Bond 23 Halted Until MGM Is Sold
MGM's troubles aren't exactly a mystery. The studio has been on sale for almost two months now, it has been hemorrhaging money and DVD sales have plummeted. While this has been happening for some time now, the company's financial woes had not affected the its two biggest potential moneymakers: The Hobbit and the Bond franchise (the delay of The Hobbit was due to script issues, not money). Take note of the word "had" in that last sentence, though, because the honeymoon is over.
According to MI6, the James Bond homepage, the next film in the Bond franchise, working title Bond 23, has been put on hold indefinitely as producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are waiting for the studio to be sold before they continue production. Speaking with TotalFilm magazine, Wilson was quoted saying, "Our timeline's a little up in the air what with the situation at MGM, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain."
It is somewhat hard to be upset about this news, if not only because it was so predictable. The most recent news on the project had screenwriter Peter Morgan suggesting that production would be halted, but now this news merely changes things from rumor to fact. Considering the fact that two of the three writers (Neal Purvis and Robert Wade) worked on Die Another Day, however, this may not be the worst thing in the world. It may give them some time to fix all their mistakes.
Film box office overtakes 2009 DVD, Blu-ray sales
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – For the first time since 2002, U.S. consumers spent more to see Hollywood movies in theaters last year than buy them on DVD and Blu-ray discs, industry figures showed on Monday, and that trend is expected to continue.
In recent years, Hollywood has come to rely on the high profit margin from DVD sales to underwrite the large cost of producing and marketing films, but with DVD sales dwindling, the movie industry is reexamining its business models.
Adams Media Research reported on Monday that U.S. box office receipts boomed to $9.87 billion in 2009 and overtook DVD and Blu-ray sales of $8.73 billion.
Overall DVD and Blu-ray sales including films, television shows, concert videos and other content declined about 10 percent to $13 billion in 2009, Adams Media said.
The movie disc business peaked in 2004 with U.S. sales of $12.1 billion. With the film industry increasingly relying on the small but growing sectors of on-demand television and online distribution, movie disc sales are not expected to rebound to those peak figures from six years ago.
"It's going to be a more diverse marketplace with more ways of getting movies, therefore packaged sales aren't going to see the kind of growth that we saw with DVD," said Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research.
The $8.73 billion consumers spent in 2009 to buy movies on DVD and Blu-ray was down 13 percent from the year before, Adams Media said. U.S. box office receipts for 2009 were up nearly 10 percent from the year before.
The last time U.S. box office receipts eclipsed disc sales was in 2002, Adams said.
Adams said the figures for 2009 are still preliminary, as late December sales had to be projected.
Hollywood would like to see Blu-ray sales pick up the slack from slumping DVD business, but that has been hampered by the recession and changing consumer patterns. Blu-ray uses advanced digital technology to produce a sharper picture than DVDs.
About $1.1 billion of the movie discs bought in 2009 were on Blu-ray, and the number of homes with Blu-ray players grew from 3 million to 8 million.
But even as Blu-ray has seen growth, sales of movies on discs have been undercut by the rise of low-cost rental options, such as Coinstar Inc's kiosk chain Redbox, which rents DVDs for $1 a day, and online subscription services such as Netflix Inc.
"Those two sectors of rental have really been growing, and causing people to hesitate about how many discs they're going to buy," Adams said.
Movie disc rentals in 2009 grew to $8.15 billion from $8.11 billion in 2008.
In 2009, the domestic box office reached a record high $10.6 billion, but that includes Canadian ticket sales that were taken out of the numbers compiled by Adams Media.
Tracking the awards leading up to the Oscars
With movie awards season now in full swing, the Iraq war film "The Hurt Locker" is an early frontrunner, according to an award tracking survey by The Associated Press. But honors have been spread around to a number of movies as well. Jason Reitman's uber-relevant "Up in the Air," in particular, continues to win across multiple categories. And then there's James Cameron's "Avatar," another major heavyweight, particularly at the box office.
A lot could still change before the Academy Awards on March 7. In between, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild, Directors Guild and the Film Independent organization all dole out awards.
