MetaFilter posts tagged with film and movie

Your List of Movie Lists

Sticherbeast — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:21:49 -0800

The Aught-O-Matic. Slate's interactive guide to the critically recognized best movies of the decade, aggregating the results from several "best of the decade" lists. It's still in the process of being updated.

Teaser Trailer to Motion Picture Deal in $300

filthy light thief — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:04:37 -0800

Fede Alvarez, a Uruguayan filmmaker, posted a short live action/CG video on YouTube back in early November (prev). The short, which features mysterious robots destroying Montevideo and cost approximately $300 to make, received interest from Hollywood days after being online. By the end of November, news spread that Alvarez signed a deal with Ghost House Pictures, reportedly worth $30 million. For now, Alvarez has a six-figure holding deal to wait while Ghost House hires a high-end scribe to turn the idea into a feature. The six-figure deal will be applied against a seven-figure fee if Ghost House makes the film, though Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are already set up to produce the film. (via) Fede Alvarez is part of two production groups, Aparato and Murdoc Films. The Aparato site has a demo reel that features more of the production from the company (but it's behind a flash interface, so no direct link), and the Murdoc Films blog features more clips. Some are comparing this short to Alive in Joburg (video, prev-ious), the short that was adapted to become District 9 (prev-ious).

"I suppose that is why we call it Divine Rupture."

Len — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:36:11 -0800

Brando, Depp, the missing millions and Divine Rapture, the lost movie: "After settling into his rented Georgian mansion, Brando phoned [director] Eberhardt asking if they could meet at 11pm. "I said, 'No, Marlon, I'm too tired. I've been rehearsing all day.' Then he said, 'I'm going to shave my hair off and wear an orange wig'."" Adapted from a much longer article which originally appeared in Film Ireland, annoyingly split up into six pages.

"I am an American as you can see from my shirt."

Pope Guilty — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:59:44 -0800

Ya'll remember Johnathan "The Impaler" Sharkey, Minnesota gubernatorial candidate for the Vampires, Witches, and Pagans Party? Of course you do. But have you seen Impaler, the documentary about him? hulu

CGI-brows short mockumentary

planetkyoto — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:04:40 -0800

CGI-brows (link goes to video on Vimeo which contains a naughty word but is otherwise SFW.) A short mockumentary about extreme emoting through SFX by RocketSausage (Dir. Andrew Gaynord) which has won the Virgin Media Shorts People's Choice Award for 2009.

Since when does Hollywood shy away from controversy?

zarq — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:25:39 -0800

The Producer Cites Religious Controversy. The Director points to a recessionary trend against "serious" movies. A new film about Charles Darwin's life ("Creation") is reportedly having difficulty finding a US distributor. ( Creation: IMDB / Official Site / Trailer / Spoiler-laden review from Roger Ebert / LA Times review // Darwin: Previously on MeFi).

10 KICK-ASS MOVIE PREACHERS

Brandon Blatcher — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:32:32 -0800

In the name of the Smith and Wesson and Glock.

Now, If I were you, I'd just take a few minutes and plan my escape route.

filthy light thief — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:27:12 -0800

55 years ago, Brown v. Board of Education was decided, which lead to the controversial court-ordered school integrations in the South. Four years later, the prolific Charles Beaumont wrote his only solo novel, The Intruder, based on a true story but set in a fictitious small southern town of Caxton that is riled up by a mysterious man from out-of-town who wants to halt the school integration. The novel was turned into a movie by the same name in 1962, produced, directed and financed by Roger Corman, starring a charismatic William Shatner as the mysterious intruder, some 4 years before the start of his iconic role in Star Trek. Shot on location, using locals who were not fully aware of the plot of the movie, the whole film was made for $80-$90,000, and was Corman's only film to lose money at the box offices. The production was banned in some Missouri cities because the local people objected to the film's portrayal racism and segregation. The film finally saw a profit after its re-release on DVD in recent years. (Previously discussed as part of this 1970s Shatner post; video links inside) For reasons not entirely clear, The Intruder turned up on various "public domain" lists in the early '80s and showed up on different cable channels specializing in such fare, but it was never actually out-of-copyright, though you can watch the full movie at the Internet Archive or on YouTube. Also on Youtube: interview segments with Corman and Shatner, which seems to taken from a longer interview (no video link).

