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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Dancing with the Stars: Down to the Final Three

Buddy TV - May 14, 2009

Cowboy Ty Murray finally rode off into the sunset after 10 weeks and several close calls on Dancing with the Stars, still proving to some extent that skills (and not a solid fan base) will keep you in the game. And then there were three. Gilles Marini, Shawn Johnson and Melissa Rycroft. They all have proven themselves worthy of the judges' praises, and they're all winners in their own right. But in the end, only one can bring home the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Personally, I'm rooting for Gilles though he wasn't my first choice when ABC revealed the show's season 8 cast. I actually liked Lil' Kim and Shawn initially (and I still do) but somehow Gilles emerged as a low profile underdog among a cluster of celebrities with a bunch of accolades attached to their names and he blew everyone by surprise with his captivating stage presence and flawless execution. Heck, he might as well be a professional dancer!

But it's still anybody's game and if there's one thing I learned from Dancing with the Stars, it's don't assume. I was so sure that Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower would be eliminated in week 9. But Lil' Kim and partner Derek Hough, whom I thought would be in the final three, got the boot instead. Perhaps no one is really safe in the game and even the front runners can go home if fans don't vote because they assume that their favorite players are already secure for the finals. 

This week's performance actually proved to be a close fight. While Gilles got a 60 (a perfect 30 in both the Latin and the Ballroom round), Melissa and Shawn respectively earned a total of 55 and 56. And based our polls, 22 percent of BuddyTV readers claimed they voted for Gilles, while 22 percent voted for Melissa as well. Shawn got 19 percent of the votes while the remaining percentage either voted for Ty or didn't vote at all.

Though Shawn is a great dancer, I'm inclined to believe that it's going to be a battle between Gilles and Melissa. If Melissa wins, it would serve as the sweetest revenge after being dumped by The Bachelor's Jason Mesnick, as well the perfect intro to the new season of The Bachelorette, featuring Jillian Harris, who was also rejected by Mesnick. How do you think will the finale play out?

Source: http://www.buddytv.com

Aishwarya Rai dazzles at Cannes opening

Agencies - May 14, 2009

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stood out amongst the bevy of international beauties at the opening of this year's Cannes Film Festival in her off shoulder white Roberto Cavalli gown. 

The 35-year-old actress attended the premiere of the inaugural film 'Up' at Palais De Festival in Cannes on Wednesday with the newly announced L'Oreal world spokesperson, Elizabeth Banks. The actress, who was accompanied by her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan, sashayed down the red carpet in the ruffled gown that accentuated her stunning figure. 

Aishwarya accessorised it with red peep toe heels, swarovski red box clutch, pearl drop earrings and chunky rings. The actress paired her designer gown with minimalistic makeup and her hair with auburn highlights, was elegantly styled in an updo. Her latest Cannes outings are a far cry from her first appearance at the French festival where she was criticised for her bad fashion choices. 

Aishwarya, who became the first Indian actress to become a part of prestigious Cannes jury in 2003, said, "As a jury member at Cannes I had the experience of enjoying cinema as it is irrespective of where it come from, who is the maker from which country which is similar to the diverse Indian cinema."

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Images on plights of ethnic people

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Two ten daylong photography exhibitions titled ‘The Story of Tea Workers’ and ‘Stolen Forest’ organised by Society for Environment and Human Development (SHED) are being held simultaneously at Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi.

 ‘The Story of Tea Workers’ includes photographs of Philip Gain that he took in different tea gardens with the tea workers in focus. Around 60 photographs, portraying the daily lifestyle of these workers, have stirred the interest of the visitors to the exhibition, as they create pathos in their mind. Possibly the most highlighted photograph is the one where an elderly female worker is sharing her house with a cow.

The exhibition also enthrals the visitors through the scenic beauty of the gardens, where some photographs are in panoramic view. The exhibition ‘Stolen Forest’ is a dual photography exhibition by Ronald Halder and Philip Gain. The exhibition focuses on the perilous condition of the country’s natural forests. Through the images, Ronald and Philip have shown the gradual destruction of Sundarban, forests in Chittagong Hill Tracts and especially, the Sal forest in Madhupur.

