Tuesday 22 May 2012

Chris Hemsworth

My Chris Hemsworth interview is in the current edition of Sunday Times Culture (20/5). Finally saw film (Snow White & The Huntsman) last Friday. Am under embargo by Universal so can't write about it!

Thursday 10 May 2012

William Friekdin

What a gent. I love speaking with the Old School Hollywooders. None of the PR controlled bullshit, it's "Sure, come round to my house, how long do you need?" I remember having a great chat with Kirk Douglas at his Beverly Hills home some years ago a day after a nightmare studio-regulated set visit to an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.

Anyway, "Bill" lives in sumptuous spread up in the Hills. Very genial host and great raconteur. Talked about new film Killer Joe but of course, too, his greatest hits, including The French Connection and Exorcist. If you care for a snapshot of history, Bill was introduced for his 1972 Best Director Oscar by Jack Lemmon, then presented with it by Natalie Wood and Frank Capra.

Monday 7 May 2012

Idris Elba update

Haven't blogged for so long, have just gone back in to find Google have changed the set-up. Been busy. Last week wrote up Chris Hemsworth piece (interview done in LA, January) for Sunday Times Culture as well as interviewed George Lucas (a phoner).

Currently in LA. Have been in pursuit of Idris Elba. Venue had switched from Atlanta, to New York, then back to Atlanta again (where he lives and is currently shooting), then, at eleventh hour, LA. Twentieth Century Fox arranged (Prometheus out June 1). Finally caught up with the exceptionally easy-going chap at LA's Soho House yesterday.

Flying back this afternoon. Visiting legendary director Mr. William Friedkin (French Connection, The Exorcist) at his Bel Air home this morning to talk about Killer Joe (what with Lucas, that's two godfathers of 70s cinema within days). Swinging via Venice for a catch-up with pal Simon Mathew (who produced and co-directed Melvin Smarty). Having lunch with big-league producer friend of Simon's, very insightful fellow with whom we've been skype-ing re a potential new project.