2012 Spirit Award Nominations Announced

The Artist, Drive & more up for gongsAwards season is in full swing now, and naturally all the various ceremonies are getting their lists out there. Today sees the turn of the Spirit Awards, which honours films made for less than $20 million by US producers.And from the looks of the list, the teams behind Drive, Take Shelter, 50/50 and The Artist all look to be in with a chance of going home with a gong or two.The awards will be handed out at the usual beach locale in LA on February 25, the day before the Oscars. Check out a list of the major categories below.BEST FEATURE50/50BeginnersDriveTake ShelterThe ArtistThe DescendantsBEST DIRECTORMike Mills, BeginnersNicholas Winding Refn, DriveJeff Nichols, Take ShelterMichel Hazanavicius, The ArtistAlexander Payne, The DescendantsBEST FIRST FEATURE Another EarthIn The FamilyMargin CallMartha Marcy May MarleneNatural SelectionJOHN CASSAVETES AWARD BellflowerCircumstanceHello LonesomePariahThe DynamiterBEST SCREENPLAYJoseph Cedar, FootnoteMichel Hazanavicius, The ArtistTom McCarthy, Win WinMike Mills, BeginnersAlexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, The DescendantsBEST FIRST SCREENPLAYMike Cahill & Brit Marling, Another EarthJ.C. Chandor, Margin CallPatrick DeWitt, TerriPhil Johnston, Cedar RapidsWill Reiser, 50/50BEST FEMALE LEADLauren Ambrose, Think Of MeRachel Harris, Natural SelectionAdepero Oduye, PariahElizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May MarleneMichelle Williams, My Week With MarilynBEST MALE LEADDemian Bichir, A Better LifeJean Dujardin, The ArtistRyan Gosling, DriveWoody Harrelson, RampartMichael Shannon, Take ShelterBEST SUPPORTING FEMALEJessica Chastain, Take ShelterAngelica Huston, 50/50Janet McTeer, Albert NobbsHarmony Santana, Gun Hill RoadShailene Woodley, The DescendantsBEST SUPPORTING MALEAlbert Brooks, DriveJohn Hawkes, Martha Marcy May MarleneChristopher Plummer, BeginnersJohn C. Reilly, Cedar RapidsCorey Stoll, Midnight In ParisBEST CINEMATOGRAPHYJoel Hodge, BellflowerBenjamin Kasulke, The Off HoursDarius Khondji, Midnight In ParisGuillaume Schiffman, The ArtistJeffrey Waldron, The DynamiterBEST DOCUMENTARYAn African ElectionBill Cunningham NYThe InterruptersThe Redemption Of General Butt NakedWe Were HereBEST FOREIGN FILMA SeparationMelancholiaShameThe Kid With A BikeTyrannosaurROBERT ALTMAN AWARD Margin Call

'A.N.T. Farm' will return

'A.N.T. Farm'Disney Funnel has restored "A.N.T. Farm" for any second season following the newcomer half-hour grew to become no. 1 series on television one of the 6-11 and 9-14 demos.China Anne McClain stars within the skein, that has averaged 2. million audiences among kids 6-11 and 1.six million in kids 9-14 since its premiere in May. Serta Signer produced "A.N.T. Farm" and professional produces with Stephen Engel for It Is A Laugh Prods. Sierra McCormick, Mike Short, Stefanie Scott and Carlon Jeffery co-star. The renewal improves McClain's status as Disney Channel's latest signing-acting prodigy, following the kind of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. McClain works frequently around the series and, at 13, has already been signed to some Hollywood Records contract. She's focusing on an album together with her siblings Sierra and Lauryn.An "A.N.T. Farm" soundtrack album launched in October spent five days atop the Billboard kids album ratings. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Honours season: And they're off

