In case you were away from your computer this weekend, here’s a tidy package of our weekend coverage that includes box-office reports, an interview, news from the set of “The Dark Night Rises” and more.
Miranda July’s “The Future” Leads Strong Batch of Indie Openers
A parade of new specialty releases debuted this weekend, and with a lot of good news resulting. According to estimates provided by Rentrak earlier today, Miranda July’s “The Future” led the pack, grossing a fantastic $28,185 from its exclusive debut at New York’s IFC Center. The main evening shows on both Friday and Saturday were sold out for distributor Roadside Attractions, which will open the film in LA, Boston, Chicago and DC next weekend. Go here for the full report.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide
In just 17 days, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” flew past the $1-billion mark at the global box office, making it the highest grossing chapter in the franchise as well as the ninth film ever to cross this benchmark. Go here for full story.
“Smurfs” vs. “Cowboys & Aliens”
In a shootout at the cinema corral, Sony’s “The Smurfs” ambushed Universal’s co-production “Cowboys & Aliens” for the No. 1 spot, with both studios splitting their gold nuggets at $36.2 million apiece. Go here for the full report.
Meet Ameena Matthews, One of Chicago’s Gang “Interrupters”
If you get to see Steve James’ new documentary “The Interrupters” (which opened this week and is produced by writer Alex Kotlowitz), one woman strikes the viewer as so incredibly genuine, so effectively focused on making change in the streets, it is impossible to watch her on screen without getting chills. Ameena Matthews is a reformed woman from a checkered past; her father is Jeff Fort, a notorious Chicago gang leader and she herself was involved with a drug ring. After finding love, children, and faith in her Muslim family, Ameena joined the Chicago group of gang violence “interrupters,” CeaseFire, in taking violence protection to the streets—literally. Go here for indieWIRE’s interview with the documentary subject.
Von Trier Talks “Dogville” Influence on Norway Massacre
Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier finds himself at the center of yet another controversy. This time his film “Dogville” appears to have partly inspired extremist Anders B. Breivik, who is accused of executing a killing spree that left 69 people dead in Norway, reports Hollywood Elsewhere, who quotes some of von Trier’s comments in an interview with Nils Thoren of Denmark’s Politiken. Go here to learn more.
BAMcinématek’s 10 Years of Magnolia Pictures Schedule Released
From August 24-31, BAMcinématek at the Brooklyn Academy of Music will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of Magnolia Pictures, the pioneering independent film distribution company founded in 2001 by Bill Banowsky and Eamonn Bowles. The scheduled films were unveiled Friday. Go here for the lineup.
Some Potential Spoilers Surrounding “The Dark the Knight Rises”
Filming on “The Dark Knight Rises” continues in Pittsburgh, with this weekend showcasing the cast and crew capturing an apparent “prison riot.” Leading the charge is Tom Hardy‘s Bane, who appears to be on top of a tumbler not unlike the one that Bruce Wayne uses as his superhero alter ego. Go here for the revealing shots. Be warned: spoilers ahead!
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