Got lazy busy this week despite (because of?) the short week so I’ll just post or link to a few things I found interesting around the web.
Here’s the international poster for David Fincher’s adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I have no idea why Lisbeth is half-frontal naked. Because she’s not objectified enough or the movie needs more attention?
Entertainment Weekly reports that Martin Scorsese might direct a biopic about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Not sure this would be a good idea. Who amongst our contemporary stars could play the iconic couple? EW suggests Clive Owen and I’d be completely behind that, but I’d have to say no to Catherine Zeta-Jones. The actress is gorgeous but oddly lacks charisma. Do you have any casting ideas?
The funny video below, George Lucas Strikes Back, explains why the Star Wars prequels were so awful: Lucas was kidnapped twenty years ago and an impostor made those movies. Short Round makes a cameo in this “trailer” and the actress playing Leia really has her Carrie Fisher impression down.
The Rap Sheet put together a list of 100 crime fiction novels you should check out this summer. I’ve read some of them; there’s some good stuff on there.
One of the books on the list, Duane Swierczynski’s Fun & Games, is in my top three of favorites so far this year. It’s the first in a trilogy featuring a great new character named Charlie Hardie. Duane is doing a fun giveaway for those who pre-order F&G. Prizes include personalized copies of his five previous novels, postcards from him as he travels across America on his book tour later this month, and the chance to name a character in the third Hardie book. Get the scoop here.
David Sedaris has a new short story out. It’ll be published in the paperback version of his Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk but you can read it here now. It’s titled “Vomit-Eating Flies” and isn’t for readers with weak stomachs but it has his trademark wit and commentary.
June 1 would’ve been Marilyn Monroe’s 85th birthday, so LIFE released rare photos from when she was a 22-year-old actress just starting her career. The pictures show her taking ballet, acting and singing lessons, and Marilyn seems delighted by everything. See the rest of the gallery here.
Photo by J.R. Eyerman/LIFE
Finally, my Friday reads are Liane Moriarty’s What Alice Forgot and Karin Slaughter’s Broken. What are you reading?
Have a great weekend!
13 Comments
le0pard13
June 3, 2011 at 12:27 pmAh… I was hoping for a racy image associated with the new Fincher flick. [now puts glasses on…] Er… never mind ;-).
Pop Culture Nerd
June 3, 2011 at 12:39 pmHaha! Bet you’re keeping your glasses on now, huh?
EIREGO
June 3, 2011 at 1:27 pmRe: Poster: I’m nervous after seeing this poster since it’s not what Lisbeth was all about, but I am even more aghast about how sinister and pervy Daniel Craig looks. WTF?! He’s arguably one of the better looking actors out there right now so who thought this photo was a good idea?
RE: StarWars/Lucas send up. Concept: A+; Execution: D- I know it’s a shoestring budget and all, but this looks like it was done by my high school AV Club. Stops being funny when it skimps on both production values and talent.
RE: Scorsese’s Burton-Taylor biopic: Would work if you put Anthony Hopkins in a anti-aging time machine and set it for 40 years ago. Who else can do that voice and work that huge head? Clive Owen can act it, but the voice isn’t there. Colin Firth? Same situation. Zeta-Jones playing Taylor? I think it would make her come back from the grave!
RE: 100 Crime Fiction Novels: I have read 2. I must really suck. FUN AND GAMES rocks!!
RE: Sedaris’s new piece: Vomit Eating Flies? Come ON! I just ate!
Love all things Marilyn, so thanks for the link.
What I’m reading:
Just finished: The Gentleman’s Hour by Don Winslow – Not as fast paced as Savages, but a great read.
You’re Next by Gregg