As of October 30th, 2012 Disney is now the sole owner of Lucasfilm and all of it's properties, including Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound, Indiana Jones, and the Star Wars Franchise. The internet is in panic mode with the latest purchase with claims that Star Wars will be "childish" or "ruined" but there is nothing further from the truth. To understand what I mean, let's first discuss what "Disney" means.
Disney is shorthand for The Walt Disney Company, the world's largest media conglomerate located in Burbank, California. They employ over 100,000 people worldwide (60,000 in Orlando alone). The employees are oftentimes called "Cast Members" because the goal is to put on a show. But Disney owns a lot more than just Walt Disney World. It's Parks & Resorts divisions controls four resorts around the world with one more on the way (and one in Tokyo that is licensed out to the Oriental Land & Sea Co). They operate four Cruise ship and 24 hotels in the United States alone. What is really sad is that I know all of this without looking it up. They operate a timeshare division called the "Disney Vacation Club" and give worldwide expeditions via "Adventures by Disney". Their theme parks have had Star Wars attractions since 1987 and an annual Star Wars Weekend since 1993. Needless to say, Disney is no stranger to Star Wars.
"The Little Mermaid", "Pulp Fiction", "Beauty and the Beast", "Trainspotting", "Cinderella", "Gangs of New York", and "Chicago". What do all of these films have in common? All produced and distributed by Disney. The Walt Disney Company needs to keep the Disney "image" clean and wholesome so it releases certain films under other banners. Disney releases all of it's "adult" content through Touchstone Pictures and formerly through Miramax, Hollywood Pictures, and Dimension Films. The upcoming Star Wars films will be released under the "Lucasfilms" banner and even though it is distributed by Disney, they will not attach their logo to the beginning (Disney has not made this statement, but it is easy to connect the dots). Disney took the same approach with "The Avengers" this summer by just placing the Marvel logo at the beginning of the film.
The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to the acquiring business. Disney CEO Bob Iger has already acquired PIXAR, Marvel and Lucasfilm in his tenure. Disney has taken the same approach with each one by stepping back and letting them all work their magic. The people who work in the Burbank office are not idiots, they want these companies because they are successful, they aren't going to go and ruin it by putting Mickey Mouse everywhere. PIXAR still operates out of the same Emeryville building, Marvel still operates out of New York City and Lucasfilms will still operate out of the Presidio in San Francisco (coincidentally within walking distance of the Walt Disney Family Museum - which is not operated by the Walt Disney Company).
What else does Disney own? ABC, ESPN, The Muppets Studio and A&E Networks. Fan of "Lost"? Disney made it. "Scrubs", "Desperate Houswives", "Boy Meets World"? Disney made those too. We can thank Disney for most of the sporting events we watch. Some of the best mobile apps are owned made by Disney. If you've never played "Where's My Water", you're missing out. Let's be real for a second, though. The movies they DO release under the Disney brand are almost always outstanding. The Disney renaissance in the 80's and 90's was perhaps the best stretch of movie making, animated OR live-action, since the Golden Age of Hollywood. The only concern should be that Disney owns too much and is turning into an "Empire" of it's own, not that it won't do Star Wars justice (clearly you haven't seen Episode 1).
If you're worried because you think Star Wars is going to somehow be incorporated into the Theme Parks and Disney Merchandise..... wake up and smell the roses, this has been going on for years. If you're worried because you think Disney will "ruin" the Star Wars movies, you are naive. The same thing was said after they purchased Marvel, yet no one will argue how terrific they have done since then. Princess Leia won't become a Disney Princess, and if you're concerned about an animated Star Wars (it already exists).
In full disclosure, I do work for Disney but this doesn't make what I've said any less true. But don't take my word for it, wait until you see the film in 2015. And let's be honest, fan boys are going to love it regardless.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
"Lincoln" Review
Walking into Alice Tully Hall for the third time in two weeks was far from routine. I have never been to a Disney screening where I did not have to turn in my cell phone at the door. Other studios, far whatever reason, seem to care less. I begrudgingly handed my phone over, jokingly telling the guard "it's an iPhone 5, please don't break it". He didn't laugh. Once inside the Starr Theater my friends and I found our seats. We had prime spots in the tenth row (which sure beat the neck-bending front row seats I had for Life of Pi just one week earlier). The screening was a "secret screening" of a work-in-progress movie, although everybody knew it was "Lincoln". The New York Film Festival had great success with last year's "Hugo" and I can imagine this becoming a new tradition (the first work-in-progress screening was Disney's Beauty and the Beasts). Robert Pena gave a short introduction before welcoming Steven Spielberg to the stage. Spielberg gives his introduction then disappears.
Let's begin. Ahhh, "Lincoln". It should be noted that this IS a work-in-progress film and much may change between it's November opening. The film follows Abraham Lincoln, played brilliantly by Daniel Day-Lewis, and his mission to pass the thirteenth amendment, abolishing slavery. The film dives into the back room deals that were made to get the amendment passed and the striking similarities to today's climate. The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski (Spielberg's go-to guy) is what you would expect, top notch. Costume, sets, editing and a score by John Williams are all on par with what we have come to expect from the most proficient director of all-time. The script, by playwright Tony Kushner, felt more inclined for the stage with the numerous dramatic monologues given by several of the characters. Spielberg even said it felt more theatrical than any project he had done before.