The photographs create awareness among the viewers that the country is rapidly loosing its forest patches and many of them have already been razed. The photographs on the hill tracts and on Sal forests show the miserable conditions of the destruction of eco-system of those regions. While presenting images of the endangered flora and fauna and the plights of the ethnic forest people, the photographers also did not forget to include the natural beauty of the images in their photos.

The exhibitions, inaugurated on May 10, will remain open from 3:00pm to 8:00pm till May 19.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Simpson dismisses pregnancy rumours

ANI - May 14, 2009

American singer Jessica Simpson has dismissed rumours that she is pregnant with her boyfriend, American footballer Tony Romo’s child. 

Rumours about her pregnancy started spreading at the weekend after she was pictured performing at the San Antonio Bud and Beer Festival in Texas with a bulging belly. But 28-year-old Simpson’s representative, Lauren Auslander, has put down the rumours. 

“She is not (pregnant),” ‘Contactmusic’ quoted Auslander as telling ‘TheCelebrityTruth.com’.

Source: http://www.mtv.com

'America's Next Top Model': It's Allison vs Teyona

By Lisa B. |  May 13, 2009

Upon this hallowed day, wherein we experience the revelation of the "America's Next Top Model" heir-apparent (oh, come on, we saw it coming from a mile away) ... all I keep thinking is: what the hell, they fired Paulina? 

Paulina Porizkova, she of the effortless snark and withering critiques, has left the building. Fired due to some combination of ANTM cutbacks and/or her alleged "ego problem." Paulina: call me. I will brush your rock-n-roll hair and laugh at all your goofy, deadpan Czech jokes. Whomever they bring on next won't hold a candle to you. We shall never forget.

The Bones

Okay, where were we? Oh right: it's the finale, and to no one's surprise Teyona wins it. The judges have been steering the Good Ship Teyona for weeks now. She is a perfectly good winner. Consistent, pretty, versatile, driven. Yet she could be unimaginative at times, a little unaware of her body, and packing a grin that straddles a fine line between toothy and feral. Still, possibly the biggest point against her was her monstrous mess up in the Cover Girl commercial (yet she does join the hallowed ranks of girls who completely flubbed the commercial and still won ... what's up with that?).  

Judging by Zap2it's unbiased, highly scientific survey system -- you know, that poll at the end of each recap -- Allison was the overwhelming fan favorite (69% of you voted her your choice). She definitely brought her A Game in tonight's episode, stomping around the runway show like she owned the place and doing pretty well at the Cover Girl commercial. Alas, it was not to be for Crazy Eyes. Still, I suspect she'll have a decent career, and she won't have to endure those terrible My Life As A Cover Girl commercials.  

For those of you seeking to relive the magic -- or just needing to know the basics -- we opened the show and immediately tossed the models into the Cover Girl commercial/photo shoot. McKey shows up and delivers the pat CG speech about how fabulous her lipstick is in a terribly mechanical, rehearsed manner ... she may be very pretty but hoo-eey, that girl is not a spokesmodel. Aminat worked hard at her script and delivered a strong performance, knowing she was the underdog; Allison's wasn't bad but Teyona had a sobbing meltdown.  

At panel Allison was called first, then Teyona: both girls had amazing photos. But that meant Aminat was out, told she needed to learn to control her face better and be a better model (oh, wait, the latter was my commentary).  Allison and Teyona departed for their runway show, which instead of the usual couture seemed to be swimsuits. (Hm, more budget cuts?) While the girls are getting gussied up backstage, the judges show up at the show and dear God, what is Miss Jay wearing? It's a muu muu ... it's Carmen Miranda ... it's a tranny ... oh, heck, I give up. It's a trainwreck. 

Teyona does well on the catwalk but doesn't surpass any expectations; well, not until her hairpiece falls off and -- staying in the moment -- she starts swinging it around like a cat-o-nine-tails. Allison blows the doors off the place with her Miss Most Improved performance, sassing Miss Jay and looking especially fierce.  At final panel, Allison was praised for having wonderful photos and a surprisingly good show. But, of course, Teyona wins it. 

