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Tag: Ridley Scott

  • 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.

  • Fifteen new HBO Max originals coming to Warner Media platforms in Asia

    Fifteen new HBO Max originals coming to Warner Media platforms in Asia

    MUMBAI: With the launch of HBO Max in the United States on May 27, Warner Media has confirmed that a first wave of at least 15 HBO Max Originals will land on HBO GO and channels in Asia in 2020.

    Most shows will be available first on HBO GO, such as The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo and Love Life where three episodes of each have already dropped on May 27. Premiere dates for other titles and those across HBO, Warner TV, Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels are still to be confirmed.

    The programming slate, specially curated to suit the taste of Asian audiences, includes drama series, documentaries, movies and kids shows. The content is sourced from studios and distributors including Lionsgate, Paramount, Warner Bros. and Sesame Workshop.

    Talent includes household names like Ridley Scott, Meryl Streep, Kaley Cuoco, Lena Dunham, Anna Kendrick, Steven Soderbergh, Melissa McCarthy, Ray Romano, James Corden and of course Elmo and the Sesame Street gang.

    The titles include:

    Comedy & drama series

    Love Life

    Anna Kendrick stars in this anthology romantic comedy series about the journey from first love to last love, and how the people we’re with along the way make us into who we are when we finally end up with someone forever.

    Watch the trailer:

    Raised by Wolves

    From the mind of Ridley Scott, Raised by Wolves centres upon two androids tasked with raising human children on a mysterious virgin planet.

    Flight Attendant

    Starring Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory), a flight attendant awakens in a Dubai hotel room to find her one-night-stand dead beside her. Could she have killed him? And, if not, who did?

    Doom Patrol (S2)

    The critically acclaimed DC series features a band of superpowered freaks, part support group, part superhero team, who fight for a world that wants nothing to do with them.

    Made for Love

    A series adaptation based on the tragicomic novel of the same name. Starring Cristin Milioti and Ray Romano, Made for Love is a dark, absurd and cynically poignant story of divorce and revenge.

    Generation

    Executive produced by Lena Dunham and Ben Barnz, Generation is a dark yet playful half-hour following a group of high school students. It tests deeply-entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community.

    KIDS & FAMILY:

    The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo

    Sesame Street’s Elmo is the host of his very own talk show! He’s going to bring you some (not-too-late) fun with an all-new celeb-studded series that celebrates bedtime routines. Guests include Lil Nas X, the Jonas Brothers, Ciara, Blake Lively, Sofia Carson, John Mulaney, Olivia Wilde and John Oliver.

    Watch the trailer:

    Looney Tunes Cartoons

    An all-new series featuring the marquee characters in their classic pairings in simple, gag-driven and visually vibrant stories.

    The Fungies!

    A prehistoric comedy cartoon, The Fungies! explores Fungietown through the whimsical quests of Seth, a young student at Fungietown Elementary.

    Adventure Time: Distant Lands

    These four new specials will continue the Adventure Time stories that captured imaginations and introduced unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, best buds who traversed the mystical Land of Ooo and encountered its colourful inhabitants.

    Sesame Street

    For 50 years, Sesame Street has helped kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, offering preschoolers and their families the gold standard in educational children’s programming.

    Sesame Street: The Monster at the End of the Book

    Starring lovable, furry Grover from Sesame Street, The Monster at the End of This Story is a new animated special based on the acclaimed children’s picture book.

    FILMS:

    UNpregnant

    The film tells the story of 17-year-old Veronica, who never thought she’d want to fail a test – that is, until she finds herself staring at a piece of plastic with two solid pink lines. The Greg Berlanti-production offers a mix of humour and grounded human emotion as it tackles complicated friendships and the difficult road to adulthood…all while in a stolen car.

    Let Them All Talk (wt)

    The film is based on a story of a celebrated author who takes a journey with some old friends to have some fun and heal old wounds. Her nephew comes along to wrangle the ladies and finds himself involved with a young literary agent. Stars Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen, Diane Wiest and directed by Steven Soderbergh.

    Superintelligence

    Starring Melissa McCarthy, this film tells the story of Carol Peters, to whom nothing extraordinary ever happens. But the world’s first super-intelligence has selected her for observation, taking over her life…with a more ominous plan to take over everything.

    Love Life trailer:

    The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo trailer:

  • Where’s Quibi headed for in the OTT world?

    Where’s Quibi headed for in the OTT world?

    MUMBAI: The streaming video landscape continues to fragment in 2020, as a growing number of streaming services join the fight for subscribers and users within an already competitive space. As a result, the global number of SVoD subscriptions is estimated to exceed 1 billion by mid-2020. Other streaming video services across social media players, esports and AVoD are also expected to show impressive growth.

