Showing posts with label John Hurt. Show all posts
Let me make this simple for those of you without the patience to read this entire review: Snowpiercer is a masterpiece.
The film begins under the premise of the government needing to take drastic and immediate action against global warming. A substance known as CW7 is launched to try to counter it but it goes horribly wrong and the world freezes over, with a large majority of the population being killed. The few remaining survivors have taken refuge on a super train riding a track that spans the entire globe with the help of a super engine. But the system in place on board the train showcases the injustice of a class system. Those who boarded with first class tickets live a life of luxury and privilege, while those at the back live hungry, dirty, and in fear of the tyranny of those in power.
The film has true diversity, with people of more than once race, gender, sexuality, body type, accent, and spoken language(s). While Hollywood films have a propensity to grotesquely whitewash post-apocalyptic stories, Snowpiercer is the English language debut for South Korean director Bong Joon-ho and the film's crew is comprised of groups spanning the globe which match the diversity of the cast.
There isn't a single bad performance or even a weak one. With big names such as renowned South Korean actor Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, and Octavia Spencer, there is little surprise that the bar is high. But perhaps most surprising is the film's lead, Chris Evans, who delivers what may be the greatest performance of his career. The phrase "reluctant hero" seems too cliche to properly capture what makes Curtis, Evans' character, such a strong leader. Curtis is not a leader who seeks glory or a stroked ego, nor is he one who sees himself as a leader at all. The self-loathing he possesses is only overpowered by his strategic mind and sheer determination to bring a better life to those stuck in the back of the train (the lower class).
Every character in this film is more than what they seem, as is the plot and the complexities woven into it. There is violence and brutality but none of it is glamourised. What Snowpiercer reminds viewers is that casualties in the battle for equality are not numbers on a page or a headline on a television screen, but a person, flesh and blood, with loved ones and a story that has led them to that point. The film also raises many questions and thinking points. What truly defines a person? Is it their behaviour when forced into the worst possible circumstances or how they go about dealing with the demons of their past? Once a person starts or takes part in a revolution, it is virtually impossible to go back. But even when things seem particularly bleak in the quest for equal rights and social justice, the smallest spark can change the tide.
The score accompanies the film appropriately, with minor chords and occasionally slightly out of tune instruments to enhance the film's dissonance. The special effects are solid but never used as a crutch. What also makes the film fantastic is it's complete lack of predictability; something that is virtually nonexistent in Hollywood films. Snowpiercer has had a limited release in North America so take the opportunity to see it immediately before its run is finished. I would also recommend seeing it at least twice, to truly appreciate all the subtle hints and foreshadowing that can't be fully appreciated until you know how it ends.
– Nicole Sia, SPIN Magazine
2013 Cannes Palme d'Or Nominee & Official Selection at 2014 Sundance Film Festival
ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
Jim Jarmusch’s Vampire Love Story Starring Tom Hiddleston & Tilda Swinton
With Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin & John Hurt
On Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital HD Aug. 19
Featuring Deleted & Extended Scenes, Yasmine Hamdan’s Performance of “Hal,” &
The “Traveling at Night with Jim Jarmusch” Documentary
_________________________________________________________________________________
CULVER CITY, Calif. (June 16, 2014) – Sony Pictures Classics’ visually poetic love story from Director Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers), ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE, will debut on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD Aug. 19 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The film is the apotheosis of American independent film and underground music, full of Jarmusch’s laconic sense of humor. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE stars Oscar winner® Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, 2008, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role) and Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), alongside co-stars Mia Wasikowska (Lawless), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek Into Darkness) and John Hurt (Harry Potter). Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, this critically well-received fan-favorite puts an original spin on a well-worn genre – these vampires are mature, highbrow and charmingly ultra-cool. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE was selected for official competition at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and enjoyed critical acclaim at various film festivals worldwide, including the Toronto International Film Festival, SXSW, and New York Film Festival. It was also chosen as an official selection at this year's Sundance Film Festival.
Special features on the film’s Blu-ray and DVD release include never-before-seen deleted and extended scenes, as well as an extended version of Yasmine Hamdan performing "Hal." Also included is the“Traveling at Night with Jim Jarmusch” documentary, taking fans behind the scenes for a portrait of the director at work on his latest film.
Synopsis:
Only Lovers Left Alive is the tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Hiddleston) and Eve (Swinton). Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Their love story has endured several centuries but their debauched idyll is threatened by the uninvited arrival of Eve’s carefree little sister Ava (Wasikowska) who hasn’t yet learned to tame her wilder instincts. Driven by sensual photography, trance-like music, and droll humor, Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive is a meditation on art, science, and the mysteries of everlasting love.
Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features:
· Traveling at Night with Jim Jarmusch -- A portrait of Director Jim Jarmusch at work on the set of his latest film, Only Lovers Left Alive
· Deleted & Extended Scenes
· Yasmine Hamdan "Hal" Music Video – An extended version of Yasmine Hamdan performing "Hal."
Only Lovers Left Alive has a runtime of approximately 123 minutes and is rated R for sexual content, language, drug use and brief violence.
Artwork and digital clips are available for download at www.sphepublicity.com.
