Val Kilmer was almost a lead in one of the cult classics of David Lynch. The Top Gun actor could be a massive name early in his career if he accepted Lynch’s 1986 mystery-thriller Blue Velvet.
Val Kilmer has been cast in several commercially and critically successful films throughout his career. He has also garnered attention from pop culture enthusiasts for his role as the Dark Knight in Batman Forever. However, the Iceman fame has also lost some iconic roles that could have elevated his career.
Val Kilmer in Top Gun | Paramount Pictures
It is not new for stars to miss out on some great films due to tough decisions. Val Kilmer admitted that he had to reject Blue Velvet as he was uncomfortable doing such an explicit film.
Why did Val Kilmer say no to David Lynch’s Blue Velvet?
David Lynch is known for his distinct style of surrealistic filmmaking.
Val Kilmer has been cast in several commercially and critically successful films throughout his career. He has also garnered attention from pop culture enthusiasts for his role as the Dark Knight in Batman Forever. However, the Iceman fame has also lost some iconic roles that could have elevated his career.
Val Kilmer in Top Gun | Paramount Pictures
It is not new for stars to miss out on some great films due to tough decisions. Val Kilmer admitted that he had to reject Blue Velvet as he was uncomfortable doing such an explicit film.
Why did Val Kilmer say no to David Lynch’s Blue Velvet?
David Lynch is known for his distinct style of surrealistic filmmaking.
- 5/26/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
An actor who has embodied a range of characters from playing a superhero to portraying iconic real-life figures on the screen, Val Kilmer excels when it comes to portraying complex characters. He also showcased his acting prowess in Michael Mann’s 1995 film Heat as he took on the role of Chris Shiherlis, starring alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
Val Kilmer in Heat | Credit: Warner Bros.
Despite starring alongside such acclaimed names, Kilmer stood out in the film. And as the filmmaker gears up for the production of a sequel, he recently reflected on his time working with the Riddle star and his distinctive and potentially difficult-to-replace presence.
Michael Mann Reflected on Working With Val Kilmer in Heat
In a recent conversation with the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, filmmaker Michael Mann reflected on working with the cast of Heat, including Val Kilmer, and shared some insight into the upcoming sequel of the 1995 film.
Val Kilmer in Heat | Credit: Warner Bros.
Despite starring alongside such acclaimed names, Kilmer stood out in the film. And as the filmmaker gears up for the production of a sequel, he recently reflected on his time working with the Riddle star and his distinctive and potentially difficult-to-replace presence.
Michael Mann Reflected on Working With Val Kilmer in Heat
In a recent conversation with the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, filmmaker Michael Mann reflected on working with the cast of Heat, including Val Kilmer, and shared some insight into the upcoming sequel of the 1995 film.
- 5/21/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Following the huge success of Top Gun: Maverick, the filmmakers are now moving ahead with a third installment in the franchise Top Gun 3. While details surrounding the project including its plot remain uncertain, one assurance is the return of the star-studded cast from the 2022 sequel, including Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, and Glen Powell reprising their roles.
Top Gun: Maverick | Credit: Paramount Pictures
As excitement mounts for Top Gun 3, there are certain factors that could pose challenges for the filmmakers, particularly regarding one of the supporting actors, Powell, who has experienced considerable career growth with his subsequent films.
Glen Powell Has Seen A Significant Surge Following Top Gun: Maverick
Glen Powell initially sought to play one of the leading roles in Top Gun: Maverick. While he was disappointed with losing the role of Rooster to Miles Teller, he still made a noticeable presence in the film as Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin.
Top Gun: Maverick | Credit: Paramount Pictures
As excitement mounts for Top Gun 3, there are certain factors that could pose challenges for the filmmakers, particularly regarding one of the supporting actors, Powell, who has experienced considerable career growth with his subsequent films.
Glen Powell Has Seen A Significant Surge Following Top Gun: Maverick
Glen Powell initially sought to play one of the leading roles in Top Gun: Maverick. While he was disappointed with losing the role of Rooster to Miles Teller, he still made a noticeable presence in the film as Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin.
- 5/21/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 action film, Top Gun, Val Kilmer portrayed Lt. Tom Kazansky, aka Iceman, serving as a rival to Cruise’s Pete Maverick, a role he would later reprise in the 2022 sequel. Their dynamic, which evolved from a playful rivalry to a deep friendship, captivated fans.
Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer in Top Gun | Credit: Paramount
However, Kilmer’s candid revelation about his initial reservations about the original film not only adds depth to this dynamic but also offers a compelling insight into his artistic integrity and values, along with his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Val Kilmer Was Reluctant About Starring in Top Gun
In the 2021 Amazon Prime documentary, Val, which offers an insight into the Hollywood star Val Kilmer’s life with behind-the-scenes clips and images, the actor revealed that he was offered the role of Iceman in Tony Scott’s action film...
Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer in Top Gun | Credit: Paramount
However, Kilmer’s candid revelation about his initial reservations about the original film not only adds depth to this dynamic but also offers a compelling insight into his artistic integrity and values, along with his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
Val Kilmer Was Reluctant About Starring in Top Gun
In the 2021 Amazon Prime documentary, Val, which offers an insight into the Hollywood star Val Kilmer’s life with behind-the-scenes clips and images, the actor revealed that he was offered the role of Iceman in Tony Scott’s action film...
- 5/18/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
David Lynch's "Dune" was mostly seen as a misstep for the celebrated director back in 1984. As we gear up for the bleak blockbuster that is Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two," Lynch's "Dune" now occupies an unusual space in the public consciousness — somewhere between cult classic and historic blunder. There are undoubtedly plenty of things wrong with "Dune" 1984, and the film suffered a brutal critical and commercial reception. But forty years after Lynch's $40 million spectacle bombed at the box office, some have come to see the films' positives, arguing that "Dune" 1984 is better than its reputation suggests.
Which, as it happens, is a perfectly reasonable point of view. Aside from the impressive set and costume design, "Dune" actually featured some pretty good visual effects for the time. What's more, the casting was excellent. Lynch may have ruthlessly denied Glenn Close for a part in "Dune," but luckily for him,...
Which, as it happens, is a perfectly reasonable point of view. Aside from the impressive set and costume design, "Dune" actually featured some pretty good visual effects for the time. What's more, the casting was excellent. Lynch may have ruthlessly denied Glenn Close for a part in "Dune," but luckily for him,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
A24 is backing a new documentary titled “Open Wide,” about an orthodontist whose controversial method of reshaping people’s jawlines went viral on TikTok for all the wrong reasons.
Sara Goldblatt directed “Open Wide,” which will be available to watch Jan. 23 on Netflix.
The documentary explores a father and son who are fighting to upend mainstream orthodontics. According to the official logline, “John Mew has waged a lonely war against the industry — and that teenage rite of passage, braces, for decades. With his son Mike now taking up the fight, the Mews’ fringe theories have turned into a full-blown online sensation. But even while mewing goes viral on TikTok and the Mews churn out content for their millions of followers, Mike is pursued by the British Orthodontic Society and threatened with expulsion by the very people who took away his father’s license.”
The father-son’s technique of “mewing,” which...
Sara Goldblatt directed “Open Wide,” which will be available to watch Jan. 23 on Netflix.
The documentary explores a father and son who are fighting to upend mainstream orthodontics. According to the official logline, “John Mew has waged a lonely war against the industry — and that teenage rite of passage, braces, for decades. With his son Mike now taking up the fight, the Mews’ fringe theories have turned into a full-blown online sensation. But even while mewing goes viral on TikTok and the Mews churn out content for their millions of followers, Mike is pursued by the British Orthodontic Society and threatened with expulsion by the very people who took away his father’s license.”
