Exclusive: Lindsay Lohan has chosen her rehab facility–it’s Morningside in Newport Beach, California. Lohan is supposed to be there tomorrow morning but she’s still in New York as of this writing. So what I’m told is that hotelier Vikram Chatwal has graciously offered to fly her out on a chartererd plane in the middle of the night. Lindsay will arrive at Morningside by 7am, in enough time for her lawyer, Mark Heller, to stroll into Los Angeles court at 8:30am and inform the judge of her whereabouts. It’s not clear if Morningside was the facility that offered Lohan $30,000, but they will give her her rehab for free in exchange for good publicity. So Lindsay has even more reason to make her 90 day residency work. If she can get serious and really knuckle down there’s a good chance she can get to work and make some movies. What she needs is cash– and not from concerned friends but from producers who can learn to bank on her. Robert Downey Jr. did it. Lindsay can, too.
Tonight: “The Great Gatsby” At Last, Unveiled, in 3D, with Contemporary Soundtrack
There’s no Cole Porter on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby.” There is Jay Z, Beyonce, Bryan Ferry and Emeli Sande, Florence and the Machine, and Q Tip. This is not your grandfather’s Gatsby. Tonight, the world will finally see what all the fuss is about when Warner Bros. unveils the new “Gatsby” at Lincoln Center, followed by a soiree at the Plaza Hotel.
Will this two hour and twenty minute 3D extravaganza be a disaster for Warner Bros. like “Jack and the Beanstalk” or a grand slam home run like “The Dark Knight”? Luhrmann’s epic take on the great American novel was supposed to be ready last fall for Christmas and the Oscars. But it was pushed to May 10th because the director just wasn’t ready. The reason was said to be that soundtrack, which does have a lovely composed theme by Craig Armstrong, hadn’t been finished. It’s certainly eclectic, as you can tell from the sampler below.
But it’s also clear that the 3D required an enormous amount of labor. So did the set design. This “Gatsby” is all about style layered onto Fitzgerald’s text. The movie feels like the most ornate dessert cart you’ve ever seen, filled with massive, rich treats on every Art Deco shelf. It’s almost too much to take in. It should explode off a big screen with a great sound system.
And so: here it comes. I saw “Gatsby” for the first time about 10 days ago. Tonight will be round 2 for some, and for others, a mind blower waiting to happen.
Lindsay Lohan: One Rehab Facility Offers Her $30K Plus All Expenses Paid
Exclusive: Lindsay Lohan— yes, you know the name. By tomorrow morning she must be registered and attending a 90 day residential rehab program– lock down, no leaving, no furloughs– somewhere in the world. By order of a judge. So far, like right up until now, she hasn’t chosen a place, although there have been several spa like facilities to choose from. One– I won’t give the name yet– I can confirm has offered Lohan a $30,000 honorarium to come stay with them for the three months.
That’s right. They will pay her. Not the other way around. Plus the entire rehab will be free of charge. Why? Publicity? The place is not Promises or Exodus or Hazelden. They want to make a name for themselves.
This is what it’s come to. Drug addicts are now being treated like high school basketball stars.
My sources tell me that the situation with Lohan is a bleak one. “She won’t ever go for real rehab,” they say. “All these places are like spas. It’s a vacation and that’s the way it’s treated.”
Lindsay basically is making her decision based on locale– California, the Caribbean, and so on. But if she doesn’t make her decision some time today and go there, the talented but troubled actress will find herself in hot water with California Judge James Dabney. The ruling is a decision on three misdemeanor charges. Lindsay must serve the 90 days in rehab plus undergo 18 months of psychological counseling and 30 days of community service.
Michael Jackson Brother Randy Brings Financial Advisor to Court
The word from the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial in Los Angeles is the usual combination of the sublime and the ridiculous. Sources tell me that Michael’s brother Randy brought a financial advisor to court today to meet his mother, Katherine Jackson. The man was not allowed in the courtroom. So Randy stationed him outside in the hallway. “He wanted this man to meet Katherine and discuss what to do with the money they’re going to win,” the source says. “Randy wants that money, and he wants to make sure it’s divvied up correctly.”
Meantime, Randy was almost tossed out of court today by Judge Yvette Palazuelos. This astute jurist cautioned Katherine Jackson that she cannot bring all of her children into court every day. Seating is limited already and it’s a small court room. Having many Jacksons in the courtroom, the judge reportedly reasoned, would be too much of a distraction for the jury. Mrs. Jackson will be allowed one family member to help her in and out of court. Today both and Rebbie Jackson came with her.
It’s of note that so many Jacksons want to be in the courtroom when money is involved–money they think they will get. When Michael Jackson was on trial for child molestation and conspiracy in 2005, there were many days when Mrs. Jackson was alone in the courtroom. She often sat right behind Michael, listened to all the prurient testimony, and had to be stoic.
