Archive for March, 2006

First Look At Marilyn Manson’s Phantasmagoria

Marilyn Manson's Phantasmagoria
pic: Marilyn Manson as Lewis Carroll

According to the Hollywood Reporter, shock rocker Marilyn Manson paid a visit to the Berlin International Film Festival recently to drum up interest for his directorial debut, a surreal-horrific look at the life of English writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his ‘Alice in Wonderland’ pseudonym Lewis Carroll.

Manson, who will play Carroll as well as composing the score for the film, ‘Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll’, screened a teaser and answered questions at a press conference Sunday at the Berlin Marriott Hotel. He was accompanied by U.K. supermodel Lily Cole, who has been cast in the role of Alice in the film.

Manson described the project as a “gothic psychological horror film. … I want to make a psychological horror film that is unlike the kind we see today,” he said. “I am more interested in making the kind of traditional horror that inspired what we see today.”

‘Phantasmagoria’s’ producer, Wild Bunch’s Alain de la Mata, said the $4.2 million film will begin shooting this summer. Casting is still under way. Manson confirmed that he had discussed the project with Angelina Jolie but said he was not currently in negotiations with her.

Based on the footage screened for the press in Berlin Sunday, ‘Phantasmagoria’ promises the kind of disturbing gothic aesthetic familiar to fans of Manson’s music videos.

But Manson said the film would try to adhere closely to the facts of Dodgson’s life and would not try to “change history.”

Marilyn Manson's Phantasmagoria

Marilyn Manson's Phantasmagoria

Marilyn Manson's Phantasmagoria

Who Wants to be a Superhero?

Who Wants to be a Superhero?

The SCI FI Channel, Nash Entertainment and legendary comic-book creator Stan Lee will produce a six-episode, one-hour weekly competition reality series that will challenge a lucky few to create their very own superhero and reward the winner with the best reality competition prize yet: immortality! (Ummm ok - JR)

All you’ll need is an original idea for a superhero, a killer costume, and some real superhero mojo. The winner of this six-week competition will walk away with their superhero immortalized in a new comic book created by Stan Lee himself. It gets better: The winning character will also appear in an original SCI FI Channel movie! (At least this is one superhero flick we know will suck from the outset! - JR)

In nationwide open casting calls, potential heroes will arrive in costume to prove their mettle — revealing the true nature of their superhuman abilities and invoking the noble credos by which they live. Make no mistake, you don’t have to love comic books to be the superhero we’re looking for. If you have a great imagination, love adventure, and have a hero hiding inside of you, we want you on this show. Students, teachers, firemen, soccer moms — you’re all invited to try out to see if you’ve got what it takes. From thousands of hopefuls, Stan Lee will choose 11 lucky finalists to move into a secret lair and compete for the opportunity to become a real-life superhero. (This is a trainwreck waiting to happen and you know what, I can’t wait to feast my eyes on it! - JR)

So for all you budding spandex wearing geeks, freaks and nerds - more info here and here. Up, Up and Awaaaay!

Holy chalkdust Batman!

3D Batman & Robin Street Art
This has got to be one of the best 3D Perspective street-art samples I’ve ever seen. Absolutely amazing sidewalk artwork at its very best. Look closely, yes, your eyes are deceiving you!

Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while, a great wind carries me across the sky.

The Sopranos Series 6

Sopranos Series 6 Episode 3

Whilst Tony is comatose, his band of hoodlums pretend they care when in reality - they deeply believe they would be better without Soprano back at the helm. They jockey for position. The care factor for Tony’s biological family is practically non-existant.

They would much rather ‘the Skipper’ die so they don’t have to pay a considerable tribute to the boss’ wife.

Life as a mobster is not all it cracked up to be. When Paulie nearly loses his life (and his balls!) in a nearly botched robbery which nets them close to a million dollars, we see him the next day in his humble kitchen cutting out grocery coupons!

Silvio Dante has stepped in as caretaker-boss.

Silvio is in the midst of delusions of grandeur when in reality his skills as a boss are pathetic. He finally realizes just how hard Tony Soprano’s job is. His time is in constant demand and he just does not have the nouse to provide solutions to problems when said problems arise and need to be solved - fast.