The father-son’s technique of “mewing,” which...
- 1/10/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Award-winning production company Ventureland has entered a first-look partnership with independent studio A24 for documentary projects.
John Battsek, producer of Oscar-winning documentaries “One Day in September” and “Searching for Sugar Man,” who also serves as Ventureland’s managing director, will be both producing and executive producing as part of the deal, alongside Ventureland CEO Kerstin Emhoff, president Ali Brown, and co-founder Paul Hunter.
The two companies recently collaborated on freediving Netflix documentary “The Deepest Breath,” which premiered earlier this year at Sundance.
Battsek and Emhoff said: “With our shared culture and ambition to broaden perspectives, we are thrilled to partner with A24. This partnership will allow us to continue to push creative boundaries in making award-winning documentary features and series.”
Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Ventureland’s credits include PGA and BAFTA-nominated “The Rescue”; double Emmy-winning “Rising Phoenix”; Critics Choice nominee “The Real Charlie Chaplin”; Werner Herzog’s “Theater...
John Battsek, producer of Oscar-winning documentaries “One Day in September” and “Searching for Sugar Man,” who also serves as Ventureland’s managing director, will be both producing and executive producing as part of the deal, alongside Ventureland CEO Kerstin Emhoff, president Ali Brown, and co-founder Paul Hunter.
The two companies recently collaborated on freediving Netflix documentary “The Deepest Breath,” which premiered earlier this year at Sundance.
Battsek and Emhoff said: “With our shared culture and ambition to broaden perspectives, we are thrilled to partner with A24. This partnership will allow us to continue to push creative boundaries in making award-winning documentary features and series.”
Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Ventureland’s credits include PGA and BAFTA-nominated “The Rescue”; double Emmy-winning “Rising Phoenix”; Critics Choice nominee “The Real Charlie Chaplin”; Werner Herzog’s “Theater...
- 9/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Throughout the mythos concerning the character of Bruce Wayne aka Batman, there is a strong theme of predestination. While made explicit in only a few tales of the Dark Knight throughout the character's 84-year existence, there exists the idea that the orphan Bruce Wayne was able to mold himself into the figure of Batman partially because his whole life prepared him to do just that, mentally if not also physically and emotionally.
1995's "Batman Forever," the third in Warner Bros. and producer Tim Burton's series of live-action adaptations of the character, is one of the stories of the Caped Crusader that highlights this theme in a big way. In the film, Bruce (played by Val Kilmer) is troubled by recurring waking nightmares that psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) deduces are actually repressed memories forcing their way into his conscious mind. In these visions, Bruce recalls the moments after his parents' untimely deaths,...
1995's "Batman Forever," the third in Warner Bros. and producer Tim Burton's series of live-action adaptations of the character, is one of the stories of the Caped Crusader that highlights this theme in a big way. In the film, Bruce (played by Val Kilmer) is troubled by recurring waking nightmares that psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) deduces are actually repressed memories forcing their way into his conscious mind. In these visions, Bruce recalls the moments after his parents' untimely deaths,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Neon has expanded their marketing ranks by tapping A24 vets Alexandra Altschuler as VP Media and Don Wilcox as VP Marketing.
The duo arrive at the studio during a busy fall that includes the Venice Film Festival premiere and Christmas theatrical release of Michael Mann’s Ferrari, starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shaliene Woodley, Patrick Dempsey, and Jack O’Connell, as well as the Anne Hathaway thriller, Eileen.
At A24, Altschuler helped launch several Oscar-winning projects during her five-year run. Most recently, she worked on A24’s Australian horror box office hit, Talk to Me, which is nearing $40M WW. Previously, Altschuler served as a Paid Social Manager at Operam, Inc. and held roles at ABC Television, NBC Universal, and E! Online. She is a graduate of University of Southern California.
Wilcox spent the last year and a half leading International Marketing at A24. Noteworthy campaigns include Academy Award-winners Everything Everywhere All at Once...
The duo arrive at the studio during a busy fall that includes the Venice Film Festival premiere and Christmas theatrical release of Michael Mann’s Ferrari, starring Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, Shaliene Woodley, Patrick Dempsey, and Jack O’Connell, as well as the Anne Hathaway thriller, Eileen.
At A24, Altschuler helped launch several Oscar-winning projects during her five-year run. Most recently, she worked on A24’s Australian horror box office hit, Talk to Me, which is nearing $40M WW. Previously, Altschuler served as a Paid Social Manager at Operam, Inc. and held roles at ABC Television, NBC Universal, and E! Online. She is a graduate of University of Southern California.
Wilcox spent the last year and a half leading International Marketing at A24. Noteworthy campaigns include Academy Award-winners Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 8/17/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It is a rare thing when just the studio attached to a movie can get butts in seats, but that is just what Independent Film Company A24 has done since they were formed in 2012. From humble beginnings with the Roman Coppola directed A Glimpse Inside The Mind of Charles Swan III to break out hits like Ex Machine and The Witch. More recently the studio became the first one to ever sweep the top six awards at this past years Oscars when their films Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Whale took home Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Picture. As their latest film Talk To Me continues to put up impressive numbers at the box office, we wanted to know: What A24 releases has been your favorite? We compiled a pretty comprehensive list, but if you don’t see your favorite listed,...
- 8/13/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Bella Thorne (Divinity) and Jack Kilmer (Palo Alto) have been set to topline The Tower, one of 102 projects to have been granted a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement following the launch of the actors strike. Also set for the fantastical drama, from filmmaker Adam Sigal (Nandor Fodor and The Talking Mongoose), are Cam Gigandet (Violent Night) and Chris Mullinax (Chariot).
The film currently in production is billed as a dark tale about a mysterious mermaid trapped and forgotten for years in the water tower of a small Southern town. Sigal described it as his “attempt to interpret the isolation and wanderlust I felt growing up in a small Southern town.”
The Tower is among the projects that began shooting shortly before the SAG-AFTRA strike launched and went on pause in the wake of the walkout until the securement of a SAG waiver. Producers are B.I. Rosen, Frederic Demey, James Bruce,...
The film currently in production is billed as a dark tale about a mysterious mermaid trapped and forgotten for years in the water tower of a small Southern town. Sigal described it as his “attempt to interpret the isolation and wanderlust I felt growing up in a small Southern town.”
The Tower is among the projects that began shooting shortly before the SAG-AFTRA strike launched and went on pause in the wake of the walkout until the securement of a SAG waiver. Producers are B.I. Rosen, Frederic Demey, James Bruce,...
- 7/29/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Pamela Blair, an actress and dancer best known for her roles in the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line” and in soap opera “All My Children,” has died. She was 73 years old.
Blair died Sunday in her home in Phoenix, per media reports. Her passing came after a “long battle” with an unnamed illness, her representative Dani Green said.
Blair, who made her major stage debut in 1968’s “Promises, Promises” and later starred in productions as varied as “Sugar and Seesaw,” “Of Mice and Men,” “King of Hearts,” “The Nerd” and “A Few Good Men” in addition to “A Chorus Line,” was celebrated online Monday and Tuesday by past costars and collaborators.
“A Chorus Line” costar Baayork Lee posted on Facebook Monday, calling Blair her “Sagittarian sister” nicknaming her “Walt Disney Pammie.”
