Oct 26 2009 Brand, Bourne Also Have 'True Grit'
The Coen Brothers are making a more faithful adaptation of True Grit AND proven actors are taking the leads? YES. You thought you'd have to save up Make-A-Wish children to get such a dream come true, but it's happened:
Matt Damon and Josh Brolin are in discussions with Joel and Ethan Coen to join Jeff Bridges in “True Grit,” the re-imagining of the iconic 1969 Western that Paramount Pictures will put into production next March for late 2010 release.The Coens, who previously attached their “Big Lebowski” star Bridges to play U.S. marshal Rooster Cogburn, are in talks with Damon to play the lawman (played by Glen Campbell in the original) who teams with Cogburn and a 14-year old girl to track her father’s killer into hostile Indian territory.
In a turnabout, Brolin is in talks to play the killer.
So, in short, a good movie with good actors will come out in a year. I'll let you know if I hear about any others.
Sep 11 2009 The Dude and Coens Reuniting in Hostile Indian Territory
It's the reunion you've begged for ever since you were stoned watching Big Lebowski and muttered, "EVERY movie should be with The Dude and Coen Bros." Jeff Bridges is in talks to take on the role that won John Wayne an Oscar in the Coens' remake of True Grit. Variety adds:
The picture, which also reunited the Coens with their “No Country for Old Men” producing partner Scott Rudin, has been redrafted by the Coens to be more faithful to the Charles Portis novel that the original film was based on.In it, a 14 year old girl tags along with an aging U.S. marshal and another lawman to track the outlaw who killed her father. The trail leads them into hostile Indian territory. The original told the story from Cogburn’s vantage point, but the new version will work from the viewpoint of the young girl. Kim Darby played the young girl in the original, and Glen Campbell played the other lawman.
As much as I like Jeff Bridges, I'm not sure he has the grit quotient for the part. I mean, we're talking a role once filled by JOHN WAYNE. Sand in your teeth doesn't have as much grit at that guy. If we're going to be remaking John Wayne movies, we first need to get in the lab, do the research, and invent an actor made of pure testosterone. Though, there's always the risk that trying to make a lab-made human out of testosterone could end up just creating a giant, sentient testicle, putting us in a worse position than we are now.
Man, I would not want to be the one to make that call. (The call whether or not to create a pure testosterone thespian, knowing the risks of birthing a giant, conscious testicle.)
Aug 10 2009 'A Serious Man' Poster: The Coens Sell Out
Jeez, Coen Brothers, what a couple of sell-outs. Really cashing in on how much the kids like nerdy, unknown Jewish guys on roofs. Everyone knows nerdy, unknown Jewish guys on roofs are the new big-haired vampires. Once this thing hits the mall cinemas, there is going to be so much teenage squealing.
Jul 30 2009 'Serious Man' Trailer: It's a Coen Brothers, So Just Watch It
For their last film, 2008's entertaining if comparatively forgettable Burn After Reading, Joel and Ethan Coen filled the cast with notable talent like John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, and two-thirds of People Magazine's sexiest members of Ocean's Eleven. Always changing up their style, this time the brothers have cast little known actor Michael Stuhlbarg in the lead, playing a man whose marriage, family, career, and health are all in the midst of the kind of rapid deterioration that so often leads to a Falling Down scenario.
Judging by the just-released trailer, it doesn't appear our hero ends up shooting anyone up, but, just as good, he does get his head repeatedly slammed into a chalkboard, providing a disarming back-beat for one of the best edited previews of the year. And I should know about best edited previews of years: I do almost nothing but watch movie trailers all day--a lifestyle choice that has rendered me nearly soulless.
Continue Reading " 'Serious Man' Trailer: It's a Coen Brothers, So Just Watch It "
Mar 23 2009 New 'True Grit' Thankfully Not 'True Grittier'-Style Sequel
A remake of True Grit, the John Wayne-starring western that earned the actor an Oscar? That sounds like an idea made by fools! But what if I told you that these "fools," as you so callously regarded them, are the Coen Brothers, and they're planning on writing and directing a version of the film that will more closely reflect the original novel? You'd be thinking this "no way" is becoming an "ok, way":
Not a traditional remake, the Paramount film will be more faithful to the Charles Portis book than the 1969 pic, also distributed by Par.Portis' novel is about a 14-year-old girl who, along with an aging U.S. marshal and another lawman, tracks her father's killer in hostile Indian territory.
But while the original film was a showcase for Wayne, the Coens' version will tell the tale from the girl's p.o.v.
How will any actor exude as much genuine grit as John Wayne? Those Coen boys have a chore ahead of them in the casting department. And the grit department.
Coen brothers to adapt 'True Grit' [Variety]
Feb 26 2009 The Coen Brothers Hate Coal
The coal industry may have billions of dollars, and all of our precious, precious coal, but the anti-coal Reality campaign has one thing they don't: acclaimed filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen directing disinformation-correcting propaganda. This satirical look at "clean coal" technology may not be as dorm room-quotable as a The Big Lebowski, but it is effective enough to make me consider replacing my Dickensian coal stove.
Aug 15 2008 New 'Burn After Reading' Poster Has That 'Cowboy Leaning on a Barn' Appeal
Finally, a movie where it might make sense for a collection of commemorative yard silhouettes to come with the special edition DVD. And just in time, too, because Mule Boy is getting lonely.
New Burn After Poster [JoBlo]
Jun 20 2008 Montage-ier, Brad Pitt Crying-ier New 'Burn After Reading' Trailer
Burn After Reading is one of the few upcoming films I'm able to look forward to without too much apprehension. The Coen Brothers have taken the screwball-crime-comedy genre that they made so beloved with Raising Arizona and The Big Lebowski and added the natural human desire to see Brad Pitt get punched in the face. How could it miss? So enjoy this new international trailer that, although not as revealing or red-bandy as the domestic version, should still elicit a few enthusiastic fist pumps.
Continue Reading " Montage-ier, Brad Pitt Crying-ier New 'Burn After Reading' Trailer "
Jun 17 2008 'Burn After Reading' Poster is My Favorite
It's like the Coen Brothers unearthed Saul Bass, miraculously revived his decaying corpse, and made him design a poster for their new film before sending him back to the eternal slumber of his tomb. In other words, it's pretty awesome.
'Burn After Reading' Poster Premiere [Cinematical]
Apr 30 2008 Coens' 'Burn After Reading' Stills: Pitt is a Douche, Clooney Regrets Love-Making
Over at First Showing, the first production stills from the Coen Brothers' Burn After Reading have popped up. Of course, being that it's a new dark comedy from the Coens, I'm ridiculously enthusiastic about these images, but I can't help but feel there's a bit too much winking at the audience going on with Brad Pitt's oafish gym employee character. Brad Pitt is a huge star, and People Magazine told me he's the sexiest man alive during certain years, but now he has ridiculous bleached tips and works at a gym!? That's crazy! Though, at the same time, if Brad Pitt weren't a huge star and occasionally the sexiest man alive, he probably would have bleached tips and work at a gym. So maybe this is just great casting.
More shots--including George Clooney hamming up post-coital regret in country-style patriotic bedding--here.
Feb 12 2008 Some Other Crap That Happened...
- Those greedy bastards at the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien are under the impression that having created the lush world, characters, and entire story of The Lord of the Rings entitles them to some percentage of the profits, and are suing New Line. The suit may delay or halt production of The Hobbit, but shouldn't effect Asylum Studio's direct-to-DVD The Hole Midget. (Thanks, Eccoli) [Yahoo!]
- In further lawsuit news, now that production on Watchmen has begun, Fox is suing Warner over rights issues on the graphic novel adaptation. Fox claims they hold exclusive copyright and contract right; Warner says they own, like, all the original issues, and Fox only started liking it after liking comics became cool. [Hollywood Reporter]
- After doing what most critics admit was a serviceable job with Cormac McCarthy's No Country For Old Men, the Coen Brothers are set to adapt Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union for screens. Needless to say, it will be almost definitely be really, really good. [Variety]
- My One and Only, a comedy based on the childhood of George Hamilton, has nabbed Renne Zellwegger to play a glamorous mother searching for a wealthy father to raise her sons. Casting is still looking for young males between 8 and 14 who are also strangely orange. [Variety]
Jan 29 2008 George Clooney in 'Burn After Reading'/Theatre Ad
I think this new shot from the upcoming Coen Brothers comedy Burn After Reading may just be a reminder to silence our electronic devices and pick up some concessions before the film starts, and that with their massive screens and stadium seating, an AMC Theatres Night feels as magical as a night with George Clooney. But that doesn't stop me from geeking out about it like a freak. With all the No Country hoopla, I'd nearly forgotten--another new Coen Brothers movie is coming, M.F'ers!
First Picture of George Clooney from 'Burn After Reading' [FilmoFilia]
Sep 25 2007 'No Country For Old Men' Restricted Trailer and Images
As you can tell from his face, Javier Bardem really wants you to go to NoCountryForOldMen.com and watch the restricted trailer to the Coen Brothers' latest. What Javier Bardem's vacant stare won't tell you, however, is that the site has some jackassed age-detection system that often won't let you in, even with a valid ID. Luckily, you can see the new images here and the trailer below the cut, and the only age verification I ask is that you can correctly identify a couple Nirvana tracks.
