Ken Russell Dead: Questionable Director Dies at 84

British filmmaker Ken Russell died on Sunday morning at age 84. Russell's credits range from the questionable film, 'The Demons,' a 1971 movie starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, that was belittled because of its graphic depiction of sex and violence. Russell received a Best Pointing Oscar nomination for that 1969 film, 'Women for each other,A and would go onto direct The Who's 'Tommy,' an legendary 1975 flick in line with the album through the British rock-band. Within an excerpt in the 2008 book, 'Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood,' author James Wolcott examines Russell's work, proclaiming that the director is "greater than a traffic cop inside a canvas chair performing for that camera. He's an impressario, each movie a part of a bigger sales hype for that director's signature brand." Based on THR, Russell died quietly in the sleep. [via THR] [Photo: AFP/Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Wyclef Jean Defends Haiti Charitable organization

First Launched: November 28, 2011 10:18 AM EST Credit: Getty Images PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Caption Wyclef Jean attends Pink Zumbathon Party in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancers at Alexandra Structure london on October 16, 2011Haiti stylish hop star Wyclef Jean states hes happy with how his charitable organization responded following a earthquake almost couple of years ago. According to him his Yele Haiti Foundation reconstructed an orphanage and something of outdoors toilet and shower facilities inside the greatest shanties inside the Haitian capital. Jeans comments Sunday follow reviews launched with the NY Publish saying his foundation collected $16 million this season but under another of the visited emergency efforts. The Publish also states $millions of was paid out with a Florida firm that doesn't appear to exist. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Twi-Hard Teen Blames DUI On Missing Breaking Dawn

Say you’re a teen Twilight devotee. Ever since last year’s Eclipse, you’ve been counting down the days until Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner reprised their roles for the long-awaited, demon fetus pregnancy installment in Stephenie Meyer’s fluffy vamp franchise. Your boyfriend promised he would take you to Breaking Dawn — Part 1, only at the last minute he bailed (typical!) and you missed the one thing that was getting you through a particularly rough and angsty period of your adolescence. What do you do? If you’re 18-year-old Olivia Christina Ornelas of Illinois, you hit the bottle and hop in your car to clear your mind. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that cops found the car that Ornelas had been driving in a ditch near Route 71 shortly after midnight last Saturday. Police report that the devastated Twihard was driving without her front right tire and explained that “she was extremely upset with her boyfriend because she did not get to see the new Twilight movie as they were supposed to do.” According to the Huffington Post, Ornelas is being charged with driving under the influence and unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor. No word yet on whether the 18-year-old caught Breaking Dawn after she posted $300 bond, or if she forgave her boyfriend. Either way, Movieline recommends that 1) You don’t depend on your boyfriend or any non-Twi-Hard to see a Breaking Dawn — Part 1 screening and 2) You never resort to drinking and driving. While I’m on the subject of outrageous blockbuster-related crimes , you also shouldn’t try to carjack a plainclothes police officer and claim it was part of The Dark Knight Rises production. · Illinois Teenager Blames DUI Crash On Not Seeing ‘Twilight’ Film: Police Arrest Olivia Ornelas [HuffPo] via [@richardroeper]

Joe Paterno Cancer Diagnosis Revealed Among Penn Condition Sex Scandal

Soon after becoming the prospective of the media firestorm a week ago, Joe Paterno, 84, also found that he's a curable type of cancer of the lung.our editor recommendsJoe Paterno Firing Draws Mixed Reaction Around InternetHoward Stern on Jerry Sandusky: 'They Should Cut His B---- Off' (Video)Jon Stewart Jams Jerry Sandusky for Bob Costas Interview: 'You Can't Even Bring You to ultimately Lie Emphatically' (Video) The legendary Penn Condition football coach was fired through the University's board of trustees on November. 9, among a young child abuse sex scandal including former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Paterno was belittled for neglecting to correctly report Sandusky, that has been billed with sexually mistreating eight youthful boys. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Greatest Fantasy Football Fans Paterno's boy launched an argument towards the AP on Friday, reading through, "Last week, my dad was identified having a curable type of cancer of the lung throughout a follow-up visit for any bronchial illness." "As everybody can appreciate, this can be a deeply personal matter for my parents, and that we simply request that his privacy be respected because he proceeds with treatment," the statement ongoing. Paterno is presently going through treatment and it is expected to create a full recovery. OPINION: Ashton Kutcher and also the Finish of Celebrity Tweeting This news of Paterno's firing sent shockwaves through Hollywood, drawing mixed responses among fans, commentators and stars. , particularly, triggered debate together with his naive a reaction to the firing, by which he authored, "I've found it in poor taste." The actor ultimately made the decision to give his Twitter account to management following a comment. Related Subjects Joe Paterno Jerry Sandusky