“We always wrote to one another no matter where we were on that day. What a colorful character she was,...
Blair died Sunday in her home in Phoenix, per media reports. Her passing came after a “long battle” with an unnamed illness, her representative Dani Green said.
Blair, who made her major stage debut in 1968’s “Promises, Promises” and later starred in productions as varied as “Sugar and Seesaw,” “Of Mice and Men,” “King of Hearts,” “The Nerd” and “A Few Good Men” in addition to “A Chorus Line,” was celebrated online Monday and Tuesday by past costars and collaborators.
“A Chorus Line” costar Baayork Lee posted on Facebook Monday, calling Blair her “Sagittarian sister” nicknaming her “Walt Disney Pammie.”
“We always wrote to one another no matter where we were on that day. What a colorful character she was,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Veteran actress Pamela Blair, best known for originating the role of Valerie Clark in Broadway’s hit musical A Chorus Line, has died. She was 73. Blair’s passing, which happened on Sunday (July 23) at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, after a long illness, was confirmed by her A Chorus Line co-star Baayork Lee. “I am very sad to say my Sagittarian sister Pam Blair has gone to play with her [A Chorus Line] colleagues among the clouds,” Lee wrote on Facebook. “Walt Disney Pammie and I shared the same birthday. We always wrote to one another no matter where we were on that day.” “What a colorful character she was as depicted in the Val monologue in the show,” Lee added. “She brought the house down every night as well as a woman standing at the edge of the orchestra shouting, ‘Wash your mouth out.’ You are free now Pammie so dance,...
- 7/25/2023
- TV Insider
The penultimate episode of How I Met Your Father ended with Parker walking away from Jesse’s friends because she was hurt by Sid and Sophie’s actions. Jesse is also livid. Val is unable to find the song Jesse wrote for Sophie because she believes it will make the two of them talk about their feelings. With the storm intensifying, will all of them be locked up, or will there be a solution to all their problems?
Spoilers Ahead
Hannah’s Truth
As the storm intensifies, all of them are at Sid’s bar, Pemberton’s, trying to get through this night, except Jesse, who is still angry at Sophie for pulling the stunt and is trying his level best to get to Parker. Jesse is coming across as a concerned boyfriend, as right now, he would want to be with Parker consoling her.
Hannah lands in New York...
Spoilers Ahead
Hannah’s Truth
As the storm intensifies, all of them are at Sid’s bar, Pemberton’s, trying to get through this night, except Jesse, who is still angry at Sophie for pulling the stunt and is trying his level best to get to Parker. Jesse is coming across as a concerned boyfriend, as right now, he would want to be with Parker consoling her.
Hannah lands in New York...
- 7/12/2023
- by Smriti Kannan
- Film Fugitives
The Reign of the Supermen is coming! Maybe. As James Gunn prepares to officially close up his tenure in the MCU with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, attention is increasingly turning toward his next directorial effort, and not just because it’s his first as co-head of DC Studios. Superman: Legacy brings a new Man of Steel to the DC Universe, and pushes Gunn into unfamiliar territory.
But before Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC’s movie efforts, WB was already in the process of developing a Superman movie, a project from J. J. Abrams, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, that would feature a Black Superman. Most assumed that Abrams and Coates’s project was canceled when it was not included in Gunn’s announcement of the upcoming Dcu slate. But in a recent conversation with io9, Gunn confirms that Superman: Legacy does not negate Abrams and Coates’ project.
But before Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC’s movie efforts, WB was already in the process of developing a Superman movie, a project from J. J. Abrams, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, that would feature a Black Superman. Most assumed that Abrams and Coates’s project was canceled when it was not included in Gunn’s announcement of the upcoming Dcu slate. But in a recent conversation with io9, Gunn confirms that Superman: Legacy does not negate Abrams and Coates’ project.
- 5/1/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
In a 2020 interview with the New York Times Magazine, actor Val Kilmer acknowledged his unfortunate reputation for being "difficult." Although possessed of movie star good looks, handily backed up by a great deal of talent and devotion to his craft, Kilmer often found himself butting heads with executives and studio honchos over his perceived ego. He admitted that had "alienated the head of every major studio," but only out of an attempt to empower actors and directors over studios, and, in his words, "attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments." He further confessed as much in Ting Poo's and Leo Scott's 2021 biographical documentary "Val," when he admitted to behaving poorly. He then amended that more accurate adverbs might be "bizarrely" and "brazenly."
But for years, Kilmer couldn't shake his rep. Many stories of Kilmer's bad behavior notoriously came from the utter clusterf*** that was John Frankenheimer...
But for years, Kilmer couldn't shake his rep. Many stories of Kilmer's bad behavior notoriously came from the utter clusterf*** that was John Frankenheimer...
- 3/24/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Blonde has been “honored” with two Golden Raspberry Awards — aka the Razzies — which also bestowed an award upon themselves for the first time in the group’s history.
Andrew Dominik’s film, which led the Razzies with eight nominations, won worst picture of the year along with worst screenplay for Dominik. The Razzies called the film “misogynistic, salacious and fallacious” and said it “shamelessly exploits the memory of the late Marilyn Monroe.”
The Razzie Awards, which honor the worst of the year, are announced annually ahead of the Oscars ceremony, which takes place Sunday. Incidentally, Blonde star Ana de Armas is up for best actress in a leading role at the 2023 Academy Awards.
Razzie organizers also chastised themselves for nominating 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong as worst actress of the year. After being “put through the cyberworld blender,” as they put it, they subsequently removed her from the ballot and announced...
Andrew Dominik’s film, which led the Razzies with eight nominations, won worst picture of the year along with worst screenplay for Dominik. The Razzies called the film “misogynistic, salacious and fallacious” and said it “shamelessly exploits the memory of the late Marilyn Monroe.”
The Razzie Awards, which honor the worst of the year, are announced annually ahead of the Oscars ceremony, which takes place Sunday. Incidentally, Blonde star Ana de Armas is up for best actress in a leading role at the 2023 Academy Awards.
Razzie organizers also chastised themselves for nominating 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong as worst actress of the year. After being “put through the cyberworld blender,” as they put it, they subsequently removed her from the ballot and announced...
- 3/11/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you're a Batman fan who spends any time online, you'll no doubt have come across debates over the "definitive Batman." When Matt Reeves' "The Batman" debuted in 2022, the internet was abuzz with fans claiming we'd finally got a Batman who was true to the character's more grounded origins. But almost 20 years prior, when "Batman Begins" debuted, fan sites celebrated Christopher Nolan's 2005 depiction of the Caped Crusader as the ultimate grounded vision. Even we at /Film have attempted some, nicely nuanced if I may say, interjections in this arena, arguing why "Batman: The Animated Series" is the definitive incarnation of the Dark Knight.
At this point, I think we should all agree that there is no definitive Batman. These legendary pop culture figures have lasting appeal precisely because they lend themselves to multiple interpretations. Whether it's James Bond or Superman, we continue to come back to these characters because...
At this point, I think we should all agree that there is no definitive Batman. These legendary pop culture figures have lasting appeal precisely because they lend themselves to multiple interpretations. Whether it's James Bond or Superman, we continue to come back to these characters because...
- 2/28/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
In the 2021 documentary "Val," movie star Val Kilmer makes a delicate confession. "I have behaved poorly." He then adds, "I have behaved bravely, bizarrely to some." It's a moving film in large part because this once vibrantly talented performer has lost his voice to throat cancer, and you're inclined to accept the apology and let the past be the past. The archival footage shot by the actor is so lovingly strung together that it would feel jarringly inappropriate to reckon with what a jerk he could be during the height of his stardom.
