Launch of Sony's Bravia LCD TV range at "The World First" event in Shoreditch, London
As I made my way through the freezing January evening to the secret location of the launch in the heart of Shoreditch. I was filled with anticipation as the Sony BRAVIA Worlds First launch was promising to be a good night.
Sony Bravia LCD TV installation showing Tal Rosner's short film World First - London, Shoreditch uploaded by Craig Grobler
"Guests will be treated to the awe-inspiring unveiling of these TV’s (the World’s thinnest (ZX1), the World’s fastest (Z4500), The World’s first wireless technology/picture frame TV (EX1) and the World’s first OLED technology TV (XEL-1), with the help of a mind-blowing, interactive and unique light installation featuring a one-off short film, while celebrity DJ Henry Holland and ‘Filthy Dukes’ spin the decks."
Music, Technology, the Arts, Film and a Party! All key words close to my core. Does it get any better? The large warehouse was filled with colour, lights, music and people keen to have a good time. There must have been more well know faces in the crowd than regular Joes it was quite phenomenal.
On entering the large warehouse area I immediately noticed 3 colour beams projected across the warehouse
turned out that this was part of artist Paul Cocksedge's specially commissioned installation. The concept created by Paul Cocksedge, titled 'R.G.B' shined a red, a green and a blue light separately from one side of the venue. All three lights meet at a white dot upon which the four new BRAVIA LCD televisions will hang above. The light concept is based on R.G.B lights within televisions.
Above the white dot - hanging from the ceiling was the reason we were here:
The ZX1 - the World’s thinnest TV, seriously no wider than your finger (if your finger is under 9mm wide).
The Z4500 (with Motionflow) - the World’s fastest TV. This cranks out 200Hz and means that the screen refreshes the pixel rate faster than any previous TV ensuring a smoother picture. Although the benefits of this beast were not immediately clear I suspect that watching a Blu -Ray action film of Sky HD sports the difference would be appreciated.
The EX1- the World’s first wireless technology/picture frame. After some discussion I discovered that this meant that hi def images (& sound) could be sent from a “media” box plugged into your source to the TV. No more HDMI cabling :)
The XEL-1 - the World’s first OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology TV. OLED technology uses materials that emit light on their own and don’t require a backlight. Currently this ultra thin TV (3mm) is only 15 inches big but packs a noticeable higher picture quality (also more eco friendly). Hope the picture quality stays when they rollout the larger screen sizes. OLED is expected to be the next level in the evolution of TVs.
The TVs were showingBafta-winning film-maker Tal Rosner's short film “World First”, featuring historical moments captured on television including footage of the first man in space and the first Miss Universe contest.
Tal Rosner's World First from Craig Grobler on Vimeo.
The evening was set to the ambient soundtrack that Giles Deacon & Henry Holland were outputting from decks for most of the night. Their play list seamlessly transitioning from cutting edge remixes through to experimental trance.
On the Edge of Blade Runner + Panel Discussion
On the Edge of Blade Runner + Panel Discussion
Ridley Scott's 1982 classic defined the neo-noir genre, 
and this recently released Final Cut remains a visually stunning and highly influential film. Harrison Ford is exemplary as the world-weary detective searching for replicants amidst a neon-lit, rain splattered, darkly gothic Los Angeles of the future.
An in-depth examination of one of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time – written and presented by Mark Kermode, and featuring interviews with Rutger Hauer, Ridley Scott and Daryl Hannah among others – this provides a fascinating insight into the film’s production and is famed for finally settling the fierce debate that surrounded the plot twist for almost 20 years. Following the screening we host a panel discussion with special guests, including the producer of Blade Runner, Michael Deeley, and writers Will Brooker and Paul M Sammon.
