Company company directors elevated U.K. stage this season

'One Guy, Two Guvnors' was modified from 1700s laffer 'Servant of Two Masters.'Looking back, 2011 was the season in the helmer, to date as U.K. theater is anxious. In venues small , large, company company directors didn't a great deal revive shows as reinvent them. For proof, have a look in the year's most spoken-about smash "One Guy, Two Guvnors."The now Broadway-bound comedy was the year's best new play and, concurrently, will be a re-working. Playwright (and former standup) Richard Bean needed "Servant of Two Masters," an 1700s comedy by Carlo Goldini, and moved it for the faintly lower-at-heels seaside capital of scotland- Brighton inside the Beatles-era sixties.It had been, however, not essentially an update. Bean's laugh-a-minute script had inventive portrayal together with a galloping lunacy its very own. Plus it was presented with rampant energy and callous precision by National Theater helmer Nicholas Hytner, who added tunes by Grant Olding.This column's Helmer of year prize, however, visits Make the most of Ashford for his riveting Donmar Warehouse revival of O'Neill's "Anna Christie." It absolutely was offered-out before it opened up up due to the presence inside the cast of Jude Law, who paid out fans getting work-best performance.Ashford's production needed the problematic play -- it wears its thematic concerns under lightly -- and gave it intensity and immensity. The first sort is straightforward inside the up-close-and-personal, 250-chair Donmar the 2nd was greatly aided having a breathtakingly bold design by Paul Wills, which presented an unwritten storm at sea as you're watching awestruck audience.The expansion couldn't immediately make the most of its success due to the cast's obligations elsewhere. However, Ashford told Variety that, if organizing might be worked out, there's fascination with the show acquiring a Gotham transfer. Ashford themselves is quite twisted up in 2012 choreographing Michael Grandage's Rialto revival of "Evita," developing happens tuner version of "Finding Neverland" -- destined with an not named U.K. regional theater in Fall 2012 -- and helming a Broadway play that's not been introduced.Other helmers, too, made their mark coming back to classics. James Macdonald didn't just shepherd an ideal cast through Edward Albee's "A Fragile Balance" within the Almeida, he created a rapt stillness that allowed audiences to find out this, not the higher volatile "Who's Frightened of Virginia Woolf?" is Albee's masterpiece.More all of a sudden, "Accolade" a forgotten 1950 play about private behavior and political existence, was presented with a revelatory revival by new kid available on the market Blanche McIntyre within the Finborough Theater, a little but terrific venue that consistently punches over the weight.McIntyre was the invention of year. Still in their 20s, she combines dynamic visual strength with acute sensitivity to stars and textual detail and flow. There's talk from the 2012 West Finish transfer for "Accolade" -- the country's Theater wanted it too -- but she'll have to fit that around other obligations, plus a double-bill of latest plays within the Rose rose bush Theater and, intriguingly, a revival of "The Seven Year Itch" at regional theater Salisbury Playhouse.Helmer Jonathan Munby also acquired highly not only getting a fierce output of the Jacobean tragedy "Ienc Pity She's a Whore" at West Yorkshire Playhouse, though a greater-octane revival of Sondheim's "Company" at Sheffield's Crucible theater, who've the following existence london, with talk from the fall transfer."Company" and Jonathan Kent's revival of "Sweeney Todd" virtually stole the 2010 tuner honors. In the far-from-vintage year for big new commercial musicals, even Cameron Mackintosh couldn't turn "Betty Blue Eyes" in to a hit. Despite rave notices, it shuttered after fighting through six several days. Getting a title change and several reworking, it warrants the following. Its helmer, Richard Eyre, however, rounded out his year getting a fantastically judged output of Nicholas Wright's new bioplay "All the the Duchess" about Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.Eyre's 2012, meanwhile, includes the year's most intriguing prospect. He'll helm a dance version of "Truly, Crazily, Deeply," the film with the late Anthony Minghella. Dramatic ballerina Viviana Durante will star in the production produced by Tim Hatley and lit by Neil Austin ("Red-colored-colored.") Opening on holiday inside the fall, it'll then play London's premier dance house, Sadler's Wells. Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

