Chernobyl director Johan Renck and production partner Michael Parets will adapt Andrew O’Hagan’s new epic British novel Caledonian Road for TV.
Recently published by Faber to rave reviews, Caledonian Road is a Dickensian tale of the rise and fall of Campbell Flynn, an art historian and celebrity intellectual, told against the backdrop of modern-day Britain and the deep-set corruption at the heart of the ruling class. O’Hagan is a three-time Booker Prize nominee (for Our Fathers, Be Near Me and The Illuminations). His last novel, Mayflies, was adapted as a drama series by BBC in 2022 starring Martin Compston, Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen.
Parets and Renck will produce Caledonian Road through their Fremantle-backed production company Sinestra, with Renck set to direct. Emmy-winning showrunner Will Smith (Veep, The Think of It, Slow Horses) will adapt the book for the screen. O’Hagan will serve as executive producer.
“We’ve...
Recently published by Faber to rave reviews, Caledonian Road is a Dickensian tale of the rise and fall of Campbell Flynn, an art historian and celebrity intellectual, told against the backdrop of modern-day Britain and the deep-set corruption at the heart of the ruling class. O’Hagan is a three-time Booker Prize nominee (for Our Fathers, Be Near Me and The Illuminations). His last novel, Mayflies, was adapted as a drama series by BBC in 2022 starring Martin Compston, Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen.
Parets and Renck will produce Caledonian Road through their Fremantle-backed production company Sinestra, with Renck set to direct. Emmy-winning showrunner Will Smith (Veep, The Think of It, Slow Horses) will adapt the book for the screen. O’Hagan will serve as executive producer.
“We’ve...
- 4/8/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Clan Fraser continues to grow in numbers as Tony Curran has joined the Starz prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood as Lord Lovat, Jamie Fraser’s grandfather, in a series regular role.
Production recently kicked off on the new series, a prequel of the Starz hit period drama Outlander, in Scotland. The original series stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser and Sam Heughan as her husband, Jamie Fraser. The franchise is inspired by the work of Diana Gabaldon, who serves as a consulting producer on both shows.
Blood of My Blood will explore the lives and relationships of Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Claire’s parents, Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine). The 10-episode series will center on the two parallel love stories set in two different time periods, with Jamie’s parents in...
Production recently kicked off on the new series, a prequel of the Starz hit period drama Outlander, in Scotland. The original series stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser and Sam Heughan as her husband, Jamie Fraser. The franchise is inspired by the work of Diana Gabaldon, who serves as a consulting producer on both shows.
Blood of My Blood will explore the lives and relationships of Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Claire’s parents, Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine). The 10-episode series will center on the two parallel love stories set in two different time periods, with Jamie’s parents in...
- 2/14/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
After Di Jimmy Perez deliberately sacrificed his career in the name of justice (if not the law) and went off to pastures new with nurse Meg at the end of series seven, Shetland now has a new sheriff in town. Sort of.
While DS Tosh performs the duties of acting Di at Lerwick Police Station, detective Ruth Calder has come up from London in search of a missing witness in a serious crime case. It just so happens that Calder is an old Shetlander who left the islands as a teenager and was glad to be rid of the place, where she’s confronted by some old ghosts.
Ugly Betty and Agatha Raisin’s Ashley Jensen plays Calder, along with a new guest cast of Scottish stars as well as Shetland’s returning favourites. The latter includes Alison O’Donnell as DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson,...
While DS Tosh performs the duties of acting Di at Lerwick Police Station, detective Ruth Calder has come up from London in search of a missing witness in a serious crime case. It just so happens that Calder is an old Shetlander who left the islands as a teenager and was glad to be rid of the place, where she’s confronted by some old ghosts.
Ugly Betty and Agatha Raisin’s Ashley Jensen plays Calder, along with a new guest cast of Scottish stars as well as Shetland’s returning favourites. The latter includes Alison O’Donnell as DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Paramount+ has dropped details for its next South Park exclusive event.
South Park: Joining the Panderverse is set to debut Friday, October 27, in the U.S. and Canada.
"Cartman's deeply disturbing dreams portend the end of the life he knows and loves," reads the logline for the special.
"The adults in South Park are also wrestling with their own life decisions as the advent of AI is turning their world upside down."
South Park has been known to put a comedic spin on topical storylines in the past, and it looks to do so again with this next special.
It's also good to have the show back.
Check out the promo below.
Over in the world of Saturday Night Live, Pete Davidson returns to host the upcoming season premiere.
That much we've known for a while now.
Paramount+ has dropped details for its next South Park exclusive event.
South Park: Joining the Panderverse is set to debut Friday, October 27, in the U.S. and Canada.
"Cartman's deeply disturbing dreams portend the end of the life he knows and loves," reads the logline for the special.
"The adults in South Park are also wrestling with their own life decisions as the advent of AI is turning their world upside down."
South Park has been known to put a comedic spin on topical storylines in the past, and it looks to do so again with this next special.
It's also good to have the show back.
Check out the promo below.
Over in the world of Saturday Night Live, Pete Davidson returns to host the upcoming season premiere.
That much we've known for a while now.
- 10/11/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Department of Justice and FBI are pressuring multiple British journalists to cooperate with the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, using vague threats and pressure tactics in the process. I know because I am one of the British journalists being pressured to cooperate in the case against him, as someone who used to (briefly) work and live with him, and who went on to blow the whistle on WikiLeaks’ own ethical lapses.
Assange is facing extradition to the United States from the U.K., where he is currently in Belmarsh prison in south London,...
Assange is facing extradition to the United States from the U.K., where he is currently in Belmarsh prison in south London,...
- 7/5/2023
- by James Ball
- Rollingstone.com
“The common mayfly has a life expectancy of just one day,” announced the voiceover in a memorable Vodafone advert from the early Noughties. “But is he miserable about it? Not one bit.” This insect’s life, repurposed as metaphor, has come to represent the flickering flame that is human existence. Life, getting shorter with every passing minute. It’s no surprise then that Scottish novelist Andrew O’Hagan used “mayflies” as the title of his 2020 novel about two friends working through a lifetime of memories as the light fades, a story that’s adapted this Christmas as a BBC One two-part special.
Martin Compston is Jimmy, a successful author returning to the Ayrshire of his youth at the behest of Tully (Tony Curran), his oldest friend who has incurable cancer. “I’m f***ed, Noodles,” he says, using Jimmy’s childhood nickname. “I’ve got four months and that’s the short of it.
Martin Compston is Jimmy, a successful author returning to the Ayrshire of his youth at the behest of Tully (Tony Curran), his oldest friend who has incurable cancer. “I’m f***ed, Noodles,” he says, using Jimmy’s childhood nickname. “I’ve got four months and that’s the short of it.
- 12/28/2022
- by Nick Hilton
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has unveiled its Christmas TV line-up for the 2022 festive season.
From brand new shows to festive editions of fan favourites, there is plenty of programming on offer across the genres of drama, comedy, entertainment and more.
The biggest highlights this year include the “life-affirming” Scottish drama Mayflies, a tale of male friendship based on Andrew O’Hagan’s 2021 novel, starring Martin Compston, Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen. Sally Wainwright’s Bafta-winning Happy Valley also returns to the BBC for its much-anticipated third and final series, after a six-year hiatus, with Sarah Lancashire back as Sgt Catherine Cawood.
Viewers will be treated to the final chapter of the epic trilogy His Dark Materials, and Strike: Troubled Blood, which sees Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) visit family in Cornwall when he’s called on to solve a mysterious cold case.
In the world of comedy, fans will have plenty to look forward...
From brand new shows to festive editions of fan favourites, there is plenty of programming on offer across the genres of drama, comedy, entertainment and more.
The biggest highlights this year include the “life-affirming” Scottish drama Mayflies, a tale of male friendship based on Andrew O’Hagan’s 2021 novel, starring Martin Compston, Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen. Sally Wainwright’s Bafta-winning Happy Valley also returns to the BBC for its much-anticipated third and final series, after a six-year hiatus, with Sarah Lancashire back as Sgt Catherine Cawood.
Viewers will be treated to the final chapter of the epic trilogy His Dark Materials, and Strike: Troubled Blood, which sees Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) visit family in Cornwall when he’s called on to solve a mysterious cold case.
In the world of comedy, fans will have plenty to look forward...
- 11/29/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Tosh, Sandy and Billy’s new guvnor has been confirmed by the BBC: Agatha Raisin star Ashley Jensen will head up the Shetland investigatory team as new character Di Ruth Calder in series eight of the Scottish crime drama. Calder is “a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working for the Met in London.” She’s a fish out of water back in water then, and will presumably come with her own share of personal complications, grudges and history with the rest of the locals.
Jensen’s casting follows Douglas Henshall’s exit in the series seven finale, after the actor decided to leave the role of Di Jimmy Perez behind. Perez wasn’t – as some had predicted – blown up in an eco-terrorism plot, but allowed to walk away intact with love interest Meg on his arm. The Detective Inspector nobly sacrificed his career to save...
Jensen’s casting follows Douglas Henshall’s exit in the series seven finale, after the actor decided to leave the role of Di Jimmy Perez behind. Perez wasn’t – as some had predicted – blown up in an eco-terrorism plot, but allowed to walk away intact with love interest Meg on his arm. The Detective Inspector nobly sacrificed his career to save...
- 11/23/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Bridgerton season two star Charithra Chandran has landed the lead in Olivia Hetreed drama Song of the Sun God, Deadline can reveal.
Chandran, who broke out as Edwina Sharma in the second season of Shonda Rhimes smash Netflix regency drama and starred in Prime Video’s Alex Rider, will also associate produce the six-parter, which is based on Shankari Chandran’s novel and is being produced by The Cry indie Synchronicity Films and Australia’s Photoplay Films. Cineflix Rights has boarded as creative and financing partner, with first option on exclusive worldwide distribution.
Girl With the Pearl Earring writer Hetreed’s adaptation follows the love, lies and misdemeanours of a Sri Lankan family across three generations in the UK, Australia and Sri Lanka. Chandran will play Leela, a young Australian woman living her life in London, largely disconnected from her own culture and unaware of long-held family secrets. But...
Chandran, who broke out as Edwina Sharma in the second season of Shonda Rhimes smash Netflix regency drama and starred in Prime Video’s Alex Rider, will also associate produce the six-parter, which is based on Shankari Chandran’s novel and is being produced by The Cry indie Synchronicity Films and Australia’s Photoplay Films. Cineflix Rights has boarded as creative and financing partner, with first option on exclusive worldwide distribution.
Girl With the Pearl Earring writer Hetreed’s adaptation follows the love, lies and misdemeanours of a Sri Lankan family across three generations in the UK, Australia and Sri Lanka. Chandran will play Leela, a young Australian woman living her life in London, largely disconnected from her own culture and unaware of long-held family secrets. But...
- 9/29/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has commissioned a Catherine Tate comedy, Scottish drama Mayflies starring Line of Duty star Martin Compston, show from BAFTA winners Paul Coleman and Sian Gibson, and fourth season of Man like Mobeen.
In Queen of Oz, Netflix’s Hard Cell creator will exec and star as Princess Georgiana, the black sheep of a fictional British Royal Family. On the back of her latest scandal, her father, the King, makes the unprecedented move of abdicating his Australian throne in favor of his daughter, with the hope she will take the responsibility.
Australian indie Lingo Pictures is producing and Endeavor Content is distributing worldwide. Filming will begin later this year in Australia and further casting will be announced in due course.
Mayflies starring Compston, who plays Di Arnott in Line of Duty, follows Tully Dawson (Tony Curran) and Jimmy’s (Compston) brilliant friendship. With school over and the locked world of their fathers before them,...
In Queen of Oz, Netflix’s Hard Cell creator will exec and star as Princess Georgiana, the black sheep of a fictional British Royal Family. On the back of her latest scandal, her father, the King, makes the unprecedented move of abdicating his Australian throne in favor of his daughter, with the hope she will take the responsibility.
Australian indie Lingo Pictures is producing and Endeavor Content is distributing worldwide. Filming will begin later this year in Australia and further casting will be announced in due course.
Mayflies starring Compston, who plays Di Arnott in Line of Duty, follows Tully Dawson (Tony Curran) and Jimmy’s (Compston) brilliant friendship. With school over and the locked world of their fathers before them,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Inspired by Hitchcock and admired by Truffaut, the great Scottish director has been largely forgotten – but 20 dazzling unseen miniatures could reignite interest in his masterly work
In his lifetime, film-maker Bill Douglas was acclaimed by cinema legends including François Truffaut and Luchino Visconti. After his death in 1991, the novelist Andrew O’Hagan called him “the best Scottish director ever”. Yet these days Douglas’s films are rarely, if ever, seen in cinemas or on television. Douglas produced a small body of work – just four films in nearly 20 years, plus a film-school short called Come Dancing – but what films they are. Through the 1970s, Douglas wrote and directed three black-and-white masterpieces – My Childhood, My Ain Folk and My Way Home, collectively known as the Trilogy – followed by Comrades, released in 1986, which tells the story of early trade unionists the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
In his lifetime, film-maker Bill Douglas was acclaimed by cinema legends including François Truffaut and Luchino Visconti. After his death in 1991, the novelist Andrew O’Hagan called him “the best Scottish director ever”. Yet these days Douglas’s films are rarely, if ever, seen in cinemas or on television. Douglas produced a small body of work – just four films in nearly 20 years, plus a film-school short called Come Dancing – but what films they are. Through the 1970s, Douglas wrote and directed three black-and-white masterpieces – My Childhood, My Ain Folk and My Way Home, collectively known as the Trilogy – followed by Comrades, released in 1986, which tells the story of early trade unionists the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
- 6/16/2021
- by Andy Kimpton-Nye
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Synchronicity Films is following up its BBC drama The Cry with another Helen Fitzgerald television adaptation — this time based on her 2009 novel Bloody Women.
The production company has signed up Lorna Martin, the co-creator of Women on the Verge alongside Sharon Horgan, to adapt the novel into an eight-part, darkly comedic thriller. All3Media International is distributing as part of its first-look deal with Synchronicity.
Bloody Women tells the story of 33-year-old Cat Marsden, who on the morning of her wedding is taken to a police station and shown a severed penis. She tries not to laugh but she can’t help herself. On close inspection, she confirms that it almost certainly belongs to her ex, Johnny. She also confirms that she slept with him in the hours before his death, the days leading up to her wedding. What she can’t confirm is whether or not she’s responsible for mutilating and murdering him.
The production company has signed up Lorna Martin, the co-creator of Women on the Verge alongside Sharon Horgan, to adapt the novel into an eight-part, darkly comedic thriller. All3Media International is distributing as part of its first-look deal with Synchronicity.
Bloody Women tells the story of 33-year-old Cat Marsden, who on the morning of her wedding is taken to a police station and shown a severed penis. She tries not to laugh but she can’t help herself. On close inspection, she confirms that it almost certainly belongs to her ex, Johnny. She also confirms that she slept with him in the hours before his death, the days leading up to her wedding. What she can’t confirm is whether or not she’s responsible for mutilating and murdering him.
- 5/19/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Synchronicity Films, the company behind BBC One’s Jenna Coleman series The Cry, has signed a first-look deal with All3Media International for all upcoming scripted television projects.
The agreement gives distributor All3Media International first-refusal on deficit financing and distributing Synchronicity’s slate. It also gives Synchronicity access to development financing options.
Claire Mundell, who founded Glasgow-based Synchronicity in 2005, said: “This partnership will help supercharge our ambition for growth, enabling us to push our scripted slate forward with confidence in the international marketplace.”
As well as The Cry, the company made Josh O’Connor feature Only You, while its development slate includes an adaptation of Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan.
The agreement gives distributor All3Media International first-refusal on deficit financing and distributing Synchronicity’s slate. It also gives Synchronicity access to development financing options.
Claire Mundell, who founded Glasgow-based Synchronicity in 2005, said: “This partnership will help supercharge our ambition for growth, enabling us to push our scripted slate forward with confidence in the international marketplace.”
As well as The Cry, the company made Josh O’Connor feature Only You, while its development slate includes an adaptation of Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan.
- 1/28/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Synchronicity Films, producer of Jenna Coleman-fronted BBC drama The Cry, is developing a TV adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s 2020 novel Mayflies.
Synchronicity has attached Andrea Gibb to pen the limited series after she recently worked on BAFTA-winning BBC drama Elizabeth Is Missing, starring Glenda Jackson.
Mayflies is a heart-breaking story about an extraordinary lifelong friendship forged between James and Tully in a small Scottish town in 1986.
Their companionship takes them to Manchester, where they spend a magical weekend steeped in music and everything that inspires them in working-class Britain.
They make a vow to each other that weekend to go at life differently. But then, 30 years on, half a life away, the phone rings. Tully has the worst kind of news.
Synchronicity founder Claire Mundell said: “His depiction of a life-long friendship spanning the exuberance and promise of youth to the painful realities of later life is at once life-affirming,...
Synchronicity has attached Andrea Gibb to pen the limited series after she recently worked on BAFTA-winning BBC drama Elizabeth Is Missing, starring Glenda Jackson.
Mayflies is a heart-breaking story about an extraordinary lifelong friendship forged between James and Tully in a small Scottish town in 1986.
Their companionship takes them to Manchester, where they spend a magical weekend steeped in music and everything that inspires them in working-class Britain.
They make a vow to each other that weekend to go at life differently. But then, 30 years on, half a life away, the phone rings. Tully has the worst kind of news.
Synchronicity founder Claire Mundell said: “His depiction of a life-long friendship spanning the exuberance and promise of youth to the painful realities of later life is at once life-affirming,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Gillian Anderson recently took on the iconic role of Blanche DuBois in a sold-out production of A Streetcar Named Desire at London's Young Vic. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the actress is now revisiting the character in a new short film she directed. Written by Andrew O'Hagan, 'The Departure' was created for the Young Vic Shorts series, which presents companion pieces to shows that have been performed at the theatre.Check out the full film below...
- 2/6/2015
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Gillian Anderson recently took on the iconic role of Blanche DuBois in a sold-out production of A Streetcar Named Desire at London's Young Vic. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the actress is now revisiting the character in a new short film she directed. Written by Andrew O'Hagan, 'The Departure' was created for the Young Vic Shorts series, which presents companion pieces to shows that have been performed at the theatre.
- 2/5/2015
- by Movies News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Keeping the walking dead off the top spot and dominating the box office for a second week? That looks like a job for Superman
The winner
Topping the chart for a second week in a row, Man of Steel is only the second film this year to reach £20m after just two weekends of play. Les Miserables, the top-grosser for the year with £40.65m, stood at £17.36 at this stage of its run. Iron Man 3 reached £24.57m after two weekends, an 11-day figure. Man of Steel is behind the pace of the summer's top earner, with £21.33m so far. That's already nearly £5m ahead of the lifetime total for Superman Returns, which maxed out here with £16.4m. It's a similar amount ahead of Man of Steel producer Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, which reached £16.6m in total.
Man of Steel suffered a second-weekend drop of 55%, which compares unfavorably with the...
The winner
Topping the chart for a second week in a row, Man of Steel is only the second film this year to reach £20m after just two weekends of play. Les Miserables, the top-grosser for the year with £40.65m, stood at £17.36 at this stage of its run. Iron Man 3 reached £24.57m after two weekends, an 11-day figure. Man of Steel is behind the pace of the summer's top earner, with £21.33m so far. That's already nearly £5m ahead of the lifetime total for Superman Returns, which maxed out here with £16.4m. It's a similar amount ahead of Man of Steel producer Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, which reached £16.6m in total.
Man of Steel suffered a second-weekend drop of 55%, which compares unfavorably with the...
- 6/26/2013
- by Charles Gant
- The Guardian - Film News
A documentary about the angriest old man of music, drummer Ginger Baker, who is filmed whacking the interviewer with his cane, can only be enthralling
A refreshing aspect of this film about Ginger Baker, the legendary 73-year-old rock and jazz drummer, and former smackhead given to smacking people in the head, is that it doesn't mention the phrase "national treasure". This status is traditionally conferred on England's ageing rebels whose cantankerous and reactionary tendencies are thought to be picturesque. However, it is perhaps worrying that the chief character witness for Baker, produced in the opening few minutes, is the hectoringly pop-eyed John Lydon, who recently distinguished himself by telling a woman interviewer: "When a man is talking, you do not interrupt."
Probably music's angriest old man, Baker gives the American journalist and film-maker Jay Bulger pure film gold – that Bulger uses at the beginning and end of his documentary – by...
A refreshing aspect of this film about Ginger Baker, the legendary 73-year-old rock and jazz drummer, and former smackhead given to smacking people in the head, is that it doesn't mention the phrase "national treasure". This status is traditionally conferred on England's ageing rebels whose cantankerous and reactionary tendencies are thought to be picturesque. However, it is perhaps worrying that the chief character witness for Baker, produced in the opening few minutes, is the hectoringly pop-eyed John Lydon, who recently distinguished himself by telling a woman interviewer: "When a man is talking, you do not interrupt."
Probably music's angriest old man, Baker gives the American journalist and film-maker Jay Bulger pure film gold – that Bulger uses at the beginning and end of his documentary – by...
- 5/16/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Writers often worry about the dangers of outside influence, but what about the non-literary inspirations they are far more comfortable admitting to? Andrew O'Hagan talks to six novelists about their passion for a second artform
The divine counsels decided, once upon a time, that influence is bad and that too much agency is the enemy of invention. Harold Bloom can't be blamed for that: he certainly pointed to the danse macabre of influence and anxiety, but to him the association was perfectly creative. Elsewhere, writers have always been blamed for being too much like other writers, or too much like themselves, and even now, in the crisis of late postmodernism, we find it hard to believe that writers might live happily in a state of influence and cross-reference. Yet anybody who knows anything about writers knows that they love their sweet influences.
What I've noticed, though, is that the influences...
The divine counsels decided, once upon a time, that influence is bad and that too much agency is the enemy of invention. Harold Bloom can't be blamed for that: he certainly pointed to the danse macabre of influence and anxiety, but to him the association was perfectly creative. Elsewhere, writers have always been blamed for being too much like other writers, or too much like themselves, and even now, in the crisis of late postmodernism, we find it hard to believe that writers might live happily in a state of influence and cross-reference. Yet anybody who knows anything about writers knows that they love their sweet influences.
What I've noticed, though, is that the influences...
- 4/27/2013
- by Andrew O'Hagan, Lavinia Greenlaw, John Lanchester, Alan Warner, Sarah Hall, Colm Tóibín
- The Guardian - Film News
Sam Frears has a rare condition and wasn't expected to live beyond five. Now 40, he's an actor, an avid rock climber and an inspiration to his family and friends. By Simon Hattenstone
Mary-Kay Wilmers is determined to plug the book she has written about her family of Russian baddies; notably Leonid Eitingon, who hired Trotsky's assassin. Sod Sam, and his illness, and all this mother-son relationship yuck, she says, can't we get something worthwhile out of this?
"People always talk about Sam," she complains. Earlier this year My Friend Sam, a Storyville documentary about her son, was shown on BBC Four. Now an ebook has been written about him. Perhaps it was inevitable. After all, Mary-Kay runs the prestigious London Review of Books, while his father, Stephen Frears, is a leading film director whose work includes The Queen, The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons and My Beautiful Laundrette.
Sam was born 40 years ago,...
Mary-Kay Wilmers is determined to plug the book she has written about her family of Russian baddies; notably Leonid Eitingon, who hired Trotsky's assassin. Sod Sam, and his illness, and all this mother-son relationship yuck, she says, can't we get something worthwhile out of this?
"People always talk about Sam," she complains. Earlier this year My Friend Sam, a Storyville documentary about her son, was shown on BBC Four. Now an ebook has been written about him. Perhaps it was inevitable. After all, Mary-Kay runs the prestigious London Review of Books, while his father, Stephen Frears, is a leading film director whose work includes The Queen, The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons and My Beautiful Laundrette.
Sam was born 40 years ago,...
- 7/6/2012
- by Simon Hattenstone
- The Guardian - Film News
The Cannes film festival kicks off next week, and this shot of Marilyn Monroe will feature on all its official posters. Does it matter that she never went?
She is a perennially fascinating screen actress, the incidental subject of new TV drama Smash – and from next week she will be pouting down at us from every street corner in Cannes, the face of the official film festival poster. The photograph shows the beautiful, beguiling, funny leading lady of such pictures as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot blowing out the candle on her 30th birthday cake, giving a seductive air-kiss to the lens. In a press release, the festival organisers explain: "The poster captures Marilyn by surprise in an intimate moment where myth meets reality – a moving tribute to the anniversary of her passing, which coincides with the festival anniversary [Cannes turns 65 this year] … Their coming together symbolises the ideal of simplicity and elegance.
She is a perennially fascinating screen actress, the incidental subject of new TV drama Smash – and from next week she will be pouting down at us from every street corner in Cannes, the face of the official film festival poster. The photograph shows the beautiful, beguiling, funny leading lady of such pictures as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot blowing out the candle on her 30th birthday cake, giving a seductive air-kiss to the lens. In a press release, the festival organisers explain: "The poster captures Marilyn by surprise in an intimate moment where myth meets reality – a moving tribute to the anniversary of her passing, which coincides with the festival anniversary [Cannes turns 65 this year] … Their coming together symbolises the ideal of simplicity and elegance.
- 5/9/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Our critics' picks of this week's openings, plus your last chance to see and what to book now
• Which cultural events are in your diary this week? Tell us in the comments below
Opening this week
Theatre
Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad
Shakespeare's epic love tragedy relocated to present day Iraq, a society riven by sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia. In Arabic with English surtitles. Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon (0844 800 1110), Thursday to 5 May; Riverside Studios, London W6 (020-8237 1111), 28 June until 30 June.
Enquirer
A new site-specific production from the National Theatre of Scotland based on interviews with leading figures in the newspaper industry, from editors to retailers. Andrew O'Hagan co-edits with directors John Tiffany and Vicky Featherstone. Hub at Pacific Quay, Glasgow (0141 429 0022), 26 April until 12 May.
Film
Marley (dir. Kevin Macdonald)
A documentary about the life and times of Bob Marley. He was a musical legend, but a flawed and vulnerable human being.
• Which cultural events are in your diary this week? Tell us in the comments below
Opening this week
Theatre
Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad
Shakespeare's epic love tragedy relocated to present day Iraq, a society riven by sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia. In Arabic with English surtitles. Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon (0844 800 1110), Thursday to 5 May; Riverside Studios, London W6 (020-8237 1111), 28 June until 30 June.
Enquirer
A new site-specific production from the National Theatre of Scotland based on interviews with leading figures in the newspaper industry, from editors to retailers. Andrew O'Hagan co-edits with directors John Tiffany and Vicky Featherstone. Hub at Pacific Quay, Glasgow (0141 429 0022), 26 April until 12 May.
Film
Marley (dir. Kevin Macdonald)
A documentary about the life and times of Bob Marley. He was a musical legend, but a flawed and vulnerable human being.
- 4/22/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
Our critics' picks of this week's openings, plus your last chance to see and what to book now
• Which cultural events are in your diary this week? Tell us in the comments below
Opening this weekTheatre
Enquirer
The Guardian's Deborah Orr is one of a team conducting the interviews with journalists for this timely site-specific verbatim piece about the media. Andrew O'Hagan co-edits a project directed and edited by Vicky Featherstone and John Tiffany. The Hub, Glasgow (0141-429 0022), 19 April to 13 May.
A History of Everything
The controversial Ghent-based company Ontroerend Goed returns to the UK with a show that offers a history of everything, from now back to the Big Bang. No small undertaking from a company that has delighted and challenged spectators with previous shows including the outrageous Audience. Drum, Plymouth (01752 267222), until 28 April.
Film
The Cabin in the Woods (dir. Drew Goddard)
A bunch of great-looking teens take a...
• Which cultural events are in your diary this week? Tell us in the comments below
Opening this weekTheatre
Enquirer
The Guardian's Deborah Orr is one of a team conducting the interviews with journalists for this timely site-specific verbatim piece about the media. Andrew O'Hagan co-edits a project directed and edited by Vicky Featherstone and John Tiffany. The Hub, Glasgow (0141-429 0022), 19 April to 13 May.
A History of Everything
The controversial Ghent-based company Ontroerend Goed returns to the UK with a show that offers a history of everything, from now back to the Big Bang. No small undertaking from a company that has delighted and challenged spectators with previous shows including the outrageous Audience. Drum, Plymouth (01752 267222), until 28 April.
Film
The Cabin in the Woods (dir. Drew Goddard)
A bunch of great-looking teens take a...
- 4/15/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
Royal Court; Lyttelton; Theatre503, London
Every now and then the Royal Court does this. It throws up a small-cast, depth-charge production that makes bigger dramas look over-stuffed and under-nourished. It did so metaphysically with Caryl Churchill's A Number and emotionally with Mike Bartlett's Cock. It has done so again with Nick Payne's wiry new play.
Constellations is a love story that investigates ideas about time. Or it's a look at theories about time that takes the form of a love story. It tells us that we may have no such thing as free will, but leaves its audience to make up its own mind. Following the lead given 14 years ago by Michael Frayn's Copenhagen, in which a scientific theory is demonstrated in the structure of the play that discusses it, Constellations embodies its doubts and questions. It quizzes the notion of destiny by giving alternative versions...
Every now and then the Royal Court does this. It throws up a small-cast, depth-charge production that makes bigger dramas look over-stuffed and under-nourished. It did so metaphysically with Caryl Churchill's A Number and emotionally with Mike Bartlett's Cock. It has done so again with Nick Payne's wiry new play.
Constellations is a love story that investigates ideas about time. Or it's a look at theories about time that takes the form of a love story. It tells us that we may have no such thing as free will, but leaves its audience to make up its own mind. Following the lead given 14 years ago by Michael Frayn's Copenhagen, in which a scientific theory is demonstrated in the structure of the play that discusses it, Constellations embodies its doubts and questions. It quizzes the notion of destiny by giving alternative versions...
- 1/22/2012
- by Susannah Clapp
- The Guardian - Film News
A novel based on the records of Monroe's analysis is grimly fascinating
It is hard to know by what standards the author of this book can claim it to be a novel. Certainly it does not have the shape, tone or atmosphere of a crafted piece of fiction. What it most resembles is one of those immensely long Vanity Fair articles which start off with screaming headlines and lurid cross-heads, but which after a short distance one has to pursue into the ad-less wastes of the magazine's back pages. One keeps reading in the hope of finding shocking revelations, scurrilous imputations or at least good low-grade gossip, all the while suspecting that one is wasting one's time, which would probably be better spent watching Some Like It Hot on DVD.
This is not to say that Marilyn's Last Sessions is a bad book, but it is such a strange hybrid...
It is hard to know by what standards the author of this book can claim it to be a novel. Certainly it does not have the shape, tone or atmosphere of a crafted piece of fiction. What it most resembles is one of those immensely long Vanity Fair articles which start off with screaming headlines and lurid cross-heads, but which after a short distance one has to pursue into the ad-less wastes of the magazine's back pages. One keeps reading in the hope of finding shocking revelations, scurrilous imputations or at least good low-grade gossip, all the while suspecting that one is wasting one's time, which would probably be better spent watching Some Like It Hot on DVD.
This is not to say that Marilyn's Last Sessions is a bad book, but it is such a strange hybrid...
- 11/23/2011
- by John Banville
- The Guardian - Film News
The novelist picks through the mountain of books about the tragic star to find the ones where she emerges as a person, not 'a sex idol'
Michel Schneider is the author of three novels, including Marilyn's Last Sessions, which was the winner of the Prix Interallié (2006) and has now been translated into English by Will Hobson, published this month by Canongate. He has also written many essays on psychoanalysis, music, literature and the psychopathology of politics.
Buy Marilyn's Last Sessions by Michel Schneider at the Guardian bookshop
"Hundreds of books have been written about Marilyn. My personal reasons for writing a novel about her were probably quite different from those which had previously inspired so many biographers and authors. My interest was: why was she so intensely caught between public and private, words and images, trying to escape from the icon she became and cure herself with her own words?...
Michel Schneider is the author of three novels, including Marilyn's Last Sessions, which was the winner of the Prix Interallié (2006) and has now been translated into English by Will Hobson, published this month by Canongate. He has also written many essays on psychoanalysis, music, literature and the psychopathology of politics.
Buy Marilyn's Last Sessions by Michel Schneider at the Guardian bookshop
"Hundreds of books have been written about Marilyn. My personal reasons for writing a novel about her were probably quite different from those which had previously inspired so many biographers and authors. My interest was: why was she so intensely caught between public and private, words and images, trying to escape from the icon she became and cure herself with her own words?...
- 11/16/2011
- by Michel Schneider
- The Guardian - Film News
The Observer's critics pick the season's highlights, from Degas to Depp, and Britney to the Bard
September
1 Theatre: Decade In a former trading hall on London's St Katharine Docks, Rupert Goold's production evokes the legacy of 9/11, with the help of Simon Schama and Abi Morgan. Until 15 October.
4 Pop: Adele After her summer to die for (No1 album, ubiquitous single), Adele starts her UK tour in Plymouth. She's in London on the 19th and 20th and ends in Glasgow (25).
6 Dance: Tezuka New evening-length piece by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, inspired by the work of renowned Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Starring Daniel Proietto, the piece features a specially commissioned score by Nitin Sawhney. At Sadler's Wells until 10 September.
8 Pop: Bestival The Isle of Wight weekender always has a hefty line-up: this yearboasts new kids James Blake and Odd Future alongside the Cure, Brian Wilson and Björk.
9 Theatre: We are Three Sisters...
September
1 Theatre: Decade In a former trading hall on London's St Katharine Docks, Rupert Goold's production evokes the legacy of 9/11, with the help of Simon Schama and Abi Morgan. Until 15 October.
4 Pop: Adele After her summer to die for (No1 album, ubiquitous single), Adele starts her UK tour in Plymouth. She's in London on the 19th and 20th and ends in Glasgow (25).
6 Dance: Tezuka New evening-length piece by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, inspired by the work of renowned Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Starring Daniel Proietto, the piece features a specially commissioned score by Nitin Sawhney. At Sadler's Wells until 10 September.
8 Pop: Bestival The Isle of Wight weekender always has a hefty line-up: this yearboasts new kids James Blake and Odd Future alongside the Cure, Brian Wilson and Björk.
9 Theatre: We are Three Sisters...
- 8/27/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Three entertaining novels: an epic, wry account of Brits in the Balkans during WWII, a gripping murder mystery in a Southern town, and what Marilyn Monroe's dog, Maf, saw.
The Balkan TrilogyBy Olivia Manning
Related story on The Daily Beast: This Week's Hot Reads
No young man dreams of growing up to be a lecturer for the British Council. But when I first stumbled across Olivia Manning's Balkan Trilogy in graduate school, I was ready to be signed up. At nearly a thousand pages, Manning's three novels are a sweeping story of marital love, English manners, and Balkan intrigues, set against Europe's descent into the Second World War. Harriet Pringle, bright and self-confident, joins her husband, Guy, in Bucharest, Romania, where he teaches English at the local university as part of a British cultural program. "Anything can happen now," Harriet thinks as her train chugs eastward, somewhere beyond Venice.
The Balkan TrilogyBy Olivia Manning
Related story on The Daily Beast: This Week's Hot Reads
No young man dreams of growing up to be a lecturer for the British Council. But when I first stumbled across Olivia Manning's Balkan Trilogy in graduate school, I was ready to be signed up. At nearly a thousand pages, Manning's three novels are a sweeping story of marital love, English manners, and Balkan intrigues, set against Europe's descent into the Second World War. Harriet Pringle, bright and self-confident, joins her husband, Guy, in Bucharest, Romania, where he teaches English at the local university as part of a British cultural program. "Anything can happen now," Harriet thinks as her train chugs eastward, somewhere beyond Venice.
- 12/19/2010
- by The Daily Beast
- The Daily Beast
'If your reviews are good, you think, "Tonight I will go on repeating my brilliant performance." It's theatrical death'
What got you started?
Meeting Scottish variety star Tommy Morgan at the Palace theatre in Dundee when I was five. My uncle was a friend of the stage manager, so he took me backstage. I watched Tommy take his makeup off, fascinated by his transformation from the creature I'd seen under the lights, to an ordinary person like me.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
When Jonathan Kent and I ran the Almeida [in London] for about 13 years, we gave up everything: running a theatre is a 24-hour-a-day job.
If government funding was withdrawn, how would theatre evolve to cope?
It would cope somehow, because theatre always does: so many people just have to do it. One way could be to start using churches as theatres. They're not open 24 hours a day...
What got you started?
Meeting Scottish variety star Tommy Morgan at the Palace theatre in Dundee when I was five. My uncle was a friend of the stage manager, so he took me backstage. I watched Tommy take his makeup off, fascinated by his transformation from the creature I'd seen under the lights, to an ordinary person like me.
What have you sacrificed for your art?
When Jonathan Kent and I ran the Almeida [in London] for about 13 years, we gave up everything: running a theatre is a 24-hour-a-day job.
If government funding was withdrawn, how would theatre evolve to cope?
It would cope somehow, because theatre always does: so many people just have to do it. One way could be to start using churches as theatres. They're not open 24 hours a day...
- 8/23/2010
- by Laura Barnett
- The Guardian - Film News
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and actor George Clooney have denied reports that they are attached to a biopic on Marilyn Monroe. Jolie and Clooney were rumoured to play Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra respectively in the big screen adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life and Opinions of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe. However, Jolie says she's not involved in the project, reports contactmusic.com. "I've just heard that for the first time. No (it's not true)," said Jolie before she arrived in the Britain for the premiere of her latest movie, Salt Monday. Clooney's representative has ...
- 8/19/2010
- Hindustan Times - Cinema
Angelina Jolie and George Clooney have denied reports they're teaming up on the big screen to play Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. The pair was rumored to be starring in a movie adaption of Andrew O'Hagan's novel "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe".
Clooney was linked to the role of Sinatra, with Jolie said to have signed on to play the blonde bombshell in the tale of their friendship, as seen through the eyes of her dog, Maf. But Jolie is adamant she's not a part of the project - and hadn't even heard the rumors before she arrived in the U.K. for the premiere of her latest movie, "Salt", on Monday, August 16.
She says, "I've just heard that for the first time. No (it's not true)... if I only just heard it!" And Clooney is not involved with the...
Clooney was linked to the role of Sinatra, with Jolie said to have signed on to play the blonde bombshell in the tale of their friendship, as seen through the eyes of her dog, Maf. But Jolie is adamant she's not a part of the project - and hadn't even heard the rumors before she arrived in the U.K. for the premiere of her latest movie, "Salt", on Monday, August 16.
She says, "I've just heard that for the first time. No (it's not true)... if I only just heard it!" And Clooney is not involved with the...
- 8/18/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The UK's Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Angelina Jolie is set to star as big screen bombshell Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming film adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel "The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe."
The British paper claims the author revealed Angelina's attachment to the film at the Edinburgh Book Festival on Saturday, as well as plans for George Clooney to play Frank Sinatra.
The reported casting came as a surprise to the Oscar winner, however, as she dismissed the reports at the UK premiere of her spy thriller ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The British paper claims the author revealed Angelina's attachment to the film at the Edinburgh Book Festival on Saturday, as well as plans for George Clooney to play Frank Sinatra.
The reported casting came as a surprise to the Oscar winner, however, as she dismissed the reports at the UK premiere of her spy thriller ...
Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 8/17/2010
- by nobody@accesshollywood.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
Novelist and essayist Andrew O'Hagan turned an unusual trick at the book festival on Sunday: instead of reading from his book, he imported a trio of actors – Ian McDiarmid, Suzanne Bertish and Andrew Hawley – to "do" the voices in his latest, canine-narrated novel, which features Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and a dog called Maf. The novel is slated to become a Hollywood film: Mike Newell is on the cards to direct, and Angelina Jolie and George Clooney to star. Not bad for a one-time Guardian feature writer.
O'Hagan was also chairing – and providing enthusiastic cheerleading for – Bill Clegg, the American literary agent who has written a startling memoir of his addiction to crack cocaine, Portrait of an Addict As a Young Man. Clegg, giving his only public interview about the book, spoke with immense clarity and humility about his dark and secret descent into addiction – and how he managed, for a while,...
O'Hagan was also chairing – and providing enthusiastic cheerleading for – Bill Clegg, the American literary agent who has written a startling memoir of his addiction to crack cocaine, Portrait of an Addict As a Young Man. Clegg, giving his only public interview about the book, spoke with immense clarity and humility about his dark and secret descent into addiction – and how he managed, for a while,...
- 8/17/2010
- by Charlotte Higgins
- The Guardian - Film News
Angelina Jolie is not Marilyn Monroe. The "Salt" star denies author Andrew O'Hagan's claim that she will be portraying the blond icon in a film adaptation of his book "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog."
The book tells Monroe's story from viewpoint of Maf or Mafia, her loyal canine companion. The dog, given to her by Frank Sinatra, accompanied the actress to her acting classes, restaurants, shopping expeditions, and to Mexico after her divorce from Arthur Miller.
According to the Telegraph, O'Hagan announced Jolie will play Monroe, while George Clooney will be Sinatra.
But Jolie didn't even know she is involved with the project.
The book tells Monroe's story from viewpoint of Maf or Mafia, her loyal canine companion. The dog, given to her by Frank Sinatra, accompanied the actress to her acting classes, restaurants, shopping expeditions, and to Mexico after her divorce from Arthur Miller.
According to the Telegraph, O'Hagan announced Jolie will play Monroe, while George Clooney will be Sinatra.
But Jolie didn't even know she is involved with the project.
- 8/17/2010
- icelebz.com
Yet another Marilyn Monroe movie? Could be, but it won't have the star attractions that turned this into a headline in the first place. You had every right to be skeptical, because it does sound like it might be too good to be true.
During an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival over the weekend, author Andrew O'Hagan claimed that his novel, The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, will be turned into a feature film starring Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. See? We'd need more to go on than just the writer's comments, which could just be a way to drum up interest in a book that's only been out about four months.
During an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival over the weekend, author Andrew O'Hagan claimed that his novel, The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, will be turned into a feature film starring Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. See? We'd need more to go on than just the writer's comments, which could just be a way to drum up interest in a book that's only been out about four months.
- 8/17/2010
- by Colin
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Within one day a wild casting rumour that caught fire online has been summarily shot down.
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival over the weekend, author Andrew O'Hagan reportedly announced that George Clooney and Angelina Jolie would star as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe in an adaptation of his most recent novel "The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe."
The book follows a two year period in the life of Monroe, as seen through the eyes of her pet Maltese terrier Maf which Sinatra gave her as a present.
Representatives for both actors however have denied the reports reports Risky Biz Blog, Jolie herself dismissing the report during interviews at the London premiere of "Salt".
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival over the weekend, author Andrew O'Hagan reportedly announced that George Clooney and Angelina Jolie would star as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe in an adaptation of his most recent novel "The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe."
The book follows a two year period in the life of Monroe, as seen through the eyes of her pet Maltese terrier Maf which Sinatra gave her as a present.
Representatives for both actors however have denied the reports reports Risky Biz Blog, Jolie herself dismissing the report during interviews at the London premiere of "Salt".
- 8/17/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Angelina Jolie and George Clooney have denied reports they're teaming up on the big screen to play icons Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.The two were rumored to be starring in a movie adaption of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, but reps for the actors say there is no truth to the reports."I've just heard that for the first time," said Jolie at the U.K. premiere of her new movie Salt "No (it's not true)... if I only just heard it!"But, she says, she is no ...
- 8/17/2010
- by By Actress Archives
Angelina Jolie and George Clooney have denied reports they're teaming up on the big screen to play Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.
The pair was rumoured to be starring in a movie adaption of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe.
Clooney was linked to the role of Sinatra, with Jolie said to have signed on to play the blonde bombshell in the tale of their friendship, as seen through the eyes of her dog, Maf.
But Jolie is adamant she's not a part of the project - and hadn't even heard the rumours before she arrived in the U.K. for the premiere of her latest movie, Salt, on Monday.
She says, "I've just heard that for the first time. No (it's not true)... if I only just heard it!"
And Clooney is not involved with the picture either - his representative tells GossipCop the reports are "totally fabricated".
The pair was rumoured to be starring in a movie adaption of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe.
Clooney was linked to the role of Sinatra, with Jolie said to have signed on to play the blonde bombshell in the tale of their friendship, as seen through the eyes of her dog, Maf.
But Jolie is adamant she's not a part of the project - and hadn't even heard the rumours before she arrived in the U.K. for the premiere of her latest movie, Salt, on Monday.
She says, "I've just heard that for the first time. No (it's not true)... if I only just heard it!"
And Clooney is not involved with the picture either - his representative tells GossipCop the reports are "totally fabricated".
- 8/17/2010
- WENN
It seems that a film has been lined up for a book that hasn't even been released yet, and according to The Times, it's not just any two names that have been bandied around in connection with The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend, Marilyn Monroe. George Clooney and Angelina Jolie, no less, are said to be in line to play Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.
The book is a biopic of Monroe and is told through the eyes of Maf the Dog, a Scottish maltese poodle that Sinatra gave her as a gift. The author, Andrew O'Hagan, delivered the news about Clooney and Jolie at the Edinburgh Book festival.
Let's hope that this is not a groundless claim by an author desperate to give his upcoming book some publicity, because this film sounds like a lot of fun. They could, however, come up with a slightly snappier title.
The book is a biopic of Monroe and is told through the eyes of Maf the Dog, a Scottish maltese poodle that Sinatra gave her as a gift. The author, Andrew O'Hagan, delivered the news about Clooney and Jolie at the Edinburgh Book festival.
Let's hope that this is not a groundless claim by an author desperate to give his upcoming book some publicity, because this film sounds like a lot of fun. They could, however, come up with a slightly snappier title.
- 8/17/2010
- Screenrush
Angelina Jolie and George Clooney have denied that they will appear together in a film about Marilyn Monroe. Reports surfaced yesterday claiming that Jolie would play Monroe and Clooney Frank Sinatra in an adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe. However, a representative for Clooney said that the story is "totally fabricated" (more)...
- 8/17/2010
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie will play Marilyn Monroe opposite George Clooney, who will star as Frank Sinatra in a new film. The 35-year-old actress is set to play Monroe in an adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, reported Daily Mail online. Clooney has been lined up to play Monroe's close friend Sinatra, O'Hagan confirmed, adding that production on the film would begin soon. While Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks had previously been in line for the role, it was eventually decided Jolie would be the best choice to play Monroe in ...
- 8/17/2010
- Hindustan Times - Cinema
Angelina Jolie is unsure if she is the right person to play Marilyn Monroe on the big screen. The stunning actress - who is reported to be portraying the curvy blonde bombshell in an upcoming epic based on a book by Andrew O'Hagan- admits she knows nothing about the film, and is unsure whether she would even be suitable for the part. She told Bang Showbiz: ''This is a new rumour. I haven't heard a thing about it. I don't think. I don't know if I'd be the best person to play her.'' Author Andrew, who wrote the book 'The Life and Opinions of ..
- 8/17/2010
- Virgin Media - Movies
While speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival last weekend, author Andrew O'Hagan revealed that his novel "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of his friend Marilyn Monroe" is being turned into a feature film. He added that the project has Angelina Jolie signed on to play Marilyn Monroe and George Clooney to play Frank Sinatra. A director has yet to be attached. The book focuses on Monroe's last two years through the eyes of her pet, Maf, a Maltese terrier which was a gift from Sinatra in 1960. Check out the trailer for the book below. Book Trailer:...
- 8/17/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
Yep, there's another Marilyn Monroe movie on the pipe line, but this time the casting is a bit more interesting. Angelina Jolie and George Clooney are joining up on the novel adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe". Jolie will be playing none other than the gorgeous blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe while George Clooney will be tapping his inner song-bird, filling the role of Frank Sinatra. There's no real word on who will be directing the picture or if it's entirely true that the two big stars are attached to this production. Either way, it's the first we've heard of it, so let's at least fill you in on what the story's all about.In November 1960, Frank Sinatra gave Marilyn Monroe a dog. His name was Mafia Honey, or Maf for short. Born in the household of Vanessa Bell,...
- 8/16/2010
- LRMonline.com
Update: Shocker -- this has been denied as total fabrication by reps for both Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. When the author of a novel 'announces' casting for a film on which he's not a producer, tread lightly. Original article follows. So Angelina Jolie could be the third major actress to play Marilyn Monroe this year. Jolie and George Clooney are reportedly set to play Monroe and Frank Sinatra in an adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog. Where did this casting come from? The Telegraph UK reports that while Scarlett Johansson had briefly been pegged as Monroe in this particular adaptation, author O'Hagen said that Clooney and Jolie are confirmed for the roles. To the best of my knowledge O'Hagan is not a producer on the film, so I'm taking this tale with a bit of caution. Just two weeks ago O'Hagan...
- 8/16/2010
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
When is it not Angelina's moment? Currently starring in the CIA - thriller Salt, Angelina is now set to play the world's most iconic blonde, Marilyn Monroe. Based on the novel 'The Life and Opinions of Maf The Dog, and Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe' by Andrew O'Hagan which documents the final two years of the star's life, Angelina will also be joined by George Clooney who will play Monroe's friend Frank Sinatra. Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks were both rumoured to be up for the role when O'Hagan confirmed at the Edinburgh Book Festival the final casting decisions. Angelina had previously been mentioned as one actress lined up to play Elizabeth Taylor in a story about the British actress' life, but Elizabeth scotched plans saying only she would be able to play her as she is still alive.
- 8/16/2010
- by Salty Or Sweet
- t5m.com
It looks like George Clooney and Angelina Jolie are going to star in a new film that will be an adaption of the novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend, Marilyn Monroe. Clooney will play Frank Sinatra, and Jolie will take on the role of Marilyn Monroe in the story.
The book was written by Andrew O'Hagan and is set to be released this December. It serves as a biopic of Monroe, told through the eyes of her Scottish maltese poodle, Mafia Honey (nicknamed Maf), given to her as a present by Sinatra.
O'Hagan announced the news at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Here's what The Times reported:
O’Hagan, who was also accompanied on stage by Suzanne Bertish and Andrew Hawley, announced that a film adaptation of his book, The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe,...
The book was written by Andrew O'Hagan and is set to be released this December. It serves as a biopic of Monroe, told through the eyes of her Scottish maltese poodle, Mafia Honey (nicknamed Maf), given to her as a present by Sinatra.
O'Hagan announced the news at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Here's what The Times reported:
O’Hagan, who was also accompanied on stage by Suzanne Bertish and Andrew Hawley, announced that a film adaptation of his book, The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe,...
- 8/16/2010
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Here's an interesting rumor to mull over. Found in a report on the recent Edinburgh Book Festival (via The Playlist) was mention of announcement that author Andrew O'Hagan made about an adaptation of his book The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe. O'Hagan said that an adaptation will go into production shortly and will star George Clooney as Frank Sinatra and Angelina Jolie as Marilyn Monroe, but "it is not yet known who will be playing Maf the dog" (a joke). That is some huge news that no one has heard before and will make Jolie the third to be cast as Monroe in the last year. O'Hagan's book follows the story of a Maltese terrier named Maf who became Monroe's pet after being given to her by Sinatra in late 1960 as a cheer-up present after her break up with Arthur Miller. "Maf...
- 8/16/2010
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It's a slow time of year for actual movie news, so it's a good thing the British newspapers have stepped in with their usual practice of casting "announcements" that will never, ever be true. Today it's The Telegraph, which is claiming that Angelina Jolie will play Marilyn Monroe in an adaptation of the novel The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe, a chronicle of the last two years of Monroe's life told from the perspective of her dog. As if that weren't enough, George Clooney is apparently set to star as Frank Sinatra, who gave Monroe the dog in 1960. To be fair, the news apparently comes from the book's author Andrew O'Hagan, though he's not quoted and there's no explanation of where he's getting his info from. With Michelle Williams playing Marilyn in one film and Naomi Watts going for it in another,...
- 8/16/2010
- cinemablend.com
Angelina Jolie is set to play Marilyn Monroe in a biopic about the iconic actress' life. Andrew O'Hagan, who wrote the book 'The Life and Opinions of Maf The Dog, and Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe', confirmed the 'Salt' actress would play the blonde bombshell in a Hollywood adaptation of his novel while speaking at the Edinburgh Book Festival. He also confirmed George Clooney would play Monroe's friend Frank Sinatra in the epic. Christina Hendricks and Scarlett Johansson had previously been lined up to play Monroe. The book tells the story of the 'Some Like It Hot' actress two years prior to her ..
- 8/16/2010
- Virgin Media - Movies
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