Quentin Tarantino to head the Venice Film Festival Jury!

Via Variety:

Quentin Tarantino will head the competition jury of the 67th Venice Film Festival, which has already secured several hot titles.

Tarantino, praised by fest topper Marco Mueller as "one of the most startling directors in cinema today," is a Venice aficionado.

While none of his films have screened on the Lido, Tarantino has been the "godfather" of two important Venice sidebars, the Italian Kings of the B's retro in 2004 and the Spaghetti Westerns retro in 2007.

As for films launching from the Lido this year, Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere," which was partly shot in Italy; Monte Hellman's noir "Road to Nowhere," also partly shot in Italy; Julian Schnabel's "Miral," starring Freida Pinto ("Slumdog Millionaire") as a refugee camp teacher in postwar Jerusalem; and Francois Ozon's "Potiche," are all tipped for slots in the official selection.

"Potiche," which stars Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu and is based on a play set in 1997 in the Gallic provinces, had been floated for the Cannes opening-night slot that went to Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood."

"Miral" also had reportedly been in the Cannes mix.

The fest will run Sept. 1-11.

-I'm curious to see how this festival stacks up to Cannes, which seems a little weak this year...thoughts?

Why Julian Schnabel won't be screening his latest film at Cannes...

...and instead will be premiering it at the Venice Film Festival. Here's Roger Friedman's story from a few days ago (sorry for the delay) on the matter:

Award winning director and famed artist Julian Schnabel will not be taking his new film, “Miral,” to the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

The festival announces its lineup this morning. Schnabel had previously debuted his “Diving Bell and the Butterfly” there, and “Before Night Falls.”

But he says the festival wanted him to screen “Miral” out of competition but in the main festival. He said thanks, but no. The result is that “Miral” will debut in Venice, and then go to Toronto back to back next September. In Toronto, Schnabel, sources say, may also have a huge exhibition of his art simultaneously.

The Cannes fest is never without controversy, so some media outlets say they are boycotting this morning’s announcements because they’re being denied red carpet spots during the upcoming festival. And I’m also told opening night film “Robin Hood” may only have director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe at its press conference on the morning of May 12th. For some reason Cate Blanchett and the rest of the cast may not attend. Why? I have no idea. Usually the entire cast of a film sits for its press conference. Quel fromage!

-As long as we get to see it at some point, I don't mind waiting to hear about it a little longer...thoughts?

IFC Films picks up Todd Solodnz's 'Life During Wartime' for distribution

The Hollywood Reporter has the story:

IFC Films has acquired U.S. rights to Todd Solodnz's "Life During Wartime," which won the best screenplay award at the Venice International Film Festival, where it debuted.

A quasi-sequel to the filmmaker's 1998 "Happiness," the film stars Shirley Henderson, Ciaran Hinds, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Charlotte Rampling, Ally Sheedy and Michael Kenneth Williams.

It will be distributed during the summer via the IFC in Theaters platform, which releases movies simultaneously in theaters and on VOD.

"Wartime" was produced by Christine Kunewa Walker and Derrick Tseng and exec produced by Elizabeth Redleaf and Mike S. Ryan for Werc Werk Works.

-I look forward to seeing it...

The Venice Film Festival announces its award winners!

Here are the winners:

Official Awards

The 66th Venice International Film Festival ran 2nd to 12th September 2009.

The International Juries awarded the following prizes:

Venezia 66

- Golden Lion for best film: Lebanon by Samuel MAOZ (Israel, France, Germany)

- Silver Lion for best director: Shirin NESHAT for the film Zanan Bedone Mardan (Women Without Men) (Germany, Austria, France)

- Special Jury Prize: Soul Kitchen by Fatih AKIN (Germany)

- Coppa Volpi for Best Actor: Colin FIRTH in the film A Single Man by Tom FORD (USA)

- Coppa Volpi for Best Actress: Ksenia RAPPOPORT in the film La doppia ora by Giuseppe CAPOTONDI (Italy)

- “Marcello Mastroianni” Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress: Jasmine TRINCAin the film Il grande sogno by Michele PLACIDO (Italy)

- "Osella" for Best Technical Contribution: Sylvie OLIVÉ for the film Mr. Nobody by Jaco VAN DORMAEL (France)

- "Osella" for Best Screenplay: Todd SOLONDZ for the film Life during Wartime by Todd SOLONDZ (USA)

Orizzonti

- Orizzonti Prize to Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno (Philippines)
- Orizzonti Prize for Best documentary to 1428 by DU Haibin (China)
- Special Mention to Aadmi ki aurat aur anya kahaniya (The Man’s Woman and Other Stories) by Amit Dutta (India)

Controcampo Italiano

Controcampo Italiano Prize to: Cosmonauta by Susanna NICCHIARELLI (Italy)

“for its ability to recall a crucial moment of the twentieth century through the eyes of a young girl”

Kodak will offer to the awarded director 40,000 euros in negative film stock - 35 or 16mm, chosen by the winner - to shoot a new feature film.

