Danny Boyle’s Rupert Murdoch movie ‘Ink’ to open Venice Film Festival
Danny Boyle’s new film about Rupert Murdoch and Larry Lamb is set to open the Venice International Film Festival. The film, titled “Ink,” is an adaptation of James Graham’s play about Murdoch’s 1969 acquisition of “The Sun.” Guy Pearce plays Murdoch, and Jack O’Connell plays Lamb. Boyle highlights how these men transformed the paper into Britain’s most influential tabloid. The festival kicks off on Sept. 2, and “Ink” will be playing in competition. Boyle expressed his excitement, calling it a huge honor to be selected for the festival.
To air or not to air? Nation's TV networks struggle to find the right balance for Trump speech
To air or not to air? The nation’s TV networks and their news operations spent the hours leading up to President Donald Trump’s address Thursday night debating how to cover it. They were struggling to balance delivering the news with handing over their airwaves to potential falsehoods about the 2020 elections. The dilemma took place against a backdrop of deep tension between the media and a president working to exert control over it by whatever means he can. Even in his speech itself, Trump excoriated networks that chose not to carry it live. He said “NBC and ABC fake news” avoided it and threatened consequences, using the presidential pulpit to suggest they should be sanctioned for their editorial decisions.
Movie Review: In Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' an ancient epic is reborn
The authorship of Homer's epic poem, dated to the 7th or 8th century BC, is complex. But no one could question the maker of Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey,” an earthy, existential epic that ravishingly melds the storytelling of antiquity with contemporary IMAX-sized bravado. “The Odyssey” is rarely not transfixing, and it’s a ripping adventure story, besides. At the least, it’s the definitive big-screen adaptation of one of the oldest tales of humankind. Nolan’s first film shot entirely with IMAX cameras doesn’t skimp on grandiosity, but it works surprisingly well as a simpler, human-sized tale.
Patricia Lockwood wins $10,000 Gabe Hudson Prize for a dark, comic COVID-19 novel
NEW YORK (AP) — Patricia Lockwood wins this year's Gabe Hudson Prize for her novel “Will There Ever Be Another You.” The $10,000 award honors fiction that captures humor, pathos, and contemporary America. Lockwood's book impressed judges with its beauty and humor. It's a dark comedy about a woman’s breakdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prize was established by Hudson's mother after he died three years ago and is administered by McSweeney's, where he worked as an editor. Hudson was also known for his fiction and teaching. Lockwood is also known for her other books, “Priestdaddy” and “No One Is Talking About This.” She expressed a kinship with Hudson.
Ava DuVernay announces '14th' documentary on birthright amendment contested by Trump
NEW YORK (AP) — Ava DuVernay has announced a documentary for Netflix on the 14th Amendment, which gave liberty and rights to formerly enslaved people following the Civil War, and which has come under legal attack from President Donald Trump. Netflix said Thursday that it will release “14th” later this year. The 14th Amendment has been a prominent target of Trump’s. On the first day of his second term, he signed an executive order that would have heavily restricted birthright citizenship as protected by the amendment. In June, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s order by a 6-3 vote. DuVernay previously directed ‘13th,’ a documentary on the amendment abolishing slavery.
Netflix posts higher Q2 results but shares drop due to lukewarm forecast
Netflix said Thursday its second-quarter profit grew thanks to new membership signups and price increases. But the company’s shares declined sharply in after-hours trading as the video streaming company’s forecast for the current quarter fell below Wall Street’s expectations. Netflix earned $3.4 billion, or 80 cents per share, in the March-June period. That’s up 9% from $3.13 billion, or 72 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.
Homeland Security: Foreign journalist visas set at 240 days, Chinese reporters cut to 90 days
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is drastically shortening visas for foreign journalists in the U.S. The new rule announced by the Department of Homeland Security limits visas to 240 days, down from up to five years. Chinese journalists will face even stricter limits, with visas capped at 90 days. This change has raised concerns over press freedom and potential retaliation against American journalists abroad. The decision will take effect within 30 days. Advocates argue the shorter stays will hinder journalists' ability to work in the U.S.
Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen
NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Nolan has taken on the epic challenge of adapting “The Odyssey” into a large-scale Hollywood film. Known for pushing cinematic boundaries, Nolan aimed to create something both accessible and realistic. This involved filming in real locations and using real ships on the open waters to bring the mythic tale to life. Despite the grueling shoot, the production finished early. Nolan's approach rejects typical Hollywood tropes, opting for colloquial language and unique musical elements. Matt Damon leads the massive ensemble as Odysseus, alongside Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. The movie, the first to be shot entirely on IMAX film, opens worldwide on July 17.
'Jurassic Park' actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia, agent says
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The agent for Sam Neill says the actor died from pneumonia. Neill’s family had earlier announced the actor known for “Jurassic Park” and other films died Monday in Sydney. His agent Philip Grenz said he was providing more information after speaking with Neill’s family and following inaccurate news reports. Grenz said Neill had beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy before getting sick with pneumonia. He added that Neill had filmed four projects during the past year that are due to be released in the coming months. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, including directors Taika Waititi and Steven Spielberg.
George Santos' next gig? Reality TV show contestant
NEW YORK (AP) — George Santos has worn many hats: Serial swindler, congressman, expelled congressman, federal prison inmate, clemency recipient, podcast host, online betting influencer under investigation by the federal government. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant. In September, Santos will appear on the fifth season of Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” a grueling contest where participants will be subjected to chemical gassing and other military themed challenges in a Malaysian jungle. The network on Wednesday said he will go up against more than a dozen other contestants — including former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose.
