Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Poster for 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'

I know the property is silly swashbuckling superficiality, but posters up to this point have had no personality or draw. This one, though, conveys some atmosphere, intrigue, and is a visual play on the title.





















Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Poster for 'The Innkeepers'

Here's another fantastic poster for 'The Innkeepers':


Simply works. Great dynamic range -- the shadows are murky but you can make out detail, and the lettering near the door is intensely lit, nearly blown, and mellows nicely across the carpet.

Reminds me of posters for spy thrillers from the 60s, especially in the style and layout of the title font. Very retro and used well here. There's also a vague Hitchcock/Saul Bass vibe that I like.

The new tag: "Every room has a secret" fits this poster well. It's refreshing that they change the line in each poster. I can't remember seeing that before.

My only crit is the flashlight beam is too blown and (maybe) too white, too pure. A warmer yellowish/green light would be better, more in keeping with the 70s tone/style.

I'm betting this, or something like it, will be what they use closer to release. Previous posters have been nice, very artsy, but not mainstream. Maybe too intense for average moviegoers. This style is more commercial, accessible, and will draw an audience.

So far, a great campaign and this graphic meets the high standard set by previous one-sheets. What's clear is somebody cares about this movie. Along with the excellent trailers, good signs.


















Patton Oswalt on Charlize Theron's Commitment

Getty Images

He delivered at the Gotham Awards. While introducing Charlize Theron, who received a career tribute award, Oswalt said (from Carpetbagger's coverage):

"By the way," he continued, addressing Ms. Theron in the audience, "I know that everyone gets on you for, 'oh she gained all this weight for 'Monster' " – the role that won her an Oscar –"and it was amazing.' I gained 40 pounds for 'Young Adult' 20 years before Diablo wrote the script. That is real commitment!"

Not bad. Neither is Theron's dress.



















Monday, November 28, 2011

Keanu Reeves on the '47 Ronin' Set


Some snapshots from the set of '47 Ronin' have hit the web. Here's Reeves in Samurai regalia looking fairly authentic (though there's not much to see the kimono crosses left side [the peaceful yin side] over right [the aggressive yang side] which is correct).

Directed by Carl Rinsch, which doesn't tell us much, but written by Hossein Amini, who gave us a nicely cut subtley powerful character-driven action flick in 'Drive', which gives me reason to look forward.














Monday, November 21, 2011

James Cameron Pitches 'Titanic 3D'

<a href='http://video.uk.msn.com/?mkt=en-gb&vid=96c5a8f4-e806-4e62-a33a-77d91fc15250&src=SLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='MSN Exclusive: James Cameron on re-mastering Titanic'>Video: MSN Exclusive: James Cameron on re-mastering Titanic</a>









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'We Bought a Zoo' Crew Covers THR


So, THR writes up 'We Bought a Zoo'. Nice cover. No Matt Damon, but nice. I was struck by this excerpt:

DAMON LOVE BEING WOOED; DIDN'T WANT A "DISNEY VERSION" OF THE MOVIE

Crowe traveled to the set of the Coen brothers' True Grit in Austin and presented Damon with a script, a CD of songs that he'd burned and a copy of Local Hero -- a perfect little 1983 movie in which Peter Riegert played an oil-company executive sent to buy a remote village in Scotland, to woo him for Zoo. "My instructions were to not just read the script and make a decision," Damon says. Crowe had brought all the tools in his kit -- music, film and words -- not only to convey what he had in mind for this movie but to envelop Damon in the world he meant to create. "He said: 'I know what you're going to be afraid of; the bad version of this movie is really a movie you don't want to be in. That's what I'm afraid of too,' " Damon says.

Have to admit I'm glad to hear they at least tried to avoid 'the Disney version'. Just couldn't sit through that. Still have my doubts but this is good news.

But, what really catches my eye is the mention of 'Local Hero'. Have you seen this film? One of the most charming and affecting movies I've seen. About a burned-out schlubby middle of the pack oil company exec, Mac (played by Peter Riegert), who is sent to a beautiful bay in Scotland to buy up all the property from the locals so the boss (Burt Lancaster) can build an oil refinery on the site.

I know -- doesn't sound charming -- but the way the villagers' easy-going natural day-to-day life transforms Mac from a jaded city-dweller to a lover of nature, a reborn man really, makes for one of the most gratifying stories you're likely to see in a movie.

