Latest news with #SergioLeone
Epoch Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Unholy Trinity': Better Than a B-film but Not by Much
R | 1h 35m | Drama, Action, Western | 2025 Dating back to 1894, the Western is among the oldest of all movie genres. A mainstay through the 1950s, Westerns fell out of favor at the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood in the mid-1960s, but never completely disappeared. Thanks to the efforts of filmmakers like Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Sam Peckinpah, Kevin Costner, Quentin Tarantino, and Taylor Sheridan, Westerns hold on, even if only by a thread.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Ran' turns 40: How a clerical error and bad blood cost Akira Kurosawa an Oscar
Forty years ago, a clerical error and bad blood cost Akira Kurosawa an Oscar. The legendary Japanese filmmaker's Ran proved the final samurai masterpiece of his distinguished career. His third Shakespeare adaptation, the film is epic in every sense of the word — massive in scale, shot in glorious color, with vicious betrayal and intense action and emotion. At the time of its release in 1985, Kurosawa was certainly well-regarded by the Motion Picture Academy, receiving an Honorary Award for Outstanding Foreign-Language Film for Rashomon, followed by Best Foreign-Language Film in 1976 for Dersu Uzala. The 58th Academy Awards found Ran competing for four awards, including Kurosawa's only Best Director nod — despite not being submitted for Best Foreign-Language Film, a snub that was the product of a messy history. More from GoldDerby 2025 Tony Awards: Complete list of winners (updating live) 'What's next?': Allison Janney on playing a 'badass' on 'The Diplomat,' 'West Wing' 25 years later 'Sinners' bonus feature, 'Good Night' live, Sabrina's song of the summer, 'Fantastic Four' theme, and what to stream this weekend Kurosawa was remarkably influential in the West. Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars was essentially a remake of Yojimbo, and films as diverse as George Lucas' Star Wars (Hidden Fortress), Ingmar Bergman's The Virgin Spring (Rashomon), and John Sturges' The Magnificent Seven and A Bug's Life (Seven Samurai) borrowed liberally from his works. If Kurosawa was accessible to Western audiences, it was perhaps in part because he was inspired by Western literature and film. William Shakespeare provided continued inspiration for Kurosawa, adapting Macbeth (Throne of Blood), Hamlet (The Bad Sleep Well), and King Lear (Ran), who as did great early Western filmmakers, including John Ford. International fame aside, Kurosawa's relationship with the Japanese film industry was significantly strained in the late-'60s through early '70s. He was hired to direct the Japanese section of the 1970's Toei-Fox. coproduction Tora! Tora! Tora!, but had difficulty dealing with Fox's communication, editors, and oversight, and spent considerable time in the thick of a mental crisis. He was prescribed two months of rest, so producer Darryl F. Zanuck's son, Richard, flew to Japan to personally fire Kurosawa. Japanese funding for his projects became scarce, and he relied on external financing support from friends for financing Dodes'ka-den. Between health problems and career turmoil, at a particularly low point, Kurosawa attempted to take his own life late in 1971, though he survived and recovered. The career that followed cemented his trajectory of international acclaim with minimal support from the Japanese film industry. In 1972, the Soviet studio Mosfilm approached the director for what became 1975's Academy Award-winning Dersu Uzala, but despite bringing numerous awards home to Japan, he again had difficulties funding his next epic, Kagemusha. Kurosawa met George Lucas and Frances Ford Coppola in 1978 while preparing for the project, and the pair were wowed by Kurosawa's vision. Coming off the success of Star Wars, Lucas convinced 20th Century Fox head Alan Ladd Jr. to provide a reported $6 million in 1979 to complete the film's funding. The film was a success, and Kurosawa ultimately referred to Kagemusha as a 'dress rehearsal' for his biggest project yet: Ran. Used to funding sources outside Japan, for Ran, Kurosawa secured the involvement of French producer Serge Silberman (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie), alongside Japan's Nippon Herald Ace, to make the film, which opened in U.S. theaters on June 1, 1985. The Academy's rules for Best Foreign Film allowed one submission film per country to be considered for nomination, with each country having a unique nomination process. Speaking with The New York Times, Silberman admitted he had attempted to submit Ran as an 'independent' collaboration between France and Japan, an unintentional violation of Academy rules. Silberman next considered entering Ran as a French entry, but French rules stipulated submissions to be in the French language. That would require extensive dubbing, because the film starred Japanese actors and was shot and filmed in Japan. Silberman thought a French dub simply wouldn't have worked, so French submission was off the table. The final option would be submission to Japan's Motion Picture Producers Association (now MPPAJ), and this is where it gets even messier. According to the Times, a representative of the Japanese producers association said Ran wasn't submitted for consideration, and that the nominating committee was told the film would be submitted through France. Silberman claimed that the group refused to give more time to the decision after plans for an independent entry were nixed by the Academy. Then again, it's entirely plausible that major players in Japan's film industry weren't displeased with an opportunity to disrupt the film's Oscar chances. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Kurosawa refused to attend Ran's opening-night presentation at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Kurosawa had a rocky history of disagreements with Japan's film industry and had long relied on external funding for production, a recipe for strategic blunder. That snubbed festival was headed by Shigeru Okada, also the head of Toei and a member of Japan's Oscar-selection committee. It may not be a coincidence that Japan submitted Hana Ichi Monme (conveniently a Toei production) in Ran's stead. With its path to the foreign-language film category stymied, Silberman submitted Ran to the Academy for consideration in other feature-length categories, and the rest is Academy Award history. It all makes for a long, twisty story about how Kurosawa's final samurai masterpiece landed him a Best Director nomination in a year where, for a number of odd reasons, it wasn't even up for Best Foreign Film. He received one final honor from the Academy at the 62nd Academy Awards, an Honorary Award celebrating his life in film, appropriately presented by Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Best of GoldDerby Stephen King movies: 14 greatest films ranked worst to best 'The Life of Chuck' cast reveal their favorite Stephen King works, including Mark Hamill's love of the 'terrifying' 'Pet Sematary' From 'Hot Rod' to 'Eastbound' to 'Gemstones,' Danny McBride breaks down his most righteous roles: 'It's been an absolute blast' Click here to read the full article.
Fox News
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Clint Eastwood reflects on decades in Hollywood and his drive to keep working as he turns 95
Clint Eastwood declared that he has no intention of slowing down as he marks his 95th birthday. In a recent interview with the Austrian newspaper Kurier, the legendary actor and director, who turned 95 on Saturday, revealed that he is in pre-production on a new movie, dispelling rumors that 2024's "Juror #2" would be his final film. "There's no reason why a man can't get better with age," he explained. "And I have much more experience today. Sure, there are directors who lose their touch at a certain age, but I'm not one of them." Eastwood launched his acting career in 1954 when he secured a contract with Universal Pictures. He initially struggled to land roles and took on minor parts in movies, including 1955's "Tarantula" and "Revenge of the Creature" before Universal terminated his contract in 1955. The actor landed his breakthrough role when he was cast as Rowdy Yates in the popular TV western "Rawhide," which aired from 1959 to 1965. Eastwood also found international stardom during the 1960s when he played The Man with No Name — a fearless gunfighter whose stoicism masked his brutality. The character appeared in director Sergio Leone's Italian westerns, popularly known as "spaghetti westerns," and included 1964's "A Fistful of Dollars"; 1965's "For a Few Dollars More," and 1966's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." In 1967, the three films were released in the United States and became box office hits, establishing Eastwood as a bankable Hollywood star. While continuing to star in Westerns including "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Pale Rider," Eastwood made his directorial debut in 1971 when he helmed the critically acclaimed movie "Play Misty For Me." That same year, Eastwood starred as police inspector Harry Callahan in the action-thriller "Dirty Harry." The movie was a critical and commercial success and spawned four sequels. Eastwood received two Academy Awards in 1992, after directing and producing the classic Western "Unforgiven." "I'm going to work while I can still learn something or until I'm really senile." In 1995, Eastwood co-starred with Meryl Streep in the hit romantic drama "The Bridges of Madison County," based on the novel of the same name. The role marked a departure from his usual tough-guy roles and showcased his versatility as an actor. The California native found further success with the critical and commercial hits "Mystic River" (2003), "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) and "Letters From Iwo Jima" (2006). At age 74, Eastwood became the oldest person ever to win the Academy Award for Best Director for "Million Dollar Baby," which also earned an Oscar for Best Picture. A few of Eastwood's other acclaimed movies include "Gran Torino" (2008) "Invictus" (2009), "J. Edgar" (2011), "American Sniper" (2014), "Sully" (2016), "The Mule" (2018), "Richard Jewell" (2019) and "Cry Macho" (2021). While speaking with Kurier, Eastwood reflected on the secret behind his drive. "I always knew that you can get further with a positive attitude to life than with a negative one," he said. "You shouldn't see the glass as half empty. And I had that feeling when I was 25, as an aspiring actor who was contemptuously told by numerous producers that I was a failure. I even heard a little voice inside me back then that said you could do it." Eastwood also shared his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood movies, decrying the proliferation of sequels, remakes and franchise films. "We live in an era of remakes and franchises," he noted. "I've shot sequels three times, but I haven't been interested in that for a long while. My philosophy is: do something new or stay at home." Eastwood, who has been married twice and has had several long-term partners, is father to eight children including daughter Laurie, 69, daughter Kimber, 60, son Kyle, 57, daughter Alison, 53, son Scott, 39, daughter Kathryn, 37, daughter Francesca, 31, and daughter Morgan, 28. During his interview with Kurier, Eastwood was asked if his partners had been bothered when he worked with some of Hollywood's most beautiful actresses. "The women in my life have always known that I won't leave them just because I flirt with other women," he said. "I am happy with my life. At a certain point, I have always been older than my wives, but I feel just as young as them, at least mentally." "And physically I'm still doing well, so hopefully no one will have to worry about me in this regard for a long time," he added. Eastwood also explained why he believes he has continued to find success after a career spanning seven decades. "I didn't repeat myself, I didn't always make the same kind of film, I always tried something new," he said. "A new genre, a different role." "As an actor, I was still under contract with a studio, was in the old system and was therefore forced to learn something new every year," he added. "And that's why I'm going to work while I can still learn something or until I'm really senile."
ITV News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Don't mess with the 'Man With No Name' - three gunfighters hunt for stolen gold in Sergio Leone's epic spaghetti western starring Clint Eastwood. Part of the 'Dollars' trilogy. More info
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Iconic films that were completely snubbed by the Oscars
The Oscars may be cinema's most prestigious event but that doesn't mean they always get it right. Time and time again, the Academy has overlooked films that have gone on to become cult classics cultural touchstones or even masterpieces in their own right. Whether it was due to genre bias poor timing or simply being ahead of their time these iconic titles were shockingly shut out come awards season. From blood-soaked westerns to philosophical comedies and unforgettable romances these are the films that deserved Oscar recognition but never even got a foot in the door. 1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) Often hailed as the pinnacle of spaghetti westerns, Sergio Leone's epic tale of greed and gunslingers redefined the genre. Yet, the Academy didn't take notice—possibly because westerns weren't seen as serious cinema until decades later, when Clint Eastwood, the film's lead, won big for Unforgiven. 2. The Shining (1980) Despite its now-iconic status and Stanley Kubrick's masterful direction, this Stephen King adaptation was completely ignored. No nominations, even for Jack Nicholson's terrifying performance or the haunting score. Today, it's considered one of the greatest horror films ever made. 3. Before Sunrise (1995) Richard Linklater's romantic drama introduced audiences to Jesse and Céline, two strangers whose 24-hour connection became a generational love story. While the sequels earned Oscar nods, the original chapter didn't receive a single nomination. 4. Groundhog Day (1993) Bill Murray's time-loop comedy is widely celebrated for its clever script, existential themes, and heartwarming charm. It's now a classic, but the Academy completely passed it over in 1993. 5. Zodiac (2007) David Fincher's meticulous and haunting true-crime thriller about the infamous Zodiac killer was critically lauded but received zero recognition from the Academy. It's since become a cult favourite and one of Fincher's finest. 6. Heat (1995) This Michael Mann crime saga starred Robert De Niro and Al Pacino together onscreen for the first time. With electric performances and a legendary shootout scene, it seemed like Oscar bait—but somehow, it got nothing. 7. The Big Lebowski (1998) Jeff Bridges' turn as The Dude became a pop culture phenomenon. The Coen brothers' offbeat comedy didn't land a single nomination, even as it went on to become one of the most quoted and rewatched films of its time. 8. Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Sergio Leone's sweeping gangster epic starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci missed out entirely—largely because its U.S. release was a heavily edited version. Composer Ennio Morricone was also disqualified due to a studio error in the credits. 9. Reservoir Dogs (1992) Quentin Tarantino's explosive debut changed indie cinema and became an instant cult hit. Despite its unforgettable dialogue and impact on filmmaking, it didn't even score a screenplay nomination. 10. In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar-wai's hypnotic tale of forbidden romance remains one of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant films ever made. It's revered globally—but the Oscars never acknowledged it. 11. American Psycho (2000) Christian Bale's chilling portrayal of Patrick Bateman in this razor-sharp satire of yuppie excess has become legendary. The film was divisive at the time, but its influence is undeniable—and yet, it was completely overlooked.