On the Edge of Blade Runner + Panel Discussion
Saturday March 21, 2009 at 1:50pm
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
London,
SE1 8XT
Viet Cong surrender to Dr Manhattan - Watchmen
Viet Cong surrender to Dr Manhattan
Viet Cong troops bow down before Dr Manhattan in the process of surrendering. (June 21, 1970)
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Preview screening of BRONSON and Q&A with writer Brock Norman Brock
Preview screening of BRONSON (dir. Nicolas Winding Refn | 92 mins | 2008) followed by Q&A with writer Brock Norman Brock
"Bronson is about the UK's most violent prisoner, Charles Bronson, but it's in no way a biography. A nihilistic tribute to Kubrick and A Clockwork Orange; a hyper-violent showcase with strong theatrical elements, propelled by a muscular – literally – performance from an almost-unrecognisable Tom Hardy, compellingly if repellently watchable in the title role " Screendaily
Starring Tom Hardy, James Lance, Amanda Burton
Dr Manhattan in Vietnam - Watchmen
Dr Manhattan in Vietnam
Dr Manhattan photographed on day one of Operation Wrath of God. (June 15, 1970) © Alain Guillon
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Blade Runner: The Final Cut + Q&A with Rutger Hauer
The BFI are delighted to welcome Rutger Hauer, who brought a rare intensity to his iconic performance as lead replicant Roy Batty, to the BFI Southbank stage following this screening.
Ridley Scott's 1982 classic defined the neo-noir genre, and this recently released Final Cut remains a visually stunning and highly influential film. Harrison Ford is exemplary as the world-weary detective searching for replicants amidst a neon-lit, rain splattered, darkly gothic Los Angeles of the future.
Blade Runner: The Final Cut + Q&A with Rutger Hauer
Saturday March 21, 2009 at 5:00pm
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
London, England SE1 8XT
Sony VIP exclusive BRAVIA ‘World’s First’ LCD TV range
You are cordially invited to the Sony VIP exclusive BRAVIA ‘World’s First’ LCD TV range launch on Thursday 29 January 2009 at 7pm until 11pm.
Guests will be treated to the awe-inspiring unveiling of these TV’s (the World’s thinnest (ZX1), the World’s fastest (Z4500), The World’s first wireless technology/picture frame TV (EX1) and the World’s first OLED technology TV (XEL-1), with the help of a mind-blowing, interactive and unique light installation featuring a one-off short film, while celebrity DJ Henry Holland and ‘Filthy Dukes’ spin the decks.
As Celebrities/Media and VIP guests will be in attendance, Sony have the right to refuse entry/eject to any guests deemed unruly etc.!!!
Enjoy.
The Comedian in Vietnam - Watchmen
The Comedian in Vietnam
A photograph of extra-normal government operative The Comedian in Vietnam in 1970. (exact date and location unknown) © Alain Guillon
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Franklyn preview & QA with writer Gerald McMorrow in London
Operation Wrath of God cloth badge - Watchmen
Operation Wrath of God cloth badge
The badge worn by American troops participating in Operation Wrath of God (1970-1971) initiated by the deployment of Dr Manhattan in Vietnam.
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A Mike Figgis talk on Digital Filmmaking
Was this the last know activity of Rorschach from the Watchmen?
Curious! What did this mean? Was this supposed to be the Rorschach? My curiosity was piqued. When I clicked the rr image an email addressed to: rorschach@rorschachsjournal.com popped up? Anyway I sent off the following:
From: Craig Grobler
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 4:11 AM
To: rorschach@rorschachsjournal.com
Subject: is this
a site for the Watchmen?
Not really expecting a response. However about a week later I received the following:
Subject: is this
a site for the Watchmen?
yes.
.RR.
I shoot back to the site and find that the following had been added:
On clicking the right option the following pops up:
Naturally thinking this was aimed at a US audience as well as a little puzzled by the complete lack of iconic visuals I thought I'd wait till the site evolved to include some "official" Watchmen info or graphics. A couple of months later I visited again and it was gone?
This is a far cry from the current viral marketing that has been unleashed onto the internet, that has actively included a UK audience (http://watchmen-screening.pbwiki.com/). Awesome!. Have you seen the Social Media tool kit available here: http://www.i-watch-the-watchmen.com/ww/ ?
As good as it is - any Watchmen fan worth their salt has already started creating their own profile pic;):
Intrested in attending UK Blogger Screening (maybe) of The Watchmen?
HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!WATCHMEN UK Blogger Screening (maybe)
The team behind international relations with the Watchmen are: "thinking I'm going to try and persuade Paramount to let us run a blogger screening for Watchmen in London some time in February. We did something similar for "300" which included a Q&A with Zack Snyder and crew, although there are definitely some aspects of this we'd run a little differently. Like trying to make sure that the screening is for bloggers and bloggers only.:
Visit http://watchmen-screening.pbwiki.com/FrontPage to find out more!
New trailer for Neil Gaiman's Coraline is now online in HD
Neil has given this trailer his blessing as well.
Coraline Web Trailer HD
Click the Trailer to see the larger version on YouTube
Apollo Moon Landings (1969)
Apollo Moon Landings (1969)
Dr Manhattan photographs Neil Armstrong on the occasion of the Apollo moon landings. (July 20th, 1969)
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Franz Ferdinand live at HMV, London
Franz Ferdinand live at HMV, London
Franz Ferdinand will be performing live and signing copies of their new album 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand'
Access to the signing event will be restricted. 300 wristbands will be issued from the store on the day of the event from 9.00am on a first-come first-served basis, one per customer only, subject to availability.
HMV Oxford Circus
London,
W1D 1DJ
A Peter Greenaway talk on the New Visual Literacy
Peter Greenaway on the New Visual Literacy
Photograph: Luciano Romano
Last June, Peter Greenaway took computers, projectors and speakers into a Milan monastery in an attempt to reinterpret Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Now he comes to the ICA to argue that the world of text is giving way to a exciting new age of visual literacy.
Greenaway is the director and writer of The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover and The Draughtsman's Contract.
The use of camera phones and recording equipment during talks and events in the Feedback series is encouraged.
Monday February 9, 2009 at 8:00pm
ICA Institute Of Contemporary Art
12 Carlton House Terrace
London,
SW1Y 5AH
A cinematic timeline of the road to the Obama
1967: Det. Virgil Tibbs - In the Heat of the Night
After a wealthy northern factory owner is murdered, racist Mississippi cops accuse African American Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) of the crime. Once they learn that he is a renowned Philadelphia homicide detective, they reluctantly seek his help. As Tibbs displays his skills as a detective, he begins to win the respect, protection, and ultimately friendship of the Police Chief Bill Gillepsie (Rod Steiger).
1972: President Douglass Dilman - The Man
When the President and Speaker of the House are killed in a building collapse, and the Vice-President declines the office due to age and ill-health, Senate President pro tempore Douglas Dilman (James Earl Jones) suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. The events from that day to the next election when he must decide if he will actually run challenge his skills as a politician and leader.
1991: Assistant District Attorney - Ricochet
Rookie Los Angeles cop Nick Styles is at a Los Angeles street fair, where hit man Earl Talbot Blake pulls a double cross on some drug dealers, killing four men. Nick Styles apprehends the hit man. Over the next few years, Nick's career takes off: he's offered a job in the district attorney's office, and his hip media style keeps him in the public eye. Blak orchestrates an escape from prison and sets about ruining Nick's life. Nick is forced to turn to his childhood friend, gang leader Odessa, for help in clearing his name and stopping Blake once and for all.
1998: President Tom Beck - Deep Impact
A teenage astronomer and his teacher discover an object amongst the stars at night. Little do they know that it's a comet on a direct collision course for earth. After the teacher dies in a car crash trying to report his findings the President announces the comet's existence. He also states that there is no need to panic, because NASA is going to send astronauts on the space mission, Messiah. Their mission is to destroy the comet before it gets too close to the earth. When Messiah backfires, the President announces that special caves will have to be built, and the government will have to have a lottery-of-fate to randomly select 800,000 ordinary American citizens to go along with 200,000 scientists, soldiers, and other officials. These 1,000,000 people will be set aside to save the population from extinction when the comet hits.
2003: President Mays Gilliam - Head of State
Mays Gilliam, a Washington D.C. neighborhood Alderman, is about to be red-lined out of his job. But after the untimely death of the party frontrunner, Gilliam is plucked from obscurity, and thrust into the limelight as his party's nominee--for President of the United States. The players in Gilliam's life include: Mitch Gilliam, his unsophisticated older brother who becomes his running mate; Kim, his ex-girlfriend who had once dumped him, but who now has a sudden change of heart as she sees a chance at becoming First Lady; Martin Geller, his campaign manager; Lisa Clark, the woman who truly believes in Gilliam; and Debra Lassiter, the woman who doesn't have faith in his candidacy, and is serving as his reluctant advisor.
2003: President David Palmer - 24
David Palmer, J.D. is a fictional President of the United States played by Dennis Haysbert as part of the television series, 24. Palmer served as the show's second-most prominent protagonist, after Jack Bauer. Throughout the series, Palmer's ex-wife Sherry and brother Wayne are both key figures in his administration. He has two children: a son, Keith, and a daughter, Nicole. Palmer is a member of the Democratic Party.
2006: President Wayne Palmer - 24
The brother of former President David Palmer, Wayne came in to replace Mike Novick as the President's Chief of Staff, after Palmer had relieved Novick of his duties at the end of Season Two. He is a veteran Marine. He also has a sister named Sandra Palmer. After high school, he received a baseball scholarship to Stanford University, where he was a pitcher and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. It is presumed that, like his brother, Wayne Palmer is a Democrat.
The Doomsday Clock - Watchmen
The Doomsday Clock
The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947. The closer the clock stands to midnight, the nearer the world is to Armageddon.
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NBS acknowledges 10 years of Dr Manhattan from The Watchmen
Viral marketing for The Watchmen. Similar ambience to the Hanzo Foundation videos from LOST. I hope to see more of these.
For more Watchmen related news connect to:
Mothman sectioned - Watchmen
Masked adventurer Mothman being sectioned for admittance to a mental institution in Maine. (1953)
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MINUTEMEN 1940 - Watchmen
MINUTEMEN 1940
The Minutemen, featuring (L to R) Silhouette, Mothman, Dollar Bill, Nite Owl I, Captain Metropolis, The Comedian, Silk Spectre I and Hooded Justice.
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Artwork and tracklisting from the new U2 album
No Line On the Horizon U2's 12 album is set to be released 27 February 2009 in the Republic of Ireland, 2 March 2009 in the rest of Europe, and a day later in North America.
Just released - the official Crank 2: High Voltage trailer
slap tradition in the face strategy paid off. It cost $12 Mill to make and earned $44,777,321 - £30,401,940 worldwide. Keen to capitalise on the fan following Chev Chelios has garnered Crank 2: High Voltage will hit (kick, blowup and more than likely drive over) screens April 2009. Hopefully the sequel will stay true to the original winning formula whilst adding more layers.
At the time of it's release Crank embodied the same original, anti establishment, devil may care stance that John Mclaine brought to the screen in 1988 With Die Hard. There were no half measures and it cer
The not safe for work (Red band) version:
sci-fi game film "Game" in 2009 starring Gerard Butler (300, Rocknrolla) and may currently be in pre-production on the film version of the Western bad ass "Jonah Hex" the adaptation of the DC comic with Josh Brolin.Notice the UK's very own Mike Figgis's Fig Rig used to keep cameras stable while shooting.
Breaking news: Nick Walker's "The Empire’s State" Street Art lottery
from www.graphotism.com
Nick Walker at The London Art FairThe Black Rat Press will be handing out a limited number of tickets to people in the queue for immediate purchase within the fair.
6pm Tuesday 13th Jan 2009 sees the public opening of the“London Art Fair” where Nick Walker will be releasing his screen print "The Empire’s State" through The Black Rat Press (the gallery who represents him). The phone hasn’t stopped ringing with international interest from people trying to reserve a print even from as far as Colombia and Korea. But the 175 prints which are to be on sale at £475.00 each are only being sold to people who are queuing at the London Art Fair. The Black Rat Press have had to draft in extra security in anticipation of the crowds which are expected to start queuing well in advance again, of the doors opening.