There's one scene in particular I love. Mac heads out to convince the only person who won't relinquish his property, Ben Knox (the local eccentric played by Fulton MacKay), to sell his strip of beach. Knox has Mac sit by the fire to work out details. Mac is eager and confident, making it clear the oil company has very deep pockets and will make Knox a rich man if he sells. Knox balks at the idea but offers a deal. He reaches down and scoops up a handful of sand and says he'll sell his beach to Mac in exchange for one dollar for every grain of sand he's holding. Mac's jaw drops, looking at the fistful of sand. Knox spills some and says, "Oop! Just saved you a few dollars." Mac eyes the man, sees he's not bluffing, but wonders if he's totally crazy. After a tense moment Mac suggests this is no way to make a business transaction. Knox holds fast -- that's the deal: a dollar for each grain of sand he's holding and the beach is Mac's -- take it or leave it. Finally, Mac caves saying he's in no position to offer that much money. Knox drops the sand saying, "Well! You could have had yourself a deal. For, I cannot hold more than ten thousand grains of sand in my hand, give or take." Mac narrows his eyes feeling like a fool. Knox beams, having made his point.

The scene is a distillation of the film's thematic subtext. A gem. Rewarding to watch every time.

'Local Hero' is uplifting, genuine, its sincerity catches you off guard. It's surely Riegert's best role, and one of Lancaster's best as well.


That 'Local Hero' was used by Cameron Crowe to help convince Matt Damon to make 'We Bought a Zoo' is promising. At least it says something about their intentions. If Zoo delivers even half the charm of 'Local Hero' it'll be a hit. Like I said, I have my doubts but I'm as jaded as Mac was.

We'll see. Zoo will be released two days before X-mas -- good timing for a flick like this.

If you haven't seen 'Local Hero', check it out. I can say with some confidence you'll be glad you did.
























Saturday, November 19, 2011

Japanese Poster for 'Young Adult'

Somehow, this works. ...a person made up of facets, each with its own style/personality, none of which really lines up with the other parts. Okay, this works, fits into the scheme of things.





















Friday, November 18, 2011

Poster for 'The Expendables 2'

Not bad. This movie will rake. It's going to be sick.





















'Dreams of a Life' Poster


Doc about Joyce Carol Vincent, who died in her London apartment in 2003, apparently while wrapping Christmas gifts, and was not discovered for three years.

Here's the synopsis:

Would anyone miss you? Nobody noticed when Joyce Vincent died in her bedsit above a shopping mall in North London in 2003. Her body wasnt discovered for three years, surrounded by Christmas presents she had been wrapping, and with the TV still on. Newspaper reports offered few details of her life not even a photograph.

Interweaving interviews with imagined scenes from Joyces life, Dreams of a Life is an imaginative, powerful, multilayered quest, and is not only a portrait of Joyce but a portrait of London in the eightiesthe City, music, and race. It is a film about urban lives, contemporary life, and how, like Joyce, we are all different things to different people. It is about how little we may ever know each other, but nevertheless, how much we can love.

Getting good notices. Will check it out.













Thursday, November 17, 2011

New Trailer for 'Shame'

Very 70s self-assured easy-going yet genuine to its core. Reminds me of John Cassavetes' work but perhaps with a more refined angst.

This is one to study. Apple just got a newly cut trailer.



















Wednesday, November 16, 2011

As Promised, Trailer for Pixar's 'Brave' Rolls Out

We got a heads up from the Pixar blog yesterday and today Apple delivers a stunning trailer, as promised. Looks to be a return to the character-driven story -- nice after the commercial flimsiness of 'Cars 2'.

Stunning animation, great looking action, deep character, loaded thematically, contemporary story values, subtext that both kids and adults will appreciate. Have to say, 'Brave' looks to be the best Pixar flick yet. I've never been so taken by one of their trailers.

We also get a new still:


Check out the quality of detail, especially in the bow:


This will be an enjoyable movie. Reason enough to get a new top-of-the-line TV and that blu-ray player you've been thinking about. Pixar scores again.

If you want a hi-rez file (1724 x 720 pixels) hit Apple's gallery.


















Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The What-Are-You-Looking-At Poster for 'Young Adult'

Lighting, like the character it illuminates, is harsh. Facial shadows are too deep due to a hair light that's almost directly overhead (instead of behind the subject so the hair is lit but not the face). Appropriate. Nicely done.

Charlize Theron looks great in trailers and brings it in this poster. Pitch-perfect sneer filled with loathing borne of juvenile self-pity, garish sunglasses too light to block enough light to be effective with over-large lenses to spook anyone who gets close enough, expensive boutique shopping bag crumpled in the same way you would crumple the bag a scone would be served in, 'I-don't-care-what-you-think' sweat pants, and an annoying wind-up yapshit pooch.

