Trio Of Actors Cast In Lifetime, USA Pilots

Matthew MacCaull (The Killing) and Ken Luckey (Mission Park) have been cast in Lifetime’s drama pilot American Housewife starring Melanie Griffith, who is executive producing with husband/producing partner Antonio Banderas. The Fox TV Studios-produced project centers on Leila (Griffith), a seemingly perfect housewife living the American Dream in an affluent neighborhood married to wealthy up-and-coming politician Stanford (Jeffrey Nordling) with whom she has three grown or almost-grown children. McCaull, repped by Pacific Artists Management, will play a quirky but brilliant campaign aide for Stanford, on whom Leila’s youngest daughter (Kacey Rohl) has a crush. Luckey, repped by Greene & Associates and Emerald Talent Group, will play the oldest son, a talented but somewhat unreliable artist and painter who is curious about his mother’s odd behavior. Brandon Jay McLaren has joined USA’s untitled drama pilot from White Collar creator Jeff Eastin. The project, also from Fox TV Studios, follows agents from various federal and local agencies (DEA, FBI, LAPD) who live at an undercover house in Southern California. McLaren, repped by Pakula/King & Associates and Hofflund/Polone, will play Dale Jakes, a quick-tempered U.S. Customs agent living at the house.

'Skyfall' Recruits Ben Whishaw As Bond's New Q

Thanks for visiting the in a major way, Ben Whishaw! The 31-year-old Brit continues to be cast as Q in "Skyfall," the 23rd Mission Impossible film. If youve only seen the text movies from the Difficulties era, you might not know about Q, so here's some background info: Q isn't a title, but employment description (like Judi Dench's M). Because the mind of MI6's Q division, Q provides our hero with all the devices he requires to obtain his missions done. Need a hidden vehicle? Underwater jet pack? Explosives disguised as tooth paste? Then Q's your guy! Though Q was MIA from Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace hed been a fixture in Bond movies because the Sean Connery days. Desmond Llewelyn performed Q in 17 from the movies, then John Cleese who handled the task two times (first as Qs assistant R) for Pierce Brosnans Bond. Ben Whishaw has behaved with Difficulties two times before, in Layer Cake and Long lasting Love, both from 2004. But his casting marks an intriguing alternation in the text world the very first time, Q is going to be more youthful than 007. It appears fitting: the youthful tech geek ushering the stodgy spy right into a new digital age. We cant wait to determine what super-awesome doodad Q will develop next. Inform us that which you think about the most recent "Skyfall" casting within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

HAMMOND: Composer Alexandre Desplat Is Music To Academy awards Ears Again This Year

