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Hollywood is where imaginative stories are put on the silver screen and people with minimal backgrounds can make historical careers of glamour. But aside from inviting in people of various backgrounds and creative mindsets, Hollywood has encouraged, mostly indirectly, daring filmmakers to go against its system and attempt to make successful pictures outside of the often creatively restraining industry. Legendary directors Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas formed in the early 1970s the best example of such rebellion with American Zoetrope, an independent film company which in the days prior to each of their legendary success, was their conjoined mission to challenge the Hollywood status quo in moviemaking, inviting a diverse array of storytelling and directors to form a new kind of cinema alternative. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to...

Actor Dennis Hopper was the kind of artist myths are made from. He was an incredibly talented performer with a larger-than-life personality that frequently got him into trouble. His reckless behavior and intense drug abuse could make him incredibly difficult to work with, and he even tried to get Marlon Brando to fist-fight him after a misunderstanding before the filming of "Apocalypse Now," leading to the two being separated on set at all times. In the mid-1970s, however, he behaved so badly while filming a movie in Australia that he was not only declared dead on his feet and banned from driving a car in the state of Victoria ever again, but he was also kicked right on out of the country.

That movie was "Mad Dog Morgan," a disturbing 1976 outback Western based on the true life misdeeds of bushranger and outlaw Dan Morgan (whom Hopper played in the film). The Ozploitation,...

The stars really did come out for the 50th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live. Introducing Adam Sandler, who performed an incredible SNL50 tribute song, was none other than the legendary Jack Nicholson.

When the camera cut to Nicholson, the applause rained down. The actor kept it simple, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Sandler!" From there, Sandler gave a shout-out to Jack and began his song, singing, "Everyone in this room has something in common. All of our lives were changed by the show."

Sandler is known for his songs and mashups, and this one was perfect for the occasion. He sang about the cast, funny moments (including those behind the scenes), the crew, Lorne Michaels, and paid a very heartfelt tribute to fellow SNL vet and friend, the late Chris Farley, who passed away in 1997, and Norm Macdonald, who died in 2021. You can watch the entire performance, and Jack's introduction,...

The mishaps on a road trip should ideally consist of getting a flat tire or turning down the wrong road, not being hunted by a group of devil worshipers. Unfortunately, this gets pushed to the top of the itinerary list for an unlucky pair of couples in Race with the Devil (1975). The occult horror-action film was released in the same decade that gave audiences classics, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes, but the little-known Race with the Devil swaps cannibals for cultists who won't let their rituals be exposed. Being a road movie that stars Peter Fonda, it's worth a watch to see what would happen if there was a satanic twist to Easy Rider (1969) with a different definition of "hell on wheels."...

On Monday February 10 2025, Outd broadcasts Wild at heart!

Easy Rider Season 1 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wild at Heart,” titled “Easy Rider,” promises an exciting adventure in the beautiful Florida Keys. In this episode, Kaylee takes center stage as she teams up with her dad, Rob, to target sharks using fly fishing techniques. The stunning backdrop of the Keys will provide a perfect setting for their fishing expedition.

Kaylee and Rob share a passion for fishing, and this episode highlights their special bond as they navigate the waters together. Viewers can expect to see the challenges and thrills of fly fishing for sharks, a task that requires skill and patience. The father-daughter duo will face the elements as they attempt to catch these impressive creatures.

As they explore the vibrant marine life of the Florida Keys, Kaylee and Rob will also share tips and tricks for aspiring anglers.

“Storytelling has never been more important,” Illumination founder and boss Chris Meledandri said Saturday night in receiving the David O. Selznick Achievement Award at the PGA Awards.

“We find ourselves now in a far more fragile moment. Our country, our city, our industry, are experiencing unprecedented disruption and uncertainty. We should not forget. That the health of a society is directly tied to its reigning narratives,” said the producer whose animated comedies have delighted global masses to the tune of $11 billion.

Meledandri reflected on his early days in Hollywood as a runner working for producer Dan Melnick. The first day when Meledandri drove on the 20th Century Fox lot, he had an assigned parking space with his name on it. It was an early producing lesson for the young Meledandri that he would carry with him: “Everybody matters.”

Well before he arrived in Hollywood, Meledandri had already been reared in...

“Wild at Heart” kicks off its exciting first season with the premiere episode titled “Easy Rider.” Set against the stunning backdrop of the Florida Keys, this episode promises to bring adventure and heartwarming moments as Kaylee teams up with her dad, Rob. The duo sets out on a thrilling fishing expedition, targeting sharks using fly fishing techniques.

