It’s hard to imagine anyone going to see “The Canyons” at this point but someone did. The Paul Schrader film with Lindsay Lohan and porn star James Deen made $5,309 over the weekend. The movie actually added five theatres this past week and dropped 52.1% from the week before. The total gross now is $43,383 after three torturous weeks. Lindsay has moved on to an episode of HBO’s Eastbound and Down, and to confessing her sins to Oprah. Deen goes back to porno, which is probably more lucrative.
True Blood Star Joe Manganiello: Taking on Brando and Stanley in “Streetcar Named Desire”
Can Joe Manganiello act beyond showing his abs or making his eyes glow? We’re going to find out this fall. Mangianello, a “True Blood” star, is going to try playing Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” on stage. The production is at no less than Yale Rep, beginning September 30th. Manganiello will follow in the footsteps of many but mostly Marlon Brando. Mark Rucker directs a mostly unknown cast including Rene Augesen as Blanche DuBois.
Ben Affleck Sends Out Fundraiser Birthday Card for Bill Clinton
Ben Affleck doesn’t seem to care that the New York Times thinks the Clinton Foundation is in disarray. Here’s the message Affleck sent out today:
President Clinton and I built our careers in very different fields, but as fathers and humanitarians, we share a core belief: that the work we do each day should make the world a little better.
His unwavering commitment to helping people build a better future for themselves and their families has never ceased to amaze me, and inspires my own work to help improve the lives and communities in eastern Congo.
The goal of the Clinton Foundation is not just to give immediate assistance, but to provide the tools and opportunities to help people create their own better future. And together with President Clinton, you are making that happen.
And with your support, the Clinton Foundation has helped 5 million people access lifesaving HIV/AIDS medication – and revolutionized the market so that other lifesaving treatments, including malaria medicines and vaccines, are more readily available to millions. The Foundation has also helped 21,000 Malawian farmers increase their harvests and incomes – and helped build communities that are self-sustaining.
President Clinton is usually the first to say that we’re all in this together – and that it will take commitments from you, me, and people everywhere to face the big challenges of our time.
I believe that wholeheartedly – and it’s why I think President Clinton will be especially delighted to hear from you on his birthday and know that we’re all ready to make that commitment together.
Sincerely,
Ben Affleck
“True Blood” Finale: Is Eric Dead? A Naked Alexander Skarsgaard Goes Up In Flames
A shocking season 6 finale for “True Blood” last night on HBO: Eric, played by popular sex symbol, Alexander Skarsgaard, went up in flames. You could say Skarsgaard was “burned out” doing the show as his film career is hotter than a searing flame. Ha ha. Anyway, vampire Eric was reading a book, completely naked, sitting outside in the Swedish snow. As you do. And suddenly the Northern sun just starting burning him up. His last scene was was fully frontal and engulfed in flames. Now, even on “General Hospital” you could live through that. But it does seem like Eric might be completely dead. It’s a good cliffhanger until “True Blood” returns next year. Insiders told me recently that HBO was renegotiating a lot of “True Blood” contracts. Skarsgaard’s finale could well be linked to that. If he re-signs, someone will rush in with a fire extinguisher.
Next time, Eric, use a stronger SPF.
Grantham Coleman Cast in New Play by “Soldier’s Story” Writer
Off Broadway: is Grantham Coleman the next big thing? He was signed last year by super manager Jason Spire, who’s already guiding Anthony Mackie (“Captain America”), Oscar Isaac (“Inside Oscar Llewyn”), and Benjamin Walker (“Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight”). I can’t think of three busier or more serious young actors. Now Spire has brought in Coleman, whom he signed during a performance of  “Choir Boy” at Manhattan Rep earlier this year. Coleman, a Juilliard grad, has just been cast as the star of Charles Fuller’s new play, “One Night…” at the Cherry Lane Theater. Fuller, of course, is the famed playwright of “A Soldier’s Story” (originally known as “A Soldier’s Play” before it was a hit movie). In “One Night” Coleman will play Horace Lloyd, described as a recent vet of the Iraq war who his a bipolar explosive personality. The play is about sexual assaults on women in the army by fellow soldiers.