Ough Gervais Coming back as Host of Golden Globes

It's official: Ough Gervais will host the 69th annual Golden Globes, which NBC will broadcast on Jan. 15. When Gervais located the final edition from the show captured, his pointed barbs at his fellow celebs angered some people from the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., which is definitely the event, and Philip Berk, who had been then your group's leader, told THR that Gervais "certainly entered the road.Inchour editor recommendsRicky Gervais Could Return as Golden Globes HostRicky Gervais: NBC Still Wants Me to Host Golden GlobesRelated Subjects• PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2011 Red-colored Carpet Arrivals However the HFPA has already established time for you to reconsider and introduced Wednesday on its website, "After days of whispers it's finally official -- Ough Gervais is going to be to host the Golden Globes for any third year." After ending up in NBC professional Douglas Vaughn, senior vice president special offers at NBC, who supported the thought of Gervais hosting, the business chosen in support of Gervais' return. PHOTOS: 2011 Golden Globes Party Photos However the election wasn't exactly unanimous. Your blog publish around the HFPA website published by among its people stated, "Although welcome Gervais's return, not everybody is satisfied using the decision because this past year his blunt one-inserts focusing on large-title celebs triggered anger and bitterness in certain quarters. Following the show Gervais ignored the potential of returning for any third time, but he progressively warmed towards the idea and recently met with HFPA Leader Dr. Aida Takla-O'Reilly in Paris to go over it." Related Subjects Ough Gervais HFPA Golden Globes 2012

Disney Shares Surge six percent as Wall Street Brags About Earnings

Disney saw its stock rise six percent on Friday as Wall Street experts cheered its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that have been revealed every day earlier.our editor recommendsDisney Posts thirty percent Rise in Quarterly Internet Gain as Theme Parks SoarHarlem Nun Sues Disney, The brand new the new sony Proclaiming They Stole 'Sister Act'Euro Disney Posts Greater Fiscal Year Loss Among Possibilities The business mentioned Thursday that it's quarterly revenue rose 7 percent to $10.43 billion and internet gain leaped thirty percent to $1.25 billion. "A resounding beat," crowed Michael Nathanson of Nomura Equity Research on Friday. "After two unimpressive quarters, Disney paid out traders who saved the idea.Inch Nathanson upped his cost target on Disney stock with a amazing $5 a share on Friday to $43. Disney shares rose $2.06 on Friday to $36.70. "Disney can get within the anticipation game after two disappointing quarters," echoed Michael Morris of Davenport & Co. The analyst elevated his target on Disney by $1 on Friday to $39 a share. "The operating effects were solid where it mattered, as cable systems, parks and resorts and broadcast results showed up above anticipation," mentioned Anthony DiClemente of Barclays Capital. The analyst left his $44 cost target unchanged. A lot of the experts made an appearance impressed with Disney's theme park and ESPN assets. "Given ESPN's finest-ever business of sports content, ESPN has produced a effective competitive moat around its business," mentioned DiClemente. Even an Basketball lockout won't harm ESPN, Disney Boss Bob Iger told professionals on Thursday, as fans and entrepreneurs will seek college basketball together with other sports to satisfy the growing demand. Related Subjects Bob Iger The Wally Disney Company Basketball ESPN

Marla Gibbs to Guest-Star on Southland

Marla It's a 227 reunion! Marla will guest-star inside an approaching episode of procedural drama Southland, alongside 227 co-star Regina King. (Now, where's Jackee?) will need round the role of Gran, a relative from the murder suspect being investigated by Detective Lydia Adams (King) round the TNT series. The episode will air Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10/9c.See the relaxation of current day newsAside from playing housewife Mary Jenkins round the NBC sitcom 227, is much better recognized for her portrayal of Florence Johnston, the sassy, wise-cracking maid round the Jeffersons.Season 4 of Southland premieres Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 10/9c on TNT.

