Sundance Portraits Make Me Smile and/or Quiver

At the start of this years Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford pronounced that this year would see a return to it's roots and that it would again enable unknown filmmakers to find an audience. That declaration remains to be seen and will be debated by much cleverer people than me in the weeks and months to come. I am pretty much here to post pictures of people I like and ridicule posted images of those I don't like. This specific post is more on the love side....

Let's begin with 2 of my absolute fave indie queens. On the left we have the amazing Catherine Keener - a staple at film festivals. One of the most respected working actors around, she never seems allows herself to be sucked in by the Hollyweird bullsh*t. She is with Oliver Platt - her costar in the upcoming film Cyrus. On the right is one hi-larious lady - Parker Posey. She has been in a ton of films, I especially loved her the Christopher Guest movies - Best In Show, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind. She was also too funny in Scream 3....do not judge my love of the Scream Trilogy. I will fight you on this. Parker was not promoting anything at Sundance this year - she was one of the judges.

Next up is my girl crush Kristen Stewart who is the indisputable Princess of the festival with 2 films showing. The top right picture is with her director Jake Scott and co-star Melissa Leo from Welcome to the Riley's. The other pictures, of course, are with her costar Dakota Fanning as well the totally bad ass Joan Jet and Cherie Currie who Kristen and Dakota are playing in The Runaways. I have already written a ton of stuff about both these films, so won't say anthing further.

I have already posted candid pictures of my new favourite imaginary couple Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. I love these pictures, although they do make me rather distracted. And I have already had to wipe the drool off of my keyboard once this week... I don;t want to do it again. Their film Blue Valentine is getting good reviews and looks like it will get picked up. Yay!

Cute boys in flannel, dirty jeans and boots are always a good thing in my mind..... Oh James Franco, another many who makes me quiver in my nether regions. Howl was one of the first films screened at the Festival this year and seems to have gotten decent (but not fantastic) reviews. It has a great cast (including the dreamy Jon Hamm, Bob Balaban, Mary Louise Parker & David Strathairn) and a very interesting premise. On the right is the Orlando Bloom - who still makes me quiver - and Juliette Lewis who are costarring in Mark Rufallo's film Sympathy for Delicious about a newly paralysed DJ who seeks out a world of faith healing. Hmmm. Interesting!!

Sarah Polley is the Queen of Canada's indy film scene and an Oscar nominee. She is pictures here with her director for the thriller Splice. No specific reason why she is included in this set of pics. I just admire her a lot. Such a young and talented young lady! I adore Naomi Watts. Ever since Brides of Christ and Hey Dad! - which unless you are an Aussie you will have no idea what I am talking about. She is very very very talented. Her movie Mother and Child looks very interesting. Watts plays the daughter of Anette Benning who was given up for adoption by Benning when she was born. It also costars Kerry Washington, Samuel L Jackson, David Morse and Jimmy Smitts. The few reviews I have read are all positive, which is a good! I also just saw on IMDb that Watts is signed on for a remake of The Birds - inspired casting if you ask me!

Last up is a group of Aussie actors who were in town for their crime drama film Animal Kingdom. Guy Pearce is probably the best known of the cast, but was not in Sundance sadly. But Ben Mendelsohn was. I heart him. Very well known and respected in my home and native Australia. Not so much elsewhere. He has had a number of smallish roles in some films, but nothing substantial. He did costar in one of my favourite movies from Australia - The Year My Voice Broke - such a good movie!!! The chick - Jackie Weaver - at the front is best known to me for being married to a very well known personality in Australia (Bert Newton). But she has also done a ton of TV and Film work in Oz. She was actually the one I initially recognised in this picture for some bizarre reason!

All of these shots are from the EW Photo Studio - an annual tradition at Sundance. I am such a fan of these shots and the photographer - Ture Lillegraven. Sundance wraps up over the weekend and then the focus will be on Tuesday's Oscar nominations. I am finally going to see Crazy Heart over the weekend. I may actually write a quick review - it has been a while!

XO

Kristen Stewart - The Princess of Sundance?

I find it a little odd to think that a 19 year old girl will likely be the most photographed and talked about star at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah. There are Academy award winners, fame whores, Industry heavy hitters galore. But all the photogs, all the reporters... they are all hoping for one thing. Kristen Stewart. Granted, Kristen is in 2 films at Sundance this year. But it is not like that has ever happened before. What is bizarre to me is that from the second she landed by private jet on Friday until she leaves, all eyes will be on her. And considering that Kristen Stewart is as fond of attention as women are of Brazilian's, I am sure this experience will be interesting!

