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"Emilia Pérez" is a groundbreaking musical film that explores transgender issues and the "disappeared" in Mexico. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film tells the story of Manitas, a drug cartel leader who wants to transition into a woman. The film features vibrant dance numbers and original songs, and it stars Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. "Emilia Pérez" received critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival and won several awards. It addresses important social and political issues while challenging traditional genre conventions. The film is set to be released in cinemas and on Netflix. [Extracted from the article]

In an interview with Total Film, Emily Watson, a highly acclaimed English actress, discusses her career and upcoming projects. She reflects on her breakthrough role in Lars von Trier's "Breaking the Waves" and her collaborations with renowned directors like Charlie Kaufman, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Robert Altman. Watson also talks about her role in the Irish drama "Small Things like These," which explores the controversial Magdalene Laundries run by the Catholic Church. She shares her experiences working with Cillian Murphy and her admiration for his commitment to meaningful storytelling. Additionally, Watson discusses her upcoming projects, including the film "Dune: Prophecy" and the TV series "The Legend of Ochi" and "Hamnet." She also touches on the changing landscape for women in the film industry and the importance of equal pay. [Extracted from the article]

An article from Total Film discusses the film "Anora," directed by Sean Baker, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the story of Ani, a Brooklyn pole dancer who falls in love with a wealthy Russian man named Ivan. The article explores the development of the film's concept, the research and training undertaken by the actors, and the themes of the movie. It also highlights the intense fight scene in the film and the meticulous approach taken by Baker in its execution. The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of "Anora" winning the Palme d'Or for American independent cinema and original storytelling. [Extracted from the article]

Colman Domingo, an American actor, has had a successful year with his first Oscar nomination for the film Rustin. He is now starring in Sing Sing, a prison drama that showcases his talent as one of the best actors of his generation. Domingo discusses his career and the impact of theater on his life, as well as his role in Sing Sing, where he plays a character who finds hope and light in a challenging situation. He also mentions his upcoming projects, including a biopic of Michael Jackson. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Total Film explores the history and current state of filmmakers and actors who take financial risks to pursue their artistic visions. It highlights Francis Ford Coppola's self-funded film Megalopolis, which he has been working on since 1977. The article also mentions Kevin Costner's self-funded western film Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, which faced challenges in securing funding and distribution. It discusses the successes and failures of independent projects throughout history, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity and the potential rewards of taking risks. The article concludes by questioning the future of passion projects in Hollywood and suggests that self-funded indies may become more prevalent. [Extracted from the article]

Kevin Costner returns to the director's chair after a 21-year hiatus with his self-funded western film series, Horizon: An American Saga. The ambitious project spans four films and tells the story of the American West during the era of the Civil War. Costner plays the lead character, Hayes Ellison, and has full creative control over the project. The film explores the struggles and conflicts between white settlers and Native Americans as they stake their claims to the land. The cast, including Sienna Miller and Abbey Lee, express their admiration for Costner's vision and leadership. Despite mixed reviews, Costner remains confident in the film's quality and hopes it will be satisfying for audiences. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the rediscovery and restoration of the film "Caligula," which was originally released in 1979 but faced controversy due to the addition of pornographic scenes without the knowledge of the director or star, Malcolm McDowell. The film, which was intended to be a serious drama about the life of the Roman emperor Caligula, was heavily criticized and became a laughing stock. However, after years of work and the discovery of original footage, the film has been restored to its intended form, showcasing the performances of McDowell and Helen Mirren. The restored version is described as a significant improvement and a game changer if it had been released in its current form. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on David Benioff and D.B. Weiss's post-"Game of Thrones" project, "3 Body Problem," based on Liu Cixin's Chinese trilogy. Topics include the show's genesis, including considerations for a Star Wars project and how they were drawn to "3 Body Problem" after Netflix executive Peter Friedlander suggested it.

The article analyses the television series "True Detective: Night Country", the fourth season of the procedural anthology series, featuring Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as Alaskan detectives investigating the disappearance of eight scientists. The piece explores the show's return to its atmospheric roots, its unique setting in Alaska, the characters portrayed by Foster and Reis, with the production taking place in Iceland due to logistical challenges in Alaska.