Is Alexandre Desplat the brand new toughest working guy in show business? The prolific Frenchcomposer that has had four Oscar nominations within the last 5 years is simply coming off his most popular year since attaining worldwide prestige in 2003 with Girl Having A Gem Earring. Since that time he's been among, ifnotthe most in-demandcomposers in the industry having a amazing output that helped me tired just reading through all of the game titles. Individuals Oscar-nominated scores, The King’s Speech, The Great Mr. Fox, The Curious Situation of Benjamin Button and also the Full are only a small sample from the nearly 60 scores he's written within the last ten years, ten years of major achievement forthe now-50 years old Desplat who are able to most likely securely say existence does indeed start at 40. He's really been positively creating for films for any quarter century but only has become an internationalhousehold title in movie music circles since 2003. After I sitting downwith him in a small dinner a week ago he is at town only for 36hours and between back-to-back Q&Just like his The Ides of March director George Clooney. That morning he'd justcompleted the score for Stephen Daldry’s Christmas release, Very Noisy and extremely Close. It had been a hurry job to be certain because he was introduced in like a last second alternative for that film’s first composer, Nico Muhly (who despite getting composed Daldry’sThe Readers in addition to becoming a music coordinator on his The Hrs, didn't exercise about this film). Desplatcomposed and conductedan enormous quantity of music, an hour or so and twenty minutesworth in under per month and that he was certainly feeling the stress of no sleep whenever we met. “I were built with a gap where I possibly could have rested. I had been said to be focusing on a Stephen Frears movie then Stephen Daldry’s came around. It’s a brave score also it required me three days to compose. The storyline is all about sorrow and loss – a young child manages to lose his father. It’s a modern day tragedy similar to aGreek one that you could transpose into any period, a universal story,” he stated adding he used very fast piano, sometimes using 2 pianos on the top of one another to share our prime amount of emotion. He explained the film is really a amazing and highlights the wordless performance of Max Von Sydow among its highlights. “He has a larger role it appeared than Tom Hanks inside it,” he stated. Obviously Very Noisy is only the latest of his scores for 2011, because he had seven other films launched this season, with different challenges. A couple of them , Roman Polanski’s Carnage and My Week With Marilyn really needed hardly any music on his part. Within the situation from the former music can be used only at the start and ending credit sequences, outdoors from the apartment but it's crucial in adding the best tone the film must establish. “It’s a drama and comedy simultaneously. It provides extensive wit therefore the trick was looking for this balance between this nasty, angry energy along with a more witty color,” he stated. For that latter it required a vacation to Paris in the very persuasive producer (with David Parfitt)from the film, Harvey Weinstein to secure his limited participation. “Harvey needed me to complete the score, however i had eliminate last summer time. We agreed I'd just write the theme and that i passed the relaxation from the work to my pal Conrad Pope. Marilyn is really a lost soul, an mistreated child who matures to become this incredible, sensual, intelligent lady,” stated Desplat and the lilting, haunting theme conveys everything and much more. On dealing with George Clooney around the political drama, The Ides of March he states Clooney’s an aspiration to possess like a director. “It’s easy in the future onto a project once the director likes your music and knows your projects. Everything appears type of simpler. My exchange with George was fruitful. They know what he’s doing and it has a powerful perspective. Otherwise he wouldn’t be considered a great director. After I composed he'd be near me in the piano during my studio. He's passionate and try to positive,” he stated. Although he's qualified to carry on his Oscar nomination streak with Ides and Very Noisy in addition to his shared credit on Marilyn and the fine focus on the Mexican immigrant drama A Much Better Existence, there most likely isn’t enough music in Carnage to qualify and you will find questions regarding two other perfectly-known movies he did this season. He came back to complete the finale from the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows Part 2,after doing part one this year. While he is obtaining on work established initially by John Williams in the last films the background music branch may deem it not original enough but Desplat thinks it's. “I had total freedom about this score and that we barely used the John Williams original theme. Merely a couple of bars in some places. As a whole , around an hour and 20 minutes of music. We stored the theme within the last final scene because i was interested in ending the series where we began, therefore it finishes with John Williams,” he stated. His focus on Part 1 didn't earn an Oscar nom this past year but Warner Bros does a significantly bigger campaign push about this finale. Then there’s Terrence Malick. The elusive , reclusive director is believe it or not secretive even if it involves his composers but for the Tree of Existence Desplat includes a real challenge . He couldn’t begin to see the movie. “The process with Terrence is the fact that he requested me to create music with no picture, and so i authored and recorded with no picture. It’s an uncommon and various experience. It required me 3 years of discussions before I recorded several segments. Some movies, like Harry Potter take three several weeks,” he stated. Malick however used that 3 years of labor very moderately within the film which is likely there just isn’t enough music to qualify under Academy rules. He’s happy with what he accomplished though. “Terrence was searching for some type of river flowing of music that will go through the film. It had been about how exactly love passes along. How can you show love and kids musically? The background music also were built with a hymn-like quality and Terrence did request me to create some hymns,” he remembered. For 2012 Desplat states he intends to dial it back a little although he is doing have a few french projects he'll be doing. Using the type of work he’s been doing he warrants just a little time off work , but Iimagine he'll be back around Oscar time. Theodds are certainly in the favor.

