Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Towne has passed away at the age of 89. Towne died at his home in Los Angeles. The news of his death was confirmed by publicist Carrie McClure in a statement. During a long career that began in the 1960s, when he worked as an actor and writer for B-movie director Roger Corman, Towne became one of the most sought-after script doctors in movie history, frequently called upon to solve structural problems and create great moments for other people’s films, reports 'Variety'. Towne came to prominence in the 1970s with three critical and commercial hits released within a 14-month period: ‘The Last Detail’, ‘Chinatown’, and ‘Shampoo’. All three screenplays were Oscar-nominated, with ‘Chinatown’ winning in its year. According to Variety, Robert was hired as a “special consultant” by Warren Beatty for 1967’s ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. He restructured the picture to dramatise the outlaws’ impending doom and turned an inert family reunion scene with Beatty and Faye Dunaway into one of the picture’s emotional high points. Clyde’s charming bravado falls flat when Bonnie’s mother responds, “You try to live three miles from me and you won’t live long, honey.” Director Arthur Penn was delighted with Towne’s work. “It helped Warren play the scene, and it certainly helped Faye and the mother,” Penn said. Though most of Towne’s script doctoring went uncredited -- for example, in ‘The Parallax View’, ‘Marathon Man’, ‘The Missouri Breaks’, and ‘Heaven Can Wait’. He received a rare honour in 1973 when ‘The Godfather’ director Francis Ford Coppola thanked him in his Oscar acceptance speech for scripting the touching and pivotal Pacino-Brando garden scene -- a scene not in Mario Puzo’s book. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 July,2024 10:26 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSActor Lindsay Lohan talked about feeling like “a little kid again” during her experience of returning to Walt Disney Studios to shoot the sequel to her 2003 body-swap comedy movie Freaky Friday. “Jamie [Lee Curtis] and I have stayed in touch over the years. You know how they say when you have a best friend or someone you’re really close with? If you cannot see them for years and years, but when you see them again, it’s like you never separated. I think, for me, it was when I went onto the Disney lot because that’s not just Freaky Friday for me. That’s The Parent Trap [1998], Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen [2004], and Herbie[2005],” she said in an interview. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan on the set of Freaky Friday 2 Remembering the past, the actor said, “When I got there, I kind of felt like this essence of a little kid again. I’m so grateful for every moment of it. Every second, I’m going to get emotional. It’s a great experience.” Lohan starred as Anna in the remake of the 1976 Disney classic, along with Curtis as the mother of Tess Coleman. When the bickering mother and daughter crack open an enchanted fortune cookie, they end up experiencing a day in each other’s life. Lohan and Curtis commenced filming early last month with a picture in front of their dressing room trailers. “We’re back!” she captioned a behind-the-scenes clip, as Disney announced: “The Colemans are back and coming to theatres in 2025! The sequel to Freaky Friday is now in production!” Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the sequel will have Anna all grown up with a daughter of her own while also preparing to take on a stepdaughter with her new marriage.Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Manny Jacinto have joined the cast for the sequel. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 July,2024 06:19 AM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesFilmmaker Tim Burton's film 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', starring Michael Keaton, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe, is set to open the upcoming Venice Film Festival. The film also stars Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Justin Theroux, and Monica Bellucci. Burton’s follow-up to his 1988 comedy-horror classic, in which Keaton returns as the foul-mouthed, shape-shifting ghoul, will have its world premiere on August 28, reports Variety.com. 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' will feature three generations of the Deetz clan, who move back into their Winter River home after a sudden death in the family. The story follows a rebellious teenage girl, Astrid, who discovers a portal to the afterlife hidden in the basement. This film is the latest horror title to star Ortega, who previously starred in Burton’s Netflix original series "Wednesday." “‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ marks the long-awaited return of one of the most iconic characters of Tim Burton’s cinema, but also the happy confirmation of the extraordinary visionary talent and the masterly realization of one of the most fascinating auteurs of his time,” Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera said in a statement. "The Venice Biennale is honoured and proud to host the world premiere of a work that features a surprising swing of creative imagination and driving hallucinatory rhythm." “I’m very excited by this. It means a lot to me to have the world premiere of this film at the Venice Film Festival,” Burton added. This year’s Venice Film Festival is said to be a star-studded affair with names such as Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Gal Gadot, and Ana de Armas among many other Hollywood personalities likely to be a part. The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will begin from August 28 to September 7. The full line-up will be announced on July 23. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 July,2024 05:44 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSJamie Dornan, known for his role in the 'Fifty Shades' franchise, recently shared insights into his ongoing friendship with Dakota Johnson, his co-star from the steamy film series. Dornan, 42, disclosed that he remains in touch with Johnson and is looking forward to spending time with her and her fiance, Chris Martin. In an interview, Dornan revealed, "I was just texting with her a couple of days ago. I think she's London bound a wee bit over the next few weeks so trying to see her and Chris for dinner," as per E! News. The actor expressed eagerness to catch up with Johnson and Martin, emphasizing their continued bond beyond their work together on screen. Johnson, 33, has reciprocated the sentiment, previously describing Dornan as family. "There was never a time when we didn't get along," she said in an earlier interview, adding, "I know it's weird, but he's like a brother to me." She further expressed her deep affection for Dornan, stating, "I love Jamie so, so, so much. We were really there for each other. We had to really trust each other and protect each other." The actress's recent visit to the UK included supporting Martin, 45, during Coldplay's headlining performance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 29, accompanied by Martin's children Apple, 20, and Moses, 18, from his previous marriage with Gwyneth Paltrow. Reports obtained by E! News suggest that Johnson and Martin have been privately engaged for several years, highlighting their enduring relationship. Reflecting on her admiration for Martin's musical talent, Johnson shared with Bustle in March, "I love watching him. I could watch him every day. I don't know how to explain it. I feel like I don't know. I'm watching my favourite being do his most favourite thing." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 July,2024 05:39 AM IST | Washington | ANISinger-songwriter Zayn Malik graced the cover of a magazine, and while it might sound mundane, it isn’t for the desi folk as he decided to don multiple sherwanis by celebrity designer Manish Malhotra. Manish took to Instagram and shared details of Zayn’s look. He wrote, “Global music icon Zayn Malik graces the cover in our regal navy chenille sherwani. Adorned with intricate ivory embroidery, this piece draws inspiration from the exquisite architectures of Rajasthan. Complementing his attire, Zayn is seen wearing the Manish Malhotra High Jewellery signature collar pins, encrusted with brilliant-cut diamonds.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by MANISH MALHOTRA (@manishmalhotraworld) Last month, Zayn shared that he regrets not taking time to appreciate his time with the English-Irish pop boy band One Direction, which was formed in London in 2010. "The main thing that I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough," Malik said on the Zach Sang Show. "I feel like I just took things too seriously, you know? I'm grateful that I'm able to be happier now. I can enjoy things and own my perspective a bit, you know? Like, a glass half full versus it being half empty. That's my choice." Malik surprised the world by leaving the mega-popular British boy band in 2015. A year later, the group, which featured Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson, announced an extended break. The singer is a dad to daughter Khai who was born in September 2020, when he was with supermodel Gigi Hadid. The couple split up a year later in October 2021 after an alleged incident that took place between Malik and Gigi's mother Yolanda Hadid. Zayn was charged with four criminal offences of harassment after the alleged altercation with Yolanda. Later, Zayn gave an official statement on his Social Media Account and wrote, "As you all know I am a private person and I very much want to create a safe and private space for my daughter to grow up in, a place where private family matters aren't thrown on the world stage for all to poke and pick apart. In an effort to protect that space for her, I agreed to not contest claims arising from an argument I had with a family member of my partner's who entered our home while my partner was away several weeks ago." After pleading no contest, he was put on 90-day probation for each of his four offences and was asked to take part in an anger management course. (With inputs from ANI)