Visit Sony Home Entertainment on the Web at www.SonyPictures.com.
“Academy Award®” is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
For more information about Sony Pictures Classics films and DVDs, please visit www.sonyclassics.com. The website features trailers of upcoming SPC films, high-resolution images, a DVD archive and a special "Press Only" section where press members can access materials for SPC's expansive library of films and DVDs.
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
A big draw
on first look is probably the cast, its chock full of familiar faces, and both
new and old favorites including Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Ben Winshaw,
Patrick Stewart, David Morrisey, John Hurt, and so many more. THE HOLLOW CROWN
is a four part series that both captures the epic scope and intimate details of
the rise and fall of kings. Lady Jenevia broke it down each part: Richard II,
Henry IV Parts One and Two, and Henry V, so check out her reviews,
and I’m gonna dive into the goodies on the dvd.
The series
has a run time of 505 minutes, and before you start groaning, it’s a fresh look
at Shakespeare that will delight both neophytes and long time lovers of the
Scribe’s works.
The first
installment of the four-part series is adapted from Shakespeare’s “King Richard
the Second”, centering on the English king who ruled between 1377–1399. Adapted
and directed by Rupert Goold, Ben Whishaw stars in the title
role. He’s both vain and eccentric, and fairly flamboyant as Richard II,
beautifully demonstrating the downfall of the ruler who sealed his fate after
the disastrous handling of a feud. You’ll also find Patrick Stewart as John of
Gaunt, Rory Kinnear as Bolingbroke and David Morrissey as the
Earl of Northumberland, in this first part.
Not only is
the production top notch, PBS certainly goes for quality, so is the script.
Sure it’s Shakespeare, but hearing it as it was meant to be spoken, and played
out is a shock to the senses but in a good way. Visually you expect the
sweeping landscapes, the flowing robes and jeweled crown, but high caliber English,
well, that tends to be glossed over in the modern telling of classic
Shakespeare.
Bonus Features
The Making
of Richard II (10 Minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with
commentary from Ben Whishaw, director Rupert Goold, Rory Kinnear, executive
producer Pippa Harris, and producer Rupert Ryle-Hodges. Discussion is
based around Whishaw and the qualities he brought to Richard II, as well as the
quality of well-versed Shakespearean actors in the cast.
Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2
Henry IV:
Part 1 & 2 were adapted and directed by Richard Eyre. Jeremy
Irons steps into the role of Henry IV, an older, wiser, and guilt ridden ruler.
Don’t let the title fool you, his son Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston) fairly steals
the show with his coming of age antics. While the king deals with a rebellion on
the horizon, Prince Hal busies himself with bad company. War breaks out, and it
gives Prince Hal the opportunity to prove himself to his father. Hiddleston is
perfection, as if there was any doubt he would be. He excels as both the
scallywag, and the regal prince.
Henry IV:
Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, focusing on Hal’s path to
kingship and, his once companion, Falstaff’s march to the grave. Prince Hal
finds the world he’s made, and the one he wishes to be a part of are highly
incompatible, and struggles through the growing pains. Henry IV’s relationships
crumble as Richard II had prophesized, and his health is in decline. Both
Hiddleston and Irons produce powerful performances as Irons’ king passes, and
Hiddleston’s rises.
Bonus Features
The Making
of Henry IV (10 minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with commentary
from director Richard Eyre, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Simon Russell Beale,
and Julie Walters. Discussion is based Prince Hal's growing pains and rise to power. There is also focus on the battle of Hotspur and Hal, filming the Battle of Shrewsbury,
and the Fall of Falstaff.
Henry V
Finally we
come to Henry V. Henry V was adapted by Ben Power and Thea
Sharrock. It follows a more mature Prince Hal, now crowned King Henry V. He
struggles to be an effective ruler, plagued but the sins of his father, and his
less than exemplary past. Of all of the Hollow Crown, this is one that is
probably the most well-known, and it is by far also the most enjoyable one.
Hiddleston delivers Shakespeare’s famous
speeches at the siege of Harfleur and on St. Crispin’s Day, both with such
passion, it’s no surprise the man has a legion of crazy fangirls willing to
following him into the pits of hell if need be. I’m sure there were also a fair
number of ovaries that shuttered when Prince Hal delightfully and charmingly woos
the French princess, Catherine of Valois.
Bonus
Features
The Making
of Henry V (10 minutes) – A behind-the-scenes featurette with commentary
from Tom Hiddleston, director Thea Sharrock, Paterson Joseph, producer
Rupert Ryle-Hodges. Discussion focuses on famous speeches, which they filmed while Hiddleston ran along the Thames in the open air.
The Making
of a King (10 minutes) – Behind-the-scenes look at getting the
entirety of The Hollow Crown produced. Discussion is based around the entirety of the series, rediscovering Shakespeare and making it accessible and enjoyable in this modern age.
The
Hollow Crown is available on dvd now, and whether you're a long time Shakespeare lover, or just looking for something spectacular to watch, this should be a welcome addition. If nothing else you'll get to see some seriously talented British thespians showing off their chops and wielding some pretty powerful magic. Shakespeare would be proud.