Did Jim Carrey Kill the Box Office for “Kick Ass 2”? (Yes, Probably)
The box office this weekend did not produce happy results for the people behind “Kick Ass 2.” The reason was likely Jim Carrey, who was added to the sequel with the hopes that he would garner publicity for the film. Let’s rewind: “Kick Ass” had a $19.8 million opening in 2010, and went on make $96 million worldwide (literally $48 mil here, $48 mil everywhere else). It was a left field hit for Lions Gate.
Carrey was brought in for the sequel, which was directed Jeff Wadlow–the nephew, by the way, of Katie Couric. Adding Carrey in a showy role meant a news hook when the movie was released. But then the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut happened. Carrey took them to heart– yes, it was awful, but it had nothing to do with “Kick Ass 2.” Carrey began denouncing the movie, and said he couldn’t promote its violence in light of the shootings. He was gone. And with him went any chance of “Kiss Ass 2” doing better than its predecessor.
Alas, “Kick Ass 2” was kicked in the ass by Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” this weekend. The Wadlow film finished fourth, after “We’re the Millers” and “Elysium.” it took in $13.5 million– far less than the first “Kick Ass.” Its momentum has been blunted. Carrey, whose career doesn’t really exist in a meaningful way anymore, has been AWOL. It will be interesting to see how the dozen or so producers on the film– including Brad Pitt, Matthew Vaughn and his wife Claudia Schiffer, plus Mark Millar–respond to the situation. They tried to spin last week saying Carrey’s protest of the movie was going to help them. Now that it hasn’t, they may be singing a different tune.
I did Kickass a month b4 Sandy Hook and now in all good conscience I cannot support that level of violence. My apologies to e
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) June 23, 2013
I meant to say my apologies to others involve with the film. I am not ashamed of it but recent events have caused a change in my heart.
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) June 23, 2013
Matt Lauer, Martha Stewart Help Raise $1.2 Mil for Breast Cancer Research
There are a lot of swanky parties in the Hamptons, but not many are held at the North Haven beachfront estate of financier Richard Perry and his wife designer Lisa Perry (whose popular Sixties retro designs are a landmark on Madison Avenue).
On Saturday night the Perrys opened their cheerful, magnificent home to over 500 people and raised more than $1.2 million for the Breast Cancer Research Fund. They did it for their friend Maria Baum, a breast cancer survivor, and her family including husband Larry Baum. The Baums are co-owners of the mouth watering Tutto il Giorno restaurants in Sag Harbor and Southampton.
It was really a day long event called “Paddle for Pink.” Early Saturday morning, participants had a paddle surf race across the bay from Sag Harbor with star athletes Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece leading the fray.
The nighttime guests — including Hamilton and Reece– munched on food from local restaurants and caterers, danced to a great deejay, and bid on surf boards designed by Martha Stewart, Nicole Miller, and several other designers. Somehow, no one fell in the pool that’s the centerpiece of the Perrys’ backyard.
Stewart and Miller were each among the throng, as well as Donna Karan, who spoke about breast cancer taking the life of her mentor, Ann Taylor. Matt Lauer turned up solo– his wife Annette, he said, was looking at horses in Kentucky. The party also fetched two former Sopranos– Edie Falco and Aida Turturro. Around $57,00 was made just in the silent auction which included the surfboards as well as a chance to watch batting practice with the Yankees.
Music may still be coming from North Haven even now, supplied by champion surfer Tom Curren, whose very good rock band is signed to a new label run by art collectors and rockers Ann Tenenbaum and Natasha Ziff. The latecomers had to be told the part was, sadly, over. “But they did leave a check,” Lisa Perry said brightly the next day. All was not lost.