A summary of the top film honors so far, in alphabetical order:
"(500) DAYS OF SUMMER"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Actor, Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
"AVATAR"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (for drama), New York Film Critics Online
Director, James Cameron: Golden Globe nomination
Original Score, James Horner: Golden Globe nomination
Original Song, "I See You" by James Horner and Simon Franglen: Golden Globe nomination
"BAARIA"
Foreign Language Film: Golden Globe nomination
"THE BEACHES OF AGNES"
Documentary: National Society of Film Critics, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, co-winner
"THE BLIND SIDE"
Actress, Sandra Bullock: Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
"BRIGHT STAR"
Supporting Actor, Paul Schneider: National Society of Film Critics (co-winner)
"BROKEN EMBRACES"
Foreign Language Film: Golden Globe nomination
"BROTHERS"
Actor, Tobey Maguire: Golden Globe nomination (drama)
Original Song, "Winter" by Brothers: Golden Globe nomination
"CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS"
Animated Film: Golden Globe nomination
"CORALINE"
Animated Film: Golden Globe nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"THE COVE"
Documentary: National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film Critics Association (co-winner)
"CRAZY HEART"
Actor, Jeff Bridges: Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Score: Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Original Song, "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)" by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett: Golden Globe nomination
"DISTRICT 9"
Screenplay, Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell: Golden Globe nomination
Production Design: Los Angeles Film Critics Association
"DUPLICITY"
Actress, Julia Roberts: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
"AN EDUCATION"
Ensemble: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Actress, Carey Mulligan: National Board of Review, Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
"EVERYBODY'S FINE"
Original Song, "I Want to Come Home," by Paul McCartney: Golden Globe nomination
"FANTASTIC MR. FOX"
Animated Film: New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination
Actor, George Clooney: New York Film Critics Circle
Production Design, Nelson Lowry: National Society of Film Critics
"JULIE & JULIA"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Actress, Meryl Streep: New York Film Critics Circle, Screen Actors Guild nomination
"THE HANGOVER"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Top 10: American Film Institute
"THE HURT LOCKER"
Picture: National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Boston Society of Film Critics, Golden Globe nomination (drama)
Ensemble: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Director, Kathryn Bigelow: National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination
Actor, Jeremy Renner: National Society of Film Critics, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Screenplay, Mark Boal: Golden Globe nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"INGLORIOUS BASTERDS"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (drama)
Ensemble: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actor, Christoph Waltz: National Society of Film Critics (co-winner), New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actress, Diane Kruger: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Director, Quentin Tarantino: Golden Globe nomination
Screenplay, Quentin Tarantino: Golden Globe nomination
"THE INFORMANT!"
Actor, Matt Damon: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Original Score, Marvin Hamlisch: Golden Globe nomination
"IN THE LOOP"
Screenplay: New York Film Critics Circle
"INVICTUS"
Actor, Morgan Freeman: National Board of Review (co-winner), Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actor, Matt Damon: Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Director, Clint Eastwood: National Board of Review, Golden Globe nomination
"IT'S COMPLICATED"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Ensemble: National Board of Review
Actress, Meryl Streep: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Screenplay, Nancy Meyers: Golden Globe nomination
"JULIE & JULIA"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Actress, Meryl Streep: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
"THE LAST STATION"
Actress, Helen Mirren: Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actor, Christopher Plummer: Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
"THE LOVELY BONES"
Supporting Actor, Stanley Tucci: Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
"THE MAID"
Foreign Language Film: Golden Globe nomination
"THE MESSENGER"