According to a very well-sourced 1996 Entertainment Weekly article by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, Kilmer got into a shoving match with his "Batman Forever" director Joel Schumacher. "He was being irrational and ballistic with the first Ad, the cameraman, the costume people," he said. "He was badly behaved, he was rude and inappropriate. I was forced to tell him that...
According to a very well-sourced 1996 Entertainment Weekly article by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, Kilmer got into a shoving match with his "Batman Forever" director Joel Schumacher. "He was being irrational and ballistic with the first Ad, the cameraman, the costume people," he said. "He was badly behaved, he was rude and inappropriate. I was forced to tell him that...
- 1/29/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
In last year's documentary "Val," Val Kilmer talks about his Broadway debut in "The Slab Boys." He was originally cast in the lead role but got bumped down to second lead when Kevin Bacon was suddenly available. Then, when Sean Penn also became free, he was relegated to the third-best part. You can still hear the resentment, but then the proud professional takes over as he quotes the old adage: "There are no small parts, only small actors."
I always found a disconnect between Kilmer's sun-kissed good looks and his pouting aloofness. It was like he thought he was the smartest guy in the room and was waiting for everyone else to catch up. The documentary makes some of these contradictions more understandable: As a precocious talent, he was the youngest person ever accepted by the Juilliard School's prestigious Drama Division at the time, driven in pursuit of excellence by...
I always found a disconnect between Kilmer's sun-kissed good looks and his pouting aloofness. It was like he thought he was the smartest guy in the room and was waiting for everyone else to catch up. The documentary makes some of these contradictions more understandable: As a precocious talent, he was the youngest person ever accepted by the Juilliard School's prestigious Drama Division at the time, driven in pursuit of excellence by...
- 9/15/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Val Kilmer grew up a Batman fan. He recalled to The Hollywood Reporter how he got to sit in the Batmobile as a second grader when his father took him to the set of the TV series in the '60s. So, when director Joel Schumacher tapped him to replace Michael Keaton as the titular superhero for 1995's "Batman Forever," it was a childhood dream come true. Kilmer would be paired with stars such as Jim Carrey as an unhinged Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Nicole Kidman as Bruce Wayne's love interest, Dr. Chase Meridian. For Kilmer, the dream quickly became a nightmare.
In the '90s, the "Top Gun" actor had developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, so much so that in '96 Entertainment Weekly devoted an entire piece detailing his erratic behavior on film sets titled "Val Kilmer Makes Enemies in Hollywood." Hollywood...
In the '90s, the "Top Gun" actor had developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, so much so that in '96 Entertainment Weekly devoted an entire piece detailing his erratic behavior on film sets titled "Val Kilmer Makes Enemies in Hollywood." Hollywood...
- 9/12/2022
- by J. Gabriel Ware
- Slash Film
Ass Blasters
After a month of divergent picks ranging from John Carpenter’s made-for-tv movie Someone’s Watching Me! to Clive Barker’s sprawling Nightbreed to Michele Soavi’s Italian slasher Stage Fright to Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse, Trace and I are ready to wrap up August with an American classic.
It’s time for Tremors, y’all!
Although the film was written and directed by SS. Wilson and Brent Maddock and directed by Ron Underwood, its behind the scenes production was guided by three powerful women, who managed to bring the creature feature together.
The movie is about two men, Kevin Bacon‘s Val and Fred Ward‘s Earl (who may be more than friends) who discover a population of massive creatures burrowing under the surface of their small desert town. With the help of young seismologist Rhonda (Finn Carter) and survivalist couple Burt (Michael Gross) and Heather (Reba McEntire!
After a month of divergent picks ranging from John Carpenter’s made-for-tv movie Someone’s Watching Me! to Clive Barker’s sprawling Nightbreed to Michele Soavi’s Italian slasher Stage Fright to Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse, Trace and I are ready to wrap up August with an American classic.
It’s time for Tremors, y’all!
Although the film was written and directed by SS. Wilson and Brent Maddock and directed by Ron Underwood, its behind the scenes production was guided by three powerful women, who managed to bring the creature feature together.
The movie is about two men, Kevin Bacon‘s Val and Fred Ward‘s Earl (who may be more than friends) who discover a population of massive creatures burrowing under the surface of their small desert town. With the help of young seismologist Rhonda (Finn Carter) and survivalist couple Burt (Michael Gross) and Heather (Reba McEntire!
- 9/5/2022
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
Well excuuuuse me! A documentary on legendary comedian, actor and banjo aficionado Steve Martin is coming to Apple TV+ from Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville.
Apple Original Films landed the untitled, two-part documentary film that hails from A24 and Tremolo Productions. The film will explore Martin’s life and career, though no other information was provided about the film.
Both parts are directed and produced by Neville. A24 will executive produce alongside Caitrin Rogers (“20 Feet from Stardom”) from Tremolo Productions.
Also Read:
‘Only Murders’ Co-Creator on the Trio’s ‘Rock Bottom’ Moment and ‘First Domino Push’ Toward Solving Bunny’s Murder
A24 and Tremolo together worked on the Oscar-winner “20 Feet From Stardom” and more recently on “Val” about the actor Val Kilmer.
Neville’s last feature was “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,” and he also directed the TV docs “Watch the Sound With Mark Ronson” and “The Next Thing You Eat.
Apple Original Films landed the untitled, two-part documentary film that hails from A24 and Tremolo Productions. The film will explore Martin’s life and career, though no other information was provided about the film.
Both parts are directed and produced by Neville. A24 will executive produce alongside Caitrin Rogers (“20 Feet from Stardom”) from Tremolo Productions.
Also Read:
‘Only Murders’ Co-Creator on the Trio’s ‘Rock Bottom’ Moment and ‘First Domino Push’ Toward Solving Bunny’s Murder
A24 and Tremolo together worked on the Oscar-winner “20 Feet From Stardom” and more recently on “Val” about the actor Val Kilmer.
Neville’s last feature was “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,” and he also directed the TV docs “Watch the Sound With Mark Ronson” and “The Next Thing You Eat.
- 8/10/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
As non-fiction continues to become a priority for streaming services, Amazon Studios has named longtime Amazon vet Brianna Oh head of documentary features.
The newly created role will focus on building out the tech company’s non-fiction feature slate, which already includes docs like the Val Kilmer film Val and P!nk: All I Know So Far. The announcement was made internally last week by Amazon’s head of movies Julie Rapaport.
Oh, who has been with Amazon for over a decade, has credits that range from narrative titles like Emergency and recent release Don’t Make Me Go, as well as docs suc has Amy Poehler’s Lucy and Desi and the upcoming Mars rover title Good Night Oppy.
Rapaport noted that Oh’s “tireless hard work and passion for documentaries have been hugely additive to our customers,” adding that in the role she...
As non-fiction continues to become a priority for streaming services, Amazon Studios has named longtime Amazon vet Brianna Oh head of documentary features.
The newly created role will focus on building out the tech company’s non-fiction feature slate, which already includes docs like the Val Kilmer film Val and P!nk: All I Know So Far. The announcement was made internally last week by Amazon’s head of movies Julie Rapaport.
Oh, who has been with Amazon for over a decade, has credits that range from narrative titles like Emergency and recent release Don’t Make Me Go, as well as docs suc has Amy Poehler’s Lucy and Desi and the upcoming Mars rover title Good Night Oppy.