Welcome the the Riley's is in competition at Sundance. This is the much anticipated K-Stew as a stripper role that was filmed before, during and after the press junket for Twilight back in late 2008. Lurking on some of the boards apparently there are a large number of fans who simply want to see their K-Stew naked. Sorry to disappoint all you skeevy pervs, but from what I have read, it isn't gonna happen. The film premiered yesterday and Kristen and co-star Melissa Leo were on hand to promote promote promote. I have not seen any inkling of James Gandolfini in Park City, so I am assuming that he has opted out of the press duties for this one

The reviews have been mixed. While most have consistently praised the performances, a number of reviewers have found the story to be cliched and lacking in originality. There has also been quite a bit of criticism heaped on Jake Scott's directorial efforts. I have read the script. And I agree that the story of a little girl lost who is saved by a couple who in turn are saved by the little girl lost is a little cliched. But, I am looking forward to seeing Kristen as something other than Bella Swan and for her to show to the world that she is capable of so much more than Twilight. One teeny beef I have with the reviews I have heard is that they are saying that Kristen is trying to "break free" from Bella Swan. Ummm.... no. She made this movie when Twilight was on the cusp of becoming the worldwide crazy insane phenomenon that it is now. I am pretty sure that Welcome to The Riley's does not have a distributor yet. So I don't know when we will get to see it.

Kristen's other movie at Sundance has distribution (yay!) and will be released in North America in March. It is also not part of the competition for Sundance. This is The Runaways - the Rock biopic about the Joan Jett, Cherie Currie band - The Runaways. This film is also very "buzzy" as it features fishnets, drugs, same-sex kissing, booze, rock and roll.... all those fun things that make a film buzz-worthy. Especially when they involve a kiss between Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning.

Although this was touted as a K-Stew film - early reports say that the standout in this is most definitely 15 year old Dakota Fanning. Dakota and Michael Shannon as sleazy manager Kim Fowley are apparently the stand outs in this movie. And before you lynch me, I am not saying that Kristen sucks in any way shape or form. Or that reviewers are saying she sucks. What reviewers are saying is that this is such a departure for Dakota - who has been America's sweetheart for how may years now? - that she becomes so immersed in her role that she is barely recognisable in parts. Even looking at these pictures, she is so grown up! And so pretty! Can't wait to see her strung out, in a fishnet stockings behaving in a decidedly non-Dakota way.

But really, I am sad to say that much of the focus on Kristen at Sundance will not be about the work that she has poured her heart and soul into. I think that most of the bloggers and detractors will be focusing on the number of times that Kristen smiles during interviews, how she doesn't look as polished as the Disney starlets she is constantly compared to, how she doesn't answer interviewers questions with that perfect sound byte. You know, the really important stuff. Gah. To dispel at least one of these things: I have purposefully included as many pics of Kristen looking at least half-way happy. Some are from The Runaways shoot and for those of you not as obsessed as I am: the top left photo is with director Floria Sigismondi

I wonder if Phillip Seymour Hoffman is ever talked about for his Sundance ensembles? Prolly not.

XO

Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb!

I am not really a "I must do XYZ before I die" kind of person. I do not have one of those Bucket Lists that Jack and Morgan made a movie about a few years ago. I think it was even called The Bucket List. Anyways, although I am not a Bucket List maker, there are some things I really want to do at some point in my life. Comic-con is one. The South By South West Music Fest is another. TIFF - most definitely up there. Sundance. Oh Sundance. Especially this year.

The Sundance Film Festival is taking place in Park City Utah from now until the end of the month and I so wish I could be there. In spite of the invasion of Sundance by such dubious celebrities as Paris Hilton and Jon Gossellin (WTF?), and the over abundance of gifting lounges, I would still love to go one day. To be around so many small little films that are fighting for an audience. To witness the discovery of a film such as sex lies and videotape or Precious…. Anyways, 2 of the most anticipated films of Sundance star my girl crush Kristen Stewart. While only one of them is in the competition portion of the Festival – Welcome to the Rileys – the other movie – The Runaways – looks pretty damned awesome.

