Juliette Lewis to topline 'Blood'

LewisMOSCOW -- Juliette Lewis would be to topline in Justin Molotnikov's thriller "Bloodstream or Water." The pic is really a co-production between Danish shingle LevelK and Synchronicity, the Glasgow-based production company run by Molotnikov and Claire Mundell. Other cast include Stephen McCole, Greta Scacchi, Kate Dickie and Gary Lewis. LevelK is handling worldwide sales. Glendale Films co-produces. Molotnikov's debut feature "Crying with Laughter" won BAFTA Scotland's best film prize last year. Shooting is scheduled to begin springtime 2012 in Scotland. Creative Scotland, Europe's Media Program and U.K. regional fund EM Media backed the pic's development. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Transformers 3 Online Free

UFC 134 Preliminary Fights

The credit card for that preliminaries includes Brazilian lightweight Thiago Tavares against Spencer Fisher, while fellow countryman Rousimar Palhares faces Serta Burns inside a middleweight fight. Tavares is originating off another-round loss to Shane Curler at UFC Reside in March 2011 while Palhares posted Dork Branch within the second round in the same event.

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The Crossing

In 1776, less than six months after the Declaraton of Independence, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, was on the brink of utter defeat. Low on men, cannons and supplies, Washington decides to risk everything on one last desperately daring attack on the town of Trenton where over 1000 of the feared Hessian mercenaries are garrisoned. However to do that, the army must cross the Delaware to a seemingly hopeless battle that would turn out to be more successful than Washington ever dreamed of.

'The Large Lebowski' Reunion: Live Stream

Here is a scenario: There is a 'Big Lebowski' cast reunion heading down at New You are able to City's Hammerstein Ballroom to celebrate the discharge from the cult comedy on Blu-ray and all sorts of your preferred stars in the movie is going to be there -- John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, John Turturro and also the Dude themself, Shaun Bridges. Issue is, you do not have tickets. This is where Moviefone is available in. You will find there's simple solution: one hundred percent free live stream from the entire event, starting off at 6:30PM ET. This reporter may also be Tweeting live in the scene, so make certain to follow along with @moviefone for quotes in the cast along with other Lebowski-related findings. You may also spend time entering our 'Big Lebowski' contest where we are offering copies from the film on Blu-ray (click the link to go in). However on tonight's itinerary: a job interview using the guy who inspired the Dude, Shaun Dowd. That'll be then a cast Q&A at 8:00PM featuring Bridges, Goodman, Buscemi, Moore, Turturro and T Bone Burnett, who assisted choose the background music for that film. So relax, pour your Whitened Russian, caress your bowling ball and stay tuned here for the Lebowski cast reunion news and updates you are able to stomach. *Image thanks to Everett Collection

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Get Cozy in New Image from The Rum Diary

Hunter S. Thompson’s novel The Rum Diary, written in 1959 but not published until 1998 — the year Johnny Depp channeled Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas — tells the tale of Paul Kemp, an American journalist who finds himself living and drinking among expats in 1950s Puerto Rico. There he meets Chenault, the ravishing girlfriend of another man, with whom he becomes obsessed. After the jump see Depp and Amber Heard getting cozy as Kemp and Chenault in a still from the October release, adapted by writer-director Bruce Robinson (Withnail & I, Jennifer 8). Looks pretty gorgeous, from the color palette to the period style to Amber Heard’s perfect, well, everything. Just one nagging detail remains as what we know of The Rum Diary thus far: It seems that Robinson has taken some creative liberties with the plot, according to the official synopsis which describes Chenault’s boyfriend as “Sanderson, a businessman involved in shady property development deals” instead of Kemp’s colleague Yeamon, as written in the book. With Depp as Kemp, Heard as Chenault, Aaron Eckhart as the aforementioned Sanderson, Richard Jenkins as newspaper editor Lotterman, Michael Rispoli as Bob Salas, and Giovanni Ribisi as Moberg, take a look at the film’s synopsis, courtesy of GK Films: “The Rum Diary is a GK Film, Infinitum Nihil and Film Engine production starring Johnny Depp. Based on the debut novel by Hunter S. Thompson which initiated his long, distinguished and brilliantly unpredictable career, The Rum Diary tells the increasingly unhinged story of itinerant journalist Paul Kemp (Depp). Tiring of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local newspaper, the San Juan Star, run by downtrodden editor Lotterman (Jenkins). Adopting the rum-soaked life of the late-’50s version of Hemingway’s “The Lost Generation,” Paul soon becomes increasingly obsessed with Chenault (Heard), the wildly attractive Connecticut-born fiance of Sanderson (Eckhart), a businessman involved in shady property development deals.” The Rum Diary is in theaters October 28. [GK Films via ComingSoon]