For more info:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FocusFeatures
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FocusFeatures
BBC AMERICA CELEBRATES DOCTOR WHO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE
FIRST EVER LIVE SIMULCAST FROM YOUTUBE SPACE LOS ANGELES
DOCTOR WHO 50th LIVE PRE-SHOW CROSSES PLATFORMS TO CONNECT FANS IN
THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD
New York – November 19, 2013 – Announced today, BBC AMERICA has partnered with Nerdist
Industries to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who with the first ever live simulcast pre-show from the YouTube Space Los Angeles. Hosted by Veronica Belmont, the Doctor Who 50th Live Pre-Show will air November 23, 2:30pm ET on BBC AMERICA and stream to audiences globally on BBC AMERICA’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/bbcamericatv) just prior to the premiere of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary special Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor at 2:50pm ET.
Doctor Who 50th Live Pre-Show will be an all-out celebration of 50 years of Doctor Who and its passionate fans. As the world awaits the global simulcast of the anniversary special, the pre-show will feature a live curation of fan-created content being shared on social media from celebrations around the globe, plus chats with special guests including YouTube star Phil DeFranco.
Perry Simon, General Manager, BBC AMERICA commented: “Doctor Who has an amazing social media following and is enormously popular, with millions of views on YouTube. Partnering with YouTube on an innovative pre-show will enable fans everywhere to join our celebration of this groundbreaking series’ 50th anniversary.”
“We’re very excited to work with BBC AMERICA and Nerdist on this first ever simulcast from
YouTube Space LA and are looking forward to welcoming Doctor Who fans and YouTube talents for a truly innovative pre-show experience connecting communities all across the world,” said Liam Collins, Head of YouTube Space LA.
Veronica Belmont, co-host of the science fiction and fantasy YouTube video show, audio podcast, and
book club The Sword and Laser, added: “I’m happy to report that the live pre-show went off without a hitch, and that fans everywhere thoroughly enjoyed The Day of the Doctor. At least, they did in the time stream I just came from."
Following the anniversary special, BBC AMERICA’s YouTube channel will host a YouTube-exclusive post-show at 4:00pm ET. In addition, BBC AMERICA and BBC AMERICA’s YouTube channel will simulcast a primetime pre-show at 7:00pm ET, which will look at the day’s events ahead of BBC AMERICA’s primetime broadcast of the anniversary special.
The Doctor Who 50th Live Pre-Show will culminate a week-long Doctor Who week on YouTube, featuring content from popular YouTube channels like Nerdist, EmergencyAwesome, Doctor Puppet, PBSideaChannel, How to Cook That, and Rugburn.
Doctor Who 50th Live Pre-Show is produced by Nerdist Industries for BBC AMERICA. Executive producers are Chris Hardwick and Seth Laderman of Nerdist Industries.
BBC AMERICA is the U.S. home of Doctor Who and has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of its highest rated series throughout the year. Doctor Who Live Pre-Show is part of BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who Takeover, a week of new programming and marathons. The anniversary of television’s longest-running sci-fi series is a global celebration, as Doctor Who will be simulcast for the first time in more than 75 countries. Written by Steven Moffat, Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor stars the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, companion Jenna Coleman, with Billie Piper and John Hurt.
Ticket Giveaway
Nerdist Industries is looking for the 100 top Doctor Who fans in the Los Angeles area to attend the livestream simulcast at YouTube Space LA. The ticket giveaway will be announced onNerdist.com on Tuesday November 19 at 9 am.
LINK TO TICKET GIVEAWAY: http://doctorwho50thlive.splashthat.com
ABOUT: BBC AMERICA delivers U.S. audiences high-quality, innovative and intelligent programming. Established in 1998, it has been the launch pad for talent embraced by American mainstream pop culture, including Ricky Gervais, Gordon Ramsay, Graham Norton, and successful programming formats including ground-breaking non-scripted television like Top Gear and top-rated science-fiction like Doctor Who. Owned by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, BBC AMERICA has attracted both critical acclaim and major awards including two Emmy® Awards, five Golden Globes® and ten Peabody Awards. The channel attracts one of cable’s most affluent and educated audiences and is available on cable and satellite TV in 80 million homes. It broadcasts in both standard and high-definition, with content available On Demand across all major digital platforms. Online, www.bbcamerica.com is the place to go to dig deeper into pop culture with a British twist. Find out more by visiting www.press.bbcamerica.com or follow us onwww.twitter.com/bbcamerica.
Nerdist Industries is a multi-platform creator of genre and popular culture content. Its online presence includes a website at Nerdist.com, a premium YouTube channel (youtube.com/nerdist), Nerdist News daily e-newsletters, 2 million Twitter followers, a Podcast Network including the flagship Nerdist Podcast, and the Nerdist Alliance, a community of curated partnerships with some of YouTube's most talented and passionate creators. Nerdist also produces content for television including All Star Celebrity Bowling for AMC and In the Name of Science for National Geographic Channel. Further, Nerdist hosts live events around the country such as The Nerdist Podcast Live! and Course of the Force, an annual lightsaber relay in partnership with Lucasfilm LTD and Octagon which leads up to San Diego Comic-Con International.
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