    The subscription streaming market has been further amplified by the stay-at-home lockdown period, which is not only encouraging a rise in TV viewing but also a change in behaviour, as gaps in live TV scheduling, particularly sports, encourage consumers to look elsewhere for entertainment alternatives. Beyond SVoD, this is also expected to fuel uptake of premium AVoD services such as Pluto TV. According to Futuresource’s Living with Digital consumer research, at the end of 2019, one in seven American households were active monthly users of Pluto TV, with Tubi just a little lower.

    Quibi is a platform that sees a potentially rich corner for targeting millennial audiences with mobile-specific content. As the name indicates, ‘quick bite’ entertainment will consist of scripted and non-scripted content across a range of genres, including comedy, drama, reality and news updates. A-list creators, including Steven Speilberg, Ridley Scott and Catherine Hardwicke, are on board to produce and direct shows exclusively for the service, with Quibi’s new film-making technology ensuring a seamless experience, whether viewing in portrait or landscape.

    Its launch during lockdown presents itself as a double-edged sword. As mentioned, consumers now have more time to experiment with new services, but equally, solo mobile-viewing is based to fit around people’s lifestyles and “normal” routines: when arriving early to meet your friends at the bar, commuting to work or school, exercising at the gym – all of those activities that are now on hold for the foreseeable future. The marked increase in SVoD viewing on TV sets over the recent weeks ultimately comes at the expense of content viewing on mobile devices.

    Another key point here is: who are Quibi’s rivals? Its unique proposition addressing mobile viewing at a monthly price means that it is not only competing with major SVoD players like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and beyond, but other free services that also focus on mobile viewing. This includes the likes of Facebook Watch, Snap Originals, IGTV, Tik-Tok and of course, YouTube. Although YouTube is the market leader for short form content worldwide, people do not only watch its content on smartphones or tablets. In fact, Futuresource’s consumer research shows that just 42 per cent of YouTube watchers in the top five Western European countries and USA use a tablet or smartphone as their main viewing device to view the service. As the quality and professionalism of content on YouTube increases, consumers are finding additional value in watching on a larger screen. This means that Quibi faces potential competition from all sides, as it looks to exploit what it has identified as a gap in the market. However, Quibi has recently announced that it will enable casting to compatible TVs in May.

    Quibi launches with a free 90-day trial, a longer period than currently offered by Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Disney+. This is highly unusual for such a service launch, and its major challenge will be converting these to paying subscribers. While the trial provides a valuable period to garner user behaviour and shape the future direction of the service, will most users have exhausted the content that interests them by the time the trial expires?

    Quibi will be judged on both the quality and originality of the content it provides, benchmarked against the key SVoD and AVoD players as mentioned above. Whether the service can command the attention it needs in a considerably fragmented market remains to be seen.

    The author is principal analyst at Futuresource Consulting
     

  • Hennessy debuts Ridley Scott-directed short film

    Hennessy debuts Ridley Scott-directed short film

    MUMBAI: Hennessy has released a short film by legendary director Ridley Scott who visualises the odyssey experienced in every sip of Hennessy X.O. The campaign was created by the advertising agency DDB Paris, creative partner of Hennessy. A 60-second version of the film was premiered in the US during The 91st Oscars airing 24 February on ABC.

    Complementing the idea that “Each drop of Hennessy X.O. is an Odyssey,” the Oscar® nominated director of the films The Martian and Gladiator as well as cult films Alien and Blade Runner, creates a visual journey that explores the seven flavor profiles in a surreal, sensorial and immersive narrative. The film is a creative interpretation of each of the seven tasting notes, described by Hennessy’s Comité de Dégustation as illustrations of Hennessy X.O’s taste and feel: Sweet Notes, Rising Heat, Spicy Edge, Flowing Flame, Chocolate Lull, Wood Crunches; culminating in Infinite Echo.

    “I was attracted to this project because I was inspired by the potential for art and entertainment to bring this story to life,” said Ridley Scott. “Hennessy has a great product, and I was lucky enough to have the freedom to interpret this and create something amazing. I think people will be stunned when they see the film."

    ‘The Seven Worlds' production team includes global leaders in visual effects, Moving Picture Company (MPC), who previously collaborated with Scott on the films Alien, The Martian as well as Blade Runner and reunite with the director to design ‘out of this world’ effects through CGI. Composer Daniel Pemberton, who previously worked on Scott's film All the Money in the World and The Counselor, created a unique and unexpected score perfectly complimenting the director’s vision of Hennessy X.O. Scott’s production company RSA Films produced the film.

    "It is an honour for Hennessy to partner with a visionary like Ridley Scott," said Hennessy global CMO Michael Aidan. "This film showcases Ridley's artistic genius conveying the essence of Hennessy X.O through entertainment that transcends traditional advertising."