Secretary-General Invites Whistleblower to Screen at U.N. Headquarters

It might have taken nearly a year, but United Nations leadership is finally aligning itself with The Whistleblower, the new film based on the experience of a peacekeeper who witnessed U.N. complicity in sex-trafficking in Bosnia in the late ’90s/early ’00s. And while Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon might not yet have clambered aboard the film’s Rachel Weisz awards-season bandwagon, he’s definitely paving its road ahead with an invitation for the film to screen at U.N. headquarters in New York. According to a report on Foreign Policy’s U.N. blog Turtle Bay, Ban sent a letter to filmmaker Larysa Kondracki expressing his appreciation for her having sent him the movie and his remorse at the dark episode of U.N. history it exposes — as well as offering a goodwill gesture to hopefully move awareness in the right direction: “Last week, I saw the film with my senior advisors,” Ban wrote in a letter to Kondracki. “I was pained by what I saw. I was also saddened by the involvement of the international community, particularly of the United Nations, in the abuses connected with the trafficking of women and their use as sex slaves, as highlighted in the movie.” […] Ban used the letter to outline steps the United Nations has taken in recent years to address human trafficking, including the implementation of a “zero tolerance” program and the creation of a conduct and discipline office within the department of peacekeeping. “But I recognize, rules and measures alone are insufficient. The culture must change. I am determined to lead by example. At the United Nations we shall recommit to the fundamental tenets of international public service,” he wrote. “I want to assure you that we shall embrace the challenge your film places before the United Nations….The vulnerable women whose condition your film showcases will not be forgotten. Thank you for raising this important issue with such passion.” On the one hand, Ban kind of says too much: The peacekeepers seen aiding, abetting and even participating in sex-trafficking in The Whistleblower are, by and large, hired by private contractors and not by the U.N. itself. On the other, the impenetrable, infuriating bureaucracy of the U.N.’s Eastern European operation is shown to be just shy of totally corrupt in its dealings with contractors and title character Kathryn Bolkovac herself (played by Weisz). In other words, Ban can’t swiftly effect change where the change is needed most (Congo, anybody?), but can recognize that the opportunity to pledge change looks great on paper. Thanks, Hollywood. But wait, Ban writes — there’s more: I welcome your suggestion that The Whistleblower be screened especially for United Nations senior staff. I propose to go further. I have asked that a special screening be arranged at United Nations Headquarters not only for staff but also for Member States, with the full support of the President of the General Assembly. As suggested by you, after the screening, we shall have a panel discussion as the starting point for a frank and honest discussion of the issues the film raises. I hope you will be able join in this engagement. Damn. Now that’s results! And such good timing, too, what with The Whistleblower expanding into additional cities this week. (The film originally premiered last September in Toronto.) There’s hardly any guarantee that a U.N. audience will move the needle for a film culturally or socially (just ask Harvey Weinstein), but exposure can’t hurt the cause. Or rather, it can’t hurt the causes — not Kondracki’s, not distributor Samuel Goldwyn’s, not the United Nations’, and most definitely not Weisz’s. February, here we come! · Ban confronts a sordid chapter in U.N.’s history [Turtle Bay]

