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As far as iconic cinematic characters from the early 2000s go, Patrick Bateman from "American Psycho" is certainly up there. The film was adapted from the Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name and became an early hit for Lionsgate. Christian Bale portrayed Patrick Bateman with great dedication, and it greatly helped his career. What lovers of the film and character may not know is that another actor played the role just two years later.

Casper Van Dien, known best as Johnny Rico from "Starship Troopers," got to put his stamp on Patrick Bateman in director Roger Avary's "The Rules of Attraction" in 2002, a movie also based on an Ellis novel. So, why is it that so many people are unaware of this other Bateman portrayal? That probably has more than a little something to do with the...

Ryan Murphy has a new horror series in the works with an adaptation of The Shards, and the show has added new cast members, including an actor who regularly appears in Mike Flanagan projects and Richard Gere's son. The Shards is a 2023 horror novel written by Bret Easton Ellis.

Per Variety, The Shards have added three new members to the cast. Igby Rigney will play a young Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the novel. Homer Gere will portray Robert, and Graham Campbell has been cast as Thom. It was previously announced that Kaia Gerber had been cast in the series.

What This Means For The Shards The Series Is Casting Fresh Faces

Murphy will act as an executive producer on the series, and is behind other horror shows such as American Horror Story, Monster, Grotesquerie, and Scream Queens. Max Winkler is also a producer and will act as a director.

Ryan Murphy has been in business with FX for years and has been responsible for some of their biggest hits. From American Horror Story to American Crime Story, he knows what the FX audience wants, and his latest project, which sounds like it's definitely in his wheelhouse, comes with an American Psycho connection.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy's series The Shards has officially been picked up to series by FX. The show is based on the Brett Easton Ellis novel of the same name, which already had Kaia Gerber attached in one of the lead roles. The series announcement also comes with the news that Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, and Graham Campbell will be joining Gerber as part of the leading cast. The series was first revealed to be in development back in May when it was announced that Max Winkler would be directing.

Published in 2023, The Shards was...

Ryan Murphy and FX have clearly struck gold together, with standout series like American Horror Story, Grotesquerie, American Crime Story, Pose, Feud and American Sports Story all premiering or still currently airing on the network. Now, the horror mastermind has set his next horror project at FX. It's titled The Shards, and some book lovers might already be familiar with the show's title.

The Shards is a series adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's 2023 horror novel of the same name. Most people know Ellis from his popular black comedy horror novel American Psycho, which was later turned into a feature film starring Christian Bale. Several of his other books have also been made into films like Less than Zero, The Rules of Attraction and The Informers. The Shards marks his fifth novel to be adapted into another medium, but instead of a movie, this time it's being developed as a television series.

Attention all thriller enthusiasts! Prime Video is set to release an exciting new thriller series that will instantly pique your interest once you discover all the details. It's titled The Better Sister, and we've shared all there is to know about it right below.

The announcement of this new series came in May 2024, revealing that Emmy nominees Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel would be starring together. This marks their first collaboration, so it'll be interesting to see how their dynamic plays out on screen. While Banks has taken on some serious roles in her career, she's most known for her work in comedy. You might've watched her in the comedy movies The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Fred Claus, Meet Dave, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Role Models, Our Idiot Brother and all three Pitch Perfect films. She most recently starred in the thriller flick Skincare. Besides The Better Sister, we'll see...

Last year, Charles Band’s company Full Moon announced that they were launching a new production label called Pulp Noir, which would focus on “edgier, weirder, darker horror and dark fantasy films.” Two Pulp Noir movies, Quadrant and Death Streamer, have since made their way through production – and while those movies were initially released in color, all of the Pulp Noir movies will also get black & white “noir” releases, so there are both color and black & white versions of Quadrant and Death Streamer available on the Full Moon Features streaming service. While we wait for more Pulp Noir movies to be made, Band has started going through the Full Moon library to give some of their older films the black & white / noir treatment. Last month, a “noir” version of the 1984 sci-fi thriller Christmas classic Trancers was released through Full Moon Features and YouTube, as was a black & white version of the 1997 creature feature The Creeps.

Slickly made high-school movie is packed with slow-motion corridor walks and flawless cheer-squad routines – but it’s hard to get caught up in a plot with so few surprises

Dallas (Siena Agudong) is a hot cheerleader with dreams of auditioning for CalTech. Drayton (Noah Beck) is a cute star quarterback whose dad is adamant he follow in his footsteps and attend his alma mater with a football scholarship. Surely this very well-matched chalk and chalk couple will never overcome their complete lack of differences and get together? Only time will tell.