The Runaways makes its big Sundance debut this Sunday in Park City, and we have something that will keep your rocker hearts beating until then: an exclusive first look at the movie's teaser poster. We know, we know: now that you've gotten to see plenty more stills and a clip from the Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning-headlined flick, a "teaser" isn't exactly the sort of juice you're looking for. But…..Behold the full teaser poster above. In case you're scratching your head in wonderment: the fruity explosive device is a nod to The Runaways' famous hit song, "Cherry Bomb," which we saw Kristen rock out to in the teaser trailer

Source

And these stills released a few days ago! Oh la! This movie looks pretty fricking cool. They seem to have the look down perfectly. I can’t wait t see Dakota Fanning as a bad ass sexually adventurous rocker chick. I forget that she is not a baby anymore (well, she is, but she is not 10 years old anymore). I am also thoroughly impressed with Michael Shannon as the smarmy smarmy manager Kim Fowley. Doesn’t he make your skin crawl? Each time I see him in character I feel an overwhelming need to take a shower. *Shudder*

The Runaways premiers over the weekend in Park City, but the rest of us have to wait until March 19th or so to see this movie. Sadly I will be in a place where films do not premier on their opening weekend. :( Not sure when I will get a chance to see it. Hopefully it will still be on in Vancity when I get back from visiting my momma in Tasmania.

XO

Trailer Trash - The Runaways

Finally, a trailer has been released for The Runaways. And although it doesn't really tell you much, and there is no dialogue save a few snippets of songs and Michael Shannon as skeevy band manager Kim Fowley. If you were not aware, this film is a rock biopic about 1970's rock band The Runaways. Starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie - the movie will debut at Sundance in a few weeks. The girls will not only be playing their own instruments, they are also lending their own voices to such classic songs as Cherry Bomb, Queens of Noise, Born to be Bad and many others. I hope that it gets a theatrical release soon after.

I also managed to get my grubby little paws on a copy of the script. Wowsers. Lotsa sex, drugs and rock and roll. I think that Dakota's good girl image is gonna go up in flames after her first girl on girl kiss with Kristen Stewart. And as for the actress best known as Bella Swan, she already has a reputation as quite the bad ass. This film is definitely gonna foster that image.

Can't fricking wait

XO

"The Runaways" gets a Poster and a 1st Screening Date

Kristen Stewart is gonna be one busy girl at The Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. Not only is Welcome to The Rileys part of the official program at the Festival in Park City, Utah but word has just come out that another film she completed in between filming New Moon and Eclipse here in Vancouver will be screened, likely looking for a distributor. I wasn't aware that they had a "non-competition" section to Sundance, but I am glad that they do.

The Runaways is the story of 1970's all-girl rock band of the same name. Starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie, the film chronicles the band from their formation in 1975 until 1977 when Currie left at the height of their success. Also starring Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon as their manipulative manager Kim Fowley, and Alia Shawkett, Scout Taylor-Compton & Stella Maeve, I really really hope that someone picks this film up. I would hate for it to languish on a shelf somewhere.

I think this story is so fascinating. They were a manufactured group, but they turned the music industry, particularly the hard-rock music industry, on it's head. A bunch of 15-16 chicks filling stadiums, taking on what had always been a male dominated world, living the rockstar lifestyle as teenage girls. Looks pretty f*cking rad if you ask me. The first poster and promotional pictures were released recently. The poster is all about the legs and the guitars - and the red. I like it! I absolutely love the picture of Kristen and Dakota - they look fricking amazing and bad ass in this shot. I can't wait to see this movie.


Gah! Why do I not have a life that affords me the ability to go to Sundance? Or TIFF? Or SXSW? Sigh.... Maybe one day I will....


XO

The Volturi are Revealed

A number of new images of the Volturi were released to the interwebs today and I for one say meh. If you were not aware, the Volturi are a powerful coven of Vampire's that will be making their first appearance in The Twilight Saga - New Moon. They would be considered the underlying "Big Bad" in the entire Twilight series and play a small but important role in both New Moon and Eclipse, before really settling in as the non-villainous villains in Breaking Dawn (this is Stephanie Meyer after all, and there is no actual physical confrontation in Breaking Dawn - don't get me started).

Led by Aro (Michael Sheen), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower) and Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl), the Volturi also includes twins Jane (Dakota Fanning) and Alec (Cameron Bright) and guard member Demetri (Charlie Bewley).

These official images are kinda cheesy no? With the exception of Aro (top left) and Jane (bottom left) I actually find the styling and poses pretty lamorama. Especially Caius (middle) and Marcus (top right). But these are simply publicity stills and if memory serves me correctly, many of the images from Twilight were incredibly yawn worthy also.