Conan OBrien Addresses Lopez Tonight Cancellation

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Conan OBrien has spoken out about the cancellation of Lopez Tonight. Had it not been for George being so incredibly supportive of me a year-and-a-half ago, I would not have come to TBS and we would not be doing the show right now, the late night host said on Wednesdays Conan. Lopez gave up his original 10 PM timeslot in November 2010 moving Lopez Tonight to 11 PM when OBrien came to TBS following a timeslot dispute with Jay Leno and his departure from NBCs Tonight Show. I owe that man a lot and frankly it makes me very sad that TBS and George could not work this out, OBrien continued. I really like being part of a late night lineup with George and I wish that this could have continued. All of our thoughts are with George and his entire staff and crew we understand, believe me, how hard this is for all of you and we wish you all the best. AH Nation Poll: Does Conan OBrien deserve some of the blame for Lopez Tonight being canceled? VOTE HERE! Despite his cancellation, Lopez kept his sense of humor on Wednesdays show. Unemployment is at an all-time high and for Latinos it just got a little higher, he joked during the shows monologue. Good news though, Sony is doing a sequel to The Smurfs movie, so today I lost some work because Im brown, but also I got some work because Im blue. Adding, Its been great every night to work with the cast. Were not saying goodbye, were saying cable doesnt work. The last episode of Lopez Tonight is scheduled to air tonight. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Exquisite Torture of Playing King Lear

