Novelist Stephen King is one of the masters of modern-day horror, and his numerous works of literature have been some of the favorite source materials for Hollywood creatives to adapt into television and films. Stephen King's career spans decades, and his work's impact has not wavered in the slightest. King continues to produce brilliant stories and as a result, Hollywood continues to adapt them into TV and films.
The resulting product has many adaptions that vary in quality. Some works have been panned and critically discarded, while others have been lauded as brilliant works of cinema and inducted into the Library of Congress. These 10 adaptations stand out from the crowd for their notoriety and only prove how well King's works can be adapted when done right.
Firestarter (1984) Gets the Job Done
Firestarter (1984) RScience Fiction
A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic.
The resulting product has many adaptions that vary in quality. Some works have been panned and critically discarded, while others have been lauded as brilliant works of cinema and inducted into the Library of Congress. These 10 adaptations stand out from the crowd for their notoriety and only prove how well King's works can be adapted when done right.
Firestarter (1984) Gets the Job Done
Firestarter (1984) RScience Fiction
A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic.
- 3/26/2024
- by Marissa 'Rissa' Krasny
- Comic Book Resources
Arnold Schwarzenegger made a whole slew of classic 80s action movies. Still, one remains totally obscure despite being released smack dab in the middle of his amazing The Terminator to Predator run of movies from 1984-87. That film in 1986’s Raw Deal. A formulaic 80s action flick, it’s the most modestly mounted Schwarzenegger action epic of the era, with Arnie coerced into starring in it to complete a long-standing contract he had with producer Dino De Laurentiis following Conan The Barbarian.
In it, Schwarzenegger is somewhat unconvincingly cast as a small-town sheriff named Kaminski, who used to be an FBI agent but was forced out of the bureau after roughing up a suspect. He’s recruited by his old mentor (The Night Stalker’s legendary Darren McGavin) whose son was killed by the Chicago mob. He wants Kaminski to go undercover in the mob and tear them apart from the inside.
In it, Schwarzenegger is somewhat unconvincingly cast as a small-town sheriff named Kaminski, who used to be an FBI agent but was forced out of the bureau after roughing up a suspect. He’s recruited by his old mentor (The Night Stalker’s legendary Darren McGavin) whose son was killed by the Chicago mob. He wants Kaminski to go undercover in the mob and tear them apart from the inside.
- 3/26/2024
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
The episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? covering Hannibal Rising was Written, Narrated, and Edited by Mike Holtz, Produced by Andrew Hatfield and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Remember that time Rob Zombie, The Weinstein Company, and Dimension Films got hopped up enough to make some bad decisions together and decided “Hey, you know Michael Myers? The character whose mystique is in large part because we don’t know where, how, or why his evil exists? We should make a film explaining that it’s all because his family sucked and his house smelled like old bologna!” I’m paraphrasing a little. Well, just a few months beforehand the same choice, to explain and demystify the background of one of horror’s most mysterious monsters was made for Hannibal Lecter as well. At least with this version, however, that story would at the very least...
Remember that time Rob Zombie, The Weinstein Company, and Dimension Films got hopped up enough to make some bad decisions together and decided “Hey, you know Michael Myers? The character whose mystique is in large part because we don’t know where, how, or why his evil exists? We should make a film explaining that it’s all because his family sucked and his house smelled like old bologna!” I’m paraphrasing a little. Well, just a few months beforehand the same choice, to explain and demystify the background of one of horror’s most mysterious monsters was made for Hannibal Lecter as well. At least with this version, however, that story would at the very least...
- 3/7/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is almost everyone’s current obsession thanks to the brilliant execution of the source material by the cast and crew. It goes without saying that the sequel has surpassed its predecessor in more ways than one. Whether it’s the acting, the soundtrack, the cinematography, or the direction, Dune: Part Two was able to blow the audience’s minds through its two-hour seventeen-minute runtime.
A still from Dune: Part Two (2024)
However, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels wasn’t the first go Hollywood had at the story. Back in 1984, director David Lynch released another adaptation titled Dune starring Kyle MacLachlan and Francesca Annis. Unfortunately, the film was met with an overwhelming amount of negative feedback which led people to wonder what Ridley Scott would’ve turned the film into, should things have gone according to plan.
Suggested“We have different...
A still from Dune: Part Two (2024)
However, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels wasn’t the first go Hollywood had at the story. Back in 1984, director David Lynch released another adaptation titled Dune starring Kyle MacLachlan and Francesca Annis. Unfortunately, the film was met with an overwhelming amount of negative feedback which led people to wonder what Ridley Scott would’ve turned the film into, should things have gone according to plan.
Suggested“We have different...
- 3/5/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation successfully translates Herbert's intricate world, engaging audiences with stunning visuals and action sequences. Lynch's 1984 Dune failed due to poor construction, unconvincing effects, and lack of understanding of the source material, leading to negative reviews. Bad timing, shallow commercial motives, and poor marketing contributed to the 1984 Dune's failure at the box office, contrasting with Villeneuve's successful adaptation.
The biggest challenge for any screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 science-fiction novel Dune is how to distill the intricate, vast ecology of Arrakis, the desert planet where much of the novel’s story takes place, into a clear visual form that’s compelling and relatable to audiences, especially those who haven’t read Herbert’s mammoth novel.
While the novel covers this through a detailed appendices section, any screen adaptation is invariably left to present this information through cumbersome exposition scenes. However,...
The biggest challenge for any screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 science-fiction novel Dune is how to distill the intricate, vast ecology of Arrakis, the desert planet where much of the novel’s story takes place, into a clear visual form that’s compelling and relatable to audiences, especially those who haven’t read Herbert’s mammoth novel.
While the novel covers this through a detailed appendices section, any screen adaptation is invariably left to present this information through cumbersome exposition scenes. However,...
- 3/5/2024
- by David Grove
- MovieWeb
In 1971, just six years after Frank Herbert published his groundbreaking science-fiction novel "Dune," Arthur P. Jacobs' Apjac International obtained the rights to the story for a film adaptation. The producer behind "Planet of the Apes" was ready to craft another world set in a distant future, but with the sequel film "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" on its way, "Dune" was delayed.
Jacobs went through a handful of different directors and screenwriters in early development, but he tragically passed away in 1973. David Lynch would eventually bring "Dune" to the big screen in 1984, but there were multiple failed attempts that paved the way for his film and a remake in his wake that led to Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptations. The messy histories of failed "Dune" adaptations could justify their own feature-length documentaries but allow this to be a crash course on the bizarre "Dune" movies that never came to be.
Jacobs went through a handful of different directors and screenwriters in early development, but he tragically passed away in 1973. David Lynch would eventually bring "Dune" to the big screen in 1984, but there were multiple failed attempts that paved the way for his film and a remake in his wake that led to Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptations. The messy histories of failed "Dune" adaptations could justify their own feature-length documentaries but allow this to be a crash course on the bizarre "Dune" movies that never came to be.
- 3/4/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve reveals his thoughts on the 1984 Dune adaptation directed by legendary filmmaker David Lynch.
Speaking to NPR's Fresh Air podcast, Villeneuve shared his criticisms and praise of the 1984 Dune film. Villenueve discussed how he felt destabilized by some elements in the film while being mesmerized by others. The Dune: Part Two director revealed how he felt Lynch's adaptation missed the mark in regard to the film's depiction of the Fremen culture, describing certain choices in the film as far away from his sensibility. Villenueve praised David Lynch's overall vision, describing the film as a fantastic interpretation of Frank Herbert's novel.