Viewers will get a glimpse of the special bond between Kaylee and Rob as they navigate the waters of the Keys. The episode highlights not only the challenges of shark fishing but also the joy of spending quality time together in nature. The vibrant scenery of the Florida Keys adds to the excitement, showcasing the beauty of the ocean and its fascinating marine life.

As the episode unfolds, Kaylee’s determination and skill will shine through, making for an engaging watch. “Easy Rider” is sure to capture the spirit of adventure that “Wild at Heart” aims to deliver.

Garth Hudson, the keyboardist, sax player and archivist for Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Band whose farewell show with the group was memorialized in Martin Scorsese’s landmark documentary The Last Waltz, died Tuesday in his sleep at a nursing home in Woodstock, NY. He was 87.

The executor of his estate executor confirmed the news to the Toronto Star.

Born Eric Hudson on August 2, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, and was trained in classical piano and music theory. He played in local bands before hooking up in the late 1950s with rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins’ The Hawks, which eventually would feature many of his Band mates. The group would back Bob Dylan’s on the notorious mid-’60s “Going Electric” tours and, rechristened The Band, they collaborated on groundbreaking album The Basement Tapes, helping to invent the Americana genre.

Related: Ronnie Hawkins Dies: ‘Father Of Canadian Rock ‘N’ Roll’ Was...

Garth Hudson, the virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and last original member of The Band, has died at the age of 87.

According to The Toronto Star, Hudson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 21st at a nursing home in Woodstock, New York

Hudson was born Eric Hudson in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on August 2nd, 1937. Like their son, both of his parents were multi-talented musicians, and Hudson began playing piano at a very early age. His first official gigs were providing the organ for local church services and for a funeral parlor owned by his uncle. By 1949, he was playing professionally in dance bands around London, Ontario, eventually earning a spot in a group called Paul London and the Kapers.

It was after a Kapers show in London in 1961 that Hudson was first approached by his future-bandmates Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm, who asked if he would be interested in joining Hawkins’ band,...

Considering he's one of Hollywood's most legendary stars, it's a little shocking to learn Jack Nicholson's career got off to such an inauspicious start. Nicholson toiled for nearly a decade in low-budget exploitation films before landing a plumb supporting role in Easy Rider, which brought him the first of 12 Oscar nominations — three of which he has won. His first movie role was in The Cry Baby Killer, a 61-minute teen drama produced by Roger Corman, who kept Nicholson gainfully employed throughout the 1960s. More than just a curious footnote in an otherwise distinguished career, The Cry Baby Killer shows that Nicholson possessed leading-man charisma from the very beginning, and foreshadows the kinds of roles that would make him iconic.

As promised, the Waterboys have shared the first single from their upcoming concept album about the life of actor Dennis Hopper, “Hopper’s on Top (Genius).”

Stationed near the midway point of the epic, 25-track Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, the new song captures the film icon at a pivotal moment in his career, when the actor — after a string of bit parts in classics like Cool Hand Luke and True Grit — found himself behind the camera to direct the landmark 1969 counterculture hit Easy Rider.

Keeping with the spirit of that film classic,...

Keanu Reeves has been acting since the 1980s, and has given the world great performances in the realm of action, adventure, drama, and even comedy. It's rare for someone whose most prolific catchphrase is "Whoah" to be able to show so much emotional depth in a wide range of roles. Reeves is known not to take himself too seriously while still being able to take on very serious roles.

The 1990s were a very rich decade for Keanu Reeves' best films, which saw him star in action-packed blockbusters like Speed, emotional indie films like My Own Private Idaho, and ensemble pieces like Bram Stoker's Dracula. His star was on the rise throughout that tumultuous time of growth, and he's been an unwavering part of pop culture ever since. While Reeves has a very stoic approach to acting, with some criticizing his limited range, it's that brooding calmness that makes...

The Waterboys will return in 2025 with a new album revolving around the life of legendary actor Dennis Hopper, with an impressive guest list — including Bruce Springsteen and Fiona Apple — helping the long-running U.K. rockers along the musical journey.

Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, due out April 4th via the band’s new label Sun Records, is an ambitious 25-track “song cycle” that charts not only the late actor’s life story but also the past 75 years of Western pop culture.

“The arc of his life was the story of our times,...

Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, 87, offered fans a rare glimpse into his personal life by appearing in a heartwarming photo with his daughter, Lorraine Nicholson.

