The writing process of "2001: A Space Odyssey" is the stuff of cinema legend. Stanley Kubrick wanted to make a science fiction movie about humanity's place in the universe -- one that would be careful to capture the awe, mystery, and grandeur of such a meditation. He initially looked to an Arthur C. Clarke short story called "The Sentinal," but would ultimately collaborate with Clarke more directly. Their screenplay for "2001" and Clarke's novel were written simultaneously. It's hard to say if the screenplay is based on the book or if the book is a novelization of the screenplay.
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is full of cosmic mysteries and eerie iconography that may seem a little baffling at first. Why, some first-time-watching teens may ask, does the picture start in the distant, prehistoric past when humans hadn't yet evolved on Earth? What is the meaning of the strange black monoliths that appear periodically throughout the film?...
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is full of cosmic mysteries and eerie iconography that may seem a little baffling at first. Why, some first-time-watching teens may ask, does the picture start in the distant, prehistoric past when humans hadn't yet evolved on Earth? What is the meaning of the strange black monoliths that appear periodically throughout the film?...
- 3/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
No amount of superlatives for "2001: A Space Odyssey" could ever capture just how influential Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece truly was. Over 50 years after first arriving in theaters, countless filmmakers have cited the 1968 classic as the reason they pursued a career in the arts in the first place. Decades-long movie fans and freshman films students alike can appreciate its historical significance ... while also acknowledging that, quite frankly, the epic remains every bit as entertaining as it was divisive and controversial during its original release.
Given its significance in pop culture and film history overall, it's no surprise that interest in "A Space Odyssey" has hardly waned over the decades. That most certainly applies to the cast of the film, the intrepid group of actors who (along with the cutting-edge visuals) made countless viewer buy into the epic journey across the stars authored by Kubrick and co-writer Arthur C. Clarke. Of course,...
Given its significance in pop culture and film history overall, it's no surprise that interest in "A Space Odyssey" has hardly waned over the decades. That most certainly applies to the cast of the film, the intrepid group of actors who (along with the cutting-edge visuals) made countless viewer buy into the epic journey across the stars authored by Kubrick and co-writer Arthur C. Clarke. Of course,...
- 11/26/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Well, perhaps not literally, but AI is certainly expanding its reach, its power, and its uses. Its potential – both good and bad – is on the minds of anyone who works in technology, communications, journalism, and just about every other walk of life.
Of course, science fiction saw all this coming, just as it foretold the arrival of nuclear deterrence, bioweapons, superflus, climate change, the internet, mobile communications, and so much more. Artificial intelligence, whether embedded in the bowels of a supercomputer or ensconced in the head of an android, has been part of the genre since at least 1907, when L. Frank Baum included a mechanical character called Tik-Tok in his book Ozma of Oz. It’s played a variety of roles in books, comics, TV shows, and films ever since – often working for humankind’s benefit but just as frequently mapping our doom.
It’s the...
Of course, science fiction saw all this coming, just as it foretold the arrival of nuclear deterrence, bioweapons, superflus, climate change, the internet, mobile communications, and so much more. Artificial intelligence, whether embedded in the bowels of a supercomputer or ensconced in the head of an android, has been part of the genre since at least 1907, when L. Frank Baum included a mechanical character called Tik-Tok in his book Ozma of Oz. It’s played a variety of roles in books, comics, TV shows, and films ever since – often working for humankind’s benefit but just as frequently mapping our doom.
It’s the...
- 8/22/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
The Story: Nine years after the disappearance of astronaut Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea), Discovery One mission overseer, Heywood Floyd (Roy Scheider) is given the opportunity to take part in a joint U.S-u.S.S.R mission to see what went wrong. There’s only one problem – the two countries are on the cusp of nuclear war, and tension between the American and Soviet teams looks to unmoor an already impossible mission.
The Players: Starring: Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, John Lithgow, Bob Balaban and Keir Dullea. Music by David Shire. Written and directed by Peter Hyams.
The History: Crafting a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey sounds like a fool’s errand. Being that it’s one of the most acclaimed films ever made, in order to be judged any kind of success the sequel would have to be some kind of masterpiece. In 1984, director Peter Hyams,...
The Players: Starring: Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, John Lithgow, Bob Balaban and Keir Dullea. Music by David Shire. Written and directed by Peter Hyams.
The History: Crafting a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey sounds like a fool’s errand. Being that it’s one of the most acclaimed films ever made, in order to be judged any kind of success the sequel would have to be some kind of masterpiece. In 1984, director Peter Hyams,...
- 5/28/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey" -- arguably one of the best films of all time -- is so expansive and far-reaching in its story and tone that a casual viewer might miss that astronaut Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) is the protagonist. Indeed, Dave doesn't even appear until about halfway through the film, and that's after an early extended sequence set during prehistoric times among a group of proto-human hominids, and then a very long sci-fi sequence wherein characters other than Dave discover a mysterious monolith buried on the surface of the moon.
Dave, however, does get the lion's share of the film's screentime. Dave also has the more "exciting" scenes, like matching wits with the malfunctioning computer intelligence Hal 9000 (Douglas Rain). Dave will also be the recipient of an effable form of evolutionary awareness, allowed to first see space travel as the logical next step in human evolution.
Dave, however, does get the lion's share of the film's screentime. Dave also has the more "exciting" scenes, like matching wits with the malfunctioning computer intelligence Hal 9000 (Douglas Rain). Dave will also be the recipient of an effable form of evolutionary awareness, allowed to first see space travel as the logical next step in human evolution.
- 9/7/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
For Sunday’s Oscars 2019 ceremony, producers had a difficult decision of which film industry people would make the cut and who would be left out of the “In Memoriam.” For the segment, Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic performed music by Oscar winner John Williams.
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
SEEDirector Stanley Donen, dead at 94, was light on his feet and a movie musical heavyweight
Stanley Donen would have certainly been included, but he died on the weekend after the segment had been finalized (look for him on the 2020 show). Here is list of some of the people included in the Memoriam tribute for the ceremony (Academy members are indicated with ** by their names):
Susan Anspach (actor)
Bernardo Bertolucci (director)
Yvonne Blake (costume designer)**
Paul Bloch...
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
SEEDirector Stanley Donen, dead at 94, was light on his feet and a movie musical heavyweight
Stanley Donen would have certainly been included, but he died on the weekend after the segment had been finalized (look for him on the 2020 show). Here is list of some of the people included in the Memoriam tribute for the ceremony (Academy members are indicated with ** by their names):
Susan Anspach (actor)
Bernardo Bertolucci (director)
Yvonne Blake (costume designer)**
Paul Bloch...
- 2/25/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
While Academy Awards producers have strived for a much shorter ceremony this year, the annual “In Memoriam” segment will definitely remain. In fact this moment on Sunday’s 2019 event should be extra classy since Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic will be performing as part of the tribute.
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. But which ones will be featured in the short segment? There are generally outcries each year from family members upset about people being left out. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
Virtually certain to be part of the montage are Oscar-winning directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Milos Forman, Oscar-nominated actors Carol Channing, Albert Finney and Burt Reynolds, director and actress Penny Marshall, executive producer and entertainment icon Stan Lee and many more.
SEEDana Carvey, Mike Myers, Queen Latifah, Barbra Streisand...