Five Good Reasons To See Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo'

Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" is much like nothing you have ever seen in the Oscar-winning filmmaker before and that is a really positive thing. Occur Paris within the nineteen thirties, Scorsese's 3-D adventure film focuses on Hugo Cabret, a youthful orphan living a secret existence within the walls of the stop where he steals croissants for food and devices for any mysterious project he's focusing on in the free time. However when Hugo encounters the enigmatic who owns the train station's toy shop, the youthful boy's purpose finally makes focus. A superbly shot coming-of-age tale that doubles like a love letter to cinema, "Hugo" is among the best movies from the holidays, and something of Scorsese's all-time finest efforts. Take a look at five reasons why you ought to check this out film following the jump. Beginning You know whether "Hugo" is perfect for you inside the first 10 mins from the movie. Scorsese transmits you soaring through his vision of Paris immediately, offering an attractive and breathtaking opening shot that sets a dark tone for the beauty that's yet in the future. The effective, wordless sequence that develops constitutes a bold statement: this really is Scorsese as is available never witnessed him before. Scorsese Changes Gears Most widely known for his brutal crime dramas that put his figures with the bloody wringer, Scorsese's "Hugo" is pretty lighter fare, but it is not without its very own group of emotional sucker punches. Scorsese's evolution with "Hugo" is jaw-shedding when thinking about his previous efforts, but this is not an entire face-lift for that Oscar champion: despite some phenomenal new window-dressing, the Scorsese you are aware of love is greatly present throughout "Hugo," even when you need to look a bit harder to determine everything. Asa Butterfield talks "Ender's Game" casting! Asa Butterfield Arrives Inside a ocean of strong supporting stars which includes Ben Kingsley and Congressman Christopher Lee, it's Asa Butterfield because the titular Hugo who sticks out probably the most. His childlike question, perfectly interspersed with a nearly unworldly ice-blue gaze, propels "Hugo" forward and cements this youthful actor like a future star. Thankfullyor hopefully, I ought to saywe'll see much more of him within the approaching "Ender's Game" adaptation. Support Team Asa sticks out because the most unique and attention-getting from the bunch, but he's encircled with a phenomenal cast. Kingsley is really a delight of course as Georges Mlis, a curmudgeonly toymaker having a damaged heart. Sacha Baron Cohen provides the majority of the movie's laughs because the un named Station Inspector, though he provides some emotional surprises too. And Chloe Moretz remains among the great youthful stars in our time, adding another memorable use her ever impressive listing of credits The Energy of Cinema "Hugo" is definitely an unabashed love letter to film. It's oddly appropriate that Scorsese's greatest dive in to the childhood of cinema (on the watch's screen a minimum of) comes outfitted using the industry's most widely used gimmick right now. Scorsese not just masters 3-D for that reasons of "Hugo" like a story, but additionally like a commentary around the evolution and energy from the movies. It is a glorious ride for fans from the medium, a complete can't miss for cinephiles everywhere. Martin Scorsese talks "Hugo" inspiration! Inform us that which you think about "Hugo" within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Ricki Lake Reveals Dancing With The Stars Weight Loss

First Published: November 22, 2011 10:10 AM EST Credit: ABC Caption Ricki Lake has had an incredible Dancing transformationLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Ricki Lake has had a big story beyond getting to the finals with professional Derek Hough a weight loss of more than 20 pounds and several dress sizes. The actress and returning talk show host started the competition a size 8, vowing not to try on wedding dresses until the competition was over and she revealed to Access Hollywood she is now 15 inches smaller and just a size 4. If we dont win, I really will be OK. I feel like Ive won thus far. Ive come further than I thought I would, Ricki told Access guest correspondent Tim Vincent on Monday night. Ricki credits her weight loss transformation to eating right (she used a food preparation service many of the competitors also join to time save time) and the hours and hours of training she put in throughout Season 13 with Derek. Back in September, Ricki quickly learned that dancing could be a tough workout, as she felt the effects as she prepared for the weeks ahead of competition. You sweat so quickly when you do this, she told Access on September 12, just a few weeks into training. I could run three miles on a treadmill and not really sweat but yeah, we do [in rehearsals]. Im dropping weight like crazy, she added, then already five inches smaller than when she started the competition. My pants are falling off. Just two weeks later, on September 28, Ricki had dropped even more from her frame. Ive lost 12 inches in three weeks, she told Access. Every time I go for the costume fitting each week, its smaller and smaller. Im feeling great. Im putting in the work. Im getting a lot of sleep. Everything is on the backburner right now. Dancing is my priority. By midway through the competition, Ricki had noticed she couldnt fit into the clothes in her closet. I need to get new jeans, all my jeans are falling off, she laughed with Access on October 5, after a performance night. I was a size 8 when I started this thing, now my size 6s are big. Derek, who as her pro partner was instrumental in pushing Ricki all season long, also noticed his partners transformation, complimenting her in a rehearsal on November 14. This has been such a winning season for me and Ricki already. Shes gotten into fantastic shape, weve gotten some amazing scores, weve had some very memorable routines, he said. For me, being memorable is more important than winning. And now, with the Season 13 finals Night 1 over, and just one day of competition left, Ricki can look ahead to shopping for the dress in which shell wed fiance Christian Evans. I have a great career going next year, Im getting married. Life is good, but Im going to give it my all. These guys are incredible competitors, Ricki added. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin

A Staci Levine, Dodgers, Jon B. Platt, Jessica R. Jenen presentation from the concert by 50 percent functions. Directed by Mandy Patinkin. Produced by Patinkin and Paul Ford. Music direction, Ford. Sets, David Korins costumes, Jon Can Coskunses lights, Eric Cornwell appear, Daniel J. Gerhard dance consultant, Ann Reinking production stage manager, Matthew Aaron Stern. Opened up up November. 21, 2011, examined November. 20. Runs through Jan. 13, 2012. Running time: 2 Several hours.With: Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Paul Ford, John Beal."Old folks sit around with the tv, sighing one perpetual sigh," according to Kander and Ebb's song "Old Folks," which opens the second act of "A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin." LuPone and Patinkin aren't old folks, except possibly to theatergoers very youthful or 20s, and they are still vibrant artists. Nevertheless the atmosphere of "old folks" -- together with a nostalgic, sit-around-with-pals-in-the-living-room feeling -- propagates through the affair. Enjoyable and sweet aren't words you might ordinarily connect using these two, however Broadway concert is both. The pair -- who first starred opposite each other in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" in 1979 -- bring many of the old miracle for the Barrymore, most noticeably when he sings "Oh Just what a Circus" and he or she sings "Don't Cry personally Argentina," both from "Evita." Furthermore both reprise among their other signature amounts. Nevertheless the relaxation in the evening is showtunes, many of which appear sensible coming initially from from LuPone and Patinkin while others of that don't. The show is moored by extended servings of "South Off-shoreline" and "Slide slide carousel." They're kind of interesting, somewhat like watching two Broadway stars stretching themselves in scene class. (It's tough to convey what someone not familiar with these Rodgers and Hammerstein classics can make of individuals clips-with-song, but it's unlikely that a person not familiar with "South Off-shoreline" and "Slide slide carousel" would wander into "A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin.") With all of this exercise, you don't anticipate seeing LuPone's Nellie Forbush or Patinkin's Billy Bigelow, although Patinkin gets the makings from the effective Emile p Becque in "South Off-shoreline." The pair grew to become part of together for just about any personal appearance 10 years ago and labored it into an action they've been touring between gigs since. Hence the simple setup: a black stage with Steinway together with a few chairs, a extended rectangular scrim for lighting and 28 ghost lights of various dimensions and colours for decoration. No orchestra, naturally because they often times play one-nighters. This is not a hindrance, as pianist Paul Ford and bassist John Beal, a few current day finest theater artists, are present in Mandy's living room. Or stage right, rather. NYers have formerly days seen concerts not only from Hugh Jackman within the Broadhurst, but Audra McDonald and Cheyenne Jackson on separate dates at Carnegie Hall. Many patrons continue being talking about these nights and would use a try for just about any repeat viewing. LuPone and Patinkin will be in the identical rarefied class of theater stars, however present vehicle is essentially likably friendly. Over time, have sometimes had well-marketed battles utilizing their collaborators. Here, together, they are in an appreciation fest and so are nothing otherwise very comfortable. And then we get LuPone and Patinkin without their edge, which can be considered an optimistic factor. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Changing studio system reduces minorities' Oscar hopes

'The Help'Focus will release 'Pariah,' featuring Adepero Oduye, in December. When Denzel Washington and Halle Berry made history by winning 2001's top two acting honors for particular turns in "Training Day" and "Monster's Ball," it came out the floodgates had opened up up for racial unprivileged within the Oscars.One year afterwards, only two minority thesps, Salma Hayek ("Frida") and Full Latifah ("Chicago"), were nominated, with neither winning. Still, every subsequent Academy awards featured one or more minority actor or actress inside the Oscar search, with several notable individuals who win including Jamie Foxx for "Ray" and Forest Whitaker for "The Ultimate King of Scotland."Then came the 2009 Oscar ceremony, which shipped not just a single Acad acting nominee of color.Were yesteryear Oscars an anomaly or perhaps an indication of products in the future? WME agent Charles King is anxious, stating the ever-diminishing studio slate since the finest reason for your dearth of meaty roles filled by thesps of color."The entire film information mill changing," states King, who reps Tyler Perry and "Pariah" author-director Dee Rees. "Art galleries are dedicated to content that foretells some large worldwide demographic and may have significant appeal because marketplace. With less greenlights, movies that have an even more multiethnic perspective are actually hit more adversely than these.InchWhilst there's been jobs in the general sense for unprivileged -- a 2008 SAG report states 27.5% of roles are filled by stars of color -- the Oscars underscore how rare it's for stars of color to acquire substantial roles.Wants Latin-American and Asian-American artists this kudo season are again bleak. There is a effective chance not under one African-American acting nom, particularly among "The AssistanceInch co-stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, while focusing Features thinks there's an outdoors shot at garnering some Oscar passion for its late-December bow "Pariah," a Sundance darling of a Brooklyn teen fighting to become launched just like a lesbian. But it's less than an overflow of competitors.Even though honours several weeks are early, few other films with prominent minority roles have yet emerged as you can competitors inside the acting warms up."It's a rarity," states Chris Columbus, producer on DreamWorks' Mississippi-set period drama "The Help,In . of weighty films toplined by non-white-colored thesps. "Sadly, we're in the world high aren't a whole lot roles for African-American stars."couple of years ago, some thesps -- Morgan Freeman ("Invictus") and Gabourey Sidibe ("Precious") -- played inside the lead actor and actress groups, while Mo'Nique showed up the supporting actress trophy on her behalf role becoming an abusive mother in "Precious." But possibly tellingly, of people two films, only the Clint Eastwood-helmed "Invictus" showed up in this area in the studio system. In comparison, "Precious" only handled to obtain for the bigscreen due to angel traders Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness as well as the backing of professional producers The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey and Perry.No matter the $64 million worldwide haul for your low-budget "Precious," corporate-possessed art galleries are becoming progressively loath to purchase minority-designed dramas -- probably the most well-loved genre of Academy voters."You'd have thought that good success of 'Precious,' there might have been other films such as this,In . notes King. "But there were not many."Columbus and author-helmer Tate Taylor looked around a script for bestseller "The Help,In . which matches to the rarely seen arena of black service personnel inside the South through the civil- rights movement, to several art galleries and production companies, which passed."It needed the thought of Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider at DreamWorks who mentioned, 'Yeah, we'll support this picture,' " recalls Columbus. "They needed a substantial leap of belief."Even though film will be a bonafide box office hit in your area and to date worldwide, "The AssistanceInch courted critique a minimum of again relegating black stars to service personnel quarters. (Meanwhile, Sidibe supported her "Precious" turn by playing a maid inside the studio actioner "Tower Heist.")Winfrey, who nabbed an Oscar nomination on her behalf supporting submit Spielberg's "The Color Crimson," sees the glass as half-full if the involves minority representation in film."I not put on the negative I choose to put on what exactly could be,Inch states Winfrey, who's being honored with the Academy this year while using Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award."I'm really excited to find out what is going to happen with 'The Help.' Even if nothing happens with 'The Help' while using Academy, In my opinion that the fact 'The Help' can be obtained is fantastic. It discloses the options for many people that are like, 'Hey, people will have a look at films that have dramatic impact which entail black as well as black figures.' I choose to stay within the arena of what's possible as well as the entrance doors that have been opened up up and not lament what's not happening."Eye round the Oscars: Talent RaceStrength of comics in dramatic roles shouldn't surprise Changing studio system reduces minorities' Oscar hopes Chastain, Fassbender everywhere on bigscreen Top thesps take kudo sabbatical Grand globetrotters Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Occupy Wall Street Boosts 'Margin Call' in Oscar Race

