MICHAEL FASSBENDER ON FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE OF "INTERVIEW" BY JOSH BROLIN

Michael Fassbender in February 2012 Issue of Interview

For those of you who follow my Blog, it is no real mystery that I have a clear and present fondness for Michael Fassbender.  The brilliant Actor is still gaining tons of buzz for his startling portrayal of a Sex Addict in Steve McQueen's Shame and on January 20, 2012, he will be seen in Action Flick Haywire alongside Mixed Martial Arts Star Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas and more.

On the February Issue of Interview Magazine, Fassbender chats with his Friend Josh Brolin whom he met in Toronto back in 2008 at TIFF.  Fassbender reveals to Brolin that after filming Prometheus in London earlier last year, he took a break, Motorcycling his way through Europe.  He says, "I did 5,000 miles with my dad. We went through Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Italy . . . and then I did Spain and France by myself. It was a trip—you would have loved it.".  Both Brolin and Fassbender worked together on 2010's Jonah Hex.

Brolin also relays a message from his Wife Diane Lane to Fassbender on his work in Shame after the Couple saw it together at a 10:00 AM screening. 

Click here to read more.

(Photo credit: Sebastian Kim/Interview Magazine)

TRUE GRIT (2010) - FILM REVIEW

Still from True Grit

It really did not need to be made, but The Coen Brothers have re-interpreted 1969 Western True Grit. This remake though, more closely follows Charles Portis' Novel than its predecessor zoning-in on its 14 year-old Heroine Mattie Ross, played by newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. Mattie is out to avenge the murder of her Father by a Traitor named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin).

Left with none more than $320 and a Family to care for, the Girl hires the help of tough-talking, sharp-shooting Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help capture her Father's Murderer. Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) as it turns out, also is in pursuit of Tom Chaney. Despite having a bit of a challenge in persuading these two Men to aid in her cause, she manages to convince them and together they find themselves trekking through Arkansas in a dangerous guns-out fight for justice. Will Mattie be able to avenge the death of her Father or will she, Laboeuf and Rooster suffer a similar fate?

I'll admit that I am not a fan of Westerns and in a year where there have been many strong, original stories on-screen, it's easy for a Film like True Grit to be forgotten.  Everything about this Film though, feels authentic.  The Screenplay is brilliant and despite little back story being given, we somehow are left wanting to unravel the missing pieces to the murder of Mattie's Father and also understand Chaney's justification.  Chalk full of humorous and memorable one-liners, like Rooster describing Mattie's straight talking ways: "You give out very little sugar with your pronouncements", The Coen Brothers delve that one layer deeper into the Psyche. Never do they underestimate the intelligence of their audience.

Particularly engaging is Steinfeld in one of the finest breakout performances in recent memory.  The level of conviction she delivers here is breathtaking - of a maturity many years beyond her youth.  She nails the physicality and emotionality required of her role effortlessly.

TIFF 2010 CELEBRITY GUESTLIST ANNNOUNCED!

Yes! The official Celebrity Guestlist for TIFF 2010 has been announced.  I will keep things short and simple and let you do the clicking here.

I am a little sad that Mila Kunis, the other principal star of Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan alongside Natalie Portman, is not on the list as this is said to be her big breakthrough role. Also absent on the list noticably is Michelle Williams, who is currently in-town filming Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz, but likely busy filming My Week with Marilyn next month, one of three Marilyn Monroe-themed films slated for production.

I was however, a little shocked to see True Blood hunk Ryan Kwanten on the list as it will be interesting seeing him clothed for once. Also Oscar-nominated young actress Abigail Breslin is on the list too! Festival favorite Kristin Scott-Thomas will be back as well as Josh Brolin, William H. Macy, John Legend and Uma Thurman, who all managed to escape my radar somehow!  Should be a good one.