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Meryl Streep Will Solve “Puzzle” with Stanley Tucci

Roger Friedman
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Meryl Streep Will Solve “Puzzle” with Stanley Tucci

Meryl Streep is really getting into the Stanley Tucci business. Or maybe it’s vice versa.

Sources tell me that La Streep has tentatively agreed to star in the American version of “Puzzle”–an Argentinian hit–with Tucci directing for HBO. The original “Puzzle” should open in the states in January.

In “Puzzle,” Meryl would play a housewife who discovers an unnatural knack for solving jigsaw puzzles. But of coure the story is about much more than that–the puzzles are a metaphor.

Tucci would play the puzzle master who Meryl’s character winds up taking lessons from.

This is the second Tucci-Streep project that’s come up recently. Tucci and his producing partners Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur also have “Mommy and Me” set to go. Tina Fey plays Streep’s adult “boomerang” daughter who comes home to live with her.

All this Streep-Tucci talk emanates of course from their friendship (yes, it’s a real friendship, nothing else kids). They worked together beautifully in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Julie and Julia.”

Solomon Burke: Soul Star’s Career Was Just Out of Reach

Roger Friedman
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Solomon Burke: Soul Star’s Career Was Just Out of Reach

Solomon Burke is dead today at age 70. His death is not a total surprise. Solomon was a huge man physically who performed sitting on a gigantic gold throne with a red velvet seat. When he traveled, it was double everything. Or triple.

A few years ago, when we went to the Poretta Soul Festival in Italy, Solomon had to stay an hour or more away in Bologna because there were no hotels with rooms or beds big enough to accomodate him.

But Solomon’s physical size was equal to his genius and his reputation (he had 21 children), and certainly the depth of his talent. His gospel tinged voice was one of the few remaining from the legendary era of Atlantic Records magnificent heyday. Who remains now: Aretha Franklin, Sam Moore, Mavis Staples, Carla Thomas, and a handful of other soul stars like Smokey Robinson, Fontella Bass, Chuck Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston from other labels.

If you don’t know Solomon’s name right away, that”s okay. He was never a Top 40 artist. In many ways, he was like James Carr, the Memphis soul singer who was best known to black audiences and had a cult following.

His biggest hit was his first, “Just Out of Reach,” from 1961. But his immense talent carried him through several generations, and many more hits on the R&B charts. The best of those included “Cry to Me” and my favorite, “Got to Get You Off of My Mind.”

Solomon remained a favorite in the Atlantic family through the 1990s. Jerry Wexler, who produced his records, held him in the highest regard. Their relationship in the studio was also one of legend.  Solomon brought his throne and his band to Ahmet Ertegun‘s memorial concert in London in 2007. Mica Ertegun, Ahmet’s elegant widow, came backstage to see him. She told Solomon and Sam Moore that they were the two performers she’d really insisted on for the show.

Solomon was rediscovered about fifteen years ago, and went on to make several new CDs with contemporary writers and singers who admired him like Elvis Costello and Van Morrison. But mostly I will remember him as a gentle soul with a big laugh and a generous sense of humor, a lovely man who knew how to wear a gold lame cape like no one else.

Dustin Hoffman Gets Back in the Oscar Biz

Roger Friedman
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Dustin Hoffman Gets Back in the Oscar Biz

Dustin Hoffman has lead acting Oscars for “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Rain Man.” But I think he’s going to surprise everyone this year for a Supporting nod in Richard Lewis’s compelling drama “Barney’s Version.”

“Barney’s Version” had its US premiere last night opening the Hamptons Film Festival–the much improved, mega hyped and star powered Hamptons Film Festival by the way. And while Dustin wasn’t here, Paul Giamatti was–and he’s likely headed into the Best Actor category in a spectacular performance as Barney aka prize winning (and sadly, gone) Canadian novelist Mordecai Richler.

Hoffman plays Barney’s father, a retired Montreal cop with a juicy personal life and a salty tongue. To make matters even more interesting, Hoffman’s real life son Jake plays Barney’s–Giamatti’s–son.

The other player here not to be missed is British actress Rosamund Pike, who is quite remarkable as the love of Barney’s life, his soul mate, wife and mother of his children. Pike is only 30 years old, but carries off the job of aging from about 28 to her mid sixties with disarming grace.

