Hiya

Moriaty of AICN has posted his annual list of “35 things to look forward to”. Here’s what he had to say about V for Vendetta.

Yes, I read Rich Johnston?s piece earlier this week about Alan Moore?s problems with the film adaptation of the graphic novel he co-authored with David Lloyd, but I also read the script for the film, and right now, I?m intrigued. I don?t think it?s a flawless script, but I think it?s a huge improvement from the Alan Moore films we?ve seen up till now. Natalie Portman?s well-cast as Evey, the girl who becomes the sole confidant of V, a mysterious terrorist working to bring down an oppressive London government. Frankly, I?m amazed the film is getting made at all in today?s political climate, never mind seeing how much of it is actually intact. There are some key sequences that the Wachowskis got right, but some big ideas that they dropped completely. Their first time director, James McTiegue, is a big fat unknown as a feature filmmaker, which is a little scary with material this complex, and the switch from James Purefoy to Hugo Weaving as the lead mid-shoot is more than a little suspicious. Even if the film is only 1/10th as smart and caustic and hallucinatory as the original work, it?ll still be better than most films we?ll see this year.

Jason sent in this strange rumour about Natalie and the UK Big Brother.

AHEAD of last night’s eviction show a rumour that Nicole Kidman was set to visit the Big Brother house seemed outlandish, but after that possibility had been debunked, talk persisted that another Hollywood star is set to call in the show’s Gold Coast compound.

The talk suggests there may be a shaven-headed star mingling with the housemates in the near future ? one Natalie Portman.

Supposedly she may pay the BB housemates a visit as part of a promotional exercise to tie in with the release of the latest Star Wars flick ? Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, in which she plays Padme Amidala.

Taking into account her reputation as a class act though, it’s unlikely the Closer star would consider associating herself with such a trashy TV concept.

Herzwerk sent in this bit of news…

In her interview to the french magazine “Version Femina” (may, 8), Natalie confirmed that she will play in “The Smoker”.

Here’s the blurb :

“What will be your next film ?

The Smoker, directed by Richard Linklater. But the title does not have anymore link with the history. In David Schickler’s short story, he makes a reference to the fact that teachers smoke in the staff room, but this detail doesn’t appear in the movie.”

Now…I’m not sure if that quote is recent or just rehashed from awhile back. Because as far as I know, The Smoker has been put on the backburner and Goya’s Ghosts was going to be the film she shoots next.

JC sent in this little writeup of Nat’s appearance in Cannes.

The new JVibe magazine has a profile on Nat as well as “her thoughts on Judaism and her next movies”. If someone can send in a scan that would be great. Thanks to E. David.

And finally, here are the results of the last poll…

The creator of V for Vendetta doesn’t have faith in the film. Do you care?

A little bit. 36.42% (319 votes)

Yes, I’m worried. 35.05% (307 votes)

No, I’m not worried. 27.74% (243 votes)

And here is the new poll.

That’s it for now…