STARLETS GRACE RED CARPET AT 2012 MET BALL

Hilary Swank, Dakota Fanning, Amy Adams, Emma Stone & Ginnifer Goodwin at 2012 Met Ball

The Schiaparellli and Prada: Impossibly Conversations Costume Institute Gala was held tonight in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's bringing together Fashion, Art and Starlets on the Red Carpet. Unlike many other Red Carpets throughout the year, this Evening lauds Fashion risks. It's not only about being glamorous, it's about making a statement and being bold.

After perusing some of the beautiful choices made tonight, I must say I am most in-love with Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli Couture. Pure, classic elegance.  Emma Stone never disappoints and looked super-cute in a short Lanvin Number - a proud display of red. Ginnifer Goodwin has hit her best stride at last, rocking her Pixie Cut and a tangerine Monique Lhuillier Gown.  Hilary Swank looked absolutely stunning in  a red Michael Kors Piece, showing us an even softer side of her than ever before; classic Hollywood.  Dakota Fanning also not only looked perfect, but age-appropriate in Louis Vuitton.  Amaze.

Tonight's Gala was chaired by Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Actress Carey Mulligan and Designer Miuccia Prada.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

DIRECTOR BAZ LUHRMAN CRACKS HEAD OPEN: HALTS PRODUCTION ON "THE GREAT GATSBY"

Still from The Great Gatsby

Ouch! Director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) has halted all production on his $125 million 3-D Spectacle The Great Gatsby, due in theatres next Christmas via Warner Bros.  The Aussie apparently had cracked his head on the weights on the end of a camera crane, resulting in Producers calling an early Christmas Holiday for the Cast (including Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan) and Crew, whom are based currently in Sydney, Australia.

Read more about the incident in the Sydney Morning Herald.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE "SHAME" | MICHAEL FASSBENDER SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Official Artwork for SHAME

Brandon (Michael Fassbender) is a thirty-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister Cissy (Carey Mulligan) moves into his apartment, Brandon’s world spirals out of control. From Director Steve McQueen, SHAME is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us.

Easily my favourite Film thus far in 2011, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven is proud to partner together with Alliance Films to take ten lucky Readers to see a Toronto Advance Screening of SHAME. The Film has won the acclaim of Critics everywhere in its run thus far in the Festival Circuit in Toronto, New York, Venice and London, among others.

The Screening takes place Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Scotiabank Theatre. To qualify, you must click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before November 28, 2011. Please keep in mind the Film contains graphic content and language and is Restricted.

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF "DRIVE" & SIGNED RYAN GOSLING PHOTO

I promised, I deliver.  Partnering for the first-time ever with Thomas Allen & Son Limited, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven wants to give one lucky Reader a chance to win a copy of James Sallis' Novel, Drive, paired with a signed Ryan Gosling Photo. The stellar Film Adaptation starring Gosling, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Carey Mulligan is now in theatres via Alliance Films.

See Photos & Video from the TIFF 2011 Premiere of Drive here.

See Photos of Gosling arriving in Toronto for TIFF here.

To qualify for the win, you must "like" the Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Facebook Page and leave a comment under this Post answering the question, does the Director of Drive, Nicolas Winding Refn, actually know how to drive?   You have until October 22, 2011 to qualify.  Good luck, Mavenati!  (Hint: Video on my Drive Premiere Post).

Even if you don't win, don't fret as I'll be giving away additional copies of Drive here also...

AFTER COMIC-CON WILL "DRIVE" BE SURFACING AT TIFF?

Ryan Gosling & Mr. Will-W.

Yesterday the Press Conference for Cannes Film Festival favourite Drive was held in San Diego amidst all the Comic-Con fun, and star Carey Mulligan had nothing but praise for her handsome co-star Ryan Gosling.  She revealed, "He was amazing, such a nice guy, and explained his preparation for his role as a Stunt Actor.  "He spent months before the film knowing everything there was to know about cars. He built his own car for the film...and he learned stunt driving! He was a machine. Everyone loved him, he was a dream, he was amazing.".  Mulligan will be headed to Australia shortly to begin work on Moulin Rouge Director Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby 3-D alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher and Joel Edgerton.