It’s not easy to bring this kind of massive novel to the screen, and sometimes “Barney’s Version” stumbles. But it also has moments of incredible greatness thanks to the talented cast and a canny makeup department.

Giamatti and Hoffman (in absentia) got a lot of praise last night from the star studded crowd including Alec Baldwin, Bob Balaban, and photographer Bruce Weber. Now the Hamptons International Film Festival bracs for an onslaught of A list names to hit the area from James Franco and Julian Schnabel to Freida Pinto, Tom Hooper, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini.

For years veteran publicist Gary Springer carried the ball here, getting the HIFF ready for its closeup. Now ex New Liners Lina Plath and Clare Ann Darragh from the Frank PR have built on Gary’s work and turned this season into a real name dropper. Nice job!

 

Elton John Gives Leon Russell Lead Single on Great New CD

Roger Friedman
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Elton John Gives Leon Russell Lead Single on Great New CD

I’m kind of kvelling (which is Yiddish for tweeting, I think) about Elton John and Leon Russell’s album, “The Union,” set to be released on October 19th.

Sorry I can’t wait ten more days. And also, it’s a collaboration among Elton, Leon, and Bernie Taupin, the lyricist who must be given dollops of credit. This trio has fashioned a landmark album, the kind of thing we used to take for granted in the good old Seventies and even Eighties.

“The Union” is indeed a union of these remarkable talents, but not only them. The group of musicians included comprises Neil Young on a surprise vocal, Rose Stone (sister of Sly) on percussion, and a group of legendary vets like Jim Keltner, Marc Ribot, George Bohanon, Robert Randolph, and Don Was. The whole package is produced by T Bone Burnett with wit, grace, intelligence, and a true understanding of all these musicians’ artistry.

First of all, how cool is Elton John? He’s given the lead single to Leon Russell. “If It Wasn’t for Bad” just made this year’s eligibility date for the Grammys—the album comes out 19 days too late. But if the NARAS voters don’t put this in Best Song and Best Record, then the whole awards process is a waste. With no less than Booker T. Jones on B3 organ and trombones wailing away—and a tuba!—“If It Wasn’t for Bad” is real music. It’s a glorious slice of authentic Southern sweet potato pie dripping with melted English toffee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXS-Ipjs7qM

And then “The Union” begins. There are some of the best Elton John-Bernie Taupin songs ever, like “Monkey Suit” and “When Love Is Dying” as well as an unexpected hit from Leon and Bernie, a couple of great Russell numbers, and an Elton-Leon knockout called “A Dream Come True.” Neil Young sings on “Shiloh,” which is sort of the title track. And there’s a magnificent track called “There’s No Tomorrow,” composed by Elton, Leon, T Bone Burnett and James Timothy Shaw.

Elton told me about this project last winter, and we talked about how much Leon Russell had influenced his early records like “Tumbleweed Connection” and “Honky Chateau.” Coming back to this inspiration now, Elton sounds rejuvenated. I can only hope that he gets to sing Russell’s “Tightrope” when they perform in concert, and Russell can break loose on “Honky Cat.”

By the way, neither Leon Russell nor Bernie Taupin is in that ridiculous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But Donna Summer is on this year’s list of induction nominees. So that tells you how much that group’s reputation has been diminished.

Don’t hesitate—go now to Amazon or ITunes or wherever and pre-order “The Union.” It’s the best album that will be released in 2010, and maybe 2011 as well. (Certainly including 2009 and some of those other years.)

Julia Roberts: America’s 1990s Sweetheart Losing Her Audience

Roger Friedman
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Julia Roberts: America’s 1990s Sweetheart Losing Her Audience

Julia Roberts? She was so BIG in the 1990s, nothing could stop her.

But in 2010, “Eat Pray Love” now dribbles to $80 million domestic box office, with the film playing in just a few theaters so Columbia Pictures can hit a round number.

Around the world, “EPL” has $40 million banked. It’s not so much considering the international locales. In Italy the movie did $4 million. It’s unclear whether there are movie theatres in Nepal. So far, there’s been no release in India, where Julia’s character spends time, or Australia, where at least people speak English.