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla

filthy light thief — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:29:44 -0800

A Horror Film that will Stiffen You with Laughter! The jungle is jumping, with gals, gags, and goofs! And a gorilla! It's not the set-up for an awkward joke, but an honest to goodness motion picture, starring Bela Lugosi as a mad scientist, and nightclub comedians Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo as themselves, though in roles approximating Martin and Lewis. It was the comedy duo's only movie (possibly due to the cease and desist request to Sammy Petrillo from Jerry Lewis), and was one of Bela Lugosi's last movies. Some classify this movie as a z-grade budget film, while others claim it to be staggeringly unfunny. But don't take their word for it. You can watch it all online, or download it from the Internet Archive.

To be or not to... not to... Dammit! LINE!

grumblebee — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:21:08 -0800

Hollywood Bloopers: 1936-1947 A couple of the years won't load for me, but the ones I can watch are fun.

The Ninth Configuration

Joe Beese — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:49:58 -0800

In 1978, William Peter Blatty published The Ninth Configuration - his first novel since the blockbuster success of The Exorcist. A reworking of his earlier Twinkle, Twinkle, "Killer" Kane, it told the story of a Marine psychiatrist providing unorthodox treatment to mentally wounded Vietnam veterans at a facility located in a castle in the Pacific Northwest. Two years later, Blatty's film adaptation received Golden Globe nominations for Best Drama and Screenplay - winning the latter. Critic Mark Kermode described it as "a breathtaking cocktail of philosophy, eye-popping visuals, jaw-dropping pretentiousness, rib-tickling humour and heart-stopping action. ... Blatty directs like a man with no understanding of, or interest in, the supposed limits of mainstream movie-making. The result is a work of matchless madness which divides audiences as spectacularly as the waves of the Red Sea, a cult classic that continues to provoke either apostolic devotion or baffled dismissal." (previously)

Andy Warhol's Frankenstein and Dracula: almost begs the gorge to rise

filthy light thief — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:22:39 -0800

Though film is not generally Andy Warhol's field of greatest fame, some see his long and storied history in film as "where Warhol's supreme achievement lies". And then there are the two horror films from 1973: Andy Warhol's Frankenstein (or Flesh for Frankenstein) and Andy Warhol's Dracula (or Blood for Dracula). The two films were filmed quickly and inexpensively in the Spring of 1973, using the Roger Corman method of filming two movies at one location using the same actors to decrease costs. Frankenstein was filmed first, using Space-Vision 3-D. But filming 3D footage was too expensive and time-consuming, so Dracula was shot in standard 35mm film. The films are a mix of tribute to and parody of Italian horror films. Both movies were shot in and around Rome, and edited at the Cinecittà studios,which were opened by Mussolini in April 1937, and later the location for Roman Holiday and Ben Hur, amongst others. Despite the pedigree of the location, the content of the films were not the of the same sort, with gory effects in Frankenstein including innards [that] resemble lobster salad, an evocation that stresses the obvious expense of this production (NYTimes.com Bugmenot) and Dracula receiving an X Rating from the MPAA due to its violent and sexual elements. Regardless, or because of this, Both films were commercial successes by Factory standards in the United States, Europe, and, for the first time, Japan. These films would be the last two Factory films that Paul Morrissey directed, and the last Factory films in which Joe Dallesandro starred. Morrissey first worked at The Factory in 1965, sweeping the floor, a year prior to the making of The Chelsea Girls. Morrissey went on to take over the directing, pushing Warhol's films in more commercial directions. After these films, Morrissey continued to direct movies, though he stopped when it became harder to finance independent films. Dallesandro, probably the guy(parts) on the cover of Rolling Stone's Sticky Fingers, continued to have acting roles, though he now manages a hotel in the heart of Hollywood, where he lives with his cat Booky. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has given these films to the Andy Warhol Museum. Dracula clips Movie teaser (1:29) Intro to the film (8:33), dubbed in Spanish Screen test (4:09), film director Paul Morrissey discusses his choices for cast members for the film Frankenstein clips German trailer (3:19), nudity and gore included US trailer (1:18), with minor spoilers Udo Kier (2:18), on censorship and Frankenstein ("It's a comedy, everyone knows the blood is syrup")

