Quentin Tarantino may be riding to the rescue of the 2012 holiday film season, but it will be at the very last minute. Messages have just gone out from The Weinstein Company to hold December 15th and 16th for the junket days for “Django Unchained” with Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and a cast of thousands. Waiting for word on what this means for awards voting by the New York Film Critics and some other groups from November 30th through about December 6th. Of course, this does give him time to show the film to the awards groups, then go back and tinker a bit before the press sees the movie. “Django” opens on Christmas Day, and can’t be soon enough as far his fans–including this writer–are concerned.
Stevie Wonder, Goo Goo Dolls Create Songs for Obama
On Wednesday night at the UN, Stevie Wonder and I were talking backstage. He said, “You have to hear the song!” We promptly got into a conversation about six other things. Now this afternoon on YouTube, Stevie has released a new song he wrote for President Obama. It’s called “Keep Moving Forward.” Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qCbiHSOf9nc&noredirect=1
At the same time, a group of musicians including the Goo Goo Dolls have posted their own song called “Forward” at www.forwardsong.com. Here’s the link to that one: http://www.showbiz411.com/wp-admin/post-new.php Featured are Natasha Bedingfield, Herbie Hancock, NeYo, the group Delta Rae and Johnny Rzeznick of the Goo Goo Dolls.
Roman Polanski Documentary Still Searching for a US Distributor
When director Roman Polanski was being held under house arrest in Switzerland, he made good use of his time. He and long time friend Andrew Braunsberg, who is also a film producer, set out to make their own “My Dinner with Andre.” They filmed an ongoing conversation about Polanski’s life from his harrowing childhood in the Holocaust, to the murder of his wife Sharon Tate and their unborn baby (as well as their friends) to the scandal involving Polanski sleeping with a 13 year old girl in 1977.
The result is “Roman Polanski: A Memoir.” Shown in Cannes last May, the riveting film has been sold in most markets around the world. But it still has no American distributor. Most of the independent film companies, as well as HBO, I’m told simply found Polanski too problematic a subject — especially in an election year.
This is really too bad and extremely disappointing. “Memoir” is fascinating. It does nothing to whitewash Polanski’s legal problems. Rather, they are addressed head on. And though many people like to recall their own version of his story, Polanski did serve time in prison — 42 days. He did plead guilty to sex with a minor. Court psychologists determined that he was not a pedophile but had made one single poor choice. A deal was in place with the court in Los Angeles. But a corrupt system let the judge begin fiddling with the agreement. Polanski was suddenly at the judge’s mercy with no concrete agreement on which he could rely. He left the United States not as a fugitive but a man in legal limbo.
There’s a lot more to the film. Particularly riveting is Polanski’s memory of the Holocaust in Krakau, Poland. His mother, who was pregnant, was taken by the Nazis and killed immediately. His father was taken away but returned. His sister somehow made it to Paris. Polanski, 12, went to live with a non Jewish family, then bounced around from place to place. Braunsberg juxtaposes Polanski’s story telling with archival footage and scenes from the director’s watershed film “The Pianist.” It’s quite remarkable.
Polanski also discusses the “Helter Skelter” murders by Charles Manson and his cult followers of his wife, Sharon Tate, and their friends. It’s the first time I can think that Polanski has really sat for an indepth interview since one with Diane Sawyer in the early 90s.
Of course, eventually Polanki’s house arrest was lifted. He is no longer in danger of extadition by the US government. The many lies and distortions in his case, perpetrated by the court in Los Angeles, were revealed in another documentary, “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired.” That this situation persists, considering that the 13 year old girl, Samantha Geimer, is now almost 50 and has long since absolved Polanski, is a tragedy.
The best thing Braunsberg can do is make a video on demand deal for “Memoir” so that anyone who has formed a preconceived notion about Polanski can see– right in their own living rooms, or at their computers–what really happened and what this important director has lived through.