The performances were outstanding across the board. In addition to the aforementioned Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones was a standout in his performance of that one guy who had that one part (I have the memory of a two-year old). Sally Fields played a very convincing Mary "Molly" Todd Lincoln and brought some empathy to a character that is typically looked down upon. Joseph Gordon Levitt's, although very good, portrayal of Lincoln's eldest living son did nothing for me. The character served little purpose than to make the film run longer, and his part could and should be taken out in it's entirety.
Everything from Lincoln's voice to the way he walked was study meticulously. As Spielberg said "this is not your Disneyland Abe Lincoln". He also said "Epcot Center" which was stupid because A) we call it Epcot now and B) Epcot doesn't have an Abe Lincoln, dummy. Mr. Day-Lewis, you can start working on your next Oscar speech now. He seriously nailed it and so did Spielberg. I'm not going to make an Oscar prediction this early but I can tell you this film should be taken seriously in almost every category. The film really centers around the 13th amendment and less on events like the Gettysburg address (it's mentioned once) and the shooting in the Ford Theater (mentioned, but not shown). The film opens briefly on the Civil War but afterwards we never see war footage and it fades into the background. John Hawkes, James Spader (Michael Scott's replacement), and a third man (for the life of me I can't remember his name) became, what I imagined were, the first lobbyist in trying to secure bi-partisan support for the 13th amendment. I loved the scenes with these folks, they provided comic relief in an otherwise very dark movie. It's still all settling in and the excitement that followed the movie (more below if you care to read) made me forget a lot of what happened the preceding 2-3 hours (couldn't be sure since we didn't have cell phones!). What I do know is that if your'e a fan of cinema or history, you must see this movie. 3 1/2 Stars (out of 4).
Following the screening I immediately rushed back to security and got my phone and headed back in for the Q&A. I must've been the only person in the entire theater with a cell phone at this point. After the Q&A finished, Spielberg lingered on stage for a second. Big mistake, Steve. We bum rushed towards the front and immediately requested autographs and handshakes and words of wisdom from the man himself. I secured the first two, but he wouldn't reveal his secret. It was a dream come true just to be at a quasi-World Premiere (was it or wasn't it?) of a Spielberg film and to see him, but to shake his hand and have a mini-conversation?!? Beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Mr. Spielberg and thank you Film Society of Lincoln Center for giving me this opportunity.
Let's begin. Ahhh, "Lincoln". It should be noted that this IS a work-in-progress film and much may change between it's November opening. The film follows Abraham Lincoln, played brilliantly by Daniel Day-Lewis, and his mission to pass the thirteenth amendment, abolishing slavery. The film dives into the back room deals that were made to get the amendment passed and the striking similarities to today's climate. The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski (Spielberg's go-to guy) is what you would expect, top notch. Costume, sets, editing and a score by John Williams are all on par with what we have come to expect from the most proficient director of all-time. The script, by playwright Tony Kushner, felt more inclined for the stage with the numerous dramatic monologues given by several of the characters. Spielberg even said it felt more theatrical than any project he had done before.
The performances were outstanding across the board. In addition to the aforementioned Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones was a standout in his performance of that one guy who had that one part (I have the memory of a two-year old). Sally Fields played a very convincing Mary "Molly" Todd Lincoln and brought some empathy to a character that is typically looked down upon. Joseph Gordon Levitt's, although very good, portrayal of Lincoln's eldest living son did nothing for me. The character served little purpose than to make the film run longer, and his part could and should be taken out in it's entirety.
Everything from Lincoln's voice to the way he walked was study meticulously. As Spielberg said "this is not your Disneyland Abe Lincoln". He also said "Epcot Center" which was stupid because A) we call it Epcot now and B) Epcot doesn't have an Abe Lincoln, dummy. Mr. Day-Lewis, you can start working on your next Oscar speech now. He seriously nailed it and so did Spielberg. I'm not going to make an Oscar prediction this early but I can tell you this film should be taken seriously in almost every category. The film really centers around the 13th amendment and less on events like the Gettysburg address (it's mentioned once) and the shooting in the Ford Theater (mentioned, but not shown). The film opens briefly on the Civil War but afterwards we never see war footage and it fades into the background. John Hawkes, James Spader (Michael Scott's replacement), and a third man (for the life of me I can't remember his name) became, what I imagined were, the first lobbyist in trying to secure bi-partisan support for the 13th amendment. I loved the scenes with these folks, they provided comic relief in an otherwise very dark movie. It's still all settling in and the excitement that followed the movie (more below if you care to read) made me forget a lot of what happened the preceding 2-3 hours (couldn't be sure since we didn't have cell phones!). What I do know is that if your'e a fan of cinema or history, you must see this movie. 3 1/2 Stars (out of 4).
Following the screening I immediately rushed back to security and got my phone and headed back in for the Q&A. I must've been the only person in the entire theater with a cell phone at this point. After the Q&A finished, Spielberg lingered on stage for a second. Big mistake, Steve. We bum rushed towards the front and immediately requested autographs and handshakes and words of wisdom from the man himself. I secured the first two, but he wouldn't reveal his secret. It was a dream come true just to be at a quasi-World Premiere (was it or wasn't it?) of a Spielberg film and to see him, but to shake his hand and have a mini-conversation?!? Beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Mr. Spielberg and thank you Film Society of Lincoln Center for giving me this opportunity.
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