Venice 2012: Steampunk and heavy metal in Chinese movie
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Chinese film "Tai Chi 0", shown out of competition, has not caused a furore among highbrow critics, but the attention of the festival audience. Battle and cheerful picture is the first part of a trilogy, and the sequel comes out in October. They wanted to make movies about kung fu with new dimension that they perfectly succeeded.
Venice loves Asia. Perhaps even more than all the other festivals. Two years ago, the painting "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the ghost flame" was a favorite of the critics, and last year, "Silver Lion" for Best Director of Photography got drama "People Mountain People Sea" Tsai Shantszyunyu. "Volpi Cup" for best actress last year took away the Chinese Dinny Yip for her role in the film "The Simple Life." We can recall the two "Golden Lions" Zhang Yimou for "Qiu Ju goes to court" and for "Not one less", as well as on the recent "Lion" Jia Chzhanke for "Still Life."
This year, the Hong Kong director Peter Chan, who shot such films as "The Eye", "Leaders" and "Swordtails" became part of the main competition jury. But competition among the paintings on the Lido very warmly received "Pieta" by Kim Ki-Duk.
The Chinese film industry has earned in 2011 a considerable sum of 17.8 billion yuan (2.8 billion dollars) and, apparently, in 2012, will bring even more. In this case, there are still strict conditions for hire of foreign films: by law there can only show 20 foreign films a year. Quota is tough, but, as they say in Hollywood, does not relax and makes us look for new forms of promotion of their projects.
Meanwhile, Chinese moviemakers are going to break into the Western market. Movie like "Tai Chi 0" can contribute promotion of Asian cinema of modern Western youth. The film was shot with the latest technology, the special effects are not inferior to American blockbusters, and the action, though, and takes place in the distant past, is racing at full speed. How long have you seen a steampunk in the Chinese movie?
Long ago, one woman has born a boy with an unusual little horn on his head. If Lu Chan (or as they call him Ugly) - was the name of the protagonist - to knock on the horn, he gains incredible strength and becomes invincible. However, there is one thing: the horn gradually darkens, and as predicted by the doctor when it will be black, Lu Chan die. The guy really wants to learn kung-fu and on the advice of the same doctor went to Chen village where all residents are fluent in martial arts. Overcoming the hard way, Lu Chan comes to the village only to find out: he is not happy.
Lu Chan, seeking for master Chen, meets a cute girl Yuniyang and her fists. The fight is watched an elderly man, and notes that the guy has potential. It turns out that Lu Chan brilliantly copies all traffic rivals, but can not fend them competently. Self-taught as a hero has no idea that his mysterious patron is the famous master Chen.
Meanwhile, one of the villagers, young Fang Zing, returns from London and wants to bring the benefits of civilization to the village. But a demonstration of electricity almost ends in disaster, and the people disperse. Angered Fang bribes officials to pave allowed through the village railway. One morning near the village there is a huge monster. It can sweep the house, if the residents continue to resist progress. But in the way of a huge machine gets Lu Chan.
At some point, the villagers will defend themselves from the attacking troops with fruits and vegetables.
Director Stephen Fung inspired Hollywood westerns and visually rich movies like "300". To breathe new life into the genre of classic historical films about martial arts, Fung appealed to Japanese animation and video games, from which borrowed some tricks of cool animating screen action.
Venice 2012: Joker’s life
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Venice Film Festival has been closed with the picture of Jean-Pierre Amery "The Man Who Laughs." Freestyle adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel is stylistically reminiscent of Tim Burton's early films, but without the black humor. The protagonist, Gwynplaine, on whose face is carved eternal smile, easily joins the pantheon of romantic renegades.
Jean-Pierre Amery was 10 years old when he saw a television three-part adaptation of Hugo's novel "The Man Who Laughs," directed by Jean Kershbron. The history of suffering boy with eternal smile will always remain in his memory. After the success of "Romantics Anonymous" director decided to fulfill his dream and take off his own version of the tragic story.
In 1928 came the first film version of the novel - a Hollywood movie with Conrad Feydton as Gwynplaine and happy ending instead of a tragic outcome. It is an image created Feydton influenced the image of the Joker in the Batman stories.
In Hugo's action takes place in England XVII century, but Amery has decided not to become attached to a particular place and time. The film opens with a dramatic night scene: from the landing departs a ship, leaving the boy on the beach, begging not to leave him. Alone, the child seeks asylum, shelter. Along the way he finds a woman, which clung to her chest girl. Gwynplaine realizes that the woman froze to death, and the girl is still alive, and takes with him. He finds refuge with Ursus (Gerard Depardieu), the seller of herbs, living in a poor tent. The girl is blind, Ursus gave her a name Deya.