A slickly made, nicely shot high-school movie adapted from a Wattpad story with an Instagram-ready cast, the biggest surprise here is James Van Der Beek popping up in a thankless role as the humourless dad. We know from The Rules of Attraction and Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 that Van Der Beek’s tastes are on the edgier side,...

While not the first adaptation of one of the author's novels, American Psycho certainly remains the most popular Bret Easton Ellis-based movie. After 25 years and numerous rewatches later, it's easy to see why. Ellis' work first made its way to the screen with the Robert Downey Jr.-starring Less Than Zero, an underrated gem tackling similar themes to Psycho, and later continued with 2002's The Rules of Attraction, which is technically connected to the Christian Bale-led movie, and 2008's The Informers.

Based on the book of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) an investment banker in New York in 1987 who leads a double life as a serial killer. As investigators circle Bateman after the disappearance of a colleague, he finds himself trapped in a spiral of murder and excess, unable to stop himself from giving in to his increasingly dark urges.

Quick Links The Rules of Attraction Cast Many Stars of the Day The Rules of Attraction Demonstrates a Dramatic Love Triangle Paul Is the Only Innocent In Rules of Attraction The Rules of Attraction Pairs Dark Themes With Humor

This article contains mentions of suicide.

The Vampire Diaries was at one time the focal point of The CW programming. Adapted from L.J. Smith's books of the same name, the series would catapult its stars to fame and spawn an extended universe of its own. The strength of its characters is the main reason that the horror romance was such a success. The chemistry between leads Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) eclipsed all other components of the series.

The Vampire Diaries, however, was not Somerhalder's main claim to fame at the time. In 2004, the actor was part of one of the biggest television phenomena of the time.

Actor James Van Der Beek recently shared his cancer diagnosis with fans. Since then, the actor has recently opened up about the financial toll that has come with such health concerns. In fact, the actor recently released a promotion to support himself and other families enduring such medical issues.

James Van Der Beek Recently Shared His Cancer Diagnosis

Van Der Beek first came to prominence playing the title character in Dawson’s Creek. He has also appeared in a variety of notable films, including Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, and The Rules of Attraction.

Recently, however, the actor has announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He recently gave fans an update over his condition on social media.

James Van Der Beek – YouTube

Taking to Instagram, Van Der Beek shared, “Merch drop! Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey—each one personally autographed by me.

James Van Der Beek is going public with his cancer diagnosis and makes it clear that he's feeling optimistic about his prospects and is navigating the disease with the help of his family.

In an exclusive statement given to People, Van Der Beek revealed that he has colorectal cancer, which begins in the colon or rectum and makes up the large intestine and is often grouped with colon cancer or rectal cancer because they have many symptoms in common. The actor didn't disclose when he was diagnosed or how long he has been battling the disease, but he sounded very optimistic about his prospects. Van Der Beek said, "I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."

Whether he knew about the diagnosis already or if it was the timing,...

James Van Der Beek has revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The “Dawson’s Creek” actor recently told People about his cancer diagnosis, saying, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

Van Der Beek added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer, which begins in the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S., according to American Cancer Society. In the U.S., about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with his form of cancer in their lifetime.

Van Der Beek is known for playing the titular Dawson Leery in “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003. He has also worked on the series “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” “Friends With Better Lives,” “CSI: Cyber” and “Pose.

Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek revealed he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has been privately dealing with the news.

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People.

However, Van Der Beek added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. This type of cancer affects the large intestine and digestion, with a lifetime risk for men of 1 in 23. Early versions of the disease begin as noncancerous forms called polyps.

Despite the diagnosis, Van Deer Beek has a full slate ahead: In June, Deadline exclusively reported he had signed on to star in Sidelined: The Qb and Me, an upcoming Tubi Original based on Wattpad’s breakout YA novel...

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 47-year-old Dawson’s Creek actor told People this weekend he’s “been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

He added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer is also referred to as colon or rectal cancer, and begins in the colon or rectum, per the American Cancer Society.

Known as the titular Dawson in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, Van Der Beek has also appeared on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose. On the big screen, his film credits include Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, The Rules of Attraction, Formosa Betrayed and Labor Day.

Later this year, Van Der Beek will appear alongside Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, NFL All-Pro Chris Jones, Tyler Posey and Dancing With the Stars...