Lorraine, 34, took to Instagram to share the precious snapshot, capturing a tender moment between father and daughter. The iconic actor, sporting a striped bowling shirt, smiled gently as he wrapped his arm around Lorraine, who beamed with happiness.

Jack Nicholson Shares Rare Peek Into Personal Life In Holiday Pic By Daughter Lorraine Nicholson

“the giving season ,” Lorraine captioned the heartwarming photo, which also included snapshots with he brother, Raymond, her nephew, Duke Nicholson, and his girlfriend, influencer Devon Lee Carlson.

The photo provides a rare glimpse into the private life of the legendary actor, who has largely withdrawn from public life in recent years.

Nicholson, known for his iconic roles in films like “The Shining,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “Easy Rider,” has six children with five different women.

Jack Nicholson made a rare photo appearance in his daughter Lorraine Nicholson’s recent holiday Instagram post. The shot reportedly marks the legendary actor’s first public photo since early 2023, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Nicholson was last photographed in his happy place, courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers game he attended with his son. Nicholson has been a fixture at Lakers games for decades. The Easy Rider and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest actor now appears in a photo with his daughter Lorraine, who posted a carousel of Instagram holiday pics. Jack and Lorraine are seen together in the Instagram post below, captioned: “the giving season.”

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lorraine Nicholson (@lnicholson)

The photo appears to have been taken at Nicholson’s home. On the bookshelf in the background, two of Jack's Oscars can be seen along with several of the acclaimed...

Jack Nicholson disappeared from Hollywood after what was an anticlimactic end to one of the greatest film careers of all time with 2010's "How Do You Know?" The movie saw Nicholson play the head of a big firm for which Paul Rudd's George works. If that doesn't sound like the best use of a screen legend, it wasn't. "How Do You Know?" ended up being a star-studded box office flop, with reviewers chastising writer/director James L. Brooks for wasting such impressive talent.

"How Do You Know?" starred Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson but surely the biggest waste was Nicholson himself, especially considering he ended his venerable on-screen career with this movie. By this point, Nicholson didn't need to do anything. In fact, he hadn't needed to do anything since he signed a bonkers deal with Warner Bros. for starring as the Joker in 1989's "Batman" and...

Jack Nicholson was already a major star before he played the Joker in 1989's "Batman." But his unprecedented deal with Warner Bros. for that particular blockbuster netted the actor more than $50 million and made him one of the wealthiest performers in Hollywood — not to mention one of the most influential. After somehow wangling a portion of the profits from both the box office and merchandising revenues from "Batman," Nicholson set a new precedent for big-name performers moving forward. The actor also basically ensured that "Batman" never actually turned a profit for Warners even though it became a box office smash.

When "Batman" debuted in the summer of 89, it arrived amid a public frenzy dubbed "Bat-mania" by the media. Audiences were clamoring for director Tim Burton's take on the Caped Crusader, which promised to restore the "Batman" property to its dark roots and deliver a serious take on a...

If you've delved into any American film history over the years, you've no doubt come across the sentiment that the 1970s was the best period for American cinema, bar none. Of course, any claim of opinion is up for debate, but the reasons for historians and critics coming to this conclusion are harder to deny, as pound for pound, the various conditions needed for filmmaking were particularly favorable during that decade. To wit: the collapse of the Hays Code and the institution of the Motion Picture Association of America allowed for a heretofore unprecedented level of uncensored content in American movies. The "studio system" and a reliance on stars to open movies were quickly becoming things of the past, and while corporate conglomerates were now in charge of the major studios (something which has led to our current state of multiplex stagnation in 2024), at this early stage, the suits had...

When Richard Donner was trying to cast an actor in the role of Jor-El for 1978's "Superman," he recalled traveling to Los Angeles to meet "Marlon F*****g Brando" at his house on Mulholland Drive, and noted that both he and Jack Nicholson shared "a little compound" (via The Hollywood Reporter). In retrospect, one gets the sense that nobody else other than Jack F*****g Nicholson could have shared this exclusive little pocket of Hollywood Hills real estate. There simply wasn't another actor that could match Brando's esteem.

Before Nicholson disappeared from Hollywood entirely, he was surely one of the last great movie stars — even if his final film was a star studded box office bomb. Before he secured one of the wildest deals in Hollywood history and netted himself well clear of $50 million to play the Joker in 1989's "Batman," Nicholson's legendary status was well-established. That "Batman" deal certainly...

