All articles tagged with #directing
Woody Allen expressed interest in directing Donald Trump again, praising his professionalism and acting skills during their 1998 film 'Celebrity,' despite their political differences and Allen's support for Kamala Harris in 2024.
Elisabeth Moss reflects on her nine-year journey with 'The Handmaid's Tale,' her evolving role from star to producer and director, and how motherhood has deepened her connection to the series' themes of women fighting for their children. She discusses the show's impactful finale, her future projects, and the significance of the series' ongoing relevance and her personal growth within it.
Olivia Wilde, speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival, expressed concerns about social media's impact on filmmaking, arguing it pressures directors to choose between being celebrities or artists. She emphasized the importance of focusing on authentic storytelling rather than seeking widespread approval, and shared her personal journey from acting to directing, highlighting her commitment to making films as an art form.
Ridley Scott, the iconic director known for films like 'Alien' and 'Blade Runner,' remains highly active in the film industry at 87, with recent projects including 'Gladiator II' and 'Napoleon.' Despite starting his Hollywood career later than peers like Spielberg and Lucas, Scott has maintained a prolific output, driven by his passion for filmmaking. He dismisses the idea of retirement, citing his love for the craft, and continues to work on new projects, including a Bee Gees biopic and TV adaptations of his films. Scott reflects on his career, the importance of creative control, and his enduring influence in cinema.
Alex Garland, director of "Civil War," discusses the controversy surrounding the film, his decision to step away from directing, and his upcoming projects. He explains his approach to screenwriting and directing, emphasizing the importance of preserving the intended meaning of scenes. Garland also addresses the ambiguity in his films and the subjective nature of audience interpretations, highlighting the value of open-ended storytelling.
Julia Stiles, known for her role in "10 Things I Hate About You," has ventured into directing with her upcoming film "Wish You Were Here" while also embracing motherhood. Stiles, who recently had a baby, believes that being a parent has prepared her for directing by teaching her time management and sensitivity to others' needs. She expressed excitement about her new role as a director and shared how she's learning to assert herself in the position.
Jason Momoa fulfills a dream by co-directing and starring in a new Guinness commercial, expressing his long-standing love for the brand and the experience of working with his production company and family on the project. He discusses his passion for Guinness, his approach to directing, and the joy of working on the comedy film "Minecraft" in New Zealand. Momoa also shares his pride in seeing "Dune: Part Two" and praises director Denis Villeneuve, expressing excitement for the future.
Gus Van Sant, known for directing films like Drugstore Cowboy and Good Will Hunting, directed six episodes of the anthology series Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. The stylistic peak of the series is the third episode, "Masquerade 1966," which portrays the planning and execution of Truman Capote's Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel. Van Sant and his collaborators shot the episode in the style of 1960s documentarians, emulating the Direct Cinema aesthetic. The director discusses his approach to directing the episode and his career-long interest in experimenting with form and capturing reality in his films.
Actor Colman Domingo is set to direct and star as legendary singer Nat King Cole in a musical biopic, a project he has been quietly working on for a few years. This marks his feature directing debut, and he co-wrote the script for the film. Domingo has previous experience with Cole, having co-written the play "Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole." The news comes as Domingo received an Oscar nomination and landed roles in other feature films, solidifying his busy schedule for 2024.
The recent Oscar nominations for best picture reflect a diverse and wide-ranging year in filmmaking, with many films addressing historical and present-day issues. However, the nominations for best director favored self-conscious auteurism over accessibility, leading to questions about the snub of directors like Greta Gerwig. The article also highlights the success of films like "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" as a testament to the healthy and diverse year in moviegoing, countering fears expressed by the late Norman Jewison about the disappearance of certain types of films from Hollywood.
Jesse Eisenberg, director of "A Real Pain," initially wanted to play a role in the film but ultimately cast Kieran Culkin instead. Culkin's spontaneous acting style forced Eisenberg to abandon his planned shot list, resulting in a more energetic and spontaneous film. The movie, seeking distribution at Sundance, explores the dynamics of a mismatched cousin duo on a trip to Poland to confront family history and Holocaust locations. Eisenberg's ambition to set a movie in Poland for 18 years finally came to fruition with the help of renowned Polish film producer Ewa Puszczynska. The film aims to address universal themes with humor and is Eisenberg's second directorial effort at the festival.
Actor and filmmaker Jake Johnson discusses his directorial debut with "Self Reliance," drawing inspiration from Japanese reality TV, the Covid pandemic, and a polarized political climate. He reflects on his career, influences like Owen Wilson, and his preference for niche audiences in the current entertainment landscape. Johnson, known for his work in "New Girl" and indie films, emphasizes the importance of creating work that matters to him and the joy of finding niche audiences in today's content-rich environment.
George Clooney shared a humorous anecdote about his past film roles during a press event for his latest directorial project, "The Boys In The Boat," a film about a competitive rowing team that has received positive reviews. Clooney, known for his self-deprecating humor, referenced his infamous role in "Batman and Robin" while discussing the excitement and potential pitfalls of being cast in a movie. Joel Edgerton, who stars in the film, also shared a significant casting story. Clooney continues to be active in the film industry, with upcoming movies slated for 2024 and beyond.
George Clooney discusses his experience directing "The Boys in the Boat," a film about the underdog story of the University of Washington men's rowing team. Clooney reflects on the theme of unity portrayed in the film and highlights the challenges of rowing. He also shares insights into his role as a father to twins and the unique personalities they possess. Additionally, Clooney reveals the romantic tradition he and his wife, Amal, maintain through handwritten letters and their plan to pass this tradition on to their children.
Ben Affleck and Michael B. Jordan discuss their experiences with directing and acting, their friendship, and the challenges they faced. Affleck praises Jordan's directorial debut in "Creed III" and Jordan seeks advice on directing himself. They also discuss the importance of representation and the responsibility they feel to inspire the next generation. Affleck reflects on his transition to directing, driven by a desire to prove himself after facing failures. The conversation ends with a playful exchange about potentially working together in the future.