The 84th Academy Awards are nearly four months away, but that hasn't stopped industrious handicappers from culling the herd, anointing early front-runners including The Descendants, The Artist and Midnight in Paris while reserving place holders for such big-ticket contenders as War Horse and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close that have not yet screened. Not so fast, though: Turns out there's still room for a surprise or two.our editor recommends'Margin Call' Trailer: Revisiting the Economic Collapse (Video)'Margin Call' Director: 'We as a Country Are All Acting Very Greedy Right Now' (Berlin)SUNDANCE REVIEW: 'Margin Call' Never Develops a Sense of Urgency Amid Financial Crisis Enter Margin Call. In terms of its awards potential, the movie, made for just $3.5 million, hadn't been on the radar. But that all changed once Roadside Attractions released it Oct. 21 -- in theaters and as a VOD offering on cable, Amazon and iTunes. Written and directed by first-timer J.C. Chandor, the son of a stockbroker, the film serves up a rigorous and bracing look at a major investment bank on the brink of collapse. Zachary Quinto, who helped develop and produce Margin Call, plays an analyst, who at first stares at his computer screen with the look of a disbelieving Titanic crewmember after spotting the iceberg. As his discovery -- that the firm could go under if it doesn't quickly sell off its toxic mortgage securities -- works its way up the chain of command, the movie introduces Paul Bettany as a cynical supervisor, Kevin Spacey as a conflicted manager, Demi Moore as a tense risk management exec, and, helicoptering in like a deus-ex-master-of-the-universe, company chief Jeremy Irons, who delivers juicy pronouncements like "The music is about to stop and we are holding the greatest pile of odiferous excrement in the history of capitalism." PHOTOS: Entertainers Who Visited Occupy Wall Street Top critics rushed to offer praise. "Margin Call is one of the strongest American films of the year and easily the best Wall Street movie ever made," David Denby of The NYer declared. On the eve of its release, the movie was nominated for a Gotham Award for best ensemble. It could now make a legitimate bid for the Screen Actors Guild's ensemble prize, should be a major player at the Spirit Awards, and Oscar-wise, might well figure in the original screenplay and supporting actor contests, since, as NY magazine's David Edelstein wrote, "Spacey gives a major performance, his best in many years." The irony is that Margin Call has been hiding in plain sight all along. In January, at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, it received mixed reviews, but Lionsgate/Roadside quickly scooped it up for about $1 million. "It wasn't seen as a prestige release, but we really liked it," says Roadside co-president Howard Cohen. The first omen that others might agree came when the film was selected to open NY's New Directors/New Films in March, drawing an enthusiastic assessment from the NY Times' A.O. Scott. "And that's when everyone suddenly woke up and said, 'This is a major film,' " Cohen adds. PHOTOS: Scene at Occupy Los Angeles Roadside continued to play its cards close to the vest. Since it was planning a simultaneous VOD and theatrical release, which would have disqualified the movie for Oscar consideration because eligible films must first appear in theaters, the distributor quietly booked a qualifying run in the San Fernando Valley community of West Hills earlier this fall. Although no one could have predicted it, the zeitgeist then conspired to give Margin Call extra currency. With the Occupy Wall Street protests, which began in mid-September, targeting the banks behind the 2008 fiscal crisis, the film acquired real topicality. Additionally, while promoting the movie, Quinto seized the moment to come out publicly as gay with a simple, eloquent statement that he had been moved by the suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, a victim of bullying, to live his own life more openly. That only served to underscore his growing seriousness and stature within the industry. Roadside didn't have an awards strategy in place for the film, but the company is now drawing up plans, deciding on such things as budgeting and bringing in a consultant. "We weren't using an awards strategy to help the movie do business, but now that we've seen the reception, we want to maximize its awards potential," says Cohen. In other words, don't sell Margin Call's awards stock short. UNEXPECTED ENTRIES CAN SHAKE UP OSCAR: Each year, a few films fly under the radar only to emerge to challenge the conventional wisdom Letters from Iwo Jima (2006): When Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers faltered, Warners shifted his companion film to December.It grabbed four nominations. The Blind Side (2009): Most pundits dismissed the movie's Oscar chances, leaving it off early lists. The November release scored a win for Sandra Bullock. Crazy Heart (2009): Fox Searchlight dropped the country-themed movie into the 2009 race at the last minute, and it brought Jeff Bridges a best actor statuette. Related Topics Sundance Film Festival Occupy