The Weinsteins' quiet pic 'The Artist' won best feature within the NY Film Experts Circle additionally to acquired five Spirit nods on Tuesday.Kaira Pitt needed home NYFCC's Best Actor award for his perfs in 'The Tree of Life' and 'Moneyball.'With 88 days to go to just before the 84th Academy awards, the kudos season's first responders unleashed a flurry of small experience Tuesday morning but no major surprises or clearness in the race with no apparent leader plus an enigmatic new Oscar voting system. Yes, a basic, black-and-white-colored film starring French stars is actually a contender this year. Absolutely, Kaira Pitt's portrayal of Concord A's gm Billy Beane in "Moneyball" needs to be taken heed of. And three photos -- "Take Shelter," "Beginners" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" -- put themselves in the spotlight at the begining of goings.In La, Film Independent introduced its Spirit Award nominations, with "The Artist" and "Take Shelter" leading at five each. Back East, the NY Film Experts Circle was busy crowning "The Artist" best feature and picking Pitt and Meryl Streep ("The Iron Lady") for acting honors.The bicoastal barrage introduced a good start to Alexander Payne's "The Descendants" (Spirit noms for feature and supporting actress Shailene Woodley, though George Clooney was excluded) and Sean Durkin's "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which acquired first feature, director and lead actress Spirit noms, along with the NYFCC's first-feature recognition. Focus Features' "Beginners" also managed to move on getting a Spirit nom put in the Gotham Award it won late Monday.Fox Searchlight's "The Tree of Existence," Terrence Malick's divisive film that shared the Gotham Award with "Beginners," exceeded the Spirit Awards' $20 million being qualified limit but was honored with the Gotham experts for cinematography (and shared a little of acting citations for Pitt and Jessica Chastain).But nothing developed a more effective statement than "The Artist," the quiet film that's acquired $204,878 since its release in four theaters Friday. Its pack-leading five Spirit noms and greatest feature recognition within the NYFCC -- in addition to director honors in the two caser for Michel Hazanavicius plus an actor nomination for Jean Dujardin -Place the film squarely inside the search. Org's top pick went onto obtain a best picture Oscar nomination 13 occasions in the last 2 decades.InchThe Artist" was purchased at the start from the Cannes Film Festival with the Weinstein Co., that's mounting among its trademark campaigns. The other day within an Academy screening, Harvey Weinstein introduced along Charlie Chaplin's granddaughters inside an ode to Hollywood's quiet-film era. Oscar glory for "The Artist" is a crowning achievement for old Harvey themselves: The ultimate time a basic film was nominated for top picture was 1929 ("The Patriot") -- which is been nearly 2 decades since a black-and-white-colored film remains nommed ("Schindler's List"). Omissions among the day's honorees include Paramount's "Constantly,Inch a largely improvised film from Drake Doremus which were receiving specific buzz but emerged empty Oscilloscope's "We must Discuss Kevin," that's obtaining a significant honours push for Tilda Swinton and Woodsy Allen's "Evening amount of time in Paris," which acquired basically a Spirit nom for supporting actor Corey Stoll and zilch within the NYFCC.Our prime-profile films that went empty-handed on Tuesday incorporated "The Woman While Using Dragon Tattoo," even though The brand new the new sony had arranged a distinctive, first-look screening for your NYFCC. However, these honours overlap with early election primaries. You will discover still much more honours votes later on -- the country's Board of Review will weigh in Thursday -- which honours aren't exactly guaranteed bellwethers. A year ago, "Black Swan" won the Spirit and "The Social MediaInch needed the NY crix jerk, while "The King's Speech" showed up inside the Oscar winner's circle.(Stuart Oldham, Dork McNary and Gordon Cox brought with this story.) Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Downgrade sinks Netflix stock

Netflix stock stumbled Tuesday after a downgrade by S&P, while the company's chief financial officer David Wells defended its strategy on all fronts -- foreign expansion, a host of nonexclusive content deals and last week's move to raise $400 million in a stock and debt sale to cushion its balance sheet. Wells told investors at the Credit Suisse Technology Conference that Netflix is working to "bring the brand back brick by brick" after several flubs this year provoked a subscriber revolt. "I think this is a long-term thing that we have to live with. It will take a little bit of time for it to come back," he said. The once high-flying shares closed down 3.4%, or $2.38, at $67.57 after Standard & Poor's late Monday cut its rating on the company's debt to BB- from BB, citing spending on content and international expansion that will continue to erode profits. Netflix has said it expects red ink in 2012 on new international services in the U.K. and Ireland. The agency also thinks it may take longer than anticipated for domestic subscriber growth to resume. Netflix's meteoric growth slammed to a halt last quarter. It ended September with 23.79 million U.S. subs, down from 24.59 million the previous quarter. The company effectively raised the price of its original DVD service and tried, then canceled plans, to rebrand it. Wells reiterated the company's prediction that net subscriber additions will turn positive for the month of December. Analysts estimate Netflix will spend about $1 billion on content deals for its streaming service in 2011 and see that rising to $1.9 billion next year. Netflix doesn't disclose those numbers but has said it expects spending to nearly double. Wells clarified that the "nearly" means the company is looking at an increase of about 78%. He said there is money set aside for renewals and "opportunity buys." Only about 15% of the budget is earmarked for exclusive or original programming -- a conscious decision by company execs. "Exclusivity matters when you have to be differentiated and for now there is no one in our direct space, so it's important to have more...less exclusivity and more content," Wells said. As for international, Wells acknowledged that the U.K. market is highly competitive, a downside, but said that's offset by the fact that it's smoother sailing given the higher degree of device penetration. "We don't have to do the marketing and heavy lifting of demonstrating to people" how streaming works, he said. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

John McCain: Daughter Meghan 'Went Over to the Dark Side' (Video)

Arizona Senator John McCain gave his two cents about his daughter Meghan's recent move to MSNBC as a paid contributor.our editor recommendsMedia Analyst Slams NBC News for Hiring 'Impostor' Chelsea Clinton10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate "She went over to the dark side I guess," McCain said to Don Imus on the Fox Business Network. McCain added that he was proud of his daughter. PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate "She's feisty. Being over there she is going to have to have quite a bit of that," the former Republican presidential candidate said. "I'm sure she will fight for the things she and I believe in over there and I wish her every success." STORY: John McCain's Daughter Makes MSNBC Debut as Paid Contributor Meghan McCain was hired on as a staffer earlier in November to cover the Republican presidential candidates and GOP primary. "It's a unique opportunity to share my perspective as a Republican on a network I respect and have built a relationship with over the past two years," the younger McCain said in a statement announcing her new position. PHOTOS: Democrats and Republicans' Favorite Movies McCain, who has openly announced her support for Mitt Romney, has been a guest on MSNBC since 2009. She also wrote a memoir, Dirty Sexy Politics, about her time on the campaign trail with her father. STORY: Media Analyst Slams NBC News for Hiring 'Impostor' Chelsea Clinton Meghan McCain is not the only politician's daughter to get on the NBC News payroll. Chelsea Clinton joined the network in November as a correspondent for the newsmagazine Rock Center with Brain Williams where she'll contribute to the "Making a Difference" series. Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate Related Topics MSNBC Fox Business Channel Politics

