What springs to my mind is how on earth will the mountain be given its power and breadth on a stage? How can they possibly contrast the small towns and the small rooms with the wide open space of the mountain? And Ennis Del Mar singing? There are too many hows for me in this project and, I know I'm biased, but will I ever be able to accept two other men calling each other Jack and Ennis?
Venice says no to Rendition
The other surprising news today is that Venice Film Festival announced its list of films today and unexpectedly Rendition was not on it. I suppose this now means a concentration of effort in Toronto in September. The Venice festival will present Ang Lee's Chinese thriller Lust, Caution, not to mention 32 spaghetti westerns.
SherryBaby cut for the skies - UK trailer
SherryBaby reaches British cinemas tomorrow and the UK trailer has just become available. You can watch it here. Apparently, Maggie has announced her disapproval with British Airways because she has heard that they have cut the sex scenes from the film. I'm afraid, on this occasion I don't agree with Maggie. I would have thought that the advantages of having this film publicised in the skies far outweighs any scene cuts - after all, these are planes not theatres and not everything is suitable for all passengers. Better that they show the film without the sex than remove it all together for its content. I sympathise with Maggie's view that this would 'drastically change' the film but it's my experience that watching a film on a plane often spurs me to watch it properly when I'm on the ground and not shaking in my boots.
The reviews for SherryBaby are being published thick and fast and are almost entirely complimentary - to the film and to Maggie's great skill. One review caught my attention today. Sherrybaby is featured in an article in the Guardian about the films that make you cry. In the words of the reviewer: 'Here at Film Weekly, we'll stick to our old-school indie guns and look at Sherrybaby, which is a New York indie film par excellence. Maggie Gyllenhaal is great as a single mom coming out of jail and off heroin to pick up the pieces of her misspent teen life, the largest piece being her four-year-old daughter. I talk to the film's director, Laurie Collyer, who sounds as if the struggles of getting somewhere on the indie scene are getting her down a bit. Still, she offers fascinating insights and lots of hope for anyone wanting to get a film going - if you write a good enough script, the stars will come (especially if they're still young enough to take risks and take their clothes off). I like Sherrybaby a lot. And I cried.'
Last words
Jessica Alba is single, having just split with longterm partner Cash Warren. Cosmopolitan asked her who she had her eye on and she replied: "I would have to say Johnny Depp, Michael Caine... Morgan Freeman, and Jake Gyllenhaal." With the exception of one name on this list, I'd like to congratulate Jessica on her excellent taste in men.
By the way, I have no knowledge of many of Hollywood's ladies and I thought Eva Mendez below was Jessica Alba - she sure looks like her to my untrained eye. Thanks to Jantoinette for putting the right name to the right lady. But I'll leave these up anyway as they look a lovely pair ;D
Includes pictures from IHJ.
40 comments:
WOw, WDW! That's all I can say. Without being censored!!!LOL!!! First off, I cannot believe that Annie Proulx would ever give permission. And if Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana have any say at all in the matter, (and I don't think they do) neither would they. So I think we can rest easy. I'd bet very strongly this isn't ever going to happen.(And if I knew Annie Proulx's phone number, I'd call her sobbing, for confirmation it's not true.)
Truthfully, I don't see why they would even show SherryBaby on an airplane. Unless people have multiple choices and separate,personal, individual screens, and so then why cut it at all? I mean, this isn't Star Wars!
As for Venice not carrying Rendition on it's list announcing the program, maybe there will be more films announced in the coming weeks. I cannot believe they turned the film down....on the other hand, for political reasons, maybe they did. I'll hold on to the hope that they will be announcing more selections soon and it will be included. I will be extremely disappointed if they do turn it down.
Absolutely great post, btw.
I know I've been absent from here this last little while, but even though I may not have been posting, I always checked out WDW every day for my Jake fix! This is my absolute fav Jake site!!
