All Articles by Sheila Roberts

Writer/Director/Star Maiwenn Talks POLISSE and the Real-Life Cases That Inspired the Story

Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Basing her richly textured script on real child investigation cases, co-writer/director/co-star Maiwenn has gathered an accomplished ensemble cast of French actors—including Karin Viard, Marina Fois, co-writer Emmanuelle Bercot, Nicolas Duvauchelle, and rapper-turned-actor Joeystarr—who convey the emotional strain of the Parisian police Child Protection Unit’s work with gritty realism. With each new case, confession and interrogation, the tightly knit team of men and women face an uphill battle against both criminals and bureaucracy in this sharply written and well acted crime drama.

We sat down with Maiwenn at a roundtable interview to talk about Polisse which won the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, was nominated for 15 Cesar Awards (including two wins), and was seen most recently at the Tribeca Film Festival. She told us how she researched her story to construct an engrossing narrative based on real events, how she handled the delicate scenes involving children to elicit some very naturalistic performances, and why she decided to play a supporting role in the film. The actress, screenwriter and director also discussed how she discovered during the editing process that working within the constraints imposed upon her by la DDASS, France’s equivalent to the U.S.’s Child Welfare Services, led to one of the film’s most riveting scenes.  Read the interview after the jump.

Costume Designer Colleen Atwood Talks SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and Working with Johnny Depp in THE THIN MAN

Posted: May 10th, 2012 at 9:13 am

Academy Award-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (Alice in Wonderland) puts her amazing vision and expert craftsmanship to work bringing to life the characters of Snow White and the Huntsman and presenting them to modern audiences through astonishingly intricate and carefully assembled designs.  In a film where symbolism is crucial to the story and wardrobe is integral, Atwood’s contributions blend seamlessly into a world that’s both fantastical and realistic and speaks volumes about the characters.  We sat down with Atwood at a roundtable interview to talk Snow White and the Huntsman and why it was an amazing treat for her to design costumes that reflected the themes of the iconic story and helped the actors transition into the world of their characters.  She also discussed her upcoming film, The Thin Man, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Johnny Depp.  Hit the jump to read our interview.

Director Philippe Falardeau MONSIEUR LAZHAR Interview

Posted: April 21st, 2012 at 7:10 am

Award-winning filmmaker Philippe Falardeau was recently included on Variety’s 2012 list of 10 Directors to Watch.  Known for La Moitié Gauche du Frigo (The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge), Congorama, and C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!), his fourth feature film, Monsieur Lazhar, is an adaptation of the play Bachir Lazhar by Montreal playwright Évelyne de la Chenelière.  The film, which was a 2011 Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, tells the story of an Algerian immigrant (Mohamed Fellag) who learns of the death of an elementary school teacher and offers his services as a substitute teacher.

We sat down at a roundtable interview with Falardeau to talk about what inspired him to make a film set in a school community about children dealing with issues of loss and death.  He told us why he thought the character of Bachir Lazhar was rich enough for a movie, how the story was more interesting told through the eyes of an immigrant who comes from a different background, and what it is about words and communication that helps us go through dramatic moments.  He also discussed the politics of immigration, the education system, the importance of cinema to a national identity and a national culture, and why it’s important to allow every teacher to invest something of themselves into their class.

Ziggy and Robbie Marley Talk About the Documentary MARLEY, Memories of Their Dad, and His Legacy

Posted: April 20th, 2012 at 8:51 am

Beyond the joyous and upbeat quality of many of the film’s sequences, Marley delivers a depth of information and insights that would have been impossible without the kind of cooperation the Marley family offered by opening up their hearts, minds and memories to Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald. Their expansive interviews and the unparalleled and unrestricted access to a trove of archival imagery mean that this compelling documentary will stand as the one definitive record of the Bob Marley legacy.

For Grammy award-winning musician and humanitarian, Ziggy Marley, the oldest son of Bob Marley, there were revealing moments in the film about things that he hadn’t heard or seen before that he found very moving. While a lot of concert films and biographies have been done on his father’s life as a reggae legend and one of the most iconic musicians of the 20^th century, he believes what sets Marley apart is that it offers people a more emotional connection to his life as a man and the struggles he went through.  At the press day for Marley, we sat down with Ziggy and his brother, Robbie, to talk about the enduring nature of their father’s fame and the undying messages that go beyond his music and make Bob Marley a cultural force that’s still to be reckoned with more than 30 years after his passing. They discussed his lasting influence on them as a father and as an artist and their fondest personal memories of the times they shared with him.  Hit the jump to read.

Author Nicholas Sparks and Producer Denise Di Novi Talk THE LUCKY ONE, Adapting a Book for Film, and More

Posted: April 18th, 2012 at 7:07 pm

Best-selling author Nicholas Sparks and producer Denise Di Novi sat down with us for a roundtable interview to talk about The Lucky One, which marks the fourth Sparks’ novels that Di Novi has brought to the big screen.  In the film’s central role, Zac Efron stars as Logan, a U.S. Marine who returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive — a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know.  He embarks on a journey of discovery and healing that leads to her and the realization that she could be much more than his good luck charm.

Sparks and Di Novi talked about their collaboration, what Zac Efron brought to the role, and the way they approached bringing the story to the big screen to ensure the character of Logan remained universal, original and interesting.  They also revealed how Efron invested a lot of passion, enthusiasm and hard work into transforming himself to make his character believable and to honor the experiences of young Marines who had served in Iraq.  Sparks also discussed the differences between a novel and a script and the principles he follows whenever he works on a film to make sure it maintains the spirit and the intent of the overall story.

Director Kevin Macdonald Talks MARLEY, HOW I LIVE NOW with Saoirse Ronan, BLACK SEA and More

Posted: April 18th, 2012 at 8:27 am

For nearly half a century, Bob Marley’s music and his message have resonated powerfully on a global level that remains unparalleled. Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald’s new documentary, Marley, is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, Marley features rare footage, incredible performances and revealing interviews with the people that knew him best. The film also gives the audience a more emotional connection to Marley’s life as a man.  Magnolia Pictures will release Marley theatrically and on VOD on Friday, April 20th.

At the press day for Marley, we sat down with Macdonald for an exclusive interview.  We talked about what inspired him to make a documentary about the enigmatic Bob Marley who transcended music to become a cultural, political and social icon for change. He told us about what he hoped to achieve by making this film, how he set out to reveal a human side of a towering figure in musical history, and why he thinks Marley still speaks to people around the world today as powerfully as he did when he was alive and more profoundly than any other rock artist or popular music artist. Macdonald also discussed his upcoming projects including How I Live Now with Saoirse Ronan, Bobby Fischer Goes to War and Black Sea.

Director Scott Hicks Talks THE LUCKY ONE and SHINE

Posted: April 17th, 2012 at 9:29 am

The age-old question of whether things happen by accident or if there really is such a thing as destiny is at the core of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, The Lucky One. Scott Hicks, who directed the screen adaptation of The Lucky One, was immediately drawn to the premise that a chance event – finding a photo in the middle of nowhere — could change not only one man’s life, but the lives of everyone he comes into contact with – and it hooked him at the onset.  He liked the idea that the notion of destiny is quite central and that it was treated in a very realistic fashion.

We sat down with the Academy Award-nominated writer/director at a roundtable interview to talk about the genesis of the project and how he came to direct the movie after he was approached by Warner Bros. producer Denise Di Novi.  He told us why the actuality footage his son sent him links to on YouTube inspired the film’s visceral opening sequence, how he consulted with the Marines to lend authenticity to the film, how the shores of Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain passed for locations in Iraq, and what amazed him about Zac Efron’s and Jay Ferguson’s strong performances.  He also discussed the lasting impact of Shine.

Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling Talk THE LUCKY ONE, ARGO, THE PAPERBOY and More

Posted: April 15th, 2012 at 9:44 pm

Zac Efron takes on his most mature role yet in the adaptation of  Nicholas Sparks‘ The Lucky One playing U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault who has defied the odds during three tours of duty in Iraq.  When Thibault discovers a photograph of an unknown woman (Taylor Schilling) half-buried in the sand and pulls it out, it becomes his lucky charm that he credits with keeping him alive.  After he returns stateside, the picture becomes the catalyst for an unusual and moving journey of discovery and healing.

At the press day for The Lucky One, we sat down at a roundtable interview with Efron and Schilling to talk about what drew them to the Nicholas Sparks universe and the story’s interconnecting ideas of luck, love and destiny.  They told us how the friendship they developed on set helped when it came time to film some of the movie’s more romantic scenes, how it was working with Academy Award-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks, and what they have coming up next including Efron’s The Paperboy and Schilling’s Argo. Zac also talked about his progression toward more serious roles, how he transformed himself physically for the role, and why it was important to him to give the most accurate portrayal possible after getting to know the Marines at Camp Pendleton.

Peter Stormare Talks LOCKOUT, the Difference Between Luc Besson and Michael Bay, and His Mentor Ingmar Bergman

Posted: April 10th, 2012 at 9:10 pm

From Uli Kunkel in The Big Lebowski to Slippery Peter in Seinfeld to Gaear Grimsrud in Fargo and Jeff in Dancer in the Dark, the versatile Peter Stormare has turned in many unforgettable performances while working with some of the world’s top directors. In his latest movie, the futuristic sci-fi action thriller Lockout, he plays Secret Service chief Scott Langral who offers a falsely convicted ex-government agent (Guy Pearce) a chance at freedom if he will undertake the dangerous mission of rescuing the daughter (Maggie Grace) of the U.S. President when things go horribly wrong during a humanitarian mission to an experimental maximum security prison in outer space.

We sat down with Stormare at a roundtable interview to talk about the unusual film co-written and produced by Luc Besson. He told us what it was about the script that drew him to the project, why he prefers the old school style European filmmaking that Besson exemplifies to the Hollywood paint-by-number action formula Michael Bay is best known for, and how he believes good storytelling is all about building characters, using the imagination and inviting an audience to fantasize. He also discussed what it was like working with master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, how he would like to do a film with Terrence Malick, and why Close Encounters tops his list of all time favorite films.

Maggie Grace Talks LOCKOUT, TWILIGHT, TAKEN 2, DECODING ANNIE PARKER, and More

Posted: April 10th, 2012 at 1:48 am

Luc Besson’s new sci-fi thriller, Lockout, is a fun and exciting ride set in the not too distant future.  Maggie Grace plays first daughter Emilie Warnock who is leading a humanitarian mission to MS One, an experimental prison in space. When a violent intergalactic mutiny unexpectedly sets loose 500 of Earth’s most dangerous psychotic criminals, President Warnock sends in the falsely convicted Agent Snow (Guy Pearce) to rescue her in exchange for his freedom. Living up to his irreverent reputation, Snow pushes all of Emilie’s buttons, but Emilie proves she can give as good as she gets and together they make a formidable team.

At the press day for Lockout, we sat down with Grace at a roundtable interview to talk about what attracted her to the role of Emilie.  She told us why she loves her action films served up with humor and how she enjoyed taking on the physically demanding role that involved sophisticated action scenes and a combination of stunts, combats and wire-work.  She discussed her training with stunt coordinator Patrick Cauderlier, her fun relationship on set with Pearce and their collaboration on the film’s Casablanca-inspired final scene, and why running in spacesuits presented some unusual challenges.   Grace also talked about her upcoming projects: Twilight: Breaking Dawn 2, Taken 2 and Decoding Annie Parker, plus why she’d like to do a romantic comedy.

Guy Pearce Talks LOCKOUT and Possible Sequel, PROMETHEUS, LAWLESS, and Untitled Drake Doremus Project

Posted: April 9th, 2012 at 2:45 am

In films as wide-ranging and diverse as Memento, L.A. Confidential, The Hurt Locker, Animal Kingdom, The King’s Speech, and most recently, Mildred Pierce, Guy Pearce has brought many complex characters to life in compelling roles. In his latest movie, the futuristic action thriller Lockout, he turns in another riveting performance as Agent Snow, a cynical, sarcastic guy with a scathing sense of humor who is tasked with the dangerous assignment of rescuing the daughter of the U.S. President when her humanitarian mission is derailed by an intergalactic prison break.

We sat down with Pearce at a roundtable interview to talk about what inspired him to play a serious, badass action hero that’s so completely different from his usual roles.  He told us what attracted him to the character of Snow, how he got in shape for the physically demanding role, and why he enjoyed shooting on location in Belgrade, Serbia.  He also talked about his lifelong passion for music and songwriting, the possibility of a Lockout sequel, and his upcoming projects including Prometheus, John Hillcoat’s Lawless (formerly known as The Wettest County) and an untitled Drake Doremus project.

Directors Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne THE KID WITH A BIKE Interview

Posted: March 15th, 2012 at 6:45 am

Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne have created a body of work since 1996 which places them clearly at the forefront of contemporary Belgian cinema and among the world’s most critically respected filmmakers. Their deeply moving new film, The Kid with a Bike, which won the Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, explores the emotional life of troubled 11-year-old Cyril (newcomer Thomas Doret) who is abandoned by his father (Jérémie Renier). His wild, unpredictable behavior and disastrous search for father figures almost costs him everything until a kind hairdresser (Cécile de France) befriends him and refuses to give up without a fight.

We sat down with the Dardenne Brothers at a roundtable interview to talk about The Kid with a Bike which was shot in the industrial town of Seraing in eastern Belgium where they grew up. The filmmaking duo explained why the theme of loneliness and abandonment in young people resonated with them, what happened during the audition process that convinced them Doret was perfect for the role of the young boy, and how the bike played a pivotal role in building the relationships between the different characters and advancing the storyline. They also explained why they feel this is ultimately a film that honors women.  Continued after the jump.

Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chelsea Handler and Director McG Talk THIS MEANS WAR

Posted: February 14th, 2012 at 3:14 pm

In This Means War, which opens on Valentine’s Day, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy portray the world’s deadliest CIA operatives who are also inseparable partners and best friends…until they fall for the same woman (Reese Witherspoon). Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever – each other.

We sat down at a recent press conference with Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chelsea Handler and director McG to talk about what happens when a longstanding personal and professional bond is put to the test. Reese and Tom revealed why their paint ball scene turned into a real ice breaker. Tom talked about working opposite Chris Pine and what happens when two actors with very different fighting styles face off on screen. McG revealed that the DVD will be a Chelsea feast because her raciest jokes had to be dropped to get a PG 13 rating. He also discussed directing a film that’s part comedy, romance, action and thriller and how he had three alternative endings in mind, including one with a homoerotic finish.

Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura Talks MAN ON A LEDGE, LAST STAND, and FIVE AGAINST THE BULLET; Confirms RED 2 and TRANSFORMERS 4

Posted: January 18th, 2012 at 8:08 am

Since his days as president of production at Warner Bros., producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura had wanted to turn the script for Man on a Ledge into a film. He felt there was an inherent drama to the idea and saw it as a movie where things keep turning on themselves. There was something gripping about the idea of a man on a ledge and whether he was going to jump or not. What attracted him to the script was the potential for impending catastrophe and the possibility for a strong interactivity between the guy on the ledge and the people down below on the ground.

We sat down with di Bonaventura at a roundtable interview recently to talk about how he came aboard to help produce this film. He told us about the similarities Man on a Ledge shares with Red, why it’s dangerous to make movies that have disparate tones, why he would not have made the project without Sam Worthington, and why he enjoys making both smaller, intimate films like this and huge, spectacular films like Transformers. He also confirmed there will be a Red 2 and a Transformers 4, discussed his Arnold Schwarzenegger project, Last Stand, which South Korean director Jee-woon Kim is currently filming, and revealed his plans to make a Western with Bruce Willis entitled Five Against the Bullet.

Diego Luna Talks MISS BALA, CASA DE MI PADRE, Neill Blomkamp’s ELYSIUM, and CONTRABAND

Posted: January 17th, 2012 at 8:42 am

Miss Bala, Mexico’s official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film, chronicles three terrifying days in the life of Laura Guerrero (Stephanie Sigman), a beautiful young woman whose humble effort to escape a life of grim poverty goes diabolically wrong when it delivers her into the hands of a gang that’s terrorizing northern Mexico led by drug boss Lino (Noé Hernández). Although she wins the beauty queen crown she aspires to, her experiences as an unwilling participant in Mexico’s violent war leave her shaken and transformed.

In an exclusive interview at the press day for Miss Bala, we sat down with the film’s executive producer, Diego Luna, to talk about the acclaimed crime drama which opens in New York and Los Angeles on January 20th. Luna told us about his longtime collaboration with director Gerardo Naranjo, how the character of Laura is really a metaphor for what’s happening today in Mexico, and why he believes film has the ability to bring about social change by raising awareness. He also discussed his upcoming projects, Contraband which opens this weekend, Casa de mi Padre with Will Ferrell and Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium. Hit the jump for the full interview.

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