Rapaport noted that Oh’s “tireless hard work and passion for documentaries have been hugely additive to our customers,” adding that in the role she...
- 8/8/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie may not be enamored with the added responsibility of being King of Asgard in Thor: Love and Thunder, but the actor feels just the opposite about her relatively new title of producer. In 2021, Thompson launched a production company known as Viva Maude and signed a first-look deal at HBO and HBO Max, with two TV projects already in development. Knowing that Thompson wanted to learn more about the process of producing, Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi invited her to participate in the postproduction process of his Thor: Ragnarok follow-up. And while watching an early cut, Thompson even fought for a quick moment involving “Val” and two actor characters played by Matt Damon and Luke Hemsworth.
“There was one cut where that bit went away and I was so sad, but then it came back and I was so happy.
Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie may not be enamored with the added responsibility of being King of Asgard in Thor: Love and Thunder, but the actor feels just the opposite about her relatively new title of producer. In 2021, Thompson launched a production company known as Viva Maude and signed a first-look deal at HBO and HBO Max, with two TV projects already in development. Knowing that Thompson wanted to learn more about the process of producing, Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi invited her to participate in the postproduction process of his Thor: Ragnarok follow-up. And while watching an early cut, Thompson even fought for a quick moment involving “Val” and two actor characters played by Matt Damon and Luke Hemsworth.
“There was one cut where that bit went away and I was so sad, but then it came back and I was so happy.
- 7/8/2022
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jack Kilmer has nabbed a leading role opposite Clifton Powell in B.B. King drama “The Thrill Is On,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Kilmer will play Michael, a young drummer who has a chance encounter with blues legend King (Powell), which proves to be the start of an enduring friendship. The upcoming film is based on the true story of producer Michael Zanetis’ own experience with the prolific musician, who died in 2015.
“As an actor and musician, Jack is uniquely qualified to portray our drummer on a mission. His passion for acting and music will ignite a compelling performance,” Zanetis said in a statement to Variety. “We can’t wait to see what magic this dynamic duo will bring to our film!”
Kilmer first broke out in 2013 with his starring role in Gia Coppola’s “Palo Alto,” and has since appeared in “The Stanford Prison Experiment,” “Lords of Chaos” and “Hala.
Kilmer will play Michael, a young drummer who has a chance encounter with blues legend King (Powell), which proves to be the start of an enduring friendship. The upcoming film is based on the true story of producer Michael Zanetis’ own experience with the prolific musician, who died in 2015.
“As an actor and musician, Jack is uniquely qualified to portray our drummer on a mission. His passion for acting and music will ignite a compelling performance,” Zanetis said in a statement to Variety. “We can’t wait to see what magic this dynamic duo will bring to our film!”
Kilmer first broke out in 2013 with his starring role in Gia Coppola’s “Palo Alto,” and has since appeared in “The Stanford Prison Experiment,” “Lords of Chaos” and “Hala.
- 7/6/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
[This story contains spoilers for Top Gun: Maverick]
Top Gun: Maverick is full of cutting-edge filmmaking that transports audiences into the cockpit of an F18. But amid the thrills, there is a much more intimate scene that is also garnering a strong reaction.
Midway through the film, Tom Cruise’s Maverick reunites with Val Kilmer’s Iceman, who in the years since the events of 1986’s Top Gun has become an admiral. In his office and during a moving conversation, Iceman tells Maverick why he brought him back to Top Gun.
For filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, seeing Kilmer and Cruise reunite was a highlight of filming. After all, it was the contentious relationship between Maverick and Iceman that propelled the film into remaining in the pop culture consciousness decades later.
“To see how much respect they had for each other as actors, and to see a friendship that has...
[This story contains spoilers for Top Gun: Maverick]
Top Gun: Maverick is full of cutting-edge filmmaking that transports audiences into the cockpit of an F18. But amid the thrills, there is a much more intimate scene that is also garnering a strong reaction.
Midway through the film, Tom Cruise’s Maverick reunites with Val Kilmer’s Iceman, who in the years since the events of 1986’s Top Gun has become an admiral. In his office and during a moving conversation, Iceman tells Maverick why he brought him back to Top Gun.
For filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, seeing Kilmer and Cruise reunite was a highlight of filming. After all, it was the contentious relationship between Maverick and Iceman that propelled the film into remaining in the pop culture consciousness decades later.
“To see how much respect they had for each other as actors, and to see a friendship that has...
- 6/10/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina and Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[Editor’s note: The following story contains spoilers for “Top Gun: Maverick.”]
It’s good to be Joseph Kosinski. To be clear, it’s good to be anyone associated with massive smash hit “Top Gun: Maverick,” but it’s especially sweet to be director Kosinski, whose last feature was Sony’s 2017 hotshot firefighter drama “Only the Brave.” Today, he’s the shepherd of Tom Cruise’s unlikely sequel, which has inspired not only huge box office returns but also incredible critical and fan response.
What could top that? We already know: Sci-fi thriller “Spiderhead” debuts on Netflix on June 17 and Kosinski is now prepping the Apple-backed Formula 1 feature starring Brad Pitt.
As “Top Gun: Maverick” continues breaking box-office records and enjoying excellent reviews, the thoughtful and relatively soft-spoken Kosinski was game to answer all our burning questions, from cut scenes to how key cameos came together, who the “enemy” really is, how the film could have ended, and...
It’s good to be Joseph Kosinski. To be clear, it’s good to be anyone associated with massive smash hit “Top Gun: Maverick,” but it’s especially sweet to be director Kosinski, whose last feature was Sony’s 2017 hotshot firefighter drama “Only the Brave.” Today, he’s the shepherd of Tom Cruise’s unlikely sequel, which has inspired not only huge box office returns but also incredible critical and fan response.
What could top that? We already know: Sci-fi thriller “Spiderhead” debuts on Netflix on June 17 and Kosinski is now prepping the Apple-backed Formula 1 feature starring Brad Pitt.
As “Top Gun: Maverick” continues breaking box-office records and enjoying excellent reviews, the thoughtful and relatively soft-spoken Kosinski was game to answer all our burning questions, from cut scenes to how key cameos came together, who the “enemy” really is, how the film could have ended, and...
- 6/9/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about movie stars! Not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones they made in between.
Today, we discuss one of the most intriguing actors of his generation: Val Kilmer! To tackle such an enigma, we bring in the legendary Katie Walsh! A must-follow on Twitter, a co-host of the insatiably-entertaining Miami Nice Podcast, and an accomplished writer. The B-Sides featured today are: Kill Me Again, At First Sight, The Salton Sea, and Mindhunters.
We discuss how Kilmer was a prodigy––the youngest student admitted into Juilliard’s drama department––before his Broadway debut in the (ultimately) star-studded Slab Boys. There’s talk of his well-documented penchant to be difficult on set, as well as those who defended him and his abilities.
We confront Dan’s deep admiration for the poorly-aged The Salton Sea,...
Today, we discuss one of the most intriguing actors of his generation: Val Kilmer! To tackle such an enigma, we bring in the legendary Katie Walsh! A must-follow on Twitter, a co-host of the insatiably-entertaining Miami Nice Podcast, and an accomplished writer. The B-Sides featured today are: Kill Me Again, At First Sight, The Salton Sea, and Mindhunters.
We discuss how Kilmer was a prodigy––the youngest student admitted into Juilliard’s drama department––before his Broadway debut in the (ultimately) star-studded Slab Boys. There’s talk of his well-documented penchant to be difficult on set, as well as those who defended him and his abilities.