Rolling Stones Set List from Surprise Paris Show
The Rolling Stones played a surprise 75 minute show in a north Paris club last night. Tickets were just $20, now making the average price of a ticket for this mini tour $4 million. Anyway, here’s the set list. And this probably means there will be more of these pop up club dates between now and November 25th when they hit the O2 Arena. And some here in December.
Route 66
It’s Only Rock and Roll
Shattered
When The Whip Comes Down
Champagne and Reefer
Doom and Gloom
Miss You
Tumbling Dice
Start Me Up
Midnight Rambler
Jumping Jack Flash
Brown Sugar
“Skyfall” Opens In UK, Bond 24 Set for 2014 But Likely Without Judi Dench
James Bond 23 opens today in the United Kingdom. Expect a windfall for “Skyfall” as for once in a long time everything is right with the fabled spy action series. “Skyfall” ends with a notice, like all the other films in the series, that “James Bond will Return.” My colleague at the Daily Mail in London, Baz Bamigboye, reports today that Bond 24 is already in pre-production, John Logan is writing the script (as he did for “Skyfall”) and that Daniel Craig will be back in his tux by the end of 2014 if not sooner.
Also expect that Ralph Fiennes will succeed Judi Dench as M. Dench has a full plate of movies and theater, but running around a field with a semi automatic weapon isn’t “optimal” even at her most youthful demeanor. Dench gets a lot of airtime in “Skyfall,” capping a brilliant run as M starting back in 1994. She’s the longest running actor in the James Bond series. And she’s probably getting an Oscar nod this year for “Best Exotic Mariold Hotel.” Dame Judi is just starting a new Stephen Frears movie with Steve Coogan that sounds like a winner.
Who will direct Bond 24? They’d be smart to stick with Sam Mendes. But the producers are said to be considering Christopher Nolan, among others. And who should be next to write and sing the Bond theme song? Since Adele filled the ladies’ slot this time ’round, my vote is for Sting. I always thought his “Tomorrow We’ll See” was a James Bond song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=576vw_qbqLs
Katie Holmes On Her New Broadway Role: “I Finally Get to Yell!”
UPDATE: here’s the synopsis of “Dead Accounts,” supplied happily by the show’s press agents:
Jack (Norbert Leo Butz) returns home to Cincinnati under mysterious circumstances. His sister Lorna (Katie Holmes) is wondering where his wife (Judy Greer) is, why he doesn’t seem concerned about his job as a bank executive, and how he’s come across the large amounts of cash he’s throwing around. Lorna has moved back into her childhood home to help her very Catholic mother (Jayne Houdyshell) take care of the Lorna’s very ill father. She’s struggling with taking care of her aging parents, her brother’s odd behavior, his propensity to buy unhealthy amounts of Graeter’s ice cream, and an unrequited crush on Jack’s high school buddy Phil (Josh Hamilton). When Jack’s wife Jenny arrives in Cincinnati and drops a bomb, the family must decide what to do with a $27 million secret.
Earlier: Katie Holmes made a public appearance last night for the new Broadway play in which she will shortly open, called “Dead Accounts.” Katie, playwright Theresa Rebeck and director Jack O’Brien did a live radio show with an audience at the Greene Space for WNYC (NPR) in West Soho. The thing is, the event was so under-promoted that there were plenty of empty seats–and tickets were just $20. I actually bought two seats since the publicist for WNYC insisted that there was “no press” allowed in the studio. So kooky, these little publicists.
The lineup was esteemed WNYC interviewer Leonard Lopate interrogating the group which also comprised actors (Tony winner) Norbert Leo Butz. Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, and Jayne Houdyshell. It is a great cast, and O’Brien has already directed Butz to two Tonys, so he knows what he’s doing. From what we could figure out — since no one there including Lopate has seen Rebeck’s play: it takes place in Cincinnati on one set– a kitchen–where a large Catholic family gathers. The father may have just died since Butz returns with his estranged wife (Greer). Holmes is his sister, who’s stayed to take care of the parents. Houdyshell, who has a resemblance to Rebeck, is the mother. As in Rebeck’s “Mauritius,” there’s a lot of talk of dividing up an estate and people fighting over $27 million.