Joker: Folie Deux actually has a fan, and its none other than Quentin Tarantino. Now, to be fair, director Todd Phillips follow-up to 2019s Joker isnt a complete bust. While the majority of moviegoers despised the sequel, there are still those who enjoyed the pointless drivel, which culminated in the shocking death of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix). But while appearing on The Bret Easton Ellis podcast, Tarantino championed the Folly Deux, which he described as being directed by the Joker himself.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker said (per World of Reel):

I really, really liked it, really. A lot, like, tremendously, and I went to see it expecting to be impressed by the filmmaking. But I thought it was going to be an arms-length, intellectual exercise that ultimately I wouldnt think worked like a movie, but that I would appreciate it for what it is.

Related Why Joker: Folie Deux Bombed...

Plex is gearing up for an exciting lineup of films and series in November 2024. Viewers can look forward to a variety of new additions, including Blue Ridge, But I’m A Cheerleader, Call Jane, and Empire State. Cult classics like The Grudge, Hard Candy, House of 1000 Corpses, and The Midnight Meat Train are also hitting the platform, alongside more recent hits like Wind River and Where’d You Go, Bernadette? For fans of horror, thrillers, and emotional dramas, there’s no shortage of options. However, Plex is also bidding farewell to a number of films and shows in November. Among those leaving are 24 Hours to Live, Drive Angry, The Devil’s Rejects, Snowpiercer, and USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage. If you’ve been meaning to watch these titles, now is the time to catch them before they disappear. For those looking to binge their favorites, many notable titles are still available for streaming.

The satirical horror film led by Christian Bale, American Psycho, received a long-forgotten sequel starring Mila Kunis just two years after its release, entitled American Psycho 2. The stand-alone sequel to American Psycho, also known as American Psycho II: All American Girl on some promotional materials, was directed by then-up-and-coming indie film director Morgan J. Freeman. However, despite this pedigree, the project was a commercial failure.

Kunis portrayed criminology student and serial killer Rachael Newman seeking to join the FBI under the tutelage of Professor Starkman (William Shatner), a former FBI agent whom Rachael is obsessed with. It is revealed that Kunis Rachael was an impostor who killed the real Rachael and assumed her identity. Despite the films title and supposed attachment to Mary Harrons 2000 film, American Psycho 2 has virtually nothing to do with the original American Psycho nor its star-studded cast. However, thanks to its associative title, the film's failure...

Mubi is exactly the service for people who see Mysteries of Lisbon is streaming and ask “yes but what version?” Accordingly I’m excited that September brings the extended, miniseries cut of Raúl Ruiz’s late-career triumph, which arrives alongside the notable new release that is Zia Anger’s My First Film––here programmed in a “Millennial Meltdown” series alongside Sebastián Silva’s Rotting in the Sun and Martine Syms’s The African Desperate. Take special note of Marie-Claude Trielhou’s Simone Barbés, or Virtue, which has captured cinephile attention since its restoration, probably because it’s a great film that encapsulates so much of what you’d even want in a movie.

Meanwhile, Tarsem’s 4K restoration (and slightly adjusted cut) of 2006’s The Fall makes its streaming premiere; there’s opportunity to catch up with Coralie Fargeat ahead of The Substance; recent releases Riddle of Fire and Geoff...

Joseph Quinn is about to be everywhere. The “Stranger Things” breakout star already appeared in “A Quiet Place: Day One” and has been announced as part of Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” alongside fellow “Gladiator II” star Pedro Pascal. Now, he’ll be in theaters soon with the award-winning indie film “Hoard.”

Quinn stars as a mysterious stranger who crosses paths with a young woman (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) 10 years after she experienced a traumatic moment with her mother, whose obsessive hoarding threatened both of their lives.

The official synopsis reads: “‘Hoard’ film follows young girl Maria (Lily-Beau Leach) living in London in 1984 as she navigates her mother’s obsessive hoarding. One night, their world falls apart, and we join Maria a decade later, living with her foster mother. Flashing forward to the girl’s teenage years, she (Lightfoot-Leon) must confront the madness and trauma of her late mother when a stranger (Quinn) arrives on her doorstep.

Back in 2022, Charles Band, founder of the legendary company Full Moon, launched a podcast called Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow, where he talked to guests like John Carpenter, Bill Moseley, Tom Savini, Kane Hodder, Cassandra Peterson (a.k.a. Elvira), Barbara Crampton, Joe Bob Briggs, Joe Dante, Eli Roth, Rob Zombie, and more. Season 2 of Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow exclusively premiered for Full Moon Universe Patreon subscribers earlier this year, but now it’s ready to roll out on the Full Moon Features streaming service, Spotify, Apple, “and every other platform that you consume awesome podcast entertainment on!” The first episode was unveiled today, and since it was released on the Full Moon YouTube channel as well, I have it embedded at the bottom of this article. The guests on this first episode are Pulp Fiction co-writer / The Rules of Attraction director Roger Avary and his daughter / producer Gala Avary,...

It is without question that Pulp Fiction is one of the most influential films not just of the 1990s, but in the history of American cinema. While comparisons can be drawn between the film and other classic crime films, Pulp Fiction challenged audience expectations with its subversive narrative structure, strange needle drops, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters. Much of the credit for the film is given to Quentin Tarantino, but he wasnt the only creative collaborator who helped bring the dense crime saga to life. Pulp Fiction was co-written by Roger Avary, an accomplished screenwriter in his own right. In fact, Avary wrote and directed an adaptation of Brett Easton Ellis controversial novel The Rules of Attraction.

Exclusive: Out at the Cannes market, LA-based production company Convergence Entertainment Group is launching There There, which is being written and directed by the Polish brothers in their first collaboration in more than a decade.

The film has begun principal photography and the duo are hopeful it will premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This would be the sixth Polish Brothers film to premiere at the festival.

On There There, each of the twin brothers will write and direct one half of the movie without the other knowing anything about the other, resulting in two separate storylines that will be interwoven into a single feature-length film. This approach will enable each brother to explore the nature of the twin relationship from their own unique perspective without being influenced or constrained by the other’s vision.

The cast includes Gretchen Mol (Yellowstone), Shannon Sossamon (The Rules of Attraction), Corbin Bernsen (Major...

It's certainly a good day for fans of Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, or indeed, anyone who wants to see him in more films. On the heels of Marvel confirming him as part of the cast for The Fantastic Four comes word that he'll star in a new horror thriller called Relapse, which marks the directorial debut of rabble-rousing author Bret Easton Ellis.

Described as an elevated horror also scripted by Ellis, it'll feature Quinn playing a young man named Matt Cullen, whose privileged life is shattered when he's a witness to a horrendous death at a wild party.

After checking into rehab, he's seemingly able to get back on a more even keel and moves back in with his parents at their luxurious Los Angeles manse. But as his unstable personality starts to cause problems again – fuelled by spending too much time on social media – he begins to be haunted...

Bret Easton Ellis is an interesting person. First, he’s the author of an iconic novel (a personal favorite of this writer), “American Psycho.” He also wrote other notable books like “Less Than Zero” and “The Rules of Attraction.” But he’s not just an author nowadays. No, lately, he’s been more known as a podcaster, political commentator, and all around social media personality.

Continue reading ‘Relapse’: Joseph Quinn To Star In Bret Easton Ellis’ Directorial Debut Horror Film at The Playlist.

Bret Easton Ellis has written the novels that have inspired such films as Less Than Zero, American Psycho, The Rules of Attraction, and The Informers, and has written the screenplays for The Canyons, The Curse of Downers Grove, and Smiley Face Killers. Now he’s set to make his feature directorial debut with the horror film Relapse – and Joseph Quinn, who played a fan favorite character in season 4 of the Netflix series Stranger Things and will be seen in the upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One, has signed on to star in the film!

Quinn’s Relapse character is Matt Cullen, who checks into rehab after witnessing a horrific death during a drugged-up party. Three months later, he is set to get his life back together, staying at his parent’s mansion in the hills of Los Angeles. But things have changed around Matt and everything seems off balance. Fueled...

Bret Easton Ellis is finally taking a seat in the director’s chair.

After his slated feature directorial debut “The Deleted” was pivoted into a web series on the since-defunct social platform Fullscreen, famed author and screenwriter Ellis will direct horror film “Relapse.” Ellis penned the script about a man (played by “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn) who witnesses a brutal death during a drug party and is thrust into an unsteady existential crisis upon entering rehab. Variety first reported the news of the project.

The film’s official synopsis reads: “Fueled by his unstable personality and the invading power of social media, Matt Cullen’s paranoia grows, messing up with his rehabilitation program. As he starts using again, a mysterious presence starts growing around Matt, and a monster that has been haunting him since he was a teenager reveals itself. His therapist tries to help, convinced that the monster...

Subversive American author Bret Easton Ellis is set to make his directorial debut with “Relapse,” an elevated horror film he wrote starring “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn.

Paris-based Snd has boarded the project as producer, alongside Adrian Guerra’s Nostromo (“Penny Dreadful”) and Simon Wallon’s Kiss & Kill (“Bonnie”). Snd will handle worldwide sales on “Relapse,” as well as French distribution, and will tease the title at the EFM with an exclusive sizzle reel.

Quinn, who will next be seen in “A Quiet Place: Day One” and the “Gladiator” sequel, will star in “Relapse” as Matt Cullen, who checks into rehab after witnessing a horrific death during a drugged-up party. Three months later, he is set to get his life back together, staying at his parent’s mansion in the hills of Los Angeles. But things have changed around Matt and everything seems off balance.

“Fueled by his unstable...

Earlier this month, The Bricklayer, the latest action film from Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight director Renny Harlin, was given a theatrical, On Demand, and Digital release. We’ve previously shared interviews with the film’s stars Aaron Eckhart and Nina Dobrev, and now JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray has sat down for an interview with Harlin himself! The primary focus of this interview is The Bricklayer, of course, but it also branches out with mentions of other Harlin projects like The Long Kiss Goodnight and Deep Blue Sea. You can check it out in the embed above.

Bumbray really enjoyed The Bricklayer, giving the film a 7/10 review you can read at This Link. If you’d like to watch the movie, you can do so on Amazon.

Based on a bestselling book by former FBI agent Noah Boyd (aka Paul Lindsay), The Bricklayer has the following synopsis: A...

"Smokey and the Bandit" was a delightful '70s action-comedy movie; it spawned two sequels, the first of which was pretty damn good. For a modern audience looking back, the series was also remarkably star-studded. It featured beloved late actors like Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Patrick McCormick, and Mike Henry, most of whom are still fondly remembered over forty years after the first movie came out. Although the series itself isn't quite as well-known among today's young viewer as we'd probably prefer, most of its cast certainly is.

But what about the actors in the series who are still alive today? What are they up to? Let's check in on the lives and careers of the remaining "Smokey and the Bandit" cast, and see how they're holding up. We might never get to see that Seth MacFarlane-penned revival series we heard about back in 2020, but it's not time to...

Plot: Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton, who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten.

Review: We all have a fascination with the rich. The sordid lives of the aristocratic have always made for brilliant fodder in novels, television, and film. For her second directorial effort, Emerald Fennell has looked into the lives of a clan of rich Brits through the eyes of an outsider. Like Promising Young Woman, Saltburn begins as a dark comedy and an indictment of old money becomes a psychological thriller. With her trademark wit and a stellar cast led by Barry Keoghan in one of his best performances to date, Saltburn is a movie made to be recognized during awards season. The problem is that...

Bret Easton Ellis’ latest novel “The Shards” goes where only Bret Easton Ellis could possibly go: back to 1981 Los Angeles with a 600-page book, largely unedited, that’s mostly about himself.

That’s partly because the main character is named Bret, a nihilistic, 17-year-old, bisexual San Fernando Valley trust-fund prep-school brat who’s writing a book called “Less Than Zero.” Yes, this is literary-horror autofiction from the author of that aforementioned 1985 debut and shocking postmodern novels like “American Psycho.”

“The Shards” is also a more-or-less direct transcript of the Patreon serial Ellis launched in late 2020, and its unwieldiness means it’s well-matched for a long-form, flashy series adaptation at HBO. As IndieWire has confirmed, “The Shards” is now being set up at the premium cabler with Ellis as the sole writer while executive producing with Nick Hall (Emmy-winning executive producer on “The White Lotus”) and Brian Young (an executive producer...

From The Video Archives Podcast, writer/director Roger Avary and writer/producer Gala Avary discuss a few of their favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.

Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode

Taxi Driver (1976)

Star Wars (1977)

Matinee (1993)

Dune (1984)

Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)

Licorice Pizza (2021)

Batman (1989)

Yentl (1983)

Nuts (1987)

Spaceballs (1987)

Die Hard (1988)

Top Gun (1986)

Cocksucker Blues (1972)

Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)

Straw Dogs (1971)

The Godfather (1972)

A History Of Violence (2005)

Day Of The Dolphin (1973)

Babylon (2022)

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)

Carrie (1976)

Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)

Blow Out (1981)

The Matrix (1999)

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Killing Zoe (1993)

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

The Tenant (1976)

Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Bugsy Malone (1976)

Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)

The Muppet Movie (1979)

The Rules Of Attraction (2002)

The Sound Of Music (1965)

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Giant (1956)

The Andromeda Strain (1971)

Babe (1995)

Time Bandits...