We confront Dan’s deep admiration for the poorly-aged The Salton Sea,...
- 6/3/2022
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Val Kilmer, who recently discussed his two-year battle with throat cancer in the documentary Val, filmed a cameo for the sequel to one of his biggest movies, Top Gun. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who was on set, said the process was “extraordinary.” Watch Val Kilmer Speak At Un Event! The cameo sees Kilmer’s character, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, as […]
The post Val Kilmer’s Daughter, Mercedes, Says Its ‘Extraordinary’ Seeing Him Filming ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Cameo appeared first on uInterview.
The post Val Kilmer’s Daughter, Mercedes, Says Its ‘Extraordinary’ Seeing Him Filming ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Cameo appeared first on uInterview.
- 5/27/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Nominees for the 72nd annual Ace Eddie Awards include feature dramas “Dune,” “Belfast,” “King Richard,” “No Time to Die,” “The Power of the Dog,” along with feature comedies “Licorice Pizza” and “Don’t Look Up.” Also getting comedy nods were “Cruella,” “The French Dispatch,” and “Tick Tick Boom.” The winners will be announced live during the Ace Eddie awards March 5 at the Ace Hotel theater.
“Dune,” “Belfast,” “King Richard,” “Don’t Look Up,” and “The Power of the Dog” have the strongest chance of getting Oscar nominations. However, “Licorice Pizza” and “No Time to Die” could also make the cut. Although “West Side Story” was overlooked by Ace, there’s still the chance that three-time Oscar winner Michael Kahn and co-editor Sarah Broshar could squeeze into the race.
Animation nominations, much like previously announced guild votes, went to Disney’s “Encanto” and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Pixar’s “Luca,” Netflix/Sony...
“Dune,” “Belfast,” “King Richard,” “Don’t Look Up,” and “The Power of the Dog” have the strongest chance of getting Oscar nominations. However, “Licorice Pizza” and “No Time to Die” could also make the cut. Although “West Side Story” was overlooked by Ace, there’s still the chance that three-time Oscar winner Michael Kahn and co-editor Sarah Broshar could squeeze into the race.
Animation nominations, much like previously announced guild votes, went to Disney’s “Encanto” and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Pixar’s “Luca,” Netflix/Sony...
- 1/27/2022
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The American Cinema Editors has spliced together the nominees for its 72nd annual Ace Eddie Awards.
The editors behind Belfast, Dune, King Richard, No Time to Die and The Power of the Dog will compete for Best Edited Dramatic Feature Film. Up for Comedy Feature are Cruella, Don’t Look Up, The French Dispatch, Licorice Pizza and tick, tick…Boom! The Animated Feature race will be among Encanto, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon
and Sing 2.
Vying in the Documentary Feature competition are Flee, The Rescue, Summer of Soul, Val and The Velvet Underground. See the full list of the Eddie Award nominations below.
Trophies will be presented during the guild’s awards ceremony on March 5 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The half-capacity show originally was set for February 26.
A highlight on the TV side is Kevin Can F**k Himself,...
The editors behind Belfast, Dune, King Richard, No Time to Die and The Power of the Dog will compete for Best Edited Dramatic Feature Film. Up for Comedy Feature are Cruella, Don’t Look Up, The French Dispatch, Licorice Pizza and tick, tick…Boom! The Animated Feature race will be among Encanto, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon
and Sing 2.
Vying in the Documentary Feature competition are Flee, The Rescue, Summer of Soul, Val and The Velvet Underground. See the full list of the Eddie Award nominations below.
Trophies will be presented during the guild’s awards ceremony on March 5 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The half-capacity show originally was set for February 26.
A highlight on the TV side is Kevin Can F**k Himself,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists has announced the 2021 AWFJ Eda winners for its 15th season. This year’s most-nominated film, “The Power of the Dog,” swept the awards with wins in 11 out of 25 categories including best film, best director for Jane Campion, supporting actress for Kirsten Dunst and adapted screenplay.
“Although our beloved film industry was plagued by the pandemic, 2021 turned out to be a rather magnificent year for movies — especially for films made by and about women,” said AWFJ president Jennifer Merin. “We at the Alliance of Women Film Journalists are delighted to note that last year’s crop of brilliant femme-helmed and femme-centric films are getting the awards recognition they deserve — as shown in our list of Eda Award winners, and in films and talent on our roster of nominees, as well as in awards presented by other film critics’ groups.”
Other winners included ties for documentary...
“Although our beloved film industry was plagued by the pandemic, 2021 turned out to be a rather magnificent year for movies — especially for films made by and about women,” said AWFJ president Jennifer Merin. “We at the Alliance of Women Film Journalists are delighted to note that last year’s crop of brilliant femme-helmed and femme-centric films are getting the awards recognition they deserve — as shown in our list of Eda Award winners, and in films and talent on our roster of nominees, as well as in awards presented by other film critics’ groups.”
Other winners included ties for documentary...
- 1/25/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscar frontrunner for Best Sound, “Dune,” reaped a bid for Best Sound Mixing at the the Cinema Audio Society Awards on January 25 as as did two of the other predicted Oscar nominees: “No Time to Die” and “West Side Story.” Also in contention with the Cas are “The Power of the Dog” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” They bumped two of our predicted Oscar nominees: “Belfast” and “tick, tick… Boom!”
The upcoming Oscars mark the second year for the Best Sound category, which combines Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The Cas honors the latter while the Motion Picture Sound Editors salute achievements in the former.
Last year four of the five Cas contenders — “Greyhound,” “Mank,” “News of the World and “Sound of Metal” — reaped Oscar bids. The fifth, “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” was bumped by “Soul,” which had vied in the animated race at the Cas Awards.
The upcoming Oscars mark the second year for the Best Sound category, which combines Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The Cas honors the latter while the Motion Picture Sound Editors salute achievements in the former.
Last year four of the five Cas contenders — “Greyhound,” “Mank,” “News of the World and “Sound of Metal” — reaped Oscar bids. The fifth, “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” was bumped by “Soul,” which had vied in the animated race at the Cas Awards.
- 1/25/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
All five of our predicted Oscar nominees for Best Sound number among the contenders for the Golden Reel Awards bestowed by the Motion Picture Sound Editors (Mpse) as announced on Jan. 24.
Oscar frontrunner “Dune” reaped three bids across the six film categories as did two of its closest Oscar rivals, “The Matrix Resurrections” and “A Quiet Place Part II” (plus “Nightmare Alley”). The other two expected Oscar nominees — “Belfast” and “West Side Story” — had to make do with one nomination apiece from the Mpse.
The upcoming Oscars mark the second year for the new Best Sound category, which combines Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. There can be up to six nominees from a film: one production sound mixer, two supervising sound editors and three re-recording mixers. Last year, “Sound of Metal” won this award after being shut out by the Mpse despite a leading five bids.
In 2020 the...
Oscar frontrunner “Dune” reaped three bids across the six film categories as did two of its closest Oscar rivals, “The Matrix Resurrections” and “A Quiet Place Part II” (plus “Nightmare Alley”). The other two expected Oscar nominees — “Belfast” and “West Side Story” — had to make do with one nomination apiece from the Mpse.
The upcoming Oscars mark the second year for the new Best Sound category, which combines Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. There can be up to six nominees from a film: one production sound mixer, two supervising sound editors and three re-recording mixers. Last year, “Sound of Metal” won this award after being shut out by the Mpse despite a leading five bids.