Meantime there were also reports today that the AEG lawyers threatened to reveal “Michael’s darkest secret.” What could that possibly be? Don’t we know everything by now? I can’t imagine there’s anything left about the King of Pop that would shock anyone.
Kerry Kennedy Bags Her Scientology Appearance at Anne Archer’s House
Remember that salon-cocktail party scheduled for tomorrow at Anne Archer’s house in Hollywood? Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy Jr, was scheduled to speak in front of well-heeled Scientologists including Archer. Everyone was upset that Kennedy would lend her family’s name to legitimize a cult. Well, now comes word thanks to the intrepid Tony Ortega (www.tonyortega.org) that Kerry has bagged the appearance, and the whole salon has been cancelled. It’s unclear if this was because Kennedy finally wised up, or if she has her own legal problems and isn’t allowed to leave New York. Either way, it’s a good thing.
Winona Ryder Is Back At Last, Will Headline New David Hare Film
Exclusive: If you’d asked in 1995, I would have said that the young actress most likely to conquer Hollywood, the Oscars, everything would be Winona Ryder. But life and events unwound her trajectory. We needn’t rake it all over now.
“I’m 41 now,” Winona said last night at the Soho House party for “The Iceman,” the movie that could bring her back. (She said after someone suggested she could have played Daisy Buchanan in the new “Gatsby.”) She looks the same as she did at 31, maybe better. She’s still a precise actress with a great gift. In “The Iceman” she plays Deborah the clueless wife of real life hit man and mobster Richard Kuklinski. Michael Shannon is absolutely chilling (and oddly endearing) as the crazy killer. Ryder is his ethereal partner, mother of his children, who maybe gets an inkling of what her husband really does for a living too late in the game.
At last night’s premiere, Shannon and Ryder were joined by co-star Ray Liotta (who’s almost a second lead, and damn good), as well as James Franco– who has a short, moving cameo. Also featured in the film are two well known Hollywood guys — David Schwimmer and Chris Evans–whose looks are so altered that you almost don’t recognize them. They’re terrific, as if the ever-evil Robert Davi.
After a bit, Justin Long stopped by the party to say hello. He, France and Ryder are trying to make a film of “The Beard” together. It’s one of Franco’s many projects.
And Winona? I can tell you she’s just signed to star in David Hare’s sequel to his British film, “Page Eight.” This is a big deal. Hare may use some of the “Page Eight” cast too, like Bill Nighy and Rachel Weisz. But it’s Winona’s turn. There’s an Oscar in her future. You can feel it.
By the way, it’s nice to know that Ryder is living full time in her home town of San Francisco. She’s also got a very boyfriend, her age. and they seem very happy. She tells me she’s very involved with literary doings at City Lights, and is still close to legendary poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, age 94. “He still rides his bike to the store,” Winona said and her famous eyes grew even wider with glee.
Flashback Exclusive: Candice Bergen Memoir Headed to Silver Screen
Candice Bergen’s 1983 autobiography, “Knock on Wood,” is coming to the big screen. I reported this exclusively on February 14th– ten weeks ago. Today, Deadline.com says it’s their exclusive. There’s nothing I can do but call them out on it. Nikki Finke was suing The Hollywood Reporter over stolen stories. And yet this just goes on and on. All it takes is a quick Google search to see if a story you’re working on has already been written. Then you just say, first reported in….It’s so easy. Anyway, “Knock on Wood” will make a great film. I wish Bergen would write a Part 2 and take us through the rest of her life.
http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/02/14/candice-bergen-bringing-her-memoir-knock-wood-to-the-big-screen
Steven Tyler Story in Page Six Today is “Hogwash”: Say Sources
I love my pals at Page Six, but someone fed them a load of bull today about rocker Steven Tyler and his management situation. Tyler was not “fired” by Simon Fuller, former owner of “American Idol” and manager of many music stars over the years. Fuller was part-time managing Tyler with Tyler’s lawyer, Dina LaPlot, for the last year. This arrangement was arrived at as a compromise after Tyler had a roller coaster ride with another manager and that guy’s successor–a man who went over the fence, shall we say, never to be seen again. Fuller was chosen by Tyler, but it turns out that this Simon doesn’t actually do hands on day to day management. So he teamed with LaPolt, who helped get Tyler’s anti-paparazzi law passed in Hawaii this winter.
For a moment last month, Tyler was almost managed by Larry Rudolph, who also manages Britney Spears. But that deal didn’t get signed thanks to internal politics that are too boring to describe here. Instead, Tyler has gone to Red Light Management with Fuller and LaPolt’s blessing. LaPolt continues to represent Tyler as his attorney only. Tyler. Howard Kaufman and Trudy Green managed Aerosmith. And everyone’s making money.