When Vito and Paulie realize that Tony is back from the dead, they scurry off quick smart to get Carmella a taste of the heist that in realtiy, they would much rather keep for themselves. After handing over money to Carmella, Vito and Paulie appear grief-stricken - moreso than when their boss was as close to death as can be. Carmella sees the pain and disdain in the eyes of these two ‘loyal’ soldiers when she catches a glimpse of them in the leaving elevator. Christopher is bitten by the movie bug again knowing full well it is against the wishes of Tony.

There will be repercussions to pay when Tony is back to his normal self.

It’s a selfish world the mob, yet without a strong, focussed leader - these guys are nothing but visionless rats ready to desert the sinking ship at any given opportunity.

The Godfather (The Game) Out Now!

The Godfather The Game

Electronic Arts announced The Godfather The Game videogame has shipped and is on store shelves today in North America and March 24th in Europe. (not sure on when we’ll get an Australian release). Gamers worldwide can step into the Don’s dangerous world of intimidation and negotiation via their PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft or PC. Developed by EA, the highly-anticipated open-world videogame is based on the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo and the classic film by Paramount Pictures through a strategic licensing relationship with Viacom Consumer Products.

A Limited Edition for the Xbox and PlayStation 2, featuring behind the scenes content including footage from voice over sessions with James Caan and Robert Duvall, also is available in stores. The Godfather The Game for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system will be available later in 2006.

Our Father which art in heaven, Stay there. And we will stay on earth, Which is sometimes so pretty.

Sopranos Series 6 Episode 2

Sopranos Series 6 Episode 2

Another amazing episode of the Sopranos as series 6 is moving into high gear. With Tony Soprano lying in a medically induced coma for two days - both his families are in disarray. His mob bretheren are jockeying for position whilst his blood family are grief stricken with nothing but (faint) hope to keep them going.

The episode featured a dreamlike sequence with the comatose Soprano experiencing some sort of purgatory-like existence. He’s lost. He has no identity and off in the distance, a lighthouse is beckoning him to take notice and surrender his hold on life. Tony Soprano has lived outside the law but now finds his fate is in the hands of others. His hold on life is faint and weak, the light is a constant reminder of ‘the easy way out’ but the Soprano family voices, at vigil by his bedside - keep him alive.

Some breathtaking perfomances in tonight’s episode… Edie Falco (Carmella Soprano) showed just what a damn fine actress she is - as if there was ever any doubt. When she breaks down, the pressure of the situation she finds herself in, just completely envelopes her and tears her up from the inside out. Convincingly. I had to remind myself several times I was watching a drama and not a real-life documentary.

And finally, AJ, the weakling son is coming of age. He vows to his comatose father that “…I’m going to get Uncle Junior for this. Don’t worry. You’re my dad, and I’m going to put a bullet in his fucking mummy head, I promise.”

Ladies & gentlemen, boys and girls… strap yourselves in for this one.

Kurt Cobain Action Figure

Kurt Cobain Action Figure

Based on his appearance in the video for ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ the NECA Kurt Cobain Action figure includes his guitar, rendered in painstaking detail, and part of the gymnasium floor as the base. Be on the lookout for Kurt to stand with his guitar again on store shelves late in June.

One wonders if series two will feature Courtney Love and a gun?

The Notorious Bettie Page

The Notorious Bettie Page

The HBO/Killer Films’ production The Notorious Bettie Page, stars Gretchen Mol as 1950’s model ‘Bettie Page’, one of the first dark-haired sex icons in America and target of a government ‘witch hunt’ based on her posing for ‘bondage’ pin-up photos.

Newmarket Films will release the feature March 10, 2006.

Born April 22 1923, in Nashville, TN., the real Bettie Page had a difficult childhood including a stint in orphanage. But she did well in high school and voted ‘Most Likely to Succeed’.

In 1950, while walking along the beach at New York’s Coney Island, she was approached by Jerry Tibbs, a police officer and amateur photographer who put together her first portfolio.

