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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:24:44 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:24:44 GMT -5
The Hollywood Reporter The Matador
By Kirk Honeycutt
PARK CITY -- "The Matador" gets a 151-proof tequila shot of sharp comedy from the droll byplay between Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. Brosnan is the ironically named Julian Noble, a margarita-soaked hit man with degenerate tastes and disgusting habits, while Kinnear plays Danny Wright, a grown-up Boy Scout, who married his high-school sweetheart and lived happy ever after -- except it hasn't worked out that way.
Writer-director Richard Shepard's quirky black comedy never quite figures out where to do with these unlikely soul mates. Then a lame third act leaves one with the feeling of a great barroom joke, elaborately told, that lacks a solid punch line. At least the comedy is wonderfully off-kilter and the performances, including Hope Davis as Danny's faithful wife, Bean, contains buoyancy to give "The Matador" definite commercial potential.
After a lackluster feint in that direction with "After the Sunset," Brosnan has hit upon the perfect anti-Bond role here. The ignoble Mr. Noble travels the world eliminating people for unseen corporate interests, whiling away the hours between jobs by fornicating with whores or underage girls and gulping down huge quantities of liquor. Meanwhile, Kinnear's Mr. Wright has seen his life go wrong in a devastating "losing streak" that began over three years before with the loss of his son and then the loss of a job.
Each man finds himself in Mexico City, pursuing career opportunities. For Julian, it's a big hit commissioned by his handler, Mr. Randy (Phillip Baker Hall). For Danny, it's a competitive pitch to a Mexican firm for an assignment that will pull his wife and him out of severe financial distress. The two wind up in the same starkly modern but soulless hotel bar.
The initial get-acquainted bar talk goes seriously wrong right from the start. But Danny's deal grows complicated, forcing him to stay on a few days, so Julian, suddenly lonely when he realizes it's his birthday, takes Danny under his wings for a trip to the bullfights and into his confidence when he reveals his occupation as a "facilitator of fatalities." He, of course, must prove this to Danny, and it is only a matter of time before he requests Danny's help as a co-facilitator.
The comedy may be character-driven, but the vehicle stalls frequently. The extremes between the two buddies cover up most deficiencies, but eventually audiences may wonder if Shepard has a point or a destination. It's a movie-long struggle to find a meaningful way for the lives of two disparate characters in a hotel to intersect as they did in, say, "Lost in Translation."
Scenes grow dialogue-heavy and the thriller aspect to the tale never takes hold. One also becomes aware that despite the fact the movie jets away to Manila, Budapest and Vienna, it clearly never leaves Mexico City. (The U.S. sequences and designer Rob Pearson's sets for the Wrights' suburban Denver home, build at Churubusco Studios, are much more effective.)
Which is not to say that production values aren't excellent for a movie made for much less than a studio would spend. Pearson, cinematographer David Tattersall and composer Rolfe Kent give the film a definite sheen.
Ultimately, just in a nick of time, the movie does discover a destination, one that gives the comedy something of a moral lift despite the fact Danny does indeed briefly become a facilitator of a fatality. And, if nothing else, no one seeing "The Matador" will ever quite forget the indelible image of the former James Bond striding through the hotel lobby, clutching a beer and wearing only a black Speedo and boots.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:25:37 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:25:37 GMT -5
efilmCritic: "I never knew Pierce Brosnan could be this damn funny. Seriously!"
- Scott Weinberg
SCREENED AT THE 2005 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: There's nothing like watching an actor you admire as he (or she) tries something new ... and succeeds with flying colors. It's supremely entertaining to watch a guy like Bill Murray transition from "goofy" comedy to heartfelt dramatic work - and damn if it's not a whole lot of fun to watch Pierce Brosnan cut loose and make with the funny.
Sure, sure, Pierce Brosnan has done a few comedies in his time: Laws of Attraction gave the guy an easy-fit rom-com in which to ply his wares, and Brosnan delivered a smoothly charming performance -- even if the movie wasn't all that hot. And yeah, Brosnan was also in one of the most successful comedies ever made when he made the mistake of wooing Mrs. Doubtfire's estranged wife ... but all you really remember of Pierce's performance is how he got bonked in the head with a piece of fruit.
Nope, Mr. Brosnan is generally known as a suave and somewhat soft-spoken guy, whether he's playing James Bond or a guy running away from a volcanic eruption. (OK, so I like Dante's Peak; sue me.) And it's that long-standing image of Pierce Brosnan that makes his performance in The Matador such an enjoyable treat.
Brosnan plays a no-nonsense assassin by the name of Julian Noble, but this is not the sly & stoic sort of assassin you'd normally expect from this actor. In only the first few minutes of The Matador, as the actor hurls some nasty insults at a particularly nosy little boy, you can tell you're in for something a little bit ... different. Noble is a true professional at his craft, a lone wolf killer with no conscience and no personal connections. Noble is also, after so many years handling the same old assignments, stuck in the grips of a deep, dark depression and a mid-life crisis as wide as the sky.
While on assignment in Mexico City, Julian strikes up a businesslike friendship with an American guy named Danny. Played by Greg Kinnear, Danny is a likable upper-middle-class nobody who, of course, has no idea that his new drinking buddy is a world-class assassin. Not yet, anyway.
To go into much further detail would rob you of The Matador's numerous surprises, and since I have no idea how much of the movie will be "spoilered" by its upcoming trailers, I'll just leave my plot description vague. Suffice to say that Julian gets Danny involved in all sorts of scrapes that involve all sorts of guns.
The writer/director is Richard Shepard, a filmmaker who's banged out more than a few cable-flick and direct-to-video obscurities -- but it only takes about 10 minutes of The Matador before you realize you're dealing with a pretty talented moviemaker. The Matador is awash with bright, vibrant colors; the slick story just slides along with confidence and style; the action-type moments are dramatic and fairly exciting, and the interplay between Kinnear and Brosnan goes from "enjoyably normal" to "bizarrely endearing" -- and in the end you have one of the most satisfying "guy movie" duos since De Niro and Grodin paired up for Midnight Run.
"The Matador" is an arch and offbeat comedy and an assassination thriller rolled into one. It's got two great leads who have a fantastic chemistry together, and it throws in a rock-solid supporting performance by Hope Davis for no extra charge. Unlikely that "The Matador" will prove to be a box office sensation of any sort, but those who are always on the lookout for something a little bit strange and a little bit sweet, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for this one. At the very least you'll never again look at Pierce Brosnan as "just that James Bond guy."
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:28:33 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:28:33 GMT -5
4 months after Sundance
Judd: Reply #255 on May 26, 2005, 12:40am
what is platform released? is it limited or wide released
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Ace: Reply #256 on May 26, 2005, 12:48am
Platform means it starts limited with a definite plan to roll out wide (unless it bombs). Pretty much what was expected from this film. It opens around the same date with probably the same pattern Miramax used for Finding Neverland last year, the pattern and date (Nov/Dec) usually used for award bait /prestige non genre films.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:32:18 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:32:18 GMT -5
Reply #257 on May 26, 2005, 12:09pm IndieWire
In addition to announcing yesterday that Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez have each been tapped to direct a 60-minute horror film for a new project dubbed "Grind House" - set for release next Spring, The Weinstein Company (TWC) has unveilved its current slate and release dates through early next year (published in full below).
The Weinstein Co. official press release on their current slate:
According to yesterday's announcement, the Weinsteins are still negotiating with distributors to handle international theatrical, home entertainment, and television distribution. The Walt Disney Studios will handle international distribution for co-productions and co-financed projects between. The new name of TWC and other details will be announced this summer.
The Weinstein Company's release slate includes (descriptions and info provided by TWC):
Derailed, a highly anticipated suspenseful thriller from Mikael Håfström, who directed the Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign film "Evil,"starring Academy Award nominee Clive Owen and Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Jennifer Aniston. "Derailed" is a co-production with the Walt Disney Studios and is scheduled for wide release on October 21, 2005.
Wolf Creek, the Australian horror film from first time director Greg McLean based on real-life serial murder cases, which was a huge hit in Sundance this year and was part of the Directors Fortnight in Cannes in May. "Wolf Creek" is scheduled for wide release under the Dimension Films label on November 18, 2005
The Matador, a smash hit out of Sundance, this hilarious black comedy starring Pierce Brosnan as the antithesis to his James Bond role as well as Greg Kinnear and Hope Davis, is co-financed with the Walt Disney Studios and is scheduled for an exclusive release on November 18, 2005. A platform run to be broadened in the following weeks.
Transamerica, a compelling comedy from director Duncan Tucker, who is making his feature debut, starring Felicity Huffman from Desperate Housewives. "Transamerica" won the Best Actress Award when it made its US premiere in competition at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival after winning a jury prize at the Berlin Film Festival in February and is scheduled for an exclusive release on December 2, 2005. A platform run to be broadened in the following weeks.
The Promise, Academy Award nominee Chen Kaige’s highly anticipated new epic film starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Jang Dong-Kun and Cecilia Cheung. "The Promise" is a partnership between IDG New Media Fund and The Weinstein Company and is scheduled for an exclusive release on December 16, 2005. A platform run to be broadened in the following weeks.
Mrs. Henderson Presents, the highly sought after film from the Academy Award® nominated director of such hits as The Grifters, and Dangerous Liaisons, starring Academy Award winner Dame Judi Dench and Academy Award® nominated Bob Hoskins. "Mrs. Henderson Presents" reunites the Weinsteins with director Stephen Frears, whom they collaborated with on The Grifters, The Snapper, and most recently "Dirty Pretty Things." "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is co-financed by the Walt Disney Studios and is scheduled for an exclusive release on December 25, 2005. A platform run to be broadened in the following weeks.
The Gathering, a thriller from Brian Gilbert, starring Christina Ricci, Kerry Fox and Stephan Dillane. "The Gathering" is scheduled for release on January 6, 2006.
Feast, a horror film developed on Bravo's hit TV series Project Greenlight 3 is directed by John Gulager and stars Krista Allen. "Feast" is scheduled for release under the Dimension Films label on January 20, 2006.
Breaking & Entering, a new film from acclaimed Academy Award winner Anthony Minghella, which reunites the writer/director with star Jude Law for the third time, following their collaboration on "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and Cold Mountain – the two performances that garnered Academy Award nominations for Law. "Breaking and Entering," which began production on May 23, also stars Robin Wright Penn, Juliette Binoche and Vera Farmiga and is a co-production with the Walt Disney Studios. "Breaking and Entering" is scheduled for release in early February 2006.
Pulse, a remake of Kaïro, a Japanese horror film starring Kristen Bell (from UPN's hit show Veronica Mars), Christina Milian (from Be Cool & Man of the House) and Ian Somerhalder (from ABC’s hit show LOST). Pulse is scheduled for release under the Dimension Films label on March 3, 2006.
Killshot, from John Madden, the Academy Award* winning director of Shakespeare in Love, which is based on Elmore Leonard’s novel being adapted by Academy Award* nominated writer Hossein Amini, and executive produced by Quentin Tarantino. Killshot reunites the Weinsteins with director John Madden, whom they worked with on the Academy Award winner for Best Picture Shakespeare in Love and the upcoming film Proof. Killshot is scheduled for release on March 17, 2006.
Scary Movie 4, the latest installment in the hugely successful and hilarious horror-parody series, that will re-unite director David Zucker and his creative team from Scary Movie 3, writers Craig Mazin and Pat Proft, producer Robert K. Weiss, and Scary Movie star Anna Farris and her sidekick Regina Hall. Scary Movie 4 will be a co-production with the Walt Disney Studios and is scheduled for wide release under the Dimension Films label on Easter Weekend, April 14, 2006.
Sin City 2, based on the electrifying graphic novels from Frank Miller come the next installments of Sin City. The stories continue with a whole new ensemble cast as well as the return of some characters from the original film. Robert Rodriguez and Miller will collaborate again to bring forth the unique imagery and style found in Sin City that was hailed by the nation’s top critics and revered by audiences as revolutionary and never-before seen. Sin City 2 is a co-production with the Walt Disney Studios and is scheduled for release under the Dimension Films label in Summer 2006.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:35:00 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:35:00 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #259 on Jun 14, 2005, 10:50pm Release dates I found. Yes, that's right Russia is scheduled to get it 2 1/2 months before it opens in the U.S.
