Stiller's workhorse ways praised

Ben Stiller will receive the Charlie Chaplin Award for Comedy Excellence at the Britannia Awards. Ben Stiller's work ethic is contagious.Stiller, whom BAFTA/LA is honoring with the Charlie Chaplin Award for Excellence in Comedy, has the uncanny ability to take on multiple things at once and do them all well."He runs extremely hot when he's working, and you definitely have to run as hot as he does," says Justin Theroux, who wrote "Tropic Thunder" with Stiller. "There's definitely no being lazy. He'll call at 12:30 at night, saying we need to (fix something) by tomorrow. But it's always for the betterment of the overall thing."This year saw not only the release of his big acting project "Tower Heist," but also "30 Minutes Or Less" and "The Big Year," both produced by Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld's company Red Hour. And there's plenty more where that came from: five upcoming films including "Zoolander 2" (penned with Theroux) and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," a Red Hour film that Stiller will direct and star in.Stiller also kept it in the family, producing a Web series for Funny or Die featuring his parents (Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara) discussing topics du jour."I've worked with a lot of gifted, hard-working people," says Cornfield, "and he's at the top of my list."When they met 12 years ago, their relationship was built on mutual comedic taste and a promise of frankness. "Even if we agreed on something, we each knew we could be wrong about it," Cornfield says.Theroux contends there is little ego in Stiller's work."A lot of times, if you write for someone who's also the star, they just want to increase the size of their part, but he's really magnanimous in the way he writes," Theroux says.Stiller will regularly cut things, even for himself, if they don't service the film. "He's good at keeping things as lean as they can possibly be," Theroux adds.That's a hell of a task given the sheer volume of projects Stiller touches, all in various stages of development. Plus he wears multiple hats: In some cases he's writing, directing and producing; others he's simply acting, as in the upcoming Noah Baumbach pic "While We're Young."Luckily, he might run hot, but it's a precision heat."He's got an astounding ability to focus on something; when giving something total attention, he gets a tremendous amount of stuff done," Cornfeld says.And the more Red Hour grows, the more defined its Hollywood niche."Our films have emotional honesty, no matter how eccentric the manifestation of those emotions," Cornfeld says. "Like, Derek Zoolander is a narcissistic idiot, but the emotions he's going through are real. We try to hold on to that."Britannia Awards 2011Bard barbs inspire teensHonoreesDavid Yates | Helena Bonham Carter | Warren Beatty | Ben Stiller | John Lasseter Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Ken Russell Dead: Controversial Director Dies at 84

British filmmaker Ken Russell died on Sunday morning at the age of 84. Russell's credits include the controversial film, 'The Devils,' a 1971 movie starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, which was criticized for its graphic depiction of sex and violence. Russell received a Best Directing Oscar nomination for the 1969 film, 'Women in Love,' and would go on to direct The Who's 'Tommy,' an iconic 1975 flick based on the album by the British rock band. In an excerpt from the 2008 book, 'Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood,' author James Wolcott examines Russell's work, stating that the director is "more than a traffic cop in a canvas chair conducting for the camera. He's an impressario, each movie part of a larger sales pitch for the director's signature brand." According to THR, Russell died peacefully in his sleep. [via THR] [Photo: AFP/Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Fashion Slam: Makeup Mondays - Julie Bowens Holiday Sparkle

First Launched: November 28, 2011 1:07 PM EST Credit: FilmMagic La, Calif. -- Caption Julie Bowen reaches the 2010 American Music Honours at Nokia Theatre L.A. Survive November 20, 2011 in Los AngelesModern Family star Julie Bowen got an increase round the perfect makeup look for the holidays. Her gorgeous think about the AMAs was created by makeup artist Louise Currie for NYX Cosmetics and featured a 60s inspired cat eye and nude lip. Ready to give it a try for that party? Choose this using these step-by-step tips. The Best Way To: For Face: Creating a natural base, Louise prepared Julies skin with NYX Cosmetics HD Studio Photogenic Primer together with an easy sweep in the NYX HD Studio Photogenic Foundation in Soft Beige. She then set the liquid foundation while using the new NYX Stay Matte While Not Flat Powder Foundation in Medium Beige - a perfect product to keep Julie shine-free round the red-colored-colored carpet. Louise then covered the inspiration with NYX HD Studio Photogenic Grinding Powder in Nude. Round the apples of her face, she used the mauve blush within the new NYX Butt Naked Eyes Palette, to boost the gold tones in Julies dress. Next, Louise contoured and layed out while using bronzer and shimmery illuminators within the palette. For Eyes: Louise used the completely new NYX Collection Noir Glossy Black Lining to create Julies 60s cat eye. She smudged the liner and mixed it while using dark, shimmery gray eye shadow within the NYX Butt Naked Eyes Palette between Julies top lashes. Next, to create color contrast, she used the shimmery taupe eye shadow within the palette within the covers, as well as the pale pink shimmery eye shadow within the palette between Julies eye brows so they cover to enhance her brow bone. Louise used the NYX Eyebrow Marker in Medium to shade inside the eye brows. She finished the dramatic eye look with several jackets of NYX Toy Eye Mascara in Extended Lash. For Lips: Louise downplayed Julies lip color to help keep the primary concentrate on her account dramatic eyes while using the new, nude-tinted NYX Color Lip Balm in Spasibo. She then added shine and volume while using NYX Power Up Lip Plumper in Kim a perfect product to achieve Julies feminine pout! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Tommy' Director Ken Russell Dead At 84