The Page Six story is “hogwash,” say my sources.
I sort of knew this anyway because as I prepared to interview Tyler earlier this month for ASCAP, I got to know all of his team. There’s no doubt that Tyler is high maintenance, but which rock star isn’t? Aerosmith is on tour in Australia and New Zealand right now, playing to sold out audiences and rocking arenas with Van Halen. Tyler and Joe Perry will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13th in New York at a star studded dinner and show at the Marriott Marquis.
What Did Alec Baldwin Say This Morning about Broadway or Basketball?
Alec Baldwin said something this morning that pissed off pregnant wife Hilaria. It either had to do with NBA player Jason Collins’ announcement that he’s gay, or it was something about Broadway, the Tony nominations and Nathan Lane as “The Nance,” David Hyde Pierce in “Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike.” They’re the two gay nominees in a category that Baldwin didn’t get cited in– Best Actor in a Play. Certainly it wasn’t about his fellow cast member Tom Sturridge, who was nominated in Lead Actor from Baldwin’s “Orphans.” Sturridge has a nine month old daughter with fiancee actress Sienna Miller. And another day begins!
After a benign comment this morning, my wife called me a HOWM.#homophobicoldwhiteman
— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) April 30, 2013
Maria Shriver Returning to NBC News to Report on Modern Life and Women’s Issues
It took long enough. But Maria Shriver is finally returning to NBC News, where she’ll report on women’s issues and modern life. She’ll also have a series of Shriver Reports on NBC News which delve more deeply into these matters. Even though NBC’s press release says she’ll continue to be based in Los Angeles, I wouldn’t be surprised if Shriver turned up on the “Today” show rather sooner than later. Before her, uh, adventures with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shriver was a welcome presence on NBC. She will be again, very quickly.
Here’s the press release:
NEW YORK –April 30, 2013 — Maria Shriver, the Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist, producer and best-selling author, joins NBC News as a special anchor reporting on the shifting roles, emerging power and evolving needs of women in modern life.
Through a series of special projects, prime-time reports and appearances across multiple NBCUniversal properties – including NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC and NBC Sports — Shriver will examine the profound impact that women’s rising influence and leadership has had on all aspects of American culture and society.
In addition, she will serve as an Editor at Large for women’s issues across the NBC News Digital properties, working with the teams to expand on editorial content and news programming that touches on women’s multi-faceted lives. Overall, the partnership with Shriver represents one of the largest commitments NBC News has made to coverage of women’s issues.
“I’ve always believed that television can inspire and elevate humanity, and that’s my mission with this new partnership,” said Maria Shriver. “I look forward to shining a light on all areas of a woman’s experience – from faith and finances, wellness and work, to relationships and the new realities of modern life– and exploring these issues in a way that brings the voices of men into these critically important conversations.”
NBC News will also have exclusive broadcast access to Shriver’s award-winning series of Shriver Reports, multiplatform investigations into the status of American women and their central role in the key issues facing our nation. The next Shriver Report, to be released in early 2014, will address the alarming financial insecurity among American women and families.
“Through her reports, her books, her events, her activism and the powerful social community that she has built, Maria Shriver has become a leading voice for empowering women and inspiring all of us to be architects of change in our lives,” said Pat Fili-Krushel, Chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group. “We are delighted that Maria will play such a key role in our efforts to examine this important topic, and all of us at the NBC family are excited to welcome her home.”
Shriver previously served as an anchor and correspondent for NBC News from 1986 until 2004. She won a Peabody Award for a Dateline special report on single mothers and welfare.
Shriver’s new role at the network will build upon her pioneering work as First Lady of California when, from 2003-2011, she championed a number of women’s-focused initiatives, created the prestigious Minerva Awards honoring remarkable women, and produced the annual Women’s Conference, which under her leadership became the nation’s preeminent live forum for news-making conversations and interviews about women today.
A mother of four, Shriver will remain based in Los Angeles and continue to produce outside television, film, book and live event projects under the auspices of her own production company.
In addition to her groundbreaking work on women’s issues, Shriver is one of the nation’s leading advocates for families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2009, Shriver co-executive produced the Emmy Award-winning four-part HBO documentary series called The Alzheimer’s Project, which opened millions of people’s eyes to the devastating disease.
Shriver has also been a lifelong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She serves on the Board of Special Olympics International and is deeply involved in gaining friendship and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through Best Buddies. Shriver is an entrepreneur and investor in socially responsible companies such as Lovin’ Scoopful, which donates a significant portion of its profits to Special Olympics.