Two New Films Put John Lennon in Limelight

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: IFC Films, Documentary, New Releases, Upcoming Releases,

He was killed in January of 1980…and the world hasn’t been the same since. Once a Beatle, always a star, and nearly deported by President Nixon, British-born John Lennon grabbed his fair share of headlines during his remarkable life. But in death, he has become a legend, and now two new movies will explore the events surrounding his assassination.

Historical accuracy rules the film The Killing of John Lennon, which delves deeply into the world of killer Mark David Chapman. The other, Chapter 27, stars Jared Leto (who put on weight for the role). Excerpts from Chapman’s diaries are featured in The Killing, done voice-over style as fans watch the horrific re-creation of Lennon’s murder in New York City. The Killing honestly makes an effort to take viewers into Chapman’s head, but as his famous crime has never been fully explained this theatrical attempt falls a little short.

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Hollywood Reporter

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton: Together Again

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: DreamWorks, Warner Bros, Adaptation, Drama, Musicals, Casting, Upcoming Releases,

Over the years, many actors have come and gone. Few have had the staying power of Johnny Depp, who continues to get high-profile roles and enjoys his pick of scripts. The raven-haired thespian has showcased his acting talents over the years with an array of somewhat odd roles, preferring darker-toned movies rather than lighthearted comedy. A long-standing director-actor relationship and Depp’s penchant for the unordinary makes him perfect for Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, an adaptation based on the successful Broadway play.

The movie, set in London more than one hundred years ago, features Depp as none other than Todd, a deranged barber bent on murderous revenge. DreamWorks and Warner Bros. both lent studios to create this tale of cannibalism, revenge, death, and darkness.  By the way, it’s a musical.

Sweeney Todd hits theaters December 21.

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Hollywood Reporter

Kurt Cobain Story Hits the Silver Screen

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Universal, Adaptation, Drama, Filmmaking, Scripts, Upcoming Releases,

David Benioff (Troy screenwriter) has signed an agreement to write a movie about former Nirvana singer, Kurt Cobain. A Universal project, the movie will be based on the 2001 book Heavier Than Heaven, written by Charles Cross. Details are still up in the air on the film, which may or may not contain an on-screen appearance from Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love. She will, however, serve as an executive producer.

After Cobain’s 1994 death, rumors and innuendo abounded regarding the mysterious circumstances of how he died.  Whenever a celebrity is involved, gossip circles will often repeat the same question: ‘Was it murder or suicide?’  From Marilyn to Anna Nicole, no one wants to believe their favorite stars would take their own lives (or attempt to). It’s unknown at this point which side of the story the movie will tell.  In any event, it’s a death that will continue to remain question-rich and somewhat unsolved in the minds of fans…like many other Hollywood deaths before and since.

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