Questionable British director Ken Russell - most widely known for that 1975 film Tommy died on Sunday at age 84. Russells greatest commercial success was his trippy adaptation from the Whos rock opera, starring Roger Daltrey because the title character. The film also featured Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner and Elton John. But theres a lot more to Russells lengthy and fascinating career than Tommy. Listed here are five details worth observing. 1. Russell trained like a ballet dancer before employed in film. 2. Within the sixties he earned a number of documentaries about classical music composers for that BBC. 3. His 1971 film The Demons was heavily censored and banned outright in lots of places for pairing religious imagery with sex and violence. 4. He directed a youthful Hugh Grant within the 1988 horror flick The Lair from the Whitened Earthworm. 5. In 2007, Russell made an appearance within the fifth season of Celebrity Your Government. He left the home under your own accord after quarrelling together with his (now deceased) housemate, Jade Goody. Leave your ideas for Russell within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Access Hollywood Live: Aida Mollenkamps Thanksgiving Recipes With A Healthy Twist!

First Published: November 23, 2011 12:09 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Access Hollywood Live: Low-Fat Recipes For The Holidays! LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Just in time for Thanksgiving, chef Aida Mollenkamp stopped by Access Hollywood Live to share her tasty recipes for traditional Thanksgiving side dishes with a healthy twist! Here are the recipes for the dishes Aida shared Mashed White Beans and Cauliflower with Leeks (instead of Mashed Potatoes) (vegan, low cal, low fat, high fiber - A typical serving of creamy mashed potatoes has about 360 calories and about 18 grams of fat. But a sensible portion size of Aidas version has 100 calories and 1 gram of fat) CLICK HERE for the recipe! Spinach Salad with Pears and Pomegranate (vegan, gluten-free, low cal, low fat A serving of traditional spinach is about 282 calories and 10 grams fat. But this spinach salad has 60 calories and 1 1/2 grams fat) CLICK HERE for the recipe! Orange-Cranberry Relish -- (instead of sugar-laden cranberry sauce in a can; vegan, low cal and fat free) CLICK HERE for the recipe! Crispy Onion-Green Bean-Mushroom Casserole (instead of Green Bean Casserole w/ condensed mushroom soup; vegetarian, low cal, low fat One serving of traditional green bean casserole has 240 about calories and 8 grams fat. But this version has only 120 calories) CLICK HERE for the recipe! Roasted Candied Sweet Potatoes Casserole -- (instead of Candied Yams; vegetarian, low cal, low fat An average serving of traditional candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows, butter and brown sugar has about 498 calories 8 grams of fat and 52 grams of sugar, but a serving of this version has only 140 calories 3.5 g fat and 6 grams of sugar) CLICK HERE for the recipe! Catch Aida Mollenkamp on Wednesday nights The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? on NBC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pacheco to perform in Cates benefit at Geffen

Singer Nathan Pacheco will perform Christmas classics at the Geffen Playhouse Dec. 18, with proceeds going toward the Gil Cates Memorial Fund. Event titled "Home for the Holidays: The Voice of Nathan Pacheco" will include a wine and dessert reception. Singer was a favorite of Cates, who was the managing director at the Geffen before he suddenly passed away Oct. 31 at age 77. Currently playing at the Geffen is "Next Fall," with James Wolk and Geoffrey Nauffts, and the Alan Alda-written "Radiance: The Passion of Madame Curie." Pacheco, currently signed under Disney Pearl label, had a prominent role in the 2009 "Yanni Voices" tour. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Scribe wins 2 at Evening Standard kudos