Supporting Actor, Woody Harrelson: National Board of Review, Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"NINE"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Ensemble: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Actor, Daniel Day-Lewis: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Actress, Mario Cotillard: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Supporting Actress, Penelope Cruz: Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Original Song, "Cinema Italiano" by Maury Yeston: Golden Globe nomination
"OF TIME AND THE CITY"
Nonfiction Film: New York Film Critics Circle
"PRECIOUS"
Picture: Golden Globe nomination (drama)
Ensemble: Screen Actors Guild nomination
Actress, Gabourney Sidibe: Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actress, Mo'Nique: National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG"
Animated Film: Golden Globe nomination
"A PROPHET"
Foreign Language Film: National Board of Review, Golden Globe nomination
"THE PROPOSAL"
Actress, Sandra Bullock: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
"SERAPHINE"
Actress, Yolande Moreau: National Society of Film Critics, Los Angeles Film Critics Association
"A SERIOUS MAN"
Actor, Michael Stuhlbarg: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
Original Screenplay: National Board of Review, National Society of Film Critics
Top 10: American Film Institute
"SHERLOCK HOLMES"
Actor, Robert Downey Jr.: Golden Globe nomination (comedy or musical)
"A SINGLE MAN"
Actor, Colin Firth: Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actress, Julianne Moore: Golden Globe nomination
Original Score, Abel Korzeniowski: Golden Globe nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"SUGAR"
Top 10: American Film Institute
"SUMMER HOURS"
Foreign Language Film: National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association
"UP"
Animated Film: Golden Globe nomination
Original Score, Michael Giacchino: Golden Globe nomination
Top 10: American Film Institute
"UP IN THE AIR"
Picture: National Board of Review, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, Golden Globe nomination (drama)
Actor, George Clooney: National Board of Review (co-winner), New York Film Critics Circle, Golden Globe nomination (drama), Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actress, Anna Kendrick: National Board of Review, Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Supporting Actress, Vera Farmiga: Golden Globe nomination, Screen Actors Guild nomination
Director, Jason Reitman: Golden Globe nomination
Screenplay, Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner: National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Top 10: American Film Institute
"WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE"
Original Score, Karen O and Carter Burwell: Golden Globe nomination
"THE WHITE RIBBON"
Foreign Language Film: Golden Globe nomination
Cinematographer, Christian Berger: National Society of Film Critics, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics Association
"THE YOUNG VICTORIA"
Actress, Emily Blunt: Golden Globe nomination (drama)
2010 music preview
Out with the old tunes and in with the new. Here’s some of what the music industry has in store for the first few months of the year — and what’s on the horizon after that.
JANUARY
Ringo Starr
Y Not
The world’s most overpaid drummer kicks off the year by welcoming a guest list that includes Joe Walsh, Joss Stone, Ben Harper, Richard Marx and some old guy named Paul.
Jan. 12
Vampire Weekend
Contra
Expect the hipster blogosphere to instantly anoint the acclaimed New York indie-rockers’ sophomore CD as the best disc of 2010 — or, more likely, condemn it as a massive failure. Jan. 12
Owen Pallett
Heartland
Thanks to a copyright issue with a certain video game, the one-man orchestra formerly known as Final Fantasy will use his real name for the followup to his Polaris-winning He Poos Clouds. Jan. 12
OK Go
Of the Blue Colour of the Sky
How will these Chicago power-popsters top that Grammy-winning synchronized-treadmill video from a few years back? My top 3 guesses: Escalators, Segways or Rascals. Jan. 12
Hawksley Workman
Meat
Eccentric singer-songwriter Workman’s latest is a typically eclectic offering that incorporates everything from electronica and hip-hop to Gregorian chants and metal. Go figure. Jan 19
Eels
End Times
This sequel to last summer’s desire-themed Hombre Lobo is reportedly a concept album about divorce and aging. What’s next? A box set about online dating? Jan. 19
The Magnetic Fields
Realism
Singer-songwriter Stephen Merritt and Co. offer up the unplugged folk-pop yin to 2008’s noise-rock outing Distortion — and complete the synth-free trilogy that began with 2004’s i. Jan. 26
Spoon
Transference
As 2007’s Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga proved, these Austin indie-popsters are superb songwriters. Too bad they’re still one of the most boring live bands in existence.