As we now know, Quentin Tarantino's movies are all set in the same fantastical cinematic universe, offering a glimpse inside the director's head. Like in the real world, anybody can die at any time in various nasty ways, but at least in the Tarantino-verse your killer will probably be jiving to some obscure '70s pop tune or engaging you in a little banter about hamburgers before pulling the trigger. It's a rich, colorful, dangerous place, laden with pop culture references, and also has a second universe within a universe. As Tarantino explained (via Esquire):

"There's the realer than real universe, alright, and all the characters inhabit that one. But then there's this movie universe. And so 'From Dusk Till Dawn,' 'Kill Bill,' they all take place in this special movie universe. So basically when the characters of 'Reservoir Dogs' or 'Pulp Fiction,'...

The screenplay for "True Romance" might be Quentin Tarantino's greatest masterpiece, and it's also one of the only films he wrote that he did not direct himself. That said, director Tony Scott made quite a few changes to Tarantino's original work, transforming an experimental story into a much more traditional narrative. In fact, the first rendition of the script was totally non-linear. Did these changes work for the better, or were we robbed of ground-breaking cinema?

Tarantino famously subverts a linear three-act structure in his films. "Pulp Fiction," for example, tells several interweaving narratives out of order. His directorial debut "Reservoir Dogs" also tells its story out of linear sequence. In both of these films, the audience doesn't truly understand the stakes of the first scene until the second or third act. Following the trend, "True Romance" was initially written with this same unconventional structure in mind,

"True...

Bret Easton Ellis has cultivated a prolific writing career out of avoiding the better aspects of human beings. Leaning into the more flawed nature of individuals and society at large with a collection of novels, including his seminal work, American Psycho, the author has long been unafraid to shine a light on the aspects of ourselves we'd rather not acknowledge. What makes his material and characters tenable, however, is his singular voice as it relates to biting satire and sidesplitting sarcasm. With his second novel, 1987's The Rules of Attraction, he focused his gaze on the fictional Camden College and a collection of characters who, to put it lightly, engage in morally questionable behavior. They display levels of selfishness, cynicism, and apathy that could rival any literary depiction of young adults and the university experience.

Exclusive: Two major figures from the literary world – Bret Easton Ellis and Irvine Welsh – are getting together to create a scripted podcast.

Easton Ellis, author of American Psycho, and Trainspotting author Welsh have struck a deal with podcast studio Audio Up to produce The Reckonings.

In 2020, it emerged that the pair were working together on a television series – American Tabloid – with British production company Burning Wheel Productions.

The logline of the podcast is being kept under wraps although don’t bet against drug use and violence.

Easton Ellis is also behind books such as Less Than Zero, The Rules of Attraction, Lunar Park and Imperial Bedrooms as well as upcoming book The Shards. He wrote and produced Paul Schrader-directed 2013 feature The Canyons starring Lindsay Lohan and hosts his own interview podcast series.

Irvine Welsh is best known for Trainspotting, which was adapted into a film starring Ewan McGregor, as well as Filth, Glue,...

From January 1989 until March 1996, Neil Gaiman's pivotal goth text "The Sandman" flooded the hearts of Doc Martens-wearing, clove cigarette-smoking, Fields of the Nephilim-listening teens the world over. The comic followed the downbeat, bitter adventures of Dream, a supernatural personification of human dreams, as he escaped a prolonged prison sentence in a fantasy kingdom, and set out traversing multiple dimensions to build up his power again. Dream frequently ran into other personified human concepts like Death, Destiny, Despair, and Delirium, and existed in a vast, complicated mythology world that your "Rocky Horror Picture Show"-attending buddies probably knew better than you. 

Because of its cult popularity, scuttlebutt about a "Sandman" feature film began to spread sometime in the mid-1990s. Recalling the time, the buzz seemingly became loudest following the release of Alex Proyas' ultra-Goth comic book adaptation "The Crow," a film that appeared to be visually and tonally in...

Within the burgeoning action sub-genre of fathers scorching earth to save their child, one will not find a film meaner than There Are No Saints. Written by Paul Schrader and directed by Alfonso Pineda Ulloa, this nasty thriller concerns Neto (Jose Maria Yazpi), a former hitman fresh out of prison and determined to get on the straight-and-narrow. Unfortunately, his former cartel employers don’t love the idea. Neither do the corrupt law enforcers they have on payroll. This discontentment extends to his ex-flame Nadia (Paz Vega) and estranged son Julio (Keidrich Sellati). Everyone’s in danger. Turns out Nadia’s new boyfriend (Neal McDonough) is affiliated with the cartel, and kidnaps Julio once the heat is on.

Yazpi is a brooding sort, to be sure, though he lacks bravado for the lead role. In fairness, this film asks him to play a multitude of emotions without the scenes to support the complexity.

Eleven months in to 2021, and Warner Bros. movie streaming strategy on HBO Max is still going strong. Now the list of new releases for November 2021 on HBO Max is highlighted by yet another big ticket film.

King Richard, starring Will Smith, is set to arrive on HBO Max and in theaters on Nov. 19. The movie will tell the story of Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Smith is already getting some early awards buzz for the role so Oscar-heads may want to check this one out.

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Aside from that, it’s a relatively light month for originals on HBO Max. The streamer is clearly attempting to step up its non-English...

November is a good month for saying goodbye on HBO Max. The streaming platform will host the final 2021 episodes of HBO late-night staples “Real Time with Bill Maher” and the Emmy Award-winning “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” the season finales of Max originals “Love Life” and “Doom Patrol,” and also provide home viewers their last opportunity to watch “Dune” on HBO Max until sometime in 2022 (“Dune” leaves HBO Max on November 21).

But beyond those conclusions, there are some huge premieres as well: Oscar contender “King Richard” arrives on November 19 with Will Smith in the lead role, the back-half of “Gossip Girl” Season 1 will make its debut at some point, and the HBO Music Box series continues with the Alanis Morrisette documentary “Jagged” (which the singer roundly criticized) and a new feature on Dmx. All of that content, plus a number of library classics, including but not limited to “Moonstruck,...

Like many a pop star and influencer before him, Bret Easton Ellis has a brand-new merch store.

The acclaimed author, screenwriter and podcast host launched the shop last month in partnership with ecommerce logistics company Shipmonk. In addition to a line of custom bookmarks and T-shirts — including one with the phrase “This is not an exit,” per the title of a 1999 documentary about Ellis — there are first-edition, rare and autographed copies of some of his best-known works like Glamorama, American Psycho, The Rules of Attraction, Less Than Zero and Lunar Park.

The shop is the brainchild of Ellis’ partner, Todd Michael ...

Like many a pop star and influencer before him, Bret Easton Ellis has a brand-new merch store.

The acclaimed author, screenwriter and podcast host launched the shop last month in partnership with ecommerce logistics company Shipmonk. In addition to a line of custom bookmarks and T-shirts — including one with the phrase “This is not an exit,” per the title of a 1999 documentary about Ellis — there are first-edition, rare and autographed copies of some of his best-known works like Glamorama, American Psycho, The Rules of Attraction, Less Than Zero and Lunar Park.

The shop is the brainchild of Ellis’ partner, Todd Michael ...

A new year means a new start. But in its list of new year releases for January 2021, Hulu is sending a message of…eh, we’ll get the year started in February. Not to be overly rude to the usually sturdy streaming service, but there’s not much going on for Hulu in 2021’s first month.

Perhaps the biggest release of note is something that already enjoyed a successful release for ITV in the U.K. The Sister is the lates thriller from Neil Cross (Luther) and it makes its U.S. debut on Hulu on Jan. 22. 2020 comedies Save Yourselves and Like a Boss both arrive on Jan. 1. Hulu original film The Ultimate Playlist of Noise premieres on Jan. 15 and TV series Everyone is Doing Great arrives on Jan. 13.

Thankfully Hulu’s library titles are a bit livelier this month. Jan. 1 sees the arrival of Blade Runner: The Final Cut,...

Hulu is kicking off the new year in style next month, with January set to deliver a ton of fresh titles to the Disney-owned streaming service. There’s a bunch of original content landing throughout the first few weeks of 2021, but probably the highlight is the incredible number of classic movies that are going up on the site on New Year’s Day. Whether you’re in the mood for iconic comedies, dramas, animated efforts or sci-fi flicks, there’s something for you on the way.

There are well over 100 films being added to Hulu’s library on January 1st, so let’s just pick out a few notable titles. The full Austin Powers trilogy is among them, and if you can’t get enough of Mike Myers, the first Shrek likewise becomes available. For dramas, there’s Robert Downey Jr. biopic Chaplin, Johnny Depp vehicle Donnie Brasco and Jim Carrey’s The Truman Show.

Tyler Perry is Variety‘s 2020 Showman of the Year. For the full cover story, click here.

