Producer Harvey Weinstein, who became synonymous with Hollywood's 2018 #MeToo campaign, has been diagnosed with cancer. Weinstein has chronic myeloid leukaemia and is undergoing treatment while still in prison at Rikers Island in New York, reported NBC News. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic myeloid leukaemia is an uncommon form of cancer of the bone marrow. The news of Weinstein's cancer diagnosis came after he underwent an emergency heart surgery last month, and tested positive for COVID and double pneumonia in July. Weinstein is currently lodged at Rikers Island as he awaits a retrial in November after his 2020 rape conviction in New York, and 23-year sentence, was overturned in April. He was also indicted on further sexual assault charges in New York last month. He has pleaded not guilty and is now charged under two indictments for three sex crimes. He is expected to be arraigned at a later date. Weinstein didn't appear in court when the details of the indictment were revealed, as he did not receive medical clearance. He, however, appeared in a wheelchair to plead "not guilty." An influential producer and a top power broker in the 1990s and 2000s Hollywood, Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by scores of women, including the likes of Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino, and Cate Blanchett. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIActor Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney recently shared the good news that they are expecting their baby No. 2, reported People. After confirming the news they stepped out together for lunch in Los Angeles together, photos shared by DeuxMoi show. Lawrence showed off her baby bump in an oversized yellow button-up and baggy black trousers, while Maroney wore a white T-shirt and black pants. Jennifer and Cooke confirmed the news that they were expecting their second child earlier. The couple, who tied the knot in October 2019 are already parents to a 2-year-old son Cy, who they welcomed in February 2022. Lawrence and Maroney didn't speak much about Cy. "I mean the euphoria of Cy is just, Jesus, it's impossible," she said, who was just a few months old. "I always tell him, I love you so much it's impossible," she added. While speaking with fellow actress and mom Cameron Diaz, Lawrence also shared how becoming a mother has influenced her attitude toward paparazzi. "I was so nervous when I was pregnant," she continued. "I was getting paparazzi, and I was just like, 'How the...am I not going to lose it on these guys when they're taking a picture of my baby?' " Once Cy was born, however, Lawrence said she "realized that my energy is more important to him than anything else." "So if he feels that I'm anxious before I leave the house, or I'm angry when we're outside, that's going to impact him," she said to Diaz. "So it's actually done the opposite, where I've gotten a little bit more zen and a little bit more relaxed with getting photographed, because I don't have a choice. You just have to accept it, and take a deep breath and walk." "I don't want him to inherit the anxiety and anger that I have," she added, reported People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 07:44 AM IST | Washington | ANISinger Zayn Malik has announced the postponement of the US leg of his 'Stairway to the Sky' tour following the death of Liam Payne, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Malik took to his Instagram stories and shared an update. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zayn Malik (@zayn) He wrote, "Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I've made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I'll post them as soon as it's all set in the next few days." The post continued, "Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates, love you all and thank you for your understanding." The former One Direction star made the exciting announcement about the first solo tour during a surprise appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on September 18. Recently, Zayn Malik revealed that he had been speaking to his late friend, "hoping you can hear me." He reminisced about their bond, stating, "I lost a brother when you left us, and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly." An autopsy has confirmed that the British singer died of trauma and internal and external bleeding, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The report, released by Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14, stated that Payne died at 5:07 pm on Wednesday after falling from the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo district of the capital. Forensic doctors at the city's judicial morgue conducted the autopsy that night. In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the prosecutor's office said, "The cause of death of Liam James Payne, determined macroscopically, has been polytrauma, internal and external hemorrhage." The circumstances of Payne's fall are being investigated as a "doubtful death" due to protocol, although it appears he was alone when the fall occurred. The prosecutor's office stated that Payne "was going through some kind of outbreak due to substance abuse" at the time of the incident. Authorities investigating the scene found evidence inside Payne's room that "would be narcotics and alcoholic beverages, as well as several destroyed objects and furniture." Experts are still working to confirm whether the substances found were drugs. Five witnesses were interviewed, including three hotel staff members and two women who had been with Payne in his room earlier but had left before the fall. Following the news of Payne's death, tributes poured out from "The X Factor," Backstreet Boys, Paris Hilton and more. "Britain's Got Talent," the show that former "X Factor" judge and one-time One Direction manager Simon Cowell is currently featured on, also cancelled its auditions on Thursday due to Payne's death. Payne was discovered on "The X Factor" in 2010 alongside his One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. The five musicians auditioned for the show solo, but were put together to form a band and eventually came in third place in the competition. Afterwards, One Direction was signed to Cowell's Syco Entertainment. The band went on to become one of the highest-selling boy bands in history, selling 70 million records worldwide before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2016, Variety reported. After One Direction's hiatus, Payne signed a solo record deal with Capitol Records U.K. and began releasing music in 2017, beginning with the single "Strip That Down" featuring Migos rapper Quavo. His debut solo album, "LP1," debuted in December 2019 and he put out a new single, "Teardrops," in March with a second album on the way. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 October,2024 07:52 AM IST | Los Angeles | ANILiam Payne's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his 7-year-old son Bear, singer Cheryl Cole has broken her silence and issued a statement following the former One Direction member's tragic death. Liam Payne passed away on October 16 at the age of 31 after a tragic incident in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole dated in 2016 and welcomed their son, Bear, in 2017. They parted ways a year after that but continued to co-parent their son. Cheryl on Friday shared a photo of Bear and Liam together along with a statement on her Instagram handle. The statement read, "As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being. Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cheryl (@cherylofficial) Cheryl Cole also requested and said, "What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in the future. I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them." She concluded, "Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last." Talking about the autopsy, confirmed that the British singer died of trauma and internal and external bleeding, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The report, released by Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 14, stated that Payne died at 5:07 pm on Wednesday after falling from the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo district of the capital. Forensic doctors at the city's judicial morgue conducted the autopsy that night. In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the prosecutor's office said, "The cause of death of Liam James Payne, determined macroscopically, has been polytrauma, internal and external hemorrhage." The circumstances of Payne's fall are being investigated as a "doubtful death" due to protocol, although it appears he was alone when the fall occurred. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the prosecutor's office stated that Payne "was going through some kind of outbreak due to substance abuse" at the time of the incident. Authorities investigating the scene found evidence inside Payne's room that "would be narcotics and alcoholic beverages, as well as several destroyed objects and furniture." Experts are still working to confirm whether the substances found were drugs. Five witnesses were interviewed, including three hotel staff members and two women who had been with Payne in his room earlier but had left before the fall. Liam Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, which formed on "The X Factor" in 2010. The five musicians auditioned for the show solo, but were put together to form a band and eventually came in third place in the competition. Afterwards, One Direction was signed to Cowell's Syco Entertainment. The band went on to become one of the highest-selling boy bands in history, selling 70 million records worldwide before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2016, Variety reported. After One Direction's hiatus, Payne signed a solo record deal with Capitol Records U.K. and began releasing music in 2017, beginning with the single "Strip That Down" featuring Migos rapper Quavo. His debut solo album, "LP1," debuted in December 2019 and he put out a new single, "Teardrops," in March with a second album on the way. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 October,2024 07:43 AM IST | Washington | ANIFilm- Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve StoryCast: Christopher ReeveDirector: Peter Ettedgui, Ian BonhôteRating: 3/5Runtime: 104m Christopher Reeve became the ultimate screen superhero with ‘Superman,’ went on to star in three sequels and a few other remarkable dramas and then the tragic accident that left him quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator, happened. The irony that Superman couldn’t fly anymore, is lost on no one. This documentary uses never-seen-before home movie and personal archival footage to reveal to us how Christopher Reeve went from unknown actor to iconic movie star. His life after the accident has largely been public knowledge. The near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995, that left him paralyzed from the neck down, allowed him little moment yet his indomitable spirit did not allow him to say die, and for the next 20 years he became one of the foremost activists for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights. Chris was a normal active person before the accident so adjusting to the new normal was a challenge that he and his family had to face and overcome. His attempts to retain a sense of self was a challenge that most people in his position would not have managed to scale. Yet he did it with unstinting support from his devoted wife/caregiver Dana, and his children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will . Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, this biodoc is a compelling recant of the tragedy that befell the actor and how he gained redemption from his post accident pursuits. The creation of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to cure spinal-cord injury and improve the quality of life for those with paralysis, was the first step to that achievement. The narrative takes us back and forth in time, paralleling his breakthrough role in Donner’s 1978 film with his debilitating injury nearly two decades later. We get to see the making of the star, the incredible highs he experienced thus, contrasted against the abject lows he experienced in the hospital bed. We also become privy to Reeve’s suggestion to Dana: “Maybe we should let me go.” The personal archival footage, basically recollections from family and friends, is emotionally affecting. Close friends, Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close talk about Reeve’s work ethic and generous nature, Whoopi Goldberg and Jeff Daniels highlight other facets of his persona while his children give us a peek into the family side of him. We glean that Reeve feared marriage because of his troubled, fractured childhood. Reeve’s friendship with Robin Williams, which began when they both were roommates at Juilliard, continued steadfast right until Reeve’s death. Close even suggests that Williams might not have been disheartened enough to end his own life if Reeve had not passed away early. These reflections poignant and personal lend the narrative its emotional heft. The celebration of Dana Reeve’s contribution to the foundation and the complete immersion of self in Chris’ caregiving and activism is a worthy part of this documentary. Their children speak about what she went through in the years that followed his accident. The documentary does feel a bit manipulative in the manner in which it presents his sudden debilitation but it’s obviously for a good cause and therefore forgivable. The animation sequence symbolising Super/man’s fight to rise above post accident turbulence in his life was not necessary in the scheme of things. This film is essentially a memoriam to the actor who dared to make his own experience with disability become a beacon of hope for others who might suffer similar plights. It is rendered with love and care and makes you feel good that even in these materialistic times, families coming together with compassion and foresight could make a difference to those who have lost everything.