Related Denis Villeneuve Confirms Big Plans for Florence Pugh in Dune Messiah Director Denis Villeneuve reveals his plans for Florence Pugh and her character Princess Irulan in potential Dune sequels.
Villenueve stated, “I was very excited when I learned that the...
Speaking to NPR's Fresh Air podcast, Villeneuve shared his criticisms and praise of the 1984 Dune film. Villenueve discussed how he felt destabilized by some elements in the film while being mesmerized by others. The Dune: Part Two director revealed how he felt Lynch's adaptation missed the mark in regard to the film's depiction of the Fremen culture, describing certain choices in the film as far away from his sensibility. Villenueve praised David Lynch's overall vision, describing the film as a fantastic interpretation of Frank Herbert's novel.
Related Denis Villeneuve Confirms Big Plans for Florence Pugh in Dune Messiah Director Denis Villeneuve reveals his plans for Florence Pugh and her character Princess Irulan in potential Dune sequels.
Villenueve stated, “I was very excited when I learned that the...
- 3/2/2024
- by Garnet Phillip Tashinga
- Comic Book Resources
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"When I finished the novel. I was just knocked out." Those are the words of filmmaker David Lynch, of "Twin Peaks" and "Eraserhead" fame. The director said this in 2021 reflecting on reading Frank Herbert's "Dune" for the first time. That is, in no small part, why he decided to sign on to direct an adaptation of the novel that had been kicking around Hollywood for years. Unfortunately, for various reasons, Lynch's version was doomed to fail.
"I'd seen 'Star Wars,' of course; but to be honest, I wasn't all that crazy about it," Lynch, who had been eyed to potentially direct "Return of the Jedi," said in that same interview. "Dune was different; it had believable characterizations and depth.
"When I finished the novel. I was just knocked out." Those are the words of filmmaker David Lynch, of "Twin Peaks" and "Eraserhead" fame. The director said this in 2021 reflecting on reading Frank Herbert's "Dune" for the first time. That is, in no small part, why he decided to sign on to direct an adaptation of the novel that had been kicking around Hollywood for years. Unfortunately, for various reasons, Lynch's version was doomed to fail.
"I'd seen 'Star Wars,' of course; but to be honest, I wasn't all that crazy about it," Lynch, who had been eyed to potentially direct "Return of the Jedi," said in that same interview. "Dune was different; it had believable characterizations and depth.
- 3/2/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Ever since David Lynch tried bringing Frank Herbert's epic tome to the big screen, "Dune" 1984 has enjoyed a somewhat uneven legacy. Many view it as a rare misstep for Lynch, in part because the film bombed spectacularly at the box office, but mainly because, well, there are a lot of things wrong with "Dune" 1984. That said, the film has some pretty ardent defenders and gained a significant cult following after its release. In fact, as we all await the arrival of the bleak blockbuster that is "Dune: Part Two," Lynch's take on the material seems to be enjoying more of a reassessment than it ever has before, with modern audiences asking whether the director's imaginative sci-fi really was as bad as its initial box office performance suggests.
In many ways, the answer to that question is an emphatic "no." Even contemporary critics agreed that "Dune" 1984 wasn't without its charms.
In many ways, the answer to that question is an emphatic "no." Even contemporary critics agreed that "Dune" 1984 wasn't without its charms.
- 2/29/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
By the time Rumpelstiltskin was in the works, the slasher model of yesteryear was replaced with something fresh but still familiar enough. Hence the many oddball slashers where the antagonist is neither human nor ordinary. From djinns to scarecrows, the decade saw horror turning to more fantastical inspirations. Mark Jones, whose career began in writing for cartoons and television, essentially kicked off the trend with Leprechaun. And had his first movie not been so successful, his next would have likely never happened.
After striking gold with Leprechaun in the early 1990s, Mark Jones looked to another magical icon for his second horror movie. Two specific on-screen depictions of Rumpelstiltskin influenced Jones’ own unique reimagining; he drew from Shaike Ophir and Billy Barty’s performances, respectively from the vintage anthology show Shirley Temple’s Storybook and an ‘87 movie directed by David Irving. Jones remembered Ophir’s take on the Brothers Grimm character to be particularly creepy.
After striking gold with Leprechaun in the early 1990s, Mark Jones looked to another magical icon for his second horror movie. Two specific on-screen depictions of Rumpelstiltskin influenced Jones’ own unique reimagining; he drew from Shaike Ophir and Billy Barty’s performances, respectively from the vintage anthology show Shirley Temple’s Storybook and an ‘87 movie directed by David Irving. Jones remembered Ophir’s take on the Brothers Grimm character to be particularly creepy.
- 2/26/2024
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
As attention turns to the Oscars around this time every year, it’s easy to get caught up remembering some of the big winners. One of the most notable champs was The Silence of the Lambs, which took home the “Big Five” awards in 1992: Best Picture, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Director (Jonathan Demme), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally), as well as Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing to round it out.
And despite owning the film rights to works of author Thomas Harris, super-producer Dino De Laurentiis saw none of that windfall, be it Oscar gold or box office riches. How could a savvy Hollywood player, responsible for making some of the most important movies of all time, make such a wild mistake?
It’s all Michael Mann’s fault.
Hannibal and the Italian
In 1981, author Thomas Harris published Red Dragon, a...
And despite owning the film rights to works of author Thomas Harris, super-producer Dino De Laurentiis saw none of that windfall, be it Oscar gold or box office riches. How could a savvy Hollywood player, responsible for making some of the most important movies of all time, make such a wild mistake?
It’s all Michael Mann’s fault.
Hannibal and the Italian
In 1981, author Thomas Harris published Red Dragon, a...
- 2/19/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Last Feb. 14, actress Valentina Bellè walked the red carpet at the Critics Choice Awards for The Good Mothers, the Disney+ series directed by Julian Jarrold and Elisa Amoruso that was nominated for best foreign series after bowing last year in Berlin, where it won the fest’s first Berlinale Series Award. And it is to Berlin that the 31-year-old Bellè will return this year, chosen as the Italian face of European Shooting Stars, an annual award given to up-and-coming talent.
“I am extremely honored,” Bellè says. “I can’t wait to meet my wonderful colleagues from all over Europe, all these incredible talents. And I can’t wait to be in Berlin to exchange ideas and experiences. And to find out where it all started for them.”
Her beginning took place on the stage of her elementary school’s theater. “A confined space in which to abandon the idea of yourself for a while,...
“I am extremely honored,” Bellè says. “I can’t wait to meet my wonderful colleagues from all over Europe, all these incredible talents. And I can’t wait to be in Berlin to exchange ideas and experiences. And to find out where it all started for them.”
Her beginning took place on the stage of her elementary school’s theater. “A confined space in which to abandon the idea of yourself for a while,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Manuela Santacatterina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the 1980s, Stephen King was on top of the world. He burst onto the scene in the late 1970s with his debut novel "Carrie," and seemed to be unstoppable. His books were best sellers, and Hollywood came calling. The film adaptations weren't always well-received, and they weren't always box office hits, either. Eventually, King would get an idea in his head: what if he directed a film adaptation himself? Who better to adapt Stephen King than ... Stephen King?
Of course, there was a flaw in this logic: King didn't know the first thing about filmmaking. But how hard could it be? When mega-producer Dino De Laurentiis scooped up the rights to a film adaptation of King's short story "Trucks," the film's production designer, Giorgio Postiglione, told King that the famed author should be the one to direct the project. According to the book "Creepshows: The Illustrated Stephen King Movie Guide,...