Jan. 26
Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea
British soul singer Rae’s long-awaited sophomore album deals with her husband Jason’s fatal overdose in 2008. Get ready for the feel-bad album of the winter. Jan. 26
FEBRUARY
Nick Jonas & The Administration
Who I Am
The youngest of the pop-trio siblings claims he modelled his new side-project group after Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Seriously, he said that. Feb. 2
Rob Zombie
Hellbilly Deluxe 2
Shock rocker-turned-horror director Zombie claims this sequel to his 1998 debut could be his last CD. Until he needs to sell his next one, that is. Feb. 2
Massive Attack
Heligoland
Seven years to the day after their last studio CD, the trip-hop duo finally return — with the help of guest vocalists including Damon Albarn and Hope Sandoval. Feb. 9
Allison Moorer
Crows
The red-headed roots-rock singer-songwriter releases her eighth album. Don’t be surprised if hubby Steve Earle makes a cameo. Feb. 9
Sade
Soldier of Love
This 10-song set is the British soul goddess’ first studio album in 10 years. Way to hustle there, Sade. Feb. 9
Peter Gabriel
Scratch My Back
Sorry, fans: The former Genesis frontman’s first disc in seven years consists of orchestral covers of Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Neil Young and more. Feb. 16
Juliana Hatfield
Peace and Love
Near as I can tell, the underappreciated indie-rock singer-guitarist has about two fans left: Me and the guy who e-mails me every time she puts out a new CD. This one’s for you, dude. Feb. 16
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim
Here Lies Love
Well, this should be interesting: It’s a two-CD song cycle about Imelda Marcos, with cameos by Tori Amos, Cyndi Lauper, Sharon Jones, Steve Earle and others. Feb. 23
Erykah Badu
New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh
This sequel to the soul mama’s deservedly acclaimed 2008 release has already missed several release dates. Here’s hoping this one sticks. Feb. 23
Airbourne
No Guts, No Glory
These Aussies aren’t the first band to cash in by ripping off AC/DC. With this second album, we’ll find out if they’ve got any other tricks up their sleeve. Feb. 23
MARCH
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
The Brutalist Bricks
Despite being one of the finest songwriters of his generation, indie-rocker Leo also remains one of the most overlooked. Maybe this CD will change that. March 9
Liars
Sisterworld
I have no idea what these experimental noise-rockers have in store on their fifth studio album. But I fully expect it to be nothing short of freaky. March 9
Broken Bells
TBA
This indie-rock duo consists of Shins singer-guitarist James Mercer and ubiquitous producer Danger Mouse. And they have a song called Your Head is on Fire. OK, then. March 9
Drive-By Truckers
The Big To-Do
Singer-guitarist Patterson Hood says the Athens roots-rockers’ eighth album is “more rocking than anything since Disc 2 of Southern Rock Opera.” Count me in. March 16
Peter Wolf
Midnight Souvenirs
If you remember The J. Geils Band, you might be interested in their singer’s first solo album in eight years — featuring cameos by Merle Haggard, Shelby Lynne and Neko Case. March 16
Dillinger Escape Plan
Option Paralysis
Three years after their last album, Ire Works, the New Jersey metalcore maniacs unleash some fresh hell. March 23
Goldfrapp
Head First
The British electro-pop duo’s fifth album shares its title with an old Babys disc. Presumably, that’s all they share. March 23
Scissor Sisters
TBA
The glammy dance-rockers teamed with British producer and remixer Stuart Price, who has twiddled knobs for everyone from Madonna to Gaga. Sounds like a good match. March
LATER
She & Him
Volume Two
M Ward and Zooey Deschanel return with another disc of indie-pop duets. April 6
Deftones
TBA
This will be the experimental metal band’s first album without bassist Chi Cheng, who has not recovered from severe head injuries he suffered in a 2008 car crash. April 27
Melissa Auf def Maur
Out of Our Minds
The former Hole bassist has been working on her latest album for years — and after hearing some of it played live, let me tell you: It still needs work. Spring
Bachman Turner
Rock ’n’ Roll is the Only Way Out
The Canadian rockers get back in business together for the first time in 20 years. Spring
Goo Goo Dolls
Something for the Rest of Us
Johnny Rzeznik and Co. deliver something for those who consider Bon Jovi too edgy and interesting. Spring
MGMT
Congratulations
Congrats are indeed in order for the Grammy-nominated dance-rockers, who are striking while the iron is hot with this followup to last year’s Oracular Spectacular. Spring
Interpol
TBA
The New York post-punks’ fourth CD is either a forward-leaning orchestral album, or a return to their old sound, depending on whose interview you read. Spring
The Walkmen
TBA