The stills from the actual movie are a lot more reassuring. I love the look of the Volturi chamber, although it is a lot less dark and gloomy that I was expecting. And I don't care that Dakota kept her blond hair. The look on her face and her vivid red eyes are amazing and menacing and I can't wait until she has Robert thrashing around on the floor. Sadly it will be in pain and not in ecstasy.

And again I say, I am not that fussed about the Volturi. They are in the film for a heartbeat. If they screw it up, it certainly won't be the first time a minor character in a book has been f*cked up royally in the film version. And it won't be the last.

November 20th. That is the day I will be drunk at noon with Nicole, surrounded by teenage girls who will be creaming their panties and screaming like lunatics every time anyone under 30 with a penis comes on the screen. Sigh. At least we will be drunk. For Twilight, we drank a bottle of wine in the theatre. We are thinking we may need more for New Moon.

XO

Meet the Volturi.

A small part of me had hoped that at Comic Con we would get a glimpse of the Volturi in one of the scenes, but I guess the whole Edward-Bella-Jacob triangle is what all the kids wanna see. Thankfully, some intrepid supersleuth of the interwebs has procured this image of the Volturi Leaders - Alec, Marcus and Caius and their Guard - Jane & Alec. If these prove to be real (and considering Summit apparently asked some of the sites to take them down, I am thinking these are the real deal)...... I am totally stoked. I love it. Epic win in my opinion.

The Volturi are a very small, but very important part of the Twilight saga and twi-hard crazy's everywhere have been very very vocal in any and all casting decisions. These images will hopefully pacify them. One thing I can see the crazy's going bat s*it over is the fact that it seems that Dakota Fanning, in the pivotal role of Jane, kept her blonde hair. Oh the horror! Changing the color of a relatively minor character's hair. You have totally ruined the entire series. *stamping foot & running out of the room weeping and wailing*

Please.

She will probably be on screen for about 10 minutes at the most. I think they look awesome and from what I have read from the variety of set visits that took place in Vancouver, they are going to kill it as the Vampire Royalty.

XO

The Runaways cast photo

Okay so they are pap shots, but these are the some of the first photos with the whole band right? And they all have their names written across their chests to make it easier for people like me to figure out who they all are. I have still yet to see a decent show of Scout Taylor-Compton as Lita Ford though. Hopefully they will release an official cast photo soon so the intense scrutiny, comparison and ridicule can begin!

Here is a famous image of The Runaways. Feel free to compare, and ridicule below ;)

I am very very very much looking forward to this film. I like the music of the Runaways and think that their story is so interesting. As this is being executive Produced by Joan Jett, I am confident that it will be true to their story. Whether it is done well remains to be seen!

Kristen (and Dakota?) is scheduled to be at Comicon this week poor thing. I do not envy her this part of the job! Being screamed at for that long would not be a fun thing. Especially when the majority of them are screaming for your costar not you. More power to her for dealing with this.

XO

Kristen & Rob - Hard at Work

Not everyone had Canada Day off eh?



Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were hard at work on opposite sides of the US today on their respective movies - The Runaways and Remember Me respectively.



Kristen & co-star Dakota Fanning looked like they were having fun in LA knocking over garbage cans & jumping on the hoods of cars for their roles as Joan Jett & Cheri Currie in the biopic of the first all girl rock'n'roll band. I am loving the looks for this movie. Can we talk about Dakota's boots for a second? Amazingness. And I do love how Kristen is still in her Chucks (or the 70's equivalent at least). Apparently Tatum O'Neall has joined the cast playing Dakota's mother - she should be quite the authority on teen-angst bullsh*t.

Rob on the other hand showed up on the set bruised and bloody again - an not due to crazy twi-hard fans. I still haven't read the script, but this seems to be quite the heavy role and I hope that he can pull it off. I haven't seen him in anything except Harry Potter and Twilight, so really don't have that much to go on as it relates to his acting chops. But Little Ashes is playing in Vancity at the moment and I may try and go see it. In the meantime enjoy the photos and remember - the cast will be back in my town mid August to begin work on Eclipse. They were left alone for the most part when they were here, so they are probably looking forward to being back here.

The one on the bottom left is from the weekend, but I could not resist the hawtness.

Enjoy the pics of them on set while you can. I don't think the set of Eclipse will be quite as accessible. Lots of night shoots, interiors and deep in the middle of no-where meadows to keep the paps and the twi-hard crazy's away.

XO