In 2020 the...
- 1/24/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Oscars have announced that 276 feature films are eligible for this year’s Academy Awards, with nomination voting set to begin Thursday, Jan. 27 until Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
- 1/20/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Voting has only just begun for select nominees at the 2022 WGA Awards. Drama series, comedy series and new series votes will be taken until Jan. 5, while voting doesn’t even open for original and adapted screenplays until Jan. 12 (with a deadline of Jan. 26). Nominations for the television categories, as well as new media, news, radio/audio and promotional writing awards will be announced on Jan. 13, with screenplay nominations announced Jan. 27. Final voting for all takes place between Feb. 2 and Feb. 16, with the winners being announced at the 74th annual ceremony on March 20.
Although it is still very early days for some of these categories, Variety breaks down where select series, scripts and categories stand so far.
Original Screenplay
The contenders in the original screenplay field are dominated by repeat WGA and Academy Award nominees with a few breakthrough tyro scribes in the mix. “King Richard,” penned by Zach Baylin (who...
Although it is still very early days for some of these categories, Variety breaks down where select series, scripts and categories stand so far.
Original Screenplay
The contenders in the original screenplay field are dominated by repeat WGA and Academy Award nominees with a few breakthrough tyro scribes in the mix. “King Richard,” penned by Zach Baylin (who...
- 12/30/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano and Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
French prize-winner Titane misses out on international feature consideration.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its shortlists for the international and documentary Oscars as well as eight other categories.
Widely tipped entries including Japan’s Drive My Car, Iran’s A Hero, Denmark’s Flee and Finland’s Compartment No 6 all made the international shortlist, but French Palme d’Or winner Titane is a surprise omission. Also absent from the list are Costa Rica’s Clara Sola, Chad’s Lingui, The Sacred Bonds and Russia’s Unclenching The Fists. Ten of the 15 titles on the international...
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its shortlists for the international and documentary Oscars as well as eight other categories.
Widely tipped entries including Japan’s Drive My Car, Iran’s A Hero, Denmark’s Flee and Finland’s Compartment No 6 all made the international shortlist, but French Palme d’Or winner Titane is a surprise omission. Also absent from the list are Costa Rica’s Clara Sola, Chad’s Lingui, The Sacred Bonds and Russia’s Unclenching The Fists. Ten of the 15 titles on the international...
- 12/21/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
The Oscar shortlists hit Hollywood on Dec. 21, with filmmakers and artisans alike waiting to see if their pics have made it. It’s another Covid-challenged year, with theaters still not running at full capacity and screening links de rigueur even as widespread vaccinations boost the confidence in getting back in a cinema. The films below have been gaining traction on the awards circuit so far, but given the contours of kudos campaigns, surprises can and will emerge. Critics groups are beginning to weigh in and some guild nominations are imminent. Oscar nominations will be announced Feb. 8, with the ceremony taking place March 27.
Documentary Feature
This category once again offers up an embarrassment of riches, with films such as Denmark’s “Flee” leading the pack — the Sundance winner recently won a Gotham award. “Flee” can also grab noms in animation and international feature. NatGeo’s lineup includes John Hoffman and Janet Tobias’ “Fauci,...
Documentary Feature
This category once again offers up an embarrassment of riches, with films such as Denmark’s “Flee” leading the pack — the Sundance winner recently won a Gotham award. “Flee” can also grab noms in animation and international feature. NatGeo’s lineup includes John Hoffman and Janet Tobias’ “Fauci,...
- 12/11/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Other new releases include Icelandic drama ‘Lamb’ and Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Being The Ricardos’.
Steven Spielberg will be hoping to make moves at the box office with his version of West Side Story, which goes up against a top five packed with resilient holdovers.
At last week’s UK-Ireland box office, House Of Gucci, Encanto, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Eternals all stayed put in the top five, with the only new entry being filmed concert performance Christmas With André, which came in at number four, and knocked No Time To Die out of the chart for the first time in its 10-week run.
Steven Spielberg will be hoping to make moves at the box office with his version of West Side Story, which goes up against a top five packed with resilient holdovers.
At last week’s UK-Ireland box office, House Of Gucci, Encanto, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Eternals all stayed put in the top five, with the only new entry being filmed concert performance Christmas With André, which came in at number four, and knocked No Time To Die out of the chart for the first time in its 10-week run.
- 12/10/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Animation, documentary submissions also tallied.
The Academy has confirmed it has received 93 country submissions for the international feature film category in the run-up to the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.
The Academy said on Monday (December 6) it had also received 26 animated feature and 138 documentary feature submissions.
The entire list of international feature film submissions can be viewed here and includes a first submission from Somalia. The Academy said some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfil that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.
The Academy has confirmed it has received 93 country submissions for the international feature film category in the run-up to the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.
The Academy said on Monday (December 6) it had also received 26 animated feature and 138 documentary feature submissions.
The entire list of international feature film submissions can be viewed here and includes a first submission from Somalia. The Academy said some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfil that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.
- 12/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Animation, documentary submissions also tallied.
The Academy has confirmed it has received 93 country submissions for the international feature film category in the run-up to the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.
The Academy said on Monday (December 6) it had also received 26 animated feature and 138 documentary feature submissions.
The entire list of international feature film submissions can be viewed here and includes a first submission from Somalia. The Academy said some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfil that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.
The Academy has confirmed it has received 93 country submissions for the international feature film category in the run-up to the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.
The Academy said on Monday (December 6) it had also received 26 animated feature and 138 documentary feature submissions.
The entire list of international feature film submissions can be viewed here and includes a first submission from Somalia. The Academy said some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfil that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.
- 12/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The affecting intimacy of Val, the sometimes ethereal, often unblinking look at Val Kilmer’s life and career through personal home footage, was a reflection of the actor’s unselfconscious ease, both on camera and in life, according to the filmmakers behind the Amazon Studios film.
Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott told Deadline’s Contenders Film: Documentary that, due to his profession and having filmed himself continuously since the dawn of home video cameras in the 1980s, being on camera was second nature to Kilmer.
“One of the lucky things about filming an actor is how comfortable they are in front of the camera, and Val certainly is,” said Poo. “He began filming himself behind the scenes of all these movies, but later on, he just hired people to film them. So he always kind of had a camera following him around and was very used to it.”
Allowing...
Directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott told Deadline’s Contenders Film: Documentary that, due to his profession and having filmed himself continuously since the dawn of home video cameras in the 1980s, being on camera was second nature to Kilmer.
“One of the lucky things about filming an actor is how comfortable they are in front of the camera, and Val certainly is,” said Poo. “He began filming himself behind the scenes of all these movies, but later on, he just hired people to film them. So he always kind of had a camera following him around and was very used to it.”
Allowing...
- 11/21/2021
- by Scott Huver
- Deadline Film + TV
“Val,” the warmly received and reveal documentary about actor Val Kilmer, began simply with an email. A decade ago, Leo Scott was working as an editor on director Harmony Korine’s half-hour comedy series for Vice Films ‘The Lotus Community Workshop.” Kilmer played a version of himself as a motivational speaker. “It was quite incredible what he did with that character,” said Scott during a recent Film Independent Zoom conversation on “Val.”
“I really, really wanted to tell him how good he was,” Scott noted. So, he sent a carefully crafted e-mail to the actor, who has starred in such films as 1984’s “Top Secret!,” 1996’s “Top Gun,” 1991’s “The Doors,” 1993’s “Tombstone” and 1995’s “Batman Forever.” Much to Scott’s surprise, Kilmer quickly sent him back an email. Soon, Scott found himself working with Kilmer on his one-man theater piece on Mark Twain.