NEW YORK (AP) On a "King Lear" day, the torture starts early in the morning for Greg Hicks.Even before the actor opens his eyes in his hotel room, the lines of Shakespeare's great play come coursing through his brain like some dastardly internal alarm clock, more fiendish than any real one. And the words don't let up, all day long. They tease him, hound him, make him wonder ceaselessly: "Am I doing it right?"Anyone who thinks doing 85 performances of "Lear" over two years for one of the world's premier classical theater companies might make one cocky or reasonably confident, or relaxed should talk to Hicks, who's currently playing the role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's virtually sold-out engagement at the Park Avenue Armory."Eighty-five performances, and I'm still frightened of it," confesses Hicks, 58. "I still have to take a very deep breath."And he needs all the breath he's got in a rotation that sounds both physically and mentally draining, Hicks also plays two other big roles in the RSC's five-play, six-week run here (a partnership with the Armory, The Ohio State University and the Lincoln Center Festival): the tragically jealous Leontes in "The Winter's Tale," for which he's gotten his most glowing notices, and Julius Caesar.But he's clearly the most obsessed with and vexed by Lear, that misguided ancient monarch who poses an Everest-like challenge to even the most accomplished actor. It's the Bermuda Triangle of Shakespearean roles, to hear Hicks tell it: Just when you think you're in, you're lost."The remarkable thing," the actor says, sitting in a darkened lounge at the Armory one recent afternoon, "is that the more you do it, the more elusive and unfathomable it becomes." He fears that might sound pretentious. "Honestly, I am not being all actory and wanky here," he insists.Wanky isn't a word one would immediately think of to describe the slim, bearded Hicks, who speaks with all the intensity and clarity you'd expect from a Shakespearean actor (though the flip-flops he's wearing with his name emblazoned in magic marker DO seem a bit wanky.)Ironically, Hicks' obvious physical fitness he is a young 58 has not played to his advantage during the current run of "Lear"; some critics have opined that he looks too young and spry to play the role. Hicks wonders why people assume Lear to be a doddering octogenarian."At the end of the play, Lear kills a man how does he do that if he has no strength?" he asks, animatedly. "And he rides around the country on his horses! Paul Scofield was 48 when he played Lear. I'm 58 I have grandchildren." And don't get him started on John Gielgud: "He was 24 when he first played it."Just those two names show you what Hicks is up against every great classical actor of a certain age has seemingly tackled Lear. Only this past spring, Derek Jacobi brought his version to New York."It's difficult because everyone has a particular take on it," Hicks says. "I chose to play a less sympathetic character." Indeed, his Lear declares himself as a manipulator from his first entrance, where he tricks everyone watching by entering from a side where no one expects him."That was my idea," Hicks says with a grin. "I said I wanted to begin the play by wrong-footing the audience."The actor gets a laugh with the entrance, and here Hicks is using something he says he learned from the late Sir Ralph Richardson. "He told me to take the first opportunity to get a laugh, especially in these tragedies," Hicks says. "Because THEN, you can make them cry. Not the other way around."Hicks, who supplements his stage work with TV work in Britain, played his first Shakespearean role at age 11, if you can imagine an 11-year-old Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice." He played Malvolio ("Twelfth Night") at 15, the same age a teacher wrote on his report card: "This boy should become a professional actor."He's worked for years with the RSC, which is based in Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and where actors are hired for short-term contracts. "I like to think that they'll keep asking me back," he says.He's already in a select group of prominent Shakespearean actors, but here's a much more exclusive group: prominent Shakespearean actors who almost became rabbis."A spiritual communicator and a theatrical communicator there's a similarity, I suppose," Hicks muses. "I'm a naturally talkative, verbal person." Ultimately, he was persuaded by passionate teachers to go the theatrical route although at acting school he also got a teaching degree, which made his father happy. (His 100-year old dad remains his biggest supporter and ally, Hicks says.)The actor's interests also veer to capoeira the Brazilian martial arts/dance form which he uses to warm up before shows, along with yoga. He spends an hour and a half getting ready, physically and vocally, for each show.His dressing room at the Armory is filled with protein bars, bananas and vitamin pills to help him get through the draining run. He also meditates, which surely serves him well when reading reviews "a terrible addiction," he confesses. "I read all of them. My partner has banned me from doing it, but I don't listen."And he takes what critics say to heart, sometimes even adjusting his performance, he says, but always paying attention. What some reviewers, including The Associated Press, suggested was a somewhat cerebral, less emotional quality to his Lear, Hicks, ever the artist, took as full-blown criticism.He also didn't like being called "well-spoken" by some "that's underhanded, isn't it?" he says and has choice words for one reviewer who called him "wispy and wiry.""'Lear' was hard," he says. "I arrived in New York, had one day off, and went straight to dress rehearsal in front of an audience. And then I was blown out of the water," he says, exaggerating just a little.When his interviewer protests that one prominent review was hardly a pan, he agrees, but says: "It was more of a rejection than an affirmation." He does acknowledge that his Leontes in "Winter's Tale" received unqualified praise.And the audience reaction in New York has been gratifying. "At the end of the day this has been a sellout," he says even at prices up to $250 per premium seat. "I musn't obsess too much."He adds: "You can feel the genuine relish here. The quality of listening is very sharp. You deliver a line, and you can hear the shimmer on it."Al Pacino came one night. "Of course, I wanted him to offer me a role in his next movie," Hicks quips. He will soon appear in his first big movie, a small role in "Snow White and the Huntsman" with Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart. "Blink, and you'll miss me," he says.True, his is not a household name in New York, but that doesn't mean he never gets recognized. Not long ago after "Winter's Tale," he was eating dinner in a restaurant and some theatergoers came over. "We loved your Leontes," they said. "Can we buy your supper?""That," he says, "was fabulous." For a Shakespearean actor in a town that loves Shakespeare, some days aren't quite as torturous as others.