When Katie’s limo pulled up in front of the studio, a crowd of paparazzi gathered faster than you could say “Suri.” As the car pulled away, the limo driver asked me, “Who is that? I don’t even know” about his just discharged passenger.
Katie wore what looked like a white linen dress, with black leggings and a black jacket that she eventually removed because the lights were hot. During the course of the hour long talk, Katie did not say a lot. But at least she said more than “Amazing” or “I’m in love,” which is all she said really between April 2005 and June 2012. She seemed genuinely interested in what was going on, spoke about her family, her desire to work in theater: “I thought it would be so challenging.”
Why she wanted to work in theater: “Because I was so young when I started working, I was always trying to catch up.” Butz said she has no trouble projecting her voice in the theater.
Katie: “Finally I get to yell!” She added: “What I really loved about this character was she’s strong underneath it all. I like her values, I like that she’s trying to figure it all out and really cares for her family.”
What I really liked about Katie: she seems totally fascinated by the amazing Judy Greer, who will probably steal the play from everyone. Also, maybe someday someone will explain why Josh Hamilton hasn’t had a bigger career. He deserves it already but I don’t think he cares. He rode his own motorcycle to the studio.
You can watch the whole thing at http://tinyurl.com/btz8nbh
Meat Loaf Gets Cooking for Romney, with John Rich, Country Stars
Bruce Springsteen isn’t the only one out there stumping for his candidate. Meat Loaf, the original Bat out of Hell, is going to help Mitt Romney. He’s joining a bunch of country stars in Defiance, Ohio to support the Republican presidential candidate. John Rich of Big & Rich is hosting an extravaganza in Defiance with a cadre of guests including Randy Owen of the group Alabama. A surprise guest may also join them tonight. It’s interesting because, for parties at a possible inauguration in Washington, I’m told Republicans are “tired” of country stars and won’t pay to see them. But for free? Sounds good to me. And Meat Loaf? “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” should inspire Romney followers.
Obama Voting This Afternoon in Chicago–First Sitting Pres to Vote Early!
Barack Obama just sent out this email to his Democratic followers. He’s voting this afternoon in Chicago. He’s the first president to do something like this.
“This afternoon, I’m casting my ballot in my hometown of Chicago. I’m told I’ll be the first sitting president to take advantage of early voting.
And I can’t wait.
I know I can count on your vote. Now, it’s on all of us to make sure our friends and family step up. Reach out to folks you know in important early vote states.
Look, this race is extremely tight. It’s going to come down to which side can more effectively turn out the vote in these final days, and early vote is a huge part of that.
Whether people get out to vote this year, in this election, is even more critical than the last time around.
So this is serious, and I’m going to need your help if we want to win.
Connect with your friends and urge them to vote early:
http://my.barackobama.com/Help-Your-Friends-Vote-Early
Thanks,
Barack”
Motown Musical Will Be Fun, But Not Factual
“Motown: The Musical” is wending its way toward us inexorably. A couple of weeks ago the producers of the show invited group theater bookers and advertisers to come see a little bit of the show. Berry Gordy, Jr., the man who invented Motown more than 50 years ago, trotted out Smokey Robinson, his friend and Motown legend. Aretha Franklin came because she’s from Detroit. She was not on Motown and had nothing to do with it. (Aretha, of course, was an Atlantic artist.) Gayle King and Jesse Jackson were among the guests.
But guess what? It’s no surprise that “Motown: the Musical” bears little resemblance to Motown, the actual story. For that you should read, if you can find it, Gerri Hershey’s seminal book, “Nowhere to Run.” Or Mary Wilson’s memoirs, called “Dreamgirl: My Life as Supreme.”
