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Hot Production Still: Ken Baumann and Lauren Storm in "Whore"

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 09:03:00 -0500

Lauren Storm and Ken Baumann are about to begin a twisted sex game in ""Whore"
It's going to play festivals this year.

EXCLUSIVE REVIEW: Thomas Dekker's "Whore"

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:22:00 -0500

Its won Four MoviePictureFilm Awards including Best Director and The Visionary Prize.

Find out why.

Read the EXCLUSIVE review here.

The 2008 MOVIEPICTUREFILM Award Winners!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:55:00 -0500

It's insanely hard to believe that the year went by so fast. But alas, here we are, it's December 31st. Yes, two days after we said the winners would be announced- thank you for all the inquiries, but we've sorted them out for all of you and now, finally- the official announcement for the winners of the 2008 MoviePictureFilm awards are here!

Times are great for movies and the amount of fine material that was in released wide and limited release throughout the year proved it. Newcomers emerged like Marianna Palka, Thomas Dekker, Jonathan Levine, Dustin Ian Black and Jenny Lumet just to name a few, that proved they are the new forces in the film world that will go above and beyond in writing and filmmaking.

We also had the pleasure of seeing returns from masters like Christophe Honore, David Fincher and Gus Van Sant showing that they had no intentions of fading into history. So without further ado readers, here are the winners of the 2008 MoviePictureFilm awards...

BEST PICTURE

Marianna Palka's
"Good Dick"

Why Did We Choose This Movie?

Debuting at Sundance, Marianna Palka's moving, witty and flawless film "Good Dick"- didn't slip under the radar like last year's MoviePictureFilm winner for Best Picture "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" but it also didn't manage to make the splash I believed it could have after I viewed it months after the Sundance screenings. A peculiar love story that begins with two opposite twenty-somethings in their nearly debilitating, cheerless lives and follows them slowly guiding one another into happiness isn't something that usually attracts a big audience. I understand that of course. But if this film is discovered, which I hope it is, it will no doubt move audiences in its uncommonly universal themes of separate adoration and abuse. It moved me to tears in its poignant conclusion. Something a lot of people wanted and got this year was hope, this movie provides it.

BEST SCREENPLAY

Mark Jude Poirier's
"Smart People"

Why Did We Choose His Script?

Moving from novels to film- Mark Jude Poirier's debut screenplay constantly keeps the laughs coming with its wonderfully vibrant characters. Ellen Page's character of 'Vanessa' in particular was brilliant. It even packed an unexpected emotional punch with its characters searching for acceptance and approval of each other when it comes to family. Mark Poirier is a perfect choice to write the remake of "The Host"- a film about monsters but also a strong theme of family relationships.

BEST ACTRESS

Marianna Palka
"Good Dick"

Why Did We Choose Her?

Get ready to be knocked out- or at least thrown for a loop. When Marianna Palka looks Jason Ritter in the eyes at the end of "Good Dick", dare not to be moved by her character's transformation and will to trust again. There are many great performances in 2008, but Palka makes a lasting impression among the few who really moved me this year. This was her first lead role and she also writes and directs the film making the accomplishment even more impressive. She Wins.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Taraji P. Henson
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button"

Why Did We Choose Her?

I always knew she could make a breakthrough and get across why she was so charming and loveable and "Button" did that just that. Ever since "Baby Boy" I've loved Taraji P. Henson. I hoped she would find a project that showcased her qualities and when I interviewed her this past year and she discussed "Benjamin Button" I had a good feeling this very well could be it for her. The thing that she is getting across to almost everyone I speak to, is that not for one moment in the film do you doubt that she loves Benjamin like her own child. You know she cares. She is getting Oscar buzz and she deserves it. In the meantime, she'll have to settle for a MoviePictureFilm award.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Kieran Murphy/Pierre Dumont
"Whore"

Why Did We Choose Them?

This film had the most unique and destroyed, abused look of any of the films I've seen this year. Filmed on many different cameras and many different stocks including 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, HD and others, Murphy and Dumont achieved the look of a nightmare come to life. It's the most memorable, fucked up look of a film I've seen this side of a David Lynch film.

BEST FOREIGN FILM

"Love Songs"
Director: Christophe Honore

Why Did We Choose This Film?

A sublime, colorful, heartbreaking melody- Honore's "Love Songs" is definitely the best foreign film of the year. He brought the movie musical back to life for this skeptical critic. I hated "Chicago" and I never thought any musical on film post that one would impress me but Honore proved me wrong. I can't wait for the sequel!

THE VISIONARY PRIZE

Thomas Dekker
"Whore"

Why Did We Choose Him?

Talk about a jack of all trades. A writer, producer, actor, director, singer, editor just to name a few of his talents- Thomas Dekker's debut film "Whore" is a ballsy move for an actor with a substantial teenie-bopper following. It's completely unconventional- hard to watch and an easy NC-17. But it's also his brave statement on how young Hollywood is mistreated (to put it lightly) in trying to find work in the business. Dekker receives the Visionary Prize this year because he has taken a chance and put his unique vision out there- one that will assuredly freak many people out. This isn't John Conner defending the world in a mainstream TV show, this is a young man taking a huge risk and finding out who he is as an actor and a filmmaker. He is the Visionary of the year.

BEST DIRECTOR

Thomas Dekker
"Whore"

Why Did We Choose Him?

A shot early on in Thomas Dekker's "Whore" flows down a dark street corner lit by the glow of several blinking marquee's in the distance. As the pace picks up, we follow a young boy and as the shot progresses we soon come to the realization that we the audience are the predator about to catch its prey. This shot is burned into my mind and automatically wins Dekker the best director award. The moment is just plain haunting! It's quite exceptional that Dekker has crafted such an unexpectedly moving little gem like this- he's only twenty one and accomplished something really great. I can't wait for others to see the film ASAP.

BEST ACTOR

Jason Ritter
"Good Dick"

Why Did We Choose Him?

In his most charming performance yet, Jason Ritter shows he has just the right amount of leading man magnetism and brash assurance in "Good Dick". There is something very delicate about the way he portrays his character and it's strange and funny how someone so determined in one aspect of their life could be so lost in another. Other actors would have most likely come off as come off as obnoxious in moments of the film but it's a testament to him that, that doesn't even come into question once during the film. There have been other performances where Ritter has impressed me- especially "Happy Endings" and of course "The Education of Charlie Banks" but that doesn't come out till next year and we'll get to that when the time comes. But this is the perfect performance. Smooth on the outside, layered on the inside. It sounds like candy because he's just the right amount of sweet too!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Heath Ledger
"The Dark Knight"

Why Did We Choose Him?

Well, Duh right? It's beyond sad that we've lost Heath Ledger but he's left us an iconic performance. One that will win him the posthumous Oscar and one that live on in people's minds for a long time. The performance as everyone knows by now is scary, arresting and incredibly unique and different from any villain that's been depicted on screen since well, Hannibal Lecter. Heath obviously gets this award, period.

BEST DOCUMENTARY

"Man On Wire"
Director: James Marsh

Why Did We Choose This Film?

It was very strange, eerie even watching "Man on Wire". Those two tall buildings, so iconic and so present in my growth, now gone. But this film is not about loss, it's about heroism and I don't believe 9/11 is mentioned once in it. The thing that really makes this documentary the best one of the year is that it doesn't really follow the template for a doc. It has reenactments that are hard to distinguish what is separate from real footage and each moment is just more unbelievable than the first. Discover this ASAP.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

"WALL-E"
Director: Andrew Stanton

Why Did We Choose This Film?

Not just one of the best animated features of the year, one of the best films of the year- how can you not fall for "WALL-E"? That little guy is so damn cute and such a gentleman! He's the perfect man trapped in a robot body. Another film that had me floored when it ended---- remember "eva?" Oh my god the tears! It's beautifully animated and you should see the Blu-Ray. It's reach out and touch it clear.

BEST SHORT FILM

"Irish Twins"
Director: Shiloh Strong and Rider Strong

Why Did We Choose This Short Film?

Rider's face is quite recognizable from his "Boy Meets World" days as Shawn. But now he can be recognized for something entirely different from that. Directing. Talent obviously runs in the family as Rider and his brother Shiloh crafted a terrific short film that managed to stay in my mind all the way back from when I saw it at Tribeca 08. Mainly a tale of revenge with a twist ending I really enjoyed- the short is constantly absorbing and sharp as a tack. Others have mentioned this and I'll say it here: the film has the look of a big budget movie with sleek cinematography and carefully crafted long shots.

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE- MALE

TIE!!!

Robert Hoffman
"Step Up 2 The Streets"

AND

Sean Faris
"Forever Strong"

Why Did We Choose Them?

It's our first tie EVER! Robert Hoffman and Sean Faris gave two very different performances this year but the one thing they had in common is that they showcased their amazing talent and exuded genuine emotion and a drawing power to audiences. Hoffman exploded onto the scene this year with his starring role in "Step Up 2 The Streets"- a role where he doesn't just dance uncommonly he destroys the competition. Charismatic, flirtatious and ultimately prominent in the film- he has broken through. Faris gave an emotional performance finally showing audiences he can handle heavy material. He evoked such pure animosity followed by a gradual metamorphosis into a sensitive, mindful character that he was stunning to watch mature throughout. They both win!

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE- FEMALE

Lauren Storm
"Whore"

Why Did We Choose Her?

Once "Whore" is released people will know the name Lauren Storm. And yes, that's her real last name! Playing a hooker who wants to be "prettywoman'd" off the streets- she's desperate for a new life. Unfortunately she falls into a twisted sex game with another damaged soul that had me cringing. This scene is the highlight of her performance- there is a look in her eyes, an expression on her face, it's scary. Strangely accepting, like a masochistic production her character has come to expect. Heartbreaking. She wins with no apprehension on my part. There are female breakthroughs and then there's this career making work of art.

That's it for 2008, see you for the MoviePictureFilm awards in 09!

Questions, comments, as always you can email us.

"United States Of Tara"

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:03:00 -0500

Art for Showtime's "United States Of Tara"

The "United States Of Tara" pilot is available to watch a few weeks early and I think I found my new favorite show! Next to "30 Rock", "Gossip Girl" "Family Guy" and "True Blood" of course. Here is the link to watch it in its entirety. Just type in 'Tara' as the password.

I really don't know if Showtime wants to keep it up for much longer considering everyone is just passing the link along, but If I were them I would. The buzz seems to be quite good. Anyway---

A Few Thoughts About The Pilot-

-Toni Colette is brilliant! She always is, but I think this might be the role that is going to get her the respect she deserves. I smell a Emmy and Golden Globe in her future. Fingers crossed!

-The Diablo Cody penned pilot is very 'diablocodyish' if that makes any sense. Witty and irreverent, but a little self conscious...

-They pushed the possible affair between the sister and the husband a little too hard, although I don't mind seeing anything with Rosemarie 'Rachel Getting Married' DeWitt.

-The gay little brother character is a total Michael Cera/Betty's little brother from "Ugly Betty" conglomeration. I love it.

-Great to see Aidan, er- John Corbett back on the tube, missed him a lot.

-I think my favorite alter is T, but just because we've seen the most from her so far and she's the most entertaining character. Also her MySpace song is my guilty pleasure jam, Bubble Gum by Rasheeda. Get a few purple mo fo's in me and you don't want to be on the dance floor with me when that song hits.

"United States Of Tara" premieres on Showtime on January 18th. The Tivo is set.

Yule A Go-Go

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:23:00 -0500

The Yule A Go-Go DVD

Happy Holidays everyone! Well I know what's going to be playing on a continuous party loop at my Year End Bash on Wednesday night. This is the perfect kitschy thing to play while people get hammered and I know I'd rather watch this than Carson Daily or ::shudder:: Ryan Seacrest before the ball drops at 12. However, I do think it's a bit unfair that there is no male counterpart for this.

Side 1 of the disc could be chicks dancing, Side 2 could be dudes. A little rotation for all party guests! Just saying. Have a happy, safe New Year's!

Interview: EXCLUSIVE 1 on 1 with Gabriel Macht (The Spirit)

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:28:00 -0500

Actor Gabriel Macht, "The Spirit" junket, 12/13/08, 10:44am.

His name is plastered all over New York City. But who is Gabriel Macht? The Bronx born actor mostly known for his small supporting roles in films "The Recruit", "Because I Said So" and a memorable turn on "Sex and the City" is about to graduate to the big time. In his first leading role in Frank Miller's "The Spirit", Macht plays the title character with notable charisma and ferocity.

I spoke with Macht EXCLUSIVELY at the Spirit junket last month about his new found fame, taking on the coveted role in the film and yes I even mentioned his time on "Sex and the City". Read on for more in a EXCLUSIVE 1 on 1 with actor Gabriel Macht...

MPF: Everyone is looking at these posters and saying 'who is Gabriel Macht?' But not me, I remember you as Bradley 'the Modelizer' in "Sex and the City"-

Gabriel Macht: (laughs) That was the first episode shot after the pilot and no one knew what it was at that point.

MPF: So this must be insane for you- your name is plastered all over billboards, this could be a breakthrough role for you--

GM: It's already been a year and three months since I first got the job. After getting the lead in a Frank Miller film after seeing what happened with "Sin City" and "300" it's like 'ok!' My career is going to take on a different perspective or level- it's going to be an exciting ride. I had a great time making it and I'm looking forward to seeing what people think. I hope people go 'Who is that guy? Let's go see it.' Not 'Who is that guy? Let's not go see it.'

MPF: I brought you something-
(takes out magazine with The Spirit action figure on the cover)
You're an action figure!

GM: Whoa! I knew I was one of these but that's hilarious, thanks. That's awesome. It's amazing. I feel like a few generations ahead of us they were doing Lone Ranger, so I was like Chip or whatever from C.H.I.P.S., and you see all the action figures around and if you're a kid hoping to be an actor one day and you're like 'oh, well maybe I'll be an action figure too' but yeah, this is amazing.

MPF: I'm already familiar with your background but most audiences are being introduced to you for the very first time and this is your first lead action type role-

GM: Well yes and no. I've done a bunch of action films but yes, for the most part I've supported guys like Owen Wilson in "Behind Enemy Lines", Colin Farrell in "The Recruit" and "American Outlaws"- I don't know if anyone out there saw that. So there have been a few big action films where I've been amongst the players but this one, yeah I'm the titular character.

MPF: Did you approach Frank Miller or did he find you?

GM: I was sent some slides and I was told Frank was making a film based on a legendary writer Will Eisner who did "The Spirit". I just had some scenes and I went online to see who The Spirit was and I saw two images. One of the Will Eisner Spirit and the other I found was a poster of a drawing of The Spirit that Frank made. It was a rugged, tough guy looking superhero and looked nothing like me. But when I went in the audition room I went in there going 'I saw the drawing, I can play that guy!' I read for it and they brought me back and I did a screen test for it. In the Screen Test I got to wear the outfit but in the audition all I wore was a black t-shirt and blue jeans and that was it. I wore contacts for the film. I'm Blonde hair and brown eyes and The Spirit is black hair and blue eyes. So I dyed my hair black and dropped close to fifteen pounds.

MPF: I figured you worked out for the movie considering you're playing this muscled crime-fighter-

GM: (laughs) I wanted to the make the character look like he could take on a hundred men-

MPF: That and be the ladies man that he is-

GM: (laughs) Yeah. I worked out for a couple of months.

MPF: I was like, he didn't look that buff when he was on "Sex and the City"-

GM: Not at all! For this I tried to get into some sort of frame- that the character might have. I worked with a trainer, Harley Pasternak who is also a nutritionist. He's got an incredible thing and I'm only plugging it because I think it's a great invention- where he gives you exactly what to buy at the grocery, the menus and the workout, so I think it's like two dollars a week to get in shape. He had me looking the best I've ever looked so- I owe a lot to him. And no it wasn't digital, it was all real muscle.

MPF: How hard was it working with green screens?

GM: It's much like being in this room we're in right now for two and a half months. I understand how difficult it is, I haven't done this but I can understand how difficult it might be to work with a little mouse and you've got a technician behind the camera with a little stick and a little tennis ball on the end and you have to react to the tennis ball. Everyone that I was working with in the scenes I did, I got to look into their eyes and respond to them. I'm from New York and I'm spent a considerable amount of time in the city so I feel like it's in my blood. I could really imagine what was behind me and what was going to be on the screen. So yeah, there are challenges with green screen but for me it wasn't that difficult. It was kind of freeing. It allows your imagination to go wild. Frank is so articulate too, when he tells you: 'there's a barge out in the river' you get it straight away.

MPF: You and Sam Jackson have some great moments together in the film, where you're fighting each other...

GM: Good fights evil man! We just had a lot of fun working together. He's one of these guys where you're familiar with him right away and he's familiar with you right away. When you have that kind of ease, it makes a working relationship smooth. I'm signed on for two more Spirit films and you see that it could be a trilogy. I would love to do it because this is by far the best filmmaking experience I've ever had.

"The Spirit" is in theaters now.

The 2008 MOVIEPICTUREFILM Award Nominations!

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:59:00 -0500

Happy Holidays everyone! I can't believe how fast this year went by. Well they've finally arrived. After another exciting year of amazing movies, really terrible movies and downright masterpieces, it's time to announce our nominations for the 3rd Annual MoviePictureFilm awards!

In some areas of the internet the nominations and winners have been announced. But as of now, the only place you can find them all is on MPF, so you can get it straight from the source. After long conversations, lots of movie watching, taking notes and the usual back and forth last minute changes, it's now official and decided. The winners will be announced tomorrow at 10:30PM EST. Soon after a top ten list of the best movies of the year, chosen by yours truly- will also show up. We hope you've had a chance to see some of these amazing films and don't forget to check back tomorrow for the winners. Now without further ado, the nominations!!!!

BEST PICTURE

Love Songs (IFC Films)
The Spirit (Lionsgate)
Whore (No Distributor Yet)
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)
Good Dick (Morning Knight/Present Pictures)
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (Paramount)
Milk (Focus Features)

BEST SCREENPLAY

Jonathan Levine
The Wackness

Christophe Honore
Love Songs

Mark Jude Poirier
Smart People

Jenny Lumet
Rachel Getting Married

Marianna Palka
Good Dick

Dustin Lance Black
Milk

BEST ACTRESS

Melissa Leo
Frozen River

Kristin Scott Thomas
I've Loved You So Long

Eileen Walsh
Eden

Julianne Moore
Savage Grace

Anne Hathaway
Rachel Getting Married

Kate Winslet
The Reader/Revolutionary Road

Marianna Palka
Good Dick

Cate Blanchett
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Greta Gerwig
Nights and Weekends

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Clotilde Hesme
Love Songs

Lauren Birkell
The Babysitters

Penelope Cruz
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Elsa Zylberstein
I've Loved You So Long

Ellen Page
Smart People

Taraji P. Henson
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Francis McDormand
Burn After Reading

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Pawel Edelman
The Life Before Her Eyes

Colin Watkinson
The Fall

Harris Savides
Milk

Claudio Miranda
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Kieran Murphy/Pierre Dumont
Whore

BEST FOREIGN FILM

Love Songs
Director: Christophe Honore

I've Loved You So Long
Director: Philippe Claudel

The Edge Of Heaven
Director: Fatih Akin

Let The Right One In
Director: Tomas Alfredson

THE VISIONARY PRIZE

Christophe Honore
Love Songs

Jonathan Levine
The Wackness

Thomas Dekker
Whore

Darren Lynn Bousman
Repo! The Genetic Opera

Marianna Palka
Good Dick

Frank Miller
The Spirit

BEST DIRECTOR

Christophe Honore
Love Songs

Thomas Dekker
Whore

Jonathan Levine
The Wackness

David Fincher
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Marianna Palka
Good Dick

Gus Van Sant
Milk

BEST ACTOR

Josh Peck
The Wackness

Sean Penn
Milk

Louis Garrel
Love Songs

Leonardo DiCaprio
Revolutionary Road

Richard Jenkins
The Visitor

Mickey Rourke
The Wrestler

Jason Ritter
Good Dick

Brad Pitt
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Ben Kingsley
The Wackness

Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight

Matthew Goode
Brideshead Revisited

Robert Downey Jr.
Tropic Thunder

Brad Pitt
Burn After Reading

Josh Brolin
Milk

Emile Hirsch
Milk

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Roman Polanski: Wanted or Desired
Director: Marina Zenovich

Man on Wire
Director: James Marsh

American Teen
Director: Nanette Burstein

Bigger Stronger Faster*
Director: Chris Bell

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Bolt
Director: Chris Williams & Bryan Howard

WALL-E
Director: Andrew Stanton

The Tale Of Despereaux
Director: Robert Stevenhagen & Sam Fell

Waltz With Bashir
Director: Ari Folman

BEST SHORT FILM

This Is Her
Director: Katie Wolfe and Kate McDermott

Irish Twins
Director: Shiloh Strong and Rider Strong

When I Become Sient
Director: Hyoe Yamamoto

Love Is Dead
Director: Eric Capiaine

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE- MALE

Robert Hoffman
Step Up 2 The Streets

Andrew Garfield
Boy A

Gabriel Macht
The Spirit

Sean Faris
Forever Strong

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE- FEMALE

Lauren Storm
Whore

Summer Bishil
Towelhead

Eileen Walsh
Eden

Ari Graynor
Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist

Christophe Honor�'s "La Belle Personne" (The Beautiful Person)

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:32:00 -0500

The French theatrical artwork for "La Belle Personne" (IFC Films, TBA 2009)

After coming back from a nice long holiday, I started going through my email and found something I couldn't believe I passed over. An announcement going back months and months ago from the always awesome Indiewire that Christophe Honore's "La Belle Personne" (The Beautiful Person) had been picked up by IFC Films. You long time readers know what that means- me obsessing over seeing it!

At least this time around IFC films picked it up right away instead of dwindling like they did with "Love Songs" (making it there third collaboration with the Honore). I discussed "Belle" briefly with Honore this past Summer when he made his "Love Songs" pr rounds. The film is the final tale in Honore's Parisian youth trilogy and loosely follows the book "The Princess Of Cleves".

(L-R) Louis Garrel, Lea Seydoux

The film stars frequent Honore boy Louis Garrel and his "Love Songs" love interest Gr�goire Leprince-Ringuet, also newcomer Lea Seydoux who is also starring in Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds". "Belle" has already opened in France a few months ago and according to this commercial it in already played on TV there! WTF?

That's not fair. The French get it in the movies and on TV? If I was a millionaire I'd travel over there with an interpreter and have them translate the whole movie for me as I watched it. That being said, perhaps someone taped it off French TV and is willing to upload it in parts on YouTube. It's not a request, just a thought... Anywho, it also already premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival with English subs on it but again, no dough, no go. I also hear there are musical scenes in this one just like "Love Songs"- I can't wait, this clip alone makes me pine for this film fiercely.

Review! (The Spirit)

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:27:16 -0500

The theatrical poster for "The Spirit" (Lionsgate, In theaters Friday)

Damn, people are so out to get this movie! I was originally going to post the review this afternoon but due to an extreme amount of interest, I've posted it a bit early.

Read it here.

"The Spirit"

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:12:39 -0500