“The Butler” Number 1 with $25 Mil, Steve Jobs Movie Tanks
Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” was the number 1 movie of the week with $25 million total. That’s a major blow out success for Harvey Weinstein, Daniels, and the whole “Butler” team. It also sets the movie on the road to Oscars and other awards galore.
“The Butler” did about as well as “The Help” two years ago, released the same week. “The Help” took in $26 million in its opening was number 2 that week in August 2011. The major difference: “The Help” had been a bestselling book with legions of fans. “The Butler” is an original story with no such built in audience. It will be interesting to see its momentum going forward.
Meanwhile, “Jobs” starring Ashton Kutcher as the Apple wunderkind was a total bust with $6 million for the weekend. That’s a total disaster considering the cult of Jobs and Apple products. But reviews, including mine, were quite negative. Ashton Kutcher is no draw at the box office.
Some other box office returns: Lindsay Lohan’s “The Canyons” hasn’t reported weekend numbers yet. As of Friday it was up to $38,000.
“Kick Ass 2” came in fourth, which was a real shocker. Original estimates had i at number 1, or may 2 after “The Butler.” But 2 and 3 went to “We’re the Millers” and the fading “Elysium.” A lot of people may blame Jim Carrey for turning his back on “Kick Ass 2” publicly.
Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” is up to $9.4 million still in limited release. The great great film with Cate Blanchett in her sure to be Oscar nominated role–and maybe win–will expand shortly, getting up to 1000 theatres.
Reagan Diaries: Detested Apartheid But Refused to Support Sanctions, Never Mentions Mandela
There’s a debate raging that Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” is not fair to Ronald Reagan about apartheid. In fact, both Nancy and Ronald Reagan come off very well in “The Butler.” But as far as apartheid goes, it’s best to go to Douglas Brinkley’s officially sanctioned book, “The Reagan Diaries.”
A couple of things– the word Mandela never comes up in eight years, not once. Reagan says he “detests” apartheid, but does nothing about it. He refuses to implement sanctions against Botha and the South African government. He doesn’t like Bishop Desmond Tutu. He notes that Rev. Billy Graham questions Tutu’s “stature.” Reagan says he will veto a sanctions bill, and eventually does. The congress overrode him.
Here are the pertinent diary entries, all written by Reagan himself:
March 30, 1983
Pres. Kaunda of Zambia arrived. A good meeting & lunch. I think he feels good about the trip. We made clear we detest Apartheid but believe we can do better with S. Africa by persuasion—
Monday, November 24
Met with Zulu Chief Buthelezi of S. Africa. I admire him greatly. I told him I was not a fan of Bishop Tutu.
Friday December 7, 1984
Bishop Tutu of S. Africa came in. I’m sure he is sincere in his belief that we should turn our back on S.A. & take actions such as sanctions to bring about a change in race relations. He is naïve. We’ve made considerable progress with quiet diplomacy. There are S. Africans who want an end to Apartheid & I think they understand what we are doing. American owned firms in S.A. treat their employees as they would in Am. This has meant a tremendous improvement for thousands & thousands of S.A. Blacks. There have been other improvements but there is still a long way to go. The Bishop seems unaware, even though he himself is Black, that part of the problem is tribal not racial. If apartheid ended now there still would be civil strife between the Black tribes.
December 14, 1984
Billy Graham for dinner tonight. Very interesting— his experiences in the Soviet U. & S. Africa. He questions the stature of Bishop Tutu.
 January 21, 1985
It seems like Monday but then yesterday seemed like Sunday. Geo. Bush reported on his day in Atlanta— the various programs celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’ s birthday. Bishop TUTU of S. Africa took advantage of the day to kick me & our admin. around.
Monday, February 4
Met with So. African Chief of Zulus, Gatsha Buthelezi. He’s a very impressive man— well educated & while dedicated to ending apartheid in S. Africa still is well balanced & knows it will take time. I’d quoted him in my own speeches before I ever met him.