Bonus: Allison is a very gracious loser. Way to go.

The Pretty

All the girls looked gorgeous this episode. Teyona and Allison's Cover Girl photo shoots were just fabulous: sassy, sweet, a little sexy. Both girls rocked the runway and were fun to watch. (I could not say the same for Tyra. She looked especially worn out this episode.)

The Ugly

According to the judges, one of the reasons Teyona won was because "she wanted it more." This seems sort of weak to me. Celia wanted it pretty bad, but she was deemed "desperate." No one is giving me a pair of Christian Louboutin heels because I really, really want them. It seems a contest like this should be decided by talent ... but what the heck do I know?

The End 

Gentle readers, thanks for coming along on this cycle with me. We laughed, we cried, we were emotionally reborn. (Okay, maybe not, but we were entertained.) Best of luck to our models and more importantly: best of luck to you. See you soon.

Source: http://blog.zap2it.co

Oscars do not make 'Slumdog' great film: Mrinal Sen

Agencies - May 14, 2009

Eminent filmmaker Mrinal Sen is not impressed with the representation of Mumbai's ghettos in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and believes that Oscar awards are not the ultimate parameter of good cinema. 

The Dada Saheb Phalke award winner says that some of the greatest filmmaker Chaplin never won an Oscar for their cinema. 

"I don't think that Oscars are the parameter for quality work. Did any of Chaplin or Satyajit Ray film get Oscars? I don't remember that any of such great filmmakers had ever received this award," Sen, who turns 87 , said. 

(Satyajit Ray was honoured by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an honourary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1992) The filmmaker said that the ghetto to glory theme in 'Slumdog Millionaire' was not very appealing. 

"Though I have not seen the movie but it must be a bad film. I don't think that 8 Oscars make it a great film. I don't understand what they want to show by the story of a slum dweller becoming a millionaire. The theme is not appealing," said Sen. 

Pioneer of 'new wave cinema' in India with his 1969 Hindi film 'Bhuvan Shome', Sen is one of the most respected names in Indian cinema alongside Satyajit Ray and Ritiwik Ghatak. He has made over 30 films besides scripting and producing several films in 50 years of his career. 

Sen's path breaking cinema has been inspired by Marxist movement and social issues. 

Maker of classics like 'Bhuvan Shome', 'Raat bhor' and 'Mrigya', Sen is disappointed with present day cinema. "I don't like today's movies. I have seen some of them but did not like them at all. Let us not talk about them," the seasoned filmmaker said. 

Sen's desire to experiment and revise has not changed over the years as he has the same creative hunger though he has not made any film after 2002 'Amar Bhuvan' 

"Everyday I get up, I think of writing a new script. I have been doing so since last 7 years. I don't know what I am going to do. But I feel one year younger on my every birthday," the filmmaker said. 

"I wish I can relive my whole life and make some more meaningful cinema. I want to do many things I could not do earlier. Every time I look back to my work I think it was a dress rehearsal and I can do better but I know that it can not be done again," he said. 

The filmmaker is upset over the lack of proper preservation system for classics as Sen fears that he may lose some of his recent works like Shabana Azmi starrer 'Khandhar: 1984' as it is not in good shape. 

The master prints of Sen's sixties classics like Saumitra Chatterjee and Kanika Majumdar starrer 'Punashcho (once again) and 'Pratinidhi' (representative) have been destroyed while the sound of 'Aakashe Bhor' and 'Calcutta 71' is in danger. 

"We urgently need a proper restoration system for our cine heritage. I have lost master prints of some of my good work. I don't have money to save my movies. 

"There have been talks with the central government and I hope that something will be materialised in this regard after the elections," said Sen. 

The iconic filmmaker has been awarded Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest distinction given for contribution in the field of Indian cinema. He is also the recipient of French government's Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters award. 

His 'Bhuvan Shome' is considered one of the greatest films in the history of Indian cinema. The film which was made on a shoe-string budget is credited for starting the new wave cinema in India.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Sandra Bullock not impressed by Ryan Reynold's body

Agencies - May 14, 2009

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine' star Ryan Reynolds, who has bared all for his upcoming romantic comedy 'The Proposal', failed to impress co-star Sandra Bullock with his hunky body. 