Frankenstein stars Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch shared best actor at the Evening Standard Awards. BeanThe National Theater, Royal Court and the Donmar Warehouse took most of the spoils at the 57th London Evening Standard Theater Awards on Sunday.Two of the categories, unusually, wound up with joint wins. Scribe Richard Bean, who was considered to have been headed for a split vote, wound up winning best play for both "The Heretic" at the Royal Court and "One Man, Two Guv'nors " at the National. The latter's West End transfer opens Monday with a Gotham run at the Music Box opening April 18.Likewise, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller shared the best actor prize for their nightly switching of roles of the creature and his creator in Danny Boyle's National Theater SRO production of "Frankenstein."Sheridan Smith nabbed best actress for her role as a plucky ex-barmaid in Terence Rattigan's 1942 drama "Flare Path." Her rival Kristin Scott Thomas did not go away empty-handed, however, since Stephen Fry presented her with the Lebedev Special Award for her contribution to London theater.For the first time, the sole design award went to a sound designer. Adam Cork won for his sound on Rob Ashford's production of "Anna Christie" and Michael Grandage's production of "King Lear," both at the Donmar Warehouse. Grandage also received the Editor's special award "for making the Donmar Warehouse a star." The surprise of the evening was when Ashford lost out on the helming award to Mike Leigh for his own play "Grief" at the National Theater.As expected, "Matilda, The Musical" won the tuner category while the Beyond Theater award went to the Pet Shop Boys and choreographer Javier de Frutos for their ballet "The Most Incredible Thing" which returns to Sadler's Wells in March 2012.In the outstanding newcomer category, thesp Phoebe Fox lost out to her husband, U.S.-born actor Kyle Soller, who won for a trio of performances in shows at the Young Vic and Royal Court.Hosted by Dame Edna Everage, the Savoy hotel ceremony included presentations by Gemma Arterton, Anna Chancellor and Dan Stevens ("Downton Abbey"). Go to Variety.com for a complete list of winners.ACTOR(Joint) Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, "Frankenstein" (National Theater)THE NATASHA RICHARDSON AWARDS FOR BEST ACTRESSSheridan Smith, "Flare Path" (Theater Royal Haymarket)PLAYRichard Bean, "The Heretic," (Royal Court) & Richard Bean, "One Man, Two Guv'nors" (National Theater) THE NED SHERRIN AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL"Matilda The Musical" (RSC Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge Theater) DIRECTORMike Leigh, "Grief" (National Theater) DESIGNAdam Cork, sound design of "Anna Christie" & "King Lear" (Donmar Warehouse) THE CHARLES WINTOUR AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING PLAYWRIGHTPenelope Skinner, "The Village Bike" (Royal Court)THE MILTON SHULMAN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NEWCOMERKyle Soller, for his performances in "The Glass Menagerie" (Young Vic); "Government Inspector" (Young Vic) and "The Faith Machine" (Royal Court) EDITOR'S AWARDMichael Grandage BEYOND THEATER AWARDPet Shop Boys and Javier de Frutos. "The Most Incredible Thing" (Sadler's Wells) THE LEBEDEV SPECIAL AWARDKristin Scott ThomasTHE MOSCOW ARTS THEATER'S GOLDEN SEAGULL Tom Stoppard for his contribution to Russian theater and the international stage Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