In 2008 the demand for Nick Walker's work was so high that in April when the doors opened for his solo show “V for Vandalism” people had been queuing for over 36hrs to buy the print alone, and the show sold out within minutes of the doors opening.
Nick received positive press in 2008. To name a few he a appeared on the cover on the Independent magazine with the title “move over Banksy” in Feb 2008, and has most recently featured in The Observers round up of the year’s biggest events 2008”.
He has had sell out shows in LA and London and an eagerly awaited show coming later in 2009 is rumored to be taking place in New York.
London Art Fair
Business Design Centre
52 Upper Streets
London
N1 9PP
Premiere of The Eternity Man + ScreenTalk with director Julien Temple
UK theatrical premiere of Julien Temple's stunning contemporary opera on film The Eternity Man and ScreenTalk with director Julien Temple
Barbican Film is delighted to host a UK theatrical premiere of this stunning contemporary opera on film and welcome director Julien Temple to discuss the work following the screening.
For almost 40 years, Arthur Stace, an ex-alcoholic war veteran, skulked through the nocturnal streets of Sydney , chalking the word 'Eternity' in perfect copperplate script.
Director Julien Temple's bravura treatment of the stage opera by Australian composer Jonathan Mills and poet Dorothy Porter presents a wild, intoxicated vision of a man - and a city - undergoing violent change.
Barbican Centre, Silk Street
London, England EC2Y 8DS
Banlieue or District 13: Ultimatum Teaser Trailer
The sequel to Luc Besson & Pierre Morel's 2004 District 13 has a new teaser trailer on-line. District 13: Ultimatum
The film's production diary (with English subtitles) can be found here: http://blog.b13ultimatum-lefilm.com/index.php/
Pete Doherty & Roger Daltrey are rock out at a secret gig for charity
Pete Doherty & Roger Daltrey Ring Of Fire
The 64-year-old Who legend asked Doherty – lead singer for Babyshambles – to perform with him after Doherty sang at the funeral of Daniel Squires, a teenage cancer sufferer he had struck up a friendship with.
“Roger was really impressed and touched when Pete performed for Daniel,“ a source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper. “He has told Pete to choose a list of Who songs and they will perform them together. They are both really excited.”
Proceeds from the concert – to be held at the Bristol Academy in the UK on January 12 – will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity supported by Doherty and of which Daltrey is patron.
Visions for the Future: Quadrophenia a special screening at the BFI, London
Visions for the Future: Quadrophenia
See the Mod cult classic on the big screen with some very special guests.
This cult classic, nominated by actor Jaime Winstone, was voted third in our recent Visions of the Future poll. Franc Roddam's energetic adaptation of The Who's 1973 rock opera heralded a mod revival and marked the cinema debuts of Phil Daniels, Ray Winstone and Sting.Franc Roddam and Phil Davis will attend this screening, and we hope to welcome further special guests, too.
Saturday January 17, 2009 at 5:00pm
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
London
Danny Boyle & Darren Aronofsky on making films
I just got the heads up about an interview conducted between Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) and Darren Aranofsky (The Wrestler). Fox Searchlight turned the interview into a series of webisodes that can be viewed on YouTube.
The interviews can be viewed by navigating the embedded Play list below or visiting the Fox Searchlight YouTube channel here.
Essentially these are promos for their latest offerings; Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler but this series is really about two talented directors chatting about making films; development of stories, technology used and actors. This is truly an exceptional chance to gain insight into the minds of creatives at the top of their game.
Both directors are at similar stages in their career and I suspect that their latest offerings will take them from acclaimed and talented filmmakers to leading the field.
The Wrestler a film by Darren Aronofsky starring Mickey Rourke Part 2
Mon 5 December 2008, early evening Leicester Square, London. The producers opted for a low key UK premiere for The Wrestler with a celebrity audience as well as Mickey Rourke in attendance. Meanwhile just around the corner at the Curzon Soho an intimate audience of around 250 people gathered at the Curzon Soho to view a special preview of The Wrestler and participate in a Q&A session with the film's leading man Mickey Rourke.
