Hollywood
Documentary on Francois Truffaut’s ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock’ to be produced
NEW DELHI: A feature documentary is set to be produced based on the recordings that led to fame of filmmaker Francois Truffaut’s internationally acclaimed 1966 book ‘Cinema according to Hitchcock.’
Cohen Media Group, Artline Films and Arte have partnered to produce Hitchcock/Truffaut, to be directed by Kent Jones (A Letter to Elia, Director of the New York Film Festival) and co-written by Jones and Serge Toubiana (Director of Cinematheque Francaise). An American-French co-production, it will be released in the spring of 2015. Cohen Media Group will handle world-wide sales.
The film will journey through the extensive series of conversations between master filmmaker of mystery and horror films Alfred Hitchcock and Truffaut, illustrating their love for filmmaking and demonstrating their impact on modern world cinema.
Legendary scenes from Hitchcock’s films intercut with comment and opinion from contemporary filmmakers will reinforce his iconic stature as one of the most influential directors of our time.
“For me, in many ways, cinema began with Francois Truffaut’s book about Alfred Hitchcock,” said Jones. “For me, and for many others, the book was more than formative – it was essential and direct. I was so excited when I was offered the chance to make this film, an inquiry into the adventure and excitement of directing films, of translating felt emotions into moving images.”
Since its publication, the book has been dubbed the “Bible of cinema” by many international filmmakers. The film will feature interviews and accounts from some of the most prominent and influential directors in the world of cinema including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, James Gray, Brian De Palma, Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Olivier Assayas, Arnaud Desplechin and David Fincher. These directors will share how “Hitchcock/Truffaut” shaped their careers, transformed cinema and introduced the French New Wave and “New Hollywood” to the world.
Segments from the 1962 original recordings between the two filmmakers will also feature, allowing audiences to hear candid discussions between Hitchcock and Truffaut and to witness, first- hand, this quintessential moment in cinematic history.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