TV Ratings: 'X Factor' Increases for Fox, ABC's Wednesday Line-up Returns Low

Ray Mickshaw/FOX X Factor rebounded slightly in the November. 9 dip last evening, nabbing a 3.8 rating in grownups 18-49. Performances within the top also averaged 11.2 million audiences throughout the time from the 2-hour broadcast. Despite the fact that that gave Fox an advantage total others inside the demo, CBS edged out X Factor while using Wednesday's greatest audience. Original broadcasts of Survivor, Criminal Minds and CSI counseled me up in the earlier week in audiences as well as the 18-49s, giving CBS a 3.2 rating for your evening and 11.5 million audiences. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which New Show Will Probably Be Axed? ABC came second to Fox inside the demo, nevertheless the network was lower overall after its usual line-up needed off the other day for your CMA Honours. Modern Family completed under a present rerun, getting into 12.8 million together with a 5.5 in grownups 18-49. Happy Being showed up second for your evening inside the demo getting a 3.2, then your Center (2.9), Suburgatory (2.8) and Revenge (2.7). NBC saw pros and cons, having a completely new episode of Up With The Evening acquiring a six percent rise in grownups 18-49 for just about any 1.9 rating. Harry's Law, however, dropped with a season low of a single.1 Law & Order: SVU was on componen while using previous week's low of a single.9. A completely new outing of America's Next Top Model saw a good start slight rise in audiences for your CW, getting into 1.9 million within the 9:00 p.m. hour. It ongoing to become steady having its previous .8 rating in grownups 18-49. Wednesday, November, 16, Overnight Ratings: 8 p.m. Fox: The X Factor (10.9 million audiences, 3.6 rating among grownups 18-49) CBS: Survivor: South Off-shoreline (11.5 million, 3.3) ABC: The Middle (9.millions of, 2.9) NBC: Up With The Evening (4.8 million, 1.9) The CW: America's Next Top Model (R) (1.2 million, .4) 8:30 p.m. ABC: Suburgatory (8.millions of, 2.8) NBC: Up With The Evening (R) (3.9 million, 1.4) 9 p.m. ABC: Modern Family (12.9 million, 5.5) FOX: The X Factor (11.5 million, 4.) CBS: Criminal Minds (12.5 million, 3.7) NBC: Harry's Law (7.2 million, 1.1) The CW: America's Next Top Model (1.9 million, .8) 9:30 p.m. ABC: Happy Being (7.millions of, 3.2) 10 p.m. CBS: CSI (10.5 million, 2.6) ABC: Revenge (7.95 million, 2.6) NBC: Law & Order: SVU (7.25 million, 1.9) TV Ratings

Breaking Dawn To Debut As High As $125M

EXCLUSIVE: The international rollout starts Wednesday. But I’ve just learned that an internal Summit Entertainment estimate puts this weekend’s domestic opening of Breaking Dawn Part 1 at $110 millionto $125 million. That will make this fourth film in the Twilight Saga franchise the 2nd biggest weekend debut since thestudio began making Stephenie Meyer’s vampireromance novels into films –behind only the Twilight sequel New Moon. [UPDATE: Rival studios think Summit is lowballing and expect Breaking Dawn to debut to $142+M.] And remember this is a female-driven 2D movie. It’s the 3D fanboy-driven movies that have been so hurt by slumping box office of late. Once again, the newestinstallment will be releasing into more than 4,061 locations in North America.No number of theaters yet known for the midnight opening Thursday. Since the franchise began, Twilight opened domestically to $69.6M in 2008, New Moon to $142.8M in 2009,Eclipse to $64.8M in 2010. As for the day and date international rollout, here’s the release schedule: November 16th Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland; November 17th – Australia, Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Chile, CIS, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, UAE, Ukraine; November 18th – Aruba, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies, UK. (Previous: YIKES! Twilight Fans Already Lining Up For Breaking Dawn Premiere)

News Corp.: Review nationwide Found No Evidence of Phone Hacking

NY - Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. mentioned Monday the three-month review at its major newspapers nationwide finds "no evidence of illegitimate telephone surveillance or obligations to public government bodies." Oftentimes when private detectives were utilized, staff and corporations were asked for to provide written assurances the work was neither illegal, nor illegitimate, the business mentioned. Plus, the review investigated claims with a couple, who came forward following a U.K. scandal, saying they suspected staff had jeopardized their phones, it added. "In such cases, employees associated with all the tales were extensively asked without any evidence is discovered to assist the claims," News Corp. mentioned. The review was commissioned by retiring News Limited chairman and Boss John Hartigan a direct consequence in the U.K. phone hacking scandal that hit the conglomerate this summer season. "The review's findings give you the most effective possible support for News Limited's assertion that it's editorial staff haven't commissioned the kind of illegitimate surveillance or obligations that have emerged inside the U.K.," the business mentioned. It mentioned it could, however, find a solution to protect standards of conduct. News Corp.'s Australian business will, for example, adopt only one code of conduct across its editorial methods and "further strengthen the approval process for nearly any usage of private detectives," it mentioned. Plus, editorial staff will have to renew their understanding in the code of conduct every year. The completely new code includes specific comments on using private detectives. Beneath the new language, unless of course obviously you will discover exceptional conditions, journalists will execute their unique queries and research, in line with the organization.Plus, using private detectives "ought to be restricted to operate which assessments, certifies or determines particulars intended for the fundamental dependence on precision inside our journalism." The editor, divisional mind as well as the group editorial director must approve using scientists. Plus, scientists must "provide a written assurance that they may skip illegitimate surveillance," the business mentioned. "I mentioned at the outset of this process I'd pointless to suspect any wrongdoing," mentioned Hartigan. "An incredibly diligent good article has confirmed that. Nevertheless we'll take advantage of the chance to setup place measures to assist reinforce our standards." The Australian review used a team of 26 auditors and collected data on nearly 685,000 transactions around the five-year period, it mentioned. All cash transactions over $100 and many types of transactions over $10,000 were checked, in line with the firm. Greater than 28,000 transactions were risk examined individually in addition to these 2,321 were examined in more detail, the firm mentioned. The newspapers examined were The Australian and Weekend Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, The Herald Sun, The Sunday Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail as well as the Sunday Mail in Queensland, The Internet marketer as well as the Sunday Mail in South Australia as well as the Sunday Occasions in Western Australia. Staff and outdoors service companies were requested and asked on the way, News Corp. mentioned. Outdated idol idol judges Frank Vincent and Bernard Teague individually examined the review's methodology and findings. Australia-based director Peter Barnes oversaw the process for News Corp.'s board's governance committee. Items a maximum of milk for tea rooms and the size of obligations for editorial columnists and news wires were examined, validated and recorded with the audit teams, News Corp. mentioned. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Rupert Murdoch News Corp. Phone Hacking Scandal