19 October,2024 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasFilm: GoodrichCast: Michael Keaton, Mila Kunis, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Urie, Kevin Pollak, Vivien Lyra Blair, Nico Hiraga, Danny Deferrari, Jacob Kopera, Laura Benanti, Andie MacDowellDirector-screenwriter: Hallie Meyers-ShyerRating: 2.5/5Runtime: 111m Oscar nominated actor Micheal Keaton makes this formulaic family dramedy count. This second effort from writer/director Hallie Meyers-Shyer, daughter of rom-com specialist Nancy Meyers, goes the rom-com way much like Meyers-Shyer’s debut feature ‘Home Again’ did. Keaton is the one who enriches the experience with his presence and superb comedic timing. This is basically a comfortable and predictable comedy made worthwhile because of Keaton’s talents. A late life coming-of-age story of a neglectful man reflecting about the pain he has caused to the people he loves - that’s what this film is all about. Andy Goodrich (Keaton), a struggling art dealer, who is on his second marriage - to a much younger woman, Naomi (Laura Benanti), suddenly finds himself upended. His wife has just checked herself into rehab and Goodrich is left with the responsibility of taking care of their nine year old twins Billie (Vivien Lyra Blair) and Mose (Jacob Kopera). It’s a much needed wake up call, albeit a little late in the day. He appears to be utterly clueless about them and their needs. It’s just not a realistic premise if you ask me. No one can be so out of touch with their own wife and children’s needs unless they are living on another planet. The overwork excuse just doesn’t cut ice. To top it off, his art business isn’t doing well and the wifey has decided she wants a divorce. His older, pregnant daughter Grace (Mila Kunis), who he has neglected all along, remains in his life, and agrees to help him. But she still bears resentment for the way she was ignored. Goodrich is presented as a good guy, who has made many mistakes in life and the only reason why we might believe such hogwash is because Micheal Keaton plays him with endearing sincerity. Meyers-Shyer shores up the script with some unbelievable lame tropes and trite subplots. Goodrich has no idea that the strict private school his kids attend doesn’t serve lunch, he is clueless about his child’s peanut allergy, and his children are forced to watch ‘Casablanca.’ Goodrich befriends a gay single father Pete (Michael Urie) who has a sick son and gets hit on, Grace goes into labor at an inconvenient moment, Goodrich reunites with his first wife (Andie MacDowell) and Grace gets to let loose her hurt at some point. The actors bring earnest effervescence to their roles. Kunis, Carmen Ejogo, Vivien Lyra Blair make their presence felt. Andie MacDowell has little to show here. The narrative includes some other peripheral characters that don’t matter much in the end. There are a few laugh worthy moments and some poignant ones too but overall the movie doesn’t have an involving arc. There’s not much to latch on to visually either. Shot by Jamie Ramsay, the montages just don’t create any impact. Christopher Willis’ music score is pleasantly entreating though. Goodrich is about a self-absorbed guy trying to be a better person - so it’s not all bad. But the film leaves no lasting impact, it’s Keaton who scores on memorability.