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Jocelyn Noveck August 11, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Stephanie Berger NEW YORK (AP) On a "King Lear" day, the torture starts early in the morning for Greg Hicks.Even before the actor opens his eyes in his hotel room, the lines of Shakespeare's great play come coursing through his brain like some dastardly internal alarm clock, more fiendish than any real one. And the words don't let up, all day long. They tease him, hound him, make him wonder ceaselessly: "Am I doing it right?"Anyone who thinks doing 85 performances of "Lear" over two years for one of the world's premier classical theater companies might make one cocky or reasonably confident, or relaxed should talk to Hicks, who's currently playing the role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's virtually sold-out engagement at the Park Avenue Armory."Eighty-five performances, and I'm still frightened of it," confesses Hicks, 58. "I still have to take a very deep breath."And he needs all the breath he's got in a rotation that sounds both physically and mentally draining, Hicks also plays two other big roles in the RSC's five-play, six-week run here (a partnership with the Armory, The Ohio State University and the Lincoln Center Festival): the tragically jealous Leontes in "The Winter's Tale," for which he's gotten his most glowing notices, and Julius Caesar.But he's clearly the most obsessed with and vexed by Lear, that misguided ancient monarch who poses an Everest-like challenge to even the most accomplished actor. It's the Bermuda Triangle of Shakespearean roles, to hear Hicks tell it: Just when you think you're in, you're lost."The remarkable thing," the actor says, sitting in a darkened lounge at the Armory one recent afternoon, "is that the more you do it, the more elusive and unfathomable it becomes." He fears that might sound pretentious. "Honestly, I am not being all actory and wanky here," he insists.Wanky isn't a word one would immediately think of to describe the slim, bearded Hicks, who speaks with all the intensity and clarity you'd expect from a Shakespearean actor (though the flip-flops he's wearing with his name emblazoned in magic marker DO seem a bit wanky.)Ironically, Hicks' obvious physical fitness he is a young 58 has not played to his advantage during the current run of "Lear"; some critics have opined that he looks too young and spry to play the role. Hicks wonders why people assume Lear to be a doddering octogenarian."At the end of the play, Lear kills a man how does he do that if he has no strength?" he asks, animatedly. "And he rides around the country on his horses! Paul Scofield was 48 when he played Lear. I'm 58 I have grandchildren." And don't get him started on John Gielgud: "He was 24 when he first played it."Just those two names show you what Hicks is up against every great classical actor of a certain age has seemingly tackled Lear. Only this past spring, Derek Jacobi brought his version to New York."It's difficult because everyone has a particular take on it," Hicks says. "I chose to play a less sympathetic character." Indeed, his Lear declares himself as a manipulator from his first entrance, where he tricks everyone watching by entering from a side where no one expects him."That was my idea," Hicks says with a grin. "I said I wanted to begin the play by wrong-footing the audience."The actor gets a laugh with the entrance, and here Hicks is using something he says he learned from the late Sir Ralph Richardson. "He told me to take the first opportunity to get a laugh, especially in these tragedies," Hicks says. "Because THEN, you can make them cry. Not the other way around."Hicks, who supplements his stage work with TV work in Britain, played his first Shakespearean role at age 11, if you can imagine an 11-year-old Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice." He played Malvolio ("Twelfth Night") at 15, the same age a teacher wrote on his report card: "This boy should become a professional actor."He's worked for years with the RSC, which is based in Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and where actors are hired for short-term contracts. "I like to think that they'll keep asking me back," he says.He's already in a select group of prominent Shakespearean actors, but here's a much more exclusive group: prominent Shakespearean actors who almost became rabbis."A spiritual communicator and a theatrical communicator there's a similarity, I suppose," Hicks muses. "I'm a naturally talkative, verbal person." Ultimately, he was persuaded by passionate teachers to go the theatrical route although at acting school he also got a teaching degree, which made his father happy. (His 100-year old dad remains his biggest supporter and ally, Hicks says.)The actor's interests also veer to capoeira the Brazilian martial arts/dance form which he uses to warm up before shows, along with yoga. He spends an hour and a half getting ready, physically and vocally, for each show.His dressing room at the Armory is filled with protein bars, bananas and vitamin pills to help him get through the draining run. He also meditates, which surely serves him well when reading reviews "a terrible addiction," he confesses. "I read all of them. My partner has banned me from doing it, but I don't listen."And he takes what critics say to heart, sometimes even adjusting his performance, he says, but always paying attention. What some reviewers, including The Associated Press, suggested was a somewhat cerebral, less emotional quality to his Lear, Hicks, ever the artist, took as full-blown criticism.He also didn't like being called "well-spoken" by some "that's underhanded, isn't it?" he says and has choice words for one reviewer who called him "wispy and wiry.""'Lear' was hard," he says. "I arrived in New York, had one day off, and went straight to dress rehearsal in front of an audience. And then I was blown out of the water," he says, exaggerating just a little.When his interviewer protests that one prominent review was hardly a pan, he agrees, but says: "It was more of a rejection than an affirmation." He does acknowledge that his Leontes in "Winter's Tale" received unqualified praise.And the audience reaction in New York has been gratifying. "At the end of the day this has been a sellout," he says even at prices up to $250 per premium seat. "I musn't obsess too much."He adds: "You can feel the genuine relish here. The quality of listening is very sharp. You deliver a line, and you can hear the shimmer on it."Al Pacino came one night. "Of course, I wanted him to offer me a role in his next movie," Hicks quips. He will soon appear in his first big movie, a small role in "Snow White and the Huntsman" with Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart. "Blink, and you'll miss me," he says.True, his is not a household name in New York, but that doesn't mean he never gets recognized. Not long ago after "Winter's Tale," he was eating dinner in a restaurant and some theatergoers came over. "We loved your Leontes," they said. "Can we buy your supper?""That," he says, "was fabulous." For a Shakespearean actor in a town that loves Shakespeare, some days aren't quite as torturous as others.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