Every element perfectly chosen. This character is deliciously unsavory (sorry). Um...gloriously unlikeable. Wonderfully bad. Has an ickiness you want to embrace. Pitch-perfect.

Very much looking forward to this flick. Can't wait. Tops my list. Really, nothing comes close.




















Poster for 'Titanic 3D'

A very 'screen capture' attempt. I guess they're going for a 'remember the fourth time you watched this scene at the theater' feel.

Not a great poster but, considering the movie in question, possibly a non-factor. Coming in 3D April 2012 to take even more of your money. It'll be interesting to see what kind of box office numbers it gets this time.














Poster for 'Titanic 3D'

A very 'screen capture' attempt. I guess they're going for a 'remember the fourth time you watched this scene at the theater' feel.

Not a great poster but, considering the movie in question, possibly a non-factor. Coming in 3D April 2012 to take even more of your money. It'll be interesting to see what kind of box office numbers it gets this time.














Pix from Pixar's 'Brave'. Trailer to Roll out Wednesday

According to the Pixar blog, a trailer should roll out Wednesday.

















Netflix App for Tablets


From the Netflix blog:

Today we're excited to let you know that we've launched a fully redesigned experience for our free app on all Android tablets including the Kindle Fire and NOOK Tablet.

The new design is much more immersive and provides greater focus on the growing number of titles in the Netflix catalog. In fact, the new interface displays twice as many movies and TV shows as before, enabling you to discover even more titles you'll love. Also, we've taken greater advantage of the tablet's unique features, inviting you to swipe through rows of titles featuring larger artwork.

An iPad version is on the way.

Looks okay, but judging from the comments a lot of people aren't happy. Here's a few samples:

Anonymous said...

My complaint is that there is no internet link for a customer to lodge a complaint outside of netflix's limited options for "reporting a problem." If, for example, the DVD filmography was very poor quality, there is no where to convey that message. Netflix does not want to be bothered with you except when you pay the subscription.

November 15, 2011 5:20 AM

Unsatisfied Customer said...

Please listen to your customers and bring queue management to your app. It is the most odd thing that I have to manage my queue through your website, which by the way barely works on the ipad. Come on!

November 15, 2011 7:12 AM

Anonymous said...

You guys need to fix the PC interface!

It sucks! I hate it. It's hard to use on an HTPC!

Scrolling of the videos left or right is a pain in the ass with the info hover.

Btw, when are you going to update your player? Why during playback, do I need to open another browser to get info for the movie that is currently playing?

November 15, 2011 7:19 AM

They're all like that. Poor Netflix...















Monday, November 14, 2011

Poster/Trailer for 'Being Flynn'

Was surprised to see this design. It's so old-fashioned. Not classic, old-fashioned. But, that's not bad. Reminds me of a time when book covers had this moody feel that tried to capture a conceptual theme. Most failed, some were okay. This poster stopped me. I like it.

Directed by and screenplay by Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy). Based on a memoir -- a good thing for this kind of story -- by Nick Flynn . Here's a rundown:

Academy Award-nominated writer-director Paul Weitz (ABOUT A BOY) turns his hand to this moving portrait of fathers and sons. Based on a true story, BEING FLYNN follows Nick Flynn (Paul Dano of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, THERE WILL BE BLOOD) who is shocked to have his eccentric and long-absent father, Jonathan (two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro) reach out to him unexpectedly.

Still feeling the loss of his mother (played in flashbacks by four-time Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore) in the midst of starting a new relationship with Denise (JUNO's Olivia Thirlby), the last person Nick wants to see is his father. But you can't outrun fate and slowly Nick comes to realize he has been given the chance to make a real future not only for himself, but for his struggling father too.

Has a lot of potential. Paul Dano has got to be one of the best guys around to play this type role. Looking forward to a drama with Bobby de Niro. And, anything with Julianne Moore...

Apple has the trailer. Don't see this doing a lot of business, could go either way but, like I said, I like it.




















Jeffrey Katzenberg on 'Real-Time' Animation


From Cnet:

"An expert animator can do about three seconds of animation in a week," said Katzenberg...

Even more challenging is that the designers are working largely in the dark, unable for hours to see, for instance, how exactly a character's leg moves during a dance scene. The complexity of the imaging--which needs to begin as low resolution and then requires an eight-hour rendering process--means that animators are working "almost as though they are working blind."