"Ryan's surgically enhanced, overly tanned and a bit soft around the middle - and the back hair was a bit much to deal with," Bullock said joking that she was far from impressed with her costar's body, reported ‘Contactmusic’. 

"I'd put him at a four on a scale of one to 10," said Bullock, who plays the role of a book editor in the film.  Her character Maggie forces her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her in order to avoid being deported to Canada in the film. 

'The Proposal', directed by Anne Fletcher, is slated to release in June this year.

Source: http://www.google.com

Dhoom Ta..Na.. Cova Junior Star on Ekushey TV tonight

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Children's talent hunt show, "Dhoom Ta..Na.. Cova Junior Star", will be aired tonight on Ekushey TV. With this episode of the dance show, the programme is set to embark on the 'Individual Round,' where each competitor will perform solo. Tonight, the students of YWC and Tridhara School will perform. Popular film star Moushumi gives her feedback on the performance of the participants. 

Dance director, Imdadul Haque Khokon, Dolly Iqbal, Nayan and film actress Natun will also be present as judges. Child artistes Rupmoni and Antor host the show.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Britney Spears adds fuel to her cousin's singing dream

Agencies - May 14, 2009

Here's some good work coming out of the troubled popstar Britney Spears, who fired her cousin Alli Sims from her assistant's post so that the upcoming artiste could focus on her singing career. 

Spears was particularly impressed with a song recorded by Alli as a teen, and made her promise that she would seriously get down to making her own music, reported ‘Contacmusic’. 

"I was sitting with her in the living room... and a song I'd done in high school popped up and she was like, 'I love this song, who's singing it?' I go, 'I am actually.' She goes, 'You're still living with me? I'm getting another assistant to help me out and you're pursuing this," said the budding singer. 

Sims is grateful to her 'Toxic' singer cousin for having forced her to pursue her singing dream, and cleared all rumours that the two sisters had a fallout. 

"We didn't have a falling out at all or anything. I just kind of stepped back. She had a lot of stuff going on that she needed to focus on, so I took that time to put all my energy into my music," Sims was quoting telling to a US news show. Earlier reports stated that Sims was fired from Spears' assistant's post as her father Jamie had taken up the pop star's affairs into his hands. 

Sims, who has recently come up with her new single 'Driving Blind', is looking forward to sitting down with Spear's again and catching up like old times. 

"I definitely think I'll talk to her soon. It's not like we're never going to talk again. I love her to death and I miss her and I hope she's happy."

Source: http://www.google.com

5-day workshop for dramatists begins May 18

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

A five day workshop for playwrights jointly organised by the Bangladesh Gram Theatre and Dhaka Theatre will be held at the rehearsal room of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segun Bagicha. The workshop will start on May 18 and continue till May 22.

Eminent litterateur Syed Shamsul Huq will inaugurate the workshop at 10:00am while noted theatre personality and also the president of Bangladesh Gram Theatre Nasir Uddin Yousuff will chair the programme.

Thirty four young playwrights selected from across the country will be participating at the workshop. It will be conducted by Dr Afsar Ahmed, dean of arts of Jahangirnagar University; Dr Lutfar Rahman, assistant professor of the department of drama and dramatics of the same university.

Shimul Yousuff, Pijush Bandapadhyaya, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Towfiq Hasan, Asadullah Farazi, Dr Aminul Islam Durjoy, Kamaluddin Kabir and Saimon Zakaria among others, will conduct the workshop.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

I wish I could sing for Dilip Kumar: Lata Mangeshkar

Agencies - May 14, 2009

She has been the voice of some of the greatest actresses of Hindi cinema, bringing out a myriad of emotions on screen through her songs, but Lata Mangeshkar regrets not being able to sing for actor Dilip Kumar, a new book has revealed. 

Mangeshkar, who has enthralled the music lovers with her golden voice for over six decades, shares a close bond with the actor and they have a mutual admiration for each other as artistes. 

"Obviously, I can not sing for any man but when I watch Dilip Kumar sing 'Madhuban mein Radhika naache re' in 'Kohinoor', I can see the veins in his neck protruding. 