The earth the planet pandora Posts Surprise Third-Quarter Profit

NY - The earth the planet pandora Media on Tuesday reported enhanced third-quarter financials and released an unpredicted profit. The web music company reported a little quarterly profit of $638,000, in contrast getting a $1.8 million loss around-ago period. Wall Street experts had forecast a loss of profits. Revenue rose ninety-nine percent to $75 million, doubling a year ago's $37.7 million. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Earnings

Ascot nabs Finecut's 'Leafie'

SEOUL -- Sales house Finecut has revealed several deals inked in the American Film Market. Ascot Elite acquired Korean animation "Leafie," which cumed $13 million on home turf, for German-speaking areas and Conquest Filmes required South america. It had formerly been offered to many areas, including Italia, Poultry, Indonesia, Portugal, Middle East and also the former USSR nations (excluding the Baltic nations). Hit local thriller "Blind" was offered for Japan (King Records) and Malaysia and Brunei (Hwa Yea Multimedia), after recent deals for German-speaking areas (MFA+), Taiwan (Bald eagle Worldwide Communication), and Thailand (STG). Summer time horror title "The KittyInch was offered for Japan (Magnetar) and French-speaking areas (Mercury), additionally to the previous sales for Singapore and Malaysia (Scorpio East), Taiwan (Bald eagle Worldwide) and Indonesia (DCU Home Theatre). The comedy movie "Easy Family" added deals for Japan (JoyNContents), Taiwan (Bald eagle Worldwide) and U.S. (CJ CGV). JoyNContents also acquired "Heartbeat," starring Yunjin Kim. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Springsteen announces 2012 tour

Bruce Springsteen announced Sunday night that he and the E Street Band will tour the globe in 2012.While rumors of an upcoming Springsteen tour have been circulating for months, the tour -- as well as an upcoming album -- was made official on the singer-songwriter's website:"Well, things are starting to heat up down on E Street."A lot of you have been hearing that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be on tour in 2012. That is absolutely correct. The European dates run from the middle of May until end of July and are being announced this week. Info on the U.S. dates and the world tour dates will coming up shortly."In addition, we want you to know that the music is almost done (but still untitled), we have almost settled on the release date (but not quite yet), and that we are all incredibly excited about everything that we're planning for 2012. That's all the info we have for right now, but we'll get back to you -- real soon."This will be the first E Street Band tour following the death of longtime saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who passed away at age 69 on June 18 this year following a massive stroke.The last time Springsteen and the E Street Band were on the road, they were finishing up their two-year "Magic"/"Working on a Dream" tour in Buffalo in November 2009. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Academy awards: John Grazer & Robert Lorenz Open Files On Clint Eastwoods J. Edgar

