L.A. Times article on EN

Today's L.A. Times features an interview with Edward Norton that examines such topics as his perfectionism and tendency to challenge directors and a little bit on the situation of Italian Job (EN is unable to discuss the matter without Paramount's permission). He has a bigger picture in mind. The Associated Press published an abbreviated version of the article with another pic Norton Talks About Acting's Frustrations. Hollywood.com has posted a video of interview clips from the cast (and director) of 25th Hour. "25th Hour" Interview Video

EN on "Inside the Actors Studio"/ L.A. Times article

Finally, there will be an opportunity to watch EN talk about his acting for an extended period of time. EN will be a guest on "Inside the Actors Studio". The show will premiere January 12 on Bravo (two days after 25th Hour starts showing nationwide). Monday's L.A. Times has an article on options and how Paramount forced EN into the Italian Job - The Power Option This weekend 25th Hour apparently did well. The Associated Press reports that it grossed $109,811 in five theaters for a $21,962 average.

NY Times and LA Times reviews

Thursday's NY Times and LA Times contain reviews on 25th Hour. The NYT review is favorable, the LA Times is not. NYT review: Confronting the Past Before Going to Prison and LA Times: Two movies warring in one

Golden Satellite nomination

With award season underway, EN has received a best actor Golden Satellite nomination (given out by the International Press Association) for his performance in 25th Hour with Robin Williams ("One Hour Photo"), Jack Nicholson ("About Schmidt"), Daniel Day-Lewis ("Gangs of New York"), and Michael Caine ("The Quiet American") also receiving nominations in this category . EN has previously won a Golden Satellite for American History X. There were several notable nominations for Frida including two for Salma Hayek (Broadcast Film Critics Association - best actress and Golden Satellite - best dramatic actress), two for Alfred Molina (Broadcast Film Critics Association - best supporting actor and Golden Satellite - best supporting actor in a drama) and Golden Satellite nominations for Best Original Score (Elliot Goldenthal), Best Art Direction (Felipe Fernandez, Hannia Robledo) and Costume Design (Julie Weiss). 25th Hour also received a Golden Satellite nomination for Best Original Score (Dane A. Davis).

25th Hour video clips

CHUD has posted 6 different QuickTime video clips from 25th Hour. 25th Hour video clips. Today's New York Times includes an interview with Spike Lee and Edward Norton and includes a picture of both (you'll have to go to the article directly, the NYT is very testy about permissions so I can't post them) Box Office He Wants, Not a Drink

EN on GMA Monday

TVguide.com lists EN among the guests of Good Morning America THIS MONDAY MORNING.

25th Hour Variety Review, EN TV appearances

Variety has given 25th hour a favorable review. There may be some minor plot spoilers, so just be aware. 25th Hour Variety Review.

EN will be making the following TV appearances: this Wednesday, Dec 18 on both the Early show and on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart (his Death to Smoochy costar), and on December 26th he will be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. There may be additional appearances in the coming weeks (these dates above may also tend to shift- appearances dates tend to be rather mercurial). Thanks to Joanne for finding out about all these appearances!

The December 19th release date for 25th Hour has come with the notation of a limited release (tends to indicate only some selected cities). It may be more than just limited: the press release announcing the world premiere (which is on Monday) states that the December 19th date is valid only for New York and Los Angeles and that it will go nationwide on Friday, January 10th, 2002.

You may want to stop by the 25th Hour official site. In addition to the downloads, trailer and flash presentations for each hour, detailed production notes and cast bios have been posted (although they refer to EN as "Ed" in the bio section, when he prefers "Edward"). There are two interesting Newsweek articles on 25th Hour costar Philip Seymour Hoffman (who also costarred with EN in Red Dragon) - A Few Good Scenes and Character Counts

25th Hour World Premiere, Red Dragon Contest winner

If you're in NYC and are willing to brave the cold weather (and the pushy paparazzi), you might catch a glimpse of EN and the cast of 25th Hour at the world premiere on Monday, December 16th at the Ziegfeld Theatre. You won't be able to see the film, you probably won't be able to get an autograph, but if you have nothing better to do, I guess it's an option. Take a look at the release that was sent out to the news agencies World Premiere of Touchstone Pictures' 25th Hour

The winner of the Red Dragon Contest is Adam from Denton, TX. Thanks to everyone for participating

People's Choice Awards, 25th Hour report, Fight Club DVD, and more

The 2002 People's Choice Award nominees were announced yesterday with Red Dragon receiving a nomination for the category of Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture. The other nominees in this category are Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Signs with the winners announced January 12th.