Those who saw the excerpt and know the history of Motown were a little taken aback. “The story we saw was a love story between Berry Gordy and Diana Ross, set in Paris. They even sing Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s duets to each other, even though Berry can’t sing in real life, and they never recorded those songs.”
It does sound like a lot of dramatic license has been taken to create a book for the musical. And Gordy is the sole credit as author of the book. Well, anyway, we know the music will be great, and that’s all that counts, right?
“I wonder,” says a source who saw the show, “if Diana Ross will ever come see this. I doubt it.”
Indeed, Ross may have some misgivings about all this. After all, when she had her fling with Gordy in Paris, she was married to Bob Silberstein. The result was her eldest child, Rhonda. Ross and Silberstein had two more daughters, Tracee and Chudney, who now by the last name Ross. Rhonda didn’t learn Gordy was her father until she was 13, in 1984.
Gordy has seven other children including his eldest, Hazel, who was married to Jermaine Jackson years ago. His sister, Anna, was famously married to Marvin Gaye until their bitter divorce. That story is told in song on Marvin’s classic album, called “Here, My Dear.” (If you don’t have that album, download it immediately. It’s among Marvin’s finest.)
“Motown: the Musical” is still doing casting sessions, looking for actors to play Smokey, Marvin and a young Michael Jackson. It doesn’t sound like some of Motown’s finest singers — Levi Stubbs, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, or Mary Wells–will be part of this story. But you never know. Here’s the casting link: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting.html
Stevie Wonder Hosts 3 Hour Star Studded Birthday Bash for United Nations
Stevie Wonder showed just how wonderful and amazing he is last night. He hosted a three hour all star birthday bash for the United Nations on UN Day in the Great Assembly Hall. Even though Stevie returned to the hall a little late after two days of rehearsal, he still managed to put on a marathon, blow-out concert with guest stars like Sting, Wyclef Jean, Valerie Simpson, Bebe Winans, Doug E. Fresh, Janelle Monae, Freddie Jackson and Stephanie Mills. Trudie Styler, Malcolm Jamal Warner and BET’s Debra Lee punctuated the music with quotes from famous humanitarians.
(Paul Simon, who was scheduled to perform, had to bow out because of illness.)
The show won’t be seen on BET until February 23, 2012. But smart viewers were able to watch it on the BET website as it streamed live and unedited.
Some highlights include Stevie and Sting’s duet on “Fragile” complete with Sting’s intricate guitar work and Stevie’s harmonica rave up; Wyclef–who had to fly to Nashville to shoot the TV show of the same name–collaborating with Stevie on “Master Blaster Jamming”; Simpson sort of making the finale a success with her trademark song, “Reach Out and Touch”; and Stephanie Mills just roaring away with powerful vocals on a number of Stevie’s songs. Stevie’s back up singers included his talented daughter, Aisha Morris.
Wonder himself was a wonder since he didn’t leave the show once during the three hours. He was propelled by adrenaline. BET will have to cut something from what was recorded, but it will hurt to lose one bit of it. Wonder’s rare performance of “Visions” from “Innervisions” was a special treat. Among his famous songs we heard “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” “If It’s Magic,” “As,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “Heaven Help Us All.”
With ever rising star Estelle he performed a gorgeous, spare duet on Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” There were also terrific turns by Jasmine Cruz, Elle Varner, and the Wonder Girls, who flew in from South Korea to sing “What the World Needs Now is Love” with Stevie–it’s one of the two songs they know in English!
An invited audience of UN officials and dignitaries filled the General Assembly for this unique event. Stevie spoke during the breaks and as part of the show about love and peace and how blindness had made him color blind. You could hear a pin drop in the room during these stories. Stevie is the world’s music goodwill ambassador.
After the show, Stevie — indefatigable– headed downtown to Nobu for a late night celebration. He did tell me that he’s giving a gift to the U.N.– his song, “Conversation Peace.” He says they can use it in any way to promote peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRqqTRXB2ec