Prison Dog Training Memoir 'Weekends With Daisy' Headed to Big Screen (Exclusive)

Getty CBS Films has pre-emptively grabbed film rights to the forthcoming memoirWeekends with Daisy, written bySharron Kahn Luttrell.our editor recommendsTHR's 5 Books of the Week: Stephen King, Formula One, Rock History, and Umberto EcoWhat Amy Baer's Exit Means for CBS Films' Future With elements of The Blind Side, Luttrell's story details how as a middle-class freelance journalist in New England she decided to volunteer for an inmate dog-training program. By taking a labrador puppy on the weekends to continue its training in the outside world, Luttrell eventually formed adeepening relationship with both the dog and the male convict who was training her in prison. (Much of the U.S. service-dog population is trained by prisoners.) PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years Lauren Shuler DonnerandJack Leslieof the Donners' Company are producing the project. Both execs have long been involved in supporting similar inmate dog-training programs.Execs Mark Ross and Ryan Conroy are overseeing for the studio. Gotham Group'sEllen Goldsmith-VeinandLuke Sandlerrepped the sale of the book's film rights.Daisy is currently out to publishers, though no deal has yet been set. CBS films is in production on Seven Psychopaths and 7500, while its Toronto acquisition Salmon Fishing in the Yemen will open in theaters in March. The company will next release The Woman in Black in February. The Donners' Company most recently produced the Fox actioner X-Men: First Class, which grossed $354 million worldwide this year. Lauren Shuler-Donner CBS Films

Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie

A Geffen Playhouse presentation from the play by 50 percent operates by Alan Alda. Directed by Daniel Sullivan. Marie Curie Anna Gunn Paul Langevin Serta Donohue Jeanne Langevin Sarah Zimmerman Pierre Curie John p Lancie With: Hugo Remedy, Leonard Kelly-Youthful, Natacha Roi.Helmer Daniel Sullivan has come up with a topflight cast and goodlooking Geffen Playhouse production for Alan Alda's "Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie." Nevertheless the play itself rarely increases above the quantity of a junior high training filmstrip on Great Males & Women of Science. Alda, who taken Richard Feynman's personality quite nicely in Peter Parnell's "QED," can't seem to control the woman or her work, nor mix them in to a viable dramatic construct. For a while we're back with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, inside the hagiographic 1943 biopic's idyllic marriage of minds of stolid, professional Marie ("Breaking Bad"'s Anna Gunn, in thick Polish accent and chrysanthemum hairdo) and avuncular Pierre (John p Lancie, as lovably cranky since the late Andy Rooney). They exclaim in regards to the glowing potential of pitchblende prior to the same runaway wagon that freshly freshly mowed lower Pidgeon comes again, relegating the estimable p Lancie for the sidelines to light his cigar whenever Marie recalls him, that's a smaller amount as years pass. Act an individual's finest element might be the collision of brilliant, wimpish physicist Paul Langevin (Or Shakespeare mainstay Serta Donohue) and neurotic, abusive wife Jeanne (Sarah Zimmerman). Their clashes, growing from needling to outright violence, give a vision of scientists' personal existence distinct within the Curies' warm mutual respect. Donohue is especially effective as his puppydog desiring Marie noticeably intensifies his frustration in your house. But in some manner, when we're out at intermission, Curie discovers she's mad relevant for this nebbish, jumping into some PG-13 canoodling fully outfitted. Although we not comprehend what she possibly sees in him, but Alda has this tower of self-possession out of the blue enter into conniptions thinking of Jeanne's obtaining a mildly compromising letter. Still, as Marie dithers through her personal existence and becomes enfeebled by radiation poisoning, she handles to keep processing enough pitchblende into radium to garner several Nobel Honours. Things really visit hell, for text and figures alike, once the unlikely lovers' affair becomes public. Alda can get inside a few passing jams at fundamentalist Christian followers trying to make the most of Marie of her good title and blame her for your Franco-Prussian Fight against her part, she triggers anything at all to rail at her progressively spineless lover for caring in what Jeanne might say or publish. The role simply doesn't appear sensible from moment to moment or throughout its arc, notwithstanding Gunn's always sincere intelligence. Nobels in hands, entirely command of her righteousness, Marie is not convincing as persecuted protofeminist victim, though her overcome bigotry is clearly what Alda desires to leave us with. Eventually everything just type of stops, missing any kind of stylishly created resolution. Fine stars like Hugo Remedy and Natacha Roi are stuck mouthing exposition in nothing parts, while Zimmerman is just too restrained inside the juiciest one. With Marie constantly known to as meticulous and controlled, letting crazy Jeanne run riot would heighten the contrast whilst getting some much-needed anarchy for the proceedings. Thomas Lynch's ingenious back wall, when given John Boesche's atmosphere predictions, admirably conveys numerous textures and feelings, a trait discontentedly not shared with the drama itself.Sets, Thomas Lynch costumes, Rita Ryack lighting, Daniel Ionazzi appear, Jon Gottlieb predictions, John Boesche. Opened up up, examined November. 9, 2011. Runs through 12 ,. 11. Running time: 1 hour, 50 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

