Last week, we had a good laugh at the recently uncovered notes from the producers of Blade Runner, who seemed united in their hatred for the “deadly dull” sci-fi noir that would prove one of the most influential movies of the ‘80s. But it’s important to remember that some of those casually involved in the production actually liked it quite a bit — particularly Philip K. Dick, whose book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was the basis of Ridley Scott’s film. And while there’s a long (and enjoyable) history of authors loathing what Hollywood does to their books, there are a few examples of writers who are utterly delighted with their page-to-film adaptations. We’ve collected them for you after the jump. … Read More
Charlie Kaufman
The Most Eye-Opening Films about the Movie Industry
This week, Paramount released a Blu-ray of Billy Wilder’s dramatic tale about a faded silent film star and the madness that ensues when her big-screen dreams are shattered. Sunset Boulevard is a tragic Hollywood love story — love for the illusion and the grandeur. It’s a cautionary tale about the trappings of Tinseltown that calls to mind other eye-opening films about the movie industry. We explored them all past the break. See what messages these celluloid satires have to share about the Hollywood machine, and tell us what films you would add to the list in the comments section. … Read More
10 Awesome Meta-Movies That Will Melt Your Mind
The Cabin in the Woods, the wickedly funny and winkingly knowing horror/comedy from director Drew Goddard and co-writer Joss Whedon, hits DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, after a long-delayed theatrical run last spring that sent cinephiles spinning with pleasure. You see, Cabin is the latest example of our old friend the “meta-movie,” the films in which the act of moviemaking (and movie-watching) is part of the experience, and part of the narrative. After the jump, some thoughts on Cabin and nine more of our favorite self-aware motion pictures. … Read More
What’s On at Flavorpill: The Links That Made the Rounds in Our Office
Today at Flavorpill, we found out what silicone rugs look like. We indulged in a few animals acting like sharks. We met the first Russian pig in space. We discovered a four-hour video memoir of Mr. Rogers. We noticed the Gathering of The Juggalos attendees… Read More
Charlie Kaufman and Dan Harmon Team for Stop Motion Animated Film
Charlie Kaufman and Community’s Dan Harmon are teaming up for a stop motion animated film, turning to Kickstarter for your dollars and cents. Anomalisa is written by the Eternal Sunshine scribe and Harmon — who recently said he might just really be a “jerk” — and directed by Duke Johnson. You may remember him as the name behind the Community special Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas. The A.V. Club tipped us off to the project, which already has its plot mapped out:
“The film follows a celebrated motivational speaker travelling the country, changing the lives of countless people. But in the course of transforming others, his life has become hollow and meaningless. It’s a grey and monotonous existence where people literally look and sound identical.
Suddenly one day, a girl’s voice pierces through the veil of nothingness. She fills him with such a rush of “aliveness”, he’s willing to abandon everything and everyone, including his own family, and escape with her to a better life.”
The duo wants to make sure we can “enjoy this brilliant work the way it was originally conceived,” so watch the trailer after the break, and check out the Kickstarter rewards on the project page. … Read More
The Morning’s Top 5 Pop Culture Stories
1. The Daily News is reporting that Jason Sudeikis was upset that Lorne Michaels singled out Kristen Wiig for a big SNL send-off; meanwhile, it still hasn’t been confirmed that he’s leaving the show. [via Pop Culture Brain]
2. A new HBO series starring Catherine Keener that will be written and directed by… Read More
The Strangest Source Material in Movie History
Anyone questioning the dearth of original ideas in modern-day Hollywood might want to take a look at this week’s new releases, which include Battleship, a film based on a board game, and What to Expect When You’re Expecting, a film based on a pregnancy guide. Yes, friends, the movie industry in 2012 is all about brand recognition, so when they run out of sequels and remakes and reboots and adaptation of comic books and TV series and novels, they’re going to have to really start stretching. Not by trying new ideas or telling untold stories (don’t be silly), but by merely adapting things into movies that really have no business being adapted into movies. After the jump, a brief survey of some of the strangest source material in movie history. … Read More
Charlie Kaufman to Adapt Next 'Hunger Games-esque' Franchise
We recently told you that Synecdoche, New York director Charlie Kaufman was in the process of writing his first novel, but now Deadline brings news that the quirky filmmaker will be adding more work to his already full plate. Kaufman will be adapting a book series set to become… Read More
Charlie Kaufman Is Writing His First Novel
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, Being John Malkovich: yes, yes, and yes. Now writer, producer, and director Charlie Kaufman is using his awesome mind powers to bring fans his latest project — a novel. Deadline reports that Kaufman just made a deal with Grand Central Publishing to deliver his first… Read More
10 Memorable Cinematic Alter Egos
This week Bruce Robinson’s adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel The Rum Diary opens across the country. Based on an early novel by the good doctor of gonzo journalism, the role of Thompson’s stand-in, journalist “Paul Kemp,” is being played by Johnny Depp — who has, with this film, pretty much planted is flag for good on the island of “cinematic portrayals of Hunter S. Thompson.” After the jump, we’ll take a closer look at Depp’s ongoing onscreen personification of the late Thompson, and nine more actors who became the cinematic avatars for distinctive writers and filmmakers. … Read More
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