Tag: Rosamund Pike

  • Unforgettable moments from The Wheel of Time season one

    Unforgettable moments from The Wheel of Time season one

    Mumbai: In its debut season, The Wheel of Time journeyed to a world where magic and destiny come together for an engaging fantasy drama. The Amazon Original series introduced viewers to a group of young villagers whose lives changed changed when a formidable sorceress, Moiraine (played by Rosamund Pike) arrived, bringing along with her chaos as she and the relentlessly hunted for the elusive Dragon Reborn, a figure of immense power and destiny. As we eagerly await the upcoming season, here’s a quick recap of all that went down in season one!

    Introduction to a world of magic and destiny

    The season began with the arrival of Moiraine Sedai (Rosamund Pike) and her Warder (magically linked bodyguard) Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) in the peaceful village of Emond’s Field. They’re on a mission to find the Dragon Reborn, a prophesied individual who could either save the world or bring its destruction.

    Trolloc attack and the flight from Emond’s field

    Chaos erupts as Trollocs, monstrous creatures serving the dark one, attack Emond’s dield. Moiraine identifies Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), Mat Cauthon (Barney Harris), Perrin Aybara (Marcus Rutherford), Egwene al’Vere (Madeleine Madden), and Nynaeve al’Meara (Zoë Robins) as individuals connected to the prophecy. The friends, along with the wisdom Nynaeve, flee as Dark friends pursue them. The thrilling chase is what catapults the story forward, engaging the fans in an exciting journey.

    Journey and self-discovery

    The group embarks on a treacherous journey to the city of Baerlon, facing dangers like Whitecloaks and Shadar Logoth. Along the way, Rand channels the One Power, Nynaeve exhibits strong channeling abilities, Mat becomes affected by a cursed dagger, and Perrin grapples with his connection to wolves. Egwene’s potential as an Aes Sedai is hinted at, and brings forth potential mysteries for the characters.

    The Quest for the Eye of the World

    The group’s journey leads them to the Green Man, guardian of the Eye of the World. He sacrifices himself to protect the Eye from forces of darkness. In a climactic showdown, they confront the Forsaken Aginor and Balthamel. Rand inadvertently channels immense power, and the Forsaken are defeated as the Eye is sealed. Rand’s confession to Egwene about his channeling marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability.

    Embracing destiny and setting the stage

    As the season concludes, the friends find the Dragon Banner in Fal Dara, revealing Rand’s acceptance of his role as the Dragon Reborn. The Horn of Valere is discovered, hinting at greater battles to come. The group’s unity grows stronger as they face their intertwined destinies and prepare to confront the challenges that lie ahead.

    Based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy series, the second season of The Wheel of Time is slated to premiere on 1 September. Building upon the foundation of the first season, the new installment promises even more exciting twists and revelations. With the original cast reprising their roles, including Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Barney Harris, featuring in pivotal roles. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and Thomas Napper, fans can brace themselves for another captivating chapter in this epic saga streaming exclusively on Prime Video. 

  • Prime Video drops ‘Wheel of Time’ trailer; starts streaming on 19 Nov

    Prime Video drops ‘Wheel of Time’ trailer; starts streaming on 19 Nov

    Mumbai: Prime Video has released the official trailer of its upcoming fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” based on the best-selling book series.

    The first three episodes of season one will premiere on 19 November. New episodes will be available each Friday following, leading up to the season finale on 24 December, it said on Thursday.

    Prime Video debuted the trailer with an immersive experience that allowed fans to view the 2-D trailer in a virtual three-dimensional wheel on YouTube. “The Wheel of Time” will be streaming in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

    Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novel, ‘The Wheel of Time’ was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions, Mike Weber, Ted Field of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, and Uta Briesewitz will also serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz set to direct the first two episodes. Rosamund Pike will serve as producer and Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson as consulting producers. “The Wheel of Time” is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.

    ‘The Wheel of Time’ books are one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time, with more than 90 million books sold. They are set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.  

  • Binge-worthy shows to get you through the week

    Binge-worthy shows to get you through the week

    MUMBAI: Girls rule the roost! Well, at least that’s what the latest report from US-based information, data and market measurement firm Nielsen seems to suggest. The top three most watched acquired titles on OTT platforms – Good Girls, Ginny & Georgia and I Care A Lot – are all female-driven shows. But that’s where the similarity ends. While all three are to be found on popular streaming platform Netflix, their content involves very different storylines.