“He was starting to workshop the...
“I really, really wanted to tell him how good he was,” Scott noted. So, he sent a carefully crafted e-mail to the actor, who has starred in such films as 1984’s “Top Secret!,” 1996’s “Top Gun,” 1991’s “The Doors,” 1993’s “Tombstone” and 1995’s “Batman Forever.” Much to Scott’s surprise, Kilmer quickly sent him back an email. Soon, Scott found himself working with Kilmer on his one-man theater piece on Mark Twain.
“He was starting to workshop the...
- 11/18/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The Critics Choice Association awarded “Summer of Soul” the top prize at the sixth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, which honors the best achievements in nonfiction released in theaters, on TV, or on major digital platforms. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s look at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival took home the most awards of any film, with five in total.
This year’s nominees were led by “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul,” two films by first-time documentarians. Each had six nominations. But “Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon’s look at the pursuit of the Chinese dream, failed to score any prizes November 14.
“Summer of Soul,” which won the top documentary prize and an Audience Award following its Sundance premiere earlier this year, won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the critics awards: Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Director, a prize Thompson...
This year’s nominees were led by “Ascension” and “Summer of Soul,” two films by first-time documentarians. Each had six nominations. But “Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon’s look at the pursuit of the Chinese dream, failed to score any prizes November 14.
“Summer of Soul,” which won the top documentary prize and an Audience Award following its Sundance premiere earlier this year, won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the critics awards: Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Director, a prize Thompson...
- 11/15/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
For the past 40 years, Val Kilmer has been recording all aspects of his life — everything from his childhood to his acting career to his struggles with throat cancer. Now, Kilmer’s “mountain of tapes” have been made into an Amazon documentary from directors Ting Poo and Leo Scott, titled “Val.” After Kilmer’s cancer went into remission, they approached him with a “bigger idea about making a story about his entire life and career, told through his lens,” the filmmakers tell Gold Derby in our Meet the Experts: Documentary panel (watch the exclusive video interview above).
Scott reveals about Kilmer’s thousands of hours of footage, “He was having it stored properly, but it was a source of stress in a way,” because “some of these formats were probably decaying, becoming obsolete.” Kilmer started recording his life from an early age, with Scott explaining, “He and his brothers were making...
Scott reveals about Kilmer’s thousands of hours of footage, “He was having it stored properly, but it was a source of stress in a way,” because “some of these formats were probably decaying, becoming obsolete.” Kilmer started recording his life from an early age, with Scott explaining, “He and his brothers were making...
- 11/11/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Award voters are overwhelmed this year by a vast bounty of critically acclaimed documentaries, making this one of the most competitive derbies in recent years. There are so many top contenders that Gold Derby decided to launch our celebrated “Meet the Experts” video series by chatting with the talent behind five major docs.
Watch our senior editor Marcus James Dixon conduct intriguing one-on-one chats with the creators of each doc, then gathers them together for a group discussion about what inspired them to make their films and what were the greatest challenges they faced.
The five documentaries:
“Introducing, Selma Blair” (Rachel Fleit) – A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
“Lfg” ( – Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine) – It is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s...
Watch our senior editor Marcus James Dixon conduct intriguing one-on-one chats with the creators of each doc, then gathers them together for a group discussion about what inspired them to make their films and what were the greatest challenges they faced.
The five documentaries:
“Introducing, Selma Blair” (Rachel Fleit) – A deeply intimate and raw portrait of Selma Blair after she is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and tries to slow the progression of her disease.
“Lfg” ( – Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine) – It is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s...
- 11/9/2021
- by Tom O'Neil
- Gold Derby
Hello, everyone! We have a relatively quiet week of horror and sci-fi home media releases this week, led by Arrow’s Limited Edition 4K for Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes. Epic Pictures is releasing both Val and Bad Candy this Tuesday, while Dark Sky Pictures is releasing the indie thriller Coming Home in the Dark on both Blu-ray and DVD. Other releases for November 9th include Mania Killer, Dead Fury: Unrated, and The Resonator: Miskatonic U.
Bad Candy
On Halloween night in New Salem, Radio DJs Chilly Billy (Corey Taylor) and Paul (Zach Galligan) tell a twisted anthology of terrifying local myths that lead to a grim end for small-town residents.
Coming Home in the Dark
A family’s outing descends into terror when teacher Alan Hoaganraad, his wife Jill, and stepsons Maika and Jordon explore an isolated coastline. An unexpected meeting with a pair of drifters -...
Bad Candy
On Halloween night in New Salem, Radio DJs Chilly Billy (Corey Taylor) and Paul (Zach Galligan) tell a twisted anthology of terrifying local myths that lead to a grim end for small-town residents.
Coming Home in the Dark
A family’s outing descends into terror when teacher Alan Hoaganraad, his wife Jill, and stepsons Maika and Jordon explore an isolated coastline. An unexpected meeting with a pair of drifters -...
- 11/8/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Amazon Prime Video is getting back into the in-person awards FYC activation game, launching a new pop-up at the Bank of America Winter Village in New York’s Bryant Park starting today. The experience, which will continue through the end of November, will tout movies including “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” “Being the Ricardos,” “Val” and “The Tender Bar,” as well as series “The Pursuit of Love,” “With Love” and “Harlem.”
The pop-up includes a branded takeover of The Alcove Bar at “The Lodge by Prime Video” in the Bank of America Winter Village, as well as the outdoor “cozy igloos.” The Alcove Bar drinks are themed around some of the contending movies and series. Customers can also scan the Qr codes on tables and “Sip to Stream” cups to watch trailers and learn more about the specific titles.
Besides “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” “My Name is Pauli Murray,...
The pop-up includes a branded takeover of The Alcove Bar at “The Lodge by Prime Video” in the Bank of America Winter Village, as well as the outdoor “cozy igloos.” The Alcove Bar drinks are themed around some of the contending movies and series. Customers can also scan the Qr codes on tables and “Sip to Stream” cups to watch trailers and learn more about the specific titles.
Besides “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” “My Name is Pauli Murray,...
- 11/2/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Warwick Thornton, one of Australia’s most celebrated filmmakers with features including Samson and Delilah and Sweet Country, self-isolated in a beach shack on the north-west coast of Australia in 2019.
The Beach, a docuseries whose only subjects are Thornton, three chickens, a dog, and a mud crab, is the result and it is coming to the U.S. and the rest of the world for the first time via A24.
The company, which is ramping up its documentary slate with projects such as Val, has taken the worldwide rights to the project and is launching it on its A24 Screening Room between November 22-28.
The Beach is the journey of a man who has chosen to give up life in the fast lane and decamp to an isolated beach in an attempt to transform his life through the healing power of nature.
Set in Jilirr on the Dampier Peninsula,...
The Beach, a docuseries whose only subjects are Thornton, three chickens, a dog, and a mud crab, is the result and it is coming to the U.S. and the rest of the world for the first time via A24.
The company, which is ramping up its documentary slate with projects such as Val, has taken the worldwide rights to the project and is launching it on its A24 Screening Room between November 22-28.
The Beach is the journey of a man who has chosen to give up life in the fast lane and decamp to an isolated beach in an attempt to transform his life through the healing power of nature.
Set in Jilirr on the Dampier Peninsula,...
- 11/2/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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