Dark movie miracle

'Melancholia''Mr. Nobody''Beginners''Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy'To paraphrase Jean-Luc Godard, it had been annually of origins, middles and finishes, although not always for the reason that order.Starting with the being, 2011 saw the penultimate episodes both in the "Harry Potter" series -- an unrivaled 1,180-minute coming-of-ager throughout that the youthful cast matured onscreen during the period of ten years, even while combating the encroachment of dark miracle -- and also the Cannes film festival's a lot longer-running indulgence with Danish enfant terrible Lars von Trier, whose disastrous press conference upstaged his masterful, psychologically honest "Melancholia."Whereas Potter was all bombast and CGI when confronted with Muggledom's near-annihilation, "Melancholia" portrayed abnormal calm when facing the finish around the globe (a mindset that may make the rebarbative devastation of Michael Bay's latest "Transformers" entry a little more manageable). While it's really no surprise to obtain the fate of Earth on the line in large-budget comicbook movies, this season also introduced unpredicted apocalyptic visions in arthouse form, thanks to everybody from emerging youthful talent Shaun Nichols (whose "Take Shelter" cements him like a serious American director) to retiring Hungarian helmer Bela Tarr (as much as his old methods with "The Turin Equine").Tarr claims that his austere parable, featuring its a classic peasant mashing taters for 2 . 5 hrs, is going to be his last. I discovered it a difficult spend time at the Berlin Film Festival, but have since become believing that once the chips settle and also the honours hype finally dies lower, it'll prove just as long lasting a motion picture achievement as Spielberg's grandiose "War Equine." While "War Equine" creates extravagant visual and emotional levels, "The Turin Equine" feels more philosophical in the ambitions.At its best, 2011 introduced us lots of Large Idea movies, which causes it to be, within this critic's estimation, one of the most exciting years in recent motion picture memory. No undertaking felt loftier than Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Existence," which momentarily tries to cup existence, the world and my way through its hands. Malick's magnum opus, which feels a lot more like an impressionist painting or symphony than the usual traditional film, forgoes such quaint notions as three-act structure, barely giving us the data we have to follow its premise, as Sean Penn plays a disconnected large-city professional attempting to make feeling of his more youthful brother's dying.On first viewing (in the Cannes film festival, in which the film by divine intention cinched the Palme d'Or), "Tree" felt similar to a parody of the Malick movie, where the director's elliptical style, whispered dialogue and natural digressions have been increased to some cosmic scale. Still, without breathtaking roots-of-existence sequence in the centre, "Tree" would still represent a great artistic gesture, offering infinite points of connection among the beguiling cloud of feelings, reminiscences and emotions lifted from Malick's own small-town Texas upbringing. It does not hurt that both Malick and that i was raised in Waco, making certain some overlap within our formative encounters, but, "Tree" leaves the flashback portions open-ended enough it should trigger unique personal connections from every viewer.Eagerness and skepticism are valid reactions, too, though I'd encourage anybody who felt annoyed by his first encounter with "The Tree of Existence" to return and provide it another try (that applies to "Melancholia" too, that is autobiographical in much more revealing ways). Whereas most films provide home windows right into a different world, these serve similar to mirrors in to the subconscious, certain to yield different reactions based on whatever frame of mind you are in.Another film that bears multiple viewings is Tomas Alfredson's intricate adaptation of "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy." Using its stylishly nonlinear narrative, "Mess" can seem to be a little like attempting to do algebra inside your mind as the brain races to maintain all of the clues. On subsequent viewings, however, the amount of detail provides wealthy understanding of figures who play their cards very near to the vest. The same thing goes for Mike Mills' wonderfully scrambled "Beginners," a cordially autobiographical film which, because the title indicates, remembers the beginning of two completely different associations.The film I viewed more occasions than every other this year -- four viewings in most -- was Jaco Van Dormael's "Mr. Nobody," an excessively allocated, staggeringly audacious tree of 1 boy's existence, branching off into multiple situations at each major decision. By Godard's measure, it may be referred to like a story with one beginning, multiple middles and infinite possible being. Sadly, when Cannes handed down "Mr. Nobody" in '09, the director was instructed to cut the film because of its Venice bow, also it never arrived American distribution (despite being produced in British with Jared Leto, Sarah Polley along with other familiar faces). The highlight of my year was getting a submit enabling its U.S. premiere included in the La Film Critics' "The Flicks That Got Away" series.The curse of since many movies once we experts do is recognizing just the number of great films get away every year. As a result, it's invigorating to determine exceptional foreign releases -- for example "Incendies," "Town of Existence and Dying," "Licensed Copy" and "A Separation" -- look for a limited American following. However for each one of these gems, many of us slips with the cracks.More powerful than anything I saw at Sundance would be a small Chilean pic known as "The Existence of Seafood," tried on impulse in the Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival, making good around the scrappy, naturalistic relationship-movie format Amerindie company directors are attempting so difficult to master. "Seafood" proves that's possible, if perhaps the storytellers can break past their very own narcissism and embrace globally relatable human interactions -- within this situation, the reunion of the couple whose flame still burns.And around I loved "The Assistance,Inch using its feel-good spin on '60s-era race relations, I dare any American distributor to produce Abdellatif Kechiche's provocative "Black Venus," which recreates the uneasy exploitation of Saartjie Baartman, an African domestic who offered like a sideshow novelty for early 19th-century Parisians. Inside it, newcomer Yahima Torres provides a performance on componen with Viola Davis' award-recommended turn. Unlike "The Assistance,Inch however, "Black Venus" does not ameliorate its political subject using the safe buffer of recent enlightenment, producing a picture that's more prickly than crowdpleasing.Not too there's anything wrong with feel-good entertainment. "Hugo" and "The Artist" both produced genuine excitement for that lost era of quiet cinema, using techniques both new and old. And also the best ending of 2011? That might be the painstaking full-color restoration of Georges Melies' "A visit to the Moon" by Lobster Films and also the magicians at Technicolor. The 14-minute marvel bowed on opening evening at Cannes, performed an encore at Telluride making an indelible cameo in Martin Scorsese's "Hugo." Contact Peter Debruge at peter.debruge@variety.com