The result is an enormous amount of waiting.


...

DreamWorks is in the final year of a four-year partnership with Intel to develop authoring tools and visual technology that's making the process real-time, which, he said, has always been the "holy grail" in animation.

...

"The implications of this are absolutely revolutionary," he said, arguing that any business that uses high-end rendering--whether it's an oil rig builder or aircraft designer--should be able to take advantage of what DreamWorks and Intel are spearheading.















Friday, November 11, 2011

The Struggling-to-Listen-Politely Poster for 'Carnage'

Graphic is designed to be off-putting -- the too bright background that makes it difficult to see the subjects, slightly sick undersaturated pewter borders, the too polite company waiting for the oh-so-crafted yet, for all appearances, off-the-cuff oration to...finally...end. We've all been there:

"Yes. I agree with you in general terms, who wouldn't...
(pause, eye contact, fake smile)
...but isn't it a bit presumptuous for us to assume..." (Et cetera)

From a scene that was impeccably directed. Each actor delivers a pitch perfect rendition of characters that are not too attractive, at least at the moment, under the circumstances. I look at any one of them and think, "Oh, this person is the centerpiece of the scene. The action revolves around him/her. He/she stands in judgment and/or makes a fool of him/herself." Then look at the next and think the same thing. Rare.

Very smart. Captures just the right tone. If you can appreciate this poster you'll probably get into the movie. If not, well, just skip it.

















Thursday, November 10, 2011

'Snow White & The Huntsman' Character Posters/Trailer

The trailer, really, is a showcase for Charlize Theron, who absolutely brings it. Very nice evil queen, indeed. I'd watch just for her performance. (Love the rendition of her mirror and coat of crows). And I like this little ditty of hers:

Lips red as blood
Hair black as night
Bring me your heart
My dear dear Snow White


Curiously, Kristen Stewart gets no lines. I'm supposing there will be a trailer for each character. Like these posters:





It's worth noting the release date: Summer. IMDb lists the release date for the other Snow White production, 'Mirror Mirror', as March 16 while SWATH will roll out June 1 (both in 2012).

In the middle of March 'Mirror Mirror' will be going up against 'The Raven', 'The Bully Project' (a doc), 'John Carter', 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel', 'Silent House', and 'Playing the Field', all in their second week. The only flick opening the same weekend will be '21 Jump Street'. Fairly soft competition. In its second week 'Mirror Mirror' goes up against 'A Thousand Words' and 'The Hunger Games', which will be tougher competition but will draw on totally different audiences, so MM may have found a niche for successful family oriented counter-programming.

In its opening, 'Snow White & The Huntsman' will go up against 'Battleship' (in its 3rd week), 'Men in Black III' (in its 2nd week) and 'Rock of Ages'. The following week it faces off against 'Madagascar 3' and 'Prometheus'. Competition of another class entirely, and SWATH won't be counter-programming, it'll go head-to-head with these movies.

Seems to support the notion SWATH is expected to have a broader appeal and compete better than 'Mirror Mirror'.

If you want hi-rez versions of these posters (947 x 1500 pixels), Apple has them.


















Wednesday, November 09, 2011

A Look at Canon's Movie Camera: C300

Mobius by Vincent Laforet
Mobius - 1080p HQ from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
Some of Laforet's comments regarding the C300's image quality and how it compares to the RED and Arri rigs. Laforet is looking for movie ideas -- he has deals in place in Hollywood. If you think you have an idea (or screenplay) he might be interested in doing get in touch. Hit his blog for details.






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A Message for the Academy: L. DiCaprio (J. Edgar Parody)










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Anyclip Licenses Warner Bros. Movies


From Cnet:

AnyClip has signed a content licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to create a library of clips from movies like "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Batman Begins," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Dirty Harry." Each film is tagged with more than 5,000 individual elements and added to AnyClip's online library. That library now has more than 12,000 films and 50,000 live clips from production companies including Universal Pictures, Vivendi Entertainment, First Look, and Virgil Films.


AnyClip helps movie studios monetize their content libraries by creating promotional channels for movies. By using AnyClip affiliates, third-party brands and publishers can also legally get access to the content, as well as consumers on the AnyClip Web site.


Great tool for bloggers.












New Poster/Trailer for 'Red Tails'

Apple has a new trailer which is very nicely cut. Honestly, don't think I've seen aerial combat footage this detailed and natural looking. Especially like the shot at 2:02 of P-51s (the plane that won the war).