19 October,2024 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasActor Denise Richards recalled not being cast in the 1995 film 'Showgirls'. She shared that she auditioned for the film but was unable to get the project, reported People. During a panel at New York Comic Con where she reunited with the cast of the 1997 science fiction action film 'Starship Troopers', she recalled giving an audition for the 1995 film 'Showgirls' before landing the role of Carmen Ibanez in the sci-fi adventure film. Both projects were directed by filmmaker Paul Verhoeven. Richards said, "I auditioned for Showgirls and didn't get it." She added, "Which is probably a blessing," referring to Paul Verhoeven's badly reviewed film that starred Elizabeth Berkley. "I think that's why he brought me in to audition for Starship," Richards added, "It was right before." 'Showgirls' is a 1995 film directed by Paul Verhoeven, from a script written by Joe Eszterhas, starring Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi, Alan Rachins, and Gina Ravera. When 'Showgirls' was released, the film and Berkley's performance faced criticism, which contributed to disappointing box office numbers. Two years after 'Showgirl''s release, Verhoeven came up with 'Starship Troopers'. Richards played Carmen Ibanez in the film, a high school student who later becomes a spaceship captain when Earth goes to war against a race of giant alien insects, reported People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:58 AM IST | Washington | ANIAlicia Silverstone has joined the cast of Yorgos Lanthimos' new sci-fi movie 'Bugonia', which stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, reported Variety. Best known for her iconic role as Cher in 'Clueless', Silverstone also acted in Lanthimos' 2017 psychological thriller 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer.' The Oscar-nominated filmmaker's latest picture follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men who abduct the high-powered CEO of a big corporation, believing she is an alien intent on destroying Earth. Emmy winner Will Tracy wrote the script, which is based on the 2003 South Korean comedy 'Save the Green Planet'. Silverstone's role is being kept under wraps, according to Variety. Alicia Silverstone made her film debut in the thriller 'The Crush', earning the 1994 MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. She also starred as Cher Horowitz in the teen comedy film 'Clueless'. In 1997, she starred in the superhero film Batman & Robin, playing Batgirl. In 1996, she starred in the direct-to-video thriller True Crime as a Catholic school student. Silverstone had three other film releases in 1995 including Le Nouveau Monde, Hideaway and The Babysitter. In 2023, she appeared in the crime drama thriller Reptile co-starring Benicio del Toro and Justin Timberlake, while in 2024 she was seen in 'Y2K' and Netherlands-produced comedy horror Krazy House. Bugonia is an upcoming science fiction comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos from a screenplay by Will Tracy. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 October,2024 07:48 AM IST | Washington | ANIFilm: The Wild RobotCast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Ving RhamesDirector: Chris SandersRating: 3.5/5Runtime: 102 min. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chris Sanders who made his directorial debut at Walt Disney Animation with ‘Lilo & Stitch’ in 2002, takes a wonderfully tender, compassionate break from animation stereotype with Dreamworks’ ‘The Wild Robot.’ This film has a beautifully streamlined uncluttered story and is immensely captivating because of it. The screenplay by Sanders, adapted from the acclaimed children’s books by Peter Brown, is both emotionally moving and humorously entertaining. There’s also a whole lot of messaging hidden within its folds - some of which are conveyed with an unapologetic heavy hand. Teamwork, cooperation, coexistence, acceptance of those different from you, nurturing, surrogacy, adoption of those less fortunate, choosing love and caring over violence, protection of the ecosystem for survival of the species - are just some of the messages that come through powerfully enough. A bot named Rozzum 7134 or Roz(Lupita Nyong’o), gets washed ashore on an island populated entirely by anthropomorphic critters. Its packaging has come apart so it escapes from its box, and greets the eager ‘beavers’ and other wildlife with its pre-programmed eager-to-please opening statement. Roz is searching for a master/owner and when it questions the animals around, “Do you need assistance?” their curiosity turns to fear and they run away. Roz is stranded and literally a fish out of water. She is programmed to receive instructions and complete tasks but the animals around her are ill-equipped to understand that. Roz wanders off into the island’s wilderness, accidentally destroys a Goose nest leaving just one undamaged egg which it fights to save. Committed to caring for the lone surviving egg, Roz duels with a scheming, hungry fox Fink (Pedro Pascal) who sees the egg as food. Eventually they come to an understanding, the egg hatches and out emerges a tiny gosling Brightbill (Kit O’Connor), who follows Roz around. The three misfits later on form a family of sorts. Stephanie Hsu lends voice to threatening bot Vontra, Bill Nighy to Longneck, Catherine O’Hara to mother opossum Pinktail, and Mark Hamill to Thorn the grizzly bear. Eschewing toonish chaos, Sanders tells his story like a fairytale. The thrills here are underlined with tender human feelings and emotions. Sanders’ affection for the animal kingdom is doubly emphasized because of the lack of human characters here. The villains are all manufactured factory produced bots who are assigned the task of bringing back Roz from the wilderness. In a refreshing eye-pleasing break away from Animation tradition, Sanders and team with Jakob Hjort Jensen as head of animation leading the creatives, use an original paintbrush style to embolden the look of storybook illustrations. The forest island’s lush landscapes and untamed wilderness are brought to life with gorgeous onscreen imagery in a unique manner. The titular android is remarkably resilient, self-sufficient, a linguist with an ability to talk to animals and uses intuition to save the day. The film has vivid colorful computer animation, accompanied by quirky characters with realistic design, a moving original score by Kris Bowers and an impressive voice cast lending sync support. The action set-pieces are spirited and rousing and the humour keeps you interested and involved. Go for it!
