The Great Directors

I’m beginning to think I should just work for Turner Classic Movie’s (TCM) PR department, but, as a cinephile, it’s hard not to sing the praises of this wonderful network. TCM will once again deliver countless hours of pure movie delight in June by celebrating the work of more than 50 top directors from around the world.

TCM’s month-long “Great Directors” festival will showcase the work of two directors each day, including pictures from classic filmmakers like Fritz Lang to modern directors like Woody Allen. This 30-day festival offers a dream line-up of some of the silver screen’s greatest films, while also screening some lesser known movies from the featured directors.

Of those masters behind the camera, I’m particularly looking forward to the days devoted to:

• Frank Capra (Tuesday, June 2)
• Blake Edwards (Friday, June 19) - pictured above
• Alfred Hitchcock (Saturday, June 27)
• Sidney Lumet (Monday, June 29)
• Francois Truffaut (Thursday, June 18)
• Billy Wilder (Saturday, June 15) - pictured below

Needless to say, my television will be permanently set to TCM in June. To experience some tour de force films and discover lesser known gems, check out the TCM schedule for specific directors and films: http://tinyurl.com/mfpqee.

Be sure to tune back in to TCM in August for their annual “Summer Under the Stars” festival featuring the work of different acting legends each day.

Actors Studio Questionnaire

The popular Bravo series, Inside the Actors Studio is a great program for any film lover. Since the show’s premiere in 1994, host James Lipton has interviewed more than 200 guests, including famous actors and actresses, directors, screenwriters, and musicians. While most of the show consists of a one-on-one interview, at the end of each show, Lipton submits a questionnaire to the guest. The questionnaire concept was originated by French television personality Bernard Pivot, similar to the famous Proust Questionnaire.

After watching countless Hollywood stars and legends give their own personal answers, I’ve often wondered how I would respond to Lipton’s queries. So, just for kicks, I put myself “inside the Actors Studio” and pulled together my replies to this proverbial questionnaire:

What is your favorite word? Imagination

What is your least favorite word? Moist

What turns you on? Witty humor and creativity

What turns you off? Arrogance and/or ignorance

What is your favorite curse word? [currently] Horse sh*t

What sound or noise do you love? Laughter

What sound or noise do you hate? Hacking cough

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Film-maker

What profession would you not like to do? Window cleaner (I'm deathly afraid of heights!)

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome home! You did well down there. Heaven is your playground, so enjoy! But first, your family and friends are throwing a party in your honor. Ella will be singing your favorite songs all night long!

Here’s a clip of one of Lipton’s more entertaining guests: http://tinyurl.com/p4xtm8

‘NINE’ trailer released

NINE, the highly anticipated new musical from director, Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) is set to release in theaters on November 25, 2009.

The film, based on the 1982 Broadway musical, follows famous director, Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he works on his latest project. Guido’s professional life is just as chaotic as his personal life, which is complicated by his various female relationships with his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penélope Cruz), his muse (Nicole Kidman), his costume designer and confidant (Judi Dench), an American journalist (Kate Hudson), a harlot from his youth (Fergie), and his mother (Sophia Loren).

Check out the all-star ensemble cast, the striking imagery and Marshall’s amazing choreography in the film’s first trailer:

New design

Life has been busy, but amid all the chaos "The Reel World" received a little face lift today!

A big THANK YOU to the amazingly talented Sofia for designing and creating this beautiful banner! I threw in some new colors and made a few tweaks to accentuate the header, but the way I change my mind, the colors may vary as often as my mood!

I hope you like the new look!