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See? Things aren’t so bad! Lana del Rey dropped the title track to her new album, “Chemtrails over the Country Club” today.
The album is coming March 19th and includes “Let Me Love You Like a Woman,” which should be a freakin’ hit already!
Here’s the tracklist:
1. White Dress
2. Chemtrails Over The Country Club
3. Tulsa Jesus Freak
4. Let Me Love You Like A Woman
5. Wild At Heart
6. Dark But Just A Game
7. Not All Who Wander Are Lost
8. Yosemite
9. Breaking Up Slowly
10. Dance Till We Die
11. For Free
War is over. Now come the Purple Hearts for the White House press corps.
The four year battle with Donald Trump and his lying, contentious press secretaries has earned a few of the journalists who had to endure that torture some nice rewards.
At CNN, the great Jim Acosta is leaving the press corps to be a weekend anchor and front and center correspondent. He deserves. Acosta stood his ground, even as he was “accosted” so to speak by the Trump White House. At one point he had to fight to get his credentials returned after they were pulled. He did a great job.
Fox News is bringing their most moderate, and literate, reporter, John Roberts, into the studio. He’ll anchor a new show at 1pm daily. Roberts hung in there day after day in a tough spot. He represented a crazy right wing network, but he managed to walk a fine line and voice his skepticism about what the hell was going on in that press room. It couldn’t have been easy.
NBC is promoting Peter Alexander and Kristen Welker to the White House. They worked hard also during the Trump four year debacle and will now have a presumably easier time with Biden and Harris. Leaving the NBC White House gig is Hallie Jackson, who also did a great job as Senior White House correspondent. She’s promoted to senior Washington correspondent, and anchors at MSNBC. I hope we see a lot of her.
Andrea Mitchell– I’m sorry, but how long has she been at NBC? Since General Sarnoff started the place? And she looks like she’s 39. Anyway, Alexander and Welker are under her now, she’s the chief White House Correspondent. I’m just joking, of course. Andrea Mitchell is amazing.
No word yet on Paula Reid at CBS or Jon Karl at ABC, both of whom did outstanding work as they tried to peel back the rotten onion of Spicer, Huckabee, McEnemy, etc. And Yamiche Alcindor should get the Medal of Freedom, frankly. Seeing her in that room, watching her jump in without fear, made the last year, especially, possible to tolerate. In the old days, if I met her, I’d hug her. Now I’d give her a very friendly elbow!
We can only hope there will be a White House correspondents dinner live in 2022. What a celebration! Without these indefatigable journalists, we would have been sunk. God bless ’em for maintaining their integrity and keeping their cool!
Many years ago, the great singer Mary Wilson, founding member of the Supremes, refused to go on an anniversary tour with Diana Ross. The reason? Diana would be paid three times as much Mary. Wilson, choosing integrity, said no. She was either equal to Diana Ross or not going.
Kim Cattrall has played the Mary Wilson role in the story of “Sex and the City.” She was always paid substantially less than Sarah Jessica Parker in her role as Samantha. Presumably, Cattrall was remunerated equally to Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. The three “SATC” back up singers were paid good money, but Parker was the star.
Cattrall stuck with Samantha for the television series and two movies. But for a third movie she balked. She wanted equal pay, otherwise she was done. Obviously it didn’t happen.
So Parker and writer Michael Patrick King, and HBO, knowing there was still gold to mine from “SATC” apparently went ahead and wrote a new series without Samantha. This couldn’t have been easy. Samantha was the Sex, in the city.
We don’t know the plot of the new 10 episode series. Presumably Charlotte and Miranda’s kids have grown up. Carrie has probably had a kid or two with Mr. Big. Have they time jumped to make all the kids teenagers? Will there be a sexy character to take Samantha’s place? We’ll have to wait and see.
On Instagram, SJP– whom I’ve known for years and like very much– disputed a fan’s claim that she and Cattrall don’t get along. “I don’t dislike her. I’ve never said that. Never would. Samantha isn’t part of the story. But she will always be part of us. No matter where we are what we do.X heart.”
That’s a very nicely worded statement. Cattrall will always be part of SATC because, look, she’s in the reruns, she’s in the movies, and she’s paid residuals. Samantha isn’t part of the story because she was written out. Soap operas do that all the time. It’s not new. Robert Duvall wouldn’t do “The Godfather III” because he wasn’t offered Al Pacino money. George Hamilton played a substitute.
As for Mary Wilson, she’s respected and loved, and has had a wonderful career without Diana Ross. She’s held her head high. Same for Kim Cattrall, who just starred in the series “Filthy Rich” and is always generating new shows. She doesn’t need “SATC.” They need her. I have a feeling the new series will be quite bland without her.