This is actually the second production collaboration between Imagine Entertainment co-chairman BrianGrazer and Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions partner Robert Lorenz. (The very first was 2008s The Changeling). J. Edgar was encircled byintrigue and intensity in the startof the film, that was switched lower by Universal since the studio didn’t need to make another period film.A Malibu meeting between Grazer and Eastwood paved the way in which for Warner Bros release a this montha fascinating take a look at probably the most complicated figures ever, his abuse of energy, and also the devils that haunted him. Central towards the movie may be the incredible pedigree ofclint like a director Eastwood, and also the effective performances by Leonardo Di Caprio,Armie Hammer, Naomi W, and Judi Dench. Before J. Edgar hit theaters, AwardsLine contributor Ari Karpel spokewith Grazer and Lorenz to go over biopics in age dirty Oscarcampaigns, Clint Eastwoods difficult-to-classify politics, and also the challenge ofmaking serious films within an frequently frivolous age: AWARDSLINE: Tostart, let me know about how exactly this project found be, right from the start. Grazer: I figured it might be interesting tomake a film about Hoover because hes this type of complex character.Younger crowd, typically, came from theFBI.He certainly sustained it. So, I pitched it to Universal plus they likedit.I met with author Dustin LanceBlack after which pitched it to him.Hesaid hed been considering such like.He likes energy structures exactly the same way I likepower structures. So while wewere developing it, Id seen Leonardo a few occasions just delicately. He was conscious that i was developing Hooverwith Lance Black.He appeared excited bythe concept of either reading through it and maybe even doing the work.Piece of software is available in and Universal chose to not doit.I recommended we create it for Take advantage of forClint as well as for Take advantage of themself.Get married alreadyhad an excellent experience together on TheChangeling with Julia Roberts.He readit, loved it and rapidly spoken to his partner there, Clint Eastwood. They stated were in. Then that got Leo tosay Ill get it done. AWARDSLINE: The topic matter didn’t give anybody pause? Lorenz: Whatever work John and Lance had doneprior was working since the script arrived and that we both felt it had been reallysmart and intriguing.Hoover, whomeveryones acquainted with because the director from the FBI, can also be this characterthats encircled in mystery because hes hiding secrets and that he has thispersonal existence that everybody has questions regarding.It simply appeared just like a great subject for amovie. Grazer: I believe that many the topics withinthe movie are relevant today and therefore are much more relevant today somewhat.When Lancestarted writing it just before Clint and Sucks participation, he did lots of researchon it visited the FBI after which as Take advantage of and Clint grew to become involved, we justcontinued to analyze.That is where a lot of the storyline will get completed because they men are wonderful.Clint and Take advantage of are simply great scientists. I believe we designed a point tohave it's as accurate because it are able to be and get ready the aspects thatwouldnt overtake the central story. AWARDSLINE: Clearly,Lance who won an Oscar for his Milk script, is really a naturally political person and incredibly progressive in the politics. Similarly, Clint is another naturallypolitical person, though more conservative.Was that the type of delicate dance in some manner with this particular project? Lorenz: Well, I dont think so.People attempt to label him a conservative.But Im always astounded by how progressive afigure he's.I believe should you take a look at thesubject matter in the selection of films during the last many years you canreally observe that.I am talking about selecting to complete Flags in our Fathers and extremely sort ofglamorizing the People in america which war after which countering by using theJapanese perspective was something which for a number of veterans hardened them up tothink that Clint would try to tell their side from the story.They resent any have to do that. Grazer: I believe hes singularly been sosuccessful at performing these great American tragedies.I have no idea if either Take advantage of or I've seenanyone else succeeding on his level doing films which are so difficult.He picks these very hard and complexsubjects and finds methods to create natural movies which make sense. AWARDsLINE: Ofcourse were in this polarized political culture, even just in the Oscar races.John, out of your experience withA Beautiful Mind — which wasprobably probably the most assaulted movie when it comes to the opposition — so how exactly does thatshape the way you get into creating a movie such as this that's a likely Oscar contender? Grazer: Well, to begin with, Take advantage of and that i canonly hope that it is considered with this type of potential.Thatd do well.So far as ABeautiful Mind, I believe debate comes when you are getting drawn into therace.It was not really as controversialwhen we designed a Beautiful Mind as itwas when individuals began rivaling one another.About this movie, Clint has handled such toughsubjects, and so i thought he'd work best with this not just being an artist butsomeone who always struggles and struggles and finds the reality insubjects.I believe people, his criticsand individuals who work inside the business all of them kind of believe if anyonesgoing to test a difficult subject and get it done with honesty its likely to be Clint. AWARDSLINE: Yousaid Universal didnt do initially. Why was that? Grazer: Once Clint stated hewas thinking about doing the work, Universal might have started to exactly the same conclusion tomake it.However I think they werent goingto arrived at that conclusion that rapidly whereas, Clint see clearly and Take advantage of read itand they'd a whole lot of passion and emergency. Clints pretty busy constantly, so Take advantage of andClint and that i, to some extent, required it to Warner Bros these were prepared to makeit immediately. AWARDSLINE: Whatdid Universal have a problem with?Could it have been thetopic, your budget or what? GRAZER: I have no idea.I believe its challenging dramas made rightnow, right, Take advantage of? LORENZ: Yeah.Thats exactly the same factor Warner battled with.You will find limitations onto it when it comes to thebudget size.It had been a dangerous proposition that the historic drama would make back a large amount of cash unless of course itturned out perfect, which It has. GRAZER: A film such as this, everyone takes alot less cash and the majority a smaller amount of everything. Make it in a verysmart cost. [Editors note: They're saying J. Edgars production cost arrived just below $40 million].Somewhat, youre thinking I really hope peoplesee it and enjoy it or like it the way in which we like it. You aren't considering it exactly the same way youthink of the event movie.You simply cantframe it this way. AWARDSLINE: Now,certainly Clint’s clearly had incredible box office and Oscar success with MillionDollar Baby and Unforgiven.Itseems like his last couple of movies havent received the interest from the Academy thathis previous ones have.Im curious fromboth individuals the reason why you think that's. GRAZER: I believe a variety of it may be the subject andthe theme.I believe that one has individuals andits additionally a tour p pressure.So, I thinkwe might are able. LORENZ: Weve been available each year with aproject.I believe enthusiasm goes backand forth.I believe the timing is rightto open this specific project.

Watch Amanda Seyfried Throw Punches and Track Down a Serial Killer Solo in Gone Trailer

“I’ll sleep when he’s dead!” Amanda Seyfried declares in the new trailer for Gone, referencing the serial killer who has kidnapped her onscreen sis. You see, Seyfried’s character Jill is frustrated because no one in her small town believes that the serial killer who kidnapped her two years ago has now kidnapped her sister. That’s because they didn’t believe Jill’s story to begin with (and they’re probably bored with Jill’s cliched dialogue). So now it’s just Jill vs. a ticking clock vs. an unsupportive police squad who tries to convince Jill that this serial killer drama is all in her head. The thriller is from Brazilian director Heitor Dhalia and co-stars Wes Bentley, Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter and Michael Par. Gone seems vaguely reminiscent of Kiss the Girls, which also featured a female kidnapping victim who manages to escape a serial killer’s underground lair and (attempts to) rescue the other female hostages. Gone arrives in theaters February 24. VERDICT: As the title (shared by seven forgettable films before it) suggests, this thriller will be gone from viewer memory almost instantly. [via Yahoo!]

