Latest news with #FantasticMr.Fox
NBC News
30-06-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Foxes arrive as unannounced visitors at Google's splashy new U.K. headquarters
LONDON — Google's much-hyped new U.K. headquarters in London's King's Cross neighborhood hasn't opened yet, but it's already drawn some unexpected attention from locals. Local foxes, that is. The building, which is under construction, has been nicknamed the "landscraper" because it spans 1,082 feet wide and 11 floors tall. Created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, it will reportedly be completed later this year and cost the tech giant upwards of £1 billion ($1.3 billion). Construction began in 2017. It is anticipated to eventually house up to 7,000 Google employees. For now, however, some of the more frequent visitors might be the foxes that have been digging burrows in the manicured grounds and leaving their droppings behind on the building's nearly 1,000-foot-long rooftop garden. 'Fox sightings at construction sites are pretty common, and our King's Cross development is no exception,' a Google spokesperson told NBC News. But, the person added, 'While foxes have been occasionally spotted at the site, their appearances have been brief and have had minimal impact on the ongoing construction.' NBC News spoke to nearly two dozen construction workers at the construction site, where a cacophony of noise from the drilling and hammering filled the streets as dust dispersed into the air. But when asked whether they had seen any foxes, most refused to comment, citing nondisclosure agreements. One worker, who requested anonymity due to the NDA, told NBC News, 'Personally, I haven't seen one, but there are so many open entrances to the building I wouldn't be surprised if it had gotten inside.' Still, Kareen Mascerenhas, 25, who works at a store directly across from the construction site, said she had spotted a fox last winter. 'I was shutting the store when I saw one just run past that side and in there,' she said, pointing to Google's construction. But any sightings of the bushy-tailed vulpines feel neither rare nor unique in a city where the number of foxes soars between 10,000 and 15,000, accounting for nearly 16 foxes per square mile. Around the country, their population ebbs and flows depending on the season, from 150,000 in the winter to around 400,000 during cub season, according to Terry Woods, who founded the fox removal company Fox-a-Gon, which advocates for the humane treatment of the animals. For decades, foxes have also captured the British imagination, appearing as the sly character Mr. Tod in Beatrix Potter's novels, and in Roald Dahl's"Fantastic Mr. Fox." And most recently, one even served as a memorable symbol for the 'hot priest' in the hit television show "Fleabag" by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Though they are often seen boldly trotting along sidewalks and rummaging through residential bins, foxes have also roused strong reactions from onlookers, ranging from adoration to outright resentment. 'They may appear cuddly and romantic, but foxes are also a pest and a menace, particularly in our cities,' former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told BBC News in 2013, then as the mayor of London, when a fox horrified the British public after biting off a baby's finger. For years, foxes perfectly concealed their identity as the main culprits behind hundreds of cat mutilations in the south London suburb of Croydon, where the grisly carcasses strewn across streets and backyards led distressed residents to suspect that a deranged cat killer was on the loose until police realized what was happening in 2018. While some residents cherish their presence, hoping to charm the typically contact-averse creatures by trying to feed them, a series of British wildlife laws also gives foxes the protection and freedom to roam the United Kingdom's cities endlessly. 'Foxes are quite popular around this area; they are just virtually everywhere,' said 31-year-old Ode Tomitoba, who works at the King's Cross Visitors Center. For Hanei Mokenen, 23, who manages a restaurant in King's Cross, news of the latest fox incursion came by way of a TikTok video. 'It's King's Cross, anything can happen here,' he said about the bustling commercial neighborhood in Central London, adding that he had occasionally seen a fox running around the area. But their stealth around the giant Google edifice had nonetheless taken Mokenen by surprise. 'How the hell did they get inside? Security is strong in this area; it's not a place where you can just walk around,' he said. The foxes' newfound home at Google's offices isn't the first time the animals have made themselves comfortable in London's skyscrapers. In 2011, a fox called Romeo was discovered living in The Shard, surviving on the food scraps left by construction workers. 'It is a fairly common occurrence with the creatures being so adaptable,' said Woods from Fox-a-Gon, who helped remove Romeo from the site by capturing him safely and releasing him back into the urban jungle. 'They are such an adaptable animal that they can survive almost anywhere and overcome great hardships,' he added.
Mint
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Some of my favourite movies are musicals now: Wes Anderson
Los Angeles, Jun 1 (PTI) Acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson says some of his favourite movies are musicals, and the credit goes to his eight-year-old daughter, Freya. Known for projects such as "The Royal Tenenbaums", "The Darjeeling Limited" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox", Anderson said he began to watch films he would never think of, in search of the ones that his daughter prefers. "Your entire life is different once you have a child. You're watching with different eyes with a kid," he told entertainment news outlet IndieWire. "I started trying to find movies that she would like. She likes old movies, she'll watch a black and white movie, she'll watch all variety of things, but she doesn't like 'em all. With her, I've seen a lot of musicals that I had never (seen),' he said. "I never got that into musicals, and now some of my favorite movies are musicals, 'Meet Me in St. Louis' for instance, I didn't know this movie, maybe I'd seen it on TV when I was 12 years old or something. It was not a movie I focused on, or 'The Pajama Game' for instance, 'The King and I,' there's a whole range of musicals that I got into because of her, because she likes them and we've watched them again and again, and some of these are masterpieces," the 56-year-old filmmaker added. Anderson's next work is "The Phoenician Scheme", which is slated to hit the big screen in India on June 6. Starring Benicio del Toro, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Mia Threapleton, Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Benedict Cumberbatch and Bryan Cranston, the film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the main competition.
Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Meryl Streep Best Performances: From Fantastic Mr. Fox to Hope Springs
If you are a fan of Meryl Streep, you know how classic she is, and if you are not, you are just about to experience why the world appreciates her acting skills. The legendary actress has given the industry of cinema a culture, a passion, and, above everything, a reason to evolve. Meryl Streep's best performances include a lot, but first let us remember all the expressions she has carried over the years, be it her strict and emotionless boss in The Devil Wears Prada, playing a journalist, and whatnot. In case you might not know, Meryl Streep has even been a part of the animated outing as well. We know all of this is just getting you even more excited, so without further delay, here are Meryl Streep's best performances over the years. Fantastic Mr. Fox Role: Mrs. Fox Director: Wes Anderson Release Year: 2009 IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 Genre: comedy Where to Watch: Not available online Why It's One of Her Best: This was a movie that had a great cast for its voice-over work. While Meryl Streep is appreciated for her work, let us tell you that she had joined forces with that of George Clooney, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, as well as Owen Wilson in this animated comedy film that was even nominated for the Academy Award. Well, Wes Anderson did go beyond imagination, also using Meryl Streep's voice for Felicity Fox for a deadpan sense of humor. This is Meryl Streep's best performance, which could not have been achieved without the work of the director in question. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a mixture of emotions, humor, and a lot that you can enjoy with your friends. Manhattan Role: Jill Davis Director: Woody Allen Release Year: 1979 IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: romantic comedy Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: Woody Allen himself is one of the greatest directors the Hollywood film industry has ever had. On top of that, Meryl Streep joining him for Manhattan, the project, without any doubt, led to Meryl Streep's best performances. The movie went on to get two nominations from the Academy Awards, one for original screenplay and the other for supporting actress for Mariel Hemingway. Little Women Role: Aunt March Director: Greta Gerwig Release Year: 2019 IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Drama Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: There is a lot to say about Little Women. From being the grandest cast to coming from a lady who has gripped the Hollywood film industry tightly. Meryl Streep was just another feather to the already fabulous ensemble that delivered mind-blowing performances, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. Meryl Streep's best performances surely should include the movie in discussion, as she had a roaring time on screen playing Aunt March. She can be caught in the film every 20 minutes, only to act prickly and difficult, yet awesome. The Hours Role: Clarissa Vaughan Director: Stephen Daldry Release Year: 2002 IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Genre: Drama Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: First of all, let's appreciate the casting. The movie has great performances delivered by not only Meryl Streep but also by those who joined her in the outing, including Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Stephen Dillane. Based on the novel by Michael Cunningham of the same name, The Hours happens to be another example of how Meryl Streep can be multiple characters. Well, the year The Hours was released, it was also the year when Meryl Streep starred in Spike Jonze's Adaptation, which brought her an Oscar nomination for supporting actress. Meanwhile, talking about her work, she was double-nominated for the Globes, winning for Adaptation. In The Hours, Meryl Streep's work happens to be about a woman who is looking forward to throwing a party for her old flame. Talk about the best moment in the film: the breakdown of the actress from Ricki and the Flash in front of Jeff Daniels is considered one of the best pivotal scenes in the film. A Prairie Home Companion Role: Yolanda Johnson Director: Robert Altman Release Year: (2006) IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 Genre: Drama, Comedy, Musical Where to Watch: Not available Why It's One of Her Best: Well, this movie surely is Meryl Streep's best performance. Working alongside the Oscar-nominated Robert Altman, Meryl Streep showcases her talent in the best way possible. The film, A Prairie Home Companion, happens to be the display of Meryl Streep's fantastic chemistry with Lily Tomlin. Being a part of the musical duo, Johnson Girls, both the actress from Let Them All Talk and Lily Tomlin bring about a beauty of tune, which also happens to be the best fictional presentation in its most natural form. The story follows the representation of the behind-the-scenes of a public radio show. Death Becomes Her Role: Madeline Ashton Menville Director: Robert Zemeckis Release Year: 1992 IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 Genre: Body Horror Where to Watch: Apple TV Why It's One of Her Best: Death Becomes Her surely is one of Meryl Streep's best performances. The movie happens to be among the two top films released back in 1992. Meryl Streep's role in this outing is regarded as the second greatest performance in her career. The movie even won an Oscar for visual effects. The Manchurian Candidate Role: Eleanor Shaw Director: Jonathan Demme Release Year: 2004 IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Genre: Political thriller Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: Coming from the direction of a legendary filmmaker, who gave us The Silence of the Lambs, also taking home the Oscar for the aforementioned film, Meryl Streep became a part of the political thriller. The actress's performance is a perfect collaboration with that of Denzel Washington. In this movie with Meryl Streep's best performance, she can be seen interacting with her congressman son, who is played by Liev Schreiber. Well, it can be easily stated that Meryl Streep surely stole the show in this movie, as she even got a nomination at the Golden Globe Awards for supporting actress. It's Complicated Role: Jane Adler Director: Nancy Meyers Release Year: 2009 IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Genre: romantic comedy Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: Sharing the screen with Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep was also joined by Steve Martin in this comedy outing, having a swirl of emotions. Making you feel what love can be like, that too in her 60s, no doubt, the legend delivered her best. This was Meryl Streep's best performance that even had her double-nominated for Golden Globes. The second nomination was for Mamma Mia! The River Wild Role: Gail Hartman Director: Curtis Hanson Release Year: 1994 IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Genre: survival Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: This one is the most unique role ever taken over by Meryl Streep. We have seen her character that is strong and convincing, but here you can catch her in action. This one is surely Meryl Streep's best performance, which feels like a delight, also having terrifying turns all over the plot of the movie. Joining the actress from Don't Look Up is another most celebrated star, Kevin Bacon. Here, the mother and wife is given a persona of someone who won't stop at anything and ensures her family is safe. For The River Wild, Meryl Streep even received a Golden Globe as well as a SAG nomination; however, she was not nominated for the Academy Awards. Hope Springs Role: Kay Director: David Frankel Release Year: (2012) IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 Genre: Romantic Comedy Where to Watch: Prime Video Why It's One of Her Best: This was another outing that Meryl Streep did with David Frankel after the globally celebrated The Devil Wears Prada. This role again helped the legendary actress earn a Golden Globe award along with an Academy Award nomination. Showcasing some infectious comedy, while starring opposite Tommy Lee Jones, who we all know from The Fugitive as well as the highly acclaimed science fiction action thriller, Men in Black. This romantic comedy focuses on the story of the two great actors, whose characters are simply trying to reignite the spark in their marriage. Well, the results are hilarious, which we won't spoil for you. Go watch Meryl Streep's best performance today. Conclusion Meryl Streep has a great range of acting. With all the aforementioned movies, one can easily say that there have been several best performances delivered by Meryl Streep. Be it in action movies, or be it the romantic comedies, she has always impressed the large audience. Meanwhile, if that was not enough for her, Meryl Streep even starred in dramas and thrillers as well as musicals.
LeMonde
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
Inside the meticulous world of Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme'
Since March 19, employees at the Paris Cinémathèque française film institution have noticed some unusual visitors. Despite the spring weather, more and more young people have come to visit clad in red woolen hats, heavy suede jackets or ties adorned with foxes – a nod to the characters of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2005), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) or Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), all films by Wes Anderson, to whom the Parisian institution has dedicated a vast exhibition, which runs until July 27. Unbothered by the warm temperatures, many of the exhibition's visitors – 53,000 in just one month – might have arrived in a Margot Tenenbaum-style fur coat, one of Mr. Fox's corduroy outfits or in many other impeccable items – starched shirts and fitted tracksuits – that Anderson typically adorns his characters with. In November, when the exhibition travels to the Design Museum in London, some visitors may don Bjorn Lund's (played by Michael Cera) rust-colored jacket, or the pristine suit with a club tie worn by Prince Farouk (Riz Ahmed) in The Phoenician Scheme, the 56-year-old American director's 12 th feature film, which is competing at the Cannes Film Festival and set to arrive in French cinemas on May 28. Anderson's cinematic universe is not just about clothing but also sets, props, music and graphic identity. "It is an immense body of work, with the unique ability to deploy itself throughout a space," explained Matthieu Orléan, the curator of the exhibition at the Cinémathèque française. "That's why we showcase so many objects." This includes the puppets used in the making of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs (2018), magazines chronicling the exploits of the gifted Tenenbaum family members, cross-stitch landscapes from the imaginary island setting of Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and the bathrobe from the short film Hôtel Chevalier (2007).