    Good Girls is an American crime comedy-drama television series created by Jenna Bans that premiered on NBC on 26 February 2018. The series showcases the story of sisters Beth and Annie and their best friend Ruby, who become fed up with playing by the rules and not getting the respect they deserve. They band together to take control of their lives and go on to hold up a local grocery store.

    Ginny & Georgia is an American dramedy streaming television series created by Sarah Lampert that was released on Netflix on 24 February 24 this year. It’s a tale about free-spirited Georgia and her two kids, Ginny and Austin, who move north in search of a fresh start but find that the road to new beginnings can be bumpy.

    I Care a Lot is a 2020 American black comedy film starring Gone Girl actor Rosamund Pike. If you come to watch this movie going by its deceptive title, expecting a feel‑good story of a female protagonist with a heart of gold who can do no wrong and that shines as a beacon of moral goodness untainted by the big bad world, then you are in for several shocks. The film is about a court-appointed legal guardian who defrauds her older clients and traps them under her care. Also, this title came up tops in the Top Ten Movies list too.

    If we switch over to original content on streaming platforms, it’s the same story. So let’s tune in for a more detailed insight on the top ranked subscription video on demand (SVoD) programs. The Nielsen data curated is from the end of February (Week of 21 February 2021 – 28 February 2021).

    The top three programs are Ginny & Georgia, WandaVision and Behind Her Eyes, with the just released Ginny & Georgia once again topping this list too. Again, all three are women-dominated stories set in completely different backdrops.

    WandaVision again remains the only non-Netflix show in the top Ten. The American television miniseries created by Jac Schaeffer based on the Marvel Comics characters Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch and Vision can be found on the streaming service Disney+.

    Behind Her Eyes is a British supernatural psychological thriller web series created by Steve Lightfoot, based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Sarah Pinborough, that premiered on Netflix on 17 February 2021. It depicts the story of a single mother, who enters a world of twisted mind games when she begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife.

    The next in line, Firefly Lane, also revolves around two women – Tully and Kate, who meet as young girls on Firefly Lane and become inseparable friends throughout 30 years of ups and downs. This American streaming television series was created by Maggie Friedman for Netflix and is based on the novel of the same name.

    Bridgerton – the period drama set in the world of Regency era London, produced by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix rounds up the top five under originals. Together, the girl power seems to have dethroned royal drama The Crown from its top spot in the rankings.

    Amongst the most watched acquired shows, long running American television productions like Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy have managed to hold the fort this week too. In fact, Grey's Anatomy, an American medical drama television series that premiered in 2005, is the longest-running scripted primetime series carried by ABC. The fictional series focuses on the lives of surgical interns and residents as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships. The series was most recently renewed for its seventeenth season.

    Criminal Minds is an American police procedural crime drama television series which also premiered in 2005 on CBS, and concluded in 2020. It follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and tells the story of the team as they work various cases, and tackle their personal struggles.

    Schitt’s Creek, the Canadian television sitcom created by father and son Eugene and Dan Levy and aired on CBC Television, is the fourth contender on the top ten. The hilarious but heart-warming tale of the stinking rich family of four, who suddenly find themselves bankrupt left with an ugly small town named Schitt's Creek as their only remaining asset has found many takers, not to mention awards. The series has been raking in awards in the comedy category ever since its finale season six was aired in April 2020 on Netflix .

    Together, these top ranked shows comprise an eclectic mix of originals and acquired programs, encompassing dramas, reality shows, sitcoms, movies and psychological thrillers. Something to chew on as you breeze through your weekend. Cheers!

  • IWC celebrates new Pilot’s watches launch in Geneva

    IWC celebrates new Pilot’s watches launch in Geneva

    MUMBAI:  IWC Schaffhausen celebrated the launch of its new Pilot’s Watches with an exclusive gala evening at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva. Around 800 guests had the chance to admire a true icon of British aviation – the Spitfire – and ring in the year of Pilot’s Watches together with IWC. Among them were numerous prominent brand ambassadors of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer such as Bradley Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Dev Patel, Adriana Lima, James Marsden, Karolina Kurkova, and Sonam Kapoor.

    This week at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled its new Spitfire, TOP GUN and “Le Petit Prince” models. This year, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer invited the international IWC family and guests to come together at an exclusive gala evening to live the dream of flying.

    The first of many highlights of the evening came when a real Spitfire landed spectacularly on site. Out strode British pilot Matt Jones, who intends to take off on a round-the-world trip in the Silver Spitfire next summer, starting in Goodwood, England.