'Resident Evil 5' Ready for More Zombie Action

You can't keep a good zombie killer down. Alice, everybody's favorite slaughterer of the undead, will be returning to the big screen next year in the fifth episode of the franchise, which is titled 'Resident Evil: Retribution.' Much of this isn't news -- star Milla Jovovich tweeted that info last May. But now that Tweet has been confirmed by Bloody Disgusting. Director (and Jovovich hubby) Paul W.S. Anderson will again write the film and take the helm, this time moving the action to Tokyo, where Alice will go to seek revenge on the evil Umbrella Corporation. And Sienna Guillory will be returning as Jill Valentine, although Bloody Disgusting says that they hear she will be recast. Ali Larter also is in line to return. Shooting will begin this October. Though the films have come in for some hard knocks with critics and some horror-sci-fi fans, you can't knock success -- the series has taken in north of $700 million worldwide. Disclaimer: We've been a big fan from Day One.

As London Burns, U.K. Woos Hollywood Celebrities to Come Live There

Attention, Hollywood: Ever dream of becoming a British citizen? Now's your chance, but only A-listers need apply. On Aug. 9, the U.K. government unveiled Tier 1, an immigration category designed to attract "exceptional talent." The category forms part of Britain's general effort to attract high-profile and high-net-worth individuals while simultaneously tightening up immigration criteria for virtually everyone else.To be eligible, applicants must have won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe or an Emmy Award or have been nominated in the five years before applying. The government has set aside 300 spots for anyone who meets the requirements.The benefits? If granted Tier 1 status, applicants can work in the U.K. without the need of a sponsor -- a strict requirement for not-so-exceptional types -- and set themselves on a path to permanent residence and citizenship.Britain has become a hot spot for high-profile film productions, including World War Z with Brad Pitt, Gravity with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock and Hyde Park on Hudson, starring Bill Murray and Laura Linney. These stars are just the kind of leading lights that Britain wants to attract, but the new law does nothing to change the U.K.'s notoriously high tax rate. It doesn't help matters that a recent report by global investment firm Skandia found that more than 50 percent of U.K. millionaires are considering leaving the country due in part to high taxation."While the financial advantages of moving to the U.K. may not be immediately apparent, the professional kudos of establishing artistic credentials here have had a lasting appeal," says Amanda Weston, a leading U.K. immigration attorney at Tooks Chambers. "Appearing on the London stage has been known to give a critical boost to the careers of some Hollywood stars."There is a more practical advantage to the category: It opens doors to producers seeking to book top stars and directors."It will allow producers more flexibility in securing leading talent from outside of the E.U. without the normal immigration requirements," notes Lisa Logan, an entertainment lawyer at the London office of Gateley Llp.But will Hollywood come knocking? Ron Rehling, a Los Angeles-based immigration law specialist, believes many U.S. actors will welcome the chance to work in London with fewer legal hassles, but he has his doubts about long-term residency. "I'm not certain that qualified American entertainment professionals would reverse-commute to the U.K. with permanent intentions in mind." The Hollywood Reporter

International Box Office: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' Tops Foreign Box Office For Fourth Straight Weekend