It's been said that Jack Nicholson plays crazy a little too well, and while that's true in its own way, it's also inaccurate insofar as it suggests the man just channels some sort of innate insanity for his more unhinged roles. The truth is that before Jack Nicholson disappeared from Hollywood, he was one of the most intelligent and thoughtful actors ever to grace the screen, and spent years honing his abilities via deep research. As the New York Times' Ron Rosenbaum put it in a 1986 profile of the man, Nicholson would "devotedly go from acting teacher to acting teacher seeking truth the way others of his generation would go from guru to guru or shrink to shrink."

In other words, Nicholson was far more intellectual about his craft than you might imagine when watching his effortless performances. It's the reason Stanley Kubrick said that Nicholson brought an "unactable" quality...

In the late 1960s, Paramount Pictures was getting a young-gun makeover with upstart producer Robert Evans taking the reins of the struggling studio. With the New Hollywood movement exploding thanks to provocations like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Easy Rider," Evans was keen to hire exciting young filmmakers to apply their unique talents to the day's bestsellers. When he hit critical and commercial paydirt with Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby," he turned his attention to another hot novel owned by the studio, one that had the potential to revitalize the gangster film.

Author Mario Puzo hadn't even finished "The Godfather" when Paramount executive Peter Bart offered him $115,000 for the manuscript. His instincts proved spot-on. Within two years of its 1969 publication, "The Godfather" had become a phenomenon, selling in the neighborhood of nine million copies. A feature film adaptation was inevitable. All Evans and Bart had to do was find the right...

Jack Nicholson had an undeniably impressive film career. From the outside looking in at least, he seemed to be riding high from his breakout role in 1969's "Easy Rider" all the way to 2007's "The Bucket List," before gracefully retiring from Hollywood in recent years. But although Nicholson would still be landing great roles deep into the 2000s, he was already starting to feel too old in 1986. In an '86 interview with the New York Times, Nicholson talked about how he watched "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Although this is arguably director John Hughes' best movie, Nicholson hated every moment of it. 

"That movie made me feel totally irrelevant to anything that any audience could want, and 119 years old" Nicholson explained. ''Believe me, everyone else watching it liked it. And you know, I literally walked out of there thinking my days are numbered. These people are trying to kill me."

At...

When an actor stars in a film, their promotional responsibilities are often written into their contracts. They have to appear on talk shows or post about the film on their social media accounts ... or even just not say anything bad about the production, no matter how the film turns out.

With the benefit of time, though, many actors look back on their work and want to let fans know that they were just as disappointed as we were. An actor trashing their own movie lets us know that they're human just like the rest of us, and that they too can tell when something just didn't work. It can also make for a great press anecdote. Take Dennis Hopper, for example, who told The A.V. Club that his son once asked him why he bothered to star in "Super Mario Bros." The "Easy Rider" star recalled telling his son, 'Well,...

On Monday December 2 2024, Pix broadcasts Trivial Pursuit!

Easy Rider Season 1 Episode 9 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Trivial Pursuit,” titled “Easy Rider,” promises to be an exciting watch for fans. This episode features a motorcycle enthusiast who is ready to take on the challenges of the game. With a passion for bikes and a wealth of knowledge, this competitor is sure to bring an interesting dynamic to the show.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will see the motorcycle enthusiast tackle a variety of trivia questions related to bikes, travel, and adventure. The contestant’s love for motorcycles will likely shine through, as they share stories and insights that connect their personal experiences to the trivia being asked. This blend of knowledge and passion could make for some memorable moments.

In addition to the trivia, the episode will also highlight the thrill of competition. The motorcycle enthusiast will face off against other contestants,...

Through unforgettable performances, several actors have established themselves as the greatest of all time. After more than a century of cinematic history, there have been myriad actors and actresses who have enjoyed their fair share of the spotlight. A long list of stars from the industry's past and present, ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Clint Eastwood, have achieved reputations as movie legends.

The diverse list of movie genres lends itself well to the massive pool of movie stars audiences have followed over the years. Some developed a mastery over a certain medium, with actors like John Wayne and James Cagney becoming synonymous with Westerns and gangster films respectively. Others tried to showcase their versatility by appearing in all sorts of different films. In one way or another, numerous actors have made enough contributions to movie history to earn their place among the best.

Viola Davis Notable Movies: Doubt, The Help,...