The New York indie-rockers put out albums in every even-numbered year since 2002, so there’s no reason for them to stop now. Spring
Gorillaz
Plastic Beach
Damon Albarn says this is the poppiest record he’s ever made — and it includes cameos by Lou Reed, Mos Def, Barry Gibb, and Bobby Womack. Spring
Beastie Boys
Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 1
Now that Adam Yauch has reportedly recovered from cancer, the rap trio can finally dish up this long-overdue disc. Spring
John Mellencamp
No Better Than This
Mellencamp and producer
T Bone Burnett cut this disc in mono at historic locations like Sun Studio and a hotel where Robert Johnson recorded. Works for me. Spring
Devo
Fresh
Dig out your flowerpot hats: The Spudboys are putting the finishing touches on their first new CD in a couple of decades. Spring
DEFINITE MAYBES
Radiohead
TBA
Guitarist Ed O’Brien recently said the band would be recording in winter and releasing the followup to In Rainbows this year. Well, that should take care of 2010’s album-of-the-year spot. TBA
The Hold Steady
TBA
Craig Finn and his hardworking Brooklyn bar band have been playing new songs on the road lately, so a new album can’t be far behind. TBA
The Arcade Fire
TBA
The bad news? The Montreal indie-rockers recently shot down rumours of a May release. The good news? They claimed a new CD will surface in the latter half of the year. TBA
Cat Power
TBA
Word is that the singer-songwriter will ditch her Memphis Rhythm Band and return to the solo guitar-and-piano sound of old for this disc. TBA
Fleet Foxes
TBA
Singer-guitarist Robin Pecknold recently said there will “definitely” be an album in 2010. That’s good enough for me. TBA
The New Pornographers
TBA
It’s been a year since A.C. Newman’s Get Guilty and three years since Challengers, so it would seem to be about time for these indie-popsters to rise again. TBA
R.E.M.
TBA
The Georgia rockers are in the studio with producer Jacknife Lee making album 15 as we speak. TBA
Christina Aguilera
Light & Darkness
Becoming a mother has turned bigger singers than Aguilera into sappy crooners. Then again, she’s also filming the movie Burlesque, so who knows. TBA
Stone Temple Pilots
TBA
Supposedly, the reformed Weiland and Co. have almost wrapped up this disc with producer Don Was. Trouble is, their old label doesn’t want to let them out of their contract. TBA
Linkin Park
TBA
The California rockers claim their fourth album will be more cutting-edge than 2007’s Minutes to Midnight. That shouldn’t be hard. TBA
Offspring
TBA
Dexter Holland and his veteran pop-punk outfit are reportedly due back in the studio with producer Bob Rock this month. TBA
DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH
OutKast
TBA
Andre 3000 and Big Boi each plan solo albums in 2010 — and might team up again. I’ve heard that before. TBA
ZZ Top
TBA
In the six years since their last album, I could have grown a beard longer than Billy Gibbons’. TBA
Beatty denies bedding 12,000 women
An attorney for Warren Beatty has denied reports a salacious new biography about the Hollywood actor was authorized, insisting the book contains many "false assertions" about the star.
In Star: How Warren Beatty Seduced America, writer Peter Biskind documents the Bonnie and Clyde veteran's high-profile romances with actresses Jane Fonda and Joan Collins, and spectacularly alleges he has slept with more than 12,000 women.
But Beatty's lawyer Bertram Fields insists previous reports confirming the book was sanctioned by the 72 year old are false - and he's warning fans and media outlets not to believe everything published in the new tome.
In a statement to the Huffington Post, Fields says, "Mr. Biskind's tedious and boring book on Mr. Beatty was not authorized by Mr. Beatty and should not be published as an authorised biography. It contains many false assertions and purportedly quotes Mr. Beatty as saying things he never said.
"Other media should not repeat things from the book on the assumption that they are true or that the book is an authorized biography."
How the Beatles rocked the Kremlin
Hmmm ... Beatles or Brezhnev? ... Beatles or Brezhnev? ... which seems more fun?
Apparently, Back in the USSR had a real impact back in the USSR.
At least, that's the theory in the documentary How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin. It airs tonight across Canada on CBC News Network (formerly CBC Newsworld).
How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin, which is a BBC project, was directed by British documentary filmmaker Leslie Woodhead. If you're a Beatles fan, you'll be interested to know that Woodhead filmed the Beatles at the Cavern back in August 1962, producing lasting images that you probably have seen a million times.
Anyway, in How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin, Woodhead investigates the impact the Beatles and their music had on the former Soviet Union, from the 1960s through to the fall of the communist regime.
