Venice 2012: Après mai
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French director Olivier Assayas has brought to Venice nostalgic picture of the times of his youth. In the movie "Something in the Air" (Après mai) which thematically continues his own film "Cold Water", some teenagers are trying to find themselves in a chaotic world, parallel to falling in love and taking part in the protest movement.
In the original film Assayas called Apres Mai, meaning "After May." This refers, in May 1968, when the student riots exploded France. Pupils whose youth came at the beginning of the seventies, could not follow the example of elders. They also wanted to participate in the revolution, they fearlessly took to the streets against armed with sticks, batons and tear gas police. It was the scene of cruel crackdown February 9, 1971 and started painting of Assayas.
Central characters in "Something in the Air," have the same names, as in "Cold Water" - Gilles and Christine.
It seems that director was the most important thing to convey the atmosphere of his own adolescence: leftist movements, underground organizations, parties with hippie, craze contemporary art, strange love. Assayas filled the film space by the melodies that are heard at school - it's Syd Barrett, Dr. Strangely Strange, Incredible String Band, Captain Beefheart, Nick Drake.
"Something in the air" is made up of pieces, like a patchwork quilt. Unified picture of history as such is not enough, the viewer only watches maturation characters and events that this maturation somehow contribute. "Youth in the 2010s lived in this shapeless. They exist outside of history "- said Olivier Assayas.
The characters in his movie, by contrast, live for today and remember the events of the recent past, they are eager to change history. Their culture - a counterculture. According to the director, working with the young actors, he noticed how much change in the attitude of young people to the world over the past few decades.
"The issues that were previously out of focus, such as the history of the labor movement, the different approaches to the structure of the left political wing, they seem to be quite strange - said Assayas. - By the way, they also wonder why the idea of cultural policy. Their only real ideals - the clothes and the music. "
Hawk Koch interview
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The new president of the American Academy Hawk Koch answered questions of resource THR.
Here are some excerpts from the interview.
- What are you going to do first of all?
First of all it is necessary to determine the producer and host of the ceremony of "Oscar". The second point - to make sure that we will earn $ 100 million in October for the museum, which will allow us to continue to fill up its collection. Our third task - to make sure that everyone in America and around the world know Academy in the educational sphere, and that makes for the preservation of film. I mean not just physical safety film or digital media, but also the protection of art of cinema itself. I want to continue to promote to the masses the idea that the Academy is inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers. And the Academy - is not only "Oscar." The year has 364 days, during which time we do a lot for our community and the world at large. I want to be sure that everyone knows about it.
- Has Tom Chirac, former president, already started looking for a producer for the ceremony of "Oscar"? Did he discuss it with you?
I became the President just few months ago. As an official, I know that the negotiations were conducted. I hope the decision will be taken soon. We are thinking about this and the answer will be forthcoming.
- Whatever you personally, would like to see the ceremony of the "Oscar"?
I'd like to see the ceremony was longer (laughs). Seriously, I think, "Oscar" will become something more than just a TV show. It will be digital. I hope that as this year, viewers will watch "Oscar" and use the service Oscars.org. I am eager to do one thing: the position of "It's great to be nominated". I want all of the nominees is closer to the awards ceremony had the opportunity to express their feelings, friends, fans, saying, for example:" You know, what? Great to be nominated. If I win, it will be awesome, and if not, listen, I had a great time. And I felt love and gratitude for the work you did.
- The next award ceremony of the American Academy is declared on February 24. But some members of the Academy believe that it should be carried out before, probably in January. In your opinion, "Oscar" should be moved to January?
I do not think we will move "Oscar" for January. I think our board members believe that we are Super Bowl. I applaud all the other shows, they are great, but we -"Oscar" and "Oscar"- Vince Lombardi Trophy.
- Under existing rules, in the category "Best Film" may be presented from 5 to 10 pictures. Would you like to make it a rule preserved or it may change to the next "Oscar"?
No, it will remain unchanged. It works well, and I think will continue to work well. We are confident that, if there are 6 or 7 or 8 films worthy of a nomination, then so be. You can not filter out movies just because that we can choose only five.
- Media obsessed with "Oscar". How Academy is going to promote its other activities?
I think the electronic media play an important role in this. There are people who do not want to be George Clooney and Chris Nolan. They want to be filmmakers, or artists, animators, sound engineers. I want to be sure that they know that The Academy is engaged in these things.
- Since you are a member of the board for 8 years, the president can be elected for one term only. You feel the pressure due to the fact that at your disposal there is only a year?