2081

Joe Beese — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:25:43 -0800

Kurt Vonnegut's perennial 1961 story "Harrison Bergeron" has been given a new film adaptation. (via)

Surprise premier

caddis — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:46:56 -0800

One for the fans. [A]t the Fantastic Fest Star Trek event at the Alamo Draughthouse Theater in Austin, Texas on Monday night. Star Trek filmmakers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof kicked things off by telling the crowd of around 200, that they would be seeing the Star Trek preview after Wrath of Khan. Two minutes in to the showing of TWOK, the film appeared to have ‘melted’ and the guys came back out on the stage and appeared to be stalling for time while the film was fixed…and then, wearing a ball cap, Leonard Nimoy came out in front of the audience holding a film can. Nimoy noted to the crowd that it just didn’t seem fair that people in Australia were the fist to see the film and asked them "wouldn’t you rather see the new movie?"

Well if you liked Gigli...

hypersloth — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:28:04 -0800

Clerkdogs works surprisingly well versus other web-based recommendations, partly because paid enthusiasts are involved, and partly for its intuitive interface. An interview with CEO Stuart Skorman, previously of "dotshot" fame for founding and selling Reel.com.

Brüno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt

goodnewsfortheinsane — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:43:10 -0800

Trailer for Brüno, the upcoming film by Sacha Baron Cohen, formerly known for his characters Ali G and Borat.

Trailer for Where the Wild Things Are

Joe in Australia — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:41:54 -0800

The trailer for producer Spike Jonze's troubled adaptation of the award-winning children's story Where the Wild Things Are has been released. It's been a long time coming. If you don't have time for the videos, here's the poster. I'm very excited about this. I'm a parent, and viewing the trailer made me understand why this is such a great book - it's as much about Max's parents' fears as about Max himself.

Tuesday is Francis Ford Coppola Day

Joe Beese — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:38:07 -0800

After creating four successive masterpieces in the 1970s, culminating in the tortured production of Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola began the 1980s by directing "a romantic comedy, a musical fantasy and an erotic love story set amidst the neon glitter of Las Vegas on a Fourth of July weekend." In a year when Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was filmed for $11 million, One From The Heart ended up costing $27 million - due to Coppola's insistence on building enormous sets rather than filming on location and its then-revolutionary production techniques which would later become industry standard. The buzz was terrible. And the resulting financial losses were so punishing that Coppola had to spend the rest of the 80s and much of the 90s working them off. But the Tom Waits soundtrack was nominated for an Academy Award. And the film has always had its admirers. Opening titles Raul Julia and Teri Garr tango Yes. that was all shot in the studio

Smell the spaghetti

Afroblanco — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:40:32 -0800

The drama behind the making of The Godfather is nearly as intriguing as the movie itself. A recent Vanityfair piece recounts "how the clash of Hollywood sharks, Mafia kingpins, and cinematic geniuses shaped a Hollywood masterpiece." A follow-up article tells of a fateful dinner between the film's stars and members of the famous Genovese crime family. Thanks to Kottke for the links. Also, previously on MeFi, albeit with a broken link, sadly.

Boom!

Joe Beese — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:52:29 -0800

Tennessee Williams said it was the best film version of any of his plays. Roger Ebert called it "awkward and hopeless on its most fundamental level". John Waters calls it a major influence on the development of his taste. John Barry's soundtrack has been reissued.