Gwynplaine had never seen himself in the mirror and doesn’t know what his face looks like. His former guardians severely disfigured boy, having cut his face clown smile. Scar makes it a subject of ridicule village boys, but gradually Ursus and Gwynplaine understand that ugliness amused and attracted the audience that is willing to pay to hear an interesting story about a boy with a devilish grimace. Ursus, Gwynplaine and Deya begin to make performances and make their living.
Deya (Krista Tere) and Gwynplaine (Marc-André Grondin) get older, their relationship transformed. They have not only a sense of kinship. Arriving in the capital, where they are going to give a new performance, change their lives dramatically. Gwynplaine success comes, and with it the attention of influential duchess. When they find that he actually comes from an aristocratic family, the familiar world is crumbling. High society is much more cruel than the world of fair actors and ordinary public.
The novel "The Man Who Laughs" was written by Hugo in 1866-1869, respectively, and at one time has been cool adopted.
Amery did not meticulously reproduce all the story lines of Hugo's novel, focusing on Gwynplaine and his feelings. Marc-Andre Grod, almost always located in the frame, reproduces embarrassed young man, the first discoveries of the glory, cruelty and love. Gwynplaine - an idealist whose ugliness never angered him to the world. He grew a noble man with a beautiful and suffering soul who hides behind an endless smile.
According to Amery, Gwynplaine is much like any teenager, including to himself, "Gwynplaine thinks he's ugly. He can not imagine that can be loved and welcomed. He has both physical and social systems. I have always made films about those who are different physically. This is what I always hurt. So I would like to focus on the story of a teenager. And modern teenagers will see them selves here too".
To makeup Gwynplaine it took three hours each morning. A special mask has been created for several months.
"Mask creates a distance between the actors - said Jean-Pierre Amery of complex makeup. - Marc-Andre initially upset. He put so much emotion into his game, and his face always had that smile. Finally, he realized that he felt exactly what his character. Gwynplaine is suffering inside, but smiling on the outside. "
Amery does not hide that he was inspired by Burton's films and characters. Edward Scissorhands with his naive soul was one of those who influenced Gwynplaine by Amery. "Sleepy Hollow" and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" also played a role in how bleak and intense theatrical director has made the world of "The Man Who Laughs." The space is filled with fog, fire, velvet, mirrors and reflections, as well as the beautiful music of Czech composer Stephen Much.
Symphonic music sounding in the film, was written under the influence of the works of Ligeti, Shostakovich and Mahler.
Tragic end the director compares to the opera. "It is a bit like the last act in the great operas. All the main characters die. In "La Traviata", she dies. In "La Boheme", she dies. Madame Butterfly dies. I really wanted that was like in the opera"- shared his vision Amery.
Kim Ki-Duk has received “Golden Lion”
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Venice film festival presented its awards. Festival jury headed by director Michael Mann has given the "Golden Lion" of the film, Kim Ki-Duk "Pieta." The award for best actor received Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman for drama "The Master." Best actress is recognized Israeli Hadas Charon for her role in the drama "Lemale et ha'halal".
Main awards were as follows:
"Gold Lion" - "Pieta", directed by Kim Ki-Duk;
"Silver Lion" Best Director - Paul Thomas Anderson, "Master";
Special Jury Prize - Ulrich Seidl, "Paradies: Glaube";
"Golden Ozelly" for Best Cinematography - Daniel Chipry, "È stato il figlio";
"Golden Ozelly" Best Screenplay - Olivier Assayas, "Something in the Air";
"Volpi Cup" for Best Actor - Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Master";
"Volpi Cup" for Best Actress - Hadas Charon, "Lemale et ha'halal";
Best film of the "Horizons" - "Three Sisters", directed by Wang Bin;
Special Jury Prize of the "Horizons” - Tango Libre, directed by Frederic Fontaine;
Film Critics Association Award FIPRESCI - “Master", directed by Paul Thomas Anderson;
Award named Luigi di Laurentiis for Best Newcomer - “Mold”, director Ali Aydin;
Prize of Marcello Mastroianni for best young actor - Fabrizio Falco for the films "È stato il figlio" and "Sleeping Beauty."
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. "
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.
Top films of 2011 from Quentin Tarantino
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At this time, Quentin Tarantino has rolled out a list of paintings that he did not like, evaluated and directed. Among the best films of 2011 list is the director and the "Artist" and "The Musketeers."
