Oct 23 2008 Either Starsky or Hutch Directing 'Chicago 7'?

Well, DreamWorks, looks like you aren't going to get Spielberg to direct The Trial of the Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin's script about the 1968 riots at the Democratic convention. Time to move on to plan B. Has anyone directed Robert Downey Jr. in blackface for a popular comedy spoofing Hollywood? Yes? That's perfect, second only to Steven Spielberg. Get that person. That's your man. Thusly:

"The Trial of the Chicago 7," the DreamWorks project about the 1968 riots at the Democratic convention and their aftermath, is a high priority for the newly configured studio and is moving forward quickly.

The latest well-known director who has met on the project is Ben Stiller; while the discussions for Stiller to helm the film are very much at the exploratory stage, the actor and DreamWorks are mulling whether such a pairing would work for both parties. A "Chicago" gig would mark a departure for Stiller, who has directed such successful comedies as "Tropic Thunder" and "Zoolander," but has not helmed a serious political picture of this kind before.

Despite all of the horrible comedies he's been in, Stiller isn't a bad director, and could probably do a very competent job with this. But at the same time, when I hear Ben Stiller is directing a serious film, all I can think is when he directed a war drama on Extras. Regardless of how well he might direct The Trial of the Chicago 7, the real disappointment is going to be if we don't hear that he quoted Meet the Fockers box office figures on set.

Jan 2 2008 Sacha Baron Cohen To Play Abbie Hoffman

The road to becoming a well-respected actor can be a long and difficult one. Many actors, now considered veteran thespians, began their careers in off-Broadway shows and small independent productions, and many had to spend years taking roles in commercials and soap operas before finding legitimacy. However, others--Sacha Baron Cohen, for instance--take the easier route: film a series of semi-offensive pranks until Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg start casting you in things.

Times Online is reporting that Cohen, the comedian responsible for Borat impressions, will follow-up his part in Sweeney Todd with a role as political activist Abbie Hoffman in Spielberg's The Trial of the Chicago Seven.

Honestly, I think he'll be a good fit for the part, and probably has the acting ability to pull it off. I'm just unreasonably annoyed that Spielberg is suddenly replacing his established mainstays with hip, up-and-coming actors of today (like adding Shia LaBeouf to Indiana Jones). Did someone get him a subscription to People or what?

No more jokes as Borat turns war protester [Times Online]