REVIEW: The Lie Explores the Self-Defeat of Committing by Halves - But Only By Half

First-time director Joshua Leonard’s The Lie stretches the truth of its source material — an obsidian fragment from author T.C. Boyle, published by the NYer in 2008 — until its every glint is polished to a self-affirming glow. There’s a dark crackle to Boyle’s first-person account of a young man compressed to the point of fracture by the drudgery of his work as a tape logger at a film production house and the shackling disappointment of his domestic lot: He has a law student wife and an infant at home. Unable to face another day at the digital mine, the young man’s avoidant, off-white fibbing gives way to an inky whopper, and his sins soon yield a shopping bag full of money. If two decades of Coen brothers movies have taught us anything, it’s this: As good as a gun, that thing’s going to go off. The short story ends in a streak offstage. The Lie has trouble narrowing itself into the same nervy tone, and expands outward instead, away from character or aesthetic and into the narrative of booh-joi redemption handled so nimbly in Lost in America. Leonard — the Humpday actor last seen playing a God-fearing husband to Vera Farmiga in her directing debut, Higher Ground — adapted Boyle’s story (the three lead actors share writing credit along with Jeff Feuerzeig) and cast himself in the lead as Lonnie, now a thirty-something editor at a Los Angeles commercial house. Lonnie’s wife, Clover (Jessica Weixler), is a lawyer who early on in the film announces that she’s considering a job offer from a (gasp!) drug company. Clover drops the news at a dinner party attended by an affluent couple and their less fancy but very mobile friend Tank (Mark Webber). An old musician friend of Lonnie’s, Tank is perfecting an edible skin care line in his beach-side trailer, where there’s always a laundry line of gitch flapping free in the coastal winds. The dinner party, which follows an opening scene of Lonnie laying down the symptoms of modern life (anxious, joyless, not sleeping, hates job) to hustle a medicinal marijuana prescription out of a shrink (Jane Adams), presents the couple’s options: Batten down, sell out, and start saving for that designer stroller, or live an attenuated, gitch-flapping life on the fringe. For one of them, at least, the choice is clear. Hectored by his foul-mouthed boss (Gerry Bednob) for slacker infractions, Lonnie concocts a lie about his six-month-old daughter’s health to get out of a day at work. After a leisurely breakfast he shows up at Tank’s trailer to record that demo they’ve been talking about for God knows how long — and it’s a soul crusher, all right. Home in time to dice up some mea culpa mango chutney for his wife (he did not take the news of her job prospect well), Lonnie is calmed momentarily — until, that is, his alarm clock goes off again the next morning. What happens next sets off a cycle of potentially black comic events that slowly elude Leonard’s grasp. Forget the dubious timing of grumbling about paid employment when 10 percent of us should be so lucky; earnest portent creeps into the handling of Lonnie’s big lie, so that the ghastliness of it comes off as neither comic nor tragic — more like one of those coerced confessions you hear about but never quite understand. There also seems to be little awareness of the extent to which the alternatives Lonnie and Clover float for themselves — lying in a tomato patch 4ever or, more seriously, “jumping in a car and joining an advocacy group in Portland” — are not an escape from bourgeois ideals but an extension of them into a more comfy fit. Embedded in The Lie is a sharp look at the moral limbo of a complacent life, the self-defeat of committing by halves, the self-interest of false equivalencies — but only the shallowest attempts are made to chip its themes out. It’s the shallowness of the explicit, particularly when it comes to Lonnie’s mealy outbursts and Leonard’s tendency to hang onto favored shots until they ossify. (Cinematographers Ben Kasulke and Brigitta Csiki develop a striking contrast between scenic LA and its smudgy interiors.) Weixler has a changeable beauty and natural, responsive quality that is ill-served by this tendency; though you can hardly blame the director for leaning on her expressive face in critical moments, those extra beats turn performance into portraiture. “We’re allowed to change things, right?” Lonnie asks Clover, after his nuclear cloud of deceit begins to clear. As my generation begins telling these familiar stories, it’s a question I find myself asking more and more. Follow Michelle Orange on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Fest without relaxation

That Chinese carpet at Grauman's got exercising the other day within the AFI Fest. On November. 7, the Weinstein Co.'s "Coriolanus" shared the spotlight getting a revival of Pedro Almodovar's 1987 pic "Law of Desire." Round the Bard pic, Take advantage of Fiennes recognized being tense within the moments with Gerard Butler. "He's very good. I desired to get a grip on him physically. I used to be somewhat intimidated certainly.Inch "Law of Desire" star Antonio Banderas held a little press conference round the carpet. Each time a reporter asked for if there's anything the earth would never know from the The the spanish language language helmer, Banderas joked, "He's a girl. Everybody knows already." That same evening, in the Egyptian, Magnolia's "I Melt Together With YouInch presented the whole gang, including Thomas Jane, Make the most of Lowe, Carla Gugino, Sasha Grey and Jeremy Piven. Within the Hotel Roosevelt afterparty, Piven known towards the indie shoot of a debauched reunion, helmed by Mark Pellington, as "guerrilla-style filmmaking. I had been all within it together, huddled on the floor and eating from paper plates. I'd pretty much as good of your energy as you may have being totally gutted." The following evening, Jean Dujardin experienced the Hollywood spirit by striking a few quiet celebrity poses for your cameras, while his "The Artist" co-star Berenice Bejo looked on as you're watching Chinese. Director Michel Hazanavicius doubted the Weinstein Co. release brings back B&W silents. But he remains a follower. "I really love that period as it is really telegenic," he mentioned. "Putting the knowledge in Hollywood offers the movie a sizable star, because Hollywood can be a large star. I believed it could (ensure it is) more worldwide plus much more sexy." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Cooper Won't Be The Man From UNCLE

He's no longer in talks for the filmOne of the downsides to being a man in demand is that sometimes schedules clash like angry dogs and you have to let one project slip when another wins out. While we're not 100% certain that's the reason Bradley Cooper has decided to drop out of negotiations for Warner Bros. movie adaptation of spy TV show The Man From U.N.C.L.E., it might be a big factor.It's another blow for the film, which has already seen George Clooney skip taking on the role on Napoleon Solo (the part Cooper was then offered). Warners has been through the usual wide sweep looking to attract name talent, and Joel Edgerton is still rumoured as a possible Illya Kuryakin, Solo's partner.For those who don't recall the original, U.N.C.L.E. was the light-hearted series that ran between 1964 and 1968 with Robert Vaughn as Solo and David McCallum as Kuryakin. The pair were international agents intent on stopping the evil machinations of diabolical outfit T.H.R.U.S.H., which constantly plotted to make things uncomfortable for the world. While the original show birthed spin-off The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. and a few expanded episodes shown in cinemas, this would be the first full-blown film version.Right now, U.N.C.L.E. still has Steven Soderbergh attached to direct from Contagion writer Scott Z Burns' script.