02 July,2024 11:23 AM IST | MumbaiAlec and Hilaria Baldwin have commemorated their 12th wedding anniversary with poignant reflections and heartfelt messages on social media. The couple, known for their openness about their relationship, shared personal insights into their journey together since tying the knot in June 2012. Posting on Instagram over the weekend, Alec Baldwin, 66, expressed gratitude and affection for his wife, accompanied by a series of nostalgic wedding day photos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta) "Although I fell in love with you the moment I met you, marrying you seemed like a dream," Alec captioned the post. He acknowledged the challenges they've faced as a couple, including the joys and sorrows of raising a large family. "In spite of some tough times for me, I wouldn't trade any of it. Happy Anniversary. You are my gift," the actor added warmly. Hilaria Baldwin, 40, reciprocated with a heartfelt selfie of the couple and shared her thoughts on their marital journey. "Happy 12 years of marriage, Alec...not only have there been joyful ups and sad downs that life inevitably brings, but we have also experienced everything from sideways, zigzags, tremendous love and also things that are so painfully and plainly backwards," she wrote alongside the Instagram snapshot. She emphasized the importance of family and friends in finding comfort and strength during challenging times. "How lucky am I to have you and our children, Alec," she expressed gratefully. Addressing her followers, Hilaria apologized for her decreased social media presence recently and expressed her appreciation for their kindness and support. "I hope you feel how much your kindness is a gift that we will forever treasure," she added before professing her love for Alec. The couple shares seven children Carmen, 10, Rafael, 8, Leonardo, 7, Romeo, 6, Eduardo, 3, Maria Lucia, 3, and Ilaria, 1. Alec is also a father to Ireland, 28, from a previous relationship, who recently became a mother herself to daughter Holland with Andre Allen Anjos, according to Page Six. In addition to celebrating their anniversary, Alec and Hilaria Baldwin announced their upcoming reality show on TLC, 'The Baldwins,' which will give viewers a glimpse into their family life with its highs and lows. The show is slated to premiere next year, showcasing the dynamics of their bustling household, according to Page Six. The couple's personal milestone comes amid Alec Baldwin's ongoing legal proceedings following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. Alec pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges and is set to face trial starting with jury selection on July 9 in Santa Fe. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 06:07 AM IST | Washington | ANIDirector Greg Berlanti has shared insights into the making of his latest romantic dramedy, 'Fly Me to the Moon,' highlighting the unexpected journey from planning a streaming release to a theatrical debut. Berlanti spoke candidly at a friends and family screening of the film held at San Vicente Bungalows, underscoring the film's unique appeal and the chemistry between its stars, according to Variety. Initially slated for direct-to-streaming release, Berlanti revealed that audience testing across various states, including California and Texas, prompted a shift in plans. "Every time, it was very much a resounding response that this was a theatrical movie," Berlanti explained, acknowledging the positive feedback from test screenings, as per Variety. Produced by Apple Original Films and distributed by Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures, 'Fly Me to the Moon' offers a reimagined take on the Space Race era. The film stars Channing Tatum as Cole Davis, a former military pilot overseeing Apollo 11's launch, and Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones, a savvy New York advertising executive tasked with promoting the space program. Berlanti emphasized the audience's appreciation for the film's originality within a historical fiction framework. "They were so grateful for an original... story wrapped around that," he noted as per Variety. Johansson initially approached Berlanti to direct after a previous project fell through, and the chemistry between Tatum and Johansson proved evident from their first read-through. "They both can have chemistry with a wall, but you don't know until you have them together," Berlanti quipped adding "From the second the read-through was happening, it was instant." Alongside Tatum and Johansson, the ensemble cast includes Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Jim Hash, and Anna Garcia. Filming took place primarily in Georgia and on the NASA campus in Florida, contributing to the film's authentic backdrop and setting. Despite challenges, including working with cats despite his allergies, Berlanti praised the feline actors' intelligence and adaptability on set. "Of all the animals I've ever worked with, these cats were the smartest and the easiest to deal with," he shared. 'Fly Me to the Moon' is set to premiere in theatres on July 12, promising audiences a blend of historical intrigue, romantic sparks, and unexpected twists. As Berlanti and the cast gear up for the film's release, anticipation is high for its reception among both critics and viewers alike. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 05:59 AM IST | Washington | ANICamila Cabello’s “rebranding” of sorts, after her much-talked-about break-up with Shawn Mendes, may not precisely appeal to her followers, as her latest album, C, Xoxo, struggles to find an identity. Cabello comes across as an artiste who cares far too much, or too little, and, in the process, delivers an album whose sonic quality mimics this indecisiveness. On top of my playlist: Vasuda Sharma Bad guy by Billie Eilish:I like the song’s effortlessness, especially that of the hook line; it’s catchy and addictive. Lights up by Harry Styles:The song’s pre-chorus section has an unpredictable change in the chords. I love that. Bailgaadi by Sharma And The Besharams: The track has a laid-back groove, and the lyrics are fun and quirky. Tiny bit of sky by Blackstratblues: It has a lovely vibe.
01 July,2024 01:00 PM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamMusic sensation Taylor Swift expressed her admiration for Simone Biles after the Olympic champion gymnast dazzled audiences by incorporating Swift's song 'Ready For It' into her floor routine during the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Trials. Swift, 34, took to social media to share her excitement over Biles' use of the track from her 2017 album 'Reputation,' which played as Biles executed her routines, including the challenging triple-double tumbling pass. Biles had previously made history with this move at the US Gymnastics Championships in 2019. "Watched this so many times and still unready. She's ready for it tho," Swift commented after a full clip of Biles' routine was shared by NBC Olympics and Paralympics. Biles, 27, concluded her performance with Travis Scott's 'Delresto (Echoes),' featuring Beyonce. Despite facing challenges during the beam event, Biles' strong showings on the floor, bars, and vault secured her first place in the women's qualifying rounds, as per Page Six. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift has been captivating her own audience during the European leg of her Eras Tour, currently preparing for a performance in Dublin, Ireland. Reflecting on her album 'Folklore,' Swift connected its storytelling nature to the Irish landscape during her concert at Aviva Stadium. "Folklore in general, it just belongs in Ireland," Swift shared with her audience after performing 'Cardigan.' "How I imagined the album world looking [was like] Ireland. Storytelling with lots of different characters. You guys have that on lock, too. That's very Irish, the storytelling," she said as per Page Six. Swift recently wrapped up a series of highly anticipated shows in London, where she delighted fans with special appearances, including a cameo from her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. According to Page Six, her tour will next take her to Amsterdam, Netherlands, for three consecutive shows before continuing to Germany. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 July,2024 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor-rapper Will Smith has released new music with a completely fresh sound. The four-time Grammy-winning rapper-actor, 55, has been on a solo music hiatus since dropping his 2017 EDM track, Get lit, which came over a decade after his last studio album, 2005’s Lost and Found. However, the Bad Boys: Ride or Die star has returned with a brand-new offering titled You can make it. Smith slapped Rock for making fun of wife Jade Pinkett’s alopecia The uplifting single, backed by the Sunday Service Choir of Kanye West’s Jesus Is King fame and assisted by Fridayy, finds Smith back in his rap bag as he shares an urgent message for listeners. “You are in the smoke and the fire, tight rope on the wires. I see you’re broken and tired, and all your hope is expired”, he raps on the track. “So many tests for the flesh, exhausted, gasping to catch your breath, walking through the valley of the shadow of death and when you think you’ve got nothing left, keep going.” According to reports, later in the song, the Summertime rapper seems to turn his encouraging advice to himself, alluding to dealing with past personal battles—like the infamous 2022 Oscar slap incident with Chris Rock—with lyrics like, “Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith. In the rearview, I see adversity was the gift. Out of the madness, out of the maze, out of the saddest into the rays, the darkest of nights turns into day and every storm runs out of rain.” Smith’s return to music comes amid his box-office success with his latest Bad Boys instalment, also starring Martin Lawrence. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 June,2024 07:12 AM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesCourteney Cox, who turned 60 in June, is not upset about getting older and doesn’t think time has changed her “one bit.” “I’m fine with it. I love my life, and I love that I’m still working after all this time. I’m feeling very grateful. If anything, I’m probably more compassionate now,” she told in a magazine interview. The actor said, “I speak my mind, but people who know me can handle it. With me, you certainly get what you get.” The Scream actor, who has a 20-year-old daughter, Coco, with her former husband David Arquette and is in a relationship with Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, feels her creative nature has helped her stay young at heart. She explained, “Overcoming challenges, being creative, and thinking outside the box is what makes life exciting. It keeps you young.” Looking back on her life, Cox regrets being a “comparative person” while working on Friends with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry. “The one thing I wish I hadn’t been is a comparative person. There’s a lot of stuff that can mess with your ego, being on a show in an ensemble like that. It’s hard. It was a lot of learning for me. I wish I hadn’t ever spent time comparing,” she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 June,2024 07:12 AM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