Locarno fetes Harrison Ford

FordHarrison Ford was feted on Saturday with a surprise Golden Leopard for lifetime achievement at the Locarno Film Festival where, on the industry side, some early deals have closed.Ford, fellow "Cowboys & Aliens" stars Daniel Craig and Olivia Wilde, and helmer Jon Favreau, were helicoptered in from nearby Lugano for the European preem of Paramount/Universal Intl's genre mash-up, which unspooled at the Swiss fest's open air Piazza Grande, despite light rain."Tonight is history for the festival, for me and for all of us," said Locarno artistic director Olivier Pere who thanked Paramount and Universal Intl. "for trusting us with this film."After being welcomed with a warm ovation, a visibly moved Ford said, "I'm very grateful for this. It reminds me of my enormous luck in my career to work with so many talented directors, actors, crew, writers, producers. And I appreciate the fact that I still have the opportunity from time to time to make movies."Locarno, which is dedicated to indie cinema, has gone more high-profile this year, which is also reflected in some early biz deals inked in the run-up to the fest and during its first few days. Gaul's Urban Distribution Intl. picked up world rights for cult Japanese helmer-thesp Hitoshi Matsumoto's samurai comedy "Scabbard Samurai," which will unspool on the 7,000-seat Piazza Grande on Friday. Gaul's Wide Management picked up world sales on competition pics "Policeman," about an Isreali anti-terrorism squad, helmed by first-timer Nadav Lapid, and Romanian helmer Anca Damian's toon drama "The Path to Beyond," about a real miscarriage of justice case. Italy's Intramovies has taken international sales on competition title "Sette opere di misericordia," a drama set amid Italy's illegal immigrants, the feature debut of the De Serio brothers, better known as video artists and documakers. Vienna-based Autlook Filmsales picked up world rights on docu "The Substance -- Albert Hoffman's LSD," by Swiss documaker Martin Witz. Italo helmer Stefano Savona's "Tahrir, Liberation Square" will be distributed internationally by Italo sales company Doc & Co.Fest ends Saturday Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

'Mr. Bean' Survives After Crashes Million-Dollar Sports Vehicle

Rowan Atkinson, most widely known for playing the adorable goofball Mr. Bean, steered clear of with only minor injuries after destroying his McLaren F1 in England last evening. The actor's reps told TMZ that he's "all fine on and on home [in the hospital] soon." Atkinson has additionally been in movies for example 'Love Really,' 'Scoobie- Doo' and 'Rat Race.' Mr. Bean, we are glad you are OK. Let us watch this now: Image thanks to Gareth Purnell/Rex Features.

Paul Schrader Teams with Bret Easton Ellis on Shark Thriller 'Bait'

Iconoclastic filmmaker Paul Schrader is joining track of nihilistic author Bret Easton Ellis for that shark-plagued mental horror project Bait. Schrader, the author behind Taxi Driver and Raging Bull and also the author-director of yankee Gigolo, has signed to direct the image, and can collaborate with Ellis about the latest draft from the script, which follows a youthful guy itchiness to consider his revenge from the wealthy. The guy, who works in a classy beach club, angles his way onto a yacht full of the obnoxious elite, commandeering it into waters full of the finned guy-people. Galavis Film, Picture Machine and Ithaka Entertainment are behind the film. Jesus Martinez of Galavis, Kevin Mann and Matthew Perniciaro of Picture Machine and Braxton Pope of Ithaka are creating. Lionsgate/Mandate worldwide is handle worldwide sales. The producers are striving for any November begin in Puerto Rico, with casting beginning immediately. The thriller is yet another project in Schrader's elective oeuvre. The man's last movie was the Holocaust drama Adam Raised from the dead but his genre choices range from the 2005 Excorcist prequel Dominion and 1982's Cat People. "Pairing Schrader and Ellis, a couple of the finest literary minds of the decades, will elevate the genre," states Perniciaro while Pope stated the combo will "produce a distinct undertake a summer time, youth thriller." Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package

Exclusive Shameless Deleted Scene: What If Frank Died?

William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum, Shameless We've seen Shameless' Frank (William H. Macy) fake his own death, but how would the Gallagher clan react if he actually kicked the bucket? That answer may be found in the exclusive video below. In a deleted scene from the Season 1 episode "Frank the Plank," Debbie (Emma Kenney), the youngest Gallagher gal, becomes fearful when the police find a body matching Frank's description. (As you'll recall, Frank was actually in Canada after one of his benders.) So what's the tell-tale sign that this stiff is not Frank? Watch the video below to find out! Shameless books Lone Star's James Wolk And if you're already missing Frank, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) and the rest of the Gallaghers, you can now download the first season on iTunes!