When the expenses are totaled up, “EPL” should look pretty awful on paper. The official line was a $60 million budget, but with Javier Bardem and James Franco, all the locations and promotional stuff around the world, $100 million won’t seem far fetched. And Julia probably took $15 million off the top.

But with all the talk recently of Renee Zellweger being in trouble (nonsense, I say), it’s Roberts who’s really at a crossroads. Since “Erin Brockovich” in 2000, Roberts has not “opened” a major film that was hung on her. All of her $100 million plus films have been ensemble pieces like the “Ocean’s” movies or “Valentine’s Day.”

But “Duplicity” last year was a bust. So were “Charlie Wilson’s War” and “Closer.”

The big era of Julia: the late 1990s, when “Runaway Bride,” “Step Mom,” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” along with “Brockovich” were the tent poles in an amazing run.

But when the heat is gone, it’s gone. And it does seem like Roberts’ choices of material since that time has left her cold. The problem: pedestrian roles, with no focus or vision that the audience understands. This is in direct contrast to Sandra Bullock, who’s been amazing (with lots of help of course) keeping her eye on the ball.

David Linde: Lava Bear Deal 9/27

Roger Friedman
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David Linde: Lava Bear Deal 9/27

Hollywood Swinging: Bob Berney’s Back, David Linde’s On His Way

From September 27th:

In the continuing game of musical chairs Hollywood style:

Our pal Bob Berney is back. He’s finalized his deal with Graham King‘s GK Films, which just released “The Town.” Bob is joining Graham and Peter Schessel for FilmDistrict, a new branch of GK. Some of their films will come through Sony’s TriStar and Triumph labels. The main thing is that Bob knows how to find or make good films. He tried to help Apparition last year, but they didn’t have the apparatus. Oh well. Good sense here prevails.

David Linde, ex of Universal and Universal Focus, and another good guy with good taste, I hear may also be striking out on his own. He has a production company called Lava Bear. Look for an announcement soon.

We need the good guys! And their good movies.

Page Six’s Richard Johnson Leaving; NYC Gossip About to Have Sea Change

Roger Friedman
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Page Six’s Richard Johnson Leaving; NYC Gossip About to Have Sea Change

UPDATE 12:30PM EST 10.7.10: I’m told that the deal for Johnson to move off of Page Six was “months” in the making–or at least since he was offered a job at the Hollywood Reporter. Since Col Allan wouldn’t let him out of his contract, Johnson will move to Los Angeles and work on the Page Six “app” for various devices until said contract runs out, sources say.

EARLIER:

Richard Johnson is leaving the New York Post’s Page Six after more than 20 years. He says he’s moving to Los Angeles to do some digital thing for News Corp. I think this means “will be playing golf” and “learning to parasail.” Whatever: Richard deserves a break.

His replacement is Emily Smith, a British journalist who’s a lot of fun and very witty.

But she’s not Richard, who had his favorites in New York. And now the landscape of the city’s cultural gossip world is about to undergo a sea change.

For one thing, mentions of Nello’s overpriced Italian eatery on Madison Avenue is about to suffer from lack of exposure. Ditto plenty of other well known establishments. Those endless plugs for the same people–we know them–are over. Smith is going to be more of a lone ranger, and less wedded to the usual suspects.

Yes, the sound you’re hearing right now–like thunder–is of publicists’ jaws dropping to the ground.

As for Page Six: you know, it’s been spotty lately. There’s been talk of Richard leaving all summer. But even so, just when you think Page Six is asleep, they come up with something great. And that lead would come from Richard’s vast network of contacts. He will be sorely missed in a town that’s getting blander by the minute.

PS Cindy Adams outlasted him. Yowza.

Is the Musical “Les Miz” Finally Headed to Film?

Roger Friedman
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Is the Musical “Les Miz” Finally Headed to Film?

You’d think after twenty five years someone would have made a film version of the musical “Les Miserables.”

And yet, none exists.

The picture is parked with Working Title and Universal Pictures, but has no star, and no director.

It does have a script that’s being worked on. At Sunday’s splashy anniversary adventure at the O2 Arena in London, producer Cameron Mackintosh explained it thusly:

“Bill Nicholson is writing the script. But then of course there are choices for directors. We need someone who can reimagine it and open it up. After all, there’s no dialogue. It’s just singing.”

