These videos cannot be embedded (complain!). Enjoy.
Got the embed code. Part II and III are after the jump.
More feedback on Mr. Fox
I posted our exclusive review and not this one, in part because it isn’t the most literary piece ever. But, news is slow today, and you might be interested. No spoilers, but a soundtrack song is revealed (who knows if it will be in the final cut?).
terrific! like a beautiful union of filmmaker and material. you could sense the love and reverence for the dahl story but he absolutely put his stylistic stamp as a filmmaker all over it, without one overwhelming the other. it FELT like what a wes anderson movie would be if animated. same title/caption font, hip soundtrack (though the only song i specifically remember is “i get around” by the beach boys), slo-mo dance sequence
very dry humor. i dont know if it’s really for kids
only about 60-70% of the animation was completed, but i loved the look of it — i’d describe it as akin to James and the Giant Peach meets a diorama
Source: Film Experience via Clooney Unlimited
Criterion cut of Bottle Rocket
I recall noticing that something was off when I watched the robbery scene for the first time on the Criterion edition of Bottle Rocket but didn’t know what at the time.
From an Amazon review:
The Criterion 2-disc Bottle Rocket is outstanding, but don’t toss your original disc just yet… the new edition is a slightly different edit that loses one laugh and adds another. I couldn’t find any reference to these changes in the supplementary material at all.
MISSING: Originally, during the book store robbery, Anthony grabs a random book off the shelf and opens it, revealing the title page “Job Opportunities in Government – 1995” which always gave me a little chuckle. Now for some reason the book opens to a black and white photograph of a military plane (it goes by so fast you’d have to freeze frame to make it out.)
ADDED: Originally, when Bob hands his earnings over to Future Man to cover his attorney fees, he asks if he can keep a few bucks for gas, and the scene ends. Now the scene plays a few seconds longer, and we hear Future Man’s reply: “No, you can’t.”
Review of Fantastic Mr. Fox
An anonymous, spoiler-free review of Fantastic Mr. Fox from Sunday’s screening:
It’s extremely difficult to write a review of Fantastic Mr. Fox without giving away too many details because it’s such a marvelous film and I could discuss it for hours…but I’ll avoid spoiling it! I actually considered not going because I didn’t want to spoil it for myself, but who am I kidding? I couldn’t wait! The film isn’t even finished yet. The parts that haven’t yet been animated were shown as drawings and [animation].
First, I really had no idea what to expect regarding how Anderson would transform this concrete children’s book with a set plot into his own work and vision. Dahl’s original plot was used more as an outline and Anderson took many liberties with altering the script to project his tone and intentions. The animals were much more humanized than the way in which they are presented in the book
(more after the break).
NYT: Memo to Hollywood (A.O. Scott)
“Memos to Hollywood” at the New York Times
I did not know, before reading this article, that Scott Rudin (producer The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox) left The Reader over a dispute with Harvey Weinstein
Going to the Mr. Fox screening today?
If you are going to the screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox today in NYC, we would love for you to share your spoiler-free commentary!
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edwardappleby(at)yankeeracers(dot)org
Mailbag
On occasion, we like to share reader mail. Many of our readers are dedicated artists and filmmakers, and we like to share their work.
- A haunting song from our new friend, the singer-song writer Paul Fryer. Reminds me a bit of Nick Drake…
- From Pavan:
Just a fellow Wes-fan trying to get the word out about a web series I’m working on. It officially debuted today with the first four episodes online. www.tensundays.tv.
- From Dylan:
- Update: one more from Joe…
Happy Birthday, Wes!
Today, May 1, 2009, is Wes Anderson’s 40th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Wes! Send along your birthday greetings, videos, and haikus to edwardappleby(at)yankeeracers(dot)org or tweet them @rushmoreacademy! I will post them through the day.
From TheGladGirl:
Wes you’re my hero! Happy Birthday. Thnx 4 coloring my world. XO 40 x infinity!
Happy Birthday Mr Anderson.
I will celebrate Wes’ bday by writing a play, saving Latin, killing a jaguar shark & making out with my adopted brother.
emfa:
Wes Anderson turns the big 4-0 today. Happy Birthday to Wes!
Me and him are celebrating by running around downtown Vancouver shooting short films French New Wave style via handheld camera.
Tonight it’s possible that I may sacrifice a small goat to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Thanks to you, and Happy Birthday to Wes
Thanks to everyone who came out for the first event of our Second Wes Anderson Film Festival. It was great fun to watch The Royal Tenenbaums with all of you. The next film in the series, by popular demand, will be The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Today, May 1, 2009, is Wes Anderson’s 40th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Wes! Send along your birthday greetings, videos, and haikus to edwardappleby(at)yankeeracers(dot)org or tweet them @rushmoreacademy! I will post them through the day.
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Did you say you’re on mescaline?