No Country For Old Men Red-Band Trailer [Official Site]
Continue Reading " 'No Country For Old Men' Restricted Trailer and Images "
Sep 24 2007 'Burn After Reading' Destroys Brad Pitt's Sinuses
If there was any doubt in your head that you wanted to see the Coen Brothers' Burn After Reading (even with John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt in the cast?!), let this little gem quell your doubts. On the set of the film this Sunday, Pitt was seen with a bloody nose and a bike helmet, screaming expletives. Print this out and it's perfect for acting out all of your aggression towards the rich and famous in a non-illegal manner. You may have great looks, tons of money, and a phenomenally beautiful wife, but look how I busted your grill, you bitch. Plus, you still have all those kids who are definitely going to resent you in a few years, so enjoy it while it lasts, pretty boy.
Brad Pitt Has a Bloody Nose [Just Jared]
Jun 15 2007 No Country for Old Men Trailer
Brains!
This looks like it could be the darkest Coen Brothers movie yet. Plus it has Tommy Lee Jones? And appears to have a scene where a guy gets his brains blown out with an air compressor? Count me in.
Oh, and maybe I could get a hold of that air compressor so I could go back and watch Pirates 3 again.
UPDATE: I couldn't get the video to embed correctly, but you can watch the trailer here
May 22 2007 No Country for Old Men clips
Lower long distance rates, you say? I am somewhat flabbergasted.
Five clips of No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers scathing anti-Stallone diatribe drugs and murder drama are now online over at commeaucinema.
Watch out, though, the site's in French. And the French are not to be trusted.
Honestly though, I'm not sure why you'd want to see out of context movie clips before you see the actual movie. Why not just get half the punchline to four or five bits before you go see a comedy show? Or just go f*** yourself. Why can't you people just leave me alone! *whimper*
May 16 2007 No County For Old Men Pictures
Ropes of Silicon has the first images from the new Coen Brothers film No Country For Old Men. The shots show that while there may be no country for old men, there is Josh Brolin holding a gun, Tommy Lee Jones looking skeptical, and Javier Bardem dressed as Johnny Cash meets He-Man. I'm excited.
May 4 2007 Malkovich Malkovich? Malkovich.
"Don't mind the wedding ring, fellas; it's play time. Ever bedded a man who can crush walnuts with his rectum?"
The Coen brothers are trying to get John Malkovich to join George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances McDormand in their current project, Burn After Reading. The mere thought gives me a giant boner. But then, so do Golden Girls reruns. Maybe I'm weird? Anyway ladies, easily aroused. Call me.
The dark screwball comedy centers on Ozzie Cox (Malkovich), a former CIA agent who loses the disc of the memoir he is writing. McDormand will play Cox's philandering wife. Clooney is set to play an assassin.
Apr 24 2007 Coen Brothers Get Serious
The Coen Brothers have announced that following their Brad Pitt picture, Burn After Reading, they will write, direct and produce Serious Man, said to be a return to the dark comedy in the style of Fargo. For those of us who loved Fargo and the brothers' previous, darker works, this return to form is great news, and hopefully representative of a return to the pretentiousness that first drew me to the duo.
You see, though Fargo was a critical success, taking home two Oscars in 1997, its blending of the humorous and macabre was still high-brow enough to keep at least Michael Bay fans away. Watching it, enjoying it, catching the little subtleties, you couldn't help but feel that, hey, I might not have a girlfriend, or any friends at all for that matter, but at least I "get it."
Then came The Big Lebowski, which at first seemed like it might not connect with mass audiences but was soon picked up by college frat boys, presumably mistaking it for Kingpin. They embraced the outcast characters, recognizing how they would later oppress these types of people once attaining their business degrees, and made Lebowski the go-to film after drunk viewings of Swingers and Scarface. Even shooting The Man Who Wasn't There in black and white couldn't keep the brothers from mainstream success at that point. And not to say I disliked Intolerable Cruelty or Ladykillers, but that my mom saw them speaks volumes.
So here's to hoping the Coens' return to the dark comedy will mark not only a return to the style of work we first learned to love, but the return of my obnoxious, unwarranted elitism. If I can't get it here, I'll have to start listening to NPR.
Apr 20 2007 Brad Pitt + Coen Brothers = Love
Brad Pitt will join George Clooney in Burn After Reading, a Coen brothers project set to shoot in August. No one knows much about the project, but both these guys give me raging hetero man-boners (because they're such good actors), and the Coen brothers did The Big Lebowski and are thus above reproach forever.
Pitt and Clooney are hoping this will be just the thing to make people forget Ocean's 13. Seriously, how many f***ing times can you rob a casino? Unless Joe Pesci's stabbing someone to death with a pen, I'm staying home.