Wednesday, June 11th
Staff briefings— this time with Sec. Shultz on hand. Some discussion of S. Africa & the legislation some in Cong. are cooking up to have us take extreme actions like taking Am. investment out of S.A.— Sanctions etc. Of course then we’d have no contact or ability to help rid them of apartheid. Besides Am. investment is only 1% of S.A. investment.
 Friday, July 26
Staff meetings here in W.H. & then an NSC meeting in the old treaty room. Subject S. Africa. We’ve quietly influenced the S.A. G. to a number of changes benefitting Blacks. Now our Congress yielding to demonstrations, etc. is debating legislation to impose sanctions on S.A. Govt. We’re opposed. It isn’t a solution to the problem of apartheid & it will hurt the very Blacks we’re trying to help. I think we’re all agreed on continuing & even stepping up our present program but resisting the other. We’re off to Camp David. From there I’ll call Margaret Thatcher at George Bushes house— sorry we can’t get together while she’s here.
September 9, 1985
Saw our Ambas. off on his return to S. Africa. Then at 10: 30 I went before the press & read a statement about the exec. order I would sign listing things we were going to do with regard to Apartheid in S. Africa. Many were things included in the Cong. bill calling for sanctions. I explained these were things I would agree to but eliminated parts of the bill I did not favor & that I would veto the bill if it came to my desk. This wouldn’t have been necessary if I had line item veto.
Congress eventually overrode Reagan’s veto of the bill to impose sanctions. After this, there’s no mention again from 1986 to Reagan’s exit in January 1989 of South Africa or apartheid:
October 2, 1986
Today’s Senate vote should not be viewed as the final chapter in America’s efforts, along with our allies, to address the plight of the people of South Africa. Instead, it underscores that America — and that means all of us — opposes apartheid, a malevolent and archaic system totally alien to our ideals. The debate, which culminated in today’s vote, was not whether or not to oppose apartheid but, instead, how best to oppose it and how best to bring freedom to that troubled country.
I deeply regret that Congress has seen fit to override my veto of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Punitive sanctions, I believe, are not the best course of action; they hurt the very people they are intended to help. My hope is that these punitive sanctions do not lead to more violence and more repression. Our administration will, nevertheless, implement the law. It must be recognized, however, that this will not solve the serious problems that plague that country. The United States must also move forward with positive measures to encourage peaceful change and advance the cause of democracy in South Africa.
 Now is the time for South Africa’s Government to act with courage and good sense to avert a crisis. Moderate black leaders who are committed to democracy and oppose revolutionary violence are ready to work for peaceful change. They should not be kept waiting. It would be tragic to lose this opportunity to create a truly free society which respects the rights of the majority, the minority, and the individual. There is still time for orderly change and peaceful reform. South Africans of good will, black and white, should seize the moment.
 Note: H.R. 4868, which passed over the President’s veto on October 2, was assigned Public Law No. 99 – 440.
“The Butler” in at Number 1, Beats “Kick Ass,” Explodes on Twitter (Reba McEntire Loved It)
Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” opened tonight and exploded at the box office and on Twitter. The Forest Whitaker-Oprah Winfrey all star tale will be number 1 for the weekend coming in at between $27-$30 million. It’s possible it may go higher based on reaction on Twitter.
Starting around 9:30pm Friday night thousands of people who saw the early shows in their neighborhoods starting Tweeting about much how they loved the movie. Country superstar Reba McEntire was one of them. (She lives in Nashville.)
Just saw the movie, The Butler. Go see it!!
— Reba McEntire (@reba) August 16, 2013
There are also several Tweets from people who say the audience applauded at the end of the film. That’s a good sign that tomorrow’s shows are going to be HUGE. The irony is that “Kiss Ass 2” was supposed to beat “The Butler.” But it’s winding up at number 2.
Stay tuned and keep refreshing… I told you about “The Butler” a couple of weeks ago. Mark this down on August 16th: “The Butler” will score Oscar nods for Daniels, screenwriter Danny Strong, Whitaker, Winfrey, and David Oyelowo at least, as well as Best Picture.