WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT?

• HOLLYWOOD SPENDING WAY TOO MUCH, STARS LOSING THEIR STARDOM

Just like the world’s economy, the Hollywood economy is also going through a big fat inflation, which still does not stop any of the studios from overspending.

The critique is on the new Ridley Scott release, Body of Lies, which didn’t make as big of an impact as Warner Bros. hoped. While Paramount is thinking about cutting its annual film slate back by 20 films, many others are in the midst of carrying pretty heavy debts.

In all this chaos and crisis, is it really worth paying the stars so much money?

To read this article, please visit: www.variety.com/article/VR1117994204.html?categoryid=2508&cs=1

* Got any news to spread? Send them to eg@filmannex.com and we’ll publish it on our next newsletter!


WHAT'S NEW ON FILM ANNEX?

• GOOD DICK

Good Dick tells the unusual, witty, at times cruel, but over all heart-warming story of a dysfunctional couple living in Los Angeles. Written and directed by Marianna Palka, who also stars as the lead in the film, Good Dick displays some exceptional acting and honest filmmaking.

Good Dick was Sundance’s “Official Selection” this year, an achievement that excites the audiences and stirs interest amongst the crowds. The film is opening today in Manhattan, and you can find more information on it on Film Annex.

Please visit Good Dick’s Film Annex page at: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/1065/good_dick

To get more information about the producers and the production company Present Pictures, visit: www.filmannex.com/PresentPictures

Also read the film’s review at today’s NY Times: movies.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/movies/17good.html?ref=movies


• MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JOINS FILM ANNEX

One of the most acclaimed international film festivals with 26 years of history, Miami International Film Festival joins the Film Annex Network. The festival presents more than 60 films every year, and the number of filmmakers who attend the event exceeds 300.

Because of MIFF programs such as Miami Encuentros and a special focus on Ibero-American cinema, the Miami International Film Festival has become the natural gateway for the discovery of Ibero-American talent.

Please visit the Film Annex page of the Miami International Film Festival for more information: www.filmannex.com/MiamiInternationalFilmFestival



WHAT SHOULD I WATCH ON FILM ANNEX?

THE NINE-MILE WALK

The Nine-Mile Walk is a short film from Spain. With its witty humor, mysterious dialog, and captivating cinematography, Nine Mile Walk is a blast to watch.

Synopsis: Two friends who get lost in a strange place begin a game of words that leads to an unexpected twist.

To watch the film for free, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/4/the_nine_mile_walk


THE HUNTER GRACCHUS

The Hunter Gracchus is a film based on Franz Kafka’s short story that carries the same name. The film holds a neo-realist feel in terms of how it was filmed and cast. As director Glenn Stillar states: “In Kafka’s story, a Hunter Gracchus, (played by my brother Brian) falls to his death while out hunting a ‘chamois.’ The Boatman (played by my cousin Bernie), who was to ‘ferry him to the other side’ makes a mistake, so the Hunter is doomed to sail all the waters of the world – forever.”

The Hunter Gracchus is an example of true independent filmmaking that unites two different mediums of art.

To read the whole synopsis and watch the film, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/732/the_hunter_gracchus


39 STEPS

In this week’s classis 39 Steps, you will witness how Alfred Hitchcock blends suspense and dark comedy in a graceful manner.

Synopsis: Richard Hannay is a Canadian visitor to 1930's London. After a disturbance at a music hall, he meets Annabella Smith who is on the run from foreign agents. He takes her back to his apartment, but they are followed and later that night Annabella is murdered. Hannay goes on the run to break the spy ring and thus prove his innocence.

To watch the film for free, go to: www.filmannex.com/movie/film/613/the_39_steps


WHAT ELSE IS PLAYING? WHAT'S GOOD?

• WILD COMBINATION: A PORTRAIT OF ARTHUR RUSSELL

"Fascinating!" - Nathan Lee, The New York Times

In New York's vibrant music scene of the 70s and 80s, Arthur Russell bridged the gap between the artistic vanguard and dancefloor hits, The Kitchen and Studio 54. A seminal avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist and disco producer, he was on the cusp of popular success before his untimely death from AIDS in 1992. As a new generation discovers his music, this kaleidoscopic, inventive documentary combines rare archival footage and interviews with family, friends and colleagues -- including Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg, a lifelong mentor and collaborator -- to tell the story of a groundbreaking artist.

* Playing October 17th and 18th at 12:10 am – IFC Center


• THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

Set in South Carolina in 1964, the tale of Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey and the Black Madonna.


*Opens today. Check out the theaters around you for show times and tickets.


Seen anything good? Send your reviews to eg@filmannex.com and we’ll publish them on our next newsletter!


WHAT EVENTS SHOULD I NOT MISS?

• MAX OPHUL’S LOLA MONTES at FILM FORUM

“Truly a major cinematic event!” – 2008 New York Film Festival notes

Don’t miss the dazzling and definitive restoration of this legendary film showing now at New York’s independent movie theater, Film Forum. A Rialto Pictures release from 1955, this classic will mesmerize everyone once again, but maybe in a more striking, colorful, and stunning way.

For show times and address, please visit: www.filmforum.org/films/lolamontes.html




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…Film Annex reached 2.5 million people worldwide in August. And you’re one of them! Stay tuned for more news…