Yahoo! Movies 25th Hour has A TON of NEW Pictures. Yahoo! Movies 25th Hour

Aint-it-Cool News has a report from someone who was at a London screening of 25th Hour that included a Q&A with Spike Lee. AICN 25th Hour report

Disturbing update on the Fight Club DVD. I received an email from John, who directed me to a petition posted by www.davidfincher.net. Apparently, earlier this year, Fox made the decision to downgrade the Fight Club DVD down to a single edition to make it more "consumer friendly" (I think that means cheaper) and the Fight Club special edition was phased out in Aug 2002. An unbeliveably crappy decision by FOX- the whole appeal of DVDs is to get all these extras you can't get from VHS or cable. Please sign the Online petition (or even write Fox Home Entertainment- I got the below address from their privacy policy - hopefully someone reads the mail)

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2500
Los Angeles, CA 90067

If you're interested in getting the Oscar ad for "25th Hour", you should buy the weekly edition of "The Hollywood Reporter" Nov 26-Dec 2 "Golden Globes preview" issue. You can buy the whole issue for about $5 and they're probably available at one of the bookstores with a large newsstand area like Borders or Barnes and Noble. There are already a few eBay sellers who are auctioning the 25th Hour ad alone for more than that.

Check out a new article on EN from Malaysia. With EN so busy, finding new detailed articles is a rare occasion. Knocking on Norton’s door [Thanks to Daniella for the article!]

Miramax is including "best adapted screenplay" (adapted because it's based on the book Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera) among their "For Your consideration" ads for Frida. Unfortunately, EN's name is not among the listed screenwriters due to a decision by the WGA (Writers Guild of America) that keeps his name out of the credits even though he was the only one of the screenwriters to actually work with Frida director Julie Taymor. So the Frida ad is difficult to look at. If the screenplay were actually receive recognition from one of the organizations, it would be recognizing a screenplay written by EN and could publicly bring attention to his contribution, however, the official recognition (or awards) would go to the listed screenwriters. More details on the situation can be found in the article Knocking on Norton’s door

Advocate.com has posted an interview with Frida director Julie Taymor and in the interview, more about EN's contribution to the script is discussed. A tango with Taymor

Wed night: EN on Letterman Show

Wednesday's Late Night with David Letterman show will feature Edward Norton. This is a repeat of his October appearance promoting Red Dragon [Thanks to Arlyne and Neta for the info!]. Change of subject: with the recent discovery of a large identity theft ring, why not take the time to read up on prevention tips from the Federal Trade Commission website- ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name

With the holidays fast approaching if your going to spend your money, spend it wisely: I was puzzled recently to discover a single disc DVD edition of Fight Club. Why in the world would anyone want to buy that version when the two disc edition offers so many extras? I was shocked to discover that several online stores (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Buy.com) seem to be switching over to the single disc edition exclusively. I haven't physically picked up the single disc version and compared it to the double version, so I don't know what's missing (unless they found a way to cram everything onto one disc- I severely doubt it, I think it was just the easiest way to get the price down). If you are interested in getting Fight Club on DVD this season, be very careful to know what you're getting- take a look in person if you can. Online merchants may not give you a full description and especially when dealing with multiple editions of a DVD, the customer recommendations may not reflect the same edition that you are thinking of buying. The two disc edition of Fight Club looks like it's in brown paper packaging with red letters, while the single disc has a cover of Brad Pitt holding the soap with EN grinning behind him. Opt for the boring cover.

Oscar Push

Buena Vista has started promoting 25th Hour for Oscar consideration. Among the rotating ads on the Hollywood Reporter website are ones featuring the image of EN with the dog (as in the 25th Hour poster) with the ads linking to Buena Vista For Your Consideration site with info on 25th Hour along with other films. Currently, the site contains no new info on the film, but I thought I'd mention the Oscar push. Please note that the screenings mentioned on the site are for members of certain organizations that are eligible to vote on awards. They are not for the general public and require reservations and identification for entry, so don't just show up and expect to get in. Oscar print ads have also start appearing in the trade papers (Variety and Hollywood Reporter) for Oscar promotion. These are usually very well done and cost thousands of dollars for inclusion so you might want to take a look for them.