Emma Stone Compromising for Foul-Mouthed Spec Script

Emma Stone may want to clean her mouth by helping cover their cleaning cleaning soap. The ubiquitous leading lady is at predicts star in 'He's F-ckin' Perfect,' spec script that Fox 2000 recently bought which will unquestionably have its title changed before release. 'Perfect' focuses on a "social media savvy girl" who uses the net to evaluate her potential suitors. When she stumbles towards the "perfect guy," she creates a social media presence for herself being his "right gemstone necklace.Inch (Whether or not this appears like something Barney did around the recent episode of 'How I Met Your Mother,' it sorta is.) 29-year-old author Lauryn Kahn written the script for 'Perfect' as Deadline notes, she was Adam McKay's assistant for four years, and may leave the career on Friday to give consideration to writing full-time. Kahn has furthermore came out in volume of Funny or Die sketches. Not always a poor start to your work, Lauryn! [via Deadline] [Photo: BAUERGRIFFIN] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

25 Things You May Not Know About 'Carrie'

Sure, 'Carrie' is a modern horror classic, one whose bloodbath-at-the-prom sequence and final shock from beyond the grave have been referenced and parodied so many times that you may feel like you've seen the movie even if you haven't. But even die-hard fans of 'Carrie,' which was released exactly 35 years ago (on Nov. 3, 1976) may not know all about the film -- the movie's unlikely connections to 'Star Wars' and Redd Foxx, the creepy lengths Sissy Spacek was willing to go for the sake of gruesome realism, the many on-set romances, or the scrapped original ending. Read on because if you don't, they're all gonna laugh at you. 1. 'Carrie' was both Stephen King's first novel and his first to be filmed. At the time of the movie's release, King was still so little-known that the makers of the film's trailer misspelled his first name as "Steven." 'Carrie' - Original Trailer 2. Directors Brian De Palma and George Lucas staged open auditions together for both 'Carrie' and 'Star Wars.' Both initially wanted Amy Irving for their female lead, and William Katt almost ended up starring in Lucas' movie instead of De Palma's. Eventually, of course, Lucas cast Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia (after De Palma had rejected her as Carrie in favor of Sissy Spacek) and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, while De Palma cast Irving and Katt in supporting roles in 'Carrie.' For her part, Irving had no hard feelings toward Fisher; in fact, they became close friends. 3. Before 'Carrie,' Piper Laurie hadn't made a film in 15 years, since her Oscar-nominated turn in 'The Hustler.' She had all but quit show business to raise a family and was reluctant to return to acting to play what could have been a two-dimensional role as Margaret White, Carrie's religious-fanatic mother. De Palma persuaded her that she could develop an element of black humor in the character beyond what was on the page. 4. Spacek was already 26 when she was cast as a teen at the onset of menstruation. (Her husband, Jack Fisk, was the movie's production designer.) In fact, all of the principal stars were well past high-school age. 5. De Palma certainly had an eye for young talent. 'Carrie' marked the big-screen debuts of Irving, P.J. Soles and Betty Buckley. It was also the first major film role for both Katt and John Travolta (already a rising star on TV's 'Welcome Back, Kotter'). 6. Irving and Katt had dated a year before they appeared together in the film. Their screen test included a makeout scene in the back of a car that was later cut from the movie. 7. Hitchock fan De Palma included multiple references to 'Psycho' in the film, from naming the high school after Norman Bates to commissioning composer Pino Donaggio to use shrieking, stabbing violins like those Bernard Herrmann featured to great effect in the 1960 shocker. In fact, De Palma had wanted to hire Herrmann to score 'Carrie,' but he died shortly before production began. De Palma speculated that Herrmann would have been none too pleased about the theft. 8. The incendiary prom sequence was filmed on a soundstage that had been the site of another famous movie fire, the burning of Atlanta in 'Gone With the Wind.' 9. The filming of the prom sequence took three days. To keep the blood stains on her prom dress and all over her body consistent, Spacek slept in the bloody gown. (OK, it wasn't really pig blood, just corn syrup and food coloring.) 