Jack Nicholson was the epitome of the New Hollywood movie star. He broke through via the cultural earthquake that was "Easy Rider," and quickly established himself as a guarantor of quality filmmaking thanks to his star turns in "Five Easy Pieces," "Carnal Knowledge" and "The Last Detail." As the revolutionary spirit of the New Hollywood movement faded, Nicholson found himself becoming more of a traditional leading man in more traditional films like "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Terms of Endearment" and "Prizzi's Honor." He worked in spurts, taking breaks here and there, but he was never gone for long — which is why his 14-year absence from our screens (save for the occasional Los Angeles Lakers game appearance) feels so notable. And sad.

While we let Nicholson enjoy his retirement, we've no shortage of classics, near-classics, and assorted oddities to remind us how great he could be when he was at...

In the ninth episode of Trivial Pursuit Season 1, titled “Easy Rider,” a motorcycle enthusiast takes the spotlight as they compete in the fast-paced trivia game. As usual, the contestants will face off in a series of challenging questions, but this time, the focus will be on a player whose passion for motorcycles might just give them an edge in this high-speed quiz.

The episode promises to be exciting as the motorcycle enthusiast brings their unique knowledge to the table, potentially offering a different perspective on the trivia questions. Whether they’re able to rev up their competitive spirit or get caught in a tricky question, fans of the show can expect a fun and unpredictable night.

Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Pix to catch all the action in this thrilling episode. With high stakes and an enthusiastic contestant, this episode is sure to be a wild ride for fans of Trivial Pursuit.

Los Angeles, Nov 23 – Bridget Fonda, celebrated actress and member of Hollywood’s legendary Fonda dynasty, was a prominent fixture in the 1990s film industry. However, her sudden departure from acting in 2002 has left fans and critics reflecting on a career filled with accolades and a personal choice to step away from the spotlight.

Fonda, 60, is the daughter of actor Peter Fonda, granddaughter of Henry Fonda, and niece of Jane Fonda. She seemed destined for a career in entertainment, appearing on stage as a child and making her screen debut at age five in Easy Rider. After studying method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and graduating from New York University, Fonda launched her professional career in 1988.

From 1988 to 2002, Fonda appeared in dozens of films, earning two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nod. Her filmography spans genres, including comedies, thrillers, and dramas, with roles in The Godfather Part III,...

Bridget Fonda is the daughter of Peter Fonda, the granddaughter of Henry Fonda, and the niece of Jane Fonda, so it only seemed natural that she would become an actor. She started appearing on stage as a girl and appeared in "Easy Rider" with her father when she was only five years old.

Fonda would go on to study method acting at the famed Lee Strassberg Theater. She started appearing in films only two years after graduating at NYU. Acting was in her blood and it seemed like she never considered doing anything else. From 1988 to 2002, Fonda appeared in dozens of high-profile Hollywood films, and was nominated for two Golden Globes and an Emmy. She retired unexpectedly in 2002 and hasn't been seen on screen since. Throughout the 1990s, however, Fonda was something of a cinematic "It" girl, appearing in raucous comedies, dramatic indies, intense crime films, and a few of Sam Raimi's productions.

It's absurd to consider, but early in his career Jack Nicholson had a difficult decision to make. The New Jersey son of a showgirl had a shot at being an animator for Joseph Hanna and William Barbera in the 1950s, but the then teenager had his heart set on acting. This was not the difficult decision. That would come years later when, after a string of prominent roles in Roger Corman-produced B-movies, Nicholson wrote a well-regarded screenplay called "The Trip." It was so good that it left burgeoning movie star Peter Fonda in tears. This reception was ecstatic enough to convince Corman to direct it himself. And while Fonda was ultimately displeased with the final result, Nicholson immediately landed another screenwriting assignment collaborating with Bob Rafelson on the script for the absurdist Monkees comedy "Head."

In a 1985 interview with Film Comment, Nicholson revealed that his success as a writer...

Like Mr. Reed, the villain at the center of their A24 horror thriller Heretic, filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were preoccupied with an experiment.

An embodiment of lifelong existential questions and concerns, their latest project posed an unusual question: Is it possible to turn a three-person dialectic on faith, within a contained setting, into a thrill ride, the kind of cinematic experience that is essential theatrical viewing?

Released on November 8, Heretic watches as Sisters Paxton (Chloe East) and Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), a pair of Mormon missionaries, are lured into the home of the reclusive Reed (Hugh Grant), where a sinister test of faith and the nature of belief turns into a fight for their lives.

For Beck and Woods, Heretic is something of a rebellion against a filmmaking culture of “complacency” — a world in which it’s easier than ever for art to become just more “white noise.” An Iowa-based duo,...