    “When we embarked on this adventure, we dreamed of creating a film that is truly different. But even in our wildest dreams, we did not imagine we would be going to so many incredible new worlds. Together with Hennessy and Ridley Scott, we hope to have achieved a new benchmark in advertising,” says Alexander Kalchev, executive creative director at DDB Paris

  • Turkish Airlines launches new commercial ‘The Journey’ at Super Bowl LIII

    Turkish Airlines launches new commercial ‘The Journey’ at Super Bowl LIII

    MUMBAI: To mark the opening of Istanbul airport, its new home, Turkish Airlines teamed up with acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott to release a new commercial, ‘The Journey’, during the Super Bowl LIII on 3 February. A six-minute cinematic short film was simultaneously released on YouTube as well.

    It is Scott’s first commercial in 15 years and stars actresses Sylvia Hoeks and Aure Atika. It has been produced by RSA Films. ‘The Journey’ shows the story of a chase across the city’s iconic landmarks.

    Commenting on the campaign, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee M İlker Aycı said, “When viewers tuned into the Super Bowl on Sunday they were treated to a stunning portrayal of Istanbul in this thrilling film from Ridley Scott. We invite travelers around the world to join us on our journey and experience true Turkish hospitality at our brand new home at Istanbul airport.”

    Director and producer Ridley Scott said, “Istanbul is an inspiring city to build a story around with  its beautiful     topography surrounded by water. The city is a powerful backdrop to the story that brings together the main characters in an exciting and spectacular way, much as Istanbul has done for generations.”

    ‘THE JOURNEY’ showcases Istanbul as the hub of Turkish Airlines and the new center of aviation for global travelers, which will be the world’s largest aviation hub with an annual capacity of 200 million passengers. Flying to more countries than any other airline, Turkish Airlines currently connects 306 destinations in 124 countries, which will expand as it moves its hub from the current Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the newly opened Istanbul airport.

    Four promotional versions and a six-minute cinematic short film were created as well as a behind-the-scenes special that details the entire experience including interviews with the director and cast.

  • Watch popular stars in conversation with Rajeev Masand, on now showing

    Watch popular stars in conversation with Rajeev Masand, on now showing

    MUMBAI: This week on Now Showing, catch CNN-News18’s Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand’s review of Ridley Scott’s flick – All the Money in the World, starring Oscar winner Christopher Plummer, Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg.

    Rajeev Masand will also speak to Bareilly Ki Barfi star Kriti Sanon about how her life has changed after becoming famous and how she got over the failure of Raabta. Kriti also shares her views on paparazzi culture and the constant pressure of being judged for one’s appearance.

    In another special segment, Hollywood star Jeremy Renner speaks exclusively to Rajeev Masand about the Harvey Weinstein scandal and how he, along with the makers of his new film Wind River, took the film back from the disgraced studio chief.

    The viewers can also test their film quotient and win exclusive DVDs and movie vouchers by participating in The Really Tough Movie Quiz.

  • Sony Le Plex HD to premiere Smith’s fight for justice in ‘Concussion’

    Sony Le Plex HD to premiere Smith’s fight for justice in ‘Concussion’

    MUMBAI: Sony Le Plex HD brings the story of a doctor’s single-handed fight to save lives from brain damage with the premiere of Concussion. The movie airs on 18 December at 1 pm and 9 pm.

    Based in Pittsburgh, the movie is inspired by real life incidents in the early 2000 when the National Football League (NFL) players were suspected of dying due to brain degeneration or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The movie captures the relentless efforts of Dr. Bennet Omalu who constantly strives to save these players lives. Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Will Smith, is fighting a tough battle against the NFL who are keen to dismiss his research on the long-term effects of repeated blows on the head of the players.

    The movie takes you to the times when living the American dream was fostered by one and all. Powerful dialogues paired with brilliant cinematography, Concussion boasts off great performances by Will Smith and veteran actor Alec Baldwin, which creates a masterpiece worth watching.

    Directed by Peter Landesman, Concussion is a gripping story with powerful dialogues and great performances. Produced by Ridley Scott, the movie has received rave reviews from the critics and audience both. Will Smith has also won numerous awards and nominations in the Best Actor category for his portrayal as Dr. Bennet Omalu.

  • Sony Le Plex HD to premiere Smith’s fight for justice in ‘Concussion’

    Sony Le Plex HD to premiere Smith’s fight for justice in ‘Concussion’

    MUMBAI: Sony Le Plex HD brings the story of a doctor’s single-handed fight to save lives from brain damage with the premiere of Concussion. The movie airs on 18 December at 1 pm and 9 pm.

    Based in Pittsburgh, the movie is inspired by real life incidents in the early 2000 when the National Football League (NFL) players were suspected of dying due to brain degeneration or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The movie captures the relentless efforts of Dr. Bennet Omalu who constantly strives to save these players lives. Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Will Smith, is fighting a tough battle against the NFL who are keen to dismiss his research on the long-term effects of repeated blows on the head of the players.