Exclusive: Bent Adds Brother & Siblings, Curb Your Enthusiasm Alums

Matt Letscher, JB Smoove Siblings & Siblings alum Matt Letscher and Curb Your Enthusiasm's J.B. Smoove have became a member of the NBC midseason comedy, Bent, TVGuide.com has learned solely. From Scrubs author Tad Quill, Bent follows Alex (Amanda Peet), a higher-put up single mom who employs a laid-back womanizing construction worker, Pete (David Walton), to redesign her home. The romantic comedy started production now. Take a look at photos from Bent Letscher, 41, will have the recurring role of Ben, the confident and wry physician boyfriend of Alex. However, their romance is rapidly offer the exam when Alex employs Pete to renovate her house. Smoove, 46, joins the cast as Clem, the electrical installer in Pete's oddball construction crew. Apart from romancing Cat Master on Siblings & Siblings, Letscher is renowned for his roles around the New Adventures of Old Christine and Hello, Miami. Smoove has made an appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm as Larry's smart-cracking roommate Leon Black since Season 6.

Boxing Legend Joe Frazier Dies At 67 After Fight With Cancer

First Released: November 8, 2011 12:15 AM EST Credit: WireImage PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Caption Professional Boxer Smokin Joe Frazier attends the Cinemax Documentary Screening of Thrilla in Manila at Cinemax Theatre, New york city, on April 1, 2009He beat Muhammad Ali within the Fight from the Century, fought him nearly towards the dying within the Thrilla in Manila. Then Joe Frazier spent the relaxation of his existence attempting to fight his way to avoid it of Alis shadow. Which was one fight Frazier could never win. He used to be a heavyweight champion, along with a great one at this. Ali would say just as much after Frazier knocked him lower within the 15th round on the way to becoming the very first guy to conquer Ali at Madison Square Garden in March 1971. But he bore the responsibility to be Alis foil, and that he compensated the cost. Bitter for a long time concerning the taunts his former enemy once put his way, Frazier only in recent occasions found terms using what happened previously and stated he'd pardoned Ali for everything he stated. Frazier, who died Monday evening following a brief fight with liver cancer at age 67, will forever be associated with Ali. But nobody in boxing would ever imagine anointing Ali because the Finest unless of course he, too, was associated with Smokin Joe. You cannot mention Ali and not mention Joe Frazier, stated former AP boxing author Erectile dysfunction Schuyler Junior. He beat Ali, remember that. They fought against three occasions, two times in the middle of NY City and when each morning inside a steamy arena within the Philippines. They went 41 models together, with neither giving an inch and both passing on their all. Within their last fight in Manila in 1975, they exchanged punches having a fervor that appeared unthinkable among heavyweights. Frazier gave nearly as good as he got for 14 models, then needed to take place back by trainer Eddie Futch because he attempted to visit out for that final round, not able to determine. Nearest factor to dying which i are conscious of, Ali stated after. Ali was as cruel with Frazier from the ring because he was within it. He known as him a gorilla, and mocked him being an Uncle Tom. But he respected him like a fighter, especially after Frazier won a choice to protect his heavyweight title from the then-unbeaten Ali inside a fight which was so large Frank Sinatra was shooting pictures at front row and both martial artists gained an impressive $2.5 million. The evening in the Garden 4 decades ago continued to be fresh in Fraziers mind because he spoken about his existence, career and relationship with Ali a couple of several weeks before he died. I cant go nowhere where it is not pointed out, he told The Connected Press. Which was the finest factor that ever happened during my existence. Though slowed down in the old age and the speech slurred through the toll of punches drawn in the ring, Frazier was still being participating in the autograph circuit within the several weeks before he died. In September he visited Vegas, where he signed autographs within the lobby from the MGM Grand hotel-casino shortly before Floyd Mayweather Junior.s combat Victor Ortiz. A classic friend, Gene Kilroy, visited with him and viewed Frazier work everyone else. He am nice to everyone, Kilroy stated. He'd tell all of them, `Joe Frazier, sharp like a razor, what is your title? Frazier was small for any heavyweight, weighing just 205 pounds when he won the title by preventing Jimmy Ellis within the fifth round of the 1970 fight at Madison Square Garden. But he fought against every minute of each and every round moving forward behind a vicious left hook, and there have been couple of martial artists who could withstand his constant pressure. His reign as heavyweight champion survived only four fights such as the conquer Ali before he went into a much more fearsome slugger than themself. George Foreman taken care of immediately Fraziers constant attack by shedding him three occasions within the first round and three more within the second before their 1973 fight in Jamaica was waved to some close and also the world were built with a new heavyweight champion. Two fights later, he met Ali inside a rematch of the first fight, only this time around the end result was different. Ali won a 12-round decision, and then that year stopped George Foreman within the Rumble within the Jungle in Zaire. There needed to be considered a third fight, though, and such a fight it had been. With Alis heavyweight title on the line, the 2 met in Manila inside a fight which will lengthy be seared in boxing history. Frazier attacked Ali round after round, landing his left hook with regularity because he made Ali backpedal round the ring. But Ali responded with left injections and right hands that found their mark over and over. The intense warmth within the arena couldnt stop the 2 because they fought against every minute of each and every round with neither prepared to concede another one second from the round. They explained Joe Frazier was through, Ali told Frazier at some point throughout your dream. They lied, Frazier stated, before striking Ali having a left hook. Finally, though, Frazier simply couldnt see and Futch wouldn't allow him to venture out for that 15th round. Ali won your dream during his stool, exhausted and considering themself whether to take. It had been among the finest fights ever, however it required a toll. Frazier would fight only two more occasions, getting bumped out inside a rematch with Foreman eight several weeks later before returning almost 30 years ago to have an ill advised fight with Jumbo Cummings. They ought to have both upon the market following the Manila fight, Schuyler stated. They left just of talent they'd within the ring on that day. Born in Beaufort, S.C., on Jan 12, 1944, Frazier required up boxing early after watching weekly fights around the black and whitened television on his familys small farm. He would be a top amateur for quite some time, and grew to become the only real American fighter to win a gold medal within the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, japan despite fighting within the final bout by having an hurt left thumb. Joe Frazier ought to be appreciated among the finest martial artists ever along with a real guy, promoter Bob Arum told the AP inside a telephone interview Monday evening. Hes a man that was up for themself. He didnt compromise and try to gave 100 % within the ring. There is never a battle within the ring where Joe didnt give 100 %. After turning professional in 1965, Frazier rapidly grew to become noted for his punching energy, preventing his first 11 competitors. Within 3 years he was fighting world-class opposition and, in 1970, beat Ellis to win the heavyweight title he would hold in excess of 2 yrs. It had been his fights with Ali, though, that will define Frazier. Though Ali was gracious in defeat within the first fight, he was as vicious together with his words because he was together with his punches in marketing the 3 fights and that he never skipped an opportunity to obtain a jab in at Frazier. Frazier, who in the old age might have financial trouble and finish up managing a gym in the adopted home town of Philadelphia, required the injections personally. He felt Ali made fun of him by calling him names and stated stuff that weren't true simply to get under his skin. Individuals feelings were only magnified as Ali went from becoming an icon within the ring to probably the most beloved people on the planet. Following a shaking Ali it the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta, Frazier was requested with a reporter what he considered it. They ought to have tossed him in, Frazier responded. He mellowed, though, recently, choosing to consider the great from his fights with Ali as opposed to the bad. Right before the 40th anniversary of his conquer Ali captured each day Frazier celebrated with parties in NY he stated he no more felt any bitterness toward Ali. I forgive him, Frazier stated. Hes inside a bad way. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