Of course, there was a flaw in this logic: King didn't know the first thing about filmmaking. But how hard could it be? When mega-producer Dino De Laurentiis scooped up the rights to a film adaptation of King's short story "Trucks," the film's production designer, Giorgio Postiglione, told King that the famed author should be the one to direct the project. According to the book "Creepshows: The Illustrated Stephen King Movie Guide,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
In his last dramatic and interminable years, Michael Cimino spent his days in solitude rewatching old movies in the Bel-Air mansion he bought during his heyday. On the rare occasions that he ventured out, he drove a Rolls-Royce he acquired while making The Deer Hunter in 1978, his chauffeur having left long ago, as well as his success.
Even in those final moments, he did everything he could to show a winning image to Hollywood, a town that had ostracized him ever since the colossal Heaven’s Gate fiasco that had bankrupted United Artists during the early ’80s. He had a perpetually ironic, scornful smile, but he was the first to know how pointless, even miserable, that act was. The only thing he had left from his triumphant years was some money, and he would show up at the hangouts of movers and shakers like the Polo Lounge, where he often ended...
Even in those final moments, he did everything he could to show a winning image to Hollywood, a town that had ostracized him ever since the colossal Heaven’s Gate fiasco that had bankrupted United Artists during the early ’80s. He had a perpetually ironic, scornful smile, but he was the first to know how pointless, even miserable, that act was. The only thing he had left from his triumphant years was some money, and he would show up at the hangouts of movers and shakers like the Polo Lounge, where he often ended...
- 2/17/2024
- by Antonio Monda
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? covering Hannibal was Written by Mike Holtz, Narrated by Travis Hopson, Edited by Joseph Wilson, Produced by Andrew Hatfield and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
When The Silence of the Lambs was released upon the world in 1991 and not only became a financial and critical success but also the third film in history to win all five of the big awards at the Oscars, you knew it meant one thing… Tostito’s Pizza Rolls! Because that’s the best way to celebrate any achievement. No, it meant a sequel. Thank God it released in the 90s and not today! Forget a sequel, Disney would have purchased the rights and farmed out an entire cinematic universe. I can see it now… (trailer voice) “You’ve seen Hannibal Lecter behind bars. But have you ever seen him… in the classroom?...
When The Silence of the Lambs was released upon the world in 1991 and not only became a financial and critical success but also the third film in history to win all five of the big awards at the Oscars, you knew it meant one thing… Tostito’s Pizza Rolls! Because that’s the best way to celebrate any achievement. No, it meant a sequel. Thank God it released in the 90s and not today! Forget a sequel, Disney would have purchased the rights and farmed out an entire cinematic universe. I can see it now… (trailer voice) “You’ve seen Hannibal Lecter behind bars. But have you ever seen him… in the classroom?...
- 2/12/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Jon Rosen, senior partner and board member at WME, has set his plans to launch the management production firm Envisionary after exiting the agency earlier this month.
Envisionary will use the skills Rosen honed over three decades with the agency, especially in the non-scripted and on-air areas specializing in news, sports and culinary talent. The new venture will offer a comprehensive suite of services including management representation, production verticals, advisory and consulting, as well as an investment arm.
Joining Rosen to start Envisionary is an elite roster of clients including including Alex Rodriguez, Stephen A. Smith, Al Roker, Bobby Flay, Brent Montgomery & Wheelhouse, Buddy Valastro, Giada De Laurentiis, Hallie Jackson, Julia Fox, Lara Spencer, Natalie Morales, Robin Roberts, Stephanie Ruhle, Van Jones, Willie Geist, E Street Band consigliere and actor Steven Van Zandt and more.
Rosen over the past 30 years held key leadership roles at the William Morris Endeavor and William Morris Agency,...
Envisionary will use the skills Rosen honed over three decades with the agency, especially in the non-scripted and on-air areas specializing in news, sports and culinary talent. The new venture will offer a comprehensive suite of services including management representation, production verticals, advisory and consulting, as well as an investment arm.
Joining Rosen to start Envisionary is an elite roster of clients including including Alex Rodriguez, Stephen A. Smith, Al Roker, Bobby Flay, Brent Montgomery & Wheelhouse, Buddy Valastro, Giada De Laurentiis, Hallie Jackson, Julia Fox, Lara Spencer, Natalie Morales, Robin Roberts, Stephanie Ruhle, Van Jones, Willie Geist, E Street Band consigliere and actor Steven Van Zandt and more.
Rosen over the past 30 years held key leadership roles at the William Morris Endeavor and William Morris Agency,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix generates more contemporary content than anyone, but they’re dipping into the past to curate the great movies from the ’70s. These are the films that people like myself discovered as kids in the early days of when HBO premiered on cable. Bravo, I say. Here’s the preliminary list.
Alice Doesn’T Live Here Anymore
A widowed singer and single mother starts over as a diner waitress in Arizona, befriending her coworkers and romancing a ruggedly handsome rancher.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Robert Getchell
Producers: Audrey Maas, David Susskind
Key Cast (Alphabetical): Ellen Burstyn, Jodie Foster, Diane Ladd, Alfred Lutter, Harvey Keitel, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Tayback
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Discovery
Initial Release Date: December 9, 1974
At the 47th Academy Awards, Burstyn won Best Actress
Black Belt Jones
High-kicking Black Belt Jones is dispatched to take down a group of Mafia goons trying to muscle in on a downtown karate studio.
Alice Doesn’T Live Here Anymore
A widowed singer and single mother starts over as a diner waitress in Arizona, befriending her coworkers and romancing a ruggedly handsome rancher.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Robert Getchell
Producers: Audrey Maas, David Susskind
Key Cast (Alphabetical): Ellen Burstyn, Jodie Foster, Diane Ladd, Alfred Lutter, Harvey Keitel, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Tayback
Distributed By: Warner Bros. Discovery
Initial Release Date: December 9, 1974
At the 47th Academy Awards, Burstyn won Best Actress
Black Belt Jones
High-kicking Black Belt Jones is dispatched to take down a group of Mafia goons trying to muscle in on a downtown karate studio.
- 1/17/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
1974 was quite a year for cinema; 50 years later, Netflix (of all places) is celebrating the golden jubilee.
In recognition of the anniversary, the streamer on Wednesday launched a new, dedicated content row (and direct URL link) with the first films being honored under its new “Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection” banner. Each of the 14 films came to Netflix this month by way of Warner Bros., Paramount, or Sony — the distributors that license content to Netflix.
The 1974 collection includes “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Black Belt Jones,” “Blazing Saddles,” “California Split,” “Chinatown,” “The Conversation,” “Death Wish,” “The Gambler,” “The Great Gatsby,” “It’s Alive,” “The Little Prince,” “The Lords of Flatbush,” “The Parallax View,” and “The Street Fighter” (“Gekitotsu! Satsujin ken”).
Netflix doesn’t plan to stop with disco’s heyday. In April, the streaming service will do the same for films from 1984 (turning 40); July will celebrate 1994 movies (turning 30); and in October...
In recognition of the anniversary, the streamer on Wednesday launched a new, dedicated content row (and direct URL link) with the first films being honored under its new “Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection” banner. Each of the 14 films came to Netflix this month by way of Warner Bros., Paramount, or Sony — the distributors that license content to Netflix.
The 1974 collection includes “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Black Belt Jones,” “Blazing Saddles,” “California Split,” “Chinatown,” “The Conversation,” “Death Wish,” “The Gambler,” “The Great Gatsby,” “It’s Alive,” “The Little Prince,” “The Lords of Flatbush,” “The Parallax View,” and “The Street Fighter” (“Gekitotsu! Satsujin ken”).
Netflix doesn’t plan to stop with disco’s heyday. In April, the streaming service will do the same for films from 1984 (turning 40); July will celebrate 1994 movies (turning 30); and in October...
- 1/17/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Prominent Italian producer Aurelio De Laurentiis has teamed up with the National Italian American Foundation (Niaf) to establish a film production grant program supporting aspiring filmmakers with compelling stories to tell about Italian and Italian American experiences.
De Laurentiis, who is the nephew of the late great movie mogul Dino De Laurentiis and a mogul in his own right — his Filmauro banner has released more than 400 movies — has long been supporting young filmmakers by financing the Venice Film Festival’s $100,000 “Luigi De Laurentiis” award for best first work.
The nascent Niaf/De Laurentiis Film Prizes will award a $10,000 grant this year to five selected applicants toward producing a short film project in any genre, including documentaries. The best project will be awarded an additional $10,000, plus a mentorship directly with De Laurentiis and his Filmauro team.
The five award-winning films will premiere at the Niaf 50th anniversary gala in Washington, D.
De Laurentiis, who is the nephew of the late great movie mogul Dino De Laurentiis and a mogul in his own right — his Filmauro banner has released more than 400 movies — has long been supporting young filmmakers by financing the Venice Film Festival’s $100,000 “Luigi De Laurentiis” award for best first work.
The nascent Niaf/De Laurentiis Film Prizes will award a $10,000 grant this year to five selected applicants toward producing a short film project in any genre, including documentaries. The best project will be awarded an additional $10,000, plus a mentorship directly with De Laurentiis and his Filmauro team.
The five award-winning films will premiere at the Niaf 50th anniversary gala in Washington, D.
- 1/16/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Director William Friedkin (who passed away earlier this year) made a lot of great films, including Best Picture winner The French Connection and one of the best horror movies ever made, The Exorcist. One you don’t hear referenced very often is the serial killer thriller Rampage, which had trouble making its way out into the world and was a project where Friedkin felt he had missed the mark, as the finished film wasn’t close enough to his original vision for it. But now Kino Lorber is showing Rampage some of the respect it’s been lacking over the decades, as Blu-ray.com reports they’ll be giving the film a 4K Uhd release sometime in early 2024.
Scripted by Friedkin and based on a novel of the same name by William P. Wood, Rampage delves into the subject of legal insanity, so often the default defense in modern-time gruesome crime trials.
Scripted by Friedkin and based on a novel of the same name by William P. Wood, Rampage delves into the subject of legal insanity, so often the default defense in modern-time gruesome crime trials.
- 12/28/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Josh Kramer, who worked as a film producer and financier and Amazon executive, died Nov. 27 in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 67.
Kramer started his career in entertainment in foreign sales for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis. By pre-selling foreign movie rights, he became an integral member of the company, financing films such as “Manhunter” and “Blue Velvet.” He led the acquisition of the film rights for Madonna’s first concert film “Madonna: Truth or Dare” and later sold the film overseas.
Rachael Horovitz, who worked with him at De Laurentiis, remembered Kramer on his memorial site. “A concert pianist who helped right the Beastie Boys tourbus one night in Paris when rabid fans were tipping it over; a patient negotiator who cried reading J.D. Salinger. His contradictions made him.”
He joined forces with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company in the early ’90s, producing Roman Polanski’s...
Kramer started his career in entertainment in foreign sales for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis. By pre-selling foreign movie rights, he became an integral member of the company, financing films such as “Manhunter” and “Blue Velvet.” He led the acquisition of the film rights for Madonna’s first concert film “Madonna: Truth or Dare” and later sold the film overseas.
Rachael Horovitz, who worked with him at De Laurentiis, remembered Kramer on his memorial site. “A concert pianist who helped right the Beastie Boys tourbus one night in Paris when rabid fans were tipping it over; a patient negotiator who cried reading J.D. Salinger. His contradictions made him.”
He joined forces with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company in the early ’90s, producing Roman Polanski’s...
- 12/19/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Josh Kramer, a veteran Hollywood executive who produced such films as Roman Polanski’s Death and the Maiden and Sidney Lumet’s Night Falls on Manhattan, has died following a stroke. He was 67.
Kramer died Nov. 27 surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, according to a representative. The producer, who was a graduate of the American School in London, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where he is said to have made a mark creating conceptual art pieces. He then went on to earn his Mba from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
He began his entertainment industry career by working in foreign sales for legendary Italian producer Dino de Laurentiis, specializing in international presales of films by such directors as Sam Raimi, Michael Cimino, Bruce Beresford and David Cronenberg. One such title he shepherded was the iconic documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare.
Kramer went on...
Kramer died Nov. 27 surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, according to a representative. The producer, who was a graduate of the American School in London, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where he is said to have made a mark creating conceptual art pieces. He then went on to earn his Mba from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
He began his entertainment industry career by working in foreign sales for legendary Italian producer Dino de Laurentiis, specializing in international presales of films by such directors as Sam Raimi, Michael Cimino, Bruce Beresford and David Cronenberg. One such title he shepherded was the iconic documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare.
Kramer went on...
- 12/19/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Josh Kramer, who produced Roman Polanski’s Death and the Maiden and Sidney Lumet’s Night Falls on Manhattan and later led sales for Capitol Films before becoming Head of Motion Picture Business Operations at Amazon Studios, has died. He was 67.
Kramer died November 27 in Santa Monica.
Born on May 17, 1956, he began his showbiz career working for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, pre-selling foreign movie rights that would help finance films including Manhunter, Blue Velvet and others. Kramer was instrumental in the success of the 1991 concert pic Madonna: Truth or Dare, leading the acquisition of the film rights and then selling the film overseas.
In the early 1990s, he teamed with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company, which produced Death and the Maiden (1994) and Night Falls on Manhattan (1996).
He went on to become the head of sales for Capitol Films, later joining international acquisitions at MGM. In...
Kramer died November 27 in Santa Monica.
Born on May 17, 1956, he began his showbiz career working for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, pre-selling foreign movie rights that would help finance films including Manhunter, Blue Velvet and others. Kramer was instrumental in the success of the 1991 concert pic Madonna: Truth or Dare, leading the acquisition of the film rights and then selling the film overseas.
In the early 1990s, he teamed with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company, which produced Death and the Maiden (1994) and Night Falls on Manhattan (1996).
He went on to become the head of sales for Capitol Films, later joining international acquisitions at MGM. In...
- 12/19/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
If you had to name the most original filmmaker of the last half-century, what’s the first name that comes to mind? David Cronenberg? Wes Anderson? Maybe Werner Herzog or the Coen brothers? While all of them are certainly worthy contenders, it’s hard to argue against the lasting merits of David Lynch, the truly unique cinematic surrealist who has been tormenting audiences with nightmarishly vexing material since his feature film debut Eraserhead in 1977. Indeed, few filmmakers have become name brands unto themselves in the way Lynch’s name evokes a particular type of psychological moviegoing experience. And while he’s worked in many different genres in his career with varying results, no one explores the nature of dreams and the human subconscious like Lynch has repeatedly done throughout his filmography. Moreover, as seen in his tour-de-force 1986 neo-noir mystery Blue Velvet, Lynch has an uncanny knack for digging beneath the...