'Carrie' - Prom Coronation Scene Movie Videos & Movie Scenes at MOVIECLIPS.com 10. In the prom sequence, Soles got hit so hard with the water jet from the fire hose that she burst an eardrum. It was six months before she regained her full hearing. 11. At the end of the movie, the Whites' house was supposed to be destroyed by a hail of boulders, but the conveyor belt moving the rocks jammed, so De Palma decided to just burn the house down. 12. Irving's dream sequence at the end was shot in reverse (with the actress walking backwards and cars driving in reverse gear), then played forward. (Years later, David Lynch used the same disorienting technique to create the dream sequences in 'Twin Peaks.') De Palma has said the hand-thrusting-from-the-grave shot at the end was inspired by the climax of 'Deliverance.' De Palma wanted to use a stunt woman, but Spacek insisted on doing the shot herself. She was in a pit under a board covered with rocks and received a signal to reach out and grab Irving's arm. 13. Nancy Allen, who played Carrie's chief tormentor, Chris, started dating De Palma during the shoot. They eventually married and made three more films together. But it was Irving who landed the lead in De Palma's next film, 'The Fury,' another chiller about a teenage girl with deadly telekinetic powers. 14. De Palma is also responsible for fixing up Steven Spielberg with future wife Irving. Soles has said De Palma invited the 'Jaws' director to the set because of all the cute girls, and that he asked several of them out, including her, but that Irving was the only one who said yes. 15. The way Irving recalled it, however, De Palma fixed them up by sending her to audition for Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' for a part she was clearly too young for. Either way, they were soon living together, though they didn't get married until 1985. They had one child together and divorced in 1989. 16. Three days before 'Carrie' opened, the movie had a sneak preview in a handful of theaters on Halloween. Stephen King attended one such preview, the second half of an unlikely double feature with the Redd Foxx comedy 'Norman, Is That You?' King recalled the event in a hilarious story he told Whoopi Goldberg on her talk show in 1992 (see video below; thanks to 'Carrie'... A Fan's Site). Stephen King, Talking to Whoopi Goldberg, About the 'Carrie' Sneak Preview (1992) 17. Soles and Travolta became friends; he got her cast in a small role in his TV movie 'The Boy in the Plastic Bubble' later that year. 18. The film made a strong splash. It earned $33.8 million at the box office (a lot of money in 1976), and it earned Oscar nods for Spacek and Laurie, making them two of a handful of performers who've ever been nominated for their roles in a horror film. 19. Buckley played Margaret White in Broadway's 'Carrie,' a 1988 musical with songs by 'Footloose' composer Dean Pitchford and a book by Lawrence Cohen, who'd written the screenplay to the 1976 film. The musical closed after five performances and became one of the most legendary flops in Broadway history. It's scheduled to be revived, however, in a 2012 Off-Broadway production. 20. In 1995, 19 years after they played mother and daughter in 'Carrie,' Laurie and Spacek played sisters in the indie dramedy 'The Grass Harp.' 21. In 'Halloween: H20' (1998), Janet Leigh's character is named Norma Watson. That was the name of the 'Carrie' character played by Soles, who also played an ill-fated teen in the original 1978 'Halloween.' 22. Soles and Katt reunited as the parents in another tale of rampaging teen girls, the 1999 black comedy 'Jawbreaker.' The casting was one of writer/director Darren Stein's homages to 'Carrie.' 23. A sequel set 22 years later, called 'The Rage: Carrie 2,' came out in 1999. No one involved in the original had anything to do with it except Irving, who reprised her role as the haunted Sue. There was also 2002 TV remake of 'Carrie,' starring Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson. 24. Irving and Spacek reunited in 2002 for the family film 'Tuck Everlasting.' 25. A 2013 big-screen remake of 'Carrie' is in the works, penned by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Broadway's 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark') and perhaps starring 'True Grit' killer teen Hailee Steinfeld. King is reportedly not thrilled. "The real question is why, when the original was so good?" King said. "I mean, [it's] not 'Casablanca' or anything, but a really good horror-suspense film, much better than the book." [Photos: United Artists] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman RELATED