U.K. remains top competitive market

'The InBetweeners'The U.K. still remains probably the most competitive independent marketplaces on the planet. The crowded indie distribution sector is peppered having a raft of gamers with hefty financial resources: eOne, Studiocanal, Momentum/Alliance, Lionsgate and Entertainment Film Marketers are cash-wealthy, therefore if an image will do the job it isn't unusual to determine putting in a bid wars. Although this may be, each one is conscious to the fact that it is a competitive market and, typically, prices will not achieve crazy levels.However, these gamers all have the identical agenda -- they are searching for bigger films that they'll release wide. Years back, such photos might have were built with a home with one of the leading Hollywood marketers. Thinner production and distribution pipelines for that majors means quality along with a-list photos are trickling into indies."I do not think attitudes towards obtaining films have transformed that significantly," states Lionsgate U.K. topper Zygi Kamasa. "However, many of us are chasing after the larger, more commercial films."Indies are searching for wise, commercial photos that may click with U.K. auds in the box office.The theatrical market in Blighty is difficult. While box office has continued to be relatively stable in comparison to this past year around $1.7 billion, high P&A prices combined and among the cheapest film rental fees on the planet (indies take around 28% from the box office) make platforming a movie challenging.Furthermore, the marketplace is underscreened for the quantity of product being released every week, meaning distribs lose their screens rapidly when the film does not click immediately.DVD continues to be relatively robust within the territory in comparison with other marketplaces but TV sales are decreasing. BSkyB, with a monopoly around the pay TV market, typically offers indies much more compact deals -- if any -- compared to Hollywood majors and budget cuts over the free TV market mean gold coin from that sector is low.However, Amazon . com-possessed online film and TV subscription service Lovefilm is boosting its game within the indie sector. Service has inked exclusive handles a raft of indies including eOne and Studiocanal, whose game titles is going to be available with the service solely throughout its pay TV window. Along with the imminent arrival of Netflix in Blighty the coming year, distribs are seeing some hope coming -- although not an response to the difficulties on the market.InchThere is not always a restored confidence available on the market with one of these VOD services," states Momentum/Alliance topper Xavier Marchand. "It is simply changing the diminishing DVD market. While it is extremely good to possess them, it isn't the reply to our problems."Quantity of screens: 3,741Number of three dimensional screens: 1,472Top indie marketers and B.O. (from March. 15, 2010, to March. 16, 2011): Momentum Pictures/Alliance Films ($119,162,993) Entertainment Film Marketers ($114,446,951) Studiocanal ($72,490,718) eOne Films ($48,436,634) Lionsgate U.K. ($39,580,116)Top exhibition chains: Odeon, Cineworld, Vue (together, the 3 take into account roughly 70% from the U.K. cinema circuit).Typical minimum guarantee: Ranges from 7% to 10% from the budget of the film, but this greatly is dependent around the film. There's really no typical MG because the indie marketplace is so competitive.5 Best Indie Films (from March. 15, 2010, to March. 16, 2011): "The King's Speech" ($70,634,808) "The Inbetweeners" ($70,251,222) "Gnomeo and Juliet" ($24,842,560) "Mess, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" ($19,378,385) "Unlimited" ($12,995,917)Typical theatrical split: Differs from picture to picture but typically indies get under 30% from the box office while majors can perform better with as many as 45% for the best film.Approaching pick-ups: "The Artist" (Entertainment Film Marketers) "Headhunters" (Momentum Pictures/Alliance Films) "Rust and Bones" (Studiocanal) Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