- 11/27/2023
- by Jake Dee
- JoBlo.com
Top: Napoleon (Gaumont), Middle: Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Orion Pictures), Bottom: Napoleon Bunny-Part (Warner Bros. Pictures)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 21, 1821, but the iconic French emperor has lived on (and on and on) in numerous movies and television shows. Esteemed director Ridley Scott, who...
Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 21, 1821, but the iconic French emperor has lived on (and on and on) in numerous movies and television shows. Esteemed director Ridley Scott, who...
- 11/24/2023
- by Ian Spelling
- avclub.com
Nineteen sixty-eight has to be considered the apex of psychedelic sexploitation romps, with the release of Candy, adapted from Mason Hoffenberg and Terry Southern’s satirical reworking of Voltaire’s Candide, and Roger Vadim’s Barbarella, based on Jean-Claude Forest’s comic, and partially scripted by Southern (alongside an armada of other credited writers). Both employ a rambling, shaggy-dog structure as an excuse to flagrantly foreground softcore sexual hijinks tinged with a pungent whiff of social commentary, albeit the latter aspect may be easier to discern in Candy’s perverse daisy chain of events.
Southern’s contributions to the Dino De Laurentiis-produced Barbarella can be detected in some of its wittier lines (“A good many dramatic situations begin with screaming!”) and sly pokes at the persistence of class-consciousness. Aside from Southern, the two films are linked by the presence of Anita Pallenberg, style icon and muse of the Rolling...
Southern’s contributions to the Dino De Laurentiis-produced Barbarella can be detected in some of its wittier lines (“A good many dramatic situations begin with screaming!”) and sly pokes at the persistence of class-consciousness. Aside from Southern, the two films are linked by the presence of Anita Pallenberg, style icon and muse of the Rolling...
- 11/21/2023
- by Budd Wilkins
- Slant Magazine
If you were an actor and Clint Eastwood told you to go work with a certain filmmaker on a Western, you would absolutely go wherever he told you to go. This was the case for Burt Reynolds, who was thrown way in over his head by the mid-60s Spaghetti Western, Navajo Joe. At the height of the prime era for this subgenre, legendary producer Dino de Laurentiis and acclaimed genre filmmaker Sergio Corbucci were looking to bring a new hero to the big screen, that being the titular Navajo Joe. Allegedly, this filmmaking duo had their eyes on none other than Marlon Brando for the part. Who could blame them? Wouldn't you also want one of cinema's greatest figures leading your movie?...
- 11/18/2023
- by Samuel Williamson
- Collider.com
Sometimes, a film comes along where the circumstances surrounding its development are more interesting than the final product. Million Dollar Mystery — a 1987 crime comedy spearheaded by famed producer Dino De Laurentiis — is one such example. To a casual viewer, Million Dollar Mystery is nothing more than a mediocre comedy destined to be forgotten within a week of its debut, but in reality, it was only a small part of something far more extravagant. Those intrigued about learning more should direct their attention to the film’s unparalleled marketing campaign that sought to entice viewers with the promise that, by uncovering a series of clues scattered throughout its runtime, they could land themselves a first-class ticket to an astonishing $1 million cash prize. It was an incredible concept that should have elevated Million Dollar Mystery into the annals of cinematic history. Just a shame that it turned out to be a complete and utter disaster.
- 11/18/2023
- by Matthew Mosley
- Collider.com
Exclusive: Film Bridge International is launching sales at AFM on horror Xelter, whose producers include The De Laurentiis Company (Hannibal) and Head Gear Films (Talk To Me).
The period horror film directed by Martin Bonnici is currently in production in Malta, with a cast of Maltese newcomers alongside actors including Brit Bobby Schofield (The Covenant) and Irish actor Moe Dunford (Vikings).
The WWII-set movie charts the legend of the Babaw, a supernatural creature known for stalking and killing children. The film, inspired by true historical events, sees citizens of Malta take shelter from Nazi bombardment in the ancient catacombs underneath the cities, where they suffered deadly peril from collapsing tunnels and entrapment. That experience scarred a generation, and led to stories about creatures that stole children who strayed too far away from their parents.
Screenplay was written by Scottish screenwriter and comics writer Emma Beeby, based on a story Beeby wrote with Gordon Rennie.
The period horror film directed by Martin Bonnici is currently in production in Malta, with a cast of Maltese newcomers alongside actors including Brit Bobby Schofield (The Covenant) and Irish actor Moe Dunford (Vikings).
The WWII-set movie charts the legend of the Babaw, a supernatural creature known for stalking and killing children. The film, inspired by true historical events, sees citizens of Malta take shelter from Nazi bombardment in the ancient catacombs underneath the cities, where they suffered deadly peril from collapsing tunnels and entrapment. That experience scarred a generation, and led to stories about creatures that stole children who strayed too far away from their parents.
Screenplay was written by Scottish screenwriter and comics writer Emma Beeby, based on a story Beeby wrote with Gordon Rennie.
- 11/2/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
“Diabolik – Who Are You,” which has its market premiere this week at AFM, following its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival, is the third in a series of adaptations of an Italian comic-book franchise. The books, written by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani, have sold more than 150 million copies.
Kino Lorber has picked up U.S. rights for all three instalments of the stylish crime-comic movies, written and directed by brothers Marco and Antonio Manetti. Beta Cinema is handling world sales for the films. International buyers for the third film so far include Metropolitan Film in France, Spain’s Flins & Piniculas, Plaion Pictures in German-speaking territories, and Discovery Film in the former Yugoslavia. 01 Distribution is releasing the pic in Italy on Nov. 30.
The franchise centers on Diabolik, an ingenious gentleman thief, living in the fictional city of Clerville in the 1960s and 1970s. Luca Marinelli played the master criminal in the first film,...
Kino Lorber has picked up U.S. rights for all three instalments of the stylish crime-comic movies, written and directed by brothers Marco and Antonio Manetti. Beta Cinema is handling world sales for the films. International buyers for the third film so far include Metropolitan Film in France, Spain’s Flins & Piniculas, Plaion Pictures in German-speaking territories, and Discovery Film in the former Yugoslavia. 01 Distribution is releasing the pic in Italy on Nov. 30.
The franchise centers on Diabolik, an ingenious gentleman thief, living in the fictional city of Clerville in the 1960s and 1970s. Luca Marinelli played the master criminal in the first film,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Every year, horror fans and aficionados attempt to take on the daunting task of watching a horror movie for each day in the month of October. Aptly named 31 Days of Horror, the challenge usually consists of viewers watching a mixture of their favorite classics, recent releases, and popular genre staples that may be new to them. In celebration of the spooky season, we at MovieWeb have curated our own suggestions for the month, providing a plethora of favorites from our contributing writers and editors. Check out our 31 Days of Horror posts every day this October, and embrace all the freaky found footage, vicious vampires, and stalking slashers you could ever hope for. Today, we kick off Day 21 of MovieWeb's 31 Days of Horror with a legendary collaboration between horror masters David Cronenberg and Stephen King, The Dead Zone.
When you're as prolific of a novelist as Stephen King is, it can...
When you're as prolific of a novelist as Stephen King is, it can...
- 10/21/2023
- by Stephen Rosenberg
- MovieWeb
John Carpenter's "Halloween" is one of the finest horror films ever made. Rick Rosenthal's "Halloween II" is one or 12 steps down from that.
Carpenter's original is also one of the most successful independent productions of all time. It launched the slasher film craze, made Jamie Lee Curtis a star and, thanks to the white-masked Michael Myers, spawned lifelong nightmares in the subconscious of every kid who begged their parents to let them watch it. Forty-five years on, "Halloween" is still a wildly effective, brilliantly crafted film. It is, per its tagline, "The Night He Came Home." "Halloween II" was unimaginatively sold as "More of the Night He Came Home." It's basically the "More American Graffiti" of horror flicks, and, like that film, it's better than its reputation suggests.
Having established himself as a genre auteur, Carpenter bowed out of directing the sequel and set his sights on "The Fog.
Carpenter's original is also one of the most successful independent productions of all time. It launched the slasher film craze, made Jamie Lee Curtis a star and, thanks to the white-masked Michael Myers, spawned lifelong nightmares in the subconscious of every kid who begged their parents to let them watch it. Forty-five years on, "Halloween" is still a wildly effective, brilliantly crafted film. It is, per its tagline, "The Night He Came Home." "Halloween II" was unimaginatively sold as "More of the Night He Came Home." It's basically the "More American Graffiti" of horror flicks, and, like that film, it's better than its reputation suggests.
Having established himself as a genre auteur, Carpenter bowed out of directing the sequel and set his sights on "The Fog.
- 10/20/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
To children, leprechauns have an innocent reputation of being the supernatural creature printed on the Lucky Charms cereal box. To director Mark Jones, leprechauns were a bit more devious. As the horror-comedy franchise Leprechaun makes its way to streaming on Hulu for its "Huluween" event this spooky season, Jones looks back on creating the Warwick Davis and Jennifer Aniston-led film that spawned seven movies.
Warwick Davis plays the titular role, where he hunts down civilians on a farm for a pot of gold he believes they stole. Leprechaun was also Aniston's film debut before she became famous on the highly acclaimed and popular television series Friends. In an interview with Cbr, director, and writer Mark Jones talked about how he took a low budget, a charismatic cast, and a mischievous vision to create the 1993 film and hinted at another Leprechaun installment in the future.
Cbr: Leprechaun has grown to...
Warwick Davis plays the titular role, where he hunts down civilians on a farm for a pot of gold he believes they stole. Leprechaun was also Aniston's film debut before she became famous on the highly acclaimed and popular television series Friends. In an interview with Cbr, director, and writer Mark Jones talked about how he took a low budget, a charismatic cast, and a mischievous vision to create the 1993 film and hinted at another Leprechaun installment in the future.
Cbr: Leprechaun has grown to...
- 10/16/2023
- by Katie Doll
- Comic Book Resources
The Godfather unintentionally became a love letter to Italian Americans, making them look tough and principled, despite real-life mobsters being street thugs. Paramount faced backlash and threats from the mafia for making a movie about them, but the film's success led to mafia members emulating the Hollywood portrayal of mobsters. The Godfather became a cultural touchstone, shaping the perception of Italians and the mafia, and is still widely celebrated today.
Against the better judgment of everyone involved, Paramount accidentally made the ultimate love letter to Italian Americans with The Godfather. Far removed from the days of Howard Hawks’ Scarface — made when gangster movies were censored for supposedly glorifying criminals — the mafia took exception to mob movies for a different reason. They wanted everyone to think the mob was a figment of the FBI’s imagination, out of sight, thusly out of mind.
How did an ethnic group embrace a stereotype?...
Against the better judgment of everyone involved, Paramount accidentally made the ultimate love letter to Italian Americans with The Godfather. Far removed from the days of Howard Hawks’ Scarface — made when gangster movies were censored for supposedly glorifying criminals — the mafia took exception to mob movies for a different reason. They wanted everyone to think the mob was a figment of the FBI’s imagination, out of sight, thusly out of mind.
How did an ethnic group embrace a stereotype?...
- 10/12/2023
- by Nathan Williams
- MovieWeb
In Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel, the character Duke Leto Atreides is set up to fail. Awarded the mining rights to the arid planet Arrakis by a powerful emperor, and given a limited number of days to exploit them, Leto is sent to the desert essentially to die. And in the end, he should’ve known forces beyond his control were conspiring against him from the start.
One wonders whether back in 1984 if David Lynch felt he could relate. An already impressive directorial talent behind intriguing films like Eraserhead (1977) and The Elephant Man (1980), Lynch was a 34-year-old wunderkind when he was tapped by producer Dino De Laurentiis to direct, and eventually rewrite, Dune as a sci-fi epic intended to rival Star Wars. Yet through the vicissitudes of fate—as well as budget, location photography, and post-production studio mandates—the film that reached cinema screens was a fraction of his sprawling vision.
One wonders whether back in 1984 if David Lynch felt he could relate. An already impressive directorial talent behind intriguing films like Eraserhead (1977) and The Elephant Man (1980), Lynch was a 34-year-old wunderkind when he was tapped by producer Dino De Laurentiis to direct, and eventually rewrite, Dune as a sci-fi epic intended to rival Star Wars. Yet through the vicissitudes of fate—as well as budget, location photography, and post-production studio mandates—the film that reached cinema screens was a fraction of his sprawling vision.
- 9/18/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
When first-time documentary director Leonard Manzella premieres his award-winning “Shoe Shine Caddie” at the Portobello Film Festival in London on September 16, it will represent a kind of return to the former actor’s roots in the international film scene.
A professional family therapist for the past 30 years in California, Manzella’s earlier career began when the native Angeleno left Los Angeles for Rome in 1968 “when everything was burning.” In his early 20s and armed with “no contacts and about $50 bucks in my pocket,” a fortuitous introduction to American actor Brett Halsey got Manzella into movies, first as an extra and eventually as a leading man.
Halsey, who landed in Rome in the ‘60s and worked steadily in Euro crime thrillers and in the burgeoning spaghetti western scene, often toiled under the moniker Montgomery Ford and Leonard Manzella became famous as Leonard Mann.
“I went to Rome to study political science,...
A professional family therapist for the past 30 years in California, Manzella’s earlier career began when the native Angeleno left Los Angeles for Rome in 1968 “when everything was burning.” In his early 20s and armed with “no contacts and about $50 bucks in my pocket,” a fortuitous introduction to American actor Brett Halsey got Manzella into movies, first as an extra and eventually as a leading man.
Halsey, who landed in Rome in the ‘60s and worked steadily in Euro crime thrillers and in the burgeoning spaghetti western scene, often toiled under the moniker Montgomery Ford and Leonard Manzella became famous as Leonard Mann.
“I went to Rome to study political science,...
- 9/15/2023
- by Steven Gaydos
- Variety Film + TV
Ridley Scott almost directed Dune instead of Blade Runner, but his decision to abandon the project led him to take on the dystopian noir film. If Scott had directed Dune, it would have been a more grounded and less visually chaotic film, potentially capturing more imaginations than Blade Runner's noir dystopia. Blade Runner's success was greatly influenced by Scott's direction, and without him, the film may not have become the iconic sci-fi classic it is today.
Blade Runner defined an era of science fiction after it brought Philip K Dick’s expansive cyberpunk vision to life on screen in 1982, establishing Ridley Scott as a master of the genre and boosting Harrison Ford's noir credentials. However, the Alien director almost turned down the dystopia, only taking it on after ditching his plans for creating another sci-fi movie which is famous for much less impressive reasons. After an initial theatrical letdown,...