Music supervisor Joel C. High distinctly remembers meeting Tyler Perry for the first time in 2004 on “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” “It changed my life,” says High of what was the beginning of a beautiful filmmaker-music supervisor partnership that continues to this day.

The secret to their harmony is simple. As Perry divulges, he doesn’t “change partners once at the dance.” Says Variety’s Showman of the Year: “[Joel] gets the exact tone and feel of what I was thinking.”

High, who now serves as president of the Guild of Music Supervisors, was head of music at Lionsgate overseeing film and television when Michael Paseornek, the studio’s then president of production, brought Perry to High’s attention. On deck was Perry’s first movie, based on one of his stage plays.

No stranger to soundtracks,...

“American Psycho” writer Bret Easton Ellis and “Trainspotting” writer Irvine Welsh are in final talks with Burning Wheel Productions to co-create a drama series based on American tabloid culture.

Working-titled “American Tabloid,” the series “will journey through the decades following events from a weekly publication and enter into a world where political correctness, morals and ethics are left firmly at the door,” according to Burning Wheel. It will follow a “rambunctious cavalcade of pranksters, con men, and rapscallions — in other words, journalists — being brought together from across the globe to change not only the landscape but the power of the press forever from scandalous rumour to political puppetry.”

“To do this production justice we always knew we would require writers who don’t hold back and go way further than most would dare,” Burning Wheel’s Shelley Hammond said in a statement. “We are just beyond delighted that we are...

“Trainspotting” writer Irvine Welsh and “American Psycho” author Bret Easton Ellis are in final talks with the U.K.’s Burning Wheel Productions to co-create a dramatized series based on the national tabloid press culture in the U.S.

With the working title “American Tabloid,” the series will unspool over decades and follow events from a weekly publication where political correctness, morals and ethics are unheard of.

The deal is expected to get confirmed in the coming weeks, with a development schedule to follow.

“To do this production justice we always knew we would require writers who don’t hold back and go way further than most would dare,” said Shelley Hammond of Burning Wheel. “We are just beyond delighted that we are ready to agree a deal to make this happen with the incredible talent of Bret and Irvine. This would be the first time the two have collaborated...

Shannyn Sossamon has been cast in the lead role of the Fox drama pilot “The Cleaning Lady,” Variety has learned.

Based on the Argentine series “La Chica Que Limpia,” the show follows Reyna Salonga (Sossamon), a whip-smart Filipina doctor who comes to the U.S. in hopes to get a medical treatment for her critically ill son. But when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she becomes an on-call cleaning lady for the mob. Willing to do anything to save her son, Reyna walks the tightrope of morality, breaking the law for all the right reasons — and eventually forges her own path in the criminal underworld.

The role would mark a return to Fox for Sossamon, whose last TV roles came on the Fox shows “Wayward Pines” and “Sleepy Hollow.” She is known primarily for her film roles, having starred in movies such as “Wristcutters: A Love Story,...

Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSAvant-garde filmmaker Peter Tscherkassky has provided a new ident for Mubi that displays his "sensory and tactile view on cinema." The ident features strips of film negative overlapping and whirring to the sounds of a passing train. Recommended VIEWINGThe official trailer for Clint Eastwood's Richard Jewell, based on the true story of a security guard falsely accused of planting a bomb at the 1996 Olympics. An investigation into the "real fake cameras" used to create Toy Story 4, which emulates a variety of camera lenses, from anamorphic to spherical. The elusive Roger Avary, co-writer of Pulp Fiction and director of The Rules of Attraction, returns from a long hiatus with what looks to be a delightful crime romp complete with Crispin Glover as a fake Frenchman-assassin.Mati Diop's Atlantics, which follows a woman...

Amazon Prime Video has confirmed that five original shows will be debuting new episodes on the streaming service in June including the third season of the animated hit “Creative Galaxy”; the sophomore season of the thriller “Absentia; and the first installment of the Japanese drama “Final Life.” There will also be two new movies this month: the documentary “Chasing Happiness,” which chronicles the rise to fame of the Jonas Brothers; and the Idris Elba crime drama “Yardie.”

Likewise, there will be plenty of films making their first appearances on Amazon Prime Video in June including the first five films in the “Rocky” franchise and several entries in the “Rush Hour” series.

Below is the full schedule of everything that is coming to Amazon Prime Video in June 2019. Unlike Netflix, Amazon does not disclose the shows and movies leaving the service in any given month. We’ve done some digging and...