Interviews
Kate Beckinsale Interview For ‘Contraband’
Jan 21st
Mark Wahlberg leads the cast of ‘Contraband’, a fast-paced thriller about a man trying to stay out of a world he worked so hard to leave behind and the family he’ll do anything to protect. Set in New Orleans, the film explores the cutthroat underground world of international smuggling — full of desperate criminals and corrupt officials, high-stakes and big payoffs — where loyalty rarely exists and death is one wrong turn away. Alongside Mark Wahlberg, the film stars Kate Beckinsale, Giovanni Ribisi, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Haas, and Ben Foster. ‘Contraband’ is out now in US cinemas. It’s scheduled for release March 16th in the UK.
Can you tell us a little about the set up of the movie, what kick starts ‘Contraband’?
Kate Beckinsale: Mark Wahlberg’s character, Chris, he’s stopped his illegal activities, probably on my characters request now that we’ve got two young boys. We’re really trying to move away from that life, and move into a more suburban area, a slightly more respectable job. I think all that has been quite a bit of a struggle. At the beginning of the movie we’ve just got to a point where we’re OK, he’s got his job, I’ve got my own hair salon. It’s sort of all going alright. At a friends wedding, we’re having a rare night out, enjoying ourselves, and then I get this phone call from my brother, which is a huge shock. My character, Kate, she hadn’t been aware that he’d been up to no good. I sort of raised my brother. He gets into trouble smuggling drugs, he gets into trouble with Giovanni Ribisi – who is the nicest man in the world, but in this he gives one of the scariest performance ever (laughs).
Elizabeth Banks Interview For ‘Man on a Ledge’
Jan 21st
An ex-cop and now wanted fugitive (Sam Worthington) stands on the ledge of a high-rise building while a hard-living NYPD negotiator (Elizabeth Banks) tries to talk him down. The longer they are on the ledge, the more she realizes that he might have an ulterior objective. Directed by Asger Leth (Ghosts of Cité Soleil), ‘Man on a Ledge’ stars Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Ed Burns, Titus Welliver, Genesis Rodriguez, Kyra Sedgwick, and Ed Harris. The film is set for release January 27th in the US, and Febuary 3rd in the UK.
I really enjoyed your character in the film, she’s sort of the surragate for the audience?
Elizabeth Banks: Thank you. Yeah, Lydia, she’s an NYPD police officer and negotiator. My job is to get people to not commit suicide, give up guns, give up hostages – essentially resolve situations without death (laughs). But when you first meet my character I’ve lost somebody, in the parlance of the NYPD: somebody went over on me. I lost a jumper who also happened to be a fellow police officer. So, I’m lacking in respect for my colleagues when you first meet me in this movie, I’ve definitely been on a bender, I’m at a real low point in my career. And then when I walk into this situation, which one of the fun things about this situation is that you think you’re running into one thing, but of course your walking into something totally different. That’s what kept me really interested, this is a woman that has to stay on her toes, she’s there to figure out the truth and find out what’s really going on. Also, like you said, she’s sort of acting as a surrogate for the audience, the whole time you’re sitting in the theatre asking, “What the hell is really happening here?” I’m on camera going, “What the hell is really happening here?” (Laughs) We’re learning along with each other what this movie is really about. It’s very thrilling because there’s a lot of layers.
Sam Worthington Interview For ‘Man on a Ledge’ – Also Talks On ‘Wrath of the Titans’
Jan 20th
An ex-cop and now wanted fugitive (Sam Worthington) stands on the ledge of a high-rise building while a hard-living NYPD negotiator (Elizabeth Banks) tries to talk him down. The longer they are on the ledge, the more she realizes that he might have an ulterior objective. Directed by Asger Leth (Ghosts of Cité Soleil), ‘Man on a Ledge’ stars Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Ed Burns, Titus Welliver, Genesis Rodriguez, Kyra Sedgwick, and Ed Harris. The film is set for release January 27th in the US, and Febuary 3rd in the UK.
What was it that drew you to play Nick?
Sam Worthington: It was Lorenzo di Bonaventura (producer) actually. I’ve known Lorenzo for along time, I was looking for something to do with him. I love the movies Lorenzo makes, not only ‘Transformers’ and ‘Red,’ but he helped put together ‘The Matrix’ back in the day, his movies with Mark Wahlberg I like. I also like his sense of….that he wants to make movies that entertain an audience, his primary goal is to entertain an audience, give them their moneys worth – and that’s my primary goal as well. So, we kind of found one that I was really interested in, sort of an amalgamation of ‘The Negotiator’ and ‘Phone Booth,’ and they were entertaining movies so I thought lets go ahead and make it.
David Oyelewo & Terrence Howard Interview For ‘Red Tails’
Jan 19th
The thrilling true story of the Tuskegee Airmen comes to the big screen in this epic war adventure from executive producer George Lucas and first-time feature director Anthony Hemingway (Treme, The Wire). In the fire and chaos of World War II, the U.S. military recruits a fearless group of African-American fighter pilots to help reclaim the skies over Europe. Discriminated against both as citizens and as soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen take flight in planes distinguished by distinctive red tails, and fight for their country. ‘Red Tails’ features a stellar cast in Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Cliff Smith aka Method Man, Kevin Phillips, Aml Ameen, Rick Otto, Lee Tergesen, Andre Royo, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, Marcus T. Paulk, Leslie Odom Jr., Michael B. Jordan and Daniela Ruah. The film is released in US cinemas January 20th. Expect a UK release date for the film soon.
You character is brash yet supremely talented…..
David Oyelewo: Yes. I guess the way I would describe Lightning is that he’s the hot head of the group. He’s also the best fighter pilot of the group. He’s a raw ball of talent, in a sense. He’s one of those rare guys who probably puts the least amount of work in, he’s just gifted. Part of his coming of age story is that he needs direction, he needs Easy, his friend, to guide him and advise him. He needs the character that Terrence Howard plays, in the shape of Colonel A.J. Bullard, to direct him. I think he embodies that thing that a lot of young people need, which is for someone to come alongside them and mentor them – and that is where they often get the example of greatness.
Clint Eastwood & Naomi Watts Interview For ‘J. Edgar’ – Released Friday In The UK
Jan 19th
During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through 8 presidents and 3 wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets – particularly those of others – and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation.
Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable. He was as guarded in his private life as he was in his public one, allowing only a small and protective inner circle into his confidence. His closest colleague, Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), was also his constant companion. His secretary, Helen Gandy (Naomie Watts), who was perhaps most privy to Hoover’s designs, remained loyal to the end…and beyond. As seen through the eyes of Hoover himself, ‘J. Edgar’ explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power. Directed by Clint Eastwood, ‘J. Edgar’ also stars Judi Dench, Josh Lucas and Ken Howard. The film is released in cinemas January 20th in the UK.
What was the biggest challenge for you taking on this biopic, especially as it’s someone who’s as prominent and contentious as J. Edgar Hoover?
Clint Eastwood: Biopics bring their own set of problems, as far as how much you want to imitate or emulate the characters? But Hoover was a very important character, a controversial character, so with that it’s important to get it somewhat accurate. The actors all pretty much studied and read every biographical book or took in any piece of material they could find once they got the roles. I think they all enjoyed that, I think they enjoyed diving in on it.
Liam Neeson & Joe Carnahan Interview For ‘The Grey’
Jan 19th
In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out. Directed by Joe Carnahan (The A-Team, Smokin’ Aces) ‘The Grey’ is set for release January 27th. Look out for a more in-depth interview with Liam Neeson and the rest of the cast next week.
What spoke to you about this role? And how was it working with the other guys in this ensemble?
Liam Neeson: There was something very primal about the story that triggered me, triggered something in me in this technological age. Me and a bunch of guys, out in the elements, extreme elements/ Being pursued by….almost mythological wolves. Their size, their intensity, their hatred for mankind. The wolves want to pick us off one at a time. That really interested me.
Something quite immediate happened with all of us as we shook each others hand, you know? And yes, we knew we were gonna go on this ride, this journey – and I know that’s a cliché but it really really was a journey in lots of ways. We all recognised that, and we all recognised each others strengths and sensitivities. It was tough but we had a good laugh.