"Dilip Kumar looks as though he is actually singing, not Rafi Sahib. If I had the chance, I would have happily sung for him!," the singer says in the book 'Lata Mangeshkar: In Her Own Voice' by Nasreen Munni Kabir. 

The book, which reproduces a series of conversations between Lata and Kabir, will be launched in Mumbai tomorrow. It has been published by Niyogi Books. 

Though the singer could not sing for the actor, her wish was partly fulfilled after she recorded a duet with Dilip Kumar in 1957 film 'Musafir'. 

Kumar and Mangeshkar sang the duet 'Lage nahin chhute' for the Hrishikesh Mukherjee film. It is the only film where the actor sang on and off screen, the book says. 

The singer, who began her career in the industry by acting in Marathi films, never liked being in front of the camera and after finding success as a playback singer she never visited the sets but now she regrets not watching Dilip Kumar act. 

"When Dilip Kumar was working in films as a hero, I regret never seeing him at work-- that's another unfulfilled desire. He can no longer be the hero of a film. But when I see his old films, I think to myself 'If only I had watched him filming this scene. I wonder how he approached it,' Mangeshkar says in the book. 

Mangeshkar, the greatest playback singer in Indian cinema, has sung more than 27,000 songs. She can sing in 36 different languages including English, Russian, Dutch, Fijian and Swahili. 

Also known as India's Nightingale, the singer was awarded Dada Saheb Phalke award in 1989 and received the country's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna in 2001.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

This laughathon will bowl you: Paritosh Painter

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork - May 14, 2009

More and more writers are foraying into film direction. The latest to join the bandwagon is Paritosh Painter, who has acted/penned/directed a number of comedy plays, besides writing the script of Indra Kumar's laughathon ‘Dhamaal’. Paritosh's directorial debut ‘Paying Guests’, a mini multi-starrer, is ready to be unveiled to the audiences. Subhash Ghai's company Mukta Arts Entertainment has produced the film. 

There's an interesting story behind Paritosh directing the film. "I had barely completed narrating a story to Subhash-ji [Ghai], when he asked me, 'Who do you suggest should direct this film?' I could think of David Dhawan and Priyadarshan, who've helmed some great entertainers in the past. Subhash-ji heard me out and then remarked, 'Why don't you direct the film?' I was flummoxed. I had never held a camera in my entire life. I didn't know the basics of direction. How could I direct a film? But Subhash-ji instilled confidence in me and gave me an experienced team to overcome my fears," Paritosh recalls. 

How was the experience of making a film for Subhash Ghai? It's often said that he interferes in films directed by outsiders. True? "You know something, I was told by several people that I better watch out, that Subhash-ji interferes a lot. Forget visiting me on the sets during the shooting, he didn't even attend the mahurat ceremony. In fact, Abbas-Mustan directed the first shot of the film. It's only now, after the film was complete, did he watch the film," Paritosh adds. 

Paritosh is extremely charged about the film. "My fundas are clear. I've grown up on non-stop entertainers. I've produced plays keeping in mind the fact that the audience watching it should return home with a smile. And my first film is also an unadulterated entertainer. I can assure you one thing. You'll step out of the auditorium with a big smile on your face. This laughathon will bowl you," he adds.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Drama serial Batasher Ghar on ATN Bangla

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Drama Serial " Batasher Ghar" will be aired tonight on ATN Bangla at 8pm. Written by Mujtaba Ahmed Murshed and jointly directed by Mijanur Rahman Labu and Abeer Khan, this is the third episode of the serial. 

The serial centres on three elderly people, Taleb, Imran and Jamil. All the three men are in conflict with their families as their mindsets are completely different from their respective family members. Take for instance, Taleb, who is not prepared to sacrifice worldly pleasures merely because he is old. However, his wife is completely immersed in religion. Then there is the lonely Imran who seeks out the company of the neighbourhood children. However, the children are completely disinterested in the old man.