Danish Director Nicolas Winding Refn told those in attendance that upon first meeting Gosling, he was worried that he had made a negative impression for himself after having taken medication for his Flu beforehand.  Refn says, "It was like a blind date in real life; nobody was going to get fucked tonight. We had simply no connection because I was so out of it, so stoned.". Hilarious!  Like in real life sometimes you can't just base things on a first impression as clearly things worked out with the great buzz Drive is receiving right now.

BEN AFFLECK ALMOST CONFIRMED FOR "THE GREAT GATSBY 3-D"

Ben Affleck - TIFF 2010

Although I'm not quite sure how it's going to work in 3-D, Director Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is said to have lured its newest Cast member in Ben Affleck. 

The Actor/Director is said to almost be confirmed for the role of Tom Buchanan, Husband of Daisy (Carey Mulligan) in the Story. Also attached to the project so far are Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

 

Affleck seems to be thriving right now as a Director hot off the success of The Town, and is still in talks to direct Argo in Iran, which is based on the true story of the Hostage Crisis in Tehran in the late '70s.  Warner Bros. will be releasing both Argo and The Great Gatsby 3-D.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CAREY MULLIGAN CAST IN BAZ LUHRMANN'S "THE GREAT GATSBY"

Carey Mulligan at TIFF 2010

The kindest, most gracious and beautiful Carey Mulligan just received a bit of great news from Director Baz Luhrmann, who has cast her in the plum role of Daisy Buchanan in his upcoming big budget adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The groundbreaking Novel is a critique of the American Dream and inspired many other important films which also touched upon the topic, like Oscar-winning American Beauty.  It is said that Leonardo DiCaprio will be playing the role of Jay Gatsby.

Moulin Rouge Director Luhrmann also is reportedly in talks with the Creators of Glee to be a Guest Director on an a future episode after having approached Ryan Murphy recently about this; he is a huge fan fo the Show.

Carey Mulligan, A-Lister.  It's official.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MICHAEL DOUGLAS IS KING OF THE BOX OFFICE STILL

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

He's still got it.  Michael Douglas is King of the Box Office with Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, 23 years after being debuting in third in December 1987 with its predecessor.  Despite some negative reviews, the follow-up to the Oscar-winning Oliver Stone film brought in a total $19 million this weekend from 3,565 theatres.  Although some of this could be coming from sympathy support for the actor after his recent Cancer announcement, here's to hoping for a quick recovery to the legendary Douglas from one Cancer survivor to another.

Warner Bros.' Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole 3-D boasts an all-star cast including Helen Mirren, Abbie Cornish, Joel Edgerton and Ryan Kwanten, but doesn't boast the big numbers of its $100 million budget.  Still though, it's enough to land it in second spot this weekend with $16.3 million.  I'd expect this will perform much better overseas.

Although The Town slips to third spot this weekend, its drop is only minor as it still was able to pull in $16 million this weekend.  In only two weeks, it has pulled in $49.1 million.  The same applies to Emma Stone's star-making Easy A which debuted in second last week but slips to fourth this weekend with $10.8 million.  Both The Town and Easy A's commercial success have also matched their critical success.

Disappointing though is Disney's You Again which I loved, but only managing to debut in fifth spot with $8.3 million.  Despite poor reviews, I can't agree that the negative remarks actually mean that this  is not worth a visit to the theatre.  

Miraculously, Inception is still hanging onto the Top Ten at the bottom end with $1.2 million from 907 theatres.  Shall we see if it hangs on for a twelfth week?

TIFF PREMIERE OF NEVER LET ME GO (PICS & REVIEW)

Andrew Garfield & Mr. Will-W.

Mark Romanek's Never Let Me Go is a beautiful film crafted delicately right down to its gorgeous colour treatment - but don't walk in expecting smiles and laughter. The adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's acclaimed novel received a TIFF North American premiere at Ryerson Theatre tonight with the Author, Director and lead actors Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield present.  The story imagines a world where human cloning is done for the purpose of organ donation and the emotional impact of knowing that your life will end prematurely after your organs have been donated. Can one be in love with another knowing that their life will end prematurely at the discretion of someone else?

