Anyone who knows anything about the production of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" will know the troubles endured by director Steven Spielberg and company. Even before filming got underway, there were issues with casting. Initially, Tom Selleck was handed the role of Dr. Henry Jones Jr., before leaving due to his commitment to "Magnum P.I.," prompting rushed redesigns of the character that better suited his replacement, Harrison Ford. Once Ford was on board, however, it seemed as though Spielberg's action-adventure classic could finally get underway without any issues.
Unfortunately, that was just the start of the challenges faced by the "Raiders" crew. There are far too many examples to list here, but you can take your pick of the debacles that befell the production: the six hundred thirsty extras that threw the "Raiders" set into chaos, an outbreak of dysentery, the real pythons that took bites out of...
Unfortunately, that was just the start of the challenges faced by the "Raiders" crew. There are far too many examples to list here, but you can take your pick of the debacles that befell the production: the six hundred thirsty extras that threw the "Raiders" set into chaos, an outbreak of dysentery, the real pythons that took bites out of...
- 6/3/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Return to Oz, Disney’s 1985 dark take on Dorothy Gale (played by a then-9-year-old Fairuza Balk), shares its creative DNA with Star Wars. Not only that, George Lucas saved writer-director Walter Murch’s job after Disney fired Murch from the Oz shoot.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
Lucas and Murch were old friends and collaborators, having met in the film department of the University of Southern California in the mid-1960s.
“My first memory of him was a shadowy figure behind me in the photograph developing room,” says Murch about Lucas on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast It Happened in Hollywood. “I was trying unsuccessfully to develop one of the photographs that I had taken for an exercise, and there was this voice behind me that said, ‘You’re doing it wrong.’ And I turned around and I said, ‘Who is this guy?’ Of course, it turns out he was right. I was doing it wrong.
- 4/4/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Andrea Bocelli performed a rendition of the song “Time to Say Goodbye” with his son Matteo Bocelli to accompany the Academy’s annual obituary section. Perhaps mindful of previous years, in which eagle-eyed viewers have jumped on omissions, this year’s “In Memoriam” — which began with footage of the recently deceased Russian opposition leader and subject of last year’s winning documentary Navalny — seemed comprehensive but at the same time not enough.
Related: ‘Oppenheimer’ Wins Best Picture Oscar & Six Others; Emma Stone & Cillian Murphy Take Lead Acting Prizes – Full List
Beloved actors Lance Reddick, Treat Williams, Apocalypse Now’s Frederic Forrest, Rocky’s Burt Young all relegated to a fine print reference at the end, along with such writers as Norman Lear and No Country for Old Men’s Cormac McCarthy. Also given afterthought treatment were Kenneth Anger, Terence Davies, Carl Davis, David McCallum, Sinead O’Connor and Paolo Taviani in...
Related: ‘Oppenheimer’ Wins Best Picture Oscar & Six Others; Emma Stone & Cillian Murphy Take Lead Acting Prizes – Full List
Beloved actors Lance Reddick, Treat Williams, Apocalypse Now’s Frederic Forrest, Rocky’s Burt Young all relegated to a fine print reference at the end, along with such writers as Norman Lear and No Country for Old Men’s Cormac McCarthy. Also given afterthought treatment were Kenneth Anger, Terence Davies, Carl Davis, David McCallum, Sinead O’Connor and Paolo Taviani in...
- 3/11/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
David Fincher is one of the most important filmmakers of his generation – endlessly praised, shamelessly ripped off and somehow still undervalued (He still hasn’t won a Best Director Oscar).
His work conjures up darkened hallways, dogged detectives and crazed killers. The word “Fincherian” has come to describe something twisted and somehow beautiful. As an artist he frequently pushes the boundaries of what is possible technologically, while also playing with the comfort level of his audience. If it doesn’t feel a little bit dangerous, is it even a David Fincher movie?
With “The Killer,” in theaters now and on Netflix on November 10, Fincher takes us on another wild journey, this time alongside a sardonic hit man (Michael Fassbender). In celebration of “The Killer,” we thought we’d look back at his entire filmography. It’s a journey as dark and labyrinthine as anything the filmmaker could cook up.
Image Entertainment...
His work conjures up darkened hallways, dogged detectives and crazed killers. The word “Fincherian” has come to describe something twisted and somehow beautiful. As an artist he frequently pushes the boundaries of what is possible technologically, while also playing with the comfort level of his audience. If it doesn’t feel a little bit dangerous, is it even a David Fincher movie?
With “The Killer,” in theaters now and on Netflix on November 10, Fincher takes us on another wild journey, this time alongside a sardonic hit man (Michael Fassbender). In celebration of “The Killer,” we thought we’d look back at his entire filmography. It’s a journey as dark and labyrinthine as anything the filmmaker could cook up.
Image Entertainment...
- 10/30/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Steven Spielberg's 1981 adventure film "Raiders of the Lost Ark" opens in "South America" in 1936, actually Peru. The Peruvian jungle sequences were shot in Hawaii, while the stone temples were constructed on a soundstage at Elstree Studios in England. The film's famed opening sequence sees Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones (Harrison Ford) trekking into said Peruvian temple -- a temple lousy with spiders and booby traps -- to retrieve a golden Idol left standing on a stone alter in a long-hidden antechamber. This near-mythic object was clearly well-protected by the long-dead tribes that put it there, as still-functioning traps fired spears or darts into any potential interlopers. Once Indy retrieves the idol, it is promptly stolen by a rival archaeologist named Belloq (Paul Freeman).
The idol doesn't play a role in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" beyond that opening sequence, and the film never stops to explain exactly what it is...
The idol doesn't play a role in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" beyond that opening sequence, and the film never stops to explain exactly what it is...
- 10/29/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
“Star Wars” is one of the biggest franchises of all time and has welcomed multiple generations to a galaxy far, far away for 45 years. George Lucas’ groundbreaking vision, which began all the way back in 1977 with “A New Hope,” changed the movie industry forever and, with that, made a mark on the Academy Awards that year with a Best Picture nomination. However, the relationship between “Star Wars” and the Oscars hasn’t always been as lovable as Han Solo and Chewie. In fact, there’s often been a touch of Vader-Luke in the conflicted dynamic between the two institutions. Here’s a breakdown of the history of every “Star Wars” movie at the Academy Awards, ranked in terms of Oscars success.
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
“A New Hope” (1977)
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
“Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and...
- 7/28/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Tentpole filmmaking is a feat that requires the clicking together of many moving pieces. All of the departments — set design, costumes, locations, etc. — must blend together in pre-production to ensure the rest of the production runs as smoothly as possible. This becomes quite a challenge when there isn't a finished screenplay.
Contrary to the current posturing of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, screenwriters are the most essential element of every movie. Without them, there is no dialogue and no story. This is a stupefyingly obvious fact, but every time studios, networks and, now, streamers have to reckon with fairly compensating the people who generate their precious "content," they plead poverty and downplay the contributions of their most essential workers.
You shouldn't need an example to drive this home, but film history is riddled with them. Take, for instance, "Star Wars: Episode VI — The Return of the Jedi,...
Contrary to the current posturing of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, screenwriters are the most essential element of every movie. Without them, there is no dialogue and no story. This is a stupefyingly obvious fact, but every time studios, networks and, now, streamers have to reckon with fairly compensating the people who generate their precious "content," they plead poverty and downplay the contributions of their most essential workers.
You shouldn't need an example to drive this home, but film history is riddled with them. Take, for instance, "Star Wars: Episode VI — The Return of the Jedi,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Norman Reynolds, who won Oscars in art direction for Star Wars Episode VI: A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark has died, Lucasfilm confirmed. He was 89.
The U.K. native made important creative contributions to all three movies in the original Star Wars trilogy, as an art director on A New Hope and production designer on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. According to a biography shared by Lucasfilm, Reynolds worked closely with John Barry, A New Hope‘s overall production designer, to help establish the core design philosophy behind Star Wars architecture and construction. They joined art director Leslie Dilley and set decorator Roger Christian as winners of the Academy Award for art direction in 1978. For The Empire Strikes Back, Reynolds was named production designer as Barry pursued directing.
For Raiders, Reynolds’ first collaboration with Spielberg, he sculpted the iconic golden idol that Indy...
The U.K. native made important creative contributions to all three movies in the original Star Wars trilogy, as an art director on A New Hope and production designer on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. According to a biography shared by Lucasfilm, Reynolds worked closely with John Barry, A New Hope‘s overall production designer, to help establish the core design philosophy behind Star Wars architecture and construction. They joined art director Leslie Dilley and set decorator Roger Christian as winners of the Academy Award for art direction in 1978. For The Empire Strikes Back, Reynolds was named production designer as Barry pursued directing.
For Raiders, Reynolds’ first collaboration with Spielberg, he sculpted the iconic golden idol that Indy...
- 4/6/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bill Butler, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated cinematographer best known for lensing Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” died on Wednesday at the age of 101. His passing was confirmed by the American Society of Cinematographers.
Along with “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” for which he received his only Academy Award nomination in 1976, and the game-changing summer movie blockbuster, he also lensed films such as “The Conversation,” “Grease,” “Child’s Play,” “Anaconda,” “Frailty” and the first three “Rocky” sequels.
Along with an Oscar nomination an BAFTA award both for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Butler won Primetime Emmys for “Raid on Entebbe” in 1977 and “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1984.
Born on April 7, 1921, in Cripple Creek, Colorado, Butler lived the first five years of his life in a log cabin. He would grow up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and would eventually graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in Engineering.
Also Read:
‘Air...
Along with “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” for which he received his only Academy Award nomination in 1976, and the game-changing summer movie blockbuster, he also lensed films such as “The Conversation,” “Grease,” “Child’s Play,” “Anaconda,” “Frailty” and the first three “Rocky” sequels.
Along with an Oscar nomination an BAFTA award both for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Butler won Primetime Emmys for “Raid on Entebbe” in 1977 and “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1984.
Born on April 7, 1921, in Cripple Creek, Colorado, Butler lived the first five years of his life in a log cabin. He would grow up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and would eventually graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in Engineering.
Also Read:
‘Air...
- 4/6/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Norman Reynolds, known for his production design work for films in the “Star Wars” franchise and the first Indiana Jones film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” has died. He was 89.
Production designer Dave Blass confirmed the designer’s death on Twitter along with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
“Norman was a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, granddad and great grandad,” read a statement obtained by BBC. “He died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side.”
Also Read:
Judy Farrell, Actress Who Played Nurse Able on ‘M*A*S*H,’ Dies at 84
Reynolds worked as art director on “Star Wars: A New Hope” in 1977, winning an Oscar for it in 1978. He then took the production design reins from Josh Barry for the sequel films. He was behind the carbon freezing chamber that encased Han Solo in carbonite, The Emperor’s throne room, Yoda’s planet of Dagobah,...
Production designer Dave Blass confirmed the designer’s death on Twitter along with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
“Norman was a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, granddad and great grandad,” read a statement obtained by BBC. “He died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side.”
Also Read:
Judy Farrell, Actress Who Played Nurse Able on ‘M*A*S*H,’ Dies at 84
Reynolds worked as art director on “Star Wars: A New Hope” in 1977, winning an Oscar for it in 1978. He then took the production design reins from Josh Barry for the sequel films. He was behind the carbon freezing chamber that encased Han Solo in carbonite, The Emperor’s throne room, Yoda’s planet of Dagobah,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Norman Reynolds, the two-time Oscar winning production and art designer on various Star Wars and Indiana Jones films who director Steven Spielberg once called the “creative core” of the franchises, has died. He was 89.
LucasFilm Ltd has confirmed his death, first reported by the BBC, which said that Reynolds “died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side.”
Spielberg, who first collaborated with Reynolds on 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, said on a statement, “Norman was always smiling with enthusiasm, and there was nothing he couldn’t make work. Joyful and friendly and a massive talent.”
Among Reynolds’ many contributions to the franchises was his sculpting of the iconic golden idol that Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones attempts to steal during the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Reynolds based the idol on an Incan fertility sculpture he’d collected during overseas travels.
“The...
LucasFilm Ltd has confirmed his death, first reported by the BBC, which said that Reynolds “died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side.”
Spielberg, who first collaborated with Reynolds on 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, said on a statement, “Norman was always smiling with enthusiasm, and there was nothing he couldn’t make work. Joyful and friendly and a massive talent.”
Among Reynolds’ many contributions to the franchises was his sculpting of the iconic golden idol that Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones attempts to steal during the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Reynolds based the idol on an Incan fertility sculpture he’d collected during overseas travels.
“The...
- 4/6/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
UK and Ireland delivers $4.8m, Mexico $5.9m.
After its first day of release Universal/Illumination’s family tentpole The Super Mario Bros. Movie has grossed an estimated $66.4m heading into the holiday weekend and has already set a string of records.
The animation has amassed $34.7m from 44 territories led by a $5.9m opening day in Mexico, $4.8m in the UK and Ireland, $4.7m in China, $2.8m in Germany, $2.2m in Spain, $2m in France, and $1.4m in Italy.
Elsewhere the film earned $1.3m in Central America, $1.1m in both Taiwan and Australia, $810,000 in Colombia, $745,000 in Brazil, $700,000 in Hong Kong, $460,000 in Argentina,...
After its first day of release Universal/Illumination’s family tentpole The Super Mario Bros. Movie has grossed an estimated $66.4m heading into the holiday weekend and has already set a string of records.
The animation has amassed $34.7m from 44 territories led by a $5.9m opening day in Mexico, $4.8m in the UK and Ireland, $4.7m in China, $2.8m in Germany, $2.2m in Spain, $2m in France, and $1.4m in Italy.
Elsewhere the film earned $1.3m in Central America, $1.1m in both Taiwan and Australia, $810,000 in Colombia, $745,000 in Brazil, $700,000 in Hong Kong, $460,000 in Argentina,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Reynolds won an Oscar and Bafta for his work on 1981’s ’Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ and an Oscar for 1977’s ’Star Wars: A New Hope’.
Oscar and Bafta-winning UK production designer and art director Norman Reynolds has died aged 89.
Reynolds won an Oscar and Bafta for his work on 1981’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark and an Oscar for 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope.
He worked as art director on Star Wars: A New Hope and took over from John Barry as production designer for the sequels, after Barry died during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back.
Oscar and Bafta-winning UK production designer and art director Norman Reynolds has died aged 89.
Reynolds won an Oscar and Bafta for his work on 1981’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark and an Oscar for 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope.
He worked as art director on Star Wars: A New Hope and took over from John Barry as production designer for the sequels, after Barry died during the filming of The Empire Strikes Back.
- 4/6/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
4K discs are selling like hotcakes so it’s only natural for studios to give Home Theater fanatics the biggest vintage blockbusters. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s hyper-efficient, no-loitering juggernaut is a return to the joys of serial action thrills, one ‘did you see that?’ bravura sequence after another. Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones is pitted against Paul Freeman’s villainous Belloq, and the might of Jehovah combats the Nazis. Accept the proposition that Adolf Hitler was ‘nuts about the occult’ and everything else will make logical sense. The picture hasn’t dated at all — it overflows with Gee-Whiz excitement that makes Marvel exploits play like weak tea.
Raiders of the Lost Ark 4K
4K Ultra HD + Digital / Steelbook
Paramount
1981 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 115 min. / Street Date June 14, 2022 / Available from / 30.99
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina, Wolf Kahler, Anthony Chinn, Pat Roach,...
Raiders of the Lost Ark 4K
4K Ultra HD + Digital / Steelbook
Paramount
1981 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 115 min. / Street Date June 14, 2022 / Available from / 30.99
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina, Wolf Kahler, Anthony Chinn, Pat Roach,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Will the highest grossing film of the year “Black Panther” score a Best Picture nomination? It’s a fair question as no Marvel film has ever even been in the conversation. And the question has produced so much turmoil the academy temporarily thought of adding a Best Popular Film category. We should look towards another popular origin story that was not your typical Oscar fare — 1977’s “Star Wars: IV A New Hope” — as our guide towards “Black Panther’s” potential Oscar nomination haul.
George Lucas’s original “Star Wars” spawned a franchise that includes seven prequels and sequels and two spinoffs to date. Luke Skywalker’s origin story maybe outside the Oscars comfort zone but that didn’t stop the film from picking up 10 nominations including Best Picture; Best Director (Lucas); Best Original Screenplay (Lucas); and Best Supporting Actor (Alec Guinness).
It won six below-the line races: Best Film Editing...
George Lucas’s original “Star Wars” spawned a franchise that includes seven prequels and sequels and two spinoffs to date. Luke Skywalker’s origin story maybe outside the Oscars comfort zone but that didn’t stop the film from picking up 10 nominations including Best Picture; Best Director (Lucas); Best Original Screenplay (Lucas); and Best Supporting Actor (Alec Guinness).
It won six below-the line races: Best Film Editing...
- 1/19/2019
- by Amanda Spears
- Gold Derby
Interview Ryan Lambie 8 Oct 2013 - 06:19
We talk to producer Robert Watts about his remarkable career in movies, which includes the Star Wars trilogy, Roger Rabbit and more...
With a career stretching back to the 1960s, British film producer Robert Watts played a key role in making some of the most influential films of the 1970s. Just a quick glance over his credits as a producer reveals an extraordinary career, which includes Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and its sequels, the first three Indiana Jones films, and the groundbreaking Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Those films are but the tip of the iceberg; before Star Wars, he worked on two James Bond films - Thunderball and You Only Live Twice - collaborated with Stanley Kubrick on 2001: A Space Odyssey, and, in films such as Man In The Middle, Darling and Papillon, worked with such legendary actors as Robert Mitchum,...
We talk to producer Robert Watts about his remarkable career in movies, which includes the Star Wars trilogy, Roger Rabbit and more...
With a career stretching back to the 1960s, British film producer Robert Watts played a key role in making some of the most influential films of the 1970s. Just a quick glance over his credits as a producer reveals an extraordinary career, which includes Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and its sequels, the first three Indiana Jones films, and the groundbreaking Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Those films are but the tip of the iceberg; before Star Wars, he worked on two James Bond films - Thunderball and You Only Live Twice - collaborated with Stanley Kubrick on 2001: A Space Odyssey, and, in films such as Man In The Middle, Darling and Papillon, worked with such legendary actors as Robert Mitchum,...
- 10/7/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Interview Louisa Mellor 3 Sep 2013 - 07:00
Philip Hinchcliffe, Doctor Who producer 1974 - 1977, chats about Tom Baker, villains, visual FX, companions, the 2005 revival, & more…
A week or so ago in a Brighton basement, Den of Geek attended a fun evening organised by the - aptly named, in this instance - arts and entertainment group, Space.
A regular Brighton-based event, Space regularly welcomes luminaries from the creative world to talk to its intimate group. Past guests have been from the world of film and television (Mark Gatiss, Toby Whithouse, Nicholas Roeg, David Morrissey, The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception visual effects artist Paul Franklin, Star Wars, Superman and Raiders of the Lost Ark production designer Norman Reynolds), literature (Ian Rankin), and music (William Orbit, Skunk Anansie’s Skin, Goldie).
There are two Q&As per event, and opportunities to ask questions in an informal, friendly and geeky atmosphere, making the nights well worth the £8 advance ticket price.
Philip Hinchcliffe, Doctor Who producer 1974 - 1977, chats about Tom Baker, villains, visual FX, companions, the 2005 revival, & more…
A week or so ago in a Brighton basement, Den of Geek attended a fun evening organised by the - aptly named, in this instance - arts and entertainment group, Space.
A regular Brighton-based event, Space regularly welcomes luminaries from the creative world to talk to its intimate group. Past guests have been from the world of film and television (Mark Gatiss, Toby Whithouse, Nicholas Roeg, David Morrissey, The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception visual effects artist Paul Franklin, Star Wars, Superman and Raiders of the Lost Ark production designer Norman Reynolds), literature (Ian Rankin), and music (William Orbit, Skunk Anansie’s Skin, Goldie).
There are two Q&As per event, and opportunities to ask questions in an informal, friendly and geeky atmosphere, making the nights well worth the £8 advance ticket price.
- 9/3/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
It’s 30 years since Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ extraordinary archaeologist creation Indiana Jones first cracked his whip and swung on to the screen in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). The character and the series of films that followed created a cinematic hero that virtually everybody loves: a character and a franchise that remain as popular today as they did upon release.
At a recent special screening that filled the small Picture House cinema that housed the event to celebrate the 30th anniversary, I had the pleasure of meeting the producer behind the series, Robert Watts. Watts is a prolific British producer who has been involved in everything from the Star Wars franchise, to the James Bond films and other notable productions such as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988).
Follow the jump to read the full interview, where we talk all things Indy and Star Wars,...
At a recent special screening that filled the small Picture House cinema that housed the event to celebrate the 30th anniversary, I had the pleasure of meeting the producer behind the series, Robert Watts. Watts is a prolific British producer who has been involved in everything from the Star Wars franchise, to the James Bond films and other notable productions such as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988).
Follow the jump to read the full interview, where we talk all things Indy and Star Wars,...
- 5/25/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Ok, so this week’s Top 10 may seem a little random, but inspired by the purchasing of a few new vintage movie posters (I’m an avid collector!) and the approach of Profiles in History’s 44th Hollywood Auction this Saturday, I began to think about some of the most cherished pieces of movie memorabilia that fans would surely love to own. We all have a favourite film star, director, franchise or standalone film, which lead the movie memorabilia trade to boom as people found they had much more extra cash over the economically kind years between the 80s and mid 00s. This Saturday will see those lucky enough to still be in this position, battling over the real Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (estimated to sell for between $1-2million!), James Dean’s tweed jacket from Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Jeff Bridges’ ‘The Dude’ jumper from The Big Lebowski...
- 5/12/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
Episode five of the "Star Wars" saga (grandly designed as nine films), "The Empire Strikes Back" is unquestionably the best installment of 20th Century Fox's science fiction trilogy and arguably the crowning achievement of the fantasy-adventure genre reinvented in the 1970s and '80s by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.
Destined for boxoffice glory in its rerelease as part of the hugely successful "Stars Wars Trilogy Special Edition," director Irvin Kershner's 1980 sequel to Lucas' 1977 boxoffice powerhouse is beautifully crafted, intelligently scripted and holds up very well.
Indeed, there were not many missteps in its original incarnation. Although there are no major new scenes, "Empire" nonetheless benefits from minor additions and tinkering by Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic (new views of the Cloud City are breathtaking), as well as the improved and remastered soundtrack.
From one of John Williams' finest scores to Norman Reynolds' excellent production design (both were nominated for Academy Awards) to its Oscar-winning sound and special effects, "Empire" continues the "Star Wars" story with an action-packed space opera that has the far-from-invulnerable rebel heroes barely surviving several new clashes with the oppressive Empire.
A major element of "Empire" that's an improvement on "Star Wars" is the film's overall visual scheme. From the superb work of cinematographer Peter Suschitzky ("Mars Attacks!") to the more attractive costuming and hair styles, "Empire" presents a more consistently compelling and wondrous array of planets, space battles and exotic interiors, not to mention many creatures and nonhuman characters, including a lovable and useful pair of robots (Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker), the growly Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the diminutive sage Yoda (Frank Oz).
Based on Lucas' original story, the script by science-fiction writer Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan incorporates the first film's sometimes goofy characters but keeps the humor to a minimum. Hiding on Hoth, a remote and icy planet, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are a team on the verge of breaking up.
Jedi Knight-in-training Luke gets a message from the specter of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), while Han has plans to pay off his debts. Enter again merciless Darth Vader (David Prowse, with James Earl Jones' voice), obsessed with finding Luke. Hoth is assaulted and the trio is split up.
One terrific thrill follows another. Han and Leia in the Millennium Falcon zip through an asteroid field, Luke crashes a speeder into the snow and an X-wing fighter into the swamps of a jungle planet. The viewer is taken for quite a ride, but the characterizations and plot developments are also richly satisfying.
Lucas' cinematic universe will never be confused with the serious science fiction of the Frank Herbert/Arthur C. Clarke variety, but in "Empire" there are many imaginative elements to the action -- and the interaction of humans and technology -- that are quite sophisticated for mainstream filmmaking.
Director Kershner proved to be the perfect choice to realize the somewhat darker thrust of "Empire", with its emphasis on Luke's struggle to resist Vader and the "dark side" of the Force.
A film without the usual upbeat payoff, "Empire" instead offers the brilliantly executed fight between Vader and Luke in the Cloud City's reactor shaft. Along with the capture of Han Solo and the unexpected help of his pal Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams), revelations about Luke's father and hints of Leia's Jedi abilities give one plenty to chew on while waiting for next month's rerelease of "Return of the Jedi".
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
20th Century Fox
A Lucasfilm Ltd. production
Director Irvin Kershner
Producer Gary Kurtz
Writers Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
Executive producer George Lucas
Music John Williams
Director of photography Peter Suschitzky
Production designer Norman Reynolds
Editor Paul Hirsch
Costume designer John Mollo
Sound Ben Burtt
Color/stereo
Cast:
Luke Skywalker Mark Hamill
Han Solo Harrison Ford
Princess Leia Carrie Fisher
Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams
Obi-Wan Kenobi Alec Guinness
C-3PO Anthony Daniels
R2D2 Kenny Baker
Chewbacca Peter Mayhew
Darth Vader David Prowse
Running time -- 127 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Destined for boxoffice glory in its rerelease as part of the hugely successful "Stars Wars Trilogy Special Edition," director Irvin Kershner's 1980 sequel to Lucas' 1977 boxoffice powerhouse is beautifully crafted, intelligently scripted and holds up very well.
Indeed, there were not many missteps in its original incarnation. Although there are no major new scenes, "Empire" nonetheless benefits from minor additions and tinkering by Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic (new views of the Cloud City are breathtaking), as well as the improved and remastered soundtrack.
From one of John Williams' finest scores to Norman Reynolds' excellent production design (both were nominated for Academy Awards) to its Oscar-winning sound and special effects, "Empire" continues the "Star Wars" story with an action-packed space opera that has the far-from-invulnerable rebel heroes barely surviving several new clashes with the oppressive Empire.
A major element of "Empire" that's an improvement on "Star Wars" is the film's overall visual scheme. From the superb work of cinematographer Peter Suschitzky ("Mars Attacks!") to the more attractive costuming and hair styles, "Empire" presents a more consistently compelling and wondrous array of planets, space battles and exotic interiors, not to mention many creatures and nonhuman characters, including a lovable and useful pair of robots (Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker), the growly Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the diminutive sage Yoda (Frank Oz).
Based on Lucas' original story, the script by science-fiction writer Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan incorporates the first film's sometimes goofy characters but keeps the humor to a minimum. Hiding on Hoth, a remote and icy planet, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) are a team on the verge of breaking up.
Jedi Knight-in-training Luke gets a message from the specter of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), while Han has plans to pay off his debts. Enter again merciless Darth Vader (David Prowse, with James Earl Jones' voice), obsessed with finding Luke. Hoth is assaulted and the trio is split up.
One terrific thrill follows another. Han and Leia in the Millennium Falcon zip through an asteroid field, Luke crashes a speeder into the snow and an X-wing fighter into the swamps of a jungle planet. The viewer is taken for quite a ride, but the characterizations and plot developments are also richly satisfying.
Lucas' cinematic universe will never be confused with the serious science fiction of the Frank Herbert/Arthur C. Clarke variety, but in "Empire" there are many imaginative elements to the action -- and the interaction of humans and technology -- that are quite sophisticated for mainstream filmmaking.
Director Kershner proved to be the perfect choice to realize the somewhat darker thrust of "Empire", with its emphasis on Luke's struggle to resist Vader and the "dark side" of the Force.
A film without the usual upbeat payoff, "Empire" instead offers the brilliantly executed fight between Vader and Luke in the Cloud City's reactor shaft. Along with the capture of Han Solo and the unexpected help of his pal Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams), revelations about Luke's father and hints of Leia's Jedi abilities give one plenty to chew on while waiting for next month's rerelease of "Return of the Jedi".
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
20th Century Fox
A Lucasfilm Ltd. production
Director Irvin Kershner
Producer Gary Kurtz
Writers Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
Executive producer George Lucas
Music John Williams
Director of photography Peter Suschitzky
Production designer Norman Reynolds
Editor Paul Hirsch
Costume designer John Mollo
Sound Ben Burtt
Color/stereo
Cast:
Luke Skywalker Mark Hamill
Han Solo Harrison Ford
Princess Leia Carrie Fisher
Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams
Obi-Wan Kenobi Alec Guinness
C-3PO Anthony Daniels
R2D2 Kenny Baker
Chewbacca Peter Mayhew
Darth Vader David Prowse
Running time -- 127 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 2/21/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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