terrence

English writer, director, and actor Terence Davies has given us a wealth of emotionally devastating films—from Distant Voices, Still Lives to The House of Mirth and last year's The Deep Blue Sea. When we spoke with Rachel Weisz (who starred in his latest film) she talked about how Davies grew up on on films like Brief Encounter and actresses like Bette Davis or Barbara Stanwyck—stories about women getting to be strong and powerful and complex, which has seeped its way into his work. But those aren't the only stories he's interested in. And thanks to Cinephilia and Beyond and The Seventh Art, a rare clip of Davies introducing Stanley Kubrick's first masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey for TV has been brought to our attention. Spencer Everhart writes:

Read More »
fishing

I could have sworn I saw Dean Noris (Breaking Bad's Hank) lounging in Kellogg's diner this past Saturday morning, although it was probably just a hungover mirage. But someone who actually did get to spend some time with Norris, Vince Gilligan, and the cast of Breaking Bad (sadly sans Aaron Paul) was Conan O'Brien in entertaining and in-depth live interview. And today, it was also announced today that the second half to the show's final season (tear) will premiere on AMC, Sunday, August 11th. With only eight episodes left (I could use at least 50), we'll see just where this web of lies and deceit has left Walt after Hank's toilet revelation and how the gang wraps it all up. 

Read More »
patton

Patton Oswalt is really making himself a national treasure this week. And tomorrow, we'll see him guest star Parks and Recreation, and as the citizens of Pawnee are wont to be, his character appears to be a crazy weirdo. And we're not complaining. In the episode, he'll be playing a man who attempts to filibuster a city council vote. In an improvised 8-minute long rant at the request of the producers to give a speech about a topic of his choosing, he goes on to describe—in full detail—his plot for the seventh Star Wars movie. And of course, his nonsensical passionate ramblings are wonderful and hilarious. Take a look.

Read More »
fishing

It's already Wednesday but there's still plenty of great things happening around the city before the weekend even begins. From '90s cult classic TV show screenings to incredible live performances, these next few days look to have something in store for all your creative tastes. Tonight, the man, the myth, the legend John Lurie will make an appearance at Nitehawk to show his perfect Fishing With John and tomorrow Olafur Arnolds will break your heart at Le Poisson Rouge—just to name some highlights. So whilst you stare out the window on this beautiful day wishing you were anywhere but an office, remember once the sun sets there are myriad wonderful events to satiate your craving for something more.

Read More »
werner

The passing of Roger Ebert means not only the loss of one of our most beloved cultural icons and brilliant minds, but as Werner Herzog puts it, "a whole epoch ends." And on a recent episode of Charlie Rose, the acclaimed German filmmaker joined the show with critics A.O. Scott and Dana Stevens to remember the great man who opened up a world of cinematic love and appreciation to the masses, transcending just criticism.

Read More »
alison brie

I can imagine the hearts (and other things) belonging to men across the internet swelling as I watch this video of Paul F. Tompkins directing Community and Mad Men's Alison Brie as she recreates popular internet memes. Is there a better, more beloved actress who could possibly do this sort of thing? If Tumblr has told me anything, it's that the internet loves Alison Brie. And, apparently, Alison Brie loves the internet. 

Read More »
aubrey plaza

Something pretty unfunny happened at the MTV Movie Awards last night: all of it. In particular there was one incident that, whether planned or not, was so painfully awkward as to make even Will Ferrell seem to regret his involvement—to say nothing of a wholly disinterested Peter Dinklage in the background.

Read More »
ryan murphy

Ryan Murphy, who is currently represented on television with three scripted shows (American Horror Story, Glee, and The New Normal), is added an HBO series to his roster. Open, which is described as "a modern, provocative exploration of human sexuality and relationships," has gotten a pilot order from the network. Collaborating with Dexter co-executive producer Lauren Gussis. This will be his second project with the cable network, as his adaptation of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart is also being produced by HBO

Read More »
Shining

Stephen King's anticipated (anticipated? sure) sequel to his 1977 horror novel The Shining hits bookstores... well, let's be honest, it's going to hit Amazon.com this September. Titled Doctor Sleep, the novel will follow grown-up Dan Torrence and his relationship with a psychic twelve-year-old girl. The novel's Wikipedia page ensures that it'll involve an epic battle of good and evil. FIne; Stephen King wrote the book that inspired the excellent Stanley Kubrick film, so let him go ahead and write a companion to his original story. The rest of us—those who know the movie is better than the book—can go on with the understanding that the film is a stand-alone piece of perfection. Of course, it's so popular that it has also inspired a prequel; former Walking Dead showrunner Glen Mazzara will write the script for Warner Bros' upcoming The Overlook Hotel. Which is the worst idea? I think it might be sort of a tie. 

Read More »
riff

Spring Break never really ends does it? Well, not for Harmony Korine's film which continues to stir up headlines well into its theatrical release. And central to Korine's Spring Breakers was Alien, the rapper/drug-dealer played by James Franco and although not a carbon copy of real-life(ish) rapper RiFF RaFF he was pretty close. When he "reviewed" the film, RiFF RaFF said that Franco should win a Grammy for his performance and that it was like he "bought the Riff Raff Halloween costume and decided to super-glue it to his body." Although when we spoke to Korine, he told us that he based Alien on people he knew growing up in the south, saying:

Read More »