Golden Globes 2012 Nomination Snubs & Surprises!

First Published: December 15, 2011 11:57 AM EST Credit: Universal Pictures Caption Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The 2012 Golden Globe nominations have been announced with quite a few surprises and, as always, some serious snubs. Silence and George Clooney appear to be golden this year with Globe voters, with The Artist, the silent-era tale starring French actors Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo, earning six nominations and Clooney scoring three nominations for The Descendants and The Ides of March. But what about other films and actors whose phones remained silent on Thursday morning? A major snub in the Supporting Actress category was Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy, who was honored on Wednesday with a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nom and is already getting Oscar buzz, but was passed over by the Globes. Melissas co-star, Kristen Wiig, however, was honored with a Globe nomination for Best Actress, Musical or Comedy. Both Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock were passed over for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Sandras first movie since winning the Oscar for The Blind Side. Many thought Kirsten Dunst, who was honored at Cannes earlier this year, would score a nomination for Melancholia, but she too missed out on a Globes nom. Elizabeth Olsen the younger sister of the Olsen twins also had award season heat for her role in Martha Marcy May Marlene, but the Hollywood Foreign Press Association passed her over as well. Steven Spielbergs War Horse was nominated for Best Drama, but he was passed over in directing category and the movies actors were shut out. Brad Pitts Tree of Life, which was honored at Cannes this year, was ignored this year at the Globes. Ryan Gosling woke up to double honors on Thursday morning, earning two Best Actor noms one in the drama category for The Ides of March and another for comedy for musical for Crazy, Stupid, Love. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo star and relative newcomer Rooney Mara scored a nom for her upcoming role as Lisbeth Salander in the English-language remake of the Swedish film. Both Angelina Jolie and Madonnas feature directorial debuts scored noms. Angelinas In the Land of Blood and Honey got a nom for Best Foreign Language Film and Madonna picked up a nod for the song, Masterpiece from W.E., which she co-wrote. In the TV categories, American Horror Story surprised many, beating out shows like Breaking Bad, The Good Wife and The Walking Dead for a nom. The Big Bang Theorys Jim Parsons who won the Globe last year failed to get a nomination, but his co-star Johnny Galecki did. Other TV snubs this year include the stars of Glee, which was the most nominated show last year. Series stars Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer were all passed over. Kyle Chandler, who scored a SAG nom on Wednesday for Friday Night Lights, was also passed over on Thursday. Additionally, HBOs Enlightened and Showtimes Episodes both scored noms squeezing out usual Globe favorites, 30 Rock and Big Bang Theory. The 69th Annual Golden Globes will air live on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST on NBC. -By Jesse Spero Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Enlightened' Creator Reacts to Golden Globe Noms: 'It Would Be Nice to Celebrate With a Pickup'