Starz Renews 'Spartacus' for Third Season

StarzThe new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre Starz has renewed Spartacus for a third season. The network announced Monday that production on the as yet untitled third season of its original franchise will begin early next year in New Zealand. "There is no denying the impact Spartacus has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale," Starz Media managing director Carmi Zlotnik said in announcing the news. The renewal comes days after the male-skewing network announced the Jan. 27 premiere date for spinoff Spartacus: Vengeance and more than a month after Starz inked Spartacus showrunner Steven S. DeKnight to a two-year overall deal. "The executives at Starz have been extremely supportive in giving us creative freedom and allowing us to tell the story in a rich, yet bold way that leaves an indelible mark on its fans," DeKnight said in a statement. Added Zlotnik: "Vengeanace brings unparalleled action and drama to Starz viewers in January. We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for Season 3." The most recent installment of Spartacus was Starz's Gods of the Arena which ran in January and averaged 6.2 million total viewers per episode, including on-demand viewing. Liam McIntyre assumed the title role in Vengance, joined by Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare, Nick E. Tarabay and Katrina Law. Starz! Spartacus

The British Surely Won't Mind Jessica Chastain Playing an Adulterous Princess Di

Word from the American Film Market has Jessica Chastain attached to star as Princess Diana in Caught in Flight, a developing project about the late royal’s “secret affair” with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan, “who was said to be the love of her life.” And according to those who’ve seen the script, the beloved Princess of Wales is not depicted so flatteringly. Incoming Daily Mail artillery in 5… 4… 3… Here’s a bit of back story from AFM, thanks to Thompson on Hollywood: The princess met Dr. [Khan] at the Royal Brompton Hospital in 1995 when she was visiting a friend who was recovering from heart surgery. The couple pursued a quiet two-year affair. Dr. Khan, who she named “Mr. Wonderful,” maintained an eleven-year silence over the relationship, until he spoke [to] The Telegraph about the affair in 2008. In the article, the relationship is described as being so serious that Diana was thinking of converting to Islam. She wore traditional dress to meet his family on a visit to Pakistan. […] In his director’s statement, circulating to buyers at the AFM, [Oliver] Hirschbiegel talks about the compassion and wisdom that Dr. Khan showed the princess. Hirchbiegel has a track record for exploring iconic figures on film and casting them in a different light. Witness Downfall, which looked at Hitler’s dying days. Those who have read the script for Caught in Flight, by Steven Jeffreys (The Libertine), say that the late Princess is not cast in a particularly favorable light; she is shown as a damaged person who stalks the doctor after he ends the affair. I’m on the record as Team Chastain from way back; she can accomplish anything she wants as far as I’m concerned. Except, that is, appease a nation for whom news of their precious Diana treated as a real woman with complex needs and desires — played by an American, no less — will prove the equivalent of one police baton in the head too many. “Aye,” said one Briton consulted by Movieline’s UK bureau. “Di’s a right bird, now. Whotcha mean with aw this?” Another, awoken from a pub slumber, agreed: “Firs’ ya got Thatcher, ain’t that enough for ya? I say give ‘er the Oscar for Bes’ Bollocks. Ya tosser.” It will get worse before it gets better. Prepare accordingly. AFM News EXCLUSIVE: Jessica Chastain To Star In Princess Di Biopic [Thompson on Hollywood] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Robert Pattinson On 'American Idiot,' Jeff Buckley Rumors: 'I Don't Know'