I was keen to gain some insight into the man I had held in a revere, pertinent questions such as; how did he feel about his career in light of the buzz around The Wrestler? Did he dig deeper for this role than others? Did he have to undergo any physical conditioning (apart from wrestling training) for the role? Did he contribute to the storyline (and location choices)? What's next for Mickey Rourke? What was the latest with Sin City 2? Would Marv be back?
Rourke has clearly been left burned and disillusioned by the politics behind Hollywood. But after hitting rock bottom "living on fumes", he is trying to change what "he did not understand needed to be changed". Up until the post production process of The Wrestler he was unaware of his next steps or what his next job might be. He is grateful for the kudos received for the Wrestler and is hopeful for the future. In spite of his his troubles Rourke is still very much his own person.
He really wanted to work with Aranofsky and had developed a bond after Aranofsky put his backing behind Rourke for the role. Although Aranofsky set the
His training regime allowed him to gain 34 pounds of muscle for the role. In the film he looks every bit the professional Wrestler. He underwent Wrestling training intense enough to shift him from thinking that Wrestling was on par with pantomime to respect for the sport and the sportsmen that participate in it. He sustained several serious injuries while filming.
Rourke's next projects include:
A remake of "13 Tzameti" directed by the Géla Babluani who wrote and directed the original.
My initial thoughts on seeing 13 were: Mind blowing little film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Has all the trademarks of a first time film school production (lighting, black & white, metaphors, etc.) but all comes together in a gritty tale. Hopefully the remake starrring; Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Ray Winstone, and 50 Cent will stay true to its roots.
Twenty-two-year-old Sebastien leads an impoverished life with his immigrant family constantly struggling to support them. While repairing the roof of a neighbor's house, he overhears a conversation about an expected package which promises to make the household rich.
First look at Mickey Rourke in "13"He is also in Bret Easton Ellis's The Informers and Elmore Leonard's much delayed Killshot which will also be released in 2009. He is also rumoured to be in Stallone's "The Expendables" and cast as "Whiplash" a villain in Iron Man 2.
In private discussion he was tight lipped about Marv's possible return in Sin City 2. I did not found out what the significance of the fun fairs was or if there was indeed any. Hopefully Mickey's talent will be recognised and his path ahead is less bumpy than the one behind hm.
The Wrestler opens in the UK on January 16th.
The Wrestler a film by Darren Aronofsky starring Mickey Rourke Part 1
Something's burning white hot in freezing London tonight and it's Mickey Rourke's seethingly intense performance. Part 1
Mon 5 December, early evening Leicester Square, London. The producers opted for a low key UK premiere for The Wrestler with a celebrity audience as well as Mickey Rourke in attendance. Meanwhile just around the corner at the Curzon Soho an intimate audience of around 250 people gathered at the Curzon Soho to view a special preview of The Wrestler and participate in a Q&A session with the film's leading man Mickey Rourke.
The Players
Darren Aronofsky 39 year old film director. Lauded as the second coming with his debut feature film Pi (1998), critical acclaim continued with the bleak Requiem For A Dream. In 2006 finally opinions divided with The Fountain. The 2006 Hugh Jackman starring mind melting /time travelling /sci fi feature also starred Aranofsky's wife Rachel Weiszs and was seen as self indulgent by many.
Aronofsky has followed up the high concept Fountain with a pared down, back to basics, handy-cam shot story of a man past his prime. So far the The Wrestler has won critical acclaim, been nominated for countless awards, garnered a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and there has been much talk of Mickey Rourke deserving an Oscar for his performance.
Aronofsky's films are studies into the human condition - Pi (Paranoia & technophobia), Requiem for a Dream (old age, drug dependency & lust), The Fountain (Loss of a loved one). He tends to explore the issues that are part of life but ignored by any filmmaker that wants a paying audience to view their films. With The Wrestler Aronofsky explores the world of an ageing professional athlete; his post prime career, his relationships and socio environment. Think more Requiem For A Dream than The Fountain.