Italian Job Rebuff?

Pagesix.com has a gossip mention on EN today. Please note that it is GOSSIP, so who knows how much is true. EN apparently returned a gift sent to him by Paramount. I don't know why that event would make a nationwide column, but here it is. Earlier articles (including Variety) have reported that EN took the role in The Italian Job out of a contractual obligation, rather than by choice. He may have sent back the gift, I don't know. However, I don't think the note reads like something he would write. That's just my opinion. Personally, if I were him and I didn't want the gift, I'd put it up for a high-profile charity auction on eBay (with no explanation). A personal F*** you to Paramount, money goes to a good cause, a happy winning bidder, and possibly a tax write-off, what could be better (that wouldn't involve the justice system, a good lawyer, and 80 hours of community service)? But then, I'm just spiteful by nature. [Thanks to Laura for the article!] Norton To Studio: No, Thanks

EDWARD Norton is so ticked off at Paramount for forcing him to make "The Italian Job," he's returned unopened a gift the studio delivered to him on his first day of shooting. Norton has owed the studio a movie since making "Primal Fear" with Richard Gere in 1996 under a three-picture deal. Norton rejected over a dozen scripts until Paramount threatened to take him to court. When Paramount's co-president of production, Michelle Manning, sent him the customary gift on his first day of shooting, he refused to to open it. Part of the gift was a model Mini-Cooper, which is featured as the getaway car in the caper film that also stars Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron. A Hollywood source claims the note Norton enclosed with the spurned gift suggested: "Why don't you give this to someone you like - or someone who likes you?" But neither Paramount nor Norton's representatives would discuss the contents of the note.

Triggerstreet.com

Kevin Spacey's new website for aspiring filmmakers, Triggerstreet.com, includes interviews with Edward Norton, Mike Myers, Billy Crystal and Sean Penn and will debut early short films by Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, the late Ted Demme, Bill Paxton and others. The interviews are currently not online, but will probably be available on Monday. Spacey Web site features directors' shorts

25th Hour official site expands, Premiere article

25th Hour official site has expanded to include a flash presentation, desktop wallpaper downloads, and a synopsis (as well as the trailer). There are also images from the film and flash presentations hidden by the 25 hours on the website. 25th Hour official site. Premiere magazine December issue has an interview with EN (plus a pic) Class Acts: Edward Norton

Edward Norton to star/produce Painted Veil

Screen Daily reports that EN and Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, The Ring) will star in the adaptation of the W. Somerset Maugham novel The Painted Veil. EN will also serve as a producer. This project was originally announced in Feb 2000 (along with EN, it was supposed to star Nicole Kidman with Gillian Armstrong directing), however it did not progress. They are currently looking for directors. Splendid lifts Veil on Stratus debut film [Thanks to Dark Horizons for the info!!] More on The Painted Veil project

Burn This recast- Elizabeth Shue and Peter Sarsgaard

The New York Times reports that Burn This has been recast and will not be closing on Nov 9th when Edward Norton and Catherine Keener leave the roles. NYT writes Elizabeth Shue and "an undisclosed male star near a deal" (not Matt Dillon as rumored earlier) will take over the roles.

PM Update- Broadway.com and the Signature Theatre Co. website report that Peter Sarsgaard will be taking EN's role, but there is no mention whether EN would return after filming The Italian Job [Thanks to Karen for the update!] The performances with the new actors will start on Nov. 19. and run until Feb. 2 Broadway.com's Sarsgaard and Shue Set for Off-B'way's Burn This or NYT article: Fanning the Flames. An interesting little side note is that the recasting will prevent "Our Lady of 121st Street," from using the Union Square Theatre, which was looking to use the theater after "Burn This" closed. Why is that interesting? "Our Lady" is being directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, EN's costar in both Red Dragon (Freddy Lounds) and the upcoming The 25th Hour

Burn This benefit performance, Matt Dillon and Burn This?

The Signature Theatre Company's website mentions that on Sunday November 3, an 8:00 pm performance has been added with all proceeds from this performance to benefit the Signature Theatre Company. Tickets are $100 each.  Select priority orchestra seats available for $250 (each $250 ticket includes an autographed copy of the script and poster). Tickets to Burn This are difficult (or nearly impossible) to get, so you may want to take this opportunity. The run is scheduled to close on Nov 9th. Signature Theatre Company. Broadway.com reports that Matt Dillon might take EN's place in Burn This EN is scheduled to start filming The Italian Job in November. Would Dillon take over the role for a limited time and then EN might later return when he is finished filming? I don't know. Also, the timing is tight with the play scheduled to close Nov 9th. Matt Dillon Considers Stepping into Burn This

Frida Premiere, EN's timeline

The premiere of Frida was held last night at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with EN, Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, and director Julie Taymor on hand. I've posted newswire photos from the event at the Frida Premiere page. One important thing to point out is that with EN performing in Burn This in NYC, he gets one day off a week (Monday). This is the third day off in a row that he has spent in support of his other films: Red Dragon world premiere (Sept 30- proceeds going to The Enterprise Foundation), the Red Dragon Baltimore benefit screening (Oct 7- proceeds going to The Johns Hopkins Dept. of Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Research) and then last night, the Frida premiere, which he would have had travel from New York City to Los Angeles and back in about 48 hours to make both the Sunday afternoon and Tuesday night performances of the play. He will host another benefit, benefit screening of Frida in Baltimore on Monday, Nov 4 with the proceeds going to American Visionary Art Museum. Plus, he has also been doing interviews for Red Dragon and Frida, as well as getting ready for Italian Job, which he apparently starts filming in L.A. on Monday, Nov 11 after his last Burn This performance on Sat night, Nov 9th. I wanted to point this out because I've been mentioning all the premieres and the tendency is to just look at it as the glamorous life of a film actor and it's not obvious of all the work that is actually taking place during this time.

25th Hour Trailer now online, Dragon #1 again

The precursor to the 25th Hour official website is now online and includes the first look at the trailer. 25th Hour trailer. Red Dragon finished first at the box office again, taking in an estimated $17.6 million.

Frida benefit screening

A special benefit screening of Frida will be held Monday November 4th in Baltimore at the Senator Theatre with the proceeds going to the American Visionary Art Museum Info on the screening

Red Dragon tops the box office

Red Dragon came in at number 1 on its opening weekend pulling in $37.5 million 'Red Dragon' Savors Box Office Meal. A behind the scenes special on Frida is now showing on STARZ! [Thanks to Joanne for the info.]  I've posted audio clips of EN's Letterman appearance and his Today Show appearance.

Red Dragon opening weekend

Red Dragon is now open and along with it comes a ton of publicity and news articles. This weekend's USA Today has an article on the film along with a great pic of EN, Ralph Fiennes and Anthony Hopkins. This coming week's Entertainment Weekly also has a cover article on the making of Red Dragon. This previous week's Time magazine had an article (check newsstands before it's gone). Don't forget to catch "On the Set: Red Dragon" on STARZ! and "Behind the Scenes: Red Dragon" on the E! channel (check your local listings).

Baltimore Dragon screening, Burn This extention?, RD Variety review, Hopkins chat

EN is hosing a benefit screening of Red Dragon on Monday, October 7th at the Senator Theatre. Tickets start at $100 and proceeds go to benefit the Johns Hopkins Dept. of Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Research. For more info, call (410)516-6234. The New York Times reports that the interest in Burn This has led to "inquiries about a Broadway transfer or an Off Broadway extension." The only problem is the actors' schedules. EN will be in L.A. shooting The Italian Job starting November 11th for a month (more on the film in yesterday's news briefing). In the article, director James Houghton says that they are looking at "a variety of options" and that they're going to try to keep going. Although, the article writes that the play closes on Nov. 9th, it actually closes on November 3rd (according to the Signature Theature Company and Ticketmaster), but the show is selling out so get your tickets while you can. NYT On Stage and Off Variety has posted its review of Red Dragon and it's EXTREMELY FAVORABLE Variety review. Anthony Hopkins will participate in his first live chat Monday (Sept 30) at 5:30 ET/2:30 PT on MSN. Anthony Hopkins chat. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post all the TV appearances sometime today.

Italian Job or Litigation, new RD clip

The New York Observer reports that EN agreed to due the role in The Italian Job to avoid being sued by Paramount Pictures. His Primal Fear contract (which was his film debut) stipulated that he would do 2 additional pictures for the studio. Ed Norton to Lansing: Burn This! [Thanks to Jay for the article!]. AOL and Moviefone.com have posted a new clip from Red Dragon, this one between Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson, Watson also introduces the clip and Fiennes basically says thanks for watching. Moviefone.com

Red Dragon Contest!

We now have a Red Dragon Contest! One lucky winner will end up with a Red Dragon hat, a t-shirt, and a movie poster. Just answer one question correctly and you may win. Red Dragon Contest. There are some upcoming TV appearances (courtesy of Joanne) which I'll be posting later today.

RD interview, Frida credit

The first RD interview by EN has been posted by today's Dark Horizons- >EN interview and they've also gotten one with Anthony Hopkins as well. It also includes a mention as to why EN's name is not on the Frida screenplay. “'I got shafted by the Writer’s Guild at the last minute, but I wrote the draft that got made.' Clearly angry at the Guild, he describes the organization as being 'very arcane and in my opinion, a very corrupt system which I think is heavily biased against people who are not Guild members like me.'” Also from Dark Horizons (Friday's edition) is, well something you really have to read yourself on Ralph Fiennes and some digital editing. Red Dragon page

Red Dragon special, Burn This Opens, Smoochy on DVD

VCR ALERT- "On the Set: Red Dragon" will start airing FRIDAY NIGHT on STARZ!. The previews are over and Burn This opened tonight. Some of the reviews are in: Read the glowing NY times review: Revival Works A Transformation and the NY Daily News review: 2 red-hot H'wood stars fire up Wilson revival. Also, available (but not-so-glowing) AP review: Burn This Stumbles Through Love and the Variety review. Plus there are some interviews with playwright Lanford Wilson courtesy of Karen Broadway.com's Q & A Landford Wilson and PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Lanford Wilson. Death to Smoochy is now available on DVD and video. More info on DVD features

NY Times Burn This

Today's (Sunday) New York Times includes a feature on Burn This playwright Lanford Wilson and includes a pic of EN and Catherine Keener onstage [Thanks to Karen for the info!!!]. Unfortunately, due to my recent run in with the NY Times (Sept 10th), I'm not going to be able to post them. Apparently, in order for me to post an entire NY Times article for informational web use for a period of 1 year, I would have to pay $600. You can however buy the NY Times or go to the article online A Playwright at Home with Life's Outsiders where it should be up free for the next 14 days (the only catch being that to view it, I believe you must be a registered user of the NY Times- registration is free).

Red Dragon Clip online

An exclusive clip of a scene between Anthony Hopkins and EN is now online at Moviefone.com (also at AOL Keyword: Red Dragon) along with a bunch of pics from the film. Hurry up and get tickets to the World Premiere of Red Dragon (Sept 30th in NYC)- For more info, go to Enterprise Foundation website

Red Dragon Clip coming Thursday!

AOL Movies and Moviefone.com will debut two clips from Red Dragon. The first, "No One is Safe Around You," is an exchange between Lecter and Graham and will be available September 12. The second will be available Thursday, September 26. AOL Movies will also add features including message boards, polls, links to the official movie site and the chance to submit a question for Anthony Hopkins and other cast members of Red Dragon on Sept 12 at AOL Keyword: Red Dragon. Read the press release. STARZ! will start airing "On the Set: Red Dragon" September 20 [Thanks to Joanne for the info!] Also of interest, I REMOVED two articles on Burn This at the request of the New York Times, though I did mention that this is a nonprofit site.

Go to the Red Dragon World Premiere!!!

You too can go to the World Premiere of Red Dragon!!! The premiere will be held at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on Monday, September 30. Tickets start at $250, which also includes dinner and cocktails at a post-screening party. The proceeds will be donated to the Enterprise Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing to low-income families which was founded by James Rouse, Edward Norton's grandfather. You can buy tickets online or find out more info about the premiere at the Enterprise Foundation website