Getty Images Last month,Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from Jersey Shore sued Abercrombie & Fitch over what he saw was a less-than-amusing publicity stunt. The retailer had offered him a "substantial payment" to stop wearing its clothes, and introduced a line of clothing that seemingly aped Sorrentino's famous catch phrases. In response, MPS Entertainment, the company owned by Sorrentino and his brother, filed a $4 million lawsuit alleging trademark violations, deceptive advertising and misappropriation of his publicity rights.our editor recommendsTHR's 5 Worst Celebrity Books of 2011: Jersey Shore, More Jersey Shore and the Levi Johnston-Bristol Palin Feud'Jersey Shore' Season 5 Trailer: Keeping Security Guards Employed Since 2009 (Video)'Jersey Shore's' The Situation Sues Abercrombie & Fitch for $4 MillionAbercrombie & Fitch Offers 'The Situation' Compensation to Not Wear Its Clothes PHOTOS: 'Jersey Shore's' Quotable Situation On Monday, Abercrombie & Fitch responded in court with a very detailed motion to dismiss. The clothing company tells a slightly different story of what happened. Additionally, the defendant attacks Sorrentino for weak trademark claims and says the Jersey Shorecastmember is interfering with its First Amendment right to make light of a troubling situation. Here's A&F's side of the story, which begins on an episode of Jersey Shorethat aired on August 11. Throughout the episode, A&F says that Sorrentino wore green Abercrombie sweat pants bearing its logo. PHOTOS: The Best and Worst Moments of 'Jersey Shore' The retailer says it was concerned that "the prominent display of its A&F logo would be viewed as an endorsement by A&F of the raucous behavior on the show." Reality TV shows often blur out brand names. Not this time, allegedly. So A&F sent a letter to MTV with a request that its marks be pixilated out of future episodes.Along with the demand allegedly came an offer that MTV, Sorrentino and other castmembers would be paid money for not wearing its products. Sorrentino's camp says it never got such an offer, but here's a look at the letter to MTVco-general counselGeorge Cheeks, revealing that the "substantial" offer to stop wearing A&F clothing was for $10,000: In his lawsuit, Sorrentino says that A&F's efforts to contact MTV were all part of a "marketing ploy." Even if MTV was contacted, the star says that such an offer was never conveyed to him. A&F responds that it doesn't matter. "Whether the offer letter went directly to Sorrentino is immaterial, and does not establish the falsity of the offer that Plaintiffs allege was made," the company writes in its motion to dismiss. Sounds good. Here's the problem: Was this a sincere and timely offer? The letter above is dated August 15, yet A&F had already had put out a press release three days earlier noting that it had offered compensation to Sorrentino to cease wearing A&F products. Additionally, although one presidential candidateis getting slammed as being out-of-touch for casually offering up a $10,000 bet in a recent debate, we'll wager that "up to $10,000" wouldn't impress many Hollywood dealmakers as being very "substantial." PHOTOS: Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits A&F does somewhat better in attacking Sorrentino's claims that certain A&F clothing infringed his trademarks. A&F says it had placed an order in January 2010 for two t-shirts featuring phrases that parodied Jersey Shore. The company says that Sorrentino was aware of the parody t-shirts for almost a year and never objected. The retailer goes on to dispute Sorrentino's trademark dominion over "The Situation" and "GTL," saying the evidence shows merely that the reality star has applied to register those marks. The applications have not yet been granted by the U.S. Trademark Office. Additionally, the use and "good will" of the mark is questioned. It's noted that MPS supposedly acquired rights to a stylized upside-down "Situation" mark and design from a retailer named Yak Shoes, but A&F questions the validity of this assignment since there has been no transfer of business nor evidence that the mark and design has been used. Besides, A&F points out that the asserted trademark registration and A&F's clothing aren't very similar and its products are unlikely to confuse consumers. The clothing retailer provides some good reasoning to doubt whether Sorrentino will eventually succeed in registering GTL. It's pointed out that Viacom (parent company of MTV) actually holds a trademark registration for "GYM TANNING LAUNDRY" and has been offering on its website t-shirts for sale bearing "GTL." "Based on both MTV's and other Jersey Shore castmates' use of 'GTL', Plaintiffs cannot establish that they are the single source of goods being offered under the alleged mark 'GTL', and their unfair uncompetition and false designation of origin claim under 1125(a) must fail," says the brief. Perhaps most important is the question whether A&F's use of Sorrentino and his catch-phrases is constitutionally-protected free speech. A&F says that its shirts and use of the star's likeness was parody -- clearly a joke, not intended to convey sponsorship: "A&F's t-shirt bearing the phrase 'The Fitchuation' was a pun or turn of phrase, parodying Sorrentino's nickname for himself as 'The Situation'. As Plaintiffs plead, Sorrentino has appeared on several nationally televised programs and as such is a public figure, subject to being parodied by virtue of his presence in the public eye. Additionally, the t-shirt bearing the phrase 'G.T.L. (You Know The Deal) Fitch', was poking fun at the Jersey Shore castmates self proclaimed habit of doing the 'GTL', i.e. 'gym, tanning laundry.' We have no idea what makes the average guido in Jersey laugh, and we know the old saying that the best way to kill a joke is to explain it, but was this actually humorous? Whether the judge chuckles and chucks....stay tuned. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Jersey Shore': The Quotable Situation

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: Film Review

Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Greyhas signed a new five-year deal to remain with the studio until early 2017, a source close to the studio confirmed.our editor recommendsParamount CEO Brad Grey Buys $15.5 Million Apartment in NY's Carlyle Hotel (Exclusive) The founder of management and production company Brillstein-Grey Entertainment was named CEO of Paramount in 2005. It has been a big year for the studio: over Thanksgiving weekend Paramount crossed its record of $1.714 billion in annual domestic earnings. Grey has been responsible for new, lucrative franchises for studio -- Transformers, Paranormal Activity and G.I. Joe were all launched on his watch. Grey has also brought several big-name producers into the Paramount fold, including J.J. Abrams and Michael Bay, both of whom have first-look deals with the studio. After trailing most other studios for years, Paramount has surged ahead in terms of box-office market share under Grey's leadership. In 2007, the studio shot to No. 1, taking in $1.5 billion at the domestic box office. It came in No. 2 the next three years, while it is running at No. 1 this year with $1.76 billion in domestic revenues (Warner Bros. follows closely with $1.66 billion),though that achievement is partly due to distributing other companies' films. Paramount has had success distributing DreamWorks Animation movies, though that relationship is in question as CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg looks for other options ahead of the end of his company's alliance with the studio in 2012. Also, Paramount has done well distributing Marvel Studios films -- including Iron Man and Iron Man 2, which together grossed $1.2 billion worldwide -- but Disney will release future Marvel projects after acquiring the company for $4.24 billion in 2009. (The Marvel distribution deal was one of Grey's first major moves at Paramount.) Early in Grey's tenure, Paramount acquired DreamWorks for $1.6 billion but the companies parted in 2008 after a rocky tenure that lasted a little more than two years. (Paramount continued to distribute DreamWorks films through 2009.) Grey formed production company Plan B with Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston in 2002. The company has a first-look deal with Paramount. In November, Grey purchased a $15.5 million co-op apartment at the Carlyle Hotel in NY, though his primary residence remains in Bel-Air. Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Deals of the Week: Jennifer Lopez, Jim Wiatt, Brad Grey Related Topics Brad Grey Paramount Pictures

Stiles elected BAFTA/LA chairman

Stiles Variety president Neil Stiles has been elected chairman of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles, the org announced following a Monday-evening vote.The board also tapped Gary Dartnall as deputy chair and Nigel Daly as secretary, and re-elected Paul Steinke as treasurer. Outgoing chair and "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe will occupy a fifth slot on the executive committee. All will serve two-year terms.BAFTA/LA, which was established in 1987, is the only Anglo-American professional organization founded to promote and advance original work in film, television and interactive media. Comprising members from all disciplines in the industry, the org is intended to serve as a bridge between the Hollywood and British production and entertainment business communities.BAFTA/LA holds several major events throughout awards season, including the Television Tea Party in August, the Britannia Awards in November and the Awards Season Tea Party in January, which takes place during Oscar balloting. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Tonight Watch a Live Online Q&A with Oscar Winner Meryl Streep!

Following an advance screening tonight of the new film "The Iron Lady," you will be able to participate in a live online Q&A session with acclaimed actress Meryl Streep and director Phyllida Lloyd. On Tuesday, December 6th after a select screening at the DGA Theater in NY City, the live Q&A will begin at approximately 8:45 p.m./ET, and will be made available online in the following space: The Q&A will be moderated by The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg. The Weinstein Company hosted a similar event last year with the film The Kings Speech and had over 20,000 questions submitted in a 30-minute period during the Q&A. For tonight's event, viewers can submit questions at Ironladymovie.com and facebook.com/theironladymovie. Opening in select U.S. theaters on December 30th, the film is an intimate portrait of Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), the first and only female Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. One of the 20th centurys most famous and influential women, Thatcher came from nowhere to smash through barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male dominated world. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, The Weinstein Companys "The Iron Lady" stars Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Harry Lloyd, Olivia Colman, and Alexandra Roach. It is written by Abi Morgan and produced by Franois Ivernel, Damian Jones, Adam Kulick, Cameron McCracken, Anita Overland, Tessa Ross, and Colleen Woodcock. Make sure you save this link and return here on Tuesday, December 6th at 8:45 pm/ET to take part in this unique online event!

Kelley teams with TNT for hospital drama

TNT is teaming with producer David E. Kelley and Dr. Sanjay Gupta on new hospital-set pilot "Chelsea General." "Chelsea," based on Gupta's upcoming novel "Monday Mornings" and produced by Warner Horizon, will be written by Kelley. The two will also exec produce. The 2012 tome by Gupta, who is chief medical correspondent for CNN, centers on five surgeons who confront their professional and personal failings. Kelley, who has never had a cable series, currently has legal drama "Harry's Law" at NBC. He also had a "Wonder Woman" pilot for the Peacock ready in the fall, but the net took a pass. Cabler has recently ordered two other pilots: Western "Gateway" and procedural "Scent of the Missing." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Gore Verbinski's Blind Wink Productions, Microsoft Ink Content Partnership (Exclusive)

Carson Kressley, Carrie Fisher and Emmanuelle Vaugier have been tapped to star in Hallmark Channel's Caroling, a modern-day take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.our editor recommendsCarrie Fisher Shows Off 50-Pound Weight Loss on 'Today' (Video)Carrie Fisher Remembers One-Time Stepmother Elizabeth Taylor Carson Kressley: 'Used to Being an Outsider' Before 'Dancing With the Stars' Carson Kressley: 'Dancing With the Stars' 'Was the Best Experience Ever'Emmanuelle Vaugier cast in 'Covert Affairs' The movie, set to premiere during the 2012 holiday season, centers on Carol Huffman (Vaugier, Two and a Half Men), one of Chicago's most successful book publishers and a ruthless businesswoman who has made no room in her life for personal relationships and whose staff hates her. PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years Kressley plays a colleague who is secretly organizing a revolt against Carol, and Fisher plays the late founder of publishing company, who takes Carol through an eye-opening journey of her past, present and future. Olivia Cheng (Eureka) and Tygh Runyan (SGU Stargate Universe) co-star in the movie, which has begun production in Vancouver. Caroling, from Carol Street Productions, is executive produced by Michael Goldstein and Michael Larkin and produced by Harvey Kahn is producer. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13 Cast Official Photos, Including Carson Kressley Michael M. Scott is directing from a script by William Penick and Chris Sey. Kressley competed on the most recent season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, coming in eighth place. Fisher recently appeared in her one-woman show Wishful Drinking, which was taped for an HBO special that aired last year. Vaugier also has appeared in USA Network's Covert Affairs. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals Hallmark Channel has been on a roll with its holiday programming this year, which has included such titles as Mistletoe Over Manhattan, Love's Christmas Journey and Cancel Christmas. The network has had the No. 1 movie of the week for the past three weeks, delivering nine of the 10 highest-rated ad-supported cable movies of November. Overall, more than 40 million unduplicated viewers have tuned in to the movie premieres. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals Related Topics Carson Kressley TV Casting Carrie Fisher