Blade Runner defined an era of science fiction after it brought Philip K Dick’s expansive cyberpunk vision to life on screen in 1982, establishing Ridley Scott as a master of the genre and boosting Harrison Ford's noir credentials. However, the Alien director almost turned down the dystopia, only taking it on after ditching his plans for creating another sci-fi movie which is famous for much less impressive reasons. After an initial theatrical letdown,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Jen Tombs
- ScreenRant.com
Cliff Twemlow is an obscure figure even by British B-movie standards, a handsome, no-nonsense former Manchester nightclub doorman who attempted to create a Hollywood of the north in the early ’80s and ’90s. Born in 1937, a fact he tried to cloud for many years, he was something of a renaissance man: He acted in soaps, he composed lucrative library music, he wrote a novel about a killer pike, and, after a wounding experience with a botched adaptation of his autobiographical novel Tuxedo Warrior, he decided to become a filmmaker himself.
His first production, G.B.H. (1982), was shot on video — the grainy, ugly, analog kind — and it rode on the coattails of the recent hit The Long Good Friday. Twemlow starred as a handsome, no-nonsense Manchester nightclub doorman, hired to protect a local nightclub from a protection racket after returning from a stretch in prison.
His first production, G.B.H. (1982), was shot on video — the grainy, ugly, analog kind — and it rode on the coattails of the recent hit The Long Good Friday. Twemlow starred as a handsome, no-nonsense Manchester nightclub doorman, hired to protect a local nightclub from a protection racket after returning from a stretch in prison.
- 8/28/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
When you consider the evidence, the 1970s was the greatest crime movie period since the 1930s. Maybe it’s because of the grim film stock, but those 10 years were so filled with the criminal element even a highly-rated political journalism feature like All the President’s Men (1976) is really an investigation into indictable acts. The decade is defined by Francis Ford Coppola’s first two The Godfather movies, but those tell the story of the dons who live in compounds on Long Island. Most illicit infractions are committed on the street, and so many fall between the cracks.
Crime and gangster movies historically and consistently break boundaries in motion picture art. This is especially true when independent filmmakers muscle their way in packing something heavy. The 1970s was an experimental decade for motion pictures with wildly varied visions behind the lens. Some of these films were considered old-fashioned, others have proven...
Crime and gangster movies historically and consistently break boundaries in motion picture art. This is especially true when independent filmmakers muscle their way in packing something heavy. The 1970s was an experimental decade for motion pictures with wildly varied visions behind the lens. Some of these films were considered old-fashioned, others have proven...
- 8/12/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
A few months ago, we heard that The CW had picked up the U.S. rights to the TV series adaptation of author Frank Schätzing’s apocalyptic sci-fi novel The Swarm (you can pick up a copy at This Link). Now Deadline has revealed that The Swarm is set to begin airing on The CW at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on Tuesday, September 12th. A trailer for the show can be seen in the embed above.
The Swarm, not to be confused with the Donald Glover / Prime Video series Swarm, has been a long time coming. In 2006, Uma Thurman and producers Michael Souvignier, Ica Souvignier, and Till Grönemeyer acquired the film rights, with The Silence of the Lambs screenwriter Ted Tally handling the adaptation and Dino De Laurentiis on board to help finance the film. But it didn’t make it into production. In 2018, it was announced that Game of Thrones...
The Swarm, not to be confused with the Donald Glover / Prime Video series Swarm, has been a long time coming. In 2006, Uma Thurman and producers Michael Souvignier, Ica Souvignier, and Till Grönemeyer acquired the film rights, with The Silence of the Lambs screenwriter Ted Tally handling the adaptation and Dino De Laurentiis on board to help finance the film. But it didn’t make it into production. In 2018, it was announced that Game of Thrones...
- 8/11/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
No study of film is complete without the inclusion of the shark. Cinema has long told stories of man’s eternal battle with monsters, real or otherwise. Yet over the decades, no animal has endured so thoroughly as that on-screen nemesis like the humble shark. There’s always time for a shark movie, including this summer with the release of Ben Wheatley’s Meg 2. Indeed, our very (mis)understanding of the creature is rooted in its movie history. Film has an incredible ability to reimagine the world around us, but its eternal insistence on turning the shark into a merciless killing machine for midnight movie scares has left a permanent, major scar. And it’s almost entirely thanks to one movie that not only changed Hollywood forever but left sharks with a serious case of bad PR.
Jaws has a lot to answer for.
Prior to the film that changed everything,...
Jaws has a lot to answer for.
Prior to the film that changed everything,...
- 8/5/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Jessica Lange came by her restlessness naturally. Born on April 20, 1949, to a stay-at-home mom and a traveling salesman father who moved the family all over the state of Minnesota, she quickly became acclimated to the process of re-acclimating. Eventually, the need for stabilization lost its appeal. Three years into studying art and photography at the University of Minnesota, she married Spanish photographer Paco Grande, at which point their shared wanderlust took them all over the United States and Mexico. The pair split upon moving to Paris, where Lange discovered Étienne Decroux and corporeal mime -- which departs from the conventional white-faced japery you're familiar with, and seeks to find abstract poetry in the movement of people and things.
Lange possessed the soul of a poet, but found this form of performance emotionally unrewarding, so she decamped for New York City to study acting with Mira Rostova at Hb Studio. She...
Lange possessed the soul of a poet, but found this form of performance emotionally unrewarding, so she decamped for New York City to study acting with Mira Rostova at Hb Studio. She...
- 7/25/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Hannibal TV series made a peculiar choice was made not to dig into the backstory of the notorious murderer, Hannibal Lecter.
Mads Mikkelsen recently offered his thoughts on this narrative decision during an interview with GQ. Mikkelsen played the eponymous character on NBC's television adaptation.
The Hannibal TV show, while informed by Thomas Harris's novels, struck out on a distinct trajectory. It gave center stage to the rapport between Hannibal and Will Graham, an FBI profiler, which was the precursor to the events in the books.
Rather than wade into the depths of Hannibal's past or Will's history, the series spotlighted their unique dynamic and the ripple effect of their relationship on their surroundings.
Mikkelsen, during a discussion about his most prominent roles, elaborated on how the showrunners tried to separate his iteration of Hannibal from previous incarnations, chiefly through a deliberate omission of the character's backstory. The...
Mads Mikkelsen recently offered his thoughts on this narrative decision during an interview with GQ. Mikkelsen played the eponymous character on NBC's television adaptation.
The Hannibal TV show, while informed by Thomas Harris's novels, struck out on a distinct trajectory. It gave center stage to the rapport between Hannibal and Will Graham, an FBI profiler, which was the precursor to the events in the books.
Rather than wade into the depths of Hannibal's past or Will's history, the series spotlighted their unique dynamic and the ripple effect of their relationship on their surroundings.
Mikkelsen, during a discussion about his most prominent roles, elaborated on how the showrunners tried to separate his iteration of Hannibal from previous incarnations, chiefly through a deliberate omission of the character's backstory. The...
- 7/15/2023
- by Ali Valle
- MovieWeb
With it having already largely forged its own branching path from the novels, Mads Mikkelsen has explained why the Hannibal TV show didn't explore the iconic killer's backstory. Mikkelsen co-led the cast of the NBC show as Hannibal Lecter, with the story largely acting as a prequel to Thomas Harris' source novels and exploring Lecter's relationship with FBI profiler Will Graham. Though borrowing elements from the 2006 novel Hannibal Rising, the show generally didn't explore Will or Hannibal's backstories, instead focusing on the origins of their relationship and how it affected those around them.