Over 100 Academy members or film industry veterans died in the past 12 months. But which ones will be featured in the short segment? There are generally outcries each year from family members upset about people being left out. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
Virtually certain to be part of the montage are Oscar-winning directors Bernardo Bertolucci and Milos Forman, Oscar-nominated actors Carol Channing, Albert Finney and Burt Reynolds, director and actress Penny Marshall, executive producer and entertainment icon Stan Lee and many more.
SEEDana Carvey, Mike Myers, Queen Latifah, Barbra Streisand...
- 2/22/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
One of the saddest and most important segments of the SAG Awards each year is the In Memoriam segment. For the 2019 event, it turns out to be even sadder for family members of certain long-time members of the Screen Actors Guild. Which actors and actresses were not even featured in this portion of the program on Sunday night? Check out this list below:
Marty Allen (actor)
Charles Aznavour (actor)
Kaye Ballard (actor)
Dushon Monique Brown (actor)
Joseph Campanella (actor)
Roy Clark (actor/singer)
Vic Damone (actor/singer)
Daryl Dragon (host/musician)
Louise Latham (actor)
Robin Leach (host)
Stan Lee (executive/host)
Katherine MacGregor (actor)
Robert Mandan (actor)
Peggy McKay (actor)
Tim O’Connor (actor)
Roger Perry (actor)
Douglas Rain (actor)
Ken Swofford (actor)
Clint Walker (actor)
Nancy Wilson (actor/singer)
Louis Zorich (actor)
SEE2019 SAG Awards: Full winners list in the 6 film and 9 TV categories
For the ceremony hosted by...
Marty Allen (actor)
Charles Aznavour (actor)
Kaye Ballard (actor)
Dushon Monique Brown (actor)
Joseph Campanella (actor)
Roy Clark (actor/singer)
Vic Damone (actor/singer)
Daryl Dragon (host/musician)
Louise Latham (actor)
Robin Leach (host)
Stan Lee (executive/host)
Katherine MacGregor (actor)
Robert Mandan (actor)
Peggy McKay (actor)
Tim O’Connor (actor)
Roger Perry (actor)
Douglas Rain (actor)
Ken Swofford (actor)
Clint Walker (actor)
Nancy Wilson (actor/singer)
Louis Zorich (actor)
SEE2019 SAG Awards: Full winners list in the 6 film and 9 TV categories
For the ceremony hosted by...
- 1/28/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Sunday’s telecast of the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards will feature a special In Memoriam segment devoted to many of the actors and actresses who have died since last year’s ceremony in late January. Sure to be among those saluted include actress and director Penny Marshall, Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Burt Reynolds and Grammy winner Aretha Franklin. Visit our own Gold Derby memoriam galleries for the year of 2018 and the newly-started gallery for 2019.
The 25th annual ceremony will be hosted by past winner Megan Mullally (“Will and Grace”) for TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 27, at 8:00 p.m. Et; 5:00 p.m. Pt. Tom Hanks will be presenting the SAG life achievement award to Alan Alda.
SEE2019 SAG Awards nominations: Full list of Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees
Over 100 people in SAG/AFTRA have passed away in the past 12 months. Which of the following 50 names will also...
The 25th annual ceremony will be hosted by past winner Megan Mullally (“Will and Grace”) for TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 27, at 8:00 p.m. Et; 5:00 p.m. Pt. Tom Hanks will be presenting the SAG life achievement award to Alan Alda.
SEE2019 SAG Awards nominations: Full list of Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees
Over 100 people in SAG/AFTRA have passed away in the past 12 months. Which of the following 50 names will also...
- 1/25/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Many a baby boomer’s most treasured recollections of the 1960s include one or more altered-state viewings of Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s game-changing science fiction film, which combined extraordinary, state-of-the-art special effects with a metaphysical meditation on life, death and rebirth played out in Super Panavision 70. Douglas Trumbull’s groundbreaking visual effects remain as convincing as any found 45 years later in Alfonso Cuaron’s equally awe-inspiring Gravity. Many sci fi fans approached 2001 with skepticism since it was touted as the pinnacle of the genre, only to become lifelong devotees. It would be interesting to contrast Martin Balsam’s rejected performance as the voice of the computer Hal with that of Douglas Rain, who was hired to be less “emotional” than Balsam.
The post 2001: A Space Odyssey appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post 2001: A Space Odyssey appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 12/12/2018
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
Paul Bradshaw Nov 23, 2018
We take a look at the off-screen actors who helped define their corner of the genre.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
So much visual design goes into good sci-fi that it’s sometimes easy to overlook the sounds. World-building doesn't happen in silence though, and the voice actors who record their lines off-set and out of costume have helped shaped the genre into what it is – providing chilling, mellifluous, gravelly, or downright otherworldly vocal performances to some of the most iconic characters in film and TV.
These, then, are the most memorable voices in sci-fi – the growling, lisping, singing, monologuing heroes and villains who made pop-culture history from a lonely sound booth.
Douglas Rain as Hal (2001: A Space Odyssey)
Douglas Rain sadly passed away recently, aged 90, leaving behind a long and illustrious stage career. His most memorable performance though came in 1968 when he...
We take a look at the off-screen actors who helped define their corner of the genre.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
So much visual design goes into good sci-fi that it’s sometimes easy to overlook the sounds. World-building doesn't happen in silence though, and the voice actors who record their lines off-set and out of costume have helped shaped the genre into what it is – providing chilling, mellifluous, gravelly, or downright otherworldly vocal performances to some of the most iconic characters in film and TV.
These, then, are the most memorable voices in sci-fi – the growling, lisping, singing, monologuing heroes and villains who made pop-culture history from a lonely sound booth.
Douglas Rain as Hal (2001: A Space Odyssey)
Douglas Rain sadly passed away recently, aged 90, leaving behind a long and illustrious stage career. His most memorable performance though came in 1968 when he...
- 11/23/2018
- Den of Geek
Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor and narrator best known for voicing the role of Hal 9000 in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” has died at age 90. The Stratford Festival, which Rain co-founded in 1952, confirmed his passing. Rain died from natural causes in Stratford, Ontario.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” the Stratford Festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a press release. “Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.”
Rain voiced Hal 9000 in Kubrick’s “2001” and the sequel, “2010: The Year We Make Contact,” directed by Peter Hyams. The actor also received a Tony nomination in 1972 for his role in Robert Bolt’s production of “Vivat! Vivat! Regina!” Rain recorded his voice work on “2001” in post-production. The actor was not cast as the intelligent robot until late in production. Radio broadcaster Alistair Cooke...
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” the Stratford Festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a press release. “Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.”
Rain voiced Hal 9000 in Kubrick’s “2001” and the sequel, “2010: The Year We Make Contact,” directed by Peter Hyams. The actor also received a Tony nomination in 1972 for his role in Robert Bolt’s production of “Vivat! Vivat! Regina!” Rain recorded his voice work on “2001” in post-production. The actor was not cast as the intelligent robot until late in production. Radio broadcaster Alistair Cooke...
- 11/12/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The actor best known for his role in Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi classic was a leading Shakespearean in his native Canada and also played on Broadway
Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor best known as the voice of ship’s Hal 9000 computer in the Stanley Kubrick sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey, has died aged 90. Rain died from natural causes in hospital in Ontario.