HAMMOND: Gil Cates, A Man For All Oscars

R.I.P. Oscar Producer Gilbert Cates Among his many accomplishments, Gil Cates obviously will be known as the person who produced more Oscar shows than any one in the history of the Academy. Talk to any producer who has done it just once or twice and you will get this astonished look when you tell them Gil Cates did it 14 times in the last two decades. And with his always calm and cool manner, he made it look so easy. Perhaps that is why every producer doing the show in Gil’s off years always sought out his advice — and he always happily gave it as he told me when I interviewed him exactly one year ago about his memories on being the man behind so many Oscarcasts. “I’ve had lunch with each producer and producing team going back to my off years,” he told me. “The one thing I’ve told everybody is the Oscars is such a big show that no matter what you do there are gonna be people who like it and people who don’t. The most important thing is to do a show you like. There’s no way to get out totally alive. Do a show they find unique and fun and special. That’s a victory.” Gil Cates had a lot of victories in his long career. As a former president of the DGA, its current secretary/treasurerand its chief negotiator for the last four contracts; as founder of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television; founder and artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse; as director and producer of such multiple-Oscar-nominated films as Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams and I Never Sang For My Father; as well as so many TV films that made a lasting mark on the medium. There’s so much more, but my own personal connection (aside from attending the great theater he oversaw at the Geffen) has always been with the Oscars, and on those occasions when I got to talk to him or interview him I was like a kid in a candy store listening to his stories (sorry, some I just can’t print — off the record). His last show aired in 2008, the year No Country For Old Men won Best Picture. But this was also the year of the writers strike that KO’d the Golden Globes and put a dark cloud over the Oscars until just 12 days before the show was to air, when it was settled. But Cates, with his usual calm of a master negotiator and problem solver, had a Plan A (with all the stars in a strike-free show)and a Plan B (with no stars but aheavy emphasis on history and clips)ready to go, essentially prepping two different shows simultaneously, depending on events out of his control. It’s a good thing he was in charge because a lesser or more inexperienced producer might have cracked under the pressure. Not Gil. In the end, he produced a classy, star-studded show as usual but was ready to deliver whatever cards were dealt. Andthe challenging experience of that show didn’tsour him on the thrill he got every time up at bat. He told me he was ready to do more. “I’ve always loved doing it. I would love to do it another five or six times. I don’t know how anyone can get tired doing it,” he said. Sadly he never got to do it again. And in those 14 shows he never really stopped innovating despite the annual criticism that goes with the territory of doing the impossible and making an Oscar show that pleases everybody. “One year (in 2005)I gave many of the awards in the audience. I thought it was novel and fun. A lot of folks thought it was too novel. Obviously I didn’t do it the following year,” he told me. “You have to respect the Academy and respect the purpose of the awards and then do something that has your own unique feel on it.” He was proud of all the hosts he brought into the show including Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart and even David Letterman, whose infamous “Uma … Oprah” bits did not go over big (even Letterman regularly bad-mouths his own performance). Cates told me he thought Letterman did just fine and in his typical gentlemanly manner refused to throw him under the bus when I asked whether in hindsighthe regretted bringing him in. “The host is the key. My own favorite hosts are people who have had experience with stand up comedy because once you’ve played a lot of houses with drunken people and people who don’t care and people whose attention is elsewhere you build up an ability,” he said. In other words you are ready to host the OSCARS. Cates proved himself with grace under fire right from the very first show he produced in 1990. It was the year after the infamous “Snow White/Rob Lowe” show that Allan Carr produced, and a lot of high-profile Academy members were horrified and complainedloudly. Disney even threatened to sue. Cates led a task force to address the disaster andeventually took on the producing duties himself for the next year’s show, which was also the first time Crystal hosted. The rest is Oscar history. TheAcademy andthe industry owe this man a lot. When we spoke he was full of ideas for the future, the shows he hoped to get another crack at. Hewasn’t as concerned about the endlessotherawards groups that try to imitate Oscar even though he admitted they can create a certain amount of fatigue. “Most of the others are precursors to who wins theOscar. That’s the BIG award, that’s the only one that really counts and is significant. In a way I’ve always regarded those other shows as noise but nonetheless noise that has to be taken into consideration,” he said. “But as long as the Academy board keeps their eyes open to the possibilities of change, they are in great shape.” The Oscars were in great shape when Gil was around. So was the entire industry. The tributesthat continue to pour in today are testament to that.