The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies
The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies |
- Master craftsman
- Jackie Chan calls US 'most corrupt' country in the world
- Hollywood steps out for pre-Oscars Golden Globes awards
| Posted: 12 Jan 2013 11:49 PM PST Kamal Hassan, one of Indian cinema's most multifaceted stars, shares his thoughts on acting, filmmaking and his latest project. PICKING a favourite Kamal Hassan performance is no easy task; not only has the South Indian thespian acted in over 150 films, they span a range of genres from social dramas to comedies to thrillers to romances. After all, how does one choose from a long list of lauded performances that include (just to name a few), an iconic turn as an underworld don (Nayagan), an impoverished bharatanatyam dancer (Salangai Oli), a would-be assassin of Mahatma Gandhi (Hey Ram) and estranged quadruplets in a hilarious crime caper (Michael Madhana Kamarajan)? In fact, any Tamil film enthusiast would find it difficult to list his or her favourite movies without including at least one Kamal Hassan-starrer, so ubiquitous is his presence in the industry (many would argue that his popularity is outshone only by Rajinikanth). Hailing from Paramakudi in Tamil Nadu, Kamal made his debut in Tamil cinema at age three. His break as a lead actor came in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal. He has since made a reputation for himself as a multifaceted method actor who can essay practically any role with elan. Considered by many to be the greatest living actor in South Indian films today, the 58-year-old holds the distinction of garnering the most National Film Awards (Best Actor for Moondram Pirai, Nayagan and Indian, and as producer for Thevar Magan) as well as a record 19 Filmfare Awards. He is also a holder of India's prestigious Padma Shri title, the country's fourth highest civilian award given to citizens for distinguished contributions to various sectors of activity including the arts, education, sports and science. To say then that each new film of his bears the heavy burden of expectation would be an understatement, and his upcoming thriller, Vishwaroopam, is no exception. Kamal, however, takes it all in his stride. Speaking about the film during a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur, he shares that it is an international story revolving around terrorism and war. Kamal, who also wrote and directed the film, plays Vishwanathan, a kathak dancer who is settled in the United States in a marriage of convenience with Nirupama (Pooja Kumar). Sharing the screen with them are Rahul Bose, Andrea Jeremiah and Shekhar Kapur. The film, which features music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, will also be released simultaneously in Hindi as Vishwaroop. The idea for the movie came from a need Kamal had to talk about the violence the human race inflicts upon itself. "I had a comment to make as a common man, on the total disregard for human life. Be it the Nazis, Israel, the US, India or Pakistan, we have all regretted unleashing wild terrorism or war against other nations, because the results have never been conducive to civil society. "If you ask the common man, the answer to all this world violence is so simple, yet great governments and huge parliaments are not able to make that sensible decision," he says. The question, he adds, was how to put such deep issues into a film that is also meant to entertain. "The foreign policy of Britain was very cleverly ridiculed and satirised in a great film like Lawrence Of Arabia. Vishwaroopam is not a political film, it is (framed as) a thriller, but I suppose you could call it a political thriller too." Kamal is no stranger to intertwining complex issues with entertainment value, whether it is communism in Anbe Sivam or capital punishment in Virumandi. He is also well-known for taking risks in his films, from acting in a silent film (Pushpak) to forgoing the standard song-and-dance formula of Indian films entirely, as in Kuruthipoonal. Vishwaroopam, meanwhile, will be one of the first few films in the world to be equipped with the Auro 3D sound format, which delivers an immersive and reportedly more natural soundscape (Red Tails and Rise Of The Guardians are other examples of films that utilise Auro 3D). Kamal is also attempting to release the film on direct-to-home (DTH) platforms ahead of its theatrical premiere – a move that has resulted in vehement protests from Indian theatre owners. Constantly pushing the envelope is what keeps his passion for films alive, Kamal says, adding that he would be as bored as the audience if he didn't experiment with his work. "I'm a very uncomfortable monkey in a box, and coming out of the box is not a logical or planned decision, it's a need. It's exactly the same need as the audience that wants to go and see a different film. "I want the changes in the content as much as the audience does, otherwise I might as well be working for a car factory, making the same hubcaps over and over again," he says. A celebrated screenwriter, producer and director in his own right, Kamal approaches his projects from a unique point-of-view, one that has been honed by his many years of experience working with the finest talents in the Indian film industry. "When it comes to filmmaking, I'm a confused student. My teacher, (director) K. Balachander (who directed many of Kamal's early films), never gave me parameters. I've