Other company directors within the mix

Tomas Alfredson"Mess Tailor Soldier Spy"The significantly acclaimed Swede follows up his chilly vampire tale "Let the correct one In" with this particular tightly wound Cold War puzzle about British and Russian spies and traitors. In the hands, the plot of John Le Carre's intricate novel, which required a 1979 British miniseries nearly six hrs to pay for, resolves for an elegant, atmospheric 127-minute thriller having a distinguished cast, headlined by Gary Oldman. * * * George Clooney"The Ides of March"In the 4th directorial outing, Clooney takes up a clear, crisp political drama, according to Love Willamon's play "Farragut North," that's ultimately much more about media manipulation and private foibles than actual politics. An experienced cast features a live training Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti, alongside Ryan Gosling because the opportunistic press secretary to Clooney's winning but problematic presidential candidate. * * * David Cronenberg"A Harmful Method"Together with his usual surgical precision, Cronenberg will get fully underneath the skin of two leaders from the subconscious, Jung and Freud, and something disturbed patient, Sabina Spielrein, in the study of the complicated dynamic between your trio. Modified by Oscar champion Christopher Hampton ("Atonement") from their own play, the film offers intellectual pleasures for Academy voters who're like doing so. * * * Clint Eastwood"J. Edgar"Second simply to Steven Spielberg because the most-nominated living director, Eastwood joined with Leo-nardo DiCaprio and Oscar-winning film writer Dustin Lance Black ("Milk") about this ambitious study of the secretive FBI honcho, mixing five decades of high-level U.S. history with fascinating conjecture in regards to a guy whose requirement for energy masked deep personal discomfort and possible homosexuality. * * * Paul Feig"Bridesmaids"A 1-time comedy thesp who moved to working behind your camera using the series "Freaks and Nerds," veteran TV director Feig powered this romantic-comedy chick-flick into that rare comedy space occupied by fully rounded people acting like identifiable people. While other helmers have certainly impressed this season, Feig is the only person to possess found an ideal balance of pathos and projectile vomiting. * * * Jonathan Levine"50/50"Building an affecting yet unsentimental comedy about making it through spine cancer, Levine ("The Wackness") will get moving performances from Frederick Gordon-Levitt and semi-comic support Seth Rogen, who performs exceptionally well inside a more severe role than normal (the second also created, asking uncle, cancer survivor Will Reiser, to pen the script). With attention to detail, Levine provides the film an authentic dimension. * * * Roman Polanski"Carnage"The Oscar-winning director of "The Pianist" put together three more Oscar those who win (Kate Winslet, Jodie Promote and Christoph Waltz) and something nominee (John C. Reilly) for that film adaptation of Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning play. As always, Polanski brings his black spontaneity to some scenario that veers from superficially polite to outright hostile during the period of a good 80 minutes. * * * Nicolas Winding Refn"Drive"The Danish helmer (accountable for "Bronson" and also the "Pusher" trilogy) won the Cannes jury's top pointing prize for creating this moody noir vehicle featuring Ryan Gosling like a taciturn Hollywood stuntman who moonlights like a getaway driver. Refn also brings about a really frightening performance from the playing-against-type Albert Brooks, who proves there is a very little difference between rage and comedy.. * * * Tate Taylor"The AssistanceInchIn line with the bestseller by Kathryn Stockett and with confidence modified with a childhood friend with precious little prior pointing experience, "The AssistanceInch is definitely an psychologically satisfying story that has some large figures and performances from an ensemble that was already identified by the nation's Board of Review. The runaway hit gained nearly $200 million worldwide, considerably improving Taylor's stock around. * * * David Yates"Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"The veteran of 4 Potter films, Yates introduced a unified vision towards the series' other half, conjuring up a significantly more dark, more harmful and ominous world for that acclaimed climactic final chapter from the decade-lengthy franchise. The wizard kids' hard-fought against journey to their adult years is underscored by thrilling set pieces and Rob Fiennes' twisted turn as Voldemort.EYE Around The Academy awards: THE DIRECTOR Helmers hot to globe trotWoody Allen Stephen Daldry David Fincher Michel Hazanavicius Terrence Malick Bennett Burns Alexander Payne Jason Reitman Martin Scorsese Steven SpielbergIn this mixture Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'Book of Mormon' Co-Director In Talks to Helm 'Austin Powers' Musical (Exclusive)