Poster I don't like that much, but it's consistent with previous efforts, keeping that comic book approach. Works well considering.


















'Snow White & The Huntsman' vs 'Mirror Mirror'

In the throw-down between 'Mirror Mirror' and 'Snow White & The Huntsman' I'm giving the nod to the Kristen Stewart/Chris Hemsworth production. It's got more going for it on (almost) all fronts.

Today, we get a banner/poster for 'Snow White & The Huntsman' which looks pretty good:


This interplay between Hemsworth and Stewart is loaded with sexual tension and works well:


He leans forward, she both beckons and threatens. Her posture is more street than Disney-esque. Very modern. Walt could never have imagined such a rendition.

The petrified (if that's the right word) skeletal ghouls reaching out with tree limb claws has just the right feel, contemporary not hokey.

Compare that to this image from 'Mirror Mirror':


Lily Collins as Snow White, with the Seven Dwarfs. Okay, I know this is a more classical approach but it comes off as a throwback. (The color balance, certainly, is straight out of the 50s). Not sure anyone older than, say, twelve will be interested in this kind of thing.

There's also the fact that this is a live-action production whereas the original's animation was charming and easy to watch. Above look, especially (let's face it) the dwarfs, may be too in-your-face for very young kids. Presumably, the effect would only be boosted by the hyper-stylized super-visual approach of director Tarsem Singh, who creates garish eye-candy like 'The Cell', 'The Fall', and 'The Immortals'. Is that the look kids want to see? So, no kids older than twelve will care and no kids younger than twelve will be able to watch?

The same factors play into a comparison between the heavies. Here's Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen:


Fluffed up to be sure, brassy, maybe too much so. Very Disney-esque costuming, hair, etc. Again, however, seems more of a throwback than 'classic'. This look may have been better realized in an animated update rather than a live-action movie.

Let's look at Charlize Theron's take on the character:


Fairly evocative. Has an epic 'Lord of the Rings' tone. Mystical, dark. She's actually holding a weapon (a bit forward thinking for The Evil Queen -- very modern), and seems to be controlling the crows, sending them to spy on Snow White -- very cool. A much more contemporary vibe.

As far as drawing an audience goes 'Mirror Mirror' obviously holds an appeal to girls but not boys. In general, it looks dated and a bit hokey, even for kids, who mature a lot faster these days and are a lot more media savvy than the Marketing department may give them credit for, and may suffer from a visual style that's too intense (or odd) for the very people it's supposed to have been made for. I'm not thinking parents will be very enthusiastic about taking the kids to see this one, either. A bit poorly conceived.

On the other hand, Kristen Stewart couldn't be hotter coming off the Twilight series, (certainly a draw for younger guys [and girls]) while people really don't know who Lily Collins is (Snow White in 'Mirror Mirror'). If Chris Hemsworth's Huntsman slices and dices forest monsters (and he looks doubly prepared to do so in the poster) it'll be the kind of action guys (and girls) want to see and, coming off 'Thor', the guy has bullet-proof cred. Then, there's the combat/warfare (in Theron's part of the poster) -- guys love that stuff. Theron herself will appeal across the board to kids and adults.

Then there's the screenplays. 'Mirror Mirror' is written by Melissa Wallack, a first-timer, and Jason Keller, who did 'Machine Gun Preacher'. Okay, not bad, but doesn't do much for me. SW&TH is directed by Rupert Sanders, also a first-timer, and scripted by Evan Spiliotopoulos (Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, The Nutty Professor [video], The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning [video]) and Hossein Amini (Drive, 47 Ronin), which ain't bad. 'Drive', especially, has some very subtle story elements -- nicely written. This puts SW&TH in a different league.

The only weakness for SW&TH is the fact it's Rupert Sanders' first film. Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

In the end it's not so much a 'throw-down' as a happy coincidence these two fairy tales are coming out at the same time. Really, they don't look to have anything in common, target totally different audiences, and probably won't compete with each other.

So, until trailers roll out, it's looking like 'Snow White & The Huntsman' will appeal to a broad demographic, while 'Mirror Mirror' could be seen as something of a curiosity that may not do well in theaters but should play on family night TV/cable and as a Sunday afternoon rental.



















'The Darkest Hour' Poster

Campaign has a quiet energy. It's sneaking up on us.

Good poster. Like how the lightning looks like extended claws.

Nice counter programming to get us through the holidays.
















Tuesday, November 08, 2011

'Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel' Poster/Trailer

Incredible! Totally must see! You won't believe your eyes! Or ears! Find out who said this!