A year ago, Tarantino announced the twenty favorite films, and was limited. This year all the more interesting. So, eleven (or rather twelve) favorite pictures of 2011 from director of "Pulp Fiction":
1. "Midnight in Paris"
2. "Rise of Planet of the Apes"
3. "Moneyball"
4. "The skin, in which I live"
5. "X-Men: First Class"
6. "Young Adult"
7. "Attack the Block"
8. "Red State"
9. "Warrior"
10. "Artist" and "Our idiot brother"
11. "The Musketeers."
In these films, Quentin does not stop and shows 18 other paintings, which puts not in order. Simply, they also liked him. Here they are: "Life is Beautiful", "Beginners," "Hugo", "Iron Lady", "Carnage," "Green Hornet", "Green Lantern", "First Avenger", "Descendants", "7 Days and Nights with Marilyn”, “Fast and Furious 5 "," Tree of Life, " "Hangover 2: From Vegas to Bangkok", "Mission: Impossible: The Phantom Protocol", "Beaver", "Carnage"," Nian "and" War Horse. "
The following is a list of films that Tarantino has called nice try, that is, "in milk". Here are four of the project:
"Drive";
"Hannah: The Perfect Weapon";
"The crazy driving";
"Living Steel".
The best directors in the opinion of Quentin:
Pedro Almodovar;
Bennett Miller;
Woody Allen;
Jason Reitman;
Michelle Hazanavichus.
Best original screenplay:
"Midnight in Paris";
"Poor rich girl";
"Red State";
"Attack the block";
"My idiot brother";
"Beginners."
Best Adapted Screenplay:
"Moneyball";
"The skin, in which I live";
"Carnage";
"Rise of Planet of the Apes";
"Hugo";
"X-Men: First Class."
And now the fun part. Worst movies in 2011 according to Tarantino:
"Prohibited method";
"Desperate Housewives";
"Peace";
"Astral";
"Bastion";
"Straw Dogs";
"Paranormal 3";
"Bypass Mick."
The piquancy of the situation is that the three paintings from the list participated in the competition at the Venice Film Festival in 2010, when Quentin Tarantino headed the jury. It's "Desperate Housewives," "Peace" and "Bypass Mick."
Venice Film Festival has changed director
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Marco Muller, the head of the oldest film festivals in the world during eight years, is leaving the Venetian Festival. New director is appointed Alberto Barbera, has held this position from 1998 until 2002.
Muller has fame as a man who returned anew lust to the former Venice. Festival under his direction again has become stronger and tangible threat to the very prestigious European film festivals - Cannes.
The decision not to renew the powers attributed to differences between Mueller Director of the Festival and recently appointed president of the Venice Biennale. Paolo Baratta is four years the head of this organization, which not only finances the festival, but all the cultural events in Venice. Throughout all four years, for Baratta and Mueller it was hard to find a common language. Therefore, when the term of Mueller as director of the Venice Film Festival came to an end, he was not offered the new contract.
What Marco Mueller will do for further is not yet known. In the summer there were rumors that he will put his feet on the young Roman festival, then Mueller suddenly appeared in St. Petersburg, where considered an invitation to become director of the Film Forum.
If Mueller headed the Rome film festivals, then between him and Venice will develop a serious struggle, even though Rome was a festival of five years ago.
Alberto Barbera, who will succeed Marco Mueller has held the post for four years, well, and recently served as director of the National Cinema Museum in Turin. Rest on our laurels of Mueller Barber fails: the new director will inherit a number of unpleasant logistical problems. In particular, on the island of Lido, home of the Venice film festivals, has not yet been completed, and in fact, not even started construction of the new Palais des Festivals. Two years ago, Des Bains, one of the two five-star hotels in the Lido was closed and the remaining Excelsior cannot accommodate all the stars, in addition, it will be closed for renovation in 2013.
The 69th Venice Film Festival will be held from August 29 to September 8, 2012.
Interview with David Cronenberg
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In an interview with THR Canadian director David Cronenberg shared his memories of his life and talked about his film "Dangerous Method," which premiere took place on September 2, 2011 during the Venice Film Festival. Below are some excerpts from an interview with the director.
About casting
Despite the fact that Cronenberg understands the reason for which Christian Bale has declined to the role, the leave from the project of Christoph Waltz still causes irritation in director: "Christophe, one might say, was eager to participate in the project. He persuaded me to give him the role of Freud's, his grandfather was a disciple of Freud. After "Inglorious Bastards" all German sponsors were willing to invest under his name, and when Walz left, disappeared and the money, at least, most of them. "
About sponsorship
Funding for the project, which cost $ 20 million, was held with the participation of independent German, Canadian, French and other businesses and sponsors, some of whom continued to sign the agreement after the start of shooting. Cronenberg describes it this way: "It was like the recovery of Frankenstein: 15 organizations were involved, and they all had to sign papers at the same time”.
About Viggo Mortensen
Mortensen, who worked in two films of Cronenberg -"History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises" - and received an Oscar nomination for the last, has rejected proposal of director to play the role of Sigmund Freud. "Viggo explained his refusal with the health problems of his parents" and that "does not see himself in the image of Freud", - says Cronenberg. After Fassbender and Knightley have signed contracts, the director once again spoke with Mortensen. This time the actor said yes.
About "Scanners"
During the filming of "Scanners," Cronenberg had to act as a witness in the case of the death of two women, passing on the highway past the film set and stopped to watch the process.
"They slowed down and the guy who was driving behind them - no. His car crashed into them at full speed. One of my men rushed the fence and began to pull women out of the car, but they were already dead. It was the first day of shooting. I thought, if I can survive this - I can survive anything. "
About Martin Scorsese
"He said that he was afraid to meet with me, and said it seriously. He saw the "Cramps" and "Crazy" and said that he thinks these movies devastating. I told him, "Marty, you're the man who directed "Taxi Driver"!"
About "Cosmopolis"
Despite the fact that "Dangerous method" will be released worldwide until November this year, the director had already engaged in the following project: "I mount my new film, "Cosmopolis", which is an adaptation of Don DeLillo novel."
Venice 2011 with Darren Aronofsky
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"Generally speaking, from the word to "judge" I'm scared, so I promise just watch movies and find in them something good" - has promised the chairman of jury of the 68th Venice Film Festival Darren Aronofsky. Today, the Lido offers one of the most interesting film festivals of this year.
Aronofsky second consecutive year, comes to the Lido, but the last time he presented his film "Black Swan" - the picture opened the festival, participated in the contest, but the winner came just Mila Kunis, winning award as best young actress.
In addition to Aronofsky and Marton this year's jury is consisted of director Todd Haynes, musician David Byrne, the Finnish director Eija-Liiza Ahtila, actress and screenwriter Rorvaker Alba, director Andre Teshine.
To be honest, the press conference of the jury is rarely interesting. This is mainly answer questions about "how are you going to judge movies" and "how you work with each other in Venice." However, each time hoping for a miracle and stubbornly takes place in the hall. Alas, the revelation was not.
"I can’t remember when I watched such interest catalog - he said. - Only the names are intriguing!"
The word "judge films" the director does not like, he sluggishly disown this notion, saying that the important thing for him - to be open to all films. Like it or not, namely the decision of the President of the jury affects the fate of films-winners.
Statistics of the festival is impressive. A total of three main sections of the program - 65 new movies. 22 paintings compete for the "Golden Lion", out of competition will show 19 films, and in the "Horizons" - 24 films. A total of 5208 hits take place, 2511 of them feature films, 566 films the average timing and the 2131 short film.
Johnnie To will show his movie on Venice Festival
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In May this year director Johnnie To took part in the Cannes Film Festival as a jury, and in September will come to Venice with his new film. The festival added into the program his new movie "Dyut meng gam".
In total on the island of Lido, this year will compete 23 films. As usual, the 23rd will be announced during the festival itself, it will be called film-surprise.
Johnnie To film will be 22nd in the already strong competition and fight for the "Golden Lion", along with movies of David Cronenberg, Steve McQueen, Alexander Sokurov, Roman Polanski, George Clooney and Todd Solondza.
"Unprincipled life" (Dyut meng gam) - the story of three people. A bank employee become a financial analyst and is forced to make risky sales to make a plan. Petty criminal fraud begins with the securities, hoping to cut down the easy money and pay the bail for his friend sitting in jail. The policeman, always satisfied with his salary, has a sudden need for a large sum of money when his wife makes a deposit for the purchase of real estate, which she can’t afford.
Fate of three in need of money, the characters are intertwined, when in their possession the stolen money are the equivalent of $ 5 million. What will they do with these riches, and whether to make the right choice?
This will be the fourth film of Johnnie To, shown in Venice, where the director was first introduced in 2004. The 68th Venice Film Festival will begin on August 31 and ends September 10.