In interviews with many Russian Beatles fans, a picture is painted that suggests the Beatles, slowly but surely, helped to erode blind faith in the Soviet state. The Fab Four was a window to Western culture, whispering a promise that something exciting and worthwhile existed beyond the Iron Curtain.
In the early '60s it actually was kind of cool to be a Soviet -- relatively speaking -- with the worldwide fame of first-man-in-space Yuri Gagarin and political leader Nikita Khrushchev's entertaining rants against the West. But in 1964 Khrushchev was replaced by the "much more boring" Leonid Brezhnev and the first seeds of a Soviet generation gap were planted.
Beatles music was banned in the Soviet Union in the '60s, so it was passed around as contraband. Bootleg discs were made from old X-rays. Of course, the danger and secrecy made Soviet youths even more thirsty for the sound.
Making a long story short, by the early 1980s the gulf between the so-called Soviet "Beatles generation" and Soviet leadership was too wide to be bridged. It is the opinion of some that despite the Cold War posturing between the West and the Soviets, what really doomed communism within the Soviet Union was that young adults raised on the Beatles just didn't believe in the system any more.
As one Russian Beatles fan puts it, "After the Beatles, communism was like a fence with holes. We breathed through those holes."
Comedy Lifers: If you missed our interview with co-star Stacey Farber over the weekend, don't forget the new CBC comedy 18 to Life debuts tonight. It stars Farber (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Michael Seater (Life with Derek) as teenagers who decide to get married, not because of a cliche pregnancy, but for love. Nonetheless, their parents are mortified.
Ray of light: It's not too late to subscribe to the Canadian pay service Super Channel if you want to catch the Canadian debut tonight of the new Ray Romano series Men of a Certain Age. It's a "dramedy" that premiered to widespread acclaim last month on TNT in the United States.
Monday clicking: The anniversary special Discovery: 15 Years of Awesome airs, fittingly, on the Discovery Channel tonight ... The Bachelor is back for its 14th season on ABC and Citytv ... Global has the pilot episode of the supernatural comedy Drop Dead Diva, which originates on Lifetime in the United States ... Glutton for Punishment begins its fourth and final season on the Food Network ... Also on the Food Network, chef Lynn Crawford's new series Pitchin' In makes its debut ... Finally, the new series Greatest Tank Battles rolls out on History Television.
Singer-songwriter Lhasa dies at 37
Influential Montreal-based singer Lhasa de Sela has died of breast cancer. She was 37.
The Mexican-American singer-songwriter died in her Montreal home late Jan. 1, after a 21-month battle with breast cancer, according to a statement on her website.
Known as Lhasa, she marked the world music scene with her dreamy and ethereal songs, written and recorded in Spanish, French and English.
Her first album, La Llorona (the crying woman, in Spanish) was released in 1997 to critical acclaim, earning Lhasa a Quebec Félix Award that same year and a Canadian Juno for Best Global Artist in 1998.
After touring for two years, Lhasa settled in the south of France to write her second album, recorded in French, English and Spanish.
Her ultimate album, a collection of English songs recorded live, was launched at Montreal's Corona Theatre last year. Lhasa cancelled her 2009 tour because of her illness.
Lhasa was born in Big Indian, in upstate New York, in 1972. She moved to Montreal when she was 19 and split her time between Canada and France.
She is survived by her partner Ryan, her parents, her stepmother, and nine brothers and sisters. A private funeral is being planned, according to her website.
Bono calls for internet controls
Irish rocker Bono is calling for better restrictions on the internet to protect artists and their work.
In his regular column for the New York Times, which the U2 frontman began a year ago, Bono says downloading is becoming all-encompassing.
"The only thing protecting the movie and TV industries from the fate that has befallen music and indeed the newspaper business is the size of the files," he wrote.
Bono predicts people are only a few years away from downloading movies in a few seconds.
"A decade's worth of music file-sharing and swiping has made clear that the people it hurts are the creators — in this case, the young, fledgling songwriters who can't live off ticket and T-shirt sales like the least sympathetic among us." And he alleges that "rich service providers" are reaping "the lost receipts of the music business."
The musician claims the technology is available to track and prevent illegal downloading, noting efforts in China which limit its populace from freely accessing the internet.