In to the Abyss: Film Review

It may be contended that Werner Herzog continues to be looking in to the abyss, unblinking, for a lot of his career, and also the results have frequently been transcendent. In to the Abyss, the prolific filmmaker's second documentary hitting theaters this season, does not soar but bores in deep, to have an unsettling inquiry into capital punishment in the usa. Opening November. 11 after its AFI Fest tests, you can bet to become one of the year's most-seen and many-famous non-fiction features.our editor recommendsTelluride 2011: 'Into the Abyss' versus. 'Pina' inside a Documentary DoubleheaderSundance Chooses Accumulates Werner Herzog's 'Into the Abyss' In which the spring release Cave of Forgotten Dreams occupies the lyrical finish from the spectrum, the brand new film involves a triple homicide in Conroe, Texas. The doc is not presented like a political debate - there's nary a reference to governors George Rose bush or Ron Perry, whose condition supports the country's most active dying chamber, and little when it comes to argument. Abyss is, rather, similar to a non-fiction version of Krzysztof Kieslowski's A Brief Film About Killing, which in comparison a senseless crime using the resulting act of premeditated murder for the federal government. Herzog, who makes his opposition towards the dying penalty obvious in the start, hasn't selected a transparently representational situation. Michael Perry, the 28-year-old condemned guy he interviews eight days before his scheduled execution, isn't any poster boy for that Innocence Project, however with his wacky smile he could pass for16. The director is definitely an off-screen presence, heard appearing questions but staying away from his trademark brooding narration. With cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger, a frequent collaborator, Herzog visits the river where Sandra Stotler's body appeared, and also the forest where her killed teen boy and the friend put together. Heuses police crime-scene videos to create the chilling scene of the woman's existence cut short, the greater to steal her red-colored Camaro. Stotler was, evidence shows, at the time of baking a load of snacks. Herzog is definitely an astute and disarming interviewer. His conversations with cops, the 2 charged males, their relatives and individuals from the sufferers with each other fresh paint an image of Conroe, its gated towns and battling working class, but additionally of something less easily defined: the existential weight of hope and dread. His most haunting encounters are using the Reverend Richard Lopez, who supervises last rituals to dying row inmates and stays together towards the very finish, and upon the market prison worker Fred Allen. As captain from the Huntsville penitentiary's Dying House guard detail, Allen oversaw the preparation in excess of 125 criminals for execution. An enormous family room clock marking time behind him, he describes his change of heart. Despite years from the job, the cumulative trauma is apparent. A persons comedy can also be an inextricable area of the story. Dating back to 1977's Stroszek, Herzog has regarded as the absurdities from the American cultural landscape by having an outsider's amazement. He still brings that perspective, despite the fact that he's resided within the U.S. for a long time. Abyss, to be certain, has its own share of bizarre twists. But most importantly it is a portrait of stunned grief, from the devastation families endure, whether through violence, accidents, illness or incarceration. The storyplot originates with clinical precision and profound curiosity, most famously when Zeitlinger's camera makes its way into the area where lethal injections occur in Huntsville, surveying the gurney and also the disappointingly happy eco-friendly from the walls. True-crime tales have cluttered the little screen recently, the majority of them concerned basically with shock value. Being an artist, Herzog naturally has an interest in much more compared to material details of murder. Like a journalist, he presses in to the dark margins and returns a mournful report. Venue: AFI Fest Opens Friday, November. 11 (Sundance Chooses) An Innovative Variations/Skellig Rock production in colaboration with Spring Films, Werner Herzog Film and much more 4 Director: Werner Herzog Producer: Erik Nelson Executive producers:Dork Harding, Amy Briamonte, Henry Schleiff, Sara Kozak, Andre Singer, Lucki Stipetic Director of photography: Peter Zeitlinger Music: Mark Degli Antoni Editor: Joe Bini No rating, 106 minutes Werner Herzog

Myriad to distribute 'Common Man'

Myriad Pictures has signed with Asia Digital Entertainment to distribute action thriller "A Typical Guy" starring Ben Kingsley and Ben Mix.Myriad made the announcement Saturday in the American Film Market, where it's selling worldwide marketplaces. Pic lately completed production in Sri Lanka with Chandran Rutnam ("The Street From Elephant Pass") pointing from their own script.Kingsley shows a guy who's grown five tanks within the politically-damaged town of Colombo that are going to explode unless of course four major terrorists are immediately launched from prison. When he calls in the demands towards the Deputy Inspector General from the Colombo Police Department (performed by Mix), it takes hold motion an ideological and deadly confrontation between your truth and duty.Myriad Boss Kirk D'Amico stated early reaction to continues to be strong, observing, "Ben Kingsley is an extremely large star worldwide and also the film has got the right components purchasers search for - a large star with many different action.""A Typical Guy" was created by Manohan Nanayakkara, B.S. Radha Krishnan and Chandran Rutnam. Executive producers are Paul Mason and Jon Sheinberg. Film's a manufacture of Asia Digital Entertainment.Kingsley is going to be seen next in "Hugo" and "The Dictator." Mix lately made an appearance in "War Corporation." Kingsley is symbolized by CAA and ITG. Mix is symbolized by manager Shaun Goldberg.The offer with Myriad Pictures was arranged by Jon Sheinberg from the Movie Machine and Paul Mason. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

FilmDistrict Dealing with Major Reorganization

Upstart distribution company FilmDistrict is restructuring and getting together its operation, with Bob Berney, its theatrical distribution leader, and Jeanne R. Berney, its professional v . p . of promoting, departing the business.our editor recommendsAngelina Jolie's Directorial Debut Lands U.S. Distributor (Cannes)Drive: Cannes 2011 Evaluate The duo will stay on until March 1, 2012, to help oversee the December 23 opening in the Jennifer Aniston-directed Inside the Land of Blood stream and Honey. FilmDistrict, which distributes movies for GK Films (the business is certainly a trader in FilmDistrict) additionally to films it acquires, is moving its methods to La, shuttering methods in NY. PHOTOS: 'The Rum Diary' Premiere at LACMA FilmDistrict was launched just at least a year ago beneath the aegis of Peter Schlessel, who was simply formerly in the new the new sony. The business stood a hit from the gate while using remarkably strong showing of horror movie Insidious, then your inspiring surfer movie Soul Surfer. FilmDistrict acquired You Should not Panic from the Dark, the Guillermo del Toro-produced horror movie, for distribution following a closing of Disney's label Miramax put that movie in limbo, together with the considerably acclaimed arty thriller Drive, starring Ryan Gosling. Audiences didn't appear for Frightened of the Dark, which has made only $24 million in your area, as the organization's latest release, The Rum Diary, opened up as much as some dismal $5.millions of last weekend. The tally in the FilmDistrict movies builds up to greater than $150 million in your area. STORY: The Actor-kaira Pitt's 'Rum Diary' Tanks at Box Office: What Went Wrong Sources condition that friction may have introduced for the parting of way involving the two parties. Affiliates the big marketing stays for Drive and Frightened of the Dark didn't pay back within the box office although some say personality clashes eventually undid working associations. "When I trust the entire process of FilmDistrict, I remain dedicated to my roots and family in NY where there's a thrilling film community," mentioned Bob Berney in the statement. "They Jeanne which i come up with in NY and Chicago are high quality which we each is pleased with the task we now have done as well as the great accomplishments we now have had. If perhaps my co-employees at FilmDistrict all the best inside the a very long time.Inch Mentioned Schlessel: "This consolidation was necessary due to natural difficulties of having our production, acquisition and business divisions in La with this particular distribution and marketing team in NY. We are very searching toward next year's slate of films." Bob Berney is known as a guru if this involves marketing and disseminating art house fare and helping people films mix over. His report on hits include Christopher Nolan's early film Indication, Nia Vardalos' My Large Body body fat Greek Wedding, del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth, and Alfonso Cuaron's Y Tu Mama Tambien. Related Subjects FilmDistrict