Meanwhile, Jamil's son blames him for his mother's death. The trio decide to break free of their oppressive environments and begin new lives by donning the disguise of young men. The story begins to unfold…

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Homage to theatre great Augusto Boal

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Theatre troupe, Bot Tola paid homage to Augusto Boal, founder of the Theatre of the Oppressed, with a memorial meeting held at the Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy recently. The great Brazilian theatre director, dramatist, and activist passed away on May 2.

Eminent theatre personalities, Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid, Professor Mohammad Selim, Salek Khan and theatre activist Mizanur Rahman, were present at the event. The guests held discussions on the life and work of Agusto Boal, his theory of Theatre of the Oppressed, its objective/application and more. The event also included the inauguration of Augusto Boal Centre, a branch of Bot Tola. 

Born in 1931 in Brazil, Boal used the theatrical form in radical popular education movements. His revolutionary approach to theatre, which involved many new concepts such as Forum theatre, Legislative theatre and Invisible theatre inspired many around the world. His active political involvement led to his torture, arrest and eventual exile. Later, he served a term as a vereador (the Brazilian equivalent of a city councillor) in Rio de Janeiro from 1993 to 1997, where he developed many experimental works.

In the course of his eventful life, he won the UNESCO Pablo Picasso Medal (1994) and was awarded the 'Career Achievement Award (1997)' by the Association of Theatre in Higher Education at their national conference in Chicago, Illinois. Boal also received The Cross Border Award for Peace and Democracy by Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2008 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize the same year.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Padakkhep Children’s Festival ‘09 ends

Cultural Correspondent - may 14, 2009

A two-day children's festival, arranged by non-government organisation Padakkhep Bangladesh, ended yesterday at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library. The festival featured diverse cultural performances, including songs, dances, recitation and staging of theatre by children from across the country.

On the first day, chief guest, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, inaugurated the programme. Among the speakers at a discussion prior to the colourful cultural programme were folk researcher, Dr. Shamsuzzaman Khan; former secretary Syed Margub Morshed and poet Asad Chowdhury. Badal Chowdhury, president, Padakkhep Bangladesh presided over the proceedings.

The first day's cultural pro-gramme, which continued till evening, featured performance by 30 children's troupes. On the second day, the programme started early in the morning with a painting and hand writing competition at the Library premises. At the auditorium, a cultural programme was held at noon, which featured songs, dances and recitation by the children.

Morshedul Islam's children film "Duratta" was screened in the afternoon, while the award and certificate giving ceremony for the painting and hand writing competition was held in the evening. Among others, noted litterateur Imdadul Haque Milon was present at the award-giving programme. Festival co-ordinator Asma Chowdhury Jhuma gave the vote of thanks.

The two-day programme wrapped up with a play, "Swapnalokey." Child artistes of Meghdut Natya Sampraday staged the play.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Tete a tete with Shimul and Nadia on Priyojon

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

Talk Show “Priyojon” will be aired tonight on ATN Bangla at 6: 20 pm. Directed by Fakhrul Abedin and hosted by Karavi Mizan, each episode of the show features two popular contemporary TV artistes. The artistes reflect on their recent experiences on the show. 

Star couple Monir Khan Shimul and Nadia will be the guests on tonight's episode. They will share their special moments, future plans and more with viewers. This is the 52nd episode of the programme.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Film stars head for Cannes gala

BBC - May 13, 2009

A host of celebrities have jetted in to the French Riviera for the gala opening of this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Stars including Brad Pitt, Quentin Tarantino, Penelope Cruz and Johnny Depp are expected to attend while promoting their latest films.Pixar film Up, about man who ties balloons to his house to get airborne, will make history later as the first animated film to launch the event.The festival runs until 24 May when the Palme d'Or prize will be announced.

The 20 directors with films in the running for the festival's top prize include four past winners including Tarantino, who returns with Inglorious Basterds, a Dirty Dozen-style World War II saga starring Pitt, Samuel L Jackson and Mike Myers.Three UK films are also competing for the prestigious prize, including Ken Loach with Looking for Eric, in which former footballer Eric Cantona plays himself as the personal hero of a postman whose life is spinning downhill.