SPOILER: everyone on Twitter is actually living in modern times, but they were dead all along.

goodnewsfortheinsane — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:44:03 -0800

It's Bad Movie Club night! You have until 9 GMT / 4 ET to procure #1: a Twitter account and #2: a copy of M. Night Shyamalan's critically misunderstood masterpiece, The Happening. Good luck!

Graham Linehan, of Father Ted and IT Crowd fame, will be your master of ceremonies, and there will be a second screening at midnight GMT / 7 ET, hosted by Phill Jupitus. But remember kids, piracy is stealing.

Thomas Pynchon is 71 years old.

Joe Beese — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:43:42 -0800

"To make off with hubby's fortune, yea, I think I heard of that happenin' once or twice around L.A. And… you want me to do what exactly?" He found the paper bag he'd brought his supper home in and got busy pretending to scribble notes on it, because straight-chick uniform, makeup supposed to look like no makeup or whatever, here came that old well-known hard-on Shasta was always good for sooner or later. Does it ever end, he wondered. Of course it does. It did. Thomas Pynchon's next novel, the 416-page Inherent Vice, is described by Penguin Press as "part noir, part psychedelic romp, all Thomas Pynchon — private eye Doc Sportello comes, occasionally, out of a marijuana haze to watch the end of an era as free love slips away and paranoia creeps in with the L.A. fog." While we wait for its August 4 publication, we can read an essay on the dystopian musical he co-wrote at Cornell or watch a clip of that movie they made of Gravity's Rainbow. related posts here and here

"Hang on a minute, lads, I've got an idea."

Artw — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:11:51 -0800

The Italian Job: Problem Solved

Meet Fedor8, the angriest film reviewer alive

Down10 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:47:40 -0800

In only three years, IMDb commenter Fedor8 has written over 800 reviews, the majority of which are the most vitriolic comments ever put online. He hates nearly everything he sees, yet he'll seemingly watch anything lying on the rack at the video store. His reviews are not mere critiques but annihilations. So full of contempt (particularly for the leftists who run Hollywood), he never misses an opportunity to take a cheap shot at an actor, director or intended audience member. He does have a few positive reviews, but they are so random you can't predict how he'll feel about any given flick. But he is clearly on a rampage, tearing down one film after the next, sneering all the way. If you can't get enough of his movie reviews, you can also read Fedor8's reviews of music, his tastes of which are as contrary and contradictory as his taste in film.

Ray Dennis Steckler, 1939-2009

Chinese Jet Pilot — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:53:00 -0800

Here's to Ray Dennis Steckler, the independent filmmaker who wrote, starred (as Cash Flagg) and directed influential films including The Thrill Killers, Rat Pfink a Boo Boo, and his masterpice The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies. A visionary artist whose influnce is clearly seen in contemporary cinema, Steckler was prolific (producing movies from 1963 until last year), economical (his films were self-produced, shot on 16mm film and later Hi-8 video), and brilliant (as clearly evidenced in this dance sequence from Creatures, "The First Monster Musical"). It hasn't been widely reported yet, but fans are mourning his passing. He died in his sleep yesterday, January 7th, aged 70. I hesitated to post about a death without an obituary to link to (especially since I posted another obituary 24 hours ago), but Ray Dennis Steckler was an important creative influence in my life. I saw Rat Pfink a Boo Boo as a film student, but not at school; my professors were only interested in "serious" cinema like Casablanca and similar crap. It was a revelation. I saw clear artistic vision and high production values in spite of miniscule budgets and volunteer crews. My first e-commerce purchase on the World Wide Web, probably in 1996 and with much trepidation, was a VHS copy of Rat Pfink a Boo Boo from Sinister Cinema. I still keep a VCR hooked up so that I can watch it. On our second date, I took my future wife to a screening of The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies at the old UC Theater in Berkeley, CA. They screened it in Terrorama -- costumed actors (actually the cast for that evening's showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show) "terrorized" the audience by shrieking and running through the aisles. It made an impression on her. I highly recommend Steckler's films to anyone with an eye for cinema. I mourn his passing. Disclaimer: The YouTube link to the Creatures dance sequence is a self-reference. I posted that clip a few years ago.