Doctor Who star Matt Smith has been bitten by the Hollywood bug. In an interview with VH1, the English television star — who previously gained popularity on the series Party Animals — hinted that his days as the time-traveler are almost over. “I’ve got another year of Doctor Who, but then I’m certainly going to come and give it a shot, come and hang out in LA,” he told VH1.
That means there may be a twelfth actor stepping in to wear the fez soon. Of course, fans could be misreading what Smith stated (and he’s hinted at this kind of exit before) — but depending on scheduling for the new season, the actor may find himself enjoying a longer holiday where it’s possible he’d head to Tinseltown for a spell. Will we see Smith stay in part until Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary in 2013, or do you sense a goodbye approaching? [via Hero Chan]
Shortly before his death in 1976, Metropolis director Fritz Lang was interviewed by French Connection director William Friedkin. The 50-minute long conversation (totally worth your time) between the two filmmaking giants explores everything from Lang’s career to his escape from Nazi Germany after Goebbels invited the M director to head his propaganda film unit (though the truth of this is often contested). The interview is included in the extras of the M Blu-ray, but it’s still largely been unseen — which is a shame considering the importance of these two cinematic figures: Lang who felt like he had no model to look toward when he started out creating his works, and Friedkin who idolized the Vienna-born director. Find out why Lang believes that ” … every decent human being should run away from home” past the break.
Roman Polanski’s latest film, Carnage, will open the New York Film Festival this Friday. Based on Yasmina Reza’s acclaimed play, God of Carnage, the darkly comedic story follows two couples (Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet, and Christoph Waltz) who try to make sense of a brawl their children were involved in. While the film takes Polanski somewhat back to his comedic roots — and the days of Fearless Vampire Killers — one of the director’s more serious efforts seems ripe for a revisit. In this documentary interview, Polanski describes the hardboiled Chinatown — widely revered for its script by Robert Towne, acting, and more — as his greatest achievement. The interview also delves into why the French-Polish filmmaker almost didn’t return to LA to work on the project, his thoughts on Dunaway’s performance, and his disagreement with Towne about the movie’s ending. (“If it ended happily, we wouldn’t be sitting here talking about this film today.”) It’s a nice little refresher on one of the greatest movies Polanski’s ever made. Hit the jump for the video, and chime in with your favorite moments from the film.
Two of literature’s most popular writers shared an intriguing conversation in 1958. Raymond Chandler — whose hardboiled pulp protagonist Philip Marlowe has become synonymous with the American detective novel — and Ian Fleming — father of the British spy, playboy, and adventurer, James Bond — chatted about heroes, villains, and the differences between the American and British thriller in this 24-minute long interview for the BBC. They share an obvious mutual appreciation for each other’s work, and Fleming often defers to Chandler — at one point even saying, ” … You write better books than I do.” Chandler questions Fleming’s use of torture in his stories, but also admits, “I know what it is to be banged on the head with a revolver butt.” Fleming describes his frustration with the hero label when it comes to 007: “I never intended my leading character, James Bond, to be a hero. I intended him to be a sort of blunt instrument wielded by a government department … On the whole I think he’s a rather unattractive man … ” For more fascinating confessions and tales from two scribes who are masters of their craft, hit the jump to listen to the deliciously crackled tape recording, or download a PDF copy over here.
Carmela Ciuraru’s book, Nom de Plume: A (Secret) History of Pseudonyms, is out today and we highly recommend picking up a copy. In it, she reveals the back story on anonymous authors both famous and infamous, while explaining why and how they chose their assumed names. We decided a conversation about gender outlaws, secrecy, and the act of naming was in order, so we called her up and asked her about the fine line between fact and fiction.
Welcome to the inaugural installment of the Flavorpill Interactive Interview Series powered by VYou.com! We’re doing something completely new here by putting you in the interviewer’s chair. Each week, we’ll be bringing you a video interview with a different media personality, giving you the opportunity to select which questions you see the answers to, and in what order.
We’re kicking off the series with Flavorpill favorite Eugene Mirman, the comedian and performer known for his hilarious standup, regular New York comedy events, three sidesplitting albums, a fake advice book, and roles on Flight of the Conchords and Delocated. Mirman’s latest project is voicing the character of Gene on Fox’s new animated series Bob’s Burgers, which he reveals more about after the jump.
If you caught Jay-Z last night on The Daily Show, where he stopped by to promote his new book Decoded, then you know that there wasn’t enough time for Jon Stewart to ask all of his questions. Click through for the full, uncensored version of the interview that includes an interesting discussion about the differences in gauging success in rap vs. rock and roll, the natural progression from rapper to entrepreneur, and Hova’s thoughts on the future of hip-hop.
Aimee Bender is known for creating wonder from the everyday, and her new novel The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is no exception. In her previous work, Bender’s eye for magical realism has turned potato children and fathers with heads made of clothing irons into living, breathing things. Her latest novel focuses on young Rose Edelstein, who begins to taste the emotions of her family — and everyone else — in the food they prepare. Naturally when we caught up with Bender over email, the conversation immediately turned to food.
Sometimes we can’t stop staring at horrible, ugly things. Enter Regretsy, a website that puts “the culture of fail” on display for those with the stomach to handle for-sale projects ranging from the hysterical to the horrific. April Winchell launched the site in October 2009 under the pseudonym Helen Killer, and its cult-like following has led to a hilarious book spin-off: Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF. To celebrate its release, we’ve asked Killer to provide a list of the most over-the-top moments found in the new tome. Count on being both traumatized and fascinated after the jump.
Todd Selby is to domicile photography as the iPhone is to cellular technology: he’s managed to democratize envy of cool things, and put a sheen on something that could otherwise come off commonplace. He’s shot gorgeous, otherworldly homes from Brooklyn to Tokyo, though it’s the detail shots that keep us coming back for more: prosthetic legs, backstage passes, Welch’s grape juice bottles, Marilyn Monroe’s prescription sleeping pills. We corresponded with Selby on the occasion of his first book, published through Abrams; click through for preview shots from The Selby Is In Your Place, plus an exclusive illustrated interview à la the man himself.
Bonus: We’re giving away three copies of the book to lucky readers. Keep reading to find out how to snag one. Last day to submit a comment is Tuesday, March 30. We’ll be asking winners for photo evidence to post on the blog, so keep those descriptions accurate!CONTEST CLOSED.Winner will be announced Monday, April 5.
is no exception. In her previous work, Bender’s eye for magical realism has turned potato children and fathers with heads made of clothing irons into living, breathing things. Her latest novel focuses on young Rose Edelstein, who begins to taste the emotions of her family — and everyone else — in the food they prepare. Naturally when we caught up with Bender over email, the conversation immediately turned to food.
. To celebrate its release, we’ve asked Killer to provide a list of the most over-the-top moments found in the new tome. Count on being both traumatized and fascinated after the jump.