Bettie evolved into an an underground sensation and in 1955 became a “Playboy” magazine centerfold.

In 1957, Bettie quit modeling, had a failed marriage, then entered a religious seminary, where she worked as a Christian missionary.

Eventually she was institutionalized for mental problems.

Now in her 80’s, Bettie Page lives in southern California.

In retrospect, she says, “I wasn’t trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time. I didn’t think of myself as liberated and I don’t believe that I did anything important. I was just myself. I didn’t know any other way to be …”

Filmed in New York City and Miami. Florida, The Notorious Bettie Page also stars Lili Taylor, Jonathan M. Woodward, David Strathairn, Cara Seymour, Tara Subkoff and Kevin Carroll.

Directed by Mary “American Psycho” Harron and written by Harron and Guinivere Turner, The Notorious Bettie Page is produced by Lori Keith Douglas, Pamela Koffler, Katie Roumel and Christine “Boys Don’t Cry” Vachon. John Wells is executive producer.

Bart to Tour Australia


The voice of Bart Simpson, award-winning actress Nancy Cartwright, is heading to Australia for a series of stage performances.

Cartwright’s tour, My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy, will begin in May and play in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Cartwright provides the voice that bring to life Bart in the long-running television hit The Simpsons.

A publicist’s statement tonight said the show would be “a rare, behind-the-scenes look at life with The Simpsons, jam-packed with stories, video clips and plenty of audience interaction”

The 2007 Serial Killer Calendar

The 2007 Serial Killer Calendar

We make celebrities out of these monsters, so why not mass-merchandise some of the most brutal and malevolant murderers the modern world has seen? The Dark Art of Nico Claux 2007 calendar is ready for bulk shipping to fine specialty stores everywhere. Or for single purchase ($20). Claux’s portraits of serial killers are, says the accompanying blurb copy, “a reflection on crime as a product of a society based on consumerism, where the killer has achieved the same media status as the movie star.” Featuring Richard ‘The Nightstalker’ Ramirez, John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert Fish and Charles Manson amongst others.

Black Sabbath Finally Make Rock Hall Of Fame — Whether Ozzy Likes It Or Not

Black Sabbath Finally Make Rock Hall Of Fame — Whether Ozzy Likes It Or Not!

The Sopranos is Here!

The Sopranos Season 6

After close to two years waiting for this season of the Sopranos to begin, I must confess it felt eerily surreal to be watching a brand new episode today. Having watched (and re-watched) the first 5 seasons on DVD many, many times - it was with baited breath that I waited for the torrents to kick in. My usual modus operandi is to have my fave torrent site feed my RSS reader (Netnewswire) with info on the latest torrents. Having set one of my Dashboard clocks to New York time, I knew when the show would be airing. Once the torrent fed itself into my RSS reader, it’s off to Usenet and alt.binaries.multimedia to leech on. (Usenet is astronomically much faster than torrents).

And was it worth the wait? Hell yeah! A mind-blowing first up episode indeed that featured a completely surprising plot twist. I certainly was not expecting what happened and am very curious how this will all unfold.

Believe the hype. It simply does not get much better than this.

Awaken The Sleeping Giant

Led Zeppelin Reunion
Launch Radio Networks reports: There’s been no official comment, but there just might be something brewing between Led Zeppelin leaders Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. The pair has been estranged for a few years, with Plant repeatedly saying he has no interest in revisiting the past. However, while neither man is currently on tour, they were both in Los Angeles last week, and they stayed at the same hotel. Of course, that could just be a coincidence, but photographer Ross Halfin wrote in his online diary at that he was with both men in L.A. in separate incidents, and that Plant was “in town with Jimmy Page.”

Over the past few years, Page has asked Plant to work together, but Plant has always declined and said repeatedly that he has no interest in revisiting the past.

In August of 2004, Page told the U.K. newspaper The Independent that he was thinking about doing a Santana-style album with a number of guests. There’s been no word on how far along the project is, or when it might come out.

Plant kicks off a European tour on Friday (March 10) at the Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. North American shows haven’t been announced for this year yet.