Corto Cortissimo (Prizes awarded on 10th September 2009)

- Corto Cortissimo Lion for Best Short Film to Eersgeborene (First Born) by Etienne Kallos (South Africa, USA)
- Venice Nomination to the European Film Awards 2009 to Sinner by Meni Philip (Israel)
- Special Mention to Felicità by Salomé Aleksi (Georgia)

“Luigi De Laurentiis” Award for a Debut Film

- Lion of the Future – “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film

Persol 3-D Award for the Best 3-D Stereoscopic Film of the Year (Prize awarded on 11th September 2009)

- Persol 3-D Award: The Hole by Joe Dante (USA)

-Thoughts?

Today's News: The Road gets a new release date, George A. Romero's latest zombie flick comes to Venice, and more...

In the news:

Look for 'The Road' to come out on November 25th now, a new release date for the film.

George A. Romero's 'Survival of the Dead' is the first zombie film to compete in competition at the Venice Film Festival.

Anton Yelchin has been added to the cast of Jodie Foster's next movie 'The Beaver', with Mel Gibson.

Like 'The Road', look for Richard Linklater's 'Me and Orson Welles' to come out on November 25th as well.

Finally, the sequel to 'Sex and the City' adds a male to its estrogen heavy cast.

-Thoughts?

Can 'The Men Who Stare at Goats' be George Clooney's second hit in a week?

Well, it's a little early to tell, but we have two rather good reviews to go on out of the Venice Film Festival. Variety calls it a "Superbly written loony-tunes satire played by a cast at the top of its game", while In Contention gives it three stars and says "A trim, lively comedy powered by a winning quartet of personality performances and an endearingly naff drive-time rock soundtrack, Grant Heslov’s helming debut “The Men Who Stare at Goats” doesn’t make too many demands of its audience. In return, we shouldn’t make too many demands of the film."
-Can this be another big year for Clooney?

Up in the Air gets another good review, and some early reactions to The Informant!

Indeed, Variety seems to dig 'Up in the Air' quite a bit in their review, continuing the exceptionally good buzz for Jason Reitman's film, while Variety also is giving high marks to 'The Informant!' in a review mostly praising Matt Damon. If there's a fly in the ointment, it's The Hollywood Reporter, whose review of Damon's film also likes his performance, but aren't quite fans of the film itself.
-As it's shaping up, the former film may very well be a big deal in the race, while the latter seems to be more suited to just pushing its versatile lead actor for a nomination, but of course, it's still early...thoughts?

Has Venice unspooled one of Michael Moore's best films yet, as well as Telluride doing the same for Jason Reitman?

The early word from the Venice Film Festival seems to indicate that this is another strong showing from more, with In Contention giving a 3 star review, while Variety raves about it and says that "By returning to his roots, professional gadfly Michael Moore turns in one of his best films with "Capitalism: A Love Story."
Also worth noting is that at the Telluride Film Festival there was a surprise screening of "Up in the Air" that's gone over incredibly well too, as this quick hit from In Contention can attest to. The early word says that not only is Reitman 3 for 3, but this may be his best film yet.
-It's too early to know if either has got a shot at Best Picture, but what do you think?

4 Clips from 'The Road' for your viewing pleasure!

Here they are:

-Despite its mixed reception yesterday, it's still in the race...how is the film looking to you?

Day 1 at Venice: Has 'The Road' gone off the Oscar path?

Perhaps. The Venice Film Festival has started and the early word on the film is mixed. Variety's review is rather negative, while In Contention isn't thrilled with it either. Time will tell if it's an afterthought in the race, but to say the least, it'll be an uphill battle from here.

Also making its debut is Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, which Variety says in this review is just as odd and disjointed as you'd expect it to be.

Finally, Todd Solondz has returned with a new film, a pseudo sequel to Happiness called Life During Wartime. The short word on it from In Contention was positive enough, so it might be something to look for later this year or next.

-Thoughts on Day 1 from Venice?