done everything from holding light reflectors to performing stunts to pouring watering cans for rain scenes. In a way, he ruined the possibility of me being a disciplined monocultural actor. "Becoming a director or writer are not hats that I wear, they're tasks that I get into as and when necessary. It's responsibility-based rather than ego-based," he explains. When asked if he finds it a struggle to balance his sensibilities with the predominantly populist fare favoured by Tamil film audiences, his answer is pragmatic. "I've learnt to accept the truth, like George Clooney, Steven Spielberg or even Akira Kurosawa. Kurosawa is a great example of someone who was a commercial director in Japan, and was also hailed as a master by the rest of the world, and that happened within his lifetime. "I'm a keen student of Kurosawa and even (Francis Ford) Coppola. The Godfather (directed by Coppola) is a very commercial film, but it's also an iconic classic that will go down in the annals of cinema as a cousin to Citizen Kane. I feel that there's nothing wrong with reaching more people with a great idea, and if you're honest and brave enough, there need not be a compromise to do that." Already creating buzz with its stylish, fast-paced trailer, Vishwaroopam has been drawing comparisons to Hollywood movies, with its thrilling plot, exotic locations (filming was done in the US, Afghanistan and Jordan, among others) and high-octane stunts. Kamal, however, prefers not to be compared to Hollywood, even though he is often cited as India's best chance of one day bagging an Oscar – he holds the distinction of having starred in the most number of films submitted by India for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "With true respect, I want to say the Oscars are not world-standard. I have made an Indian film, so I should look for fame and glory among my peers. What's the use of being treated extraordinarily well when I'm a guest somewhere? That's the only way they're going to treat a guest. "All my nominated films were not in competition with American films, they were given special guest status, and they're going to forgive and be nice because I'm a guest. The only way I will respect any Oscar nomination for myself is when I'm on a level playing ground. An Indian film looking to meet American standards is silly; I think we should set the standards," he asserts. Vishwaroopam is slated to open worldwide on Jan 25. |
| Jackie Chan calls US 'most corrupt' country in the world Posted: 12 Jan 2013 01:52 AM PST HONG KONG: Hong Kong action hero Jackie Chan has once again provoked criticism, this time from an American blogger, after suggesting on Chinese television that the US is the "most corrupt" country in the world. "When you talk about corruption - the whole world, is there corruption in the United States? The most corrupt in the world!" the Rush Hour star, who has made headlines recently for his controversial views, told Phoenix TV last month. Chan reaffirmed his view after the show's host questioned him - "Of course! Where did the great breakdown come from? The world, the United States started it," Chan said, referring to the financial crisis and gesticulating as he spoke. His comments were rebuked Thursday by Max Fisher, a foreign affairs blogger for the Washington Post, who called them "anti-American" rhetoric that was rooted in China's insecurity. "To the degree that Chan's comments were anti-American, they likewise reflect a common Chinese view of the United States, one that is rooted not just in attitudes toward America but in China's proud but sometimes insecure view of itself," Fisher said. Jackie Chan also said China is a relatively young country, where in the first half of its history it was "bullied by so many people", and that it only achieved "real success" in the past decade. "Our country's leaders admit they are corrupted, etcetera. We are improving - I can see our country is constantly improving and learning," he said, adding that everyone is making an issue out of China because it is "powerful" now. Chan, who is known for his martial arts skills and daring stunt work, sparked criticism in Hong Kong, which was returned to China in 1997, after he reportedly told a Chinese magazine last December that protest in the city should be restricted. In the same interview, he said that he was bullied by Hong Kong triads and had to hide in the United States. He also said he needed to carry a gun everyday to protect himself, leading to a police investigation. -AFP |
| Hollywood steps out for pre-Oscars Golden Globes awards Posted: 11 Jan 2013 07:09 PM PST LOS ANGELES: Hollywood hits the red carpet Sunday for the Golden Globes, Tinseltown's biggest pre-Oscars awards show, with Steven Spielberg, Ben Affleck and Quentin Tarantino among those eyeing major prizes. Days after topping nominations for the Academy Awards, Spielberg's political drama "Lincoln" is the frontrunner for Globes glory, with seven nods, ahead of Affleck's Iran drama "Argo" and Tarantino's "Django Unchained," both with five nominations. US TV comedy favorites Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will co-host the Globes, after three years of edgy British comic Ricky Gervais taking barbed near-the-knuckle shots at the assembled A-listers. "It's our job to keep things moving and also try to get the movie stars more liquored-up so that hopefully someone's boob will fall out of a dress," quipped "30 Rock" star Fey, famous for impersonating