To carry both the gruelling physical and mental weight of the leading role, Aronofsky called on the man whose own career could have easily been the blueprint for The Wrestler had he taken a different path. Allthough Aranofsky's choice, Rourke's casting was not a sure thing as Nicholas Cage almost sealed the deal at one stage.
Phillip Andre Rourke Jr. aka Mickey Rourke aka. Sir Eddie Cook aka 'Boogie', Marv, Harry Angel, Harley Davidson, The Pope or Motorcycle Boy started off as a boxer before embarking on a promising film career.
Rourke studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute under Sandra Seacat. In 29 years he has built an impressive resume with some standout performances. He has worked with some greats including Spielburg, Michael Cimino, William Hurt, Levinson, Ford Coppola, Alan Parker, Robert De Niro, Gene Hackman, Nicolas Roeg, Faye Dunaway, Barbet Schroeder, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Walken, Steven Sean Penn and Jack Nicholson.Somewhere in the early 90s Rourke's hell-raising lifestyle overshadowed his talent and he was blacklisted by Hollywood. Rourke started producing films from material he had written but ultimately he was forced him to take some questionable roles as he says "to pay for his lifestyle". "The 90s were bad!"
Even in the most dire of productions Rourke's performance does not falter, sometimes misguided and out of place - he has remained his own man and true to ensuring his performances are solid. Somwhere in the early 2000s Rourke rebooted his career he started taking on small roles in rated films a handful of loyal friends keeping involved in bigger projects such as Stallone's Get Carter, Robert Rodriguez's Once upon a time in Mexico & Sin City and Tony Scott's Domino & Man on Fire.
The Wrestler has many similarities to Rourke's own life but more to his self penned 1988 offering Homeboy. In this little known classic Rourke plays a ageing past his prime boxer that never quite lived up to his promise.
Even one of Rourke's favourite settings a Fun Fair features in one of The Wrestler's most bittersweet scenes. Fun Fairs at Coney Island were used in Angel Heart, 9 1/2 Weeks and Bullet - a film that Rourke wrote and produced. The Wrestler and Homeboy had scenes shot at Asbury Park.
Aronofsky's low fidelity visuals, sometimes barren soundtrack combined with quality performances from the cast that includes Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood and Rourke's gritty performance compliment the stark subject matter to create a crescendo of angst that will have you cringing, smiling and possibly bringing some strong emotions to the fore. Rourke's performance will possibly overshadow the rest of the cast, but mention should be made of the braveness of Oscar winner Marisa Tomei's performance and role.
As favours to Mickey Rourke both Guns n Roses and Bruce Springsteen contributed to the films soundtrack at minimal cost. Their music sets the tone for scenes in which they bleed into.
The Wrestler opens in the UK on January 16th.
Black Tide playing a Secret Gig in London
Black Tide have announced that they are to play a free show for BBC Sound at 1pm, January 15th at a secret London location.Anyone interested in attending should send an email to switchguestlist@monkeykingdom.com with Black Tide in the subject. You will also be required to add your name, age and how many tickets to the show you would like.
Screening of Quantum of Solace at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Soak up the special atmosphere that makes a film at the Philharmonic unique. If you’ve never been to a film in the beautiful art deco surroundings of Philharmonic Hall then you’re in for a treat... The Hall houses the only working Walturdaw Cinema screen in the world, rising from the stage accompanied by resident organist Dave Nicholas, an institution in his own right.
Beginning minutes after the closing moments of Casino Royale, with the elusive killer Mr. White in the boot of Bond's Aston Martin and a breakneck pursuit; Quantum of Solace plunges 007 into a revenge-displacement grudge mission, infiltrating the mysterious Quantum organization to thwart an eco-crime cartel involving the oil and water reserves of South America.
Director Marc Forster, 2008. 106mins
Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench.
Tuesday January 13, 2009 at 7:30pm
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Hope Street
Liverpool, England L1 9BP