18 October,2024 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasFilm: Smile 2Cast: Naomi Scott, Kyle Gallner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutiérrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan GelulaDirector: Parker FinnRating: 3/5Runtime: 127 min. Smile 2 picks up right where Smile left off. It’s six days later… and for those who haven't seen ‘Smile’ it’s not a problem because this sequel has a standalone story. In the opening long-take shot itself writer/director Parker Finn calls attention to what he is all about. This disorienting story of a megastar experiencing mental health issues merges with the terrors of a communicable horror body invasion. The narrative is effectively horrifying even when it fails to deliver on consistency and tempo. We follow the trail of the communicable entity at the center of the Smile universe. The victim of horror here is global pop icon Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), who is returning to the gruel of a performing artist after a period in rehab and a lengthy hiatus due to a gruesome car crash that left her mentally scarred and killed her actor boyfriend Paul (Ray Nicholson). About to embark on a new world tour, Skye is traumatized by increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the pressures of fame and the added horrors of possession, She is forced to face her dark past in order to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control. The superstar protagonist is rarely alone, constantly surrounded by managers, hangers-on, assistants, fans, etc. Finn packs in characters that increase the threat perception for the megastar. Whatever happens to her happens in the full view of the public…Skye may not have touched booze or coke since her recovery, but her dependence on prescription painkillers because of her severe injuries from the crash, makes her seek out her old high school drug dealer who happens to have been infected by the demon in the opening sequence. The dealer Lewis (Lukas Gage) bashes his own head open with a 35-pound weight, and after, things begin to go haywire. Thereafter, Skye begins to have visions of Lewis as well as that of Paul and the ‘smiles’ that indicate a demonic possession is not far off. Finn creates visually dazzling sequences to fit in with the popular expectations of a megastar performing live - dazzling over-the-top costumes, dancers performing energetically highlighted by brightly colored lights and all. Interspersed with that are sequences laden with shocking gore. The disparate contrasts play on your mind. Skye is in a waking nightmare, unable to tell the difference between the real and the imagined and Finn panders to that effect time and time again before withdrawing back to reality. As a result, even though Scott’s performance is convincingly real, the audience fails to feel all that sympathetic towards her plight. Towards the end we start feeling cheated by the pointless trickery that Finn employs to put forward the addiction demon metaphor. ‘Smile 2’ had a great concept but the repetitive overloads by Finn and team put a damper on the horror stakes.
18 October,2024 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasFirst Monkey Man, then Punjab ’95, and Emergency—in each instance, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has pulled out its scissors, much to the dismay of the concerned filmmakers. Now, another movie has been subjected to the CBFC’s snip-happy attitude. Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice, which was scheduled to hit Indian theatres today, has been postponed. It is heard that the filmmaker, known for his uncompromising stance on creative integrity, has refused to comply with the censor board’s recommended cuts. With Sebastian Stan playing Donald Trump and Jeremy Strong, his lawyer Roy Cohn, the biopic chronicles the former US President’s early years as a real-estate mogul. It opened in US cinemas on October 17, while its India release hangs in the balance. So, which scenes in the biopic are in contention? A source from the CBFC shared the details, stating that the suggested snips make it a 122.42-minute affair. “The cuts weren’t drastic. The CBFC requested for the deletion of nude scenes wherever they appear in the film. This was more than a minute-long content. What upset the director was the CBFC’s request that the scene, which depicts Trump having non-consensual sex with [then] wife Ivana Trump, be reduced by 75 per cent. The board members also asked the studio to provide the source from where this information has been obtained. Abbasi and the studio countered that the scene has been put for a reason and not with the objective of titillation. The filmmaker, through his representatives, made it known that reducing the sequence takes away its impact altogether. The word ‘Negro’ was also instructed to be dropped, while the standard disclaimers in drinking and smoking scenes were asked to be added.” Examining officer Govind Mishra had presided over the CBFC viewing. Ali Abbasi PVR Inox Pictures has partnered with the makers to bring The Apprentice to India. A source from the studio revealed that the film now stands indefinitely pushed. “Making cuts to the film is something Abbasi ethically stands against. We thought we could probably negotiate and release it a little later, but there is no scope for it. He believes that these cuts would diminish the impact of his work. He would rather halt the India release than agree to them,” said a source. mid-day texted Abbasi, who did not respond till press time.
18 October,2024 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