Today's News: Venice kicks off its film fest, John Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. may team up again, and more...

In the news:

Today marks the beginning of the Venice Film Festival, so be on the lookout for some early word on some Oscar hopefuls.

It appears that we might see the director and star of the 'Iron Man' films team up on another big film, this one called 'Cowboys & Aliens'.

The Zurich Film Festival will honor none other than Morgan Freeman with its Golden Icon Award.

Lionsgate has played around with its 2010 release dates, mainly that of 'Kick-Ass' and 'The Expendables'.

Interested in seeing 'Star Trek' in Imax? Well, it's getting a re-release on Friday, so have at it!

-Thoughts?

The Venice Film Fest will honor Sly Stallone?

Yep, and if you don't believe me, this article in Variety should leave no doubt in your mind:

Sylvester Stallone will be awarded the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award at next month’s Venice Film Festival.

The prize, dedicated to an artist who has left his mark on contemporary cinema, has previously gone to auteurs Takeshi Kitano, Agnes Varda and Abbas Kiarostami.

“Through all of his movies -- even the ones he has not directed or are considered ‘less important’ -- Stallone has shaped his own character with much care, and reflected upon it, giving us an iconic exploration among the most coherent and lucid of contemporary America cinema,” fest organizers said in a statement.

“Stallone has shown an original eye and an auteur’s determination. His is a cinema capable of tenderness even when dripping with blood.”

The presentation will include a sneak preview of sequences from “The Expendables,” written and directed by, and starring Stallone. Pic, also featuring Jason Statham, Jet Li and Mickey Rourke, is due for release Stateside in April.

The Venice Film Festival runs Sept. 2-12.

-It's a strange pick, but hey, he's been a part of a few of my all time favorite films, so I can't argue the pick...can you?

Today's News: The writer and the director of 'The Hurt Locker' reteam on a new project, The Venice Film Fest to have a 3D competition, and more...

In the news:

Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, who currently are enjoying high praise as the director and writer, respectively, of 'The Hurt Locker' are coming together again on an ensemble action-adventure film, with the plot kept under wraps right now.

Venice will have a prize for the top 3D film, with all the entries being American flicks, and recent releases being heavy among them.

The remake of 'Red Dawn' adds some cast members to its current group of Wolverines.

Frank Langella has been cast in Oliver Stone's 'Wall Street 2', along with Shia and Gordon Gekko himself.

Finally, remember Tara Reid? Well, she's joined an indie comedy that also boasts in its cast Christopher Lloyd, Tom Arnold, and Dave Foley.

-Thoughts?

The Venice Film Festival unveils its lineup for all to see!

The full list is below, but the one I'm keeping my eye on the most is actually George A. Romero's 'Survival of the Dead'.
Here's the lineup:

66TH ANNUAL VENICE FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP
COMPETITION
"36 vues du Pic Saint Loup," Jacques Rivette (France)
"Accident," Cheang Pou-Soi (China-Hong Kong)
"Baaria," Giuseppe Tornatore (Italy) – Opening Film
"Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans," Werner Herzog (U.S.)
"Between Two Worlds," Vimukthi Jayasundara (Sri Lanka)
"Capitalism: A Love Story," Michael Moore (U.S.)
"La Doppia Ora," Giuseppe Capotondi (Italy)
"Il Grande Sogno," Michele Placido (Italy)
"Lebanon," Samuel Maoz (Israel)
"Life During Wartime," Todd Solondz (U.S.)
"Lo Spazio Bianco," Francesca Comencini (Italy)
"Lourdes," Jessica Hausner (Austria)
"Mr. Nobody," Jaco van Dormael (France)
"Persecution," Patrice Chereau (France)
"Prince of Tears," Yonfan (Hong Kong)
"The Road," John Hillcoat (U.S.)
"A Single Man," Tom Ford (U.S.)
"Soul Kitchen," Fatih Akin (Germany)
"Survival of the Dead," George Romero (U.S.)
"Tetsuo The Bullet Man," Shinya Tsukamoto (Japan)
"The Traveller," Ahmed Maher (Egypt)
"White Material," Claire Denis (France)
"Women Without Men," Shirin Neshat (Germany)