Dennis Hopper was a singular talent, given its so hard to compare the intensity and energy he brought as an actor to any of his contemporaries. Sure, other actors who rose to prominence in the 1960s or 1970s like Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson were more than capable of chewing scenery with style, but there was just something extra unstable about Hopper that proved frequently captivating. Also, thats to say nothing of how surprisingly strong of a director he was, with perhaps his biggest success in that department being Easy Rider.

There’s nothing quite like Rv horror. Inspired by an expanding national highway system and the proliferation of motor parks in the 1960s, this distinctive subgenre offers a unique blend of classic genre fare. Part home invasion, part road trip tale, part hicksploitation with a smidge of folk horror, the recreational vehicle becomes a home away from home and offers the illusion of safety while traversing strange locales. Jack Starrett’s Race with the Devil is arguably the first great entry in the Rv horror tradition, a criminally underseen film following two suburban couples on a road trip to hell.

Friends and business partners Frank (Warren Oates) and Roger (Peter Fonda) have just set out on an adventurous road trip from San Antonio, Texas to a ski vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Traveling in style, Frank shows off a brand new Rv with all the comforts of home: color television, microwave oven,...

Most people think of retirement as one of life's rites of passage, something akin to graduating from school or getting a promotion at a job. While some people have careers that treat retirement in this manner, there are many others for whom retirement is more of a state of mind than anything else. This is certainly true of an artist; some never seem to want to stop or slow down (may I remind you that The Rolling Stones just finished their latest tour this past July), while others feel that they don't wish to wear out their welcome. Then there are other factors, such as changing cultural norms as well as the waxing and waning of opportunities as they dwindle with age. Of course, age itself can be a factor; bodies do inexorably decline, after all.

For Jack Nicholson, one of the greatest actors of his generation, his reasons for...

The city of New Orleans is unlike any other when it comes to the mysteries that permeate it. The legends of Marie Laveux, the supposed Voodoo queen of the city, and the way death is celebrated in locations such as Congo Square and St. Louis Cemetery have made New Orleans a hotbed for tourists and those fascinated with Southern Gothic. There have been just as many morbid true cases in the area, such as that of Allen Robicheux, a Baton Rouge resident who buried himself in a crypt in his own house in 1973 and committed suicide; his final resting place full of items that appeared to hint at a private life as a voodoo practitioner.

In 1981, Lucio Fulci made his own effort at mystery and macabre horror set in Americas Voodoo capital with The Beyond. The Beyond, also known by its alternate title, Seven Doors of Death, is one of Fulcis most renowned works,...

Quick Links The Ballad of Lefty Brown Pays Homage to Some of Cinema's Most Iconic Westerns The Ballad of Lefty Brown Explores the Pursuit of Civilization The Ballad of Lefty Brown Examines the Blurred Lines Between History and Mythology

Jared Mosh's highly underrated 2017 independent Western The Ballad of Lefty Brown marked one of the final notable film performances in Peter Fonda's iconic cinematic career. Fonda, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 79, began his acting career on Broadway during the early 1960s. By the middle of the decade, Fonda became a seminal figure in the United States counterculture movement thanks to his starring roles in movies such as The Wild Angels, The Trip, and Easy Rider. A two-time Academy Award nominee, Peter appeared in many Westerns throughout his career, with prominent examples including The Hired Hand, 3:10 to Yuma, and The Ballad of Lefty Brown.

The Ballad of Lefty Brown...

Everything gets a kooky makeover in The Far Side, even something as routine and mundane as beverages, specifically, coffee and tea. Gary Larson always knew how to put his own unique Far Side take on just about everything, extending his trademark sense of humor and talent for surreal imagery into his comics that featured coffee and tea. Given that coffee and tea are some of the most popular drinks around the world, it is not all that surprising that they have been made a part of multiple Far Side comic strips.

Whether it be cowboys having coffee drinking contests or one small but intense detail of Hell, The Far Side never strays from its absurdist qualities, even for comic strips that show something of the everyday like coffee and tea. One wonders if other specific drinks and food items have gotten the spotlight in The Far Side, calling for some...

With Shia Labeouf once leading the Transformers franchise in the main role, many fans wondered what happened to Sam Witwicky in the later movies. Michael Bay was drawn to the original Transformers from the simple, relatable hook of the movie about a boy and his first car. The fact the car was a transforming alien robot was simply a bonus. Labeouf was later cast as Sam Witwicky, the nerdy kid who gets unwittingly drawn into an intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. However, after the first three Transformers movies, Sam vanished without a trace.

