News reports in the trade press indicate that actor Bradley Cooper has been offered the role of Napoleon Solo in director Steven Soderbergh's forthcoming big screen version of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The role of the suave spy was immortalized by Robert Vaughn in the legendary 1960s TV series. No word on whether Cooper will accept. George Clooney was to play the role originally in the feature film but backed out because he feared some old injuries might prevent him from performing the required stunts.

Eyes Wide Shut: the beginning of the end for the NC-17 rating.

By Lee Pfeiffer

The whole purpose of the NC-17 rating was to remedy a situation in which the X rating had been appropriated by the porn industry. Quality "X" films were lumped in with sleaze movies. Squeamish TV stations and newspapers eventually refused to carry ads for any X rated film. Thus a film like Last Tango in Paris was treated identically to Deep Throat. Critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel used their considerable influence to help the MPAA create a brand-new rating, the NC-17 that was supposed to specifically be used for quality adult movies with strong sexual content. However, studios never fully supported the concept. MGM/UA released Showgirls with the new rating and attributed its failure to alienation of audiences instead of the fact it was a bad movie. Since then there have been a handful of arthouse releases and the occasional studio film with the NC-17 rating, but in essence, its suffered the same fate as the old "X" rating: TV stations and newspapers still refuse to carry ads. Writer Scott Mendelson bemoans this situation and traces it back to 1999 when Warner Brothers punted on the release of Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut and digitally altered scenes in order to get an "R" rating. Mendelson says the studio should have stuck to its guns and shamed newspapers and TV stations into accepting advertising for such a prestigious film.They didn't and American audiences- who are being subjected to a constant tidal wave of sex on TV shows- still get treated like children when it comes to the content of the theatrical releases they are "allowed" to see. For more click here

Landis at Forbidden Planet, London (Photo copyright Mark Mawston. All rights reserved.)

By Mark Mawston

The Halloween season found famed director (and Cinema Retro contributor) John Landis in London to launch his new, very well received book, Monsters in the Movies. (Click here to visit the DK Publishing web site for a peek into the book's contents.) 

The link above will take you to just some of the wonders this book holds, along with a short introduction by John himself. As a fan of most of the films featured within its pages as well as the films of John Landis himself, it was a real honour to have a couple of my own photo’s deemed worthy enough (in historical importance)to be included alongside the many stunning images this book holds.

The que at London’s Forbidden Planet Store for a signing session with John on the 1^st of Nov stretched around the block. The book has already sold out in its original run (another has commenced)but those lucky enough to get into London should head straight to Forbidden Planet as well as the famed Cinema Store on St. Martins Lane as both stores hold a limited amount of signed copies. John has stressed the fact that this is a fun book, with conversations rather than in depth interviews with many of his friends ranging from Ray Harryhausen, Sir Christopher Lee and Joe Dante. What it is however, is a book of definitive monster images, many of which have never been seen before and as such it is a must for any fans of the genre. My personal favourite, along with many of those whom have read it, is the inspired Monster Carry spread, featuring gals held by ghouls from all the different decades of dread. It’s also worth pointing out that this is a great looking tome in its own right. I highly recommend this wonderful book but if you do venture into the Capitol to get a signed copy, then “Stay On The Roads…..”, as was advised in Landis’ classic An American Werewolf in London.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER DISCOUNTED FROM AMAZON

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON UK

Cinema Retro's Dave Worrall provides some further perspectives on the news about the new James Bond film SkyFall:

50 Years to the day Sean Connery was announced to play the character of James Bond in Eon Productions' Dr. No, Sony held a press conference today to officially announce the start of production on the 23rd film in the series of OO7 big-screen adventures.

Held in the ballroom of The Corinthia Hotel, central London, the event kicked off at 11:45am with the James Bond theme being played (we hope this means a return on-screen too, as it was sadly lacking from the first two Daniel Craig Bond films) as producer Michael G. Wilson walked on stage to announce the 23rd film in the series is to be titled SkyFall. Joining him on stage, director Sam Mendes confirmed the cast:Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Wishaw. All but Wishaw, Finney and Fiennes were present at the press conference and appeared on stage, along with producer Barbara Broccoli.

Locations will include Shanghai, Istanbul and Scotland - with filming due to start this afternoon in the Whitehall area, hence the location for the press conference. Naomie Harris, who has already spent two months training for her role, will play field agent Eve - apparently not Moneypenny as reported by tabloids in the past. There was no mention of Jeffrey Wright reprising his Felix Leiter role. The only thing this writer finds strange is the fact that Bernice Marlohe is playing a character called Severin, which is the name of the villain in Jeffrey Deaver's new Bond novel 'Carte Blanche'.

The official SkyFall logo unveiled

Mendes, in response to internet rumours, stated the film's budget will be similar to Quantum Of Solace, have a storyline similar in pace to Casino Royale (much-welcomed here at Retro) but still have plenty of action to please the fans. He also hinted that he would return to direct another, "if this goes well." Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig (sporting a beard) also confirmed the star would return for Bond 24.

On the technical side, regulars Alexander Witt (2nd unit director), Dennis Gassner (production designer), Gary Powell (stunt co-ordinator), Chris Corbould (SFX supervisor) and Steve Begg (visual effects supervisor) - all who have worked on individually (or both) Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. New to the team is iconic and veteran film maker Roger Deakins (director of photography), with Stuart Baird returning as editor. Baird was editor on Casino Royale - thank God he's been brought back after the awful, quick-fire editing on Quantum Of Solace! However, there has been no mention of long-time composer David Arnold being hired to score this outing.

The storyline is being kept close to the producer's chests, although it appears an integral part highlights problems in M's past. Several characters names are still to be revealed, hinting that Blofeld may make a long-awaited return, as has been rumoured. We hope so - and no, we would not expect a contemporary interpretation of the character would find him to be bald, have a scar on his face, and stroking a white cat! It seems that Austin Powers and Dr. Evil have made it impossible to seriously relate to the traditional vision of the legendary Bond villain. If Blofeld turns out to be a returning character, then perhaps we'll also see the return of SPECTRE as well. (It appears that the Quantum crime organization will not be part of the new film's storyline.)

With a cast and crew to die for, SkyFall could be the best Bond ever, and whilst we appreciate Sam Mendes will want to bring a new-look to the series - and we don't doubt he will do a good job - all we ask is he put the gun barrel sequence back at the beginning. I will guarantee it will get a standing ovation at the premiere if he does.

Javier Bardem, who will play a villain in the film, with Daniel Craig.

By Lee Pfeiffer

Here's one rumor the tabloids got right: the new James Bond film, now shooting in London, will indeed be titled SkyFall. At a major press conference held on the same date that Sean Connery had originally been announced as James Bond so many years ago, Eon Productions introduced the cast members and crew to the media. Director Sam Mendes dispelled some media rumors such as the fact that the budget has been dramatically cut. He confirmed the film will have the same budget as Quantum Of Solace. He also said the title has an "emotional meaning" in the film but would not reveal what it is.  Mendes also dissed rumors that the film will be short on action. He praised the screenwriters and said the script is "fantastic". Daniel Craig dismissed other rumors that this will be his last Bond film, virtually guaranteeing he will star in the film after this one. Judi Dench's M will be a key role in this film and we're told that her character's past will come back to haunt her. It was also hinted that some key character's names were not revealed because they would be familiar to audiences, which may give credence to rumors that Blofeld will return to the series for the first time since Diamonds Are Forever om 1971 (if you don't count the non-Eon film Never Say Never Again in 1983).For full coverage visit the MI 6 HQ web site by clicking here

Beverly Hills Cop may be turning up next on TV screens.

By Lee Pfeiffer

He was acknowledged as a comedic genius during his meteoric rise to fame in the 1980s. However, in later years Eddie Murphy has been the subject of derisive press reports. He's been called an elitist, an egotist, a has-been and a recluse. In a rare interview with Rolling Stone, Murphy seems to take pains to come across as the foul-mouthed man of the street that helped him build his image- even though he knows lives in a mansion. He says he is quitting making the profitable but critically-despised family films that many feel sidetracked his career. He says he will only work when it's a special project, otherwise he's content to sit at home and "chill". He says plans have fallen through to revive the Beverly Hills Cop film franchise but he intends to produce it as a TV series focusing on Axel Foley's son (hey, there's an original concept). Murphy would appear occasionally in the show as Axel Foley. He also says he's toying with the idea of returning to standup comedy and elaborates on why he was furious with the cast of Saturday Night Live for years after he left the show. Murphy also tries to explain, in a convoluted and confusing manner, why he is alleged to have stormed out of the Oscar ceremonies several years ago when he didn't win for Dreamgirls. To read click here

A hot spec script titled Grace of Monaco has been purchased for a big screen production. The film focuses on one aspect of Grace Kelly's life: a period in 1962 where she used her charm and Hollywood glamor in a bizarre political battle against Charles de Gaulle, who threatened to overthrow the government of Monaco because he opposed the nation's status as a haven for tax-cheaters. Kelly gave up a career as an international movie star to serve as Princess of Monaco upon marrying Prince Rainier.  Click here for more

Screenwriter Marcus Webb has a beef with Sly Stallone- he claims the actor/writer/director plagiarized key elements of his short story and screenplay titled The Cordoba Caper for his recent hit film The Expendables. Click here for details

Pharoah Kingsley as Chaplin

Hi Guys,

Brooke from POP INC. I'm a confirmed fan of Cinema Retro and wanted to send you a link to our new video, which recently screened in Los Angeles at the Downtown Independent.

It's called Boulevard of Broken Dreams, was shot on location in Hollywood and it's hero is street performer Pharaoh Kingsley, one of Hollywood's longest running Chaplin impressionists. 

For nearly 25 years running, Kingsley has played Chaplin's Tramp on the Boulevard and has asked for nothing more than for people to "Smile".  We thought it was time he scored a starring role.  Last, we're raising awareness for My Friend's Place, a day center for homeless youth in Hollywood. Hope you like it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtI7xnug85c&feature=share

Best,

Brooke

POP INC

http://www.reverbnation.com/popinc

Retro responds: Brooke, we're always happy to put the spotlight on worthwhile indy productions, especially when they pertain to retro cinema. Boulevard of Broken Dreams is very charming and conveys a positive message in its brief running time. Congratulations to all involved- and keep up the good work. - Lee Pfeiffer

Perhaps stung by criticism that Quantum Of Solace contained too many action sequences, Oscar winning director Sam Mendes, who is helming the new 007 film, is said to be intentionally limiting the amount of mayhem in the movie. Instead Mendes is planning to make this the kind of Bond film that, like Casino Royale, will win over critics as well as fans. For more click here