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Dan Owen reviews
I s s u e # 2 21 3 D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 2
I, ROBOT’Variety’ reports that ’20th Century Fox’ has signed a deal with WillSmith to star in the sci-fi film “I, Robot” – an adaptation of the1940’s Isaac Asimov short-story collection.
Shooting on the project begins in April 2003 with Alex Proyas (“TheCrow”) directing, as reported in ‘DMD’ some weeks ago.
The book “I, Robot” contained nine short stories that Asimov wrote formagazines during the 40’s, brought together thematically by the author’sthree laws of robotics:
- 1, “a robot may not injure a human or, through inaction, allow a human to come to harm”,
- 2 “a robot must obey orders given to it by a human, except where it would conflict with the firstlaw”, and
- 3 “a robot must protect itself, as long as that protectiondoesn’t violate either the first or second law.”
The movie will be a futuristic thriller that follows a detective’sinvestigation of a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, eventhough that should be impossible given the above three prevailing rules.
‘Fox Film’ President Hutch Parker said: “The big idea here is that ifthe robots have found a way to violate the laws, there is nothing tostop them from taking over, because the human race is so dependent onrobots and automation.”
The project actually originated as “Hardwired”; a sci-fi script by JeffVintar that was amalgamated with elements of “I, Robot”. Subsequentdrafts of the script have been done by Hillary Seitz (“Insomnia”) andOscar-winning writer Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”) – who wrote thelast draft and is expected to be a prevailing presence on the picture.
Er, Oscar-winner Goldsman also wrote that “Lost In Space” movie… oh,and “Batman & Robin”, too. Hmmmm.
THE HULKNew photos of the “Hulk” action figure have been released onto the web.As before this toy should be a good indication of what the CGI Hulk willlook like on film (see right) AMERICAN NEUROTIC”‘PageSix.com’ reported an unconfirmed story that Jim Carrey may earn $25million to star in “American Neurotic”. The film would see him play apsychologically frail character that falls in love with the daughter ofhis psychiatrist (Anthony Hopkins). Imagine “What About Bob?” mixed with”Meet The Parents”..?
However – Carrey is currently filming “Bruce Almighty” and about tostart “The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind” and “Lemony Snicket” -so won’t be free until next autumn.
If this signing follows through Carrey’s $25 million salary will makehim the second-most expensive actor in Hollywood, just behind ArnoldSchwarzenegger – who is getting $30 million for “Terminator 3”.
“American Neurotic” is already costing the studio a small fortunebecause the screenplay has been drafted through eight drafts at a costof $4.5 million!
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET – THE PREQUELJohn Saxon (Nancy’s father in “A Nightmare On Elm Street”) hasregurgitated the old rumour of a prequel film – which will come outafter the expected success of “Freddy Vs Jason”.
BOND 21″Die Another Day” has only been on general release for a few weeks, butalready speculation has started on who will direct the 21st James Bondadventure, with Pierce Brosnan already agreeing to return. The firstrumour has Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark (“Zu Warriors”) in the frame todirect.
It’s a known fact that Brosnan has always pushed for action maestro JohnWoo to direct a Bond movie, but perhaps given Woo’s ailing fortunes inHollywood’s hierarchy (thanks to “Windtalkers”) he’s no longer invogue…?
THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICKActor/stuntman Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars Episode I”) isallegedly involved in talks with writer/director David Twohy to star inhis “Chronicles Of Riddick” trilogy (based on the character of Riddick,played by Vin Diesel, in Twohy’s “Pitch Black”).
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOONDirector Guillermo Del Toro (currently working on “Hellboy”) hasmentioned his plans for a “Creature From The Black Lagoon” remake.
Del Toro said: “I’ll be given carte blanche to develop the story,although I will bring in another writer. I want to set the story inVictorian times during the exploration of the Amazon.”
“The original ‘Creature…’ was essentially ‘King Kong’, but I want tomake it more a ‘Beauty & The Beast’ fable. I want the look and feel tobe akin to Jules Verne’s tales like ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’.”
“I want to increase the horror edge and make it really scary, because myarchaeological explorers will discover an area of the Amazon that hasbeen kept on a tangential track of evolution alongside mankind.”
“So there will be a giant carnivorous squid, prehistoric sharks andweird alternate life forms that shouldn’t really exist in such afresh-water environment. Fish do truly have either an angelic ordevilish quality, and I want to play on that.
DEEP THROATAngelina Jolie (“Tomb Raider”) is apparently in talks to headline a newbiopic about porn-star Linda Lovelace (most famous for hergroundbreaking role in “Deep Throat”), who tragically died in a caraccident. DIE HARD 4Allegedly, Bruce Willis recently saw director John McTiernan’s latestmovie “Basic” and loved it so much he personally contacted the directorto helm a “Die Hard 4″ movie. McTiernan previously directed the original”Die Hard” and its second sequel “…With A Vengeance”.
“Basic” is said to be a strong return to form for McTiernan, whoserecent movies have caused derision amongst critics and box-officedisaster – “The 13th Warrior” and this year’s insipid “Rollerball”remake.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS’Variety’ reports that Charlize Theron (“Mighty Joe Young”) has signedto portray ex-Bond girl Britt Ekland (Sellars’ ex-wife) in “The Life AndDeath Of Peter Sellers” for ‘HBO Films’.
Theron joins Geoffrey Rush (as Sellers) in the movie based on a book byRoger Lewis.
FREDDY vs JASONActor Robert Englund has been speaking again about the “Freddy Vs Jason”movie, describing a rave sequence where “little rave nerd boys with dayglow clothes [are] being piped and speared by Jason and flung acrossrows and rows of corn glowing like meteors or comets through the night.”
“It’s like some gorgeous, twisted, violent Dutch comic-book, you know -Asian, Cyber Japanese Cyber Punk, illustrated comic-book with Scorsesecamera angles, Orson Wells camera angles and film noir style… it’sreally interesting!”
“There’s also lots of different colour plays, kind of like PaulSchrader’s style. It’s just really a great classy, violent popcornmovie. I’ve been calling it a gourmet popcorn that’s spelled…G-O-R-E.”
Ri-ght.
GLADIATOR IIScreenwriter John Logan (“Gladiator”) has spoken about the perils ofwriting a sequel to his most famous writing success.
John Logan said: “Well, you know, ‘Gladiator’ was a long and interestingprocess. And once we sort of realized what we had, there was a lot oftalk even then about how this could be a multi-generational saga. Thestory of Rome could go on – because the things that happened after thedeath of Commodus are absolutely thrillingly exciting.”
“So there was even talk then. And then, when the movie did well and gotthe attention that it did, those talks began to become more . serious.So it was not a frivolous decision of, ‘Oh – the movie made a lot ofmoney. Let’s somehow ground out a sequel.’ There are frankly clues inthe first movie about what the second movie is going to be – and threadsthat are left open to be picked up.”
But will Ridley Scott direct the second film?
Logan replied: “We’ll see. I certainly hope. I mean, as many greatdirectors as I’ve worked with, I’ve never had more fun than working withRidley. And as I always say, ‘All hail Ridley Scott’ – because it washis vision that made that movie what it is. I mean, Bill and David and Idid good work on the script, Walter Parkes and Doug Wick were incredibleproducers, we got phenomenal support from ‘Dreamworks’ and ‘Universal’ -but it was Ridley Scott who made that movie great.”
HELLBOYStar Ron Perlman spoke to ‘SciFi Wire’ about “Hellboy” recently, saying:“We’re about to start production in February in Prague.” He also saidthe script is based on “the very first ‘Hellboy’ instalment, which is’The Seed of Destruction.'” MAD MAX – FURY ROADRecent news suggests that Mel Gibson really is seriously consideringfilming a fourth “Mad Max” movie, written by original director GeorgeMiller over a period of four years entitled “Mad Max – Fury Road”.
Gibson could net himself a reported $25 million to return (putting himon-par with Jim Carrey’s possible earnings, see above). The movie isalready budgeted at a colossal $104 million – which is almost $30million more than the previous films have made put together!
TERMINATOR 3Fans of the “Terminator” franchise have been stunned recently by rumoursthat recently-appointed composer Marco Beltrami is considering changingthe franchise’s iconic theme tune for “T3”.
‘TheArnoldFans’ website quickly spoke with the composer’srepresentatives and assured fans that “regardless of what rumours andmisinformation are circulating, Marco can assure you that he has noteven discussed the theme, nor has he made any comments regarding thedirection of the music at this point. He recently signed onto the filmand is just taking the first of what will be many meetings regarding thedirection of the theme and the entire score.”
In related news, the official website for “T3” has posted a one-sheetposer giving us our first proper look at the film’s female villain, theTX. (see right)
THE MATRIX RELOADED’MTV’ has posted new photos online from their TV show “Movie House” -which included a behind-the-scenes look at “The Matrix Reloaded”. Theyalso spoke with star Keanu Reeves.
Reeves: “[This scene is] a fight between Neo and Smith. It takes placein the second film, ‘Reloaded’, and it’s basically Neo multi-fighting abunch of different Smiths. It took about 27 shooting days for a camera,first unit and there was a bunch of other days we call motion capture,which will be integrated with some of the virtual camera stuff that theyare doing. When you’re watching it, you’re seeing people on wires;you’re seeing some of the choreography, and folks just trying to put agood fight together, a good fun fight.”
MTV: The sequels also have a dance sequence. Describe that process.
Reeves: “That was a remarkable few days. We shot that out in Oakland,California with, I think it was like 900 or 1,200 kids, people outdancing. … There was a wonderful feeling coming from the people whowere participating in it, just an excitement.”
“There was drum circles and people doing impromptu concerts and singing.I’m sure a couple people are getting married after those couple of days.It was really quite a rave aspect to it, which was great. I know the[Wachowski] brothers were really excited by the enthusiasm shown by thepeople involved, so it was cool.”
SCARY MOVIE 3’Dimension Films’ has signed writer-director Kevin Smith (“Clerks”) toexecutive produce and co-write “Scary Movie 3”. He joins David Zucker(“Airplane!”) who has agreed to direct the sequel.
As recently reported in ‘DMD’ this new addition steps up the rivalrybetween ‘Dimension’ and ‘Revolution Studios’ (where “Scary Movie”creators Keenen Ivory, Shawn and Marlon Wayans are developing their ownspoof project based on the sf/fantasy genre).
SUPERMANRecent casting rumours? Well, director Brett Ratner is reportedlymulling over casting Charlie Sheen as Lex Luthor. Ratner previouslydirected Sheen in “Money Talks”.
TOTAL RECALL 2It seems Arnold Schwarzenneger may star in a sequel to “Total Recall”instead of the now-defunct third “Conan” movie. Original director PaulVerhoeven is said to be keen to direct again, with original stars RachelTicotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox and Lars Harrison allapparently involved.
Screenwriter Gary Goldman has allegedly written a draft for the sequel -having previously worked on aborted drafts for Tim Burton’s failed”Superman Lives”.
If this all pans out (and these things do tend to crash-and-burn) “TotalRecall 2” still won’t see the light of a projector till mid-2004/2005.
TINTINNick Rodwell (who helps oversee the estate of “Tintin” creator Herge)talked to ‘Reuters’ about the proposed live-action movie of thecomic-strip by Steven Spielberg.
Nick Rodwell said it would be “a dream come true” to have Spielberg directthe film, but that is is still too early to tell whether this willhappen. He also said he’s like the film to be faithful to the 23existing books, but would defer to a Hollywood heavyweight likeSpielberg.
He continued: “The whole idea is a partnership. We are not going to tellthem how to produce a film, but we have experience [of Tintin] on ourside. We are going to have the challenge of making a film that keeps theTintin fans happy as well as people who still have to discover him.”
VAN HELSINGAs speculated in last week’s ‘DMD’, actor Paul Hogan (“CrocodileDundee”) was indeed in talks to star in “Van Helsing” – as a charactercalled Carl. Sadly he lost out to fellow Aussie actor David Wenham (“TheTwo Towers”).
US TOP 10 (CINEMA) 
** FEATURED INTERVIEW **Andy Serkis (Gollum in “The Two Towers”), from ‘Coming Attractions’
How did you become involved with “The Lord Of The Rings” trilogy?
- “I got a call from my agent and he said ‘would you beinterested in doing a three week voiceover in a film they’re doing inNew Zealand?’ And I said ‘can you not get me a proper job?’ (laughter).And then I realized that they kind of got it slightly wrong. PeterJackson flew over to talk about the role and it was going to be muchmore of an involved process and which in fact took two and a half yearsto see what’s on screen.”
“I’d read ‘The Hobbit’ when I was a kid in school but I never read ‘LordOf The Rings’. There were great scenes with Gollum in ‘The Hobbit’ so Iknew of him.”
“When I first found out Gollum was going to be a CG character, we allknew it was going to be a difficult job because the predecessors for CGcharacters didn’t set great examples so it was a big challenge. The factthat I wouldn’t be seen was never a problem because I completely trustedPeter’s vision once he decided it was going to be emotionally,psychologically, and physically driven by the actor. I trusted thatvision and I think we’re all pleased with the results.”
Was it hard for you to wait for the second movie to be released?
- “Yeah, that was tough. Because of the nature of the way it’s beenbrought to screen, I’ve been doing all the post production work, all the’physicallizing’ of him for the motion-capture stuff this year. It’slovely to be praised as Gollum. I see myself as guardian of thecharacter since there are so many processes involved in terms ofanimating Gollum with 40 animators working on him.”
“Throughout principle photography, I was on set every step of the way.We rehearsed and shot with Sean [Astin] and Elijah [Wood] and we’d workout the emotional dynamics of the scenes with Peter as any conventionalfilm scene. And then we’d shoot two versions – one with me interactingwith them and one with me out of frame.”
“And that would lead to two avenues for animation where they would paintover my movements frame by frame. That was especially useful for theclose interactive stuff where we’re grabbing hold of each other or mehauling Frodo out of the water.”
“For my motion-capture performance this past year, I had to wear a suitwith dots all over it which are co-ordinates that reflect joints in mybody and that information is picked up by 25 different cameras. Theyrebuilt the geography of the sets on the “motion capture” stage. Andthen I had to act out exactly what I did a year beforehand all overagain so I had a chance to really hone the performance physically andpsychologically as well because Peter would be directing me in themotion capture phase as well.”
“Eventually, on monitors, I could see a basic rough image of Gollum andit moved in real time with my movements. At that stage, it was beinglike a puppeteer. As the character Gollum, I get dragged by Frodo andSam with a rope around my neck. Sean and Elijah loved doing it(laughter).”
“We went through extreme stuff. We were shooting on volcanoes, and infreezing cold streams. The scene where Gollum dives in the stream, theyhad to defrost that set since it was covered with snow. I had on awetsuit and when I hit the water, I practically stopped breathing sothere wasn’t a lot of acting going on!”
“Peter [Jackson] spent a lot of time developing Gollum, he’s not theBalrog or the Cave Troll or other types of creatures. We wanted to givehim human qualities which is why he wanted an actor to do it. It’simportant to allow the whole process of Gollum to evolve, to give himmore depth.
“I’d played him as an addict, a Ring junkie. He’s emaciated; he sufferswithdrawal symptoms from the Ring. He’s addicted to it; he suffers allthe pathology associated with it. He’s completely screwed up by thisthing which feeds very much into Frodo’s story. Frodo needs tounderstand Gollum’s tortured soul as he realizes what it’s doing to him.And the bond between them becomes very strong.”
How did you come up with Gollum’s voice and characterization?
- “The voice and physicality are tied together. He’s called Gollumbecause he’s defined by the way he sounds. He was called Smeagol when hewas a Hobbit until he was outcast from society for stealing the Ring.He’d killed his cousin Deagol for the Ring. As the Ring began to takepossession of him, he began to speak with this particular tone.”
“It’s kind of onomatopoeic for the way he sounds. I wanted to find sortof a link physically and psychologically as to where his voice comesfrom and for me it comes from the guilt. It’s almost an involuntaryaction which is causing the tightening of the throat.”
“The pain of the character for me was located there. Gollum was givenlots of animal descriptions by Tolkien, one of which is cats and Iobserved how cats got with furballs stuck in their throat, they’d sortof convulse. And that’s where the ‘gutteral’ Gollum voice evolved from.But then he’s got two different voices, the other being that ofSmeagol.”
“Smeagol’s the light side of the character’s soul that’s been squashedand kept prisoner by Gollum. Over the years, he’s been alone in themisty mountains going mad.”
Did you study animals to get into Gollum’s physical movements?
- “I used a lot of the descriptions Tolkien uses, he talks about dogs;sometimes he talks about Gollum as a cat, grasshopper, frog… sothey’re lots of different things to draw on but the major characterdecision was the fact that he was going to crawl on all fours. Therewould be lots of wear and tear and effort in his movements. I’m also arock climber so that experience paid off as well.”
Are you ready to become an icon of the movie world?
- “I’m looking forward to seeing how Gollum goes down with the fans.But you have ‘to realize’ that he’s a CG character.”
What can you say about “The Return Of The King”?
- “Gollum’s fate is completely intertwined with Frodo’s journey andthe fate of the ring.”
** TRAILERS ** EquilibriumChristian Bale stars in this sci-fi movie set in a future world where astrict regime has eliminated war by suppressing emotions. Books, art andmusic are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death.Bale plays a government agent responsible for killing those who resistthe rules, but when he misses a dose of Prozium (a mind-altering drugthat hinders emotions) he becomes the only person capable ofoverthrowing the establishment…
Buzz Rating: 1.0/5.0 – another movie with no real marketing musclebehind it (as with David Twohy’s “Below”). The film has been completedsince 2001 but only now gets a release date! The signs aren’t good…
Click here for trailer
SpiderDavid Cronenberg (“Scanners”) directs Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardsonand Gabriel Byrne in this bizarre tale of Dennis Clegg (Fiennes), wholives in a home for the mentally ill in London. Dennis, nicknamed’Spider’ by his mother has been institutionalized with schizophrenia for20 years. He has never truly recovered, however, and as the storyprogresses we vicariously experience his increasingly fragile grip onreality…
Buzz Rating: 3.5/5.0 – fans of Cronenberg will surely be salivating atthe prospect of “Spider”, which some have said is a return to form afterthe disappointing yet controversial “Crash” and “Existenz” – hispredictable cyber rehash of “Videodrome”.
Click here for trailer
** WEBSITES ** The HulkGet a taster of next year’s big summer smash with this newly-openedwebsite for “The Hulk”. More information and images should appear very,very soon!
Click here for official website
** IN THE PIPELINE **
Email Dan Owen
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.