The article reads: “NYSBA has received hundreds of complaints in recent months about Mr. Giuliani and his baseless efforts on behalf of President Trump to cast doubt on the veracity of the 2020 presidential election and, after the votes were cast, to overturn its legitimate results. As widely reported, these efforts included the commencement and prosecution of court actions in multiple states without any evidentiary basis whatsoever. In each and every instance, these actions were appropriately dismissed by the courts in which they were brought.”
It continues:
“NYSBA’s bylaws state that “no person who advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States, or of any state, territory or possession thereof, or of any political subdivision therein, by force or other illegal means, shall be a member of the Association.” Mr. Giuliani’s words quite clearly were intended to encourage Trump supporters unhappy with the election’s outcome to take matters into their own hands. Their subsequent attack on the Capitol was nothing short of an attempted coup, intended to prevent the peaceful transition of power.
“Mr. Giuliani will be provided due process and have an opportunity – should he so choose – to explain and defend his words and actions.
“This decision is historic for NYSBA, and we have not made it lightly. We cannot stand idly by and allow those intent on rending the fabric of our democracy to go unchecked.”
From Giuliani supporting the riots last week in Washington to his crazy appearance in “Borat 2,” not to mention his Four Seasons press conference, this action doesn’t seem unreasonable. Guiliani’s interviews on Fox News and CNN will all undoubtedly be used against him. The story cites one particular line, uttered by Giuliani about the “fake” election during the riots at the Capitol: “If we’re wrong, we will be made fools of, but if we’re right a lot of them will go to jail,” Mr. Giuliani said. “Let’s have trial by combat.”
Someone has posted a bunch of DM’s from Twitter in which he allegedly says to a lover, possibly a fan, that’s he’s a cannibal. Among other things.
But I’m told– this is a wild rumor– that Armie is going to play the Robert Wagner part in a remake of the very terrible 1960 faux Tennessee Williams movie, “All the Fine Young Cannibals.”
I’m even hearing that the soundtrack will be supplied by early 90s R&B pop group, “Fine Young Cannibals.” Their big, “She Drives Me Crazy,” will be played as the actress who takes the Natalie Wood role — this was the movie that first starred soon to be couple Wagner and Wood — makes her appearance.
The film features the immortal line, said by Wagner to Wood in a fake Southern accent: “If I can’t have you, then I wanna hurt you. And I will.” (No comment.)
“All the Fine Young Cannibals” was directed by Michael Anderson, who is actually still alive at age 98. He knows nothing about it the Tweets or a possible remake. Liza Minnelli’s father, and Judy Garland’s husband, Vincent Minnelli, also worked on the film but received no credit. Besides Wagner and Wood, George Hamilton is featured and Pearl Bailey actually sings!
Based on a novel by Rosamund Marshall that no one remembers, “All the Fine Young Cannibals” was a huge flop, losing all its money. But its legacy as a D movie inspired the group to take the name Fine Young Cannibals. They released one admired album, one mega hit, and broke up before they did anything else. But “She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Times,” a cover of Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds,” and “Johnny Come Home” are all classic hits.
Whether Hammer will sing in the remake remains unclear. Madonna is considering directing, and may co-star. (Again, I’m just making this up.) He may have to play the trumpet, as his character, Chad, is based loosely on famed jazz man Chet Baker.
Meantime, Armie will have to explain if the leaked Tweets are really his– that part really happened– and whether his personal interests extend beyond produce molestation (see Timothee Chalamet, “Call Me By Your Name.”)
I wanted to write something about Michael Apted, the magnificent director of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and the “Up” series, and many other things. He died on Friday at age 79. A year and a half ago, Trudie Styler invited me to a screening downtown of “Moving the Mountain,” and I was honored to spend a little time with Michael, and Trudie, and heard them reminisce about that experience. You can read that here.
Trudie has posted a remembrance to Instagram which I am copying here, below. She and Sting remained close friends with Michael the last 35 years. As for me, when I saw “21 Up,” I was floored. I went back and watched the first two installments and kept up with the series, always anxious for more. Those kids were only one or two years older than me. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is one of the great films of all time. Loretta Lynn was already a legend and just 49 when that movie came out. (She seemed so old!) And she’s still with us, thank goodness, 11 years older than Michael.
Michael Apted was the rare filmmaker– like the late Jonathan Demme and Spike Lee– who could move back and forth between documentary and narrative filmmaking. It’s like being ambidextrous. He leaves a huge legacy and also a hole in the world of cinema.
Here’s what Trudie — always articulate and brilliant – has to say:
“I first met Michael in 1985 when he shot the documentary Bring on the Night with Sting, which included a scene of me giving birth to my son Jake— Not surprisingly we had a special bond after that.
A few years later I asked him if he would make a film with me about the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, a documentary based on the autobiography of Li Lu who was one of the leaders of the student protest in China.
As an interviewer, Michael was an amazing listener. He engaged intellectually and emotionally with his subject, and the depth of his listening somehow brought out the profoundest truth. One of the reasons I’m sure that Moving the Mountain was such a lauded movie was that he brought together for the first time the group of student leaders, and gave them the space to explore their trauma, their survivor guilt, their pain. Their roles in Chinese history were suddenly enclosed within four walls on another continent, and it was almost too much to bear. Michael’s films were powerful and curious and ultimately told us truths about ourselves. We have lost a great artist, a great thinker, a great director. And Sting and I have lost a beloved friend.”
Veteran leading man of soaps, John Reilly, has died at age 84. He played Dan Stewart in the 70s on “As the World Turns.” Moving to Los Angeles after four years, Reilly appeared on dozens of prime time shows including “Dallas,” “How the West Was Won,” and “Beverly Hills 90210.”
But his real fame came on “General Hospital” in the 1980s as part of the Luke and Laura era. He played Sean Donnely, a questionable guy who wound up as police commissioner. He stayed on the show for 11 years, through 1995, as a square jawed hero in the crime ridden suburb of Port Charles, NY. His romantic partner on the show was his TV wife, Sharon Wyatt (seen in the picture.)
A few years ago, Reilly made a comeback final appearance as Sean, though confined to a wheelchair. It was clear he wasn’t well. Frank Valentini, EP of the show, Tweeted today: “The entire GH family mourns the passing of John Reilly #GH @GeneralHospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Co-star Finola Hughes wrote: “There’s no room on Twitter to say how deeply one feels for a fellow actor & friend passing. I spent so many years in #JohnReilly ‘s company, suffice to say he was a huge influence on me and I am forever grateful for his kindness and love. My heart goes out to his family Red heart.”
“Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t having a magical time at the box office.
This past week it brought in just $3 million, falling 45% from its second week. The total now is at $32 million.
And it’s not like the Patty Jenkins film isn’t in theaters– it’s in 2,200 of them! The per screen average is $1,353, which would suggest 130 people at each showing. That’s kind of amazing considering social distancing, and also the fact that theaters aren’t open in New York or California.
Of course, “WW84” is available on HBO Max, so I’m sure people are watching it there.
Two smaller films, one doing well, one not so much: Carey Mulligan in “Promising Young Woman” has managed to make $2.7 million in three weeks in theaters. It looks like Focus will wait for streaming and DVD until some awards nominations come in.
Not doing well, no surprise, is the latest “Pinocchio” from Roadside, er Roadkill, Attractions. It’s made just over $1 million in 3 weeks. Per screen average was $225, suggesting 25 people per showing. Roadkill has hidden this one well despite a decent 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and the presence of Roberto Benigni (this time playing Geppetto after assuming the title role years ago in his own version).
COVID is unsparing, as we all know. Now the great Olivia Harrison, beloved and devoted widow of Beatle George Harrison, reports that she is recovering from the virus in a London hospital.
Olivia posted to Instagram today: “Redesigning my hospital room curtain. Unlucky to get covid but on the mend. Gratitude to all the selfless carers.”
Olivia was George’s second wife (after Patti Boyd) and mother of his only child, son Dhani. Olivia and Dhani have been steadfast in preserving George’s legacy. She’s soft spoken, elegant, and up to the task of representing George in the Beatles’ extended family. (Her mother named her for Olivia de Havilland, so that gave her a good start!)
I was reluctant to post this story but the very private Olivia felt comfortable enough to post to Instagram, where over 7,000 people have already responded with well wishes.
To make her get better faster, take a look at the video posted below. Olivia and Dhani are incredibly charitable with the Material World Foundation, and here she’s asking for donations to a Los Angeles shelter. Send some money there today in her honor.
She writes: “Material World is matching donations for what would have been our annual Christmas benefit for Alexandria House; a safe place where determined Moms and kids are living and working to get through tough times in a supportive community. You and I can give together. And as my mom would say, “take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.” Any amount welcome.”
The National Society of Film Critics has been voting this afternoon. Their choices are solid, and not far from other critics’ groups.
Best Picture, Director, and Actress all go to “Nomadland,” star Frances McDormand, director Chloe Zhao. That will all repeat at the Oscars in April I predict. “Nomadland” also won cinematography.
Best Actor goes to Delroy Lindo from Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.” This is an actor who’s had a stellar career and is now reaping the rewards, justifiably.
The supporting actors are little off beat, but they’re fine. Maria Bakalova of “Borat 2” is the supporting actress choice. Paul Raci, the deaf actor from “The Sound of Metal,” is supporting actor. As good as they were, I would have chosen Candice Bergen, and Glynn Turman.
Screenplay went to “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” with strange runners up “First Cow” and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things.” If this is the vein they were going in, I’m surprised “Minari,” better than all those, didn’t win.
What I liked most about this critics meeting is that they dedicated it to the late critic and writer William Wolf, who died last year from COVID. We all miss him.
