Most actors are looking for a script like this.”

Duchovny was on his way to Comic Con, where rabid fans are still hoping to find the truth out there. “It’s nice that people still want to talk about The X-Files,” he said.

…Oh yes: Kanye West popped the question last night to whatsername. I always like it when parents of a child or children decide to get married. It’s such a surprise! Will they actually tie the knot? How many days before the tabloids say it’s over? And how long will it last? Just the saga will give us all something to live for…

Scorsese “Wolf” Will Open Christmas Day– I told you this two weeks ago

Roger Friedman
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Scorsese “Wolf” Will Open Christmas Day– I told you this two weeks ago

On October 8th I told you that Martin Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street” would likely open on Christmas Day. This evening the LA Times is now reporting this, and two bloggers are fighting about it on Twitter. I don’t care. Here’s the link: http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/10/08/scorsese-dicaprio-wolf-of-wall-street-may-make-oscar-deadline-after-all

Of course, this news throws all the Oscar prognosticators for a loop. What to do? They’ve already called the March 2, 2014 awards, presented the odds, etc. Everything is now pitched to whether it will an Oscar. Think of all the great movies that didn’t win Oscars or weren’t nominated. Quick– tell me right now who won all the major awards in February 2013, just nine months ago. Can you do it?

Was it “The Artist”?

With “Wolf” opening, Matthew McConnaughey will be eligible from three different movies– “Mud,” Wolf,” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” Will Leonardo DiCaprio be able to sneak in where seven or eight guys already have staked claims? That’s Forest Whitaker, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac, Michael B. Jordan, and Bruce Dern.

Good luck!

Kanye West Surprises “12 Years a Slave Director” Steve McQueen at Hollywood Awards

Roger Friedman
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0
Kanye West Surprises “12 Years a Slave Director” Steve McQueen at Hollywood Awards

Kanye West, in regular standard mode and not looking for an argument or a fight, surprised “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen this evening. He flew in from San Francisco to give McQueen a special honor at the Hollywood Awards in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton. Kanye joked that he was “reading from the TelePrompter” lest anything go awry. But he said some heartfelt things about McQueen and the movie, which was very nice.

Our LEAH SYDNEY is reporting from the BHH ballroom, where she’s run into Jane Fonda and Richard Perry, actor Geoffrey Rush, and a clutch of other stars. Also in attendance are Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Julia Roberts with producer Jerry Weintraub, Jake Gyllenhaal, Olivia Munn, Kenny Babyface Edmonds, Harrison Ford, Angela Bassett, Ethan Hawke, and Julie Delpy…

More to come…keep refreshing…

LAPD: Cee Lo Green Charged with Furnishing Ecstasy to a Female

Roger Friedman
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0
LAPD: Cee Lo Green Charged with Furnishing Ecstasy to a Female

Cee Lo Green is in trouble, but he’s innocent til proven guilty. He will be arraigned at 4:30pm EST in Los Angeles on a charge of giving Ecstasy to a young woman. Note in the following press release that prosecutors decided not to file a rape charge.

Press release:

Singer-songwriter CeeLo Green was charged today with furnishing ecstasy to a female victim, the District Attorney’s Office announced.

Green, whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, was charged with one felony count of furnishing a controlled substance in case BA417464. He is expected to be arraigned at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Department 30, sometime after 1:30 p.m. Prosecutors asked that his bail be set at $30,000.

Green, 39 (dob 5-30-75), allegedly slipped ecstasy to a 33-year-old female while the two were dining at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant sometime between July 13 and July 14, 2012. The two later went back to the woman’s hotel. Prosecutors declined to file a charge of rape of an intoxicated person, citing insufficient evidence.

If convicted, Green faces up to four years in state prison.

CBS Vet Dan Rather Will Talk Kennedy Assassination on NBC “Today” Show

Roger Friedman
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CBS Vet Dan Rather Will Talk Kennedy Assassination on NBC “Today” Show

Dan Rather, whose report on CBS News of the Kennedy assassination 50 years ago is of historical importance, will not be looking back on his home network. Much the way Walter Cronkite was forced off CBS in his later years, Rather can’t go back. So he’ll be talking about the Kennedy assassination on a special “Today” show on NBC with Tom Brokaw on the morning of November 22nd. Rather and CBS parted company rather bitterly a few years ago.

CBS has planned its own special anniversary programming about the Kennedy assassination. They’ll undoubtedly tout the Cronkite material even though their senior news man was banned, ironically, all during the years Rather anchored the news. For CBS to ignore the Rather clips will be quite extraordinary, just as his appearance on NBC certainly blows a hole in their plans.

“Young and Restless” Star’s Web Series Produced by Scientology Film Company

Roger Friedman
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“Young and Restless” Star’s Web Series Produced by Scientology Film Company

Scientology is trying to dig in more and more in “mainstream” entertainment. I wrote about their latest effort, “The Stafford Project,” a few weeks ago. The web series on YouTube stars former “Young and the Restless” actress Michelle Stafford as a ‘kooky’ wannabe Lucille Ball meets Carrie Bradshaw in a scripted reality setting. But it’s really just a front for Scientology filmmakers. Stafford is a long time member of Scientology.

“The Stafford Project” is produced by New Slant Productions, named for an L. Ron Hubbard book called “A New Slant On Life.” Hubbard was the Kilgore Trout-ish science fiction writer who invented Scientology in the 1950s. Before he came up with the pay for play religion he was a  writer of pulp fiction paperbacks. (More on that in a minute.)

New Slant is run by two veteran Scientologists who fancy themselves Hollywood players: Mike Falkow and . Last year Falkow edited a Mother’s Day video from top Scientology celeb John Travolta to his wife Kelly Preston, directed by Travolta. Preston was recently featured on “Stafford” as a guest star. http://vimeo.com/42014196#at=0

I wrote a few weeks ago that everyone who works on “The Stafford Project” is in Scientology. Similarly, almost everyone and everything to do with New Slant Productions is connected to Scientology including all the actors– none of whom are famous–and crew members involved in their productions. And it does look like Scientology is pumping money into New Slant. They suddenly have several “B”, or rather “C”, movies in production. Some of them also come under the banner of Radcliffe Productions, also populated by various Scientologists.

All of this makes sense in the context of Scientology’s real estate holdings in the actual city of Hollywood, and their new productions facilities. Indeed, they now sponsor something called The L. Ron Hubbard Golden Age Theater. At these live events in Hollywood, would be and has been actors read aloud from those Hubbard paperbacks including the wonderfully titled “The Blow Torch Murder” and “Reign of the Gila Monster.”

Among the players listed on their website are Elizabeth Moss (Peggy on “Mad Men”) and Judy Norton (one of “The Waltons”). The site also still features the now deceased Karen Black.

 

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