Sam Witwicky was the lead character of the first three Transformers movies, exiting after Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. Labeouf never returned to the franchise and the series received a soft reboot with 2014's Transformers: Age Of Extinction. Mark Wahlberg was introduced in Transformers 4 as Cade Yaeger, a struggling inventor who, like Sam,...

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is one of the most respected and acclaimed American directors of all time - here's every movie he made, ranked from worst to best. With a career spanning five decades, Coppola has made a number of iconic films. The Italian-American filmmaker is known for his epic, stylistically ambitious projects that often went over budget. Francis Ford Coppola is, without a doubt, one of the most significant filmmakers of the New Hollywood era, also known as the American New Wave. New Hollywood filmmakers include the likes of George Lucas, Brian De Palma, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Stanley Kubrick.

The best New Hollywood directors opened up a whole new way of making movies, emerging out of '60s counter-culture with such films as Easy Rider, Bonnie & Clyde, The Graduate, The Deer Hunter, and Taxi Driver. However, the era would end with the massive commercial failure of...

Although their run only lasted from 1968 to 1972, Bbs Productions played a crucial role in mainstreaming the counterculture for moviegoers. An independent offshoot of Columbia Pictures, Bbs named for founders Bert Schneider, Bob Rafelson, and Stephen Blauner was a breeding ground for the burgeoning New Hollywood, producing their films at low costs and raking in big bucks from young audiences hungry for something that reflected their reality. In between their successes Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces (directed by Rafelson), and The Last Picture Show, the company also released smaller, more experimental features like 1971's A Safe Place. Bringing together Bbs's favorite leading man, Jack Nicholson, with classic Hollywood's most misunderstood auteur, Orson Welles, it offers a fascinating glimpse into what movies were able to get away with at major studios in the 1970s, which, sadly, hasn't been seen since.

There's a conception about the Western, especially by younger people, that it is an inherently conservative genre. Largely because of the rural settings that are often now associated with conservative parts of the United States of America, the Western genre comes with a lot of stereotyping and mental/social baggage in the minds of many, and while there are plenty of films that fit the bill (especially many Westerns of the 40s and 50s), this does a disservice to the varied, nuanced film style that is the Western. Like any major genre, the Western can and has contained all sorts of stories; it's just a framework for narrative and expression, not a monolith, and the history of Westerns spans a wide range of plots, character types, themes and aesthetics.

One time period, in particular, saw the Western not only break out from the old-school stereotypes but actually become a major space for expression of new,...

Let’s say that, in January of 1972, you had never heard a note of Kris Kristofferson’s music. You didn’t know the former helicopter pilot and Rhodes scholar had written “Me and Bobby McGee,” which Janis Joplin had turned into her signature song. Or “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which he gave to Johnny Cash after allegedly landing a whirlybird in the Man in Black’s backyard. (Print the legend.) Or “Once More With Feeling,” “For the Good Times,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” or a number of...

The Bikeriders, Jeff Nichols’s drama starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, follows in the leather-clad slipstream of Easy Rider, Quadrophenia and more

At 41, there’s still time for my midlife crisis to take an unexpected turn, but as yet I must confess that I have never known the pleasure of riding a motorcycle. As a London cyclist I can’t exactly claim danger avoidance as a reason, and as a keen driver I’d love to feel the open road minus the sensation barriers of doors and a windscreen. Still, biking is one of those things that movies have rendered so untouchably cool that real life can only make it less so – and even on my best day I’m not going to resemble midcentury Marlon Brando in head-to-toe leather.

Nor Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, for that matter, though while Jeff Nichols’s very entertaining The Bikeriders,...

Looks like cinephiles will need to make a little more space on their shelves. As has become customary, The Criterion Collection announced its four upcoming December releases today, and you may just need to make room for all of them on your holiday shopping lists. First up, set to be available on December 3, the new 4K restoration of Wim Wenders’ Palme d’Or-winning masterpiece “Paris, Texas,” starring Harry Dean Stanton, Dean Stockwell, and Nastassja Kinski.

In his 1984 review of the reflective western drama, film critic Roger Ebert wrote, “‘Paris, Texas’ is a movie with the kind of passion and willingness to experiment that was more common fifteen years ago than it is now. It has more links with films like ‘Five Easy Pieces’ and ‘Easy Rider’ and ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ than with the slick arcade games that are the box-office winners of the 1980s. It is true, deep, and brilliant.”

On...