"Perhaps movie moguls will succeed where musicians and their moguls have failed so far, and rally America to defend the most creative economy in the world, where music, film, TV and video games help to account for nearly four per cent of gross domestic product," he concludes.
Meanwhile, Bono's band is doing well on its own, though not through record sales.
The Irish rockers had the most popular tour on the North American concert circuit in 2009, according to data from Pollstar.
The band sold $123 million US in tickets, making it the fifth largest concert tour in history, the trade publication reported.
'The Simpsons' marks 450th episode with special
NEW YORK – To speak of the latest milestone by "The Simpsons" seems to restate the obvious.
Long before now, enduring life for "The Simpsons" and its brightly jaundiced folk was simply assumed. What began 20 years ago as a fluke then erupted into a pop-culture juggernaut has continued to spin yarns, spawn characters and lampoon society with no end in sight.
On Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on Fox, "The Simpsons" is airing its 450th episode. "Once Upon a Time in Springfield" will be followed by an hourlong documentary from Morgan Spurlock ("30 Days," "Super Size Me"), fancifully titled "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D on Ice."
During this season, when NBC's "Law & Order" boasts of having tied "Gunsmoke" as TV's longest-running prime-time drama, "The Simpsons" has seized the mantle as TV's longest-running scripted nighttime series — period. Ay, caramba!
"I think we could do it for another 20 years, actually," Matt Groening, "Simpsons" uber-creator, told The Associated Press at a recent "Simpsons" tribute by Los Angeles' Paley Center for Media. Then he dissolved into giggles.
"Omigod! Another 20? We'll TRY," he chortled. "We'll do our BEST!"
Here's hoping the spectacular ensemble of voice talent keeps talking to the end. After 20 years, Dan Castellaneta remains full-throated as portly, dimwitted dad Homer, Julie Kavner is tower-tressed mom Marge, Nancy Cartwright is lippy first-born Bart and Yeardley Smith is oversmart daughter Lisa.
Of course, these off-screen stars of "The Simpsons" are well served by visual artistry that, among things, keeps them shielded from the passage of time.
The show's writers play a huge role, too, with fastidiously crafted scripts that, by comparison, leave most sitcoms in the dust. (Granted, some fans may complain "The Simpsons" isn't as sharply realized as in earlier years, but still.)
"What I love about 'The Simpsons' is, it's so collaborative," Smith said. "The actors do a third, the animators do a third and the writers do a third. That's how I see it."
Also part of the acting troupe is Hank Azaria, a go-to guy for numerous characters including police Chief Wiggum, Comic Book Guy and convenience-store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
Rounding out the core cast is Harry Shearer, whose stable of roles includes Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Reverend Lovejoy, Kent Brockman, Dr. Hibbert and Principal Skinner.
Besides "The Simpsons," Shearer, 66, is best-known from his role as bassist Derek Smalls in the 1984 mock musical documentary "This Is Spinal Tap," and subsequently in the real-life group that film inspired.
But Shearer, who began his career as a child actor on such early TV series as Jack Benny's weekly show, keeps a multiplicity of projects under way. These currently include a new DVD, "Unwigged & Unplugged," reteaming him musically with Tap bandmates Michael McKean and Christopher Guest. He hosts his own signature channel on the "My Damn Channel" comedy Web site.
And for a quarter-century, he has churned out "Le Show," a mostly solo act of wry humor, satirical sketches and blistering commentary, plus music (some performed by his singer-songwriter wife, Judith Owen).
"Le Show" is available through numerous radio and Web outlets, and by podcast.
It's a weekly passion project that Shearer has always done gratis — which means he's free from any vexing business entanglements.
"I never have a meeting, I never see a memo," he says. "It's between me and my audience."
Sipping an early morning orange juice during a Manhattan stopover a couple of weeks ago, Shearer describes "Le Show" as a place for him to give voice to whatever's on his mind.
"I'm an insatiable news junkie," he says, "so the reading that I do, I would do anyway. The show just gives me a way to answer back."
The sensibility of "Le Show," and much of Shearer's creative output, is conveniently echoed by "The Simpsons," even though he plays no part in its writing.
"Matt has a satirical, anti-authority streak," says Shearer. "From the beginning, 'The Simpsons' was taking the side of the family against all the authority figures and institutions that buffeted them in the modern world. Certainly, that resonated for me."
Shearer recalls the show's first script, whose characters assigned to him were highlighted in yellow. In the next script, other characters' dialogue would be highlighted for him.
Much of the time, he didn't see drawings of the new characters until months after he had created their voices, when the episode was finished: "Oh, THAT'S what he looks like!"
How many different voices has Shearer done on "The Simpsons" in all?
"The one real influence that Bob Dylan has had on my life is that, every time I'm asked that question, I give a different answer," says Shearer. "So: hundreds," he replies in a raspy Dylan-esque voice.
As the years passed, Shearer's many voices were part of the emerging world of Springfield, an oblivious community that seemed satisfied to settle for less in nearly everything: public education; organized religion; TV news and kids programming; government, law enforcement, business, and food and drink intake; and certainly environmental issues, such as the nuclear power plant that employs Homer Simpson, of all people, as a safety inspector.
What's the message of "The Simpsons"? That people, for all their highfalutin talk, are willing to settle for less if it's easier or saves them a buck?
Has "The Simpsons" taken on a new, unexpected relevance thanks to the current economic downturn, when standards for everything seem under threat?
"You look around and the only person who ostentatiously and repeatedly proclaims his pursuit of excellence is Rush Limbaugh," says Shearer, then does a perfect imitation of Limbaugh: "I'm presenting broadcast excellence."
"That's got to tell you something," Shearer says. "Everybody ELSE is just getting by."
But he, unlike most people taking stock of "The Simpsons" at this moment in its run, resists any grandiose claims for its legacy.
"Together with NFL football, 'The Simpsons' put the Fox network on the map — whatever you think of that," he hedges. "And Fox has changed the face of network television — you got to decide for better or worse.
"I wish I could say that we inspired an awful lot of funny, smart, irreverent, acerbic shows that took a lacerating view of the institutions of society. But I don't think we have."
Nor does he think the show — or any contemporary satire — really changes anything it lampoons.
"For instance, after 20 years and 450 episodes," Shearer sums up, "I don't really think 'The Simpsons' has increased the country's skepticism about nuclear power."
NFB's iPhone app showcases Canada
MONTREAL–The National Film Board of Canada's new iPhone application has proven to be a hit beyond this country's borders, with 40 per cent more people downloading NFB content from abroad than in Canada.
Since its launch on Oct. 21, there have been nearly 80,000 downloads internationally and just over 56,000 in Canada from people seeking out the NFB's documentaries and animation.
Among the top five plays on the iPhone are The Cat Came Back, Canada Vignettes: Log Driver's Waltz and HA-Aki.
The iPhone app is just one of the international successes recorded in the 70th anniversary year of the NFB, the national producer and distributor of films, documentaries, animation and shorts.
Besides looking back at its fabled past, chair Tom Perlmutter said the NFB continued its efforts to position itself solidly in the future by exploring new markets.
"The international response was extraordinary," Perlmutter said in an interview. "We've been tremendously well received."
Besides making the rounds of international festivals, Perlmutter sat down with decision-makers in a number of countries to craft deals.
Among those was the president of China's national educational broadcaster.
"We're just starting discussions," Perlmutter said. "They're interested in looking at a wide range of things." Some of those include science-based productions. The NFB is also working with Cirque du soleil on the film for the Canadian pavillion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
China was just one of a slew of high-profile showcases for the NFB this year. Others included the screening of The Strangest Dream, a documentary on the threat of nuclear weapons, at the United Nations and European parliament.
Perlmutter, NFB commissioner since 2007, says forging new partnerships domestically and internationally is key to doing business in this increasingly wired world.
"The world is changing," he said. "We've got to think about new ways of doing things."
And he adds that when the film board goes knocking on foreign doors, it's giving taxpayers a good bang for the $65 million the government kicks into its coffers.
The board's political bosses agree that the NFB is an effective salesman for Canada abroad.
"The National Film Board, especially with their online offerings, is a really easy and accessible way to tell our stories not only to Canadians but internationally as well," said Stephanie Rea, a spokeswoman for Heritage Minister James Moore.
NFB.ca, the board's retooled website, has had almost three million views since it launched a year ago. About 1,700 of the NFB's 13,000 productions are online and more are constantly being added.