Netflix is going gory. In the streaming service's continued and aggressive foray into the original content business, it is nearing a deal for Eli Roth to direct and executive produce hour-long horror series Hemlock Grove. The project, which will be granted a 13 episode order, is based on Brian McGreevy's upcoming gothic horror novel by the same name. PHOTOS: Netflix's 10 Most Rented Movies of All Time The project, which hails from the newly launched Gaumont International Television,centers on the body of a young girl who is found mangled and murdered in the woods of Hemlock Grove, Penn.McGreevy is on board to co-write and executive produce the script with his writing partner Lee Shipman.Mad Hatter's Michael Connolly will serve as a co-executive producer on the series, with Strike Entertainment's Eric Newman attached as an EP. The news follows Netflix's other original projects, David Fincher's House of Cards,Jenji Kohan's Orange is the New Black andthe resurrection of Fox's cult comedyArrested Development, as well as its continued efforts to lock up deals with content providers such as the CW and AMC."There are no signs of us reeling in spending,"Netflix chief content officerTed Sarandosrecently toldThe Hollywood Reporter. More recently, Netflix has been at the center of still more news. This time, rumblings about a potential sale. The company's shares briefly jumped more 7 percent in afternoon trading Monday as reports surfaced that Verizon is interested in acquiring the company. Roth, whose credits include Discovery's docuseries Curiosity, The Last Exorcism, Grindhouse and Hostel, is repped by CAA. Related Topics Eli Roth Netflix TV Development

Time Warner makes fresh Endemol bid

ROME -Time Warner has restored its interest for Endemol having a $1.3 billion all-cash offer, because the with debt Nederlander content giant makes its way into final countdown phase to achieve a contract with loan companies. Inside a statement, Endemol confirmed it's received "a modified offer from TW," and it has "passed it onto the loan companies." "We remain centered on our discussions with loan companies which have joined the ultimate stages. We're certain that an answer that puts the organization on the firm financial footing for future years has become imminent," the statement added. TW has suggested an exciting-cash, non-binding offer, as opposed to the combination of cash and debt that composed their previous offer for the similar amount. But based on sources, this new TW offer isn't likely to obtain a lot more traction with Endemol than their first offer. "The main focus for Endemol remains on capital restructuring," stated someone with close understanding from the situation. They noted that Endemol is outperforming budget the very first time in 5 years, so has seem prospects being an independent entity, and isn't likely to initiate a bidding process. Nevertheless, loan companies may rather choose the Time Warner cash offer. Mediaset, the Italo broadcasting giant controlled by Silvio Berlusconi, which already is the owner of one-third of Endemol and it has designed a rival offer for any majority stake, didn't have immediate discuss Monday. In 2007, a consortium composed of Mediaset, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Cyrte, an investment company by which Endemol co-founder John p Mol is really a minority investor, compensated some $3.5 billion for Telefonica's controlling stake in Endemol inside a three-way split. However they largely used utilized financial loans that now weigh heavily around the Nederlander unscripted TV giant most widely known for "Your Government," whose other formats include "Deal or No Deal" and "Extreme Transformation: Home Edition." Endemol is mired by some $3.7 billion indebted to creditors, including private equity finance funds Apollo Management, Centerbridge and Providence Equity Partners. The extended deadline with this capital restructuring is apparently tomorrow, 12 ,. 13. Mediaset and Italian equity fund Clessidra have apparently provided to inject $268 million in Endemol to boost their current 33% stake to 51%, with loan companies possessing the rest of the minority interests. Mediaset has apparently cautioned Endemol the results of the restructure may affect the companies' relationship, telling Endemol it meant to negotiate all existing contracts, too. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Salada, Querosene set 'High Five'

BUENOS AIRES -- Mariana Secco's Montevideo-based Salado Media is joining with Brazil's Querosene Filmes to produce Manuel Facal's feature debut, "High Five." The Uruguayan movie underscores two building trends in Latin America: producers' growing concern to beat local audiences as well as the emergence from the new generation of filmmakers who view their films as mainly entertainment, not social-problem photos. "Five" triggers a stoner who stumbles around the stash of marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy and ketamine. He assembles four pals and each takes one drug. "High Five" recounts whatever they remember as happening afterwards. Shooting next summer season, "Five," which won Uruguay's primary Fona subsidy award, is "a good work out in screwball comedy, a format usually connected with light comedies, modified to more effective content," Facal mentioned. Its cinematographer, Pedro Luque, and production designer, Federico Capra, both done Uruguayan Gustavo Hernandez's micro-budget horror hit "The Quiet House," which sparked a U.S. remake and worldwide sales. Occur a Montevideo divided by class and wealth, "Five" "charts the extended and confusing transition from adolescence to the adult years,Inch mentioned Secco, who referred to as "Five" " 'Scott Pilgrim' meets 'Dazed and Confused,'" She added, "What's interesting is to experience a new-generation director who not desire to vary from festival to festival but desires to make movies like the U.S. buddy comedies he was elevated on." Querosene topper Joao Queiroz is at talks for theatrical distribution in South usa. Given "Five's" 18-30 demo, Secco mentioned the producers are exploring straight-to-TV for a lot of areas and Internet VOD distribution. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj Headline Billboard's Women in Music Ceremony

Donald Trump may not have been successful in his bid for a Republican presidential nomination, but NBC'sThe Apprentice host has found another way to get involved with the race.our editor recommendsDonald Trump Doc Maker Orders Iranian Regime To Cancel Illegal Screening of His FilmDonald Trump Accuses Jon Stewart of 'Racist Rant' about Herman Cain (Video)Donald Trump Loses Libel Lawsuit Over Being Called A 'Millionaire'Donald Trump Charging $10,000 for Invitation-Only Meet and GreetDonald Trump: I Will Not Be Running for PresidentRelated Topics•Politics PHOTOS: NY City Power List Newsmax Media, a conservative magazine and website, has tapped Trump to moderate a presidential debate in Des Moines, IA Dec. 27, the NY Times reports. "Our readers and the grass roots really love Trump," Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax Media, told the paper. "They may not agree withhim on everything, but they don't see him as owned by the Washington establishment, the media establishment." PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 Elections The Republican candidate participants have not yet been named. Candidates were sent their debate invitation Friday, the same day Trump's moderatorship was announced. Some of the presidential hopefuls have already met with Trump this year. Gov. Rick Perry dined with him Sept. 14. Michelle Bachmann has sat down with him on several occasions and Mitt Romney met with him privately in Sept. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Top Earners The real-estate mogul explored a possible White House bid earlier this year before ultimately announcing he would not run in May. "This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country," he said in a statement at the time. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Box Office Politics: The Movies and Stars Dems vs. GOPers Love (and Love to Hate) Related Topics Donald Trump NBC Politics Rick Perry Mitt Romney

'Harry Potter,' 'Dark Dark evening Rises' Plus Much More: The Year's Best Posters

FROM MTV MOVIES: We now have began to consider in the entire year 2011, and after thinking about the most effective trailers around, we slow things lower just a little and select which posters mentioned most likely probably the most, excited us and inform us what you should expect in a single image. Fundamental necessities ten best poster of 2011. They understood the best way to capture our attention with images as simple as some rumpled sheets, a shaved mind or hot pink letters. They needed numerous a generation's most legendary symbols, like the Softball softball bat-signal or Voldemort, and switched them around the heads. Check out the most effective ten movie posters of 2011.

West Memphis 3 Sufferers Want Cinemax Documentary Excluded From Academy awards

Earlier this August, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley -- better referred to as West Memphis 3 -- were launched from prison. The trio have been charged with killing three youthful boys in 1993, however questions came about throughout the trial and several wondered when they were wrongfully accused. These discrepancies were raised in a number of Cinemax documentaries known as 'Paradise Lost,' that have been later credited with helping spring the 3 from prison. All of the these films, 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory,' continues to be posted for Oscar consideration within the Best Documentary category. However, not everyone's pleased with the possibilities of it winning an award. Among victim's parents are presently lobbying the Academy to exclude 'Paradise Lost' from consideration. Inside a letter sent on November. 22, Todd and Dana Moore mentioned that, "Due to public pressure that skyrocketed because of gross misrepresentations of fact within the two previous documentaries, [our boy] Michael's murders were unjustly able to initiate a plea agreement, were launched from prison and today pose additional risks to society. We implore the Academy to not reward our child's murders and also the company directors who've are making money from among the finest ripoffs ever perpetrated underneath the guise of the documentary film." Inside a response, 'Paradise Lost' co-creator Joe Berlinger mentioned the filmmakers "feel tremendous sorrow for [the victim's families]. We realise why a movie that involves another conclusion compared to what they do will make them feel by doing this. We uphold our films. We fervently believe free airline Memphis Three are innocent." The Oscar nominations is going to be introduced on Jan. 24, 2012. [via EW] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook