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Tag: Al Pacino

  • Explore five Ridley Scott masterpieces before Napoleon’s arrival

    Explore five Ridley Scott masterpieces before Napoleon’s arrival

    Mumbai: Ridley Scott, the visionary director behind iconic films, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His ability to seamlessly blend compelling narratives with stunning visuals has solidified his place as a cinematic maestro. Fans eagerly await his upcoming project, Napoleon – a film about the rise and fall of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power – starring Joaquin Phoenix all set to release on 24 November 2023 in cinemas including your nearest PVR INOX outlets. Ahead of the film’s release, here are five Ridley Scott movies you should watch if you haven’t already

    Gladiator (2000)

    No exploration of Ridley Scott’s filmography would be complete without a journey to ancient Rome in Gladiator. Released in 2000, this epic historical drama follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a betrayed general seeking revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Maximus earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film itself claimed five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Ridley Scott. Gladiator is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle. The intense gladiatorial combat scenes, combined with a powerful score by Hans Zimmer, create an immersive cinematic experience.

    American Gangster (2007)

    Transitioning from ancient Rome to 1970s Harlem, American Gangster showcases Ridley Scott’s versatility as a director. Released in 2007, this crime drama stars Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a real-life drug lord, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective determined to bring him down. The film is a gripping exploration of crime, power, and morality. Ridley Scott’s keen directorial eye captures the essence of the era, and the dynamic performances by Washington and Crowe elevate the narrative.

    Blade Runner (1982)

    Blade Runner is a groundbreaking science fiction classic that immerses viewers in a dystopian future where humanoid robots, known as replicants, struggle for autonomy. Harrison Ford takes on the role of Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants. Ridley Scott’s visionary direction, coupled with the film’s neo-noir aesthetic, has made Blade Runner a landmark in science fiction cinema. The film explores themes of identity, humanity, and morality, showcasing Scott’s ability to weave philosophical depth into visually stunning narratives.

    The Martian (2015)

    Ridley Scott’s directorial range extends to the vastness of space in The Martian. Released in 2015, this science fiction survival film is based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name. Starring Matt Damon as Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars, the film explores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of ingenuity in the face of adversity. The Martian is a compelling blend of drama, humor, and scientific intrigue. Ridley Scott’s direction, coupled with Matt Damon’s charismatic performance, makes for an engaging cinematic experience.

    House of Gucci (2021)

    Ridley Scott’s latest venture into the world of true crime and high fashion, House of Gucci, is a compelling addition to his diverse filmography. Released in 2021, this biographical crime drama stars Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, the ex-wife of Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. The film chronicles the scandalous events leading to Maurizio’s murder and the subsequent trial of Reggiani. House of Gucci showcases Ridley Scott’s ability to craft gripping narratives based on real-life events. The film’s star-studded cast, including captivating performances by Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver, adds depth to the compelling storytelling.

    And here’s the film that inspired this list:

    Napoleon (2023)

    Napoleon is a sweeping epic that chronicles the life of the legendary French military and political leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, the film delves into the complexities of Napoleon’s rise to power, his military conquests, and the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that defined his era. With Scott’s signature visual flair and meticulous attention to historical detail, Napoleon promises to be a captivating journey through one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal is anticipated to bring depth and nuance to the character, making this cinematic exploration of Napoleon’s life a must-watch for history enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

    If you’re a devoted admirer of Ridley Scott’s cinematic masterpieces and possess a genuine passion for historical narratives, be sure not to miss the eagerly awaited premiere of Napoleon this Friday at your closest PVR INOX outlets.

  • Director Brian De Palma to get lifetime award at 72nd Venice Film Fest

    Director Brian De Palma to get lifetime award at 72nd Venice Film Fest

    NEW DELHI: American director Brian De Palma will be receiving the Venice International Film Festival’s Jaeger-Le Coultre Glory to the Filmmaker 2015 Award, dedicated to personalities who have made particularly original contributions to contemporary cinema. 

     

    The award will be given on 9 September in the Palazzo del Cinema. The documentary De Palma by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow will be screened out of competition.

     

    Festival director Alberto Barbera said, “The child of an artistic era (the ’70s) full of innovative ferment, Brian De Palma has made a name for himself as one of the most skillful directors in constructing perfect narrative mechanics with great creative freedom, experimenting with new technical solutions, rejecting the classic rules of the language, abandoning himself to aesthetic virtuosity, and celebrating his favorite authors. When watching a movie by Brian De Palma, we revert to being basic spectators. Although our eyes are wide open to avoid falling into the trap, we know full well we’re bound to fall into it anyway. De Palma’s cinema is playful to the nth degree; it is a pleasure for the eyes and at the same time a game that tantalizes the cinéphile. He has never lost the curiosity of the experimenter as he reinvents the already-seen, and when it comes to constructing and manipulating images, this fundamental trait makes De Palma one of the greatest innovators who came of age in the shadow of the New Hollywood.”

     

    “Jaeger-LeCoultre is proud to pay tribute to Brian De Palma with the Glory to the Filmmaker Award. For ten years, our company has supported the seventh art and the Venice International Film Festival through continuous promotion of cinema’s creativity and ingenuity. Precision watches and the maximum expression of the cinematographic art are fruit of the same passion. Both call for months and even years of concentration and patience, in order for the virtuosity of talented professionals to lead to the creation of masterpieces of aesthetic and technical perfection, destined to last forever,” added Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Daniel Riedo.

     

    The 72nd Venice International Film Festival (2 to 12 September) has Alberto Barbera as its director and is organized by the Biennale chaired by Paolo Baratta.

     

    Following the award ceremony, the 72nd Film Festival will present the world premiere, Out of Competition, of the documentary De Palma (109’) by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow. The film grew out of the two directors’ spending time with Brian De Palma for over ten years. It’s an intimate conversation between filmmakers, chronicling Brian’s six decade long career, his life, and his filmmaking process.

     

    This major award consolidates the important bond between the Venice Film Festival and Brian De Palma, who has presented seven movies at the Lido, the first time forty years ago with Sisters in the section Proposte di nuovi film (1975). In 1981, De Palma screened Blow Out in the section Mezzogiorno/Mezzanotte; in 1987, The Untouchables, an out-of-competition Special Event; in 1992, Raising Cain, the closing film in competition; in 2006, The Black Dahlia, the opening film in competition; in 2007, Redacted, in competition and the winner of the Silver Lion; and in 2012, Passion, in competition.

     

    Born in 1940,  De Palma studied film in New York. In 1963, he directed The Wedding Party, giving twenty-year-old Robert De Niro his first part. Carrie, a movie starring Sissy Spacek and based on the Stephen King novel, was his first big success. To date, De Palma has directed over 30 films, including The Untouchables (1987) with Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery; Mission Impossible (1996) with Tom Cruise; and Scarface (1983) with Al Pacino.

     

    Over the years, De Palma has directed stars such as John Travolta, Melanie Griffith, Tom Hanks and Sean Penn. He is particularly famous for his psychological thrillers, which feature his personal style, unusual camera angles and elements that often recall works by the directors who have influenced him, in particular Alfred Hitchcock. Among the great actors De Palma has directed, three have received Oscar nominations: Sissy Spacek (best actress, Carrie), Piper Laurie (best supporting actress, Carrie) and Sean Connery (best supporting actor, The Untouchables), who received the Oscar for his performance.

     

    Jaeger-LeCoultre has been a sponsor of the Venice International Film Festival for eleven years, and for nine years has sponsored the Glory to the Filmmaker Award. In the past years, the prize has been awarded to Takeshi Kitano (2007), Abbas Kiarostami (2008), Agn?s Varda (2008), Sylvester Stallone (2009), Mani Ratnam (2010), Al Pacino (2011), Spike Lee (2012), Ettore Scola (2013), and James Franco (2014). 

  • Al Pacino honoured with BFI fellowship

    Al Pacino honoured with BFI fellowship

    MUMBAI: The Godfather star Al Pacino was honoured with the British Film Institute (BFI) Fellowship for his extraordinary achievement in films. The prestigious award was given to him by BFI chairman Greg Dyke and CEO Amanda Nevill.

     

    The 74-year-old actor-director follows British industry legends including Sir Michael Caine and the late Richard Attenborough in being awarded BFI Fellowship, its highest accolade for outstanding contribution to film.

     

    Pacino received the honour in front of a star-studded audience including Richard E Grant, Terry Gilliam and John Hurt at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

     

    Pacino’s illustrious career includes the Godfather trilogy, Scarface and Dog Day Afternoon, while his latest appearances came in movies Manglehorn and The Humbling, which debuted last month in Venice. He also won an Oscar for best actor in 1993 for Scent Of A Woman.

     

    He had also had success behind the camera with 1996’s Looking For Richard and Salome in 2013 among others.

     

    Since its inception in 1983 the BFI Fellowship has been handed to 78 recipients, also including stars such as Dirk Bogarde, Alec Guinness, Maggie Smith and Laurence Olivier.

  • Sterling 2 Ent unveils its next project with Sylvester Stallone

    Sterling 2 Ent unveils its next project with Sylvester Stallone

    Sterling 2 Ent, the multi-entertainment production and investment agency established by the UK based media entrepreneur Teji Singh, has announced its second high-profile global entertainment project for 2014: An Evening with Stallone, taking place on 11 January, at Central Hall, Westminster, London.

     

    Demand had soared to see the action hero of the silver screen c on stage. Famed for his roles in cult classics like Rocky, Rambo, Demolition Man and The Expendables, Stallone will treat the audience to an intimate evening of anecdotes about his illustrious career, private insights from his life.

     

    The event is presented by leading entertainment impresario and event organiser Rocco Buonvino and entrepreneur Joe Ricotta, in association with film producer and founder of entertainment company Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh.

     

    Rocco Buonvino in association with Sterling 2 Ent recently presented the sell-out event An Evening with Al Pacino. Rocco Buonvino is aninternationally-renowned events and promotions supremo who has been at the forefront of staging some of the biggest world-wide entertainment events. He has worked with global superstars such Robin Gibb, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, Susan Black and now Sylvester Stallone.

     

    Speaking about bringing Stallone to London, Rocco Buonvino said in a release: “I’ve had the pleasure to work with many major artists around the world, many of whom are dear friends. None come bigger than Sylvester Stallone, a true heavyweight of the silver screen, who is responsible for some of the world’s most iconic, cult film hits of our time.”

     

    Founder of Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh, said: “We are delighted to be part of this event. Sylvester Stallone is a global icon and seeing him in London is going to be very much a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

     

    Seen as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Sylvester Stallone will be seen at Christmas 2013 starring in Grudge Match with Robert DeNiro. In March, 2014, Rocky the Musical will open at The Winter Garden on Broadway. The musical is based on the original film written by Sylvester Stallone with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

  • Brian De Palma to direct Al Pacino in next project

    Brian De Palma to direct Al Pacino in next project

    MUMBAI: Veteran director Brian De Palma is all set to realign with his Scarface actor Al Pacino for his upcoming project, a Joe Paterno biopic to be titled Happy Valley.

    The story of the film to be produced by Edward R Pressman and Pacino`s manager Rick Nicita will be based on the bestselling book Paterno by Joe Posnanski while Dave McKenna will pen the script.

    “Incidentally, Happy Valley will be only the third film that reunites Pacino and De Palma and I can`t think of a better duo to tell this story of a complex, intensely righteous man who was brought down by his own tragic flaw,” Pressman has been quoted to have said.

    Joe Paterno is a former Penn State head football coach who became the winningest coach in the history of college football. He built a powerhouse football program that turns him into a campus deity.

    The 72-year old Palma is best known for his suspense and crime thriller films such as Carrie, Mission: Impossible, Femme Fatale and The Black Dahlia among others.His most recent work was last year`s Passion that starred Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams.

  • Al Pacino to team up with Brian De Palma for the third instance

    Al Pacino to team up with Brian De Palma for the third instance

    MUMBAI: Veteran actor Al Pacino and director Brian De Palma are all set to team up once-again for a new film titled Happy Valley that is about a disgraced American football coach Joe Paterno.

    The duo, who were last seen in Scarface are coming together for a true story film about Penn State football coach, who was a well respected coach until a child sex abuse scandal surrounding his former assistant coach ended his career, it is reported.

    The film is to be produced by Edward R Press who had earlier made Wall Street. Observed Press, “Happy Valley reunites the Scarface and Carlito‘s Way team of De Palma and Pacino for the third time and I can‘t think of a better duo to tell this story of a complex, intensely righteous man who was brought down by his own tragic flaw.”

    Pacino has earlier enacted the role of a troubled football coach Tony D‘Amato in Any Given Sunday made in 1999

  • Al Pacino to receive National Medal of Arts

    Al Pacino to receive National Medal of Arts

    MUMBAI: US President Barack Obama will present Al Pacino the 2011 National Medal of Arts at the White House on Monday.

    Pacino, who starred in Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather trilogy and Scarface, will receive the medal for his contributions as an actor and director of American film and theatre.

    TOther honorees for the National Medal of Arts include names like Will Barnet (painter), Rita Dove (poet), Emily Rauh Pulitzer (curator/philanthropist), Martin Puryear (sculptor), Mel Tillis (music vet), Andre Watts (pianist) and the United Service Organization.

    Additionally, the 2011 National Humanities Medal will also be presented to Kwame Anthony Appiah, John Asbery, Robert Darnton, Andrew Delbanco, Charles Rosen, Teofilo Ruiz, Ramon Saldivar, Amartya Sen and National History Day.

  • Pix lines up an array of movies in June

    Pix lines up an array of movies in June

    MUMBAI: From romance to comedies, action to mysteries, and horror to dramas, Pix has it all in June. The channel will air blockbuster movies under the brands Perfect 10, Cheap Thrills Friday, Damn Good Drama and Pix of the week.

    Perfect 10 will have a John Travolta special from 12 – 14 June and a Barbara Streisand fest from 28 – 29 June.

    Action, thriller and adventure style movies will take over on Friday nights in Cheap Thrills Friday with movies like Thank God its Friday and I Know What You Did Last Summer, which will air at 8 pm and The Blue Lagoon and Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, which will air at 10 pm.

    Dramas will dominate the screen on Saturday nights in Damn Good Drama with back to back movies of stars like Paul Newman amd Al Pacino in Absence of Malice and And Justice For All, which will air 24 June at 8 pm and 10 pm respectively.

    Jack Nicholson’s Easy Rider will also be premiered in June apart from other premieres every Sunday at 8 pm.