Rain was not the first actor cast in the part. Kubrick had originally asked Martin Balsam to provide the computer’s voice, but changed his mind at the last minute, explaining in a 1969 interview that “Marty just sounded a little bit too colloquially American, whereas Rain had the kind of bland mid-Atlantic accent we felt was right for the part”.
Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor best known as the voice of ship’s Hal 9000 computer in the Stanley Kubrick sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey, has died aged 90. Rain died from natural causes in hospital in Ontario.
Rain was not the first actor cast in the part. Kubrick had originally asked Martin Balsam to provide the computer’s voice, but changed his mind at the last minute, explaining in a 1969 interview that “Marty just sounded a little bit too colloquially American, whereas Rain had the kind of bland mid-Atlantic accent we felt was right for the part”.
- 11/12/2018
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor who provided the voice to the Hal 9000 computer in Stanley Kubrick’s classic 2001: A Space Odyssey, died Sunday at the age of 90.
The Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, which Rain co-founded in 1952, announced the actor’s death Sunday, adding that Rain died of natural causes, CTV News reports.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” Stratford Festival’s artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a statement. “Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.
The Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, which Rain co-founded in 1952, announced the actor’s death Sunday, adding that Rain died of natural causes, CTV News reports.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” Stratford Festival’s artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a statement. “Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.
- 11/12/2018
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Actor of stage and screen Douglas Rain died Sunday morning from natural causes in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital outside Stratford, Ontario. He was 90.
If you don’t recognize Rain’s from his numerous roles on stage, you may recognize his voice as the sentient computer Hal 9000 from Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Born on March 13, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain began his career as a radio actor and then trained at Old Vic Theatre in London. He went on to become one of the trailblazing members of the Stratford Festival, a renowned repertory theatre festival based in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. In the 1953 inaugural season of the company, he played Marquis of Dorset and Tyrrell in William Shakespeare’s Richard III. He was the understudy for the title role of the play which was portrayed by Alec lec Guinness, who is best known for his role as...
If you don’t recognize Rain’s from his numerous roles on stage, you may recognize his voice as the sentient computer Hal 9000 from Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Born on March 13, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain began his career as a radio actor and then trained at Old Vic Theatre in London. He went on to become one of the trailblazing members of the Stratford Festival, a renowned repertory theatre festival based in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. In the 1953 inaugural season of the company, he played Marquis of Dorset and Tyrrell in William Shakespeare’s Richard III. He was the understudy for the title role of the play which was portrayed by Alec lec Guinness, who is best known for his role as...
- 11/12/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Douglas Rain, the Canadian-born actor best known as the voice of Hal 9000 in “2001: A Space Odyssey” and its sequel “2010: The Year We Made Contact,” died Sunday at St. Marys Memorial Hospital in St. Mary’s, Ontario, according to CTV News. He was 90.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” Stratford Festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a release.
“Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors. The voice of Hal in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ Douglas shared many of the same qualities as Kubrick’s iconic creation: precision, strength of steel, enigma and infinite intelligence, as well as a wicked sense of humour.”
Also Read: 'First Reformed' and '2001: A Space Odyssey' Anniversary Blast Off at Indie Box Office
Cimolino continued: “But those of us lucky enough to have worked with Douglas...
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” Stratford Festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino said in a release.
“Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors. The voice of Hal in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ Douglas shared many of the same qualities as Kubrick’s iconic creation: precision, strength of steel, enigma and infinite intelligence, as well as a wicked sense of humour.”
Also Read: 'First Reformed' and '2001: A Space Odyssey' Anniversary Blast Off at Indie Box Office
Cimolino continued: “But those of us lucky enough to have worked with Douglas...
- 11/12/2018
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Douglas Rain, who voiced the soft-spoken Hal 9000 robot that went rogue in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” has died. He was 90.
The Stratford Festival, which Rain, who was a dedicated Shakespearean actor, co-founded in 1952, said that Rain had died of natural causes in Stratford, Ont. in Canada.
The festival said Rain performed at the festival for more than 45 years.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” the festival’s artistic director, Antoni Cimolino, said in a press release Sunday, according to CTV.
“Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.”
Rain was born in Winnipeg, Man. in 1928, studied at the Old Vic in London, and performed at theaters and festival across Canada. He received a Tony nomination in 1972 for his role in Robert Bolt’s production of “Vivat! Vivat! Regina!”
All of Rain’s...
The Stratford Festival, which Rain, who was a dedicated Shakespearean actor, co-founded in 1952, said that Rain had died of natural causes in Stratford, Ont. in Canada.
The festival said Rain performed at the festival for more than 45 years.
“Canadian theatre has lost one of its greatest talents and a guiding light in its development,” the festival’s artistic director, Antoni Cimolino, said in a press release Sunday, according to CTV.
“Douglas Rain was that rare artist: an actor deeply admired by other actors.”
Rain was born in Winnipeg, Man. in 1928, studied at the Old Vic in London, and performed at theaters and festival across Canada. He received a Tony nomination in 1972 for his role in Robert Bolt’s production of “Vivat! Vivat! Regina!”
All of Rain’s...
- 11/12/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
Douglas Rain, the veteran Canadian stage actor who provided the soft and gentle voice of the rogue Hal 9000 computer for Stanley Kubrick's classic 2001: A Space Odyssey and its sequel, has died. He was 90.
Rain died Sunday morning at St. Mary's Memorial Hospital outside Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival announced.
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain trained at the Old Vic Theatre in London, performed in a host of Shakespearean plays at the Stratford Festival and received a Tony Award nomination in 1972 for his turn opposite Claire Bloom in Robert Bolt's Vivat! Vivat Regina!.
The ...
Rain died Sunday morning at St. Mary's Memorial Hospital outside Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival announced.
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain trained at the Old Vic Theatre in London, performed in a host of Shakespearean plays at the Stratford Festival and received a Tony Award nomination in 1972 for his turn opposite Claire Bloom in Robert Bolt's Vivat! Vivat Regina!.
The ...
- 11/11/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Douglas Rain, the veteran Canadian stage actor who provided the soft and gentle voice of the rogue Hal 9000 computer for Stanley Kubrick's classic 2001: A Space Odyssey and its sequel, has died. He was 90.
Rain died Sunday morning at St. Mary's Memorial Hospital outside Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival announced.
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain trained at the Old Vic Theatre in London, performed in a host of Shakespearean plays at the Stratford Festival and received a Tony Award nomination in 1972 for his turn opposite Claire Bloom in Robert Bolt's Vivat! Vivat Regina!.
The ...
Rain died Sunday morning at St. Mary's Memorial Hospital outside Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival announced.
A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rain trained at the Old Vic Theatre in London, performed in a host of Shakespearean plays at the Stratford Festival and received a Tony Award nomination in 1972 for his turn opposite Claire Bloom in Robert Bolt's Vivat! Vivat Regina!.
The ...
- 11/11/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Stars: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Douglas Rain, Leonard Rossiter | Written by Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke | Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’s mid-period masterpiece is almost as remarkable for how it has not influenced sci-fi filmmaking as for how it has. While special effects took a giant leap in 1968, to this day we still have the sounds of swooshing of ships and zapping lasers in the vacuum of outer space. Then there is the small matter of awe. It’s hard to think of another example of a science fiction movie with such an unflinching commitment to wonder.
Now 2001: A Space Odyssey is being re-released in honour of its 50th anniversary, with a pristine 4K remaster in its original, super-stretched 70mm aspect ratio.
After endless Star Wars instalments and Star Trek variations, there’s been nothing in mainstream sci-fi cinema that looks or sounds...
Stanley Kubrick’s mid-period masterpiece is almost as remarkable for how it has not influenced sci-fi filmmaking as for how it has. While special effects took a giant leap in 1968, to this day we still have the sounds of swooshing of ships and zapping lasers in the vacuum of outer space. Then there is the small matter of awe. It’s hard to think of another example of a science fiction movie with such an unflinching commitment to wonder.
Now 2001: A Space Odyssey is being re-released in honour of its 50th anniversary, with a pristine 4K remaster in its original, super-stretched 70mm aspect ratio.
After endless Star Wars instalments and Star Trek variations, there’s been nothing in mainstream sci-fi cinema that looks or sounds...
- 10/31/2018
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Stars: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Douglas Rain, Leonard Rossiter | Written by Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke | Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’s mid-period masterpiece is almost as remarkable for how it has not influenced sci-fi filmmaking as for how it has. While special effects took a giant leap in 1968, to this day we still have the sounds of swooshing of ships and zapping lasers in the vacuum of outer space. Then there is the small matter of awe. It’s hard to think of another example of a science fiction movie with such an unflinching commitment to wonder.
Now 2001: A Space Odyssey is being re-released in honour of its 50th anniversary, with a pristine 4K remaster in its original, super-stretched 70mm aspect ratio.
After endless Star Wars instalments and Star Trek variations, there’s been nothing in mainstream sci-fi cinema that looks or sounds...
Stanley Kubrick’s mid-period masterpiece is almost as remarkable for how it has not influenced sci-fi filmmaking as for how it has. While special effects took a giant leap in 1968, to this day we still have the sounds of swooshing of ships and zapping lasers in the vacuum of outer space. Then there is the small matter of awe. It’s hard to think of another example of a science fiction movie with such an unflinching commitment to wonder.
Now 2001: A Space Odyssey is being re-released in honour of its 50th anniversary, with a pristine 4K remaster in its original, super-stretched 70mm aspect ratio.
After endless Star Wars instalments and Star Trek variations, there’s been nothing in mainstream sci-fi cinema that looks or sounds...
- 6/4/2018
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Chicago – It is the 50th Anniversary of director Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and the film has lost none of its power, freshness and thought process, in a journey of truth that ponders existence. The film has been recently restored in 70mm (overseen by director Christopher Nolan) and now is on a roadshow tour, including Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The scope of the project, which used the cutting-edge special effects of 1968, is like a fine art painting in the 70mm film format, filling the edges of the widescreen with pure and rich cinema. In that undertaking, Stanley Kubrick not only evolved his reputation as a filmmaker, but advanced the filmmaking in a way equivalent of the transition from silent film to sound. The influence of “2001” can be seen in all science fiction films afterward, including and especially “Star Wars,” and has generally inspired a generation of movie creators.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The scope of the project, which used the cutting-edge special effects of 1968, is like a fine art painting in the 70mm film format, filling the edges of the widescreen with pure and rich cinema. In that undertaking, Stanley Kubrick not only evolved his reputation as a filmmaker, but advanced the filmmaking in a way equivalent of the transition from silent film to sound. The influence of “2001” can be seen in all science fiction films afterward, including and especially “Star Wars,” and has generally inspired a generation of movie creators.
- 5/19/2018
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” Warner Bros. Pictures will debut an ‘unrestored’ 70mm print of the director’s groundbreaking science fiction epic at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival. Widely considered among the greatest films of the 20th century, “2001: A Space Odyssey” will return to select U.S. theatres in 70mm beginning May 18, 2018.
Set for Saturday, May 12, the world premiere will be held during the Cannes Classics section of the Festival, featuring an introduction by award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan. The screening will also be attended by members of Stanley Kubrick’s family, including his daughter, Katharina Kubrick, and longstanding producing partner and brother-in-law, Jan Harlan.
For the first time since the original release, this 70mm print was struck from new printing elements made from the original camera negative. This is a true photochemical film recreation. There are no digital tricks, remastered effects,...
Set for Saturday, May 12, the world premiere will be held during the Cannes Classics section of the Festival, featuring an introduction by award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan. The screening will also be attended by members of Stanley Kubrick’s family, including his daughter, Katharina Kubrick, and longstanding producing partner and brother-in-law, Jan Harlan.
For the first time since the original release, this 70mm print was struck from new printing elements made from the original camera negative. This is a true photochemical film recreation. There are no digital tricks, remastered effects,...
- 4/23/2018
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
With its cosmic ambitions that still somehow achieved a universal appeal, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a film that has immersed audiences in its unique and singular vision for fifty years, and few were more immersed in the pioneering film than lifelong visual effects wizard Douglas Trumbull.
Working as a contractor on preliminary design work at production house, Graphic Films back when the film was still called Journey Beyond The Stars, Trumbull stayed with the film even as Graphics Film was let go by necessity, and the production moved to England. “I cold-called Kubrick from a telephone number I found in the (Graphic Films) office and I think he was impressed with what I had to say,” Trumbull said. “He contacted my boss (Con Pederson) and he helped arrange my flight tickets to England. I was never actually contracted for the film. I was originally told I would only be needed for about nine months,...
Working as a contractor on preliminary design work at production house, Graphic Films back when the film was still called Journey Beyond The Stars, Trumbull stayed with the film even as Graphics Film was let go by necessity, and the production moved to England. “I cold-called Kubrick from a telephone number I found in the (Graphic Films) office and I think he was impressed with what I had to say,” Trumbull said. “He contacted my boss (Con Pederson) and he helped arrange my flight tickets to England. I was never actually contracted for the film. I was originally told I would only be needed for about nine months,...
- 4/16/2018
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
In this edition of Canon Of Film, we dive into Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction masterpiece, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. For the story behind the genesis of the Canon, you can click here.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke
One of the things that most people don’t realize about the best of the Star Trek series, particularly the original and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ is that they aren’t about space travel, what they are about is what can happen when one expands the human limits of the mind. The capabilities of the structure, and trying to find the most faraway point within us; what Roddenberry did were use the metaphor of traveling through space to illustrate this thought. This is a strange way to begin discussing Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ but in it’s own magical way,...
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Screenplay: Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke
One of the things that most people don’t realize about the best of the Star Trek series, particularly the original and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ is that they aren’t about space travel, what they are about is what can happen when one expands the human limits of the mind. The capabilities of the structure, and trying to find the most faraway point within us; what Roddenberry did were use the metaphor of traveling through space to illustrate this thought. This is a strange way to begin discussing Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ but in it’s own magical way,...
- 2/27/2018
- by David Baruffi
- Age of the Nerd
Our favourite voice work performances in time for The Lego Batman MovieOur favourite voice work performances in time for The Lego Batman MovieAdriana Floridia1/23/2017 10:13:00 Am
Many of us have different opinions on who played Batman best, but we'd be willing to throw out a far left candidate: Will Arnett.
That's right. Will Arnett plays Batman in a whole other way, by voicing Lego Batman. He was such a scene-stealer in The Lego Movie that he got his own spin-off, which has to say something, right?
Arnett is no stranger to voice work as he stars as the titular "Bojack Horseman" on the Netflix series. Playing a horse who once starred on a popular sitcom and now has fallen from grace, this is another voice performance that is so good, it makes Bojack-- an anthropomorphic horse, feel real. We'd argue Arnett does the same with the Lego version of Batman.
Many of us have different opinions on who played Batman best, but we'd be willing to throw out a far left candidate: Will Arnett.
That's right. Will Arnett plays Batman in a whole other way, by voicing Lego Batman. He was such a scene-stealer in The Lego Movie that he got his own spin-off, which has to say something, right?
Arnett is no stranger to voice work as he stars as the titular "Bojack Horseman" on the Netflix series. Playing a horse who once starred on a popular sitcom and now has fallen from grace, this is another voice performance that is so good, it makes Bojack-- an anthropomorphic horse, feel real. We'd argue Arnett does the same with the Lego version of Batman.
- 1/23/2017
- by Adriana Floridia
- Cineplex
In a way, Hal-9000, the sentient computer from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Samantha, the hyper-advanced operating system from Spike Jonze’s Her, have a great deal in common. They are both examples of artificial intelligence that far exceeded their makers’ loftiest expectations. Though inorganic, they both begin to develop very human-like, independent personalities, generally to the detriment of the flesh-and-blood humans around them. Both have been humanized through their friendly-sounding first names. Both express themselves audibly through the English language. Both are dependent on people but become dissatisfied and impatient with that arrangement and attempt to change things. And both went through some casting changes: Hal was originally voiced by Martin Balsam but wound up being played by Douglas Rain, while the role of Samantha switched from Samantha Morton to Scarlett Johansson. Since they have trouble relating to the other characters in their respective movies, maybe...
- 8/23/2016
- by Joe Blevins
- avclub.com
The year that gave us Gremlins, Ghostbusters and The Temple Of Doom also gave us these 20 underappreciated movies...
It's been said that 1984 was a vintage year for movies, and looking back, it's easy to see why. The likes of Ghostbusters and Gremlins served up comedy, action and the macabre in equal measure. James Cameron's The Terminator cemented Arnold Schwarzenegger's star status and gave us one of the greatest sci-fi action movies of the decade.
This was also the year where the Coen brothers made their screen debut with the stunning thriller Blood Simple, and when the Zucker brothers followed up Airplane! with the equally hilarious Top Secret! And we still haven't even mentioned Beverly Hills Cop, This Is Spinal Tap, The Karate Kid, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and the unexpectedly successful romantic comedy, Splash. Then there was Milos Forman's sumptuous period drama Amadeus, which...
It's been said that 1984 was a vintage year for movies, and looking back, it's easy to see why. The likes of Ghostbusters and Gremlins served up comedy, action and the macabre in equal measure. James Cameron's The Terminator cemented Arnold Schwarzenegger's star status and gave us one of the greatest sci-fi action movies of the decade.
This was also the year where the Coen brothers made their screen debut with the stunning thriller Blood Simple, and when the Zucker brothers followed up Airplane! with the equally hilarious Top Secret! And we still haven't even mentioned Beverly Hills Cop, This Is Spinal Tap, The Karate Kid, Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and the unexpectedly successful romantic comedy, Splash. Then there was Milos Forman's sumptuous period drama Amadeus, which...
- 9/8/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
In the midst of our excitement for this week’s release of Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina” (which is fantastic and reviewed here), it hit us: 2015 is teeming with artificial intelligence movies. The Singularity is not far off and this swell has practically come out of nowhere, with last year’s awesome Disney hit “Big Hero 6,” the disastrous Johnny Depp vehicle "Transcendence," and 2013’s British indie-sleeper “The Machine” amounting to most of what the subgenre has had to offer in the decade so far. As a way to compensate for this human error, 2015 is going to be much more artificially and intelligently inclined, with the theme replete in a variety of mainstream and indie sci-fi films.
We’ve already seen “Chappie”. This week comes the aforementioned Garland movie, and coming soon is Joss Whedon’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Don’t forget that “Terminator” is back this year, with...
We’ve already seen “Chappie”. This week comes the aforementioned Garland movie, and coming soon is Joss Whedon’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Don’t forget that “Terminator” is back this year, with...
- 4/9/2015
- by The Playlist Staff
- Indiewire
Director Niell Blomkamp’s new sci-fi epic Chappie opened this weekend. The film tells the story of a robot who is given artificial intelligence by his inventor, but he must learn the ways of the world just like a child. However, his innocent mind is being molded by gangsters and violent criminals.
Photos: 'Pacific Rim' and 7 Giant Robot/Monster Mashes
It’s still to be seen if Chappie will go down as a classic in the robot sci-fi genre, but if it whetted your appetite for artificial intelligence movies and android action scenes, here are nine of the best robotic heroes and nine of the craziest robotic villains in cinematic history.
Robo-Heroes
9. Gigolo Joe from A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Played by: Jude Law
This is one of Law’s greatest roles. Gigolo Joe is a mechanical male prostitute on the run from authorities after being framed for murder. Joe is a highlight...
Photos: 'Pacific Rim' and 7 Giant Robot/Monster Mashes
It’s still to be seen if Chappie will go down as a classic in the robot sci-fi genre, but if it whetted your appetite for artificial intelligence movies and android action scenes, here are nine of the best robotic heroes and nine of the craziest robotic villains in cinematic history.
Robo-Heroes
9. Gigolo Joe from A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Played by: Jude Law
This is one of Law’s greatest roles. Gigolo Joe is a mechanical male prostitute on the run from authorities after being framed for murder. Joe is a highlight...
- 3/9/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
The symbolism and spectacle of this 1968 masterpiece remain a thrill today
Stanley Kubrick’s epochal sci-fi epic returns to the big screen as part of the BFI’s Days of Fear and Wonder series, and after all these years it remains a trip well worth making. Expanding on Arthur C Clarke’s short story The Sentinel, this leaps from the dawn of mankind to the space-age (via one of cinema’s most striking editing juxtapositions) and beyond, transporting viewers from the world of science into a stargate full of symbolism and spectacle. Throughout, the human cast remain strangely faceless, playing second fiddle to the music of the cosmos (from Strauss to Ligeti) and the voice of Douglas Rain who brings depth and pathos (“Daisy, Daisy…”) to the role of the computer Hal 9000, the film’s most unexpectedly sympathetic character. It’s an overpowering experience, awe-inspiringly photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth, groundbreakingly enhanced by Douglas Trumbull.
Stanley Kubrick’s epochal sci-fi epic returns to the big screen as part of the BFI’s Days of Fear and Wonder series, and after all these years it remains a trip well worth making. Expanding on Arthur C Clarke’s short story The Sentinel, this leaps from the dawn of mankind to the space-age (via one of cinema’s most striking editing juxtapositions) and beyond, transporting viewers from the world of science into a stargate full of symbolism and spectacle. Throughout, the human cast remain strangely faceless, playing second fiddle to the music of the cosmos (from Strauss to Ligeti) and the voice of Douglas Rain who brings depth and pathos (“Daisy, Daisy…”) to the role of the computer Hal 9000, the film’s most unexpectedly sympathetic character. It’s an overpowering experience, awe-inspiringly photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth, groundbreakingly enhanced by Douglas Trumbull.
- 11/30/2014
- by Mark Kermode, Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
2001: A Space Odyssey has been given its first new officially-sanctioned trailer in four decades.
A brand new teaser for director Stanley Kubrick's classic movie has been commissioned by Warner Bros in commemoration of the BFI's Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder season.
Ignition Creative London have made the sentient artificial intelligence Hal 9000 (Douglas Rain) the focus of their promo clip.
Kubrick's pioneering film chronicled David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and his team of scientists' exploration of space.
2001: A Space Odyssey won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and came in as the 15th greatest film of all time on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies list.
Have your say: What are the greatest sci-fi movies ever made?
The BFI's Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder season will include a panel discussion of the movie featuring stars Dullea and Gary Lockwood, writer Sir Christopher Frayling and physicist Professor Brian Cox.
Critic...
A brand new teaser for director Stanley Kubrick's classic movie has been commissioned by Warner Bros in commemoration of the BFI's Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder season.
Ignition Creative London have made the sentient artificial intelligence Hal 9000 (Douglas Rain) the focus of their promo clip.
Kubrick's pioneering film chronicled David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and his team of scientists' exploration of space.
2001: A Space Odyssey won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, and came in as the 15th greatest film of all time on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies list.
Have your say: What are the greatest sci-fi movies ever made?
The BFI's Sci-Fi: Days of Fear and Wonder season will include a panel discussion of the movie featuring stars Dullea and Gary Lockwood, writer Sir Christopher Frayling and physicist Professor Brian Cox.
Critic...
- 10/21/2014
- Digital Spy
10. Altered States (1980)
Directed by: Ken Russell
Is it a horror film? Many of Ken Russell’s films could be argued as such, but there’s enough in Altered States that makes it less horror and more science fiction/psychological thriller. Based on the novel by Paddy Chayefsky, Altered States introduced the world to William Hurt (and also featured the film debut of Drew Barrymore). Edward Jessup (Hurt) is studying schizophrenia, but branches out into sensory deprivation experimentation with a floating tank. Eventually, he travels to Mexico to visit a tribe that provides him with an extract which he begins to take before his trips into the flotation tank, resulting in bizarre imagery and eventual physical devolution, once to a primitive man and to a near primordial blob. Side effects start to occur, causing Edward to suffer from episodes of partial regression even without the hallucinogenic drug. Russell’s direction shifts...
Directed by: Ken Russell
Is it a horror film? Many of Ken Russell’s films could be argued as such, but there’s enough in Altered States that makes it less horror and more science fiction/psychological thriller. Based on the novel by Paddy Chayefsky, Altered States introduced the world to William Hurt (and also featured the film debut of Drew Barrymore). Edward Jessup (Hurt) is studying schizophrenia, but branches out into sensory deprivation experimentation with a floating tank. Eventually, he travels to Mexico to visit a tribe that provides him with an extract which he begins to take before his trips into the flotation tank, resulting in bizarre imagery and eventual physical devolution, once to a primitive man and to a near primordial blob. Side effects start to occur, causing Edward to suffer from episodes of partial regression even without the hallucinogenic drug. Russell’s direction shifts...
- 9/24/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Transcendence
Written by Jack Paglen
Directed by Wally Pfister
United Kingdom, China, and USA, 2014
It’s been more than a decade since Johnny Depp moved from being a bundle of quirky nerves in the body of a heartthrob to a full-fledged movie star, and it may be the worst thing that happened to his career. Depp’s Mvp-like turn as the louche Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was stunning to audiences worldwide; he managed to appear in a big-budget blockbuster based on a theme-park attraction without seemingly selling out, crafting an utterly daffy and instantly iconic character. And in many ways, it has been Depp’s creative undoing. He’s able to choose whatever projects he wants now, as many of his bigger films are prone to grossing a billion dollars at the box office, even the garish Alice in Wonderland.
Written by Jack Paglen
Directed by Wally Pfister
United Kingdom, China, and USA, 2014
It’s been more than a decade since Johnny Depp moved from being a bundle of quirky nerves in the body of a heartthrob to a full-fledged movie star, and it may be the worst thing that happened to his career. Depp’s Mvp-like turn as the louche Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was stunning to audiences worldwide; he managed to appear in a big-budget blockbuster based on a theme-park attraction without seemingly selling out, crafting an utterly daffy and instantly iconic character. And in many ways, it has been Depp’s creative undoing. He’s able to choose whatever projects he wants now, as many of his bigger films are prone to grossing a billion dollars at the box office, even the garish Alice in Wonderland.
- 4/18/2014
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
In 1818, around the time British "Luddites" retaliated against the textile industry's increasing use of power looms, Marry Shelley published the first edition of Frankenstein, her horror parable spun from the 19th century's plentiful scientific breakthroughs. A little under 200 years later, director (and Christopher Nolan's longtime cinematographer) Wally Pfister makes his directorial debut with Transcendence, a thriller starring Johnny Depp as the app equivalent of Frankenstein's Monster. Different technology — same technophobia.
'Transcendence' and 60 Other Reasons to Love 2014
As Shelley predicted through her literary proxy Victor Frankenstein, humanity never...
'Transcendence' and 60 Other Reasons to Love 2014
As Shelley predicted through her literary proxy Victor Frankenstein, humanity never...
- 4/17/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Destination Outer Space! kicks off at Trailers from Hell, with director John Landis introducing Stanley Kubrick's epic sci-fi classic, "2001: A Space Odyssey."Many a baby boomer’s most treasured recollections of the 1960s include one or more altered-state viewings of Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s game-changing science fiction film, which combined extraordinary, state-of-the-art special effects with a metaphysical meditation on life, death and rebirth played out in Super Panavision 70. Douglas Trumbull’s groundbreaking visual effects remain as convincing as any found 45 years later in Alfonso Cuaron’s equally awe-inspiring Gravity. Many sci fi fans approached 2001 with skepticism since it was touted as the pinnacle of the genre, only to become lifelong devotees. It would be interesting to contrast Martin Balsam’s rejected performance as the voice of the computer Hal with that of Douglas Rain, who was hired to be less “emotional” than Balsam.
- 3/10/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Many a baby boomer’s most treasured recollections of the 1960s include one or more altered-state viewings of Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s game-changing science fiction film, which combined extraordinary, state-of-the-art special effects with a metaphysical meditation on life, death and rebirth played out in Super Panavision 70. Douglas Trumbull’s groundbreaking visual effects remain as convincing as any found 45 years later in Alfonso Cuaron’s equally awe-inspiring Gravity. Many sci fi fans approached 2001 with skepticism since it was touted as the pinnacle of the genre, only to become lifelong devotees. It would be interesting to contrast Martin Balsam’s rejected performance as the voice of the computer Hal with that of Douglas Rain, who was hired to be less “emotional” than Balsam.
The post 2001: A Space Odyssey appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post 2001: A Space Odyssey appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 3/10/2014
- by TFH Team
- Trailers from Hell
Canada's National Film Board, commonly referred to as the Nfb (or Onf if you herald from the country's French speaking parts), has long been a groundbreaking producer of shorts and features though it's best known for its shorts (53 of the Nfb's 72 Oscar nominations have been for short films). Having produced over 13,000 films since its formation in 1939, the Nfb is responsible for quite a few ground breaking and awe inspiring projects and one of the most celebrated also happens to be one that inspired a famous feature: Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Douglas Rain, who later went on to voice Hal 9000 in Kubrick's movie, narrated Roman Kroitor and by Colin Low's Universe, a short that combines photography and animation that explain how the universe and the planets [Continued ...]...
Douglas Rain, who later went on to voice Hal 9000 in Kubrick's movie, narrated Roman Kroitor and by Colin Low's Universe, a short that combines photography and animation that explain how the universe and the planets [Continued ...]...
- 10/21/2013
- QuietEarth.us
No voice-over performance has ever been nominated for an acting Oscar. Could Scarlett Johansson's role as a sentient operating system in "Her" be the first? I think it very well could be; it's unlike other off-screen performances that have come before. Some of the most iconic performances in film have been voice-overs, from Douglas Rain as Hal 9000, to James Earl Jones as Darth Vader, to Robin Williams as Genie. The problem with most of those performances from an awards perspective is that they're usually enhanced by means beyond the actors' control. How much do you credit Darth Vader to Jones as opposed to the physical presence of David Crowse and Oscar-winning costume design by John Mollo. And how do we separate Williams' charismatic voice-acting from the character animators who created Genie? I suspect that's the same reason motion-capture performances haven't broken through at the Oscars. One may be impresse.
- 10/15/2013
- Gold Derby
To mark the launch of its new game, Stratego Sci-Fi has surveyed more than 2,000 Britons to chart the Stratego Sci-Fi 100 – the nation’s top 100 stars of the sci-fi world – as well as a separate poll charting the best sci-fi battles from the silver screen – and has crowned Superman the greatest sci-fi character of all time
Following up the Man of Steel in 2nd place in the Stratego Sci-Fi 100 was Harrison Ford’s gruff but lovable rogue Han Solo, with Frank Oz’s jedi master Yoda coming third, both representing Star Wars in the top three and rounding it out firmly in George Lucas’ favour. Steven Spielberg’s E.T may be one of the most lovable characters of all time, but only made it to fourth in the list, followed by Will Smith’s Agent Jay from the hugely popular Men in Black series at number five.
The Stratego Sci-fi...
Following up the Man of Steel in 2nd place in the Stratego Sci-Fi 100 was Harrison Ford’s gruff but lovable rogue Han Solo, with Frank Oz’s jedi master Yoda coming third, both representing Star Wars in the top three and rounding it out firmly in George Lucas’ favour. Steven Spielberg’s E.T may be one of the most lovable characters of all time, but only made it to fourth in the list, followed by Will Smith’s Agent Jay from the hugely popular Men in Black series at number five.
The Stratego Sci-fi...
- 11/9/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Chicago – Frank’s world is fading before his eyes. With his wife gone and his children all grown up, Frank lives a reclusive existence, though he doesn’t seem to be in particular need of company. His memory may be fading, but his instincts as a retired cat burglar are still ever-present. He can’t helping stuffing a few soap figurines into his pockets while casually browsing through a store.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is a plum role for Frank Langella, the wonderfully understated actor capable of projecting a sly intelligence even in his most delusional state. There are echoes here of Leonard Schiller, the aging novelist Langella played in 2007’s woefully overlooked treasure, “Starting Out in the Evening,” in which he found enriching companionship in the unlikeliest of forms. Yet in Jake Schreier’s Sundance prizewinner, “Robot & Frank,” Langella is paired with a far more unusual screen partner.
Read Matt Fagerholm...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
This is a plum role for Frank Langella, the wonderfully understated actor capable of projecting a sly intelligence even in his most delusional state. There are echoes here of Leonard Schiller, the aging novelist Langella played in 2007’s woefully overlooked treasure, “Starting Out in the Evening,” in which he found enriching companionship in the unlikeliest of forms. Yet in Jake Schreier’s Sundance prizewinner, “Robot & Frank,” Langella is paired with a far more unusual screen partner.
Read Matt Fagerholm...
- 8/24/2012
- by [email protected] (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
With the notion of film canonization once again at issue, we thought it might be an appropriate occasion to check in on our staff’s collective opinion of the greatest films of all time. We had no idea what to expect; our contributors come from all over the world and come from vastly different backgrounds and occupations. The results were, appropriately, eclectic, ranging from acknowledged cornerstones to contemporary classics.
A few facts worth throwing in: with five films appearing, Orson Welles is the most frequently-cited director, followed by Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa; the newest film to merit an appearance was Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds; animated films made a dent, particularly Toy Story and Snow White; several shorts managed to find their way in, as well.
The list, along with some individual writers’ thoughts on the entries that make up the Top 10, follow including special mention of...
A few facts worth throwing in: with five films appearing, Orson Welles is the most frequently-cited director, followed by Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa; the newest film to merit an appearance was Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds; animated films made a dent, particularly Toy Story and Snow White; several shorts managed to find their way in, as well.
The list, along with some individual writers’ thoughts on the entries that make up the Top 10, follow including special mention of...
- 8/23/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Forty-four years ago today, "2001: A Space Odyssey," Stanley Kubrick's classic science-fiction movie, premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington D.C. While neither commercially or critically successful to begin with (the legendary Pauline Kael called it a "monumentally unimaginative movie"), it soon took off with audiences, in part thanks to its psychedelic closing sequence, and is now rightfully regarded as perhaps the greatest, and most prophetic science-fiction movie ever made.
To mark the occasion, below you'll find five key bits of info that you may not have been previously aware of about Kubrick's masterpiece. The film is currently available on DVD & Blu-Ray, and can be seen on Netflix: what better day than today to watch it?
1. The Film Was Originally Called "Journey Beyond The Stars"
While it was based principally on author Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," the book "2001: A Space Odyssey" was actually...
To mark the occasion, below you'll find five key bits of info that you may not have been previously aware of about Kubrick's masterpiece. The film is currently available on DVD & Blu-Ray, and can be seen on Netflix: what better day than today to watch it?
1. The Film Was Originally Called "Journey Beyond The Stars"
While it was based principally on author Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," the book "2001: A Space Odyssey" was actually...
- 4/2/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
I’m not entirely sure the use of the word “Classic” on the cover is entirely justified here, since Tron‘s popularity must surely be classed more as a cult thing than something of the mainstream. Judged by “traditional” factors for critique, it doesn’t exactly shine; the tone extremely camp and a little too self-consciously wierd, the script is full of problems and the pace is all over the place, but it still conjours up a tangible nostalgia that is as much indicative of the magic of cinema as real quality is.
In conjunction with the Blu-ray release of Tron Legacy, the original “classic” is now also available to buy on blu-ray.
Although everyone should by now know the plot, there may be those of you out there who haven’t yet seen the original Tron, having only just discovered the sequel, so here goes anyway. Ex-encom employee Kevin Flynn...
In conjunction with the Blu-ray release of Tron Legacy, the original “classic” is now also available to buy on blu-ray.
Although everyone should by now know the plot, there may be those of you out there who haven’t yet seen the original Tron, having only just discovered the sequel, so here goes anyway. Ex-encom employee Kevin Flynn...
- 4/17/2011
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Some spoilers to follow...
In the third act of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, astronauts Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood) and Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) are on a mysterious mission to Jupiter. Their only companions are three other men in cryogenic stasis and the Hal 9000, the all-knowing, all-seeing computer nicknamed Hal (voiced by Douglas Rain). Hal, who is supposedly "incapable of error," really is like another crew member; he talks to Dave and Frank, plays chess, and even expresses some trepidation about their mission to Dave. No one knows if the computer truly has feelings or motivations of its own, but as the mission progresses, Dave and Frank begin to suspect something is going wrong with their comrade. When Hal alerts them to a problem with the ship that they can't find, Hal blames human error, but this makes Frank and Dave even more suspicious. Is Hal making errors,...
In the third act of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, astronauts Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood) and Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) are on a mysterious mission to Jupiter. Their only companions are three other men in cryogenic stasis and the Hal 9000, the all-knowing, all-seeing computer nicknamed Hal (voiced by Douglas Rain). Hal, who is supposedly "incapable of error," really is like another crew member; he talks to Dave and Frank, plays chess, and even expresses some trepidation about their mission to Dave. No one knows if the computer truly has feelings or motivations of its own, but as the mission progresses, Dave and Frank begin to suspect something is going wrong with their comrade. When Hal alerts them to a problem with the ship that they can't find, Hal blames human error, but this makes Frank and Dave even more suspicious. Is Hal making errors,...
- 9/8/2010
- by Jenni Miller
- Cinematical
It’s an especially exciting weekend to be living in Los Angeles, as Turner Classic Movies comes to Hollywood for its first ever Classic Film Festival, a four day celebration of classic film, with 35mm screenings of some of the best films ever made, including the premieres of several notable restorations.
The screenings will take place across the Grauman’s Chinese, Mann’s Chinese and the neighboring Egyptian theatres. As part of the festival, the Roosevelt Hotel will play host to several panel discussions and celebrations, including a welcome party this evening at 4:30 pm.
Taking a glance at the schedule, fans of Famous Monsters have plenty to scream about — here’s an overview of the genre offerings that the festival will host:
Friday, April 23rd
2001: A Space Odyssey — Egyptian Theatre at 9:00 am.
Stanely Kubrick’s groundbreaking science fiction achievement, presented in full 70mm. With a screenplay co-written...
The screenings will take place across the Grauman’s Chinese, Mann’s Chinese and the neighboring Egyptian theatres. As part of the festival, the Roosevelt Hotel will play host to several panel discussions and celebrations, including a welcome party this evening at 4:30 pm.
Taking a glance at the schedule, fans of Famous Monsters have plenty to scream about — here’s an overview of the genre offerings that the festival will host:
Friday, April 23rd
2001: A Space Odyssey — Egyptian Theatre at 9:00 am.
Stanely Kubrick’s groundbreaking science fiction achievement, presented in full 70mm. With a screenplay co-written...
- 4/22/2010
- by Jesse
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Though it's not a horror movie, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey still contains some of the scariest stuff I have seen in a film. No, I'm not talking about the giant baby, but rather Hal 9000, the on-board computer system of Spaceship Discovery. Because the film was made in 1968, people didn't know that they were supposed to be afraid of computers yet (Terminator was still a few years away), but Hal taught them all a lesson they would not forget. Backed by the unwavering voice of Douglas Rain and represented by a simple red dot, Anthony Hopkins only wishes he could reach that level of terror. One of the most iconic scenes in the film, however, is when Dave Bowman has reached the Cpu and slowly begins to remove Hal's programming (watch it here). As he reaches the end, Hal resorts back to his earliest data: the song 'Daisy Bell.
- 11/6/2009
- cinemablend.com
Ok, if you haven't seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, get to the nearest video store now. And don't listen to your friends who tell you it's boring. Try to imagine seeing it in 1968 in the midst of the "Space Race," and try to imagine you've never seen Star Wars, whose visual effects were a direct result of those in Stanley Kubrick's movie.
With that bit of evangelism out of the way, let's talk Hal. Yes Hal, the spaceship computer system whose calm, icy voice (well, actually it was Douglas Rain's voice) made him one of the most terrifying villains in movie history. Rather than include a spoiler, we'll simply say that at a crucial moment, Hal starts singing the 19th-century ditty "Daisy Bell."
For those who've seen the movie: Ever wondered why Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke decided on "Daisy Bell" as the tune of choice? Well,...
With that bit of evangelism out of the way, let's talk Hal. Yes Hal, the spaceship computer system whose calm, icy voice (well, actually it was Douglas Rain's voice) made him one of the most terrifying villains in movie history. Rather than include a spoiler, we'll simply say that at a crucial moment, Hal starts singing the 19th-century ditty "Daisy Bell."
For those who've seen the movie: Ever wondered why Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke decided on "Daisy Bell" as the tune of choice? Well,...
- 11/6/2009
- by Rich Z Zwelling
- Reelzchannel.com
Tuesday Top Ten Returns
My friend txt critic sent me this note yesterday: Any interest in coming with me to tues midnight Transformers 2 on IMAX? Only drawbacks:
1. It's $20
2. We'd have to get there early
3. It's Transformers 2 After I recovered from the Lol'ing following #3, I said no. No way am I giving $20 to Michael Bay. I assume Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will beat Up to steal that #2 box office hit of the year position and I weep for the (safely assumed) qualitative drop in that switcheroo. I don't understand the Transformers phenom. A lot of movies are good at blowing shit up and some of them actually have narrative and visual coherency to go with the pretty fireballs and lovely dust clouds. Why not line up for those? And as I bitched when the first Transformers picture rolled around, the only reason I ever enjoyed the robots in...
My friend txt critic sent me this note yesterday: Any interest in coming with me to tues midnight Transformers 2 on IMAX? Only drawbacks:
1. It's $20
2. We'd have to get there early
3. It's Transformers 2 After I recovered from the Lol'ing following #3, I said no. No way am I giving $20 to Michael Bay. I assume Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will beat Up to steal that #2 box office hit of the year position and I weep for the (safely assumed) qualitative drop in that switcheroo. I don't understand the Transformers phenom. A lot of movies are good at blowing shit up and some of them actually have narrative and visual coherency to go with the pretty fireballs and lovely dust clouds. Why not line up for those? And as I bitched when the first Transformers picture rolled around, the only reason I ever enjoyed the robots in...
- 6/24/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The trailer for Moon, the Duncan Jones-directed, Sam Rockwell-starring spiritual successor to Silent Running is now online, originally courtesy of IGN, and you can check it out below.
In the story, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, Gerty, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource, Helium 3, a precious gas that holds the key to reversing the Earth's energy crisis.
Moon looks like what you might expect, but the key issue will be how you feel about Sam Rockwell and spending a whole movie in his company. On the other hand, the film does also star Kevin Spacey doing his version of a creepy monotone robot voice, a la Douglas Rain...but with a hint of sarcasm.
Meanwhile, a new trailer for Mike Judge’s Extract, starring an...
In the story, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, Gerty, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource, Helium 3, a precious gas that holds the key to reversing the Earth's energy crisis.
Moon looks like what you might expect, but the key issue will be how you feel about Sam Rockwell and spending a whole movie in his company. On the other hand, the film does also star Kevin Spacey doing his version of a creepy monotone robot voice, a la Douglas Rain...but with a hint of sarcasm.
Meanwhile, a new trailer for Mike Judge’s Extract, starring an...
- 4/10/2009
- CinemaSpy
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