"Taste was out of the question. There's no need for taste."

And this!

"By mistake, he actually made a good picture once in a while."

Go now! Click the link! Apple has the trailer! It's must see! Totally must see! It's so damn good you'll watch it twice! I'm not kidding!


















'Man on a Ledge' Poster: Evolution

Interesting to compare this new poster:

 
To the first one:
















Monday, November 07, 2011

New GrittyTrailer for Mark Wahlberg's 'Contraband'

I was impressed by the first trailer, this one's even better. If the flick is as gritty as this new trailer makes it look, if it doesn't pull punches and avoids being cartoony, it'll be a good time -- an action flick with depth of character, a rare thing.

MSN has it.














Saturday, November 05, 2011

"Untitled Project" by Paul Thomas Anderson 'Poster'

You gotta love this.


IMDb lists this untitled project as being called 'The Master'. I like this title, it's a good title, but this new 'poster' leads one to presume Mr. Anderson hasn't settled on this specific designation and the movie will be called something else when released. That's fine, however it remains unclear what the reason for releasing this poster is, unless of course the movie will be called 'Untitled: A Project by Paul Thomas Anderson', which would be fine I'm sure. But, even if this were the case wouldn't a press release accomplish the same thing? However, it's unclear what such a notice would be comprised of. Just what would you say? That would be a tough one. Yes. Yes, it would. I wouldn't want to have to write that one up.

All of this, in turn, makes one wonder why I posted this 'poster'. I certainly do. I mean, aren't you getting the feeling your time has been wasted? I do. Sort of.

Nonetheless, precious, just precious. If nothing else, despite getting that 'my time has been wasted, thanks a lot' feeling, this graphic is memorable and sets up the release of the movie, no matter what it may end up being called, like no other poster I can think of. Nice marketing. Looking forward to this...under any title.

Can't wait for the first trailer. Hope it's got more going on than this poster, but let's face, that's not really a prerequisite. Not anymore. That, it seems, has been established.














Friday, November 04, 2011

Poster for 'Now You See Me'

Audacious strut, simple design, pulls no punches. Perfect poster. Great confidence. Beautiful.

Great cast. Knockout cast. Smacks of an 'Oceans 11' type ensemble heist flick. Money in the bank...so to speak.
















 

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Poster/Trailer for Denzel Washington's 'Safe House'

Trailer is hard to read but well-done. Could go either way. However, Denzel Washington picks good scripts with characters that are easy to like despite their flaws -- the way it should be -- so that gives me reason to look forward. The guy totally carries movies.

Poster shows a lotta confidence.

Apple has the hi-def trailer. Have to say, action sequences have an organic feel -- tough to do post-Bourne. Here's hoping.

















New Poster for Mark Wahlberg's 'Contraband'

Far better than the first effort, which was okay but a bit commercial and didn't really match the tone of the trailer.

This graphic has an indie vibe that lines up better with the style of cinematography and, as far as I can tell, plot.

Framing formed by the tape (a motif from the trailer) is imperfect and creates a visual tension, even a sense of conflicted character -- like how it comes too close to an eye or cuts across the head at an odd angle. For instance, the bit of tape that extends a tad too far into Kate Beckinsale's hair is sloppy but has a subtle peripheral edginess that's clearly not accidental.

No two characters look at each other or even in the same direction, which adds to the disconnect.

Elements are dynamic -- there's uneven negative space (in three of the corners, the fourth being perfectly conventional) which compliments the random placement of the images and yields a jangly harmony.

Very well put together poster.

Movie might draw a crowd at theaters. Will probably be popular as a rental with both general audiences and cinephiles.


Just FYI -- have you heard mention of Wahlberg's next project? 'Broken City' (love that title) in pre-production. Synopsis from IMDb:

An ex-cop trailing the wife of New York City's mayor finds himself immersed in a larger scandal.

Okay. Sounds good. The kind of plot that can blossom. But, it's the cast that caught my eye. Besides Wahlberg, there's Russell Crowe (presumably the mayor) and Catherine-Zeta Jones (and she would be the wife). Directed by Allen Hughes (From Hell, The Book of Eli, Dead Presidents) -- nice camera/editing from this guy. Lotta potential here...













British Poster for 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'


















French Poster for 'Shame'

















Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Vanity Fair and the Cast of 'The Hunger Games'


Vanity Fair with the cast of 'The Hunger Games'. Slide show. And a talk with Jennifer Lawrence.














Teaser Poster and Trailer for 'Project X'


Apple has the trailer. Should be good.















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