Wow, that certainly is an interesting rumor and I agree with you, it comes as a bit of a surprise. Hugh Jackman and James Marsden are very good actors of course and they've both done musicals, but exactly, I'm in agreement with you and your making a very good point.....how could they possibly portray how powerful the mountain itself is, and its meaning especially to Ennis and Jack?! Yeah, lol, my gosh so true....Ennis singing?! I'm with you as well, these actors, and many other actors are very talented and great in their own right....but NO OTHER ACTOR to be quite honest, can embody Ennis and Jack the way Heath and Jake did! I just really have a hard time that these actors, or any other actors could portray the explosive chemistry that Heath and Jake portrayed as Ennis and Jack in Brokeback Mountain! I mean, also too, look how meticulous Ang Lee had to be directing Brokeback. I adore this movie, I don't know about this latest rumor and if it actually has legs sort of speak.
That is a surprise that the Venice Film Festival won't be premiereing Rendition. I am glad it is going to Toronto. I have another bit of news on the TIFF....it was just announced today that Heath Ledger upcoming film, I'm Not There (Bob Dylan biopic) will be premiereing in Toronto! So, chances are both Jake and Heath will be in Toronto in September!
Um, hope you don't mind, those pics are of Jake and Eva Mendes. She certainly does look alot like Jessica Alba. I bet Jake is on most actresses list, lol.
Hey, thanks Bobbyanna! Well, I'm glad you agree with me that the idea of Ennis and Jack singing their love for each other on a stage (perhaps accompanied by line dancing and some whoops) is simply horrible! I just can't bear the idea. I think they should leave it alone - with the exception of giving us a brand new no expense spared special edition DVD. Noone else can ever be Jack...
A lot of BA's transcontinental planes do have thse personal screens and systems you mention, but even so, I agree it's an odd choice. I don't think you can have sexually explicit films on a plane (my opinion only) so if you have a film like SherryBaby some of it has got to be cut. I'm glad to say that when I saw BBM (over and over!) on a Virgin flight, not a second was cut that I could see. I wonder what my neighbour thought when I kept repeating the film... I remember my neighbour was from China and so unfamiliar with western movie stars. I told her I loved Jake Gyllenhaal and she thought I was engaged to him. Now, did I remember to correct her...?
I have no understanding about how films are selected for film festivals. I doubt it's for political reasons. Would a studio ever say no?
Hey Jantoinette - I'm so glad to see you here again! It's really good to know that you've been around. Thanks for popping by for a chat :D
First off, thanks so much for putting me straight on Eva. I was so sure that was Jessica Alba! I was comparing photos etc but this shows how all these Hollywood ladies all look the same to me - thank heavens for Maggie - so I made the change but left the photos up as I like them.
I definitely agree with you that no matter how good these other actors are, noone can step into Jake and Heath's cowboy boots and I don't want to hear anyone singing 'I wish I knew how to quit you'.
Well, thanks very much indeed for the information about Heath's film. That's something else I'm going to have to find out about - my list is ever growing. So it sounds like Toronto is just meant to be. Jake, Heath and Ang. Poetry.
Thanks so much for your comment, Jantoinette :D
Do you know this Rendition blog?
http://www.renditionfilm.com/?m=200707
WDW, has there been anything "official" to indicate it was rejected? Rejected is a pretty strong word. They'd have to justify their actions if it was publically rejected. But then, wasn't BBM rejected by Cannes? I cling to the hope Rendition might still be part of the program. They often have more than one screenings announcement. As for politics, Italy and the USA have been on the same page on Iraq and Rendition is about a very controversial subject. Especially at this time. So it's possible that the they might decide to not screen it for political reasons. Possible.As I say, I wait and hope.Or maybe the producers decided to not submit it for screening in Venice. Generally, if a film is submitted for competition, a jury reviews a number of films and selects those it feels suitable for screenings. It can get very political. But films are also submitted out of competition and go thru a different process. That's when studio clout, politics, etc. comes into play even more than in other categories.
That Chinese lady probably thought you were MRS. Gyllenhaal. LOL!!!
There is another movie, "extraordinary rendition", (see web site above) which might be better... it was selected for 2 festivals.
Hi Anon - thanks for commenting. Yes, I know this blog, but it's about a different film, directed by Jim Threapleton, which has been renamed Extraordinary Rendition so as not to clash with Gavin Hood's (and Jake's) Rendition. The blog you mention is written by the film's producer Andy Noble, I believe. This is an interesting project and I've been watching the blog. Thanks for letting people here know about it!
Hi Bobbyanna - the word 'rejected' is mine alone. I just have no idea about the criteria that these festivals use. Rendition was selected by Toronto for one reason and not selected by Venice for another - and I'm intrigued by that.
I tend to think that this is a choice of the studio but I can't think why. Maybe the producers didn't want the film to be out of competition, that's if the film had been turned down for the competition. It's certainly interesteing, the politics of all this, and I appreciate your insight Bobbyanna as you know so much about the politics behind these events. I'm just left bewildered by them :D
I don't really "know so much." LOL! I did know some people who submitted films to regional festivals for consideration, documentaries. One did pretty well, the other, not. I'm also fascinated by the film-making/distribution process and how festivals play a role in that. ( I always think of March of the Penguins and how little it cost, it was made for less then $2M and taken on the festival circuit, purchased for less than $16M and the rest is history!! And yes, I also believe in the Tooth Fairy! LOL!)
Bobbyanna - you spoke the special word when you said March of the Penguins - I love penguins and have travelled thousands of miles to see them :D
Until BBM, I had no idea about the role of festivals in the distribution process. It's been such an education.
As ALWAYS, thanks for keeping us up to date on everything related to this WDW dude whom we all LOVE! I know I can come here and get my Gyllen-dose!
Hey Anon 21:54 - thanks friend :D It's all for Jake!
Well, WDW, I might join you by jumping into the English floods. Brokeback on stage is the most preprosterous thing I have ever heard! I know we all agree that there are no actors, no matter how competent and appealing, that could ever capture what Jake and Heath did. And singing! It's a good thing I had just swallowed the last of my lunch before I read this post or I would have choked on it. I don't care if fifty years passes by and Jake and Heath are in their elder years there will never be any reason whatsoever on stage or film to EVER mess with perfection!
Looks like Toronto is the place to be in September. I have little knowledge of how these festivals work so I am happy to get an education from those that do.
I don't blame anyone for mixing up Jessica Alba and Eva Mendes. They are both attractive women but do resemble one another. That's further reason for an actress of Maggie Gyllenhaal's unique looks to be more appreciated.
And I do agree that certain films should not be shown on an airline and if they are, material that is not acceptable for all should be cut. Like you, WDW, if the main part of the movie captures my interest I would make certain to watch it again under better conditions.
Thanks for the info! Just wanted to state that since Alba's relationship w/ an actor who was her fiance ended, she has stated that she will never date an actor numerous times. So we can count her and Jake out! (yay!)
Hi Dani - glad I didn't make you choke - that's it exactly - why mess with perfection? I must say, Eva and Jessica look identical to my untrained eye :D
Hey Anon 22:20 - well, that's good to hear, I guess our chances have increased ;D If all these actresses keep saying they don't want to date actors that's all for the good - more for us :D
To be honest - when I first read about BBM on Broadway as a musical I thought it was a joke. And I refuse to even discuss this - can anyone imagine Ennis singing?? And remembering how difficult it was to get Annies permission for the film - I recommend reading Annies essay on BBM "Story to screenplay"- I cannot believe (or hope) that this will ever be reality....
According Rendition not playing in Venice - when reading that it will be a "gala premiere" in Toronto IMO it was clear that they will not show it in Venice. Does anyone know for sure that it was rejected? I don´t believe this - TPTB of Fox were so impressed when they saw Rendition that they hired Gavin Hood for "Wolverine". And rumours are saying that the test screenings were a huge success. So my theory is that New Line did not submit it for a presentation in Venice.
We have - with the exception of those few pictures so far - no poster, no trailer - nothing, nada, nichts. And this about some weeks before the premiere. I am hoping that the premiere will be like a "thunderclap". (Ok, my wishful thinking..)
Sherrybaby has no release date over here - it looks like I have to wait for the DVD. Maggie is really fearless- looks like the Gyllenhaals are not shying away from difficult projects...
WDW thanks again for your wonderful work with this blog. I really enjoy the conversations here -although my English is not good enough to always respond or being part of the sometimes intellectual and challenging discussions.
^^The deleted post is mine as I can't spell a word this evening - blame the Californian Merlot ;D
Hey Carla Thanks so much for your comment - your English is wonderful - please don't worry about it. And I really enjoy the lighter chats here just as much as the more serious ones :)
I find the whole idea of a musical ludicrous too - and I can't believe names are even being mentioned!
I agree with you entirely about Rendition and the festival. As you say, there is to be a gala premiere in Toronto and I think it will be a fabulous affair. There have been almost no images, no trailer, it's true and we're less than two month's off now. It's going to come out with a bang in Toronto and I can't wait. A film this high profile and so well received as yet will screen where it wishes and so I think New Line decided not to go with Venice in the end. I really do think we will get that clap of thunder - isn't that great?!
Thanks so much for commenting, Carla!
WDW, thanks again for a fantastic blog. I love coming here even if I don't comment all the time. :)
I really don't think there is anything to the "BBM" play/musical rumor. Seemed like it was a bit of a joke from the Oh No They Didn't blog that seems to have spread. I couldn't even or want to even imagine it. Although I do love Hugh Jackman and he was amazing in "The Boy From Oz".
As for the Maggie comments about "Sherrybaby" on airplanes. If it comes from that site ContactMusic I give no credence to it. ContactMusic is just a gossip site and has been responsible for false, nasty and unreliable rumors in the past. More specifically last year they started a rumor that Jake offended Gulf War Veterans by saying that all GW vets did was masterbate. They took Jake's comments about "Jarheaad" and what Tony Swafford said in his own book (as a GW vet) and twisted it to make Jake look bad. There was no legit sources from GW vets, but it spread around the internet. It was sickening to see the nasty comments about Jake because of it. They also said something about Jake and Heath not getting along with Ang Lee on"BBM." Now what H&J really said in interviews was that Ang was not the most communicative director but they loved working with him, etc. Plus, we know how close Jake and Ang were during awards season. ContactMusic took that and twisted the truth. So I don't believe anything they say. Notice there was no source to Maggie's comments. Sorry for the rant but I don't like them.
There might still be a chance that "Rendition" could be at the Venice FF. This sounded like it wa just the preliminary list of movies premiering there. I believe they will add movies to the list for the next couple of weeks. I know they do that with Cannes and Toronto.
I have been to Toronto FF a couple of times and it is fantastic. A major festival for the big Oscar movies and all the actors/celebs are there. I have had some amazing sightings. Really excited that "Rendition" is among the long list of great movies there. Would be so great to see Jake and Heath together at some point because "I'm Not There", Heath's movie will be there too. Would be even better if Ang's movie "Lust, Caution" plays there also. A "BBM" reunion! ;)
Sorry for the long post, lol. Just had to join in the conversation. :)
Just so you know, even if a movie at Toronto has a Gala presention does not mean it is the world premiere. It just means it has a big opening with the cast. I am not worried that "Rendition" doesn't have the trailor out yet. Most fall movies like that get the big hype from Toronto and then start to promotion with good word of mouth. I mean we haven't seen pics or trailers for the big fall Oscar type movies yet. Most premiere at either Venice or Toronto and go bit then. So I think that is what they are doing with "Redition".
^^ should be "start to promote..."
Hi Get Real Thanks for your comment - it's great to hear from you!
These Maggie comments apparently originated at Cosmopolitan but because that's a subscription site I can't check the origins - I think I'll go browsing on the magazine racks this weekend... It does sound like something was taken out of context, as it most certainly was with Jake's comment and about working with Ang.
As for the BBM Musical story - it's next to impossible to trace the source, and I've had a go. It just seems such a strange story. I yelped and laughed at the same time :D
I'll keep my eyes peeled for new films listed for Venice. But I do think Toronto sounds unmissable and I'm even more excited about it today than I was yesterday :D
A BBM reunion would be magical.
Thanks for commenting, Get Real :-)
Thanks for that Get Real - if the gala viewing of Rendition at Toronto is anything like Zodiac's at Cannes, it's going to be something not to miss - that wasn't a world premiere either but definitely beat the so-called premieres in the US. After all of that, nothing will surprise me. For the moment, my instinct tells me the main premiere will be in Toronto.
Oh, okay thanks for the clarification of Maggie's comments coming from Cosmo. Although I wouldn't put it past ContactMusic to make a bigger deal of it.
The Gala premieres at Toronto are big and crazy and huge. I am sure it is similar to Zodiac at Cannes. I will keep an eye out too if it shows at Venice. Although, I do think you are right that TIFF seems to be the world premiere at this point. And a great way to world premiere a movie it is! This years TIFF is bigger than ever.
Well, now I'm more excited about Toronto than ever!! Now what we need is a specific date...
I absolutely love love love this blog. I read the musical
BBM news--Page 6--( I never read the Post:)
last week going downtown on the train, but I thought it was a plant. There is no way that could happen: Annie P. Get Your Gun! James M. can sing, he does Hairspray good; but please James; come on.
I still can't bring myself to watch Sherrybaby. I'll probably buy it and watch it late one night, with 3 boxes of tissues:)
This is becoming my only Jake news site besides iheartjake.com; I know you all love him as much or more than I do, and would never say mean things about his acting; I still haven't gotten over those Zodiac thread remarks.
My protect Jake mother instincts are all ways on, ready to do battle where ever and whenever I'm needed. I had no idea Rendition was being considered for Venice: Toronto yes. I only wish I could visit. I could I guess, NYC is pretty close: need money will travel;)
love you all,
xoxoxo
mina
I mean no disrespect to Eva, but I think Jessica is so much more beautiful; she doesn't resemble Eva at all, but then I've seen both of them up close and personal for years. Now you be good Jessica and stick to your NO actors comment.;)
If she did date Jake, at least she would have a friend who was totally more solvent than any of her previous loves...Meow:)
xoxoxo
mina
I was at TIFF in '05 for Capote, Walk the Line and BBM! It was SO much fun. Most of the time, the principal stars, director, producers, come to the festival with their film and do media, interviews, etc. and hang out if they want to at all the private industry parties the day before.
The day of their gala, they do the formal news conference, then the gala screening in the evening. Usually 6:30 or 7PM. They have also been known to do Gala screenings at 9 or 9:30 PM. There is usually an afterparty for the film following the gala. Strict security, invitation lists, etc. By early afternoon the next day, everyone leaves. In Toronto, a limited number of tickets are available to the public for the galas and advance tickets an be purchased in various packages. So it is actually possible, if you are very diligent, to purchase a ticket to a gala. And the price isn't too bad. If you go thru a legitimate ticket broker, it will be expensive. A broker might sell you a package at $300. You could just try to by a ticket for perhaps $35 or $50. You would want to go to the official website and find out what kinds of film packages are offered and also what the procedure is for individual tickets. They can also be purchased online. But you have to be ready to move quickly. If they say tickets will be available online starting at a certain date and time. Go for it!
WDW, you amaze me!
I am a musical theatre junkie, but BBM as a musical? NEVER! I, too, can't imagine Annie allowing such a thing. And although I do love Hugh Jackman, he is too old to play Ennis as a 19-year-old, let alone all the other reasons you all have given!
All this film festival talk is quite interesting. I'd never paid much attention to them before Zodiac, actually. (I came a bit late to BBM -- never left, of course.) There are several smaller festivals held each year here in Colorado, but it's difficult to get tickets. They are very popular. I looked into volunteering for the Telluride Film Festival, but there is a waiting list for that, even. Interest in film of all kinds is exploding, it seems.
However Rendition meets the world, it is sure to be a controversial, talked about film. I can't wait.
Betcha BBMt story will one day make it to b'way as a musical. I think of two musicals that make me weep - Showboat and Carousel. I see similar themes. It COULD be a classic. Won't be call'd Brokeback Mountain, though - and will be diff'rent enough not to upset those who find BBMt "sacred".
BBM as a musical. Please, no. Leave it alone. :-(
No Jake in Venice, my fave
city. :-(
Pass the Dairy Milk, WDW ...
Yay for Maggie, though. Ya don't HAVE to watch a particular film. The warning can be on the free magazine thingy and you can choose not to watch if the thought upsets you. Censorship of something which has already passed the official censor just seems wrong to me. I'm looking forward to this film - the reviews here, particularly of Maggie's performance, are glowing.
get real is right about ContactMusic's hysterical tendency. Simply quoting Maggie's reasonable opinion is obviously less interesting to them than saying she "slammed" and "poured scorn".
Jaded Anouska -- I'm pretty allergic to Contactmusic myself. There are many good reasons that people apply censorship at all levels --- in some situations it would even appear necessary or justified. But I too dislike the idea of re-censoring(well I even dislike the idea of censoring art in the first place) ... I think giving sufficient warnings to prospective viewers is fair. I also wonder with regard to the rights anybody would have to cut parts of a film and show it. It would be tantamount to tampering with the original. Need to go deeper into all this as I am not familiar with what happens on airlines.
After reading about BBM as a musical, I'm now having nightmares of a Bollywood BBM, horror of horrors!!!!
Ah, but a Bollywood BBM could be the socio-political-cultural landmark of all time, i! :) :)
Films are cut for American TV all the time. That's the main reason I don't watch them on TV -- sometimes they are cut so much "to fit in the allotted time" they don't make sense.
Hi everybody - I fear I'm late to the conversation - today is a milestone for me, it's the last day at a job so I'm tying up lose ends before moving on in so many ways. Off to celebrate later...;D
Thanks for all your comments :D
Sass - thank you so much for that comment, that made me feel so happy! I'm really thrilled that you enjoy it so much here and that you feel Jake's safe here - he sure is. I'm as protective of Jake as you and, it may be a failing, but you'll find nothing critical here of Jake.
Bobbyanna - thanks very much for those TIFF insights and experiences - I'll be in touch with you ;D
Beckela - I find it absolutely beyond the pail that films are edited solely to fit in with advert schedules on TV. They do it in the UK too, although not to the same extent as in the US. My pet hate is announcers talking over the closing credits, or even shrinking them to show a preview of the next programme which may have a completely different mood - imagine if they did that at the end of BBM? Horrible!
Hi Beckela! You're quite right - how on earth can Hugh Jackman ever look young enough? And coming from a musical expert such as yourself...
Hi positively pia - I agree - they'd have to disguise it beyond all recognition to get it past Brokies ;D
Ahh sad and jaded Anouska - I'm sorry Venice won't be having the pleasure of Jake's company this year. I love the city myself and have some wonderful memories of it. I'm feeling a bit of empathy with its watery highways right now.
Incognita and Anouska - I have some strange images in my head now of Jack and Ennis in turbans and on elephants. I just don't think it works...
Thanks for providing the other point of view to the Maggie/BA/censorship issue. I love a debate :D
I do object to censorship in general and believe that adults should be allowed to make the choice of what we want to watch. My point earlier about cutting certain scenes from SherryBaby if it is shown on an airplane was based on having just spent 13 hours on a plane. And even though I did not choose to watch a movie during my flight I had no problem looking at what the person next to me was watching.
There was a child in the seat behind me that periodically peaked between the seats to look at me. All I am saying is that as a mother I would not want my 8 year old catching a glance at some of the scenes in that movie or many others! I happened to have loved the film and Maggie's performance. She and Jake are fearless actors and have no problem delivering the realities of life. That's what I love about them both. But an airplane is too close quarters and perhaps rather than cut it, don't show it at all then. People who are interested in seeing it know where to find it!
Hi Dani I'm with you on this one. I think there are very rae occasions when scenes might have to be censored, and a packed plane is one of the few I can think of. In the past, I've seen films reduced in dimension and in content for that tiny plane screen and I've come home and seen the poper version. I think I look on plane movies as a mixture of anaesthetic and previews.
"I think I look on plane movies as a mixture of an aesthetic and previews. "
I think this makes a lot of sense. I think the missing link lies in the failure to position the movie as just such an experience. People shouldn't get the wrong impression that they are seeing the film as it was meant to be seen in entirety as a work of art. And the "cutting" shouldn't be such that the viewer takes away an experience that is contra to what was intended by the filmmaker. WDW can enlighten us on what deletions BBM suffered on board and whether they could have had a negative effect?
"perhaps rather than cut it, don't show it at all then. People who are interested in seeing it know where to find it" I tend to agree with Dani on this as the better option. As a mentor to adolescents from diverse backgrounds I am often faced with this dilemma myself because as a writer I revolt against distortion of my work. That's just what Maggie feels as an artist.
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