You know, I recently visited Academy and on so many committees and meetings that convinced that he was ready to get started. So I just need to start doing it. Film, about which I dreamed all my life, received the "green light". What do you want to do if you're a producer? Move! That's what I'm going to do.
“Emmy” nominations: impressions
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I must say that this post in any case does not pretend to be objective, therefore, express your opinions and dissent in comments.
- This year was even more clearly visible marasmus of nominations for the miniseries and TV series. Of the six nominees for the Grand Prize three are actually for many serials (Luther, Sherlock and the American Horror Story). American Horror Story became a mini-soap, as the series is an anthology in which each season will tell a single complete story. Therefore, AHS will nominated as a miniseries in the next year, even if it is extended to the third, fourth and so on seasons. From Downton Abbey in this and last year there was a different story. Last year, Downton Abbey went on U.S. television with double episodes, so did not get the required number of episodes - at least six - to go by the rules in the category of "drama". Producers had to file it as miniseries. This year the situation has changed, and Downton Abbey has become a drama that does not negatively affect the number of nominations compared to last year (the number of nominations has increased from 11 to 16), but is likely greatly reduce the number of received statuettes. Sherlock is forced to file a separate series as minifilm because the Academy did not recognize its mini-soap and to drama series Sherlock is not enough. At the same time the Academy recognized the mini-soap for some reason Luther, who successfully nominated in this category for the third consecutive year. It remains unclear why, for example, in categories such as directing and script, which even for the full series will still be accepted for consideration, miniseries and TV movies are a separate nomination.
- Downton Abbey made a serious bid to win among the dramas with 16 nominations. From this chance of Homeland to get award for best drama is sharply decreased. Now, Mad Men will compete with Downton Abbey. In favor of Mad Men talk as much as three nominations in the category "Best Script" against one in Downton Abbey and Homeland. If Mad Men gets fifth consecutive statuette for "Best drama" episode beat the record for most wins in this category. Now the record is shared by Hill Street Blues, LA Law, The West Wing itself Mad Men, series, each with 4 wins. However, neither of which certainty can not speak, but academics are always full of surprises.
- A vivid example of what a few nominations for best script does not guarantee anything - Parks and Recreation. In this series as much as two nominations for the script, but nevertheless it was nominated for "best comedy". Moreover, the six nominees for best comedy nomination for the screenplay is only at Girls. An absurd situation for television, in which the script is considered an important creative component.
- Glee almost completely disappeared from the radars of Emmy - only 3 nominations (and all non-main) to 12 nominations a year ago and 19 two years ago.
- Ratings, apparently, are still important for academics. Of course, they do not guarantee the nomination, but academics, at least pay attention to the ratings on the series, even live TV, not only on the cycle of premium cable. Significantly in the rankings who has passed The Good Wife took off from a nomination for best drama. Instead, popular with viewers essential comedy has not gone unnoticed.
- Of course, the fact that academics has finally noticed the Community, should rejoice. But some of the series seems to go unnoticed. Sons of Anarchy and the Fringe, for example, (the list is not exhaustive) simply do not exist for the TV Academy. But things are changing, as we have seen in Friday Night Lights. It is a pity that the Community may be too late.
- The most unexpected sorrows were the lack of nominations for The Good Wife, for KELSY Grammer (especially given its Emmy-story), for John Slattery (who was still beautiful in Mad Men), Nick Offerman and of course, for leaving the TV House MD with Hugh Laurie.
New names in the list of Cinema Academics
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Invitations to become members of the American Academy and get the opportunity to vote for nominees for the "Oscar" sent 176 representatives of various professions related to cinema. Among the recipients are Terrence Malick, Octavia Spencer, Andy Serkis, the star of the French "Artist", Wong Kar-Wai and Stephen King.
American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is often criticized for overly homogeneous composition. Academy itself did not publish a list of members. A recent investigation into the publication Los Angeles Times revealed that the majority of the members of this august institution - the white men over 60 years.
Many were shocked by the news that only 14% of academics are under the age of 50 years, and only 2% - are black. It also claims to the Academy concluded that many of its members, receiving a lifetime status for decades are not engaged in a movie, and the voices of housewives and retired people are taken into account along with the voice of Steven Spielberg.
This year, the Film Academy is trying to catch up and diversify its membership. Invitation has gotten the owner of "Oscar" for "Help" Octavia Spencer and her co-star Jessica Chastain, the star of the upcoming "Django unchained" Kerry Washington, Kristen Wiig and trio Annie and Melissa McCarthy Mumolo from the team “Bachelorette party in Vegas” and others.
Among the selected entry for the Academy this year, you can also find modern classics - Dardenne brothers, Terrence Malick, Wong Kar-wai, a recent owner of "Oscar" for "Divorce Nader and Simin," Asghar Farhadi, as well as key trio of "Artist" - director Michel Hazanavichusa and actors Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bezho. Demian Bishir, Diego Luna, Michelle Yeoh also received an offer to join the ranks of cinema academics.
Hard to believe, but the chief expert on the latest technologies acting Andy Serkis, producer of films by Woody Allen Letty Aronson, a longtime partner of George Clooney, writer, producer and actor Grant Heslov, and is one of the authors of our time Stephen King were not previously a member of the honorary title Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and also received an invitation to this year participation.
Nominees for the award Critics Choice Television Awards
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Leader in the number of nominations for the award of critics was, oddly enough, NBC. It is followed by ABC (13 nominations), HBO, and FOX (12), and AMC and FX (11 nominations for each channel). The cult TV series Community gathered the most nominations - as many as six. Parks and Recreation, and Mad Men have collected five nominations. Winners will be announced on June 18.
Best Drama
«Breaking Bad» (AMC)
«Downton Abbey» (PBS)
«Game of Thrones» (HBO)
«The Good Wife» (CBS)
«Homeland» (Showtime)
«Mad Men» (AMC)
Best Comedy
«The Big Bang Theory» (CBS)
«Community» (NBC)
«Girls» (HBO)
«Modern Family» (ABC)
«New Girl» (Fox)
«Parks and Recreation» (NBC)
Dramatic actor
Bryan Cranston, «Breaking Bad» (AMC)
Kelsey Grammer, «Boss» (Starz)
Jon Hamm, «Mad Men» (AMC)
Charlie Hunnam, «Sons of Anarchy» (FX)
Damian Lewis, «Homeland» (Showtime)
Timothy Olyphant, «Justified» (FX)
Dramatic Actress
Claire Danes, «Homeland» (Showtime)
Michelle Dockery, «Downton Abbey» (PBS)
Julianna Margulies, «The Good Wife» (CBS)
Elisabeth Moss, «Mad Men» (AMC)
Emmy Rossum, «Shameless» (Showtime)
Katey Sagal, «Sons of Anarchy» (FX)
Supporting actor, Drama
Peter Dinklage, «Game of Thrones» (HBO)
Giancarlo Esposito, «Breaking Bad» (AMC)
Neal McDonough, «Justified» (FX)
John Noble, «Fringe» (Fox)
Aaron Paul, «Breaking Bad» (AMC)
John Slattery, «Mad Men» (AMC)
Supporing actress, Drama
Christine Baranski, «The Good Wife» (CBS)
Anna Gunn, «Breaking Bad» (AMC)
Christina Hendricks, «Mad Men» (AMC)
Regina King, «Southland» (TNT)
Kelly Macdonald, «Boardwalk Empire» (HBO)
Maggie Siff, «Sons of Anarchy» (FX)
Guest star, drama
Dylan Baker, «Damages» (DirecTV)
Jere Burns, «Justified» (FX)
Loretta Devine, «Grey's Anatomy» (ABC)
Lucy Liu, «Southland» (TNT)
Carrie Preston, «The Good Wife» (CBS)
Chloe Webb, «Shameless» (Showtime)
Comedian
Don Cheadle, «House of Lies» (Showtime)
Louis C.K., «Louie» (FX)
Larry David, «Curb Your Enthusiasm» (HBO)
Garret Dillahunt, «Raising Hope» (Fox)
Joel McHale, «Community» (NBC)
Jim Parsons, «The Big Bang Theory» (CBS)
Comedienne
Zooey Deschanel, «New Girl» (Fox)
Lena Dunham, «Girls» (HBO)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, «Veep» (HBO)
Martha Plimpton, «Raising Hope» (Fox)
Amy Poehler, «Parks and Recreation» (NBC)
Ashley Rickards, «Awkward» (MTV)
Supporting actor, Comedy
Ty Burrell, «Modern Family» (ABC)
Max Greenfield, «New Girl» (Fox)
Nick Offerman, «Parks and Recreation» (NBC)
Danny Pudi, «Community» (NBC)
Jim Rash, «Community» (NBC)
Damon Wayans Jr., «Happy Endings» (ABC)
Supporting Actress, Comedy
Julie Bowen, «Modern Family» (ABC)
Alison Brie, «Community» (NBC)
Cheryl Hines, «Suburgatory» (ABC)
Gillian Jacobs, «Community» (NBC)
Eden Sher, «The Middle» (ABC)
Casey Wilson, «Happy Endings» (ABC)
Guest star, comedy
Becky Ann Baker, «Girls» (HBO)
Bobby Cannavale, «Modern Family» (ABC)
Kathryn Hahn, «Parks and Recreation» (NBC)
Justin Long, «New Girl» (Fox)
Paul Rudd, «Parks and Recreation» (NBC)
Peter Scolari, «Girls» (HBO)
«Archer» (FX)
«Adventure Time» (Cartoon Network)
«Bob's Burgers» (Fox)
«Family Guy» (Fox)
«Star Wars: The Clone Wars» (Cartoon Network)
Telefilm / miniseries
«American Horror Story» (FX)
«Game Change» (HBO)
«The Hour» (BBC America)
«Luther» (BBC America)
«Page Eight» (PBS)
«Sherlock» (PBS)
Actor television movie / miniseries
Kevin Costner, «Hatfields & McCoys» (History)
Benedict Cumberbatch, «Sherlock» (PBS)
Idris Elba, «Luther» (BBC America)
Woody Harrelson, «Game Change» (HBO)
Bill Nighy, «Page Eight» (PBS)
Dominic West, «The Hour» (BBC America)
Actress TV series / miniseries
Jessica Lange, «American Horror Story» (FX)
Gillian Anderson, «Great Expectations» (PBS)
Julianne Moore, «Game Change» (HBO)
Patricia Clarkson, «Five» (Lifetime)
Lara Pulver, «Sherlock» (PBS)
Emily Watson, «Appropriate Adult» (Sundance Channel)
Chris Columbus dreams to shoot baseball movie
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Director Chris Columbus has acquired the rights to the film version of the book Calico Joe - the last novel of the famous American writer John Grisham, author, known for so-called "legal thrillers", often portrayed in Hollywood. The producer of the first two Harry Potter films plans to adapt the text of the work and take a picture on it.
Calico Joe was published in April this year on the bestseller list, and according to New York Times made its debut soon in the first place. Grisham's book, who once dreamed of making a career, tells the story of a young man named Joe Castle from the town of Calico Rock, Arkansas - a young and promising baseball player, for a short time proved to be a promising player and earned a good reputation among fans. But his brilliant career in the major league could suspend a fateful throw the ball.
The plot of the novel was inspired by real-life story of Ray Chapman of the athlete's team Cleveland Indians - the only professional baseball player who died on the playing field.
In official statement about buying the rights to bestseller Chris Columbus said: "When I finished reading this beautiful, very touching book, I immediately began to dissipate a movie in my head. I knew that simply must be adapted and directed by Calico Joe. This story appeals to the universal themes of betrayal, tragedy and redemption. It has the potential to turn into classic film, and I will be honored to be part of this project. "
The most recent adaptation of the novel of the writer was a series "The Firm" with Juliette Lewis, is shown on TV this year. In 2004 was released family film "Christmas with the Kranks," based on a comic book, Grisham 2001. The script for this film with Tim Allen and Dan Aykroyd, incidentally, also wrote Columbus.
The director of "Mrs. Doubtfire" the last time replenished his portfolio in 2010 with the movie "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief." List of projects of producer Columbus is updated much more frequently. For example, in 2011 he added a triumphal "The Help."
Michael Mann as a new jury head of Venice Fest
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From August 29 to September 8 public attention to the cinematic world will be riveted to the small island of Lido, where will be held the 69th Venice Film Festival. Chairman of the International Jury will be the Michael Mann director of such films as "Heat", "The Insider," "Ali" and "Public Enemies."
This year's Mostra, as they call the festival in Italy, is undergoing changes. Returned to the post of director Alberto Barbera, who headed the world's oldest film festival from 1998 to 2002. Then 8 years old Venice festival was run by Marco Mueller. During this time, Mostra become a serious competitor of Cannes: competition program has increased the number of famous names, and on the red carpet have appeared a lot of stars.
Muller often criticized in his quest to catch up and overtake the Cannes Film Festival. In particular, last year at the Lido were shown 180 films. Barber is considered too large number of paintings - "for the festival and for its infrastructure." With the latest in Venice problem: last year at the Lido, and there was no construction of a new festival palace, closed one of two five-star hotels, while the remaining Excelsior is closed for renovation in 2013.
As for movies, while this year the Venice shows three times smaller paintings. "In my opinion, reducing the number of films will be the right decision - says Barber. - All tapes will be given good attention and time they deserve. Also, it will raise the quality of the selection to a new height. "
69th year of this festival in Venice promises to be less glamorous and more temperate. Jury Chairman Michael Mann adds seriousness to the festival. American film director, screenwriter and producer for the first time will head international film festival. The guide of Venice Film Festival calls Mann "one of the most influential and representative figures of modern American cinema." By the way, last year's Venice competition participated tape daughter of Michael Mann with the movie "Fields."
There is a possibility that the jury under the direction of Mann's films will be judged of these heavyweights of cinema. Barber mentioned that at the Lido offers new movie, Paul Thomas Anderson ("Master"), Brian De Palma ("Passion") and Terrence Malick ("The Burial"). Among the competitive movies may be the representatives of Colombia, Indonesia, Burma, Costa Rica, Argentina and Thailand.
In the main competition will be shown 18 films in the section "Horizons" - and another 12 ribbons will be presented out of competition. Parallel section of the Italian cinema Contracampo Italiano Barbera eliminated. "Venice began to dump the old skin, so that in a couple of years, it has to rebirth - says Alberto Barbera. - Mostra is similar to the old lady, albeit subtle, but the need of fresh blood. I believe that the festival should be held accountable for their choices, not just to recruit dozens of movies. "
List of participants in the main competition will be known by the end of July.
Alan Horn new head of Walt Disney Studios
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In mid-April, the president of Walt Disney Studios Rich Ross resigned. One of the reasons for his dismissal was the film "John Carter", which brought the studio a loss of $ 200 million. On July 11, 2012 as head of the Disney studio would take Alan Horn, the former head of Warner Bros. Entertainment.
About Horn appointment of the head of Walt Disney Studios said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Company. Alan Horn will be responsible for the work of the studio in the world, including manufacturing, distribution and marketing of games and animated films of Disney, Pixar and Marvel, as well as for marketing and distribution of DreamWorks Studios films, coming under the logo of Touchstone Pictures. In addition, the Horn will be subjected to the departments of musicals and theatrical productions.
Until recently, Horn served as president and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, where he was responsible for theatrical and home video projects, overseeing units such as the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Theatrical Ventures and Warner Home Video. Under the direction of Horne Warner Bros. Studios became leader seven times at the box office in worldwide box office.
Among the successful projects of Warner Bros. in Horne's career are eight parts of the Harry Potter franchise, "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight," "Sherlock Holmes", "The Departed," "Million Dollar Baby," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", the second and third parts of the franchise"The Matrix” as well as “Ocean's” trilogy. Horn is also executive producer of the film "The Hobbit”.
Prior to joining Warner Bros., Horn became a co-founder of Castle Rock Entertainment, where he served as chairman and CEO. In this position, Horn oversaw the creation of many films that have received recognition as the public and critics alike. Among them are the nominees for "Oscar" "A Few Good Men," "The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile" and "When Harry Met Sally," "City Slickers," "In the Line of Fire" and the most successful show ever TV "Saynfild." Horn also served as president and CEO of film company Twentieth Century Fox, a company headed by Embassy Communications.
"Alan, not only has valuable knowledge and experience in this area, but also appreciates the art of filmmaking and knows how to do business - said Iger. - Alan earned respect among his colleagues because of his ability to achieve huge success with viewers and stable financial performance, but he is also well known for good taste and holistic approach. All of this, Alan brings to his job as head of the studio, and we are looking forward to work with him. "
Cannes 2012: winners (part II)
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When Alec Baldwin went to the scene of the hall "Lumiere" hand over the award for Best Actress, for two scrolls in the hands of an actor, it became clear that the prize is divided in half. But few thought that the jury will return both "Silver branches" of the Romanian actresses of the drama of Christian Mungiu "Dupa dealuri." Cosmin Stratan and Christina Flutur just two months ago finished shooting, and today received the award from the American star.
It turned out that the photo of theater actress Christina Flutur director saw on the internet and decided to call her in his movie, but what Kosmina some time ago and worked as a journalist was interviewing Mungiu. The girl was struck by director, and he decided to shoot her in movie.
"I am very pleased with this award, I am pleased and surprised, because my film - the longest of all the pictures of the competition. I am constantly changing the dialogue, the actress helped me a lot in this, we wanted to give the film an indissoluble, permanent character"- said Christian.
"Dupa dealuri" - the story of two friends, whose life is parted in opposite directions. Alina went to Germany and Voychita went to the monastery. Some time later, Alina gets home again to resume relations with Voychita. While ex-friend helps her with the documents, Alina lives in a monastery and just trying to impose her own rules there, forcing the nuns to resort to extreme unflattering measures. The film from the very first day of the show was among the favorites of the critics.
Taking home the award at the Cannes festival for his "Love", Michael Haneke said that the plot of the film is based on the promise, "we gave with my wife - do not throw each other in the situation shown in the film." "In today's world we are seeing is everywhere, it is a common problem. I experienced this situation in my family, it was deeply touched me and inspired the creation of this film, "- said the director.
"Yes you do, it turns out, is a romantic streak!" - Haneke told a reporter. "I do not want you to mind - the director smiled. - Journalists are constantly trying to stick labels on the filmmakers: that such an expert in the field, that - in another. For a long time, I was listed expert on violence. But as far as romance, it is rather the question not about me but about the theme of the movie. "
On the question of why American films, so lavishly presented in the competition, were without major awards (only Zaytlin Ben was awarded the "Golden Camera" for best debut film, "Wild Animals of the South"), director Alexander Payne replied: "This film festival, and we are not talking about how to reward a country. We must choose among the submitted films. Draw general conclusions on the basis of this choice is incorrect. "
Press Conference of the jury was short, but not without embarrassment. Request a Bulgarian journalist Jean-Paul Gaultier to name a film with the best costumes evoked a storm of indignation Andrea Arnold: "Why do you ask such a stupid question? Jean-Paul - a very clever man, and he loves movies. Over the past two weeks I was convinced that he was madly keen on the cinema, so it is enough to ask him about the costumes ... I'm sorry, I'm a little drunk, so I say sharply!"
"Oh, this is Andrea"- threw up his hands Moretti.
The star of Italian film is sentenced to life prison
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If the award of the 65th Cannes Film Festival for Best Actor goes away Aniello Arena, the star of the movie "Reality" by Matteo Garrone, the prize will receive the director himself. The actor is now in the Tuscan prison, serving a life sentence for murder.
According to British newspaper Telegraph, Arena is one of the candidates for the prize for Best Actor. In "Reality", he plays the Neapolitan fishmonger who gradually becomes obsessed with filming a reality show, Italian analogue of "House-2". I can not say that the film was very warmly received at Cannes, but the work of Aniello was marked by many journalists.
In fact, Arena is one of the murderers of the Neapolitan mafia - Camorra, which arose in the XVIII century. It is considered that the scale of the Camorra crime has no parallel in Europe. In 2006 a has been published a book by Roberto Saviano, "Gomorrah" on which Matteo Garrone shoot the same film, nominated for "foreign" "Oscar."
A native of Naples, Aniello Arena was arrested on Christmas Eve in 1991 for killing three people and sentenced to life imprisonment. He had never tried himself as an actor, but 12 years after his arrest came to the prison theater troupe Fortezza and eventually became a major star among the prisoners.
Garrone has opened Arena while watching the performance troupe in prison, "Volterra" in Tuscany. He wanted to give Aniello role in "Gomorrah," but the judges decided that the theme of the movie is too close to the real life of a prisoner and did not allow him to prove himself on the ground of cinema. "Perhaps the story of the "Reality” seemed more appropriate because it is more like a fairy tale" - says the director.
According to Mateo, Arena has developed a personal hero.
"Can you imagine this man who for 20 years is in prison, opened to the world, of which he had no idea! Aniello - a true professional - says the founder of the troupe Armando Puntso. - He is a very versatile actor and copes equally well with both drama and comedy. Recently, he played with us in the play "Gamlisa." It is a blend of "Hamlet" to "Alice in Wonderland." Will he win at Cannes or not, it is not so important. His story is in itself worthy of attention. "
For work, Arena has been released of camera in the morning, but in the evening he was obliged to return to the place of detention. As a result, his name is now mentioned along with Brad Pitt, Jean-Louis Trentiyan, Marion Cotillard and Nicole Kidman - stars of Cannes 2012.
Interestingly, in February of this year's Berlin Film Festival won the Italian Taviani brothers movie “Caesar must die", the effect of which is developed for the staging of Shakespeare's plays in an Italian prison. All the prisoners who participated in the project, prior to their arrest were members of various mafia groups. Most of the "actors" get a life sentence. Will the work of inmates a trend in a movie, time will show.