Posts Tagged ‘James Ellroy’

Martha Bayne On What’s Wrong With James Ellroy

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Martha Bayne On What’s Wrong With James Ellroy

James Ellroy On His Woman Troubles

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

James Ellroy On His Woman Troubles
Plus – Ellroy’s “L.A. To Z”

Retro Thursday

Thursday, November 13th, 1997

With all the talk about Martin Scorsese prepping a Rat Pack movie — a kind of sequel, combining Casino and Kundun — now HBO is talking about their own flick, looking at The Chairman of The Board (Frank), The Drunk (Dean) and The One-Eyed Wonder (Sammy) starring Aidan Quinn, Chaz Palminteri and Don Cheadle, babe. Only problem is that they’re giving the helm to solid-producer-turned-hack-director Rob Cohen, who brought consecutive disasters Dragonheart and Daylight to the big screen. And keep an eye out for Rob’s girlfriend, Dina Meyer, hot off of Starship Troopers, probably playing Ava Gardner. Ring a ding ding.
James Ellroy is moving out of the ’50s and into the ’90s. His original script, The Night Watchman, is almost ready at Warner Bros. Set in “a post-O.J. Los Angeles,” it’s another take on cops and robbers with David Fincher taking on directing chores.
“SWAT”! It’s back! Twice! Universal is setting up its own story about the birth of L.A.’s Special Weapons and Tactics force following hard on the heels of TriStar’s version of the classic ’70s TV series. TriStar’s been trying to get Oliver Stone to helm their version, so maybe the Universal competition will create enough paranoia to make it interesting enough for him to take on. Even better, Ollie — the project was set up by former Tri-Star execs who are now at the U. And it turns out that the SWAT team killed Lincoln. And Kennedy. And Elvis. And George Burns.
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It's Iffy Ideas Wednesday

Wednesday, October 8th, 1997

First up is Frosty, Warner Bros’ slowly melting live action/special effects project continues to send talent running for their rubbers. George Clooney passed on the opportunity to don the carrot and top hat. Next, John Travolta decided against becoming a three-balled hero. Then, Warner decided Independence Day star Bill Pullman wasn’t a big enough star to carry a $53 million movie. Now, director Sam Raimi has left. Anyone getting the hint?
From the “Not A Spec Of Sense” department is Metalheads, United Artists’ latest purchase for $600,000 against $1 million. UA is planning on making this a summer event film even though The Hollywood Reporter says the comedy’s about “two misfit robots from outer space… sent to Earth to battle a sinister virus designed to wipe out mankind.” Apparently, the studio wants to build on the last huge robot comedy, Andy Kaufman and Bernadette Peter‘s movie career swan song, Heartbeeps.
Paul Schrader meets James Ellroy in 8mm, the next film from writer Andrew Kevin Walker (Seven) and Batwrecker, Joel Schumacher. The film, about a detective who snoops a little too far into the snuff film business for his own good, follows in the “who can be meaner” streak of films currently represented by Kiss the Girls. Schumacher, whose work with the subject of sex consists of rubber Bat-nipples, Jason Patric‘s hair and Jim Carrey in a leotard, may be looking for scripts in all the wrong places. Pass.
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