The story follows three clones who are raised together, with both girls Kathy (Mulligan) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) divided by their feelings for Tommy (Garfield). Tommy and Ruth wind up in love from a young age, despite Kathy also having feelings for him.  Her jealousy and self-defeat push her into isolation.  Even hough their fates have been sealed as clones, they come to realize that with love, there is a real reason to want to continue living. 

Knightley (absent today) is a pleasure to watch even though her screen time is minimal. Mulligan who was lovely for fans, generously dividing time with them on the Red Carpet, proves that indeed her success is no fluke after last year's An Education.  She delivers a nuanced performance here, while Garfield, our next Spiderman, has an almost-childlike curiosity about him - surely the first of many more high profile performances including David Fincher's upcoming The Social Network. Interestingly upon speaking to him today, he told me he was jealous that I've seen it before him actually! Check out my review of that film here.

DANIEL CRAIG CONFIRMED FOR U.S. VERSION OF THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

OMG. They're practically Twins.  Daniel Craig has been confirmed to play the role of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the American adaptation of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  The role was played originally by Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist in the Millennium Trilogy.  As you're all aware the amazing David Fincher will be directing the first instalment of the series.

Of course, casting for the edgy starring role of Lisabeth Sander is still up in the air with Carey Mulligan no longer among the candidates.  Rumoured actresses up for the role at this point in casting include Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska and Rooney Mara according to Entertainment Weekly.  Expect them to throw us for a loop and cast someone obscure.  Sneaky.

CAREY MULLIGAN TO STAR IN U.S. VERSION OF "THE GIRL WITH A DRAGON TATTOO"

Can I spot a star or what?  The radiant and talented Carey Mulligan has signed in to star in all three film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's trilogy starting first with The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo.  I reviewed the original Swedish version of the film here last week and overall wasn't wowed, but hopefully the U.S. version will make a few modifications. 

It will be interesting seeing the sweet and soft-spoken (I can confirm after meeting her in-person) Mulligan transform into the dark role of Lisabeth Salander who gets tortured, raped and ultimately fights back.  Brad Pitt is rumoured to play the male lead role of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist.  One thing I'm sure of in the very least is that the names will probably be changed to Liz and Mike for the American adaptation:p  And things aren't looking like they're slowing down any time soon following a star-turning role in An Education last year. 

Mulligan will also be appearing in Wall Street 2: Money Never Dies which opens this September alongside Michael Douglas and boyfriend Shia LaBeouf.  She's it.  (Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL TITLES ANNOUNCED

Director Doug Liman's Fair Game will be among many future Oscar-contending films at this year's 63rd Cannes Film Festival  to be held May 12-23, 2010.  The film stars Sean Penn and Naomi Watts, who will be appearing together yet again after garnering critical success in The Assasination of Richard Nixon and 21 Grams previously.  The political drama is about CIA agent Valerie Plame, who is exposed by White House Officials after he wrote a New York Times piece with incriminating evidence against the Bush administration and its decision to invade Iraq.  Heavy stuff. 

The story inspired 2008's Nothing But The Truth starring Vera Farmiga and Kate Beckinsale, but Liman's film is the actual real deal.  Watts has a second film, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, which also is the latest film from legendary Woody Allen.  It also stars Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto and Josh Brolin.  Hmm, gee... I wonder who will be cast as the Tall Dark Stranger in this one?  Could it be sexy MANtonio?

VANITY FAIR - HOLLYWOOD'S NEW "IT GIRLS"

.... and a warm welcome goes to Hollywood's newest batch of "It Girls".  These photos above, taken by Annie Leibowitz will be appearing in the March 2010 issue of Vanity Fair and Evgenia Peretz does a brief profile on each of these talented young actresses.

Sasha Stone at one of my favourite blogs Awards Daily, really nailed it on the head though - there are no minorities in this group of actresses.  The Huffington Post made a similar observation.  Is Hollywood really progressing enough to cast actors who are truly indicative of America's social reality?  Or has a wider ethnic spectrum of talent been excluded in this photo shoot?

Included in the group are:

• Carey Mulligan who is getting a lot of Oscar buzz for her breakthrough performance in An Education. I did have the opportunity to meet her last fall at TIFF and she is absolutely delightful.
• Kristen Stewart, star of Twilight and A New Moon.  Her next film in theatres this March is The Runaways, which has her playing rock legend Joan Jett.
• Amanda Seyfried, best known perhaps for her ability to predict weather with her boobs in Mean Girls and for starring alongside Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia.  I also got to meet her a TIFF this past September and she's another sweetheart. Her latest tear-jerker Dear John is also poised to debut big at the Box Office.
• Abbie Cornish, who is getting a bit of Oscar buzz for her turn in Bright Star.
• Rebecca Hall who gave us a wow one-two punch with strong performances in Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona and then Frost/Nixon.  Love her.
• Emma Stone who was hilarious in The House Bunny as a "sacrificed virgin" and also in Box Office champ Zombieland.
• Anna Kendrick, star of Twilight and Best Supporting Actress contender for her role alongside George Clooney in Up in the Air.  I was inches away from her at TIFF, but had no idea who she was at that point :(
• Evan Rachel Wood, who hasn't quite exceeded the promise she showed in Catherine Hardwicke's Thirteen, but is still undeniably one of the best in her generation.
• Mia Wasikowska, whom I have seen only briefly in failed Amelia Earheart biopic Amelia, but her upcoming starring role in Alice in Wonderland almost guarantees that she will be a big star.

Click here to read the rest of Peretz's write-up.  What I'm really excited to see though is Leibowitz's annual Oscar contender portraits, which will also be featured in the issue.

TIFF DAY 1 - AN EDUCATION REVIEW

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off today and excitement has lit up the city. I caught the opening gala of An Education at Ryerson Theatre tonight. The film is rapidly catching fire after earning consistently strong reviews across the board at both the Sundance and Venice Film Festivals. Directed by Lone Scherfig, the film takes place in suburban London in the '60s and stars newcomer Carey Mulligan as Jenny, in what is arguably the breakthrough performance of the year. Jenny is a 16 year old girl who gets courted by a wealthy playboy twice her age, David (played by Peter Sarsgaard). She sacrifices her bid for acceptance at Oxford University in the name of love and soon gains "an education" on the importance of having one's own dream. Also, Alfred Molina's performance as Jenny's father was outstanding. Superb. Grade: A

Here are some pics I got from the gala for An Education below and luckily, I had a few moments to chat with Mulligan about her uncomfortable choice of footwear which made her laugh out loud. Also in attendance Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle and Mamma Mia/Mean Girls star Amanda Seyfried, the latter who I also got to chat with briefly. Sweet girl.

I was anticipating seeing Penelope Cruz tonight at the gala for Pedro Almodovar's latest film Broken Embraces, but had little luck. She arrived at her gala very late and the public was kept very distant from the talent at Elgin Theatre. Word is that she's been out and about around Yorkville shopping. Seeing that I live in the area, I'll keep those fingers crossed for a chance encounter perhaps.

All eyes were on Megan Fox this evening at Ryerson Theatre for the midnight madness screening of Jennifer's Body. Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody (Juno), fans of Fox camped out at the venue from midday onwards for a chance to see Hollywood's hottest new starlet. She did not disappoint either, arriving shortly after 11:30 PM. Fox stole the spotlight quickly from co-stars Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody who were very punctual, arriving an hour early. I managed only to snap one shot of Fox, but it came out pretty well considering the manic circumstances. Cody was also very gracious to pose for a photograph for me. Enjoy the photos below:

I'll be attending the gala for The Informant! tomorrow night starring Matt Damon, in what critics are calling his career-defining performance and possibly Jane Campion's new film Bright Star afterwards. Will be spending the day scoping out some Press Conferences and hopefully be bringing you some more gorgeous photos of Megan Fox!

Night!


xW