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LATEST NEWS:
08.05.10:
 Casting
is underway on David Fincher's upcoming American adaptation of Stieg
Larsson's hugely popular Swedish novel-turned-film - The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo. If you haven't picked up the trilogy, head to your
nearest bookstore and start reading. This is intelligent and compelling crime fiction
at its best. I
absolutely loved it! Daniel Craig is locked to play journalist Mikael
Blomkvist, while the more important role of computer hacker Lisbeth
Salander has yet to be decided upon. Rooney Mara is the top contender. Three more relatively unknown actresses are also competing for the role
-
French actress Léa Seydoux and Australians Sarah Snook and Sophie Lowe.
Frankly, I think they should just re-cast Swedish actress Noomi Rapace,
who fully inhabits the complex role in the original scary and gorgeous
thriller. Come to think of it, didn't the Swedes got it right the first time?
Let's get real - foreign films far excel re-made Hollywood productions.
However, the exciting news of the day is that Stellan is in talks to play
Martin Vanger! He's one of the principal suspects in the plot which
chronicles the forty-year-old disappearance of a teenage girl. Of
course, once upon a time, Stellan would have taken on the Blomkvist role
in the Swedish version. Think "Insomnia". What a film! About his
upcoming project, Stellan said, ""I have met David Fincher, I want to work with
him. He wants to work with me. I have had a concrete offer and now we are in
negotiations. The contract is for the period September to March, but I
don't know yet when I am supposed to start my part of the film. Most of
it is to be shot in Stockholm, but some studio work will be done in the
U.S. I think there might be some location work there as well when it
becomes too dark to shoot here." It's a shame that Stellan is not
up for the role of Lizbeth's sadistic guardian
because he'd have a chance to get naked again! (chuckling...) By the
way, Robin Wright Penn may be playing Erika Berger, a role that was
minimized in the Swedish version. Erika is the editor of finance
magazine Millenium and the sometimes lover of Blomkvist.
Stellan
was present at the press conference held
Monday, July 26th, in the Swedish town of Trollhättan at the start of
production on Lars Von Trier's MELANCHOLIA. The director was
careful not to reveal much of the film's plot saying, "I have a plan and
nobody will ever find out what the plan is." All we know of this plan is
that the film is about two sisters – and a planet. Kirsten Dunst and
Charlotte Gainsbourg play the sisters with John Hurt playing their
father. Keeping a close eye on her director during the press conference,
Ms. Dunst was equally cagey about the plot: "I'm afraid of what I can
say and can't say. I don't want to tell the story either." Next to her,
co-star Kiefer Sutherland was gushing about the prospect of swapping a
decade of Jack Bauer in "24" for arthouse cinema.
We do know that the first scene
has been shot - the wedding between Kirsten and Alexander Skarsgård,
whose proud dad commented, "It's like working with any talented actor,
but I understand him well and I like to look at him."
Cinematographer Manuel Alberto
Claro said, "Von Trier finds an energy in the scenes before and make up
with photographic aesthetics. It suits me fine.” He continuted, “all are
on to improvise and take it from the hip. Each day we begin without
instruction, and are then given instructions along the route. The actors
are completely wild and very sweet and well prepared.”
Though the film falls into the
psychological disaster genre, the filmmakers are also calling it "a
beautiful movie about the end of the world." The impending disaster is
in the shape of a planet called Melancholia that is heading closer and
closer to Earth. The English-language film started shooting July 22 and
will continue its shoot through September 8. The film is set for release
in May-June 2011. The cast also includes Charlotte Rampling, Jesper
Christensen, Udo Kier, Brady Corbet and Cameron Spurr.
Swedish
newspaper Expressen ran an article on July 30 describing the
Skargårds as one of the world's
greatest acting families. Three of Stellan's sons: Alexander (33),
Gustaf (29) and Bill (19) are working actors. In the last year
Alexander, in particular, has stepped out of his father's shadow by
major roles in the American TV series, "Generation Kill" and "True
Blood".
Son sam (28) has, however, chosen to follow in his mother's footsteps in
his ambition to become a doctor. Both My and Sam have also appeared in
film in small roles, specifically, as mother and son in "Jim
& piraterna Blom" back in 1987. In addition, Walter (14)
appeared in both "Arn" films as well as two other films. This means
seven Skarsgård family members have
made it to the silver screen.
Ever since the kids were little, Stellan has taken his family on
location when filming thereby introducing them to the acting profession.
Several of his sons have expressed in various interviews that it can be
tricky when your father is a famous actor. "I want to be hired because I
have a talent rather than a name," Alexander told Expressen. It appears
that this eldest son has finally freed himself these days, distancing
himself from his father's shadow.
07.29.10:
 Four-time
Oscar nominee Kenneth Branagh may not have big action movie credentials,
but as the director of THOR, Branagh's
looking to prove to comic book fans - and moviegoers in general - that
he can handle bringing Marvel's comic-based hero to life on the screen.
And part of the process of selling his vision to fans was bringing his
cast and clips to San Diego for the 2010 Comic Con on July 24th. Joining
him was Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings on stage for a
Q&A session at the biggest gathering of comic book fans on the planet.
It was recently announced that the film will be screened in 3D. Look for
a May 6, 2011 premiere date. At this time, only a handful of images have
been released and, unfortunately, none with Stellan.
In
previous postings, I have briefly and humorously indicated Stellan's
negative encounter with Norwegian lunch culture,
but I wanted to add this article that appeared in Norway's
newspaper, Dagbladet, back in February.
When Stellan filmed Moland's "Insomnia" in 1997,
apparently, he was hungry all the time. He
relates how he lost eight kilograms eating
just bread and toppings while most
Swedes are accustomed to having a hot meal
at noon. When he was hired on for the lead role in
"En ganske still mann",
he refused to sign on the dotted line until
he was assured that he could get a good lunch with the
highest European quality. Producer Finn Gjerdrum confirms
this is accurate and good food was indeed
included in Stellan's contract. The actor was willing to reduce his
salary in order that the producers could achieve
this catering challenge.

Gjerdrum did not regard Stellan's requirements as
snobbish. "When you work as much as Skarsgård
does and are on film sets that many days a year, it is clear that it's
important you get good food. It applies to the entire staff. A good
meal is important for motivation. So what was Stellan served?
According to chef Per Olof Nummedal who delivered the food to the
set, it was solid food, always made from scratch.
He said, "I served a lot of salmon, but also included roast
lamb with potatoes. What impressed me about Skarsgård
was that he was not only concerned about getting good food, but that
he also wanted the staff to eat properly. He was a very nice man."
07.18.10:
It
has come to my attention that I missed an important event this past
spring when Stellan attended the 4th Annual Jewish Film Festival
on May 25th in Zagreb, Croatia. He was there to present his 1990 movie,
"Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg". I've posted a
photo collection from that day
including a morning appearance at the Academy of Dramatic Art where he
was invited to speak to students. One particular photo will catch your
attention - the one below showing Stellan standing next to his wife
Megan with their son Ossian, at what looks to be a reception. The photo
on the right is a precious discovery revealing a much younger Stellan
holding his eldest son, Alexander.

According to a summation by one of
the Academy's students, Stellan shared some of the following comments.
His favorite theatre memory was an experimental play based on
Strindberg's letters. Apparently, most of the audience left after five
minutes and only a few remained to see him strip bare naked at the end.
(Yes, his tendency to peel away his clothes began way back then...)
And typically, our Swede peppered his language with "fuck" and "fucked
up". I love this man!
He praised POTC director George
Verbinski describing him as a great man to work with. However, producers
of the film did try to have him fired three times and they even
considered firing Johnny Depp for his gay pirate portrayal. Depp
admitted that he infuses a bit of homosexuality in all his roles.
Interesting... Such a talented guy!
Stellan also told a story from
twenty years ago when he was filming "Wallenberg". During production, an
older Jewish lady who lived in the area and had known Wallenberg asked
him if he wanted coffee. He politely answered "yes" and she then walked
away. Two hours later, she returned with a cup of coffee that she had
made at her home. Stellan admitted it was half-filled with vodka since
it was too damn cold!
Since his next project was working
with Lars Von Trier, Stellan spoke about his friendship with the Danish
director. He described him as highly sensitive and related the story of
how they first met when Stellan came to audition for "Breaking the
Waves". Lars told him to keep his distance because he didn't want
physical contact with an outsider. Stellan then hugged him until the
director relaxed.
Speaking of directors, he pointed
out how a director has so much more control if it's an independent film.
He also commented on working with THOR's Kenneth Branagh describing him
as fantastic and the most entertaining director he's ever worked with.
He also appreciated Branagh's ability to add depth to a supposedly
cookie-cutter story. Because of his contract, there was limited
discussion on his role other than the fact that he plays a scientist
named Selvig who works with Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, and
the two of them discover Thor when he falls from the sky.
07.16.10:
Among the many films to be
screened this month at the Melbourne International Film Festival is
A SOMEWHAT GENTLE MAN (aka En ganske
snill mann). Andrew Moraitis of Film Ink previewed the film and I
share his positive comments here:
An
imaginative and unexpectedly sprightly comedy from Norwegian
filmmaker Hans Petter Moland (Zero Kelvin, Aberdeen), "A Somewhat
Gentle Man" is a beautifully observed human comedy about redemption
and revenge. A terrific star vehicle for its very game star, the
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård plays Ulrich, a slow, but
well-meaning ex-con trying to return to normalcy on the outside. The
film has an understated, Wes Anderson-style wit and fresh visual
invention, benefiting greatly from a sly, inventive screenplay from
Prague's Fupz Aakeson. All the actors are fine, but Skarsgård, in
particular, gives a surprisingly warm, expertly comic performance as
the frayed Ulrich. Beautifully photographed and sharply edited, "A
Somewhat Gentle Man" is the most unexpectedly bright, wistfully
unpredictable comedy since Steven Soderbergh's "The Informant.".
Nordisk Trust reports that the
film has been sold to over 20 countries in Europe, including Germany,
the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. The producers are
very pleased that the film was met with laughter and a standing ovation
from the press and public at the Berlin Film Festival, which has
obviously had a positive impact on interest internationally. Producer
Finn Gjerdrum is happy - "We seem to have a film that reaches a wide
audience beyond the borders of Norway."
 Here's
a fan photo showing Stellan and Alexander in Stockholm this
month. It's rare that you come across photos of the two of them. While
shooting "Thor", Alexander and girlfriend Kate Bosworth visited him in
New Mexico. Stellan had previously met with Ms. Bosworth on several
occasions and has described her as "nice". He confirms that the
relationship is serious. When Extra met up with Stellan, he had just
returned from the Sante Fe desert. He described the shoot as "Cold as
hell, but fun," and added, "Kenneth Branagh is incredibly funny. You
laugh as you cry during the shoot. And Natalie Portman is so incredibly
good. And smart. Too bad she is a vegan!"
As far as reuniting with family, Stellan makes sure he sees his
children as frequently as possible even though they are often spread
out. These days he goes on location with his wife Megan and 14-month-old
son, Ossian, as much as possible. When asked if his older children
sometimes seek out his advice, he responded, "No, none of them have done
so. There is not much to tell them. Alexander has lived and worked in LA
a long time now. I just go there to work." Though Stellan continues to
work around the world and often in LA, he always returns to Södermalm
and he is adamant about remaining there. He says he would never be
willing to live in the US, one reason being that "everything is so
career-oriented and social intercourse is all about business."
06.12.10:
May
2011 is the target date for the Marvel Studios superhero film - THOR.
The cast is as follows:
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Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Natalie Portman as Jane Foster
Anthony Hopkins as Odin
Kat Dennings as Darcy
Idris Elba as Heimdall
Ray Stevenson as Volstagg
Stellan Skarsgard as Selvig
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson
Rene Russo as Frigga
Jaimie Alexander as Sif |
The first on-set footage was
revealed last week on "Entertainment Tonight". The set visit featured
mostly Chris Helmsworth and Natalie Portman chatting about non-specific
details regarding the film. Director Kenneth Branagh seems intent on
keeping his production super secret. The footage reveals the American
southwest setting of the picture as well as a chamber that may very well
be a piece of the Asgard set. You can also get glimpses of Anthony
Hopkins as the one-eye Odin and a couple shots of Stellan. In theaters
May 6, 2011, Thor, the arrogant Norse warrior, is forced to live among
humans as punishment after reigniting an ancient war in his world. His
true mettle is put to the test when a villainous foe sends dark forces
from the realm of Asgard to invade Earth. The photo above of Helmsworth
as Thor is the first image released.
Next
month Stellan will be off to Trollhättan in Sweden to take part in Lars
Von Trier's film, MELANCHOLIA. It will be the first time that
Stellan and his son Alexander will play father and son on film. Stellan
says he will play a guy who works in the advertising business. The proud
father says he's thrilled about his son's success in Hollywood. "It's
not always enough to be good to be successful. Alexander has been
working very hard in Los Angeles for several years now. It's fun to see
how bloody good he is!"
06.07.10:
A
couple days ago the NY Post
published an article on the Skarsgård
family, namely to zero in on the "True Blood" fame of Alexander. I
believe it was hastily written; hence, it's poor journalism with several
errors and glaring omissions, such as the fact that Stellan's seventh
child was born to his second wife, Melanie Everett! Shame on the NY
Post!
05.18.10:
 Stellan
made an appearance last weekend at the Cannes Film Festival! On May 14th
he attended a pre-screening party on Harle Yacht to celebrate the new
film, MOOMINS AND THE COMET CHASE. The Finnish stereoscopic 3D
animation film by Maria Lindberg is based on the popular characters
created by Finnish writer Tove Jansson. The characters inspired various
TV shows spanning more than three decades and were a huge hit all over
Scandinavia and in many parts of Europe and Japan. Stellan was joined at
Cannes by Helena Mattson and Mads Mikkelsen, who also provided voices
for the Moomin characters. In a interview with Stellan at Cannes, he
shared his reaction to the film, "Wow, finally an art movie for
six-year-olds!" The film will be released domestically by FS Film on
August 8. Nordisk Film will open the film with Scandinavian rights and
Myndform in Iceland. The film's producer Tom Carpelan said a
second Moomin film based on the Polish TV series from the 1970s will
start production in the autumn.
Click here for more photos from
Cannes.
Every
year a lot of film news comes out of the Cannes Film Festival, and one
project creating some buzz is Stellan's film, FRANKIE & ALICE,
starring Halle Berry as a stripper with multiple personalities. The
Hollywood Reporter’s Duane Byrge saw the film in the marketplace and
describes Berry's character as follows: “She switches from
hard-drinking, promiscuous lady of the night to a teetotaling, racist
Southern white belle, and, to boot, a genius-level kid. Not
surprisingly, this lands her in a lot of trouble, personally and
legally.” The film is still in search of an outlet for distribution.
Here's an excerpt from Bryge's review:
Overall, "Frankie & Alice" is a well-wrought
psychological drama that delves into the dark side of one woman's
psyche. Berry is spellbinding as Frankie,
a young L.A. exotic dancer. If stripping for a living weren't
chaotic enough, Frankie is plagued by gigantic personality swings:
She switches from hard-drinking, promiscuous lady of the night to a
teetotaling, racist Southern white belle, and, to boot, a
genius-level kid. Not surprisingly, this lands her in a lot of
trouble, personally and legally.
Crammed into a public psych ward after an "episode," Frankie is left
in the care of an emotionally drained psychiatrist (Stellan
Skarsgard). The good doctor is a former LSD "researcher" who is
still trying to plug into another reality. Down to basic prognosis,
however, he's essentially a mope who medicates with tuna sandwiches,
jazz and liquor. Frankie gets his professional and personal juices
flowing again...
Although six scribes credited with the screenplay usually predicts
erratic story and mood swings, "Frankie" does not suffer from
multiple writer disorder. Both clinically and dramatically, it's an
engaging titillation despite a somewhat flat last half-hour.
Throughout, its exhibitionist proclivities are evened-out
under director Geoffrey Sax's astute guidance and the intelligent,
nuanced performances of Berry and Skarsgård.
In addition, the supporting performances are rock-solid,
particularly Phylicia Rashad's steadfast portrayal of Frankie's
supportive but enabling mother. Scoped in
a hard-noir style, with mean-streets Canada standing in for Los
Angeles, "Frankie & Alice " is a technically well-balanced
entertainment.
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NEWS ARCHIVE: |
2010:
January/February, March/April
2009:
January/February, March,
April/May,
June-August,
September-December
2008: January-March,
April-June,
July/August,
September/October,
November/December 2007:
January,
February,
March-April,
May/June,
July/August,
September/October,
November/December 2006:
January/February,
March/April/May,
Summer,
September,
October,
November/December 2005:
January,
February,
March,
April, May,
June/July,
August,
September,
October, November/December
2004:
June, July,
August,
September,
October,
November,
December |
A great resource for checking out Stellan's movies on TV this month.
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