"Breaking Dawn" remains the hot item on Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner's dance cards for the foreseeable future, but it's certainly not the only movie either actor has in development. Pattinson's breaking away from his Edward Cullen image in a big way with director David Cronenberg's upcoming "Cosmopolis," for example, while Lautner's name has been attached to a wide range of projects including "Cancun" and "Stretch Armstrong." Beginning with Pattinson, the sometime vampire has found himself at the center of rumors that he'd be starring in two upcoming musically-driven projects: an adaptation of the Green Day musical "American Idiot," for one, and a Jeff Buckley biopic for another. Perhaps he was merely playing coy, but Pattinson claimed ignorance regarding both films during this week's "MTV First: 'Breaking Dawn - Part 1'" interview. "I don't know why," he told MTV News when asked where these rumors came from. "I don't know. Not really. The Jeff Buckley thing, I just love Jeff Buckley's music. 'American Idiot,' I don't know where that came from." When told that the "American Idiot" rumors originated with Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong, Pattinson seemed surprised: "Oh, really? That's pretty cool!" Cool enough to get Rob on board? Maybe, maybe not. As with most things in the ever-changing beast that is Hollywood, we'll have to wait and see if the actor's ready to become an "Idiot." Most recently for Lautner, meanwhile, the erstwhile Jacob Black was pegged for a starring role in an upcoming indie directed by Gus Van Sant. But when we spoke with the actor, he downgraded those expectations from "definitely happening" to "wishful thinking." "I mean look, Gus is an incredible director," he said. "I would love to have the opportunity to work with him. Things are very premature right now, but he's amazing." Tell us what you think in the comments section and on Twitter!

U.K. remains top competitive market

'The InBetweeners'The U.K. still remains one of the most competitive independent markets in the world. The crowded indie distribution sector is peppered with a raft of players with hefty financial backing: eOne, Studiocanal, Momentum/Alliance, Lionsgate and Entertainment Film Distributors are all cash-rich, so if a picture fits the bill it's not unusual to see bidding wars. While this may be the case, all are conscious of the fact that it's a competitive market and, for the most part, prices tend not to reach crazy levels.However, these players all have a similar agenda -- they're looking for bigger films that they can release wide. Years ago, such pics would have had a home with one of the major Hollywood distributors. Thinner production and distribution pipelines for the majors means quality and A-list pics are trickling into indies."I don't think attitudes towards acquiring films have changed that dramatically," says Lionsgate U.K. topper Zygi Kamasa. "However, we are all chasing the bigger, more commercial films."Indies are looking for smart, commercial pics that can click with U.K. auds at the box office.The theatrical market in Blighty is tough. While box office has remained relatively stable compared to last year at around $1.7 billion, high P&A prices coupled with one of the lowest film rentals in the world (indies take around 28% of the box office) make platforming a film a challenge.Additionally, the market is underscreened for the amount of product coming out on a weekly basis, meaning distribs lose their screens quickly if the film doesn't click right away.DVD is still relatively robust in the territory compared to other markets but TV sales are on the decline. BSkyB, which has a monopoly on the pay TV market, traditionally offers indies much smaller deals -- if any -- than the Hollywood majors and budget cuts across the free TV market mean coin from that sector is low.However, Amazon-owned online film and TV subscription service Lovefilm is upping its game in the indie sector. Service has already inked exclusive deals with a raft of indies including eOne and Studiocanal, whose titles will be available through the service exclusively during its pay TV window. And with the imminent arrival of Netflix in Blighty next year, distribs are seeing some hope on the horizon -- but not an answer to the challenges in the market."There's not necessarily a renewed confidence in the marketplace with these VOD services," says Momentum/Alliance topper Xavier Marchand. "It's just replacing the fading DVD market. While it's very good to have them, it's not the solution to all of our problems."Number of screens: 3,741Number of 3D screens: 1,472Top indie distributors and B.O. (from Oct. 15, 2010, to Oct. 16, 2011): Momentum Pictures/Alliance Films ($119,162,993); Entertainment Film Distributors ($114,446,951); Studiocanal ($72,490,718); eOne Films ($48,436,634); Lionsgate U.K. ($39,580,116)Top exhibition chains: Odeon, Cineworld, Vue (together, the three account for roughly 70% of the U.K. cinema circuit).Typical minimum guarantee: Ranges from 7% to 10% of the budget of a film, but this very much depends on the film. There is really no typical MG as the indie market is so competitive.Top 5 Indie Films (from Oct. 15, 2010, to Oct. 16, 2011): "The King's Speech" ($70,634,808); "The Inbetweeners" ($70,251,222); "Gnomeo and Juliet" ($24,842,560); "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" ($19,378,385); "Limitless" ($12,995,917)Typical theatrical split: Varies from picture to picture but typically indies get less than 30% of the box office while majors can do better with up to 45% for the right film.Upcoming pickups: "The Artist" (Entertainment Film Distributors); "Headhunters" (Momentum Pictures/Alliance Films); "Rust and Bones" (Studiocanal) Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

'NCIS' pair energy Tuesday triumph for CBS

Fox's Tuesday selection came back from the baseball-determined hiatus to reduce amounts now, as CBS taken the night's three hrs in key demos. NBC's combo of ''The Greatest Loser'' and ''Parenthood'' looked better, as did CW's rookie drama ''Ringer.'' CBS saw the 3 of their dramas win their hrs in demos and total audiences despite week-to-week declines. ''NCIS'' (3.9/11 in 18-49, 19.4 million audiences overall) easily brought at 8 o'clock And by 3 shares in 18-49 by 7 shares in grown ups 25-54 , and ''NCIS: Los Angeles'' stored the internet on the top at 9 (3.4/9 in 18-49, 15.six million audiences overall). At 10, ''Unforgettable'' was around the low side (2.3/6 in 18-49, 11.3 million audiences overall) but nonetheless brought in most groups. Fox's ''Glee'' (2.9/8 in 18-49, 7.4 million audiences overall) and ''New Girl'' (3.5/9 in 18-49, 7.5 million audiences overall) were lower nearly 20% using their last originals four days ago although some declines were expected following this type of delay, Fox may have its fingers entered the shows recover in coming days. At 9:30, ''Raising Hope'' (2.5/6 in 18-49, 5.5 million audiences overall) was lower 14% from the last original. For that evening, Fox went second to CBS in grown ups 18-49 while remaining on the top one of the 12-34 crowd. ABC's Tim Allen comedy ''Last Guy Standing'' dipped more in the 4th week (2.6/8 in 18-49, 9.3 million audiences overall), as did lead-out ''Man Up'' in the third (1.8/5 in 18-49, 6.4 million audiences overall) combined, they tied NBC for third devote 18-49 for that hour. The ''Dancing Using the Stars'' results show adopted having a week-to-week uptick (2.8/7 in 18-49, 15.two million audiences overall), as did 10 p.m. drama ''Body of Proof'' (2./5 in 18-49, 10.a million audiences overall). NBC's ''The Greatest Loser'' (2.3/6 in 18-49, 6.5 million audiences overall) returned back from a week ago , if this faced special competition from Fox's ''The X Factor'' , and became a member of 10 p.m. drama ''Parenthood'' (2.2/6 in 18-49, 5.3 million audiences overall) in matching season levels. ''Parenthood'' loved its best position in accordance with CBS' ''Unforgettable'' up to now, tugging into an 18-49 tie at 10:30. In the CW, ''Ringer'' (.8/2 in 18-49, 1.8 million audiences overall) held steady in broad groups but was up a tick versus. its newest original episode both in grown ups 18-34 (.8/2) and ladies 18-34 (1.2/3). Starting off the evening, ''90210'' (.7/2 in 18-49, 1.5 million audiences overall) was consistent with its previous new episode. Preliminary 18-49 earnings for that evening: CBS, 3.2/9 Fox, 3./8 ABC and NBC, 2.3/6 Univision, 1.5/4 CW, .7/2. As a whole audiences: CBS, 15.4 million ABC, 11. million Fox, 7. million NBC, 6. million Univision, 3.5 million CW, 1.six million. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com