    IWC is supporting the ‘Silver Spitfire − The Longest Flight’ project as its main sponsor. Musical highlights were provided by successful Icelandic quartet Kaleo, who performed some of their best-known hits such as ‘Way down we go’ as well as IWC‘s very own house band who came together especially for the evening.

  • Ben Affleck’s ‘Gone Girl’ to release in India on Diwali

    Ben Affleck’s ‘Gone Girl’ to release in India on Diwali

    NEW DELHI: Gone girl by David Fincher starring Ben Affleck will be released in the India on 23 October after a phenomenal American box office opening and rave reviews by expert critics.
     
    With staggering positive reviews the movie has already got bumper box office numbers in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) territories with numbers expected to grow even further.

    Gone Girl, based on a best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn, earned strong reviews from critics, with an 87 per cent positive rating on review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.

     
    Affleck stars as a writer who is caught in a media circus when his wife goes missing and the police suspect he is responsible.

     
    It stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon. The film had its world premiere on opening night of the 52nd New York Film Festival on 26 September. It had its American theatrical release on 3 October.

     
    The film examines dishonesty in the media, and the economy’s effects on marriage, and appearances.

    The film opened the 52nd New York Film Festival, receiving high profile press coverage and early positive reviews.

     

    Flincher is the film-maker behind The Social Network and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

     
    Published in 2012, Flynn’s novel has sold more than six million copies. Earlier this year, she was commissioned by the Hogarth Shakespeare project to rewrite The Bard’s tragedy Hamlet.

     

  • First film to be shot in 6K and re-framed in 5K

    First film to be shot in 6K and re-framed in 5K

    NEW DELHI: David Fincher’s Gone Girl is the first feature film anywhere in the world to be shot entirely in 6K (with the Red Dragon) and the first studio feature film to be entirely edited on Adobe Premiere Pro CC.  

     

    Though the film was shot in 6K, it was re-framed for 5K. “Shooting in 6K, we had a large amount of Red media content to be converted and reviewed,” post engineer Jeff Brue said in a NVIDIA case study. “This, combined with a need for an ability during editorial for every shot to be reframed, posed a unique challenge.”    

    Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harris, the film is based on a novel by Gilian Flynn who has himself written the screenplay. With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent. 

     

    It was also the first to use NVIDIA’s new Quadro K5200 GPU—which has double the memory and 30 per cent faster performance than its predecessor—in its workflow, according to the National Association of Broadcasters (US).    

     

    The NVIDIA GPU technology was used to convert the footage to DPX at “blazingly fast” speeds, according to Brue.  “The NVIDIA Quadro 5200 was extremely performant in the production by allowing the playback and real time downscaling of 6K to 4K—something that was crucial to ensuring the best post production experience,” Brue added.  

  • ‘Gone Girl’ to release in 2014, ‘Frankenstein’ pushed to 2015

    ‘Gone Girl’ to release in 2014, ‘Frankenstein’ pushed to 2015

    MUMBAI: The Ben Affleck starrer Gone Girl has got a release date of 3 October 2014 while 20th Century Fox’s Frankenstein gets a date of 16 January 2015.

    rankenstein will see Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe opposite James McAvoy.
    Frankenstein was to open on 17 October 2014 with McAvoy playing Frankenstein and Radcliffe playing Igor. Instead it has decided to release Gone Girl with Affleck and Rosamund Pike in October along with animated family film Book of Life on 17 October.

    Fox is working with Regency on Gone Girl, which is under production. Based on a novel by Gillian Flynn it is about a couple who move from a city to a small town and then the wife goes missing.

  • Gone Girl to release in 2014, Frankenstein pushed to 2015

    Gone Girl to release in 2014, Frankenstein pushed to 2015

    MUMBAI: The Ben Affleck starrer Gone Girl has got a release date of 3 October 2014 while 20th Century Fox’s Frankenstein gets a date of 16 January 2015.

     

    rankenstein will see Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe opposite James McAvoy.
    Frankenstein was to open on 17 October 2014 with McAvoy playing Frankenstein and Radcliffe playing Igor. Instead it has decided to release Gone Girl with Affleck and Rosamund Pike in October along with animated family film Book of Life on 17 October.

     

    Fox is working with Regency on Gone Girl, which is under production. Based on a novel by Gillian Flynn it is about a couple who move from a city to a small town and then the wife goes missing.