Russia: Sept 1, 2005 Lithuania: Dec 9, 2005
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stars007fan: Reply #260 on Jun 15, 2005, 4:35pm And isn´t anywhere written, when will it get to Czech?
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Ace: Reply #261 on Jun 15, 2005, 5:11pm
Not that I've seen. It's an independent film where Weinstein Co is only distributing it in the U.S., with Miramax/Disney doing some international territories like the UK and other English speaking nations and some of the far east. But there isn't even a release date for the U.K. yet.
Much of the international rights were sold to different nation/area specific distributors and not all countries have been sold to yet. IE: Frances has a different distributor than Hungary, but neither have a release date yet. But then it's a small film and months away and too early for most to set dates. Some might want to wait until after the US release date to use that publicity, or to see if it get's nominated for any awards and use that.
Ace
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sparklingblue: Reply #262 on Jun 17, 2005, 5:17pm
The German Bestlife article states that The Matador will come to German theatres still in 2005. Don't know how reliable that information is, though.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:36:52 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:36:52 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #264 on Jul 6, 2005, 5:22pmComposer Rolfe Kent has a 2 1/2min selection from his score of the Matador on his site called "Manila Fiasco". His accompanying notes: MATADOR (2005) Dir: Richard Shepard A wonderfully entertaining and twisted plot written by Richard Shepard, this is my fourth collaboration with him. The score consists of a mixed bag of instruments including duduk and middle eastern drums as well as very traditional orchestral layers. Elaborate programming and producing by Trevor Gilchrist, Synthestration by Stephen Coleman, and Mixing by Scott Cochran and Trevor Gilchrist.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:37:28 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:37:28 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #264 on Jul 6, 2005, 5:22pm
Variety: Kudo countdown Plenty to ponder at Oscar's midway point
By TIMOTHY M. GRAY
'Crash,' top, has staked a spot as an industry fave, but Woody Allen's 'Match Point' and the mighty 'King Kong' have yet to weigh in.
The year is half over, but in terms of awards, the fun is just beginning. Only a few serious kudos contenders have so far emerged, such as "Cinderella Man" and "Crash"; the bulk of hopefuls arrive, as usual, in the second half of the year.
Making the current kudos race more interesting are two major quirks: the slight shift in Oscar scheduling and, more significant, a reshuffled deck of players.
Miramax has always been a major force in awards campaigns, and this year, there will be the revised Miramax as well as the Weinsteins' as-yet-unnamed company. And as old stalwart Fine Line steps back, Picturehouse -- the new HBO-New Line venture -- moves into the spotlight, under the stewardship of Bob Berney, an Oscar vet who propelled "Monster" and "Whale Rider," among others, into kudos land.
As for timing, the 78th annual Academy Awards will be held March 5 -- a week later than usual. In light of the accelerated sked inaugurated two years ago, the kudocast would logically be on Feb. 26, but for 2006 the ceremony was postponed one week due to the Winter Olympics. (The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences hasn't announced other dates on its calendar, meaning there could be an extra week between nominations and awards.)
It's impossible to calculate whether timing affects the outcome, but awards campaigns have a certain rhythm -- campaigners need to carefully time screenings to give voters enough time to see the film, but try to make sure that enthusiasm doesn't peak too early. This year will be interesting because any change in that rhythm can alter things.
Spielberg stacks up
Then there's the Steven Spielberg factor. Like his double whammy in 1993 with "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List," this year's two-fer of "War of the Worlds" and the as-yet-untitled Munich Olympics project -- set to open in December for DreamWorks-Universal -- could both get major consideration in all categories.
Awards voters have saluted popcorn pics in the past. The question is whether Paramount-DreamWorks' "Worlds" will be considered for best pic like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Jaws," or singled out only in tech categories, as "Jurassic" was when Spielberg's more serious "Schindler's List" opened later in that same year.
It's an interesting sign of kudos handicapping that pundits are already predicting the Munich film as a pic contender, even though it's only finished a few days of principal photography.
Sked jockeying
Given the accelerated awards schedule in recent years, it might seem logical that studios would follow the "Gladiator" model: Open the awards hopeful in the first half of the year, then launch the DVD with a lot of hoopla during kudos season.
It worked for "Seabiscuit," but this year, the only major studio film to follow that formula is Universal-Miramax's "Cinderella Man." Some have questioned whether the disappointing box office will hurt its Oscar chances. Maybe, but Oscar voters tend to overlook B.O.B.O. and vote for their faves and, so far, "Cinderella" has been getting industry thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, Lions Gate's "Crash""Crash" is serious and, most important, is the kind of film that inspires great passion from its fans. Like every awards hopeful, those two pics are affected by one key factor -- what else opens this year.
There are only a few other contenders from the January-June period: New Line's performance-rich "The Upside of Anger," as well as plenty of contenders in the tech categories, such as Fox's "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," WB's "Batman Begins," and Dimension's "Sin City."
Indie offerings
The year's first half also introduced films that created positive buzz at Sundance, Berlin and Cannes, though these pics are skedded for release in the second half. That list includes Focus Features' "Broken Flowers," directed by Jim Jarmusch and starring Bill Murray; DreamWorks' Woody Allen pic "Match Point"; New Line's "A History of Violence," directed by David Cronenberg; Paramount Classics' "Hustle & Flow"; Samuel Goldwyn's "The Squid and the Whale," starring Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney; and the Weinsteins' "Transamerica," with Felicity Huffman.
And, with the accelerated awards season, Venice and Toronto lineups take on even more gravitas in terms of awards timing.
The January-June period saw too many interesting toons and docus to mention. June alone saw the bows of "Rize," "March of the Penguins," "The Last Mogul," "Deep Blue," "Mad Hot Ballroom" and "Rock School." (If the docu race is heating up, why isn't the pic contest?)
Meanwhile, toons from the first half include Fox's "Robots," Disney's "Howl's Moving Castle" and DreamWorks' "Madagascar." They'll be joined by a bevy of others this year, including Disney's "Chicken Little," DreamWorks' "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and WB's Tim Burton pic "Corpse Bride."
As for live-action, this year offers several high-profile pics from Oscar-winning directors, aside from Spielberg, Ron Howard and Woody Allen. The list includes TriStar's "Oliver Twist" (Roman Polanski), Universal's "Jarhead" (Sam Mendes) and "King Kong" (Peter Jackson) .
But that is the nature of awards soothsaying. Handicappers study the upcoming films, and many of them look good on paper.
Following are some of the July-December openers -- not including animated features, docus or foreign films -- that will be up in a variety of categories, from tech to best pic.
There are a few disclaimers. Sleepers and last-minute additions always pop up: Last year at this time, "Million Dollar Baby" was not even on the schedule for 2004.
July: DreamWorks' "The Island"; Fox's "Fantastic Four"; Warner Bros.' "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory."
August: Focus Features' "The Constant Gardener" (Fernando Meirelles, Ralph Fiennes); Par Classics' "Asylum" (written by Patrick Marber).
September: Focus Features' "Pride And Prejudice" (Keira Knightley); Miramax's "Proof" (Gwyneth Paltrow) and "The Libertine" (Johnny Depp); Picturehouse's "The Thing About My Folks" (Paul Reiser); Sony Classics' "Capote" (Philip Seymour Hoffman); Warner Independent's Liev Schreiber film "Everything Is Illuminated"; Disney's Jodie Foster thriller "Flight Plan" and "The Greatest Game Ever Played" (directed by Bill Paxton).
October: Disney's "Shop Girl" (Steve Martin); Fox's Curtis Hanson-Cameron Diaz pic "In Her Shoes"; Fox Searchlight's "Bee Season" (Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche) and "Separate Lies" (the directing debut of Julian Fellowes); Lions Gate's "Lord of War" (Nicolas Cage) and "Fierce People" (Diane Lane); Paramount's "Elizabethtown" and "The Weather Man" (Nicolas Cage); Universal's "Prime" (Meryl Streep, Uma hurman); Warner Independent's George Clooney-helmed Edward R. Murrow pic "Good Night. And, Good Luck" (and, yes, that's the punctuation); Weinsteins-Disney's "Derailed" (Jennifer Aniston, Clive Owen).
November: Fox's "Walk the Line" (Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Johnny Cash and June Carter); New Line's "The New World" (Terrence Malick); Paramount's "Get Rich or Die Tryin' " (50 Cent and director Jim Sheridan); Sony Classics' Merchant-Ivory "The White Countess" (with Natasha Richardson, Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave) and "Breakfast on Pluto" (Neil Jordan); Sony-Revolution's "Rent" (Chris Columbus); Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"; Weinsteins-Miramax's "The Matador" (Pierce Brosnan).
December: Disney's "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" ("Shrek" co-director Andrew Adamson's live-action debut) and "Casanova" (Lasse Hallstrom, Heath Ledger); Focus Features' "Brokeback Mountain" (Ang Lee, Ledger again); Sony's Rob Marshall-helmed "Memoirs of a Geisha" and the Jude Law-Sean Penn "All the King's Men"; Universal-Sony's "The Producers"; Weinsteins-Disney's "Mrs. Henderson Presents" (Stephen Frears, Judi Dench).
Several of this year's bows had been penciled in for 2004 release. And Warner Bros. has several contenders opening in the next six months with, so far, flexible dates. They include "Syriana" (George Clooney); the untitled Niki Caro movie with Charlize Theron; Curtis Hanson's "Lucky You"; and Darren Aronofsky's "The Fountain."
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:38:36 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:38:36 GMT -5
Ace Reply #265 on Jul 12, 2005, 5:47pmFrom PB.com: The Matador will be released on November 18, after traveling through various festivals including events in Deauville and Toronto. The reaction to the film from the studio and members of the press has been very favorable. We will post a schedule as to my personal appearances during the press junket. Deauville- Festival du Cinema Americain: Sept 2-11, 2005 www.festival-deauville.com/Toronto International Film Festival: September 8-17, 2005 www.e.bell.ca/filmfest/2005/home.asp
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:38:59 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:38:59 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #267 on Jul 26, 2005, 6:19pm Hollywood Reporter: Disney taps Battsek head of Miramax www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000991240July 25, 2005 Daniel Battsek By Stuart Kemp and Anne Thompson Daniel Battsek was named president of Miramax Films on Monday, charged with leading the Walt Disney Co.'s specialty films division into a new post-Harvey and Bob Weinstein era. His appointment was announced by Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook, to whom Battsek will report. Battsek had been heading U.K. operations for Disney's Buena Vista International. Battsek will focus on building a new executive team as well as putting together a new slate of Miramax films. He will work closely with the Weinsteins, who will remain co-chairmen of Miramax on a non-exclusive basis through Sept. 30. As of Oct. 1, Battsek will take over operations for Miramax, which include creative, acquisitions, production, distribution, marketing and publicity. "This is a fantastic opportunity," he said. "We're now building the future for this company. My vision is to create wonderful quality films that are profitable and that the company will be proud of. We're looking forward to October and beyond." Battsek said the staff will be considerably smaller than Miramax was at its largest incarnation several years ago, when its employees numbered more than 500. He will work closely with New York-based producer Scott Rudin, who will funnel many of his literary projects to Miramax under his new Disney pact. (He has yet to disentangle them from Paramount Pictures.) With Miramax production president Meryl Post having left the company, Rudin lieutenant Scott Aversano is one name in the mix for Miramax's new production chief, though Battsek has yet to make that decision. He will bring London-based Buena Vista International executive Kristin Jones with him, Disney sources confirmed, though not as head of production. Disney's Cook and production president Nina Jacobson have been lining up projects for the new-look Miramax pipeline, including Battsek's own Buena Vista International Comedy production "Kinky Boots," a comedy directed by British television director Julian Jarrold; Ben Affleck's directorial debut, "Gone, Baby, Gone," which Affleck is adapting from Dennis Lehane's Boston mystery; Stratus Pictures' "The Hoax," starring Richard Gere as Clifford Irving, who forged an unauthorized Howard Hughes biography; and "Lucky 13," Scott Marshall's directing debut. After Miramax releases its current films by Sept. 30, Battsek could face a lean period; nothing is scheduled for release after that. But there will be more projects in the offing, Jacobson said, "so that the cupboard would not be bare." Battsek insists, however, that he is in no hurry to jump-start the new company by creating "unnecessary deadlines." "There's quite a bit of product we're working on as co-productions, an exciting challenge I'm quite looking forward to. It's not about the first six months, it's about what happens for the future of the company," he said. Battsek was unwilling to discuss the budgets he will be working with. For now, "there is no cap," he said. "That will be part of our strategy as we develop." Battsek also will collaborate with the Weinstein Co. on co-productions including Anthony Minghella's "Breaking and Entering," starring Juliette Binoche and Jude Law, which began shooting May 23 in London; "Derailed," starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen, which will be the first Weinstein Co. release, set to open Oct. 21; the Sundance acquisition "The Matador," starring Pierce Brosnan; Stephen Frears' "Mrs. Henderson Presents," set to open for Oscar consideration Dec. 22, as well as 2006 releases "Scary Movie 4" and "Sin City 2." Battsek's appointment ends months of speculation that he was in line to take the reins. Industry insiders say he has long been a favorite of Harvey Weinstein's and has always shown a strong sense of loyalty and ambition within the Disney empire. "We've enjoyed working with Daniel Battsek in the past and think he's a great executive," the Weinsteins said. In the next few weeks, Battsek will move from the U.K. to New York, where the Miramax headquarters will continue to operate autonomously, separate from the parent studio. He has yet to decide where the new offices will be, though they will likely be housed in one of the buildings in Lower Manhattan that Disney leases for Miramax. "We will not be at Disney," he said. "We will have our own address. I was very determined that New York was the right place for an independent label, not a studio lot, given the way in which independent productions are created there." Battsek joined Disney in 1992, after laying out plans for a U.K. distribution arm for the company. Having set up Buena Vista International U.K., he rapidly rose through the ranks, ending up executive vp and managing director of distribution and production for BVI U.K. In 1999, Battsek was instrumental in setting up the BVI U.K. Comedy Label, which has produced three features, "High Heels and Low Lifes" (2001), "Hope Springs" and "Calendar Girls" (both released in 2003). He has forged relationships with such filmmakers as Frears, Minghella, Christopher Nolan and John Madden. Battsek began his industry career at the Hoyts Film Corp. in Sydney, where he rose to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution. He then served as managing director of Palace Pictures before joining Disney. Stuart Kemp reported from London. Anne Thompson reported from Los Angeles.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:43:59 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:43:59 GMT -5
Admin Note: 350 posts and 8 months later during which: - Countless changing release dates by the Weinsteins & Miramax
- Film makes the Festival Circuit -- Deauville- Toronto- San Diego - London
- Pierce Nominated for a Golden Globe (much rejoicing)
- Film finally opens
- More reviews come in
- Premieres in LA and London
- Pierce loses Golden Globe (much hissing, especially at Travolta)
For photographs and articles concerning the Festival circuit, the Globe Nomination and more articles and reviews for when the film opens visit PB Files: Matador
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:54:13 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:54:13 GMT -5
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:57:23 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:57:23 GMT -5
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 13:59:53 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 13:59:53 GMT -5
Film opens Dec 30th in limited release in the U.S. and expands through January:
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:02:20 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:02:20 GMT -5
Matador premieres in London: late Feb 2006
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:05:30 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:05:30 GMT -5
Myrtle Groggins: Reply #616 on Feb 23, 2006, 1:46amNow that I'm reading the thread, I see where Lauryn says she saw the film. I must have still had head fog from being semi-ill for a few weeks. Geez, how did I miss her post? Anyway, just got back from viewing the film. There was an audience of ......... six! Tomorrow night is the last showing. Let me just say, I can certainly do without the tacky sex scenes - those alone are making me reconsider having a copy in my collection. I can take nearly endless cursing and killing, but not the raunchy sex stuff. That being said, I enjoyed the move in spite of it. Greg Kinnear always blows me away. Each time I see him in a flick, I marvel. The guy is so darn talented. Pierce. What can I say? Can the guy be more tacky? With that awful haircut, the ugly ill-fitting clothing, the terrible mannerisms, the smoke swirling around his head, what on earth did he do to his teeth?, the F-word being the dominant feature in his vocabulary, and on and on, he was Julian Noble to a *T*. Now *that* Pierce certainly didn't resemble my RS *Pierce* one iota. However, he actually had me rooting for him.........rooting for a facilitator. I mean, come on. A nice little gal like me. I loved the comraderie between the guys and Bean --- did I hear that correctly, her name is Bean? The late night/early morning bonding was stellar. There were so many. many wonderful moments in this film. The photography, the smooth camera shots, the scenery and background action, (I won't even memtion the guy and his crotch at the bullfight)....... On a personal note, while they didn't exactly give the date of the son's death, I was particularly touched that it must have been near the time of my own son's loss. December, Christmas decorations all around, I really felt a personal kinship with Danny and Bean. Was that her name? I was so glad they kept their appointment on the anniversary. So touching. Even a sloppy, nasty, vulgar, killing Pierce comes across the screen as a real human being. Imagine! My only thought is when will his young sons be allowed to see daddy's movie? I think the movie is deserving of several awards, for sure. Minus the raunchy sex, of course. I could have imagined that, really, I didn't have to be shown. The dog should have torn him to shreds. Oh, yes, my favorite costume was the cheerleading outfit.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:05:53 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:05:53 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #617 on Feb 23, 2006, 2:17am
Yes the cheerleader outfit was inspired. I'd have liked to have seen him the Matador's pink socks though.
I have to say the sex really didn't bother me at all, but then sex in films rarely does. In this case though it was all so comedic -- can anyone take the scene with him and the dog seriously? The longest sex scene is between a very loving husband and wife on a washing machine (heh) and even then as in all the sex scenes they're all mostly clothed. I think it seems more raunchy because it's rather raw and real (and funny) and it's not romantically or sensually staged, acted and lit as it is in most films. The most "shocking" shot is probably what you see when he goes to the brothel and that lasts about 10 seconds but it's a pretty accurate insight into Julian's life done with a very short scene. I didn't find any of the sex gratuitous though, and Julian certainly talked about more than we saw him do -- and far more colorfully and graphically.
Yes, Bean was her nickname, her real name was Carolyn. We get no explantion for the nickname and even Hope Davis the actress who played her didn't know how she got it.
And tsk tsk rooting for a facilitaor of fatalities! But then Danny (and to some extent Bean) is the audience's surrogate and what he starts to feel about Julian, how he's both fascinated and appalled, and how he cheers him on -- is also how we the audience feel (or are suppossed to feel). So I guess it worked on you.
Ace
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:06:17 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:06:17 GMT -5
Yuliya: Reply #622 on Feb 23, 2006, 2:06pm
Certainly not. It was skimpy, but not shear, and whatever it covered, it covered well. It just didn't cover much. All in all, it was a rather nice dress, and I found it on Hello's "Stylish beauties steal limelight at Brits" in their February 22 online issue.
Oh, and do not blame me for recognizing Paris Hilton. I honestly don't remember what she looks like; I wouldn't know who wore the dress if the picture I found didn't have a caption.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:06:54 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:06:54 GMT -5
Ace: Reply #623 on Feb 23, 2006, 3:43pm
Evidently, Hello went completely wonky.
But I'm going to have to ask you to remove that image. I just can't have photos of Paris Hilton here. We have some standards you know.
Edit: I was joking, well maybe half joking.
Ace
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:07:24 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:07:24 GMT -5
Sparklingblue: Reply #624 on Feb 23, 2006, 5:22pm “
From the bunch of really funny lines in the last couple of articles posted on this page, this one really cracked me up.
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Matador
Jun 29, 2006 14:08:03 GMT -5
Post by Ace on Jun 29, 2006 14:08:03 GMT -5
Yuliya: Reply #625 on Feb 24, 2006, 11:56am
Too late. Now those who want to see this creation of the Welsh designer Julien Macdonald will have to look it up themselves only because you objected to what the model wearing it did for... er, she's a socialite, she doesn't do it for living. For a hobby? Or perhaps it's something else about her you objected, I don't follow her life that closely.
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