    The movie takes you to the times when living the American dream was fostered by one and all. Powerful dialogues paired with brilliant cinematography, Concussion boasts off great performances by Will Smith and veteran actor Alec Baldwin, which creates a masterpiece worth watching.

    Directed by Peter Landesman, Concussion is a gripping story with powerful dialogues and great performances. Produced by Ridley Scott, the movie has received rave reviews from the critics and audience both. Will Smith has also won numerous awards and nominations in the Best Actor category for his portrayal as Dr. Bennet Omalu.

  • MN+ brings exciting line up of Hollywood films with ‘Director’s Cut’

    MN+ brings exciting line up of Hollywood films with ‘Director’s Cut’

    MUMBAI: MN+, the premium HD English movie channel is set to bring yet another exciting line-up of Gold Class Hollywood movies this July with the launch of their new property, ‘Director’s Cut’.

    Director’s Cut is the first ever 3 month long property from MN+ and is committed to the channels vision of delighting their viewers with world class, sophisticated cinema. The property will celebrate some of the best Director’s in Hollywood through a month long spotlight on each director, showcasing their best works. Starting with Ridley Scott in July, Christopher Nolan in August and Steven Spielberg in September, Director’s cut is set to showcase some of the finest collection of Hollywood movies that any movie enthusiast can never miss.

    The spotlight for the month of July is the versatile Oscar Award winning director ‘Ridley Scott’ who’s best works will be aired only on MN+ starting Saturday, July 9, 2016, 9:00pm and for all the following Saturdays in July.

    The director is known for successfully experimenting in different genres like comedy-drama, science-fiction horror, historical drama, crime thriller and neo-noir films and has exhibited his brilliant story-telling skills on screen through his awards winning movies like American Gangster, Black Hawk Down and Hannibal.

    American Gangster is a biographical crime film which embodies a detective’s work to bring down the drug racket of Frank Lucas who smuggles drugs in the country from Far East. The movie got a rating of 7.8/10 on IMDB and also won the director a nomination in Best Motion Picture category at the Golden Globe Awards in 2007.

    Black Hawk Down is a war drama that encapsulates the war between U.S. soldiers and the heavily armed forces of Somalia. Another Ridley Scott movie that got a rating of 7.7/10 from IMDB along with receiving a nomination for Best Director and Best Motion Picture at the Academy Awards in 2001.

    Hannibal, the movie, is a sequel to the Academy Awards winning film, The Silence of the Lambs, in which Hannibal Lecter is a serial killer. In the sequel, a victim of his earlier killings finds Hannibal and makes him the target for revenge. The movie is a nail biting thriller which got a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDB.

  • MN+ brings exciting line up of Hollywood films with ‘Director’s Cut’

    MN+ brings exciting line up of Hollywood films with ‘Director’s Cut’

    MUMBAI: MN+, the premium HD English movie channel is set to bring yet another exciting line-up of Gold Class Hollywood movies this July with the launch of their new property, ‘Director’s Cut’.

    Director’s Cut is the first ever 3 month long property from MN+ and is committed to the channels vision of delighting their viewers with world class, sophisticated cinema. The property will celebrate some of the best Director’s in Hollywood through a month long spotlight on each director, showcasing their best works. Starting with Ridley Scott in July, Christopher Nolan in August and Steven Spielberg in September, Director’s cut is set to showcase some of the finest collection of Hollywood movies that any movie enthusiast can never miss.

    The spotlight for the month of July is the versatile Oscar Award winning director ‘Ridley Scott’ who’s best works will be aired only on MN+ starting Saturday, July 9, 2016, 9:00pm and for all the following Saturdays in July.

    The director is known for successfully experimenting in different genres like comedy-drama, science-fiction horror, historical drama, crime thriller and neo-noir films and has exhibited his brilliant story-telling skills on screen through his awards winning movies like American Gangster, Black Hawk Down and Hannibal.

    American Gangster is a biographical crime film which embodies a detective’s work to bring down the drug racket of Frank Lucas who smuggles drugs in the country from Far East. The movie got a rating of 7.8/10 on IMDB and also won the director a nomination in Best Motion Picture category at the Golden Globe Awards in 2007.

    Black Hawk Down is a war drama that encapsulates the war between U.S. soldiers and the heavily armed forces of Somalia. Another Ridley Scott movie that got a rating of 7.7/10 from IMDB along with receiving a nomination for Best Director and Best Motion Picture at the Academy Awards in 2001.

    Hannibal, the movie, is a sequel to the Academy Awards winning film, The Silence of the Lambs, in which Hannibal Lecter is a serial killer. In the sequel, a victim of his earlier killings finds Hannibal and makes him the target for revenge. The movie is a nail biting thriller which got a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDB.