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Harper Lee shuns Keneer
Indo-Asian News Service

Los Angeles, Feb 19 (IANS) Oscar nominated actress Catherine Keener was upset when author Harper Lee, who she portrayed in "Capote", refused to speak with her before filming.

According to the internet movie database, Lee was the best friend of writer Truman Capote since childhood. She refused to cooperate with the making of the film in any way. 

Says Keener: "She's a very private person. When I got the job I thought maybe I'd go down to Alabama, where she lives, and knock on her door or something. They (the producers) told me that she didn't want anything to do with it (the movie), because she wanted to remain a private person."

After "Capote" was released, Lee contacted Keener to tell her how much she enjoyed the film. 

"It's wonderful (that she got into contact). She saw the film and she liked it very much and was very enthusiastic about Phil's (Philip Seymour Hoffman) performance," says Keener.

Streep wants to mother movie kids
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 19 (IANS) Meryl Streep has the overwhelming urge to mother actress Lindsay Lohan on the sets of new movie "A Praire home Companion".

According to contactmusic.com, Streep who plays Lohan's mother in the movie directed by Robert Altman is a mother of four and feels compelled to look after the younger actresses she works with. She says: "I feel like they're my children. You just love them. This little Lindsay, I wanted to hold her and tell her that it's all, all right. Just live a few years and you'll see."

Moore tells Kingsley to stop being called 'Sir'
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 19 (IANS) Actor Roger Moore has hit out at fellow knighted star Ben Kingsley for insisting on being addressed by his complete title at all times.

According to contactmusic.com, Kingsley was knighted in 2001 and recently declared that he is 'no Mr Ben Kingsley anymore'. He also scolded a German reporter for addressing him 'Mr. Kingsley' and is demanding that 'Sir' be printed even on movie publicity material.

Moore has said this behavior is pretentious and pointless. He says: "I don't see the point. Would it really add anything to have one's title included? I think it's the actor people want to see, not the knight."

Madonna says she and Ritchie are united
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 19 (IANS) Pop superstar Madonna has rubbished speculations that her marriage to British director Guy Ritchie is in trouble.

According to contactmusic.com, she said she deserves a "pat on the back" for putting up with the British director. 

Madonna had fuelled speculations when she refused to wear her wedding ring at the Brit Awards in London. She confessed her marriage is not that great due to the strain of their busy careers.

Says Madonna: "I must admit, I have to pat myself on the back. It's not easy to be married, to have a successful career, to have children, to be with someone who is as strong-willed and ambitious as I am. Guy's not a househusband and I'm not a typical wife. So you can imagine, we have our clashes. But I think we always keep our eye on the ball - that is our marriage - the union of us, the things that we create together, are bigger than the petty fights we have."

Aniston bares all for a movie
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 19 (IANS) Former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston will raise eyebrows in her new movie "The Break Up" when she parades around naked and hairless in one scene.

Hollywood.com reports Ansiton bares all for her co-star turned boyfriend actor Vince Vaughn in the film. In a scene, Aniston's character Brooke tries to win back her ex-love. She takes advice from a friend for a beauty treatment, which involves the waxing off of all body hair. She then wanders around the apartment, which she shares with her ex-boyfriend, totally naked.

Madonna addicted to oxygen machines
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Feb 19 (IANS) Pop superstar Madonna has become addicted to her oxygen machines.

Pagesix.com reports that Madonna has equipped all her homes with the contraptions. They are said to boost her energy levels and fight jet lag. She had originally bought them for oxygen facials. She then indulged in them for more than a year and is now addicted to them. 

Madonna's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said: "She loves the machine and it is phenomenal. I want to try it myself."
 
Willis reveals secret to growl
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 19 (IANS) Action superstar Bruce Willis says he finds it easy to scowl on cue because he hates the modern world.

According to contactmusic.com, Willis admits he is angry the way the global leaders are governing the world that he has stopped watching the news. When it is time for him to look angry on camera he simple thinks of the world he is bringing his three daughters up in.

He says: "I don't like the world. I don't think it is being run correctly and I think it could be done a lot better. The news is manipulated and managed and it is all meant to scare you. They don't show you anything good. They don't show you anything good coming out of Iraq; all they say is: 'This many soldiers dead since Bush (US president Goerge W. Bush) took office. 

"I don't have to look too far to find that glare. All I have to do is think about the world my daughters will inherit and I get that look in my eyes."
  

'Brokeback Mountain' rules BAFTA awards
DPA

London, Feb 20 (DPA) Controversial cowboy love story "Brokeback Mountain" dominated the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards here, winning four trophies including best picture.

The movie stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as two Wyoming cowboys who develop a romantic, sexual relationship during long months of work together in isolation.

Gyllenhaal was named best supporting actor, and Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee won the best director prize at the awards ceremony Sunday night.

The best-adapted screenplay award went to Brokeback writers Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana for their adaptation of a short story by author Annie Proulx.

Spy thriller "The Constant Gardener", the top British contender with 10 nominations, wilted against the competition, taking home just one trophy for best film editing. It was nominated for best picture, along with political drama "Good Night, and Good Luck", biographic film "Capote" and "Crash", a film that used a Los Angeles traffic accident to look at race relations.

Best actor went to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who played the title role of Truman Capote in a biopic about the flamboyant writer.

Best actress was awarded to Reese Witherspoon for her performance in the country-music biopic "Walk the Line". Best supporting actress went to Thandie Newton for her role in "Crash".

Lord David Puttnam was given the Academy Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contribution to Britain's film industry.

"Memoirs of a Geisha" was honoured with three technical awards: costume, music and cinematography. "Crash" had nine nominations and finished with two trophies including original screenplay.

Indo-Asian News Service
  

Lee thanks British praise
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) Director of "Brokeback Mountain" Ang Lee has paid a tribute to the British film jury after the movie picked up four awards at the BAFTAS (British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards). 

According to contactmusic.com, the movie is tipped to win big at the American Academy Awards next month. 

He said: "When we started making the movie, we thought it was going to be a small precious film - now it's a big precious film. I am not saying the British are smarter but I feel very committed to them."

Clooney should have been best director: Puttnam
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) Well-known producer Sir David Puttnam insisted that George Clooney should have been named best director when he picked up his Academy Fellowship Award at the BAFTAS.

According to contactmusic.com, Puttnam was honoured with a standing ovation for his contribution to modern cinema. He insists that Clooney deserved the award more because of the personal sacrifices he made and dedication he displayed in bringing "Good Night, And Good Luck" to the big screen.

Puttnam says: "He puts his career on the line. He's been politically committed and has taken big cuts in his salary to make these kinds of films. My hope is that other filmmakers will do that too. I'm sorry that Clooney didn't win best director because of what he put himself through."
 

Romero credits Bush failings for success
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) The cult horror director George A. Romero credits the success of the movie "Land Of The Dead" to the failings of US President George W. Bush's administration.

According to contactmusic.com, Romero had launched the zombie series "Night Of The Living Dead" in 1968. He claims that audiences can relate to the political side of the film. It examines important contemporary issues such as homelessness and AIDS because Bush is doing so little to address these.

He says: "The film didn't initially perform well in the States because it was released right between 'Batman Begins' and 'War Of The Worlds'. Then it did really well over here (Britain) and the DVDs were flying off the shelves. I think whatever success it's had, I owe it a lot to the Bush administration."

Clooney downplays friendship with Pitt
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) Actor George Clooney has downplayed his friendship with Brad Pitt saying, "He is one of my showbiz friends".

According to contactmusic.com, Clooney admits they have a great working relationship and enjoy spending time together but they are not as close as the media suggests. 

He says: "It is not like we call each other every day. We are 'showbiz friends,' we are not like, 'friends, friends'. It is not like we go backpacking together."

Clooney recently denied rumours that Pitt would marry Angelina Jolie at his home on Lake Como, Italy. He says while they are not that close, the couple is welcome to visit him any time they please. 

 
Ledger admits 'Brokeback...' was strenuous
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) Australian actor Heath Ledger admitted that the filming for Oscar nominated movie "Brokeback Mountain" was taxing.

According to ananova.com, Ledger said at the Orange British Academy Film Awards: "It was a lot of fun making it. It was very strenuous at times, very lonely and desolate and challenging." 

Ledger also said that director Ang Lee didn't have to persuade him to be in the movie. He added: "The fact that Ang Lee had touched it was enough. I thought it would be a huge opportunity."

It's been an incredible year, says Weisz
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 20 (IANS) Actress Rachel Weisz is delighted that her film "The Constant Gardener" has been a success with audiences and critics.

According to ananova.com, she said: "I am thrilled because it is a thriller and it is a live story but it is not a popcorn movie. It's quite demanding of the audience. I have never read a script that I wanted to do more." Weisz, who is also six months pregnant, said: "It's been incredible year. Someone said to me that babies bring blessings, so maybe that is true."

'Crash' a racial thriller
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 20 (IANS) The Sandra Bullock-Brendan Fraser starring "Crash" that will premiere here Friday is a provocative tale of racial tolerance in contemporary America. 

The movie has been nominated for six Oscars, including best picture, best director (Paul Haggis), best supporting actor (Matt Dillon), best original screenplay (Haggis and Bobby Moresco), best film editing (Hughes Winborne) and best original song. 

An action thriller, "Crash", which is being released in India by Multivision Multimedia (P) Ltd (MMPL), takes an unflinching look at the complexities of racial tolerance in the US, a media release said. 

Delving deep into life in post-9/11 Los Angeles, this urban drama tracks the volatile intersections of a multi-ethnic cast of characters' struggle to overcome their fears as they careen in and out of one another's lives. 

According to Haggis: "Racism was just a tool to deal with frustration and pain. What's so wonderful about the film is that it allows you to see their motivation and to see that behind the aggressive cop is a man in pain." 

Ajay Gupta, director, MMPL said: "'Crash' is nominated for six Oscars and it's an honour to be associated with it. Our vision is to get the best of Hollywood movies to India across the genres." 
 

Rollins under investigation for reading 'Jihad'
Indo-Asian News Service

New York, Feb 21 (IANS) Rocker-turned-TV host Henry Rollins is being investigated by the Australian government for reading the book "Jihad: The Rise Of Militant Islam In Central Asia" by Ahmed Rashid while on a flight to Brisbane.

According to pagesix.com, the passenger seated next to Rollins got nervous when he saw him reading a book about Islamic fundamentalists and reported him to the authorities once the plane landed.

Rollins said: "Days later I received an e-mail from a woman, who I guess figured out who I was and found me. I had been named a 'person of interest'. Basically, they get calls like this every five minutes, and I am probably on the 'who cares' list, in that they'll probably let me into the country again."

He added: "But the fact, that this guy could be that ignorant and call me in on this for a book... I was angry. Because of the fact, that the guy wouldn't confront me. I like confrontation. If I have offended you, let me know. Don't call it in and not leave your name. I just think it's pretty weak."
 

Cuba under fire for crooked cop role
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 21 (IANS) Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has come under fire for playing a dirty cop because his family, friends and fans don't want to see him in the negative role.

According to contactmusic.com, Cuba says he took on the role of the dirty cop to "shake things up". He also wanted to give moviegoers a taste of what he could do. But his decision to play the crooked cop has upset his religious mother.

He says: "My mom and dad saw the film. A day later my mom calls me and says, 'We are Christians. I can't believe you would do such a negative role for your image. Don't you know that people look up to you as a role model?' I said, 'Mom the movie makes a statement, and it needs to be said and unfortunately my part in making that statement is something people really don't want to talk about. But the statement needs to be made'."

But the direst criticism seems to be coming from his fans who are upset with a horrifying rape scene. Cuba explains: "We screened the movie in Memphis, Tennessee, and a black woman stood up with the same fervour my mom did and said, 'I did not like this movie. It's a negative movie and why did you use the 'N' word so much?'"

Moss to play lesbian in Ang Lee film
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 21 (IANS) Supermodel Kate Moss is set to play a lesbian in director Ang Lee's film.

According to ananova.com, the film is based on the life of singer Dusty Springfield. Moss will play a socialite who became one of her early lovers. Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron is lined up to take on the role of Springfield. 

The film is based on the early life of Springfield from her birth in Hampstead to her death from breast cancer in 1999.

A source said: "Kate is the ideal choice to play the love of Dusty's early life. She is beautiful, aloof and she epitomises swinging London. There'll probably be sexual scenes but as Ang is behind the camera they will be very tastefully done. Kate's character breaks Dusty's heart and sparks off the chain of tumultuous relationships that dogged her throughout her life."

Spike 50 Cent for thug life boasts
Indo-Asian News Service

London, Feb 21 (IANS) Controversial filmmaker Spike Lee has blasted rapper 50 Cent saying the rapper should be ashamed of celebrating his thug life.

According to contactmusic.com, Spike has criticised gangsta rap for a long time and is now focusing his attention on 50 Cent for making money out of a lifestyle he'd rather young black kids did not follow.

He says: "50 Cent has made a lot of money, but whatever you are doing that makes you have to put a bullet proof vest on your five-year-old son, that's time for some deep introspective s**t. That whole mantra, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin', for me that's criminal because young brothers, they took that to heart. (They're like), 'Whatever I got to do to get them rims, get my fly gear, to get my bitches and hos, I am going to do it. F**k who I got to hurt, who I got to shoot, who I got to kill.' That's crazy to me."

Lee is also upset with the banned posters of "Get Rich Or Die Tryin" that feature 50 Cent with a gun in one hand and a baby in the other. He says: "If it's just a movie, would people be shooting in the theatres on the opening weekend?"