RoboCop viral site hits the ‘net
I was watching the original RoboCop just this evening when, no more than an hour after, did I see news over at Bleeding Cool that an Omni Corp website has been set up ahead of next year’s RoboCop remake starring Gary Oldman, Samuel L Jackson and Hugh Laurie with Joel Kinnaman as the titular cyborg hero. One of my thoughts whilst watching the 1987 classic tonight was ‘I hope they make the ED-209 into a real beast’. Well, the film gods must have been listening, because here is the first image of the modernised war machine:
I have to admit, I think they have got this spot on. The new design retains much of the original’s structure, whilst rendering it as a sleek, powerful mechanised nightmare. I, for one, cannot wait to see it in action. They even give us a teaser of what ED-209 can do in the brief video found on Omni Corp’s site. José Padilha’s remake appears to be off to a great start.
Cosmopolis Q&A with David Cronenberg and Robert Pattinson
Last night Curzon Mayfair hosted a special preview screening of David Cronenberg’s latest feature Cosmopolis. Afterwards the legendary director took to the stage with his leading man, Robert Pattinson to discuss several topics relating to the film and working with the ever-popular Twilight star.
David Cronenberg discusses his latest film, Cosmopolis, alongside lead Robert Pattinson
The full audio of the 33-minute conversation follows the jump, with transcription to follow, if you’re good. Be aware that some spoilers are contained but nothing that would take away from the unique experience this film presents.
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Review: The Future
Modern-day Renaissance woman Miranda July returns to the big screen with her sophomore feature The Future. The writer/director/leading actor July presents a surrealistic tale of an off-beat couple in their mid-30s faced with the reality that the time to achieve their dreams is rapidly slipping away. Inspired and frightened by the impending burden of responsibility attached to the adoption of an injured cat, Sophie (July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) decide to attempt to live their lives to the fullest over the following 30 days; the run-up to the day Paw-Paw will be ready to come home with them.
Miranda July at the Q&A for The Future at the London Film Festival
Opening to blackness, the voice of Paw-Paw the cat sets the context for the following 90 minutes, after which Sophie and Jason are introduced. Discussing robotic cranes and time stoppage, the pair often discuss random and seemingly meaningless topics. She’s a children’s dance instructor and he works from home as a telephone tech support officer and both are deeply unsatisfied with where their lives have ended up. Having decided to adopt an injured and sickly cat, the pair soon find out Paw-Paw could have another good five years left. Faced with the exaggerated reality of this impending commitment, they question their ambitions and set out to make the most of their remaining time. Both quit their job and focus on achieving meaningful personal goals instead. From door-to-door tree sales to YouTube dance videos, the kooky results are at times baffling, enchanting, disheartening and life affirming.
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Review: The Artist
The gala screening of The Artist was held last night at the London Film Festival and it is truly a special viewing experience. It may be overstating matters to claim nothing has been seen like it on the silver screen in 70 years, but not by much. Yes, initially set in 1927’s Hollywood, The Artist is a silent, black and white film released in 2011. It is without a doubt novel, but also charming and nostalgic whilst loaded with several clever touches, large and small, that will surely reward repeat viewings.
Bérénice Bejo attends the gala screening of The Artist at the London Film Festival
The Artist is not simply about the life of fictitious silent film star, George Valentin (French star Jean Dujardin), as it ingeniously tackles the introduction of the “talkies” and the impact they have on his career and personal life. Adored by fans and in constant company of his faithful (and talented!) Jack Russell terrier, George mugs his way into audiences’ hearts, both onscreen and in the cinema itself. Multiple takes of an early dance sequence showing George getting into character are delightful. Argentinean-French actress Bérénice Bejo is The Artist’s leading lady, Peppy Miller an admirer of Valentin and aspiring actress. Following a few chance encounters with George and his words of wisdom to the would-be starlet, Peppy’s career grows from bit-parts to starring roles. Meanwhile, George’s career rolls on as his marriage descends further down a bitter, resentful spiral, though even this is played-out in a light-hearted fashion. The introduction of the talking pictures sees Peppy rocketed to superstardom and George fading into obscurity, clinging to pride and stubbornness.
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Review: Real Steel
On 14 October, the year 2020 arrives in the UK as Real Steel brings its fighting robots from the not-too distant future to life. While this could fairly be described as Rock’em Sock’em Robots: The Movie! director Shawn Levy presents a film that has a lot of heart, even if it tries too hard to establish it. As Charlie Kenton, Hugh Jackman is arrogant, gruff and mostly unlikeable. Hard-up for money, he tours county fairs with his fight bot and, seemingly due to a shocking lack of concentration, ends up in deep debt due to his losses.
Amir Khan and Hugh Jackman are ready for action at the Real Steel premiere
Regrouping at Tallet’s Gym, under the care of the owner and on-again-off-again lover Bailey (Evangeline Lilly) Kenton attempts to regroup before receiving news of a former lover’s death. Her son- and Kenton’s son is now up for custody and before long Charlie has struck a deal with the boy’s wealthy uncle to take care of him over the summer, so the custodial couple can enjoy they Italian getaway unfettered. Cash in hand, Charlie buys a former championship fighting robot and does his best to dismiss his angry son’s protests. Dakota Goyo’s Max is a smart-mouthed, no-nonsense 11-year-old that has Charlie’s number. He displays an awareness that Charlie is sadly lacking and together, through a bit of trial and error the reluctant father-son pairing are soon on a path of success. Thanks to Max’s unfortunately contrived discovery of Atom, a second generation sparring bot with an important shadow-box feature, Charlie’s money woes begin to ease up and his relationship with his son grows.
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