An interview with filmmaker, Alexander Payne is presented. He discusses various aspects of his career and his latest film, "The Holdovers" where he talks about how the idea for the film had been with him for about a decade before it was made and how he collaborated with writer David Hemingson to develop the story. He further discusses about his career in filmmaking, including his early films like "Citizen Ruth"," "Election," "About Schmidt," "Sideways," "The Descendants," and "Nebraska".

an interview with film director Pedro Almodóvar is presented. Topics include how he casted actors Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal for the film "Strange Way of Life;" a genre that he would love to tackle in his next film; and his relationship with celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz, Rossy de Palma and Carmen Maura.

The article focuses on the life of Saúl Armendáriz, known as Cassandro, a Mexican wrestler who revolutionized the world of lucha libre by being an openly gay exótico wrestler. Topics include Cassandro's impact on changing attitudes towards homosexuality in Mexico, his unique and flamboyant wrestling style as an exótico, and the challenges faced by Gael García Bernal in preparing for his role as Cassandro, including his physical training and dedication to portraying the sport accurately.

The article focuses on the rise and fall of the BlackBerry, a once-dominant handheld device with a physical keyboard that revolutionized communication. Topics include the origins of BlackBerry by Research in Motion (RIM); its massive market share decline; and the portrayal of key personalities like Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis in the upcoming indie film "BlackBerry."

"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" is a documentary that explores the life and legacy of Christopher Reeve, the actor who portrayed Superman in the 1978 film. The film focuses on Reeve's accident in 1995, which left him paralyzed from the neck down, and how he became a symbol of hope for millions. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the documentary features interviews with Reeve's family and friends, as well as archival footage that showcases his resilience and determination. It also highlights Reeve's advocacy work for disability awareness and his establishment of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Overall, "Super/Man" offers a moving and inspiring portrait of a true-life hero. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a roundup of films showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. It highlights several notable films, including "Anora," a comedy drama about a Brooklyn lap dancer who marries a Russian billionaire's son, "Emilia Pérez," a Mexican-set musical about a cartel boss who undergoes gender-reassignment surgery, and "The Substance," a feminist body horror film about a TV fitness instructor who injects a mystery liquid. Other films mentioned include "The Surfer," "Megalopolis," "The Apprentice," "Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie," and "The Shrouds." The article offers brief descriptions and commentary on each film. [Extracted from the article]

REVIEWSRICHARD SCHICKEL, JOHN H. FOOTE THAMES & HUDSONThis updated version of the late Schickel’s 2012 tome covers every Spiel-movie from Duel to The Fabelmans. Some, like The Lost World, get short shrift, while others - notably Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - are (over)generously reappraised. But the biggies - Jaws, E.T. - receive rigorous analysis in a beautifully illustrated book stuffed with quotes from the author’s close encounters with the director, who also provides a foreword.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

REVIEWS1978OUT 25 OCTOBER CINEMASPumpkins at the ready: John Carpenter’s seminal slasher is back on the big screen. Forget all the sequels, remakes and reboots - this is the only one that truly matters, as babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is terrorised by knife-wielding sanitarium escapee Michael Myers (Nick Castle). Donald Pleasence brings gravitas to the role of the psychiatrist hunting Myers down, but it’s Carpenter’s razor-sharp direction and unforgettable score, together with Curtis’ stunning Scream Queen masterclass, that makes this a stone-cold horror classic. JAMES MOTTRAMPHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

REVIEWS★★★ ★★ OUT 18 OCTOBER CINEMASCharming if somewhat featherlight, this coming-of-ager centres on Angus (Ed Oxenbould, The Visit), a small-town schoolkid with big dreams in 1970s New Zealand. Inspired by his over-inLondon brother, who sends him cool vinyl, Angus kickstarts his musical life, forming punk band the Daleks. There’s girl trouble (via Roxie Mohebbi’s aloof Holly) and parent trouble (Marton Csokas as Dad) and a vibe of nostalgia for a simpler time crafted by writer/ director Jonathan Ogilvie. Even if some scenes flounder, the music consistently rocks; you may well feel an urge to start your own band.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

"Small Things Like These" is a subtle Irish drama that explores the topic of Catholic Church-run institutions known as laundries, where "fallen women" were exploited. The film takes place in the 1980s and follows Bill, a coal merchant who encounters a young girl in a convent and is forced to confront his own past traumas. The film, directed by Tim Mielants and scripted by Enda Walsh, focuses on the unsaid and evokes emotions through small gestures. Cillian Murphy delivers a thoughtful performance, and the film's understated power grows as it progresses. [Extracted from the article]

REVIEWSFree Solo directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, alongside fellow filmmaker Natalie Hewit, follow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton for this solid rather than spectacular doc. It recounts how the fabled explorer kept 27 crew alive for more than a year after their vessel Endurance sank in the Weddell Sea in 1915. The directors join a 2022 expedition to find the wreck-but the real chills come from the concurrent retelling of Shackleton’s story, which smartly uses AI tech to allow crew members to ‘read’ aloud diary entries over vintage footage. JAMES MOTTRAMPHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

"ANORA" is a comedy-drama film directed by Sean Baker that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The story follows Anora, a Brooklyn lap dancer who becomes involved with Ivan, the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Ivan hires Anora to be his girlfriend for a week and they end up getting married in Vegas. However, trouble arises when Ivan's parents find out and try to force Anora into an annulment. The film explores themes of class disparity and self-entitlement, and is praised for its mix of physical comedy and high drama. [Extracted from the article]

"The Apprentice" is a film that explores Donald Trump's real estate career in the 70s and 80s. The movie follows Trump's rise to success, starting with his mentorship under attorney Roy Cohn. As Trump's empire grows, the film delves into his increasing love for deal-making and money, which comes at the expense of personal relationships. While the film plays with the idea of truth as a malleable thing, it may not offer much new insight into Trump himself. Overall, "The Apprentice" is an entertaining portrayal of avarice and venality. [Extracted from the article]

"Emilia Pérez" is a two-hour musical film directed by Jacques Audiard, set in Mexico City. The storyline explores themes of gender reassignment and cartel violence, following the journey of drug lord Manitas Del Monte as she transitions into Emilia Pérez. The film features a talented cast including Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, who underwent gender-reassignment surgery herself. With original songs, score, and choreography, "Emilia Pérez" offers a unique and daring take on the musical genre. The film has received positive reviews, with praise for the performances and its ability to redefine the musical format. [Extracted from the article]

Alan Menken, the 75-year-old American composer known for his work on Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, is currently composing the music for Netflix's fairy tale Spellbound, starring Rachel Zegler. Menken describes the score as a blend of different influences, reflecting the mythical kingdom in which the story takes place. He also discusses his past work, including his experience working on Little Shop of Horrors and his love for scoring animated films. Menken has won eight Oscars throughout his career and is currently working on several new musical projects for the stage. [Extracted from the article]

"Tripping the Light Fantastic" is a film directed by Payal Kapadia that offers a unique perspective on Mumbai, India. The story follows two female nurses, Prabha and Anu, as they navigate the complexities of the city and strive for financial independence. Kapadia was inspired by her own experiences and the challenges faced by women in India who want to make their own choices. The film made history by being the first Indian movie in three decades to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Grand Prix award. [Extracted from the article]

Mark Eydelshteyn, a 22-year-old Russian actor, has gained recognition for his role in the film "Anora," directed by Sean Baker. Eydelshteyn plays Ivan, the son of an oligarch, opposite Mikey Madison's character, a pole dancer from Brooklyn. Eydelshteyn and Madison developed a strong chemistry while working together, and Eydelshteyn also had the opportunity to meet Vincent Cassel at the Cannes premiere of the film. Eydelshteyn initially did not plan to become an actor but discovered his talent while attending the Moscow Art Theatre School. [Extracted from the article]