In honor of his turn in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mads Mikkelsen sat down with GQ to break down his most iconic characters. While looking at the Hannibal TV show, the actor explained how the creative team sought to set his Lecter depiction apart from previous ones, namely by refusing to explore his backstory,...
In honor of his turn in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mads Mikkelsen sat down with GQ to break down his most iconic characters. While looking at the Hannibal TV show, the actor explained how the creative team sought to set his Lecter depiction apart from previous ones, namely by refusing to explore his backstory,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Grant Hermanns
- ScreenRant.com
The Halloween III: Season of the Witch episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Adam Walton, Edited by Jaime Vasquez, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
For two films, movie-goers watched the masked slasher Michael Myers stalk Jamie Lee Curtis and murder his way through the small town of Haddonfield on Halloween night. So you can understand that some were shocked when they went to see Halloween III and it wasn’t anything like the previous two films. Instead of more Michael Myers, they got a movie about a warlock who wanted to use the power of Stonehenge to kill millions of children. With masks that would melt their heads down into puddles of snakes and bugs. This change in direction did not go over well. For decades, Halloween III: Season of the Witch (watch it Here) was largely disregarded.
For two films, movie-goers watched the masked slasher Michael Myers stalk Jamie Lee Curtis and murder his way through the small town of Haddonfield on Halloween night. So you can understand that some were shocked when they went to see Halloween III and it wasn’t anything like the previous two films. Instead of more Michael Myers, they got a movie about a warlock who wanted to use the power of Stonehenge to kill millions of children. With masks that would melt their heads down into puddles of snakes and bugs. This change in direction did not go over well. For decades, Halloween III: Season of the Witch (watch it Here) was largely disregarded.
- 7/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
David Lynch's 1984 version of Dune opened to scathing reviews and anemic box office. It proved such a scarring experience for the director that he famously refuses to discuss it in public. The film's reputation has improved over the years, and it has earned a cult following thanks to its striking visuals and strong ensemble. But subsequent adaptations proved superior, with the 2000 Syfy Channel miniseries more faithful and engaging even before Denis Villeneuve's masterful 2021 film changed the game.
Lynch's opinions are his own and were shaped by the experience of making the film in ways that casual viewers' aren't. The 1984 Dune was hampered by considerable production problems, as well as a visionary director whose decisions were being second-guessed. The results were bizarre and compelling but couldn't capture the soul of Frank Herbert's original novel the way that later efforts did.
Related: Dune's Weirdest Creatures Probably Won't...
Lynch's opinions are his own and were shaped by the experience of making the film in ways that casual viewers' aren't. The 1984 Dune was hampered by considerable production problems, as well as a visionary director whose decisions were being second-guessed. The results were bizarre and compelling but couldn't capture the soul of Frank Herbert's original novel the way that later efforts did.
Related: Dune's Weirdest Creatures Probably Won't...
- 6/3/2023
- by Robert Vaux
- Comic Book Resources
A wannabe "Jaws" rip-off theorized what would happen if a killer whale wreaked revenge on humanity -- "Orca" was a warning. Let's be honest: it's kind of a surprise that it's taken this long for killer whales to revolt against humans. We've poisoned their oceans, killed their young, and forced them into a life of showbiz in cramped theme park pools. Humans had a good run but it seems that orcas are the new mammals in charge.
Sailors working off the coast of Western Europe have reported a series of attacks by a group of orcas they said seemed to be "coordinated." This included striking and sinking a number of boats, although no human casualties have been reported. Some scientists said spikes in aggression may have been started by a female orca nicknamed White Gladis, who is believed to have suffered trauma after a collision with a sailboat.
While other...
Sailors working off the coast of Western Europe have reported a series of attacks by a group of orcas they said seemed to be "coordinated." This included striking and sinking a number of boats, although no human casualties have been reported. Some scientists said spikes in aggression may have been started by a female orca nicknamed White Gladis, who is believed to have suffered trauma after a collision with a sailboat.
While other...
- 5/26/2023
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
An adaptation of author Frank Schätzing’s apocalyptic sci-fi novel The Swarm (you can pick up a copy at This Link), not to be confused with the Donald Glover / Prime Video series Swarm, was a long time coming. In 2006, Uma Thurman and producers Michael Souvignier, Ica Souvignier, and Till Grönemeyer acquired the film rights, with The Silence of the Lambs screenwriter Ted Tally handling the adaptation and Dino De Laurentiis on board to help finance the film. But it didn’t make it into production. In 2018, it was announced that Game of Thrones executive producer Frank Doelger was teaming with Beta Film and Zdf Enterprises to bring The Swarm to the screen as an eight-part TV series. Five years later, episodes of the show finally had their premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. The Swarm is now streaming on multiple services around the world – and Deadline reports that The CW has picked up the U.
- 5/26/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Silver Bullet is a 1985 horror movie starring Gary Busey, Everett McGill, Corey Haim, and Megan Follows. The plot concerns a werewolf stalking the streets of Tarker's Mills when the moon is getting big and bright. The script for the film was written by Stephen King, adapting one of his own stories — the 1984 novella Cycle of the Werewolf.
An excellent movie tie-in consists of Cycle of the Werewolf, the Silver Bullet script, stills from the movie, and a new forward by the author. If you're a fan of King and/or are interested in how films are made, then we at MovieWeb highly recommend it. The only problem is the cost, which is a little pricey. Even getting it secondhand is usually at least $60 or $70.
How Stephen King Came to Write Silver Bullet
In the forward, King recounts how Cycle of the Werewolf began at the 1979 World Fantasy Convention, where Christopher...
An excellent movie tie-in consists of Cycle of the Werewolf, the Silver Bullet script, stills from the movie, and a new forward by the author. If you're a fan of King and/or are interested in how films are made, then we at MovieWeb highly recommend it. The only problem is the cost, which is a little pricey. Even getting it secondhand is usually at least $60 or $70.
How Stephen King Came to Write Silver Bullet
In the forward, King recounts how Cycle of the Werewolf began at the 1979 World Fantasy Convention, where Christopher...
- 5/21/2023
- by Cameron Bolton
- MovieWeb
Arnold Schwarzenegger managed to maintain his reputation as an action star even in his much older years. But Clint Eastwood was a significant motivator for Schwarzenegger’s continued run in the genre.
How Clint Eastwood inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger’s future career as an action star Arnold Schwarzenegger | Leon Bennett/WireImage
Schwarzenegger was determined to become a blockbuster superstar at an early age, which he accomplished at the highest level. His roles in features like Predator, Terminator, and Commando helped turn him into one of Hollywood’s biggest action heroes. He felt like the movie Conan the Barbarian was when he truly cemented himself as a leading man.
“Universal Studios sold movies internationally, and Dino De Laurentiis was the biggest producer and had more awards on his shelves than you can even imagine,” he once told Buzzfeed. “You have Oliver Stone write the script and have John Milius rewrite it and then direct.
How Clint Eastwood inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger’s future career as an action star Arnold Schwarzenegger | Leon Bennett/WireImage
Schwarzenegger was determined to become a blockbuster superstar at an early age, which he accomplished at the highest level. His roles in features like Predator, Terminator, and Commando helped turn him into one of Hollywood’s biggest action heroes. He felt like the movie Conan the Barbarian was when he truly cemented himself as a leading man.
“Universal Studios sold movies internationally, and Dino De Laurentiis was the biggest producer and had more awards on his shelves than you can even imagine,” he once told Buzzfeed. “You have Oliver Stone write the script and have John Milius rewrite it and then direct.
- 5/20/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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