Bright Star - a period drama about poet John Keats - and Fish Tank, a domestic drama starring Michael Fassbender, complete the British contingent in the main competition.Fassbender who won plaudits for his portrayal of hunger striker Bobby Sands in Hunger last year, also has a role in Tarantino's film.

Out of competition, Terry Gilliam will be premiering The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, starring the late Heath Ledger in his final screen role, which had to be completed by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law.

Source: http://www.bbc.com

Gokey gone; Lambert looks like 'Idol' lock

Maureen Ryan - May 14, 2009

To no one's surprise, Adam Lambert wasn't eliminated during Wednesday's "American Idol" broadcast. Milwaukee's Danny Gokey was cut, leaving Lambert and Kris Allen in the Fox singing competition. 

Lambert, who is widely seen as the front-runner, and Allen will have their final sing-off Tuesday, followed by the "Idol" finale May 20. 

Wednesday's hourlong show, which featured an appearance by Alicia Keys and a performance by Katy Perry, was more anticlimactic than usual. Nobody expected Lambert to go home. He appears alone on the current issue of Entertainment Weekly; the magazine didn't bother with the pretense that someone else might win the eighth season of "Idol."

On Tuesday, judges and host Ryan Seacrest tried to play up the idea that Lambert wasn't a lock for the win, and on Wednesday, Seacrest said that the final two singers were only about a million votes apart.

Nice try, "Idol," but I doubt people will start to see Allen as a threat to the king of guyliner.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com

‘Tipsy’ George Clooney celebrated 48th b’day by throwing up!

ANI - May 14, 2009

Hollywood hunk George Clooney celebrated his 48th birthday stumbling and throwing up at a nightclub last week, it has emerged. 

The Oscar winner partied like a rock star at Blade nightclub at the Fountainebleau, and seemed to have gone overboard in drinking. 

"He was drinking vodka and Patron, but it looked like he'd had enough," the ‘New York Daily News’ quoted a snitch as saying. 

The witnesses saw a "stumbling George throw up in the VIP area.” 

However, the ER star has denied getting drunk. 

"That never happened, although I was sitting next to someone who did throw up," he said.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Dance dramas Savitri, Mahanirvan to be staged in city

Cultural Correspondent - May 14, 2009

The high commission of India in Dhaka and Indian Council for Cultural Relations will jointly organise a dance drama titled ‘Savitri’ to be presented by Aurobindo Anusilan Society of Kolkata today at 7:30pm at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segun Bagicha.

The high commission of India in Dhaka and Indian Council for Cultural Relations in cooperation with the department of theatre and music of Dhaka University will arrange a show of the dance drama ‘Mahanirvana’ at 7:00pm at Natmandal of Dhaka University on May 15.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

'Up' opens Cannes with an impressive showing

Los Angeles Times - May 13, 2009

The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips is at Cannes and filed this report on the fest's opening night selection:

“We would like to make a picture,” said Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, on stage at the Debussy Theatre prior to the May 13 press screening of the new Disney/Pixar triumph, “Up.” He urged everyone in the audience to don their 3-D specs—beautiful, sturdy, stylish specs they were, too, better than whatever you wore when you saw “Monsters vs. Aliens”—and look pretty for the phalanx of cameras, including Fremaux’s own. 

Then came “Up,” the out-of-competition festival opener. It opens in Chicago May 29. And it’s as beautiful, sturdy and stylish as those glasses.

In the 10th Pixar feature since “Toy Story” in 1995, director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) has created one of the medium’s most powerfully emotional pieces of commercial animation. Michael Giacchino’s score equals his work on “Ratatouille,” which means he’s now officially the finest film composer of his generation.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

Priyanka says she has moments of insecurity

Reuters - May 14, 2009

With a 'Best Actress' trophy under her belt and several big-ticket movie projects in the offing, Priyanka Chopra has everything going for her in Bollywood. 

But the 26-year-old actress says even she has moments of insecurity. 

"I do get up some mornings with some insecurities, wondering whether people will like me or not, whether I am good enough or not," the former Miss World told a press conference on Tuesday. 

Chopra won a Filmfare Best Actress honour in last year's ‘Fashion’ for her role as an aspiring model trying to make it big in India's highly competitive fashion industry. 