OUT OF COMPETITION
"Anni Luce," Francesco Maselli (Italy)
"Chengdu, I Love You," Fruit Chan, Cui Jian (China) – Closing Film
"The Hole," Joe Dante (U.S.)
"The Informant!," Steven Soderbergh (U.S.)
"The Men Who Stare at Goats," Grant Heslov (U.S.)
"Napoli Napoli Napoli," Abel Ferrara (Italy)
"L'oro di Cuba," Giuliano Montaldo (Italy)
"Prove per una tragedia Siciliana," John Turturro, Roman Paska (Italy)
"REC 2," Jaume Balaguero, Paco Plaza (Spain)
"Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story," Yousry Nasrallah (Egypt)
"South of the Border," Oliver Stone (U.S.)
"Yona Yona Penguin," Rintaro (Japan)

MIDNIGHT MOVIES
"Gulaal," Anurag Kashyap (India)
"Dev D," Anurag Kashyap (India)
"Brooklyn's Finest," Antoine Fuqua (U.S.)
"Delhi-6," Rakeysh Omprakash (India)
"Valhalla Rising," Nicolas Winding Refn (Denmark)

GOLDEN LION FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 2009
JOHN LASSETER AND THE DISNEY/PIXAR DIRECTORS
"Toy Story 3-D" (New Version), John Lasseter (U.S.)
"Toy Story 2-D" (New Version), John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich, Ash Brannon (U.S.)

HORIZONS
"Francesca," Bobby Paunescu (Romania) – Opening Film
"One-Zero," Kamla Abou Zekri (Egypt)
"Buried Secrets," Raja Amari (Tunisia)
"Tender Parasites," Christian Becker and Oliver Schwabe (Germany)
"Adrift," Bui Thac Chuyen (Vietnam)
"Crush," Petr Buslov, Aleksei German Jr., Borisd Khlebnikov, Kirill Serebrennikov, Ivan Vrypayev (Russia)
"Repo Chick," Alex Cox (U.S.)
"Engkwentro," Pepe Diokno (Philippines)
"The Man's Woman and Other Stories," Amit Dutta (India)
"Paraiso," Hector Galvez (Peru)
"Io sono l'amore," Luca Guadagnino (Italy)
"Cow," Guan Hu (China)
"Judge," Liu Jie (China)
"Pepperminta," Pipilotti Rist (Switzerland)
"Tris di donne e abiti nunziali," Martina Gedeck (Italy)
"Insolacao," Daniela Thomas and Felipe Hirsch (Brazil)
"1428," Du Haibin (China)
"I Travel Because I Have to, I Come Back Because I Love You," Marcelo Gomes and Karim Ainouz (Brazil)
"Once Upon a Time Proletarian: 12 Tales of a Country," Guo Xiaolu (China)
"Villalobos," Romuald Karmakar (Germany)
"Il colore delle parole," Marco Simon Puccioni (Italy)
"The One All Alone," Frank Scheffer (The Netherlands)
"Toto," Peter Schreiner (Austria)

HORIZONS EVENTS
PROGRAM 1
"The Death of Pentheus," Philip Haas (U.S.)
"Faces of Soul," Gina Kim (U.S.)
"La Boheme," Werner Herzog (U.K.)
"Mudanza," Pere Portabella (Spain)
PROGRAM 2
"Deserto Rosa – Luigi Ghirri," Elisabetta Sgarbi (Italy)
"Reading Book of Blockade," Aleksander Sokurov (Russia)
"Armando Testa – Povero ma moderno," Pappi Corsicato
"La Danse – Le Ballet de l'Opera de Paris," Fredrick Wiseman (U.S.) (In collaboration with Dance Biennale)
"Hugo en Afrique," Stefano Knuchel (Switzerland)
"Via della Croce," Serena Nono (Italy)

CONTROCAMPO ITALIANO ­– (NEW ITALIAN CINEMA TRENDS SIDEBAR)
"Poeti," Toni D'Angelo
"Negli occhi," Francesco del Grosso
"Il compleanno," Daniele Anzellotti, Marco Filiberti
"Dieci Inverni," Valerio Mieli
"Cosmonauta," Susanna Nicchiarelli
"Hollywood sul Tevere," Marco Spagnoli
"Il Piccolo," Maurizio Zaccaro

CONTROCAMPO ITALIANO EVENTS
"Giuseppe De Santis," Carlo Lizzani

CONTROCAMPO/RETROSPECTIVE EVENTS
"Lola," Giulio Questi
"Hotel Courbet," Tinto Brass

Curious who will be on the Jury of the Venice Film Festival?

Wonder no more, as the lineup can be found here. The big names are Ang Lee and Joe Dante, but it's a good list through and through, and it's a festival to look forward to. The fest isn't till September, but later today the film lineup should come through, so stay tuned for that...