Steven Spielbergs Jaws grossed a record-breaking $260 million at the box office in 1975, but how much would that amount be today, adjusted for inflation? In 1975, Jaws was such a massive hit that it changed the face of the Hollywood film industry. Just when Tinseltown was starting to embrace a more grown-up approach to filmmaking with mature hits like The Graduate and Easy Rider, the success of Jaws encouraged studios to focus on high-concept genre movies released at the height of summer an approach that studios are still taking today.

Jaws coined the term blockbuster" because it had audiences lining up around the block. It surpassed The Godfather to become the highest-grossing movie ever made, and it wouldnt be topped until Spielbergs friend George Lucas released Star Wars in 1977. Jaws box office run was historic, but how does it compare to the box office performance of todays blockbusters? Adjusted for inflation, how much money did Jaws make?...

Our weekly film quiz returns with 30 all-new movie-related questions – fair warning, it features Michael Keaton’s name three or more times…

We’re back, baby, and so is Beetlejuice in Tim Burton’s new sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Accordingly, this week’s film quiz features questions about sequels, demons, and Michael Keaton movies. It’s quizness as usual for the next few weeks too, with subjects ranging from the silent era to this year in horror movies, every Friday till Christmas.

Once you’ve completed all three rounds, you’ll find a link to a separate post with the correct answers at the bottom of this post. As always, this is just for fun, but please let us know how you did in the comments (scores out of 30 this week!) and give us any other lovely feedback. Oh, and apologies if you were reading that first line aloud, that guy can...

One of the most underrated westerns of the last 20 years is coming to Netflix, featuring an Oscar-winning cast and one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors. 3:10 to Yuma stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, and is directed by James Mangold to boot. Now the movie will be put in front of a whole new audience when it premieres on Netflix on September 1. Its availability on the platform should give it the exposure it deserves, as Mangold's Old West morality tale remains a compelling film that defies the conventions of the genre, 17 years after its release.

3:10 to Yuma R Release Date September 6, 2007Director James MangoldCast Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Logan Lerman, Dallas Roberts, Ben Foster, Peter FondaRuntime 117Main Genre Adventure Expand

Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard, the film stars Christian Bale as Dan Evans, a struggling Arizona rancher who takes a dangerous job with the posse transporting...

Kevin Costner has played many roles that have chronicled different aspects of American culture and history. While he explored the Wild West in shows like Yellowstone and the film Easy Rider, he tackled the Government and the powerful structures behind them in the political epic JFK.

The Oliver Stone directorial was the first in the filmmaker’s trilogy of films based on American Presidents. Costner played the role of lawyer Jim Garrison, who brought out a conspiracy on the assassination of former President John F Kennedy. The actor mentioned that the film will always be relevant and that generations will revisit the film.

Kevin Costner On JFK’s Relevance After Generations Kevin Costner in JFK | Credits: Warner Bros.

With Donald Trump’s recent assassination attempts making the headlines, previous attempts (both failed and successful) have been brought to the forefront again. A direct attack on a prominent personality, especially a...

Robert Benton’s Bad Company does for the western what Bonnie and Clyde, Benton’s earlier collaboration with screenwriter David Newman, did for the gangster movie, only without that film’s veneer of star-powered sex appeal. The scrappier Bad Company consistently undermines the romanticized notions of the frontier that underpinned several generations of genre filmmaking. The film especially takes direct aim at two of our nation’s dearest held myths: the Horatio Alger notion of economic self-sufficiency, and the destiny of political expansion manifest in Horace Greeley’s famous dictum: “Go west, young man!”

The film is also decidedly of a piece with the year of its release in 1972, evident from the very first scene, wherein we see a young man dragged kicking and screaming from his home by blue-clad Army soldiers to be conscripted into the Union cause. The moment is given a surreal punchline by the fact that...

Sandy Bresler, who served as Jack Nicholson’s agent and spokesman for more than 60 years, died Thursday in Santa Monica after a short illness, his family announced. He was 87.

Bresler first met the eventual three-time Oscar winner when both were serving in the California Air National Guard. He began representing the actor in 1961 after starting his career as a secretary at the William Morris Agency a year earlier.

Bresler’s clients also included actors Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid and Louise Linton, now wife of film executive and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. He “established the gold standard for personally curated talent representation,” his family noted.

On July 14, 1969, the day the Nicholson-starring Easy Rider premiered, the agent announced the launch of Sandy Bresler & Associates with an ad in The Hollywood Reporter in which he noted he was the actor’s “exclusive” representative.

Born on Jan. 20, 1937, Bresler was the son of Jerry Bresler,...