former US vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. The awards are voted on by the less than 100-member Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), seen as more celebrity-driven than the esteemed Academy of Motion and Picture Arts and Sciences, whose Oscars show is next month. On Thursday, the Academy unveiled its nominations, chosen by some 6,000 industry members, shortlisting most of the same films which are up for Globes at the Beverly Hilton hotel Sunday night. Other drama films tipped include Tom Hooper's musical adaptation "Les Miserables," dark rom-com "Silver Linings Playbook" and Osama bin Laden hunt movie "Zero Dark Thirty," which tied for third place with four Globes nods. Reflecting the perhaps less high-brow taste of the HFPA, Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee's visually stunning 3D adventure "Life of Pi," which picked up 11 Oscar nominations, is running in only three Globes categories. Favorite for best actor is "Lincoln" star Daniel Day-Lewis, against Denzel Washington for piloting "Flight" while drunk, Richard Gere for "Arbitrage," John Hawkes for "The Sessions" and Joaquin Phoenix for "The Master." Best actress is slightly more open: Jessica Chastain is widely tipped for her role as a CIA agent relentlessly tracking bin Laden in "Zero Dark Thirty," while France's Marion Cotillard has drawn praise for for "Rust and Bone." But Britain's Helen Mirren is also a strong contender for her role as a cinema legend's wife in "Hitchcock." Also in the running are Naomi Watts for Indian Ocean tsunami drama "The Impossible" and Rachel Weisz for "The Deep Blue Sea." On the comedy and musical front, best film nominees are Indian-themed "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Silver Linings Playbook," "Les Miserables," "Moonrise Kingdom," and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," starring Ewan McGregor. Best comedy/music actor nods went to Jack Black for "Bernie," "Hangover" star Bradley Cooper for "Silver Linings," Australian Hugh Jackman for "Les Mis," McGregor for "Salmon Fishing" and Bill Murray for "Hyde Park on Hudson." Three British actresses are shortlisted for best comedy or musical turns: Emily Blunt for "Salmon Fishing," Judi Dench for "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and fellow veteran Maggie Smith for "Quartet." On the small screen, multiple award-winning British period drama "Downton Abbey" was nominated for best drama, against "Breaking Bad," "Boardwalk Empire," spy thriller series "Homeland" and "The Newsroom." Fey signaled that she and co-host Poehler will perhaps be less aggressive than Gervais. "Our job is to keep the evening going and make it fun. Not necessarily to break comedic ground or take people down a peg," she said. The three-hour Globes telecast, beamed live around the world, starts at 5:00 pm Sunday (0100 GMT Monday), preceded by a couple of hours of Hollywood's finest strutting their stuff on the first big red carpet of the season. - AFP List of 2013 Golden Globe film nominees LOS ANGELES: Here is a list of nominees in all movie categories for the 2013 Golden Globe awards, due to be handed out in Los Angeles on Sunday. Best drama film: "Argo"; "Django Unchained"; "Life of Pi"; "Lincoln"; "Zero Dark Thirty." Best comedy or musical film: "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"; "Les Miserables"; "Moonrise Kingdom"; "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen"; "Silver Linings Playbook." Best director: Ben Affleck, "Argo"; Kathryn Bigelow, "Zero Dark Thirty"; Ang Li, "Life of Pi"; Steven Spielberg, "Lincoln"; Quentin Tarantino, "Django Unchained." Best actor, drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, "Lincoln"; Richard Gere, "Arbitrage"; John Hawkes, "The Sessions"; Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"; Denzel Washington, "Flight." Best actress, drama: Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty"; Marion Cotillard, "Rust & Bone"; Helen Mirren, "Hitchcock"; Naomi Watts, "The Impossible"; Richard Weisz, "The Deep Blue Sea." Best actor, musical or comedy: Jack Black, "Bernie"; Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook"; Hugh Jackman, "Les Miserables"; Ewan McGregor, "Salmon Fishing In The Yemen"; Bill Murray, "Hyde Park On Hudson." Best actress, musical or comedy: Emily Blunt, "Salmon Fishing In The Yemen"; Judi Dench, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"; Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook"; Maggie Smith, "Quartet"; Meryl Streep, "Hope Springs." Best supporting actor: Alan Arkin, "Argo"; Leonardo DiCaprio, "Django Unchained"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "The Master"; Tommy Lee Jones, "Lincoln"; Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained." Best supporting actress: Amy Adams, "The Master"; Sally Field, "Lincoln"; Anne Hathaway, "Les Miserables"; Helen Hunt, "The Sessions"; Nicole Kidman, "The Paperboy." Best foreign language film: "Amour" (French); "A Royal Affair" (Danish); "The Intouchables" (French); "Kon-Tiki" (Norwegian); "Rust and Bone" (Franco-Belgian). Best screenplay: "Zero Dark Thirty"; "Lincoln"; "Django Unchained"; "Argo"; "Silver Linings Playbook." Best original score: "Anna Karenina"; "Argo"; "Cloud Atlas"; "Life of Pi"; "Lincoln." Best animated feature: "Brave"; "Frankenweenie"; "Hotel Transylvania"; "Rise of the Guardians"; "Wreck-It-Ralph." - AFP |
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