We discussed the “Sweeney Todd” movie. “But they always had talking. So we do add talking? Or keep it the way that is?”

And then there’s the question of casting. The opera star Albie Boe was such a sensation on Sunday as Jean Valjean that he received a standing ovation in the middle of the show. Mackintosh and company would have to decide whether to put in a quote-unquote-movie star or just hire Boe. Mackintosh was so excited on Sunday that he might have done just that on the spot. It’s not a bad idea.

One thing’s for sure: Working Title would be hard pressed to find better players than Norm Lewis and Ramin Karimloo for Javert and Enjolras. Each was excellent, although Karimloo might do better as Marius, the male romantic lead.

But Mackintosh and all the other players in this drama agree: it’s time for “Les Miz” the movie. Christmas 2012, anyone?

Oscar Race For Best Actor Already Has Too Many Players

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Race For Best Actor Already Has Too Many Players

Even as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences considers speeding up the Oscar race–a January or early February show for 2012–this year’s Oscar race for Best Actor is hot in October.

Why don’t we just give the awards out as the movies are released? I mean, really: the whole thing is going to be over before it’s over!

Anyway, the new race for Best Actor is tight in October! That’s because so many films were ready early, and too many bloggers have already decided to wear out the process before its begun.

But here goes: consider the gazillions the studios will have to spend to make it to the finish line this time around. Already in the mix are Leonardo DiCaprio for either “Inception” or “Shutter Island”; Ewan MacGregor for “Ghost Writer”; Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network” and my long shot favorite, Michael Douglas for “Solitary Man.” (This is a performance that if seen by Academy voters could be the upset of the year.)

Add to this list who’s coming: James Franco in “127 Hours.” Colin Firth in “The Kings Speech.” Ryan Gosling’s nuanced work in “Blue Valentine.”  And don’t forget Matt Damon for “True Grit” or “Hereafter,” Jeff Bridges for “True Grit,” Mark Wahlberg for “The Fighter,” and even Kevin Spacey in “Casino Jack.”

There are so many movies that only critics or press have seen, and that Academy voters have to sift through to make decisions. It takes weeks and weeks to get there. And for most the process won’t begin until well after Thanksgiving. Imagine if next year they had just three weeks to make those choices. Yikes!

Lady Gaga, Yoko Ono Squawking on Thin Ice

Roger Friedman
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Lady Gaga, Yoko Ono Squawking on Thin Ice

I couldn’t make this up if I tried. Yoko Ono celebrated John Lennon’s 70th birthday by giving herself a tribute in Los Angeles. On Saturday, John’s real birthday, she’ll be in Iceland. John Lennon was always associated with Iceland, as everyone knows. Whatever.

Here’s the report from my favorite music industry website, hitsdailydouble.com:

 “Yoko Ono celebrated her late husband John Lennon’s 70th birthday the only way she knew how, with an all-star tribute to her own music at the downtown L.A. Orpheum Theatre Saturday night, the second of two shows  in which son Sean Lennon led a newly reconstructed Plastic Ono Band through a selection of his mom’s greatest hits.

After an hour-long set that included her harrowing disco hit, “Walking on Thin Ice,” a series of guest stars, including actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Carrie Fisher and Vincent Gallo, along with Perry Farrell, RZA, Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon and the warmly received experimental duo Tune-Yards, performed Yoko songs from throughout her career, as the guest of honor caterwauled and squawked in her patentede avant-garde bird calls.

The only John Lennon song (and the show’s sole “sing-along moment”) came with Sean and Paul Simon son Harper’s touching rendition of “Oh, Yoko.” The highlight was Lady Gaga, who appeared in a sheer, sparkly black pant-suit that showed off her own “Bottom,” perhaps a tribute to Yoko’s avant-garde film of the same name, as the two ended the evening writhing around together on top of the piano like Michele Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys, Gaga thanking the pioneering Ono for “being so brilliant and such an inspiration to so many women.”

Those expecting versions of “Cold Turkey” or “Imagine” went home disappointed, though there was a closing jam on “Give Peace a Chance.”

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