In this segment, we will delve into the inside dirt on some of the latest and upcoming LRF releases and the studio's stars....
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is stepping into Joni Mitchell's shoes for the first time in Songbird, directed by Cameron Crowe, marking her film star debut as the headliner of a major biopic. Known for her meticulous approach to music, Swift reportedly poured the same dedication into her portrayal of Mitchell, diving deep into the singer-songwriter's life and catalog. She spent months studying Mitchell's unique vocal delivery and guitar technique, even learning to play a dulcimer, one of Mitchell’s signature instruments. Swift’s commitment went beyond music, as she immersed herself in the emotional highs and lows of Mitchell’s career, aiming to capture her resilience and introspective spirit. “Taylor approached the role with the kind of authenticity Joni would respect,” Crowe commented, noting that Swift’s connection to Mitchell’s lyrics helped her bring the folk icon’s story to life. The project has been a milestone for Swift, giving her the chance to explore new depths as both an artist and actress.
Jamie Bell
Jamie Bell faced unexpected discomfort on the set of his latest film, On Life and Living, due to its intense sexual content, particularly in scenes with co-star Adèle Exarchopoulos. Known for his grounded performances, Bell reportedly found the explicit nature of certain scenes challenging, opting to take extra steps to maintain a sense of professionalism and comfort. To ease the tension, the production ensured an intimacy coordinator was present at all times, carefully choreographing scenes to foster a respectful and secure environment. Bell also brought along his wife, actress Kate Mara, who was a steady support and helped him stay grounded amid the film’s demanding scenes. The film, which dives into complex and vulnerable territory, benefited from these precautions, allowing Bell and Exarchopoulos to focus on delivering compelling performances.
Viggo Mortensen
Viggo Mortensen is set to bring authenticity and grit to his role as an Argentinian vintner in his latest film, using his fluent Spanish and natural Argentinian accent to fully immerse himself in the role. The actor, known for his intense preparation, spent weeks at a real vineyard in rural Argentina, embracing the complete winemaking process from the ground up. Mortensen was determined to learn every step of the craft firsthand, from planting and picking grapes to the complex art of fermenting and bottling wine, all on his own. “He wanted to embody the character through the work itself,” shared a crew member. Mortensen’s dedication to the role not only brings depth to his performance but also pays homage to Argentina’s rich winemaking tradition. His hands-on approach, coupled with his language fluency, has crafted what insiders are calling one of his most grounded and evocative roles to date. And reportedly the wine he crafted was quite tasty.
Jessica Chastain
When Jessica Chastain was offered a pivotal supporting role in Dean, a biopic of Democrat politician Howard Dean with George Clooney attached as both star and director, she jumped at the chance to work under Clooney’s direction. However, as pre-production progressed, rumors surfaced that writer Alex Conn was considering replacing Clooney with another director, sparking tension behind the scenes. Chastain, known for her loyalty and strong principles, immediately informed the studio that her involvement hinged on Clooney’s role at the helm, making it clear she would withdraw from the project if he was removed as director. Her unwavering support ultimately reinforced Clooney’s position, and the film is now moving forward with the acclaimed actor-filmmaker back in charge.
In true superhero spirit, Glen Powell, who stars as Captain America in the upcoming Avengers reboot, has organized a special charity event to benefit children’s hospitals. Known for his affable personality, Powell has rallied several of his A-list co-stars to join him at the event, where they will appear in costume to pose for photos and bring smiles to young fans. Alongside Powell will be Keanu Reeves as the Silver Surfer (though opting to go sans costume), John Krasinski as Mister Fantastic, Orlando Bloom as Doctor Doom, Mila Kunis as Black Widow, and Tom Selleck as Tony Stark, among others. The event promises to raise substantial funds, with all proceeds dedicated to covering medical treatments for children in need. Powell’s initiative has not only highlighted the camaraderie of the Avengers cast but also underscored the impact of superheroes, both on and off-screen.
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