Danny Boyle In His Own Words

I haven't yet read Amy Raphael's book, but having done one of these myself and being a huge fan of Danny Boyle (I've visited many of his sets down the years and interviewed him countless times) it's a must-read for me. Not sure why they didn't call it Boyle On Boyle, though. 

F.A.B.

I walked into my local Post Office the other day and the following conversation took place between myself and the bloke behind counter.

BBC: "Do you like Gerry Anderson?"

Me: "Who, the Thunderbirds guy?"

BBC: "You're the only person who's known that."

Beat.

BBC (contd): "Would you like to see the presentation pack?

Me: "Yes please."

They're very nice, too. Especially the moving ones above.

I'm lovin' it

First batch of images from X-Men: First Class hit yesterday and it sure looks good so far. If you like that kind of thing. Which I do.

Coming soon

I would consider myself a big fan of Brian De Palma. He's made a few masterpieces and many truly memorable movies, and even when he's not quite firing on all cylinders, a De Palma picture will always include several moments pure, cinematic genius. And so I welcome the arrival of Blow Out to the Criterion Collection in April with open arms. Extras include a restored digital transfer, a new hour long interview with De Palma by Noah Baumbach, and Garrett Brown discussing the film's Steadicam shots. Can't wait.

April also brings Kes and White Material to Criterion. A stellar month.

Heady brew

Finally watched Amer.

BAFTA 2011 nominations

I have shared my thoughts on this year's BAFTA nominations on twitter throughout the day, so please check them out there if you feel so inclined. In retrospect, the final list wasn't all that surprising, aside from some very high profile and shocking omissions that is.

Here is the list of nominations in full. Peruse it at your leisure.

The Golden Globes

Not much to say, really. I didn't stay up and do that live blog/tweet thing — here's Hadley Freeman's liveblog from The Guardian in its entirety should you wish to catch up — but I woke up this morning thrilled that The Social Network won four — count 'em — Globes: Best Film (Drama), Best Director (David Fincher — hurray!), Best Screenplay (Sorkin) and Best Score (Reznor & Ross). Thrilled too that Paul Giamatti's work in Barney's Version was recognised but fear that, as in recent times, any surprise winner on the acting Oscars has now gone. It's going to be Firth, Portman, Leo and Bale, guarantee it folks.

Here's the full list of winners.

First look: Andrew Garfield's Spidey

"Ever since I was 4 years old, I wanted someone to call me up and say, 'We want to employ you to pretend to be Spider-Man,'" Garfield told me last year. "It's an extension of a childhood fantasy and that's how I'm treating it. But I feel greatly responsible as well. I feel genuinely honored to be taking on this myth. It's a really sacred thing and I'm fully aware of that."

Fincher's girl with the dragon tattoo

Read about Rooney Mara's transformation into Lisbeth Salander at the hands of David Fincher here.

Peter Yates, 1928-2011

The Friends Of Eddie Coyle (1973)


Bullitt (1968)

A new year, a new look

I have been meaning to tweak the look of the site for some time now, particularly in regard to posting bigger photos and trailers than the previous template allowed. And while I haven't settled on this look, I'm slowly warming to it.

Thoughts, anyone? Like? Dislike?

Belatedly