Andy Serkis Signs for 'Rise in the Planet in the Apes' Follow-up

Nobody thought you will see a 'Rise in the Planet in the Apes' follow-up. Hell, nobody wanted a 'Rise in the Planet in the Apes' follow-up -- no less than, not to begin with. Back on August. 4, every day just before the film was released, the anticipation weren't high then, apparently from nowhere, the film converted to a vital darling making nearly half a billion dollars worldwide. Fast-toward three several days later and there's some not-so-surprising 'Apes' follow-up updates. Deadline reviews that Andy Serkis is close to signing a deal to reprise his role as Caesar the ape. Serkis's participation is smart there's even brief Oscar talk surrounding his portrayal in the primary character, that may continue. Deadline also reviews that Fox intentions of campaigning for which is a breakthrough nomination. There's still no official word which the follow-up might be about, though director Rupert Wyatt has thought about the idea of a 'Full Metal Jacket'-esque story. "Generation x of apes, people that have result from our protagonists, possibly moving in a conflict with humans and showing real fear, very much the same as beginning war for youthful soldiers in this era, telling their story," Wyatt told Bleeding Awesome. Serkis is seen next as Captain Haddock in 'The Adventures of Tintin' on 12 ,. 21. [via Deadline] [Photo: last century Fox] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Michelle Trachtenberg Returning to Gossip Girl

Michelle Trachtenberg Michelle Trachtenberg is set to reprise her role as Georgina Sparks for a multi-episode arc on Gossip Girl, TVLine.com reports. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Then and now Trachtenberg will return in the 100th episode to stir up even more trouble. When we last saw her, she came to the aide of faux-Charlie (Kaylee DeFer) before learning her true identity. Following her first turn on Gossip Girl, the Buffy alum went on to star in NBC's short-lived Mercy, followed by a recent stint on Weeds.

YouTube Channels No Immediate Threat to Entertainment Companies: Analyst

NY -- YouTube's lengthy-expected channels initiative, that the Google-possessed video site finally revealed late Friday, isn't any immediate threat to entertainment companies, however it could grab some advertising dollars typically centered on TV and position Google like a competitor with time, Barclays Capital analyst Anthony DiClemente stated inside a set of Tuesday.our editor recommendsHollywood Conglomerate Earnings Season: Ad Outlook, Digital Deals to stay in FocusYouTube Announces TV Initiative With 100 Niche Channels The report, titled "Will YouTube's offering move the needle?," examined the planned launch close to 100 movie channels with your celebs as Jay-Z, Madonna, Shaquille O'Neal, Amy Poehler, Sofia Vergara and Tony Hawk, designed to produce a next-generation video hub. "While we don't believe it is really an immediate threat to galleries, content companies or marketers at this time, we all do believe this really is Google's initial step toward supplying a far more robust platform for appropriately created independent content, and believe the move positions Google to do something like a distributor inside a bid toward taking incremental ad dollars which are typically targeted at TV," DiClemente authored. For media and entertainment companies, with time, "this produces a growing threat when it comes to engagement, ad dollars and distribution, an incremental bidder for original content and the other vehicle for customers to circumvent the standard pay TV model," he cautioned. In the end, movie advertising may be the quickest-growing ad category online, and that he projects it to develop 43 percent this year to $2 billion. "We feel YouTube makes up about the lion's share of those ad dollars with $1.6 billion this year,Inch the Barclays analyst believed. "YouTube is distinctively situated here because it is undoubtedly probably the most viewed movie property with 161 million unique audiences in September." Using its funnel launches, Google "turns into a major player in independent short-form, appropriately created content, and sets itself as much as be new media distribution platform and gain incremental ad dollars," DiClemente came to the conclusion. BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield had stated inside a blog publish on Monday the YouTube channels would be the latest premium movie offer which will compete for customers' attention much like Netflix along with other movie companies. "We question if it is going to finish up being an adverse for present day leading/established content designers," Greenfield stated. "The typical U.S. household is watching over eight hrs of TV daily, and when you begin to layer inside a wide spectrum of content on the internet, especially older content, we feel traditional television and movie content, especially fresh/live content, are affected.Inch Related Subjects YouTube