Later this year, ‘Kaminey’ sees her playing a deglamourised role as a middle-class Maharashtrian girl while ‘Pyaar Impossible’, directed by Jugal Hansraj, stars Chopra in a film with a "geek meets beauty" plotline. 

Also in the pipeline for one of India's most popular actresses is Ashutosh Gowariker's ‘What's Your Rashee’.

Source: http://www.reuters.com

Anna Nicole Smith's boyfriend pleads not guilty

AP - May 14, 2009

Anna Nicole Smith's lawyer-turned-boyfriend and two doctors pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges they conspired to provide thousands of prescription pills to the former model before her overdose death two years ago.

The appearance of Howard K. Stern and doctors Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor in the Los Angeles Superior Court set the stage for a preliminary hearing that all parties said could last at least two weeks.

Deputy District Attorney Renee Rose said there are 1400 pages of discovery in the case, which was investigated for two years before charges were filed. Court Commissioner Kristi Lousteau ordered documents in the case sealed although attorneys said that about a quarter of the material has already been made public.

The hearing was brief and Smith's name was never mentioned.

Stern, Eroshevich and Kapoor stood before Lousteau with their lawyers. The defendants said "yes" when she asked if they were pleading not guilty and when they agreed to delay the matter until June 8 for setting of the preliminary hearing date. They declined to comment outside court.

Stern's lawyer, Steve Sadow, said he wanted the preliminary hearing to begin as soon as possible. The commissioner granted a motion requiring each defendant to provide a handwriting sample and she transferred the case to a judge for the next hearing.

Outside court, Stern's lawyer was outspoken, exclaiming: "He did not commit a crime, period!"

Sadow said he had filed a demurrer, a legal document contending that the law under which Stern is charged does not apply to him.

"The statute deals with medical practitioners," he said. "He is not a doctor."

Kapoor's lawyer, Ellyn Garafalo, said he continues to practice medicine and his patients have been supportive.

"We have no doubt Dr Kapoor will be exonerated," she said.

Smith, 39, was declared dead at a hospital after being found unconscious in her Florida hotel room in 2007. A medical examiner determined she died of an accidental overdose of a sleeping medication and at least eight other prescription drugs.

Prosecutors allege Stern was the principal enabler in a conspiracy to provide Smith thousands of prescription pills. The defendants each face six counts including conspiracy, and up to five years, eight months in prison if convicted.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au

'Angels & Demons' does not translate to screen

By Claudia Puig - May 14, 2009

Apparently, the quality of movies based on Dan Brown's best sellers correlates directly with the style of Tom Hanks' hair.

Angels & Demons is better, though not by much, than 2006's Da Vinci Code. The story, however, is less interesting and even more far-fetched.

Hanks is likable and credible reprising his role as irreverent, code-cracking Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. But director Ron Howard focuses more on spec- tacular shots, particularly during a climactic scene involving a helicopter ride above the Vatican, than on tension and excitement. The story, with its arcane riddles and preposterous twists, does not translate well to the screen. It fails as an action thriller, relying on wordy exposition. And the array of clues and riddles unearthed by Langdon are as improbable as the notion of a secret cult of vengeful scientists.

Still, for an academic, Langdon has some impressive action-hero moves. And he needs them: He's up against a one-man terrorist brigade. The ubiquitous bad guy is an assassin, acting in the name of the "Illuminati," an ancient brotherhood of scientists. It's hard to get too worked up about villains made up of astronomers, philosophers and physicists.The clock is ticking as a bomb is aimed at St. Peter's in Rome. Langdon joins forces with an Italian scientist alliteratively named Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer). The two spend too much time poring over ancient texts to make pulses race. It's a meeting of minds, not lips.

The movie posits that Langdon, a man of science, may have a shred of faith he doesn't acknowledge. But it deals heavy-handedly with the faith vs. science debate. The dialogue tries to be portentous, but it reeks of cliché. "We're in God's hands now," intones papal representative Father Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor). Meanwhile, Langdon lectures and pontificates, even as he races to unearth a bomb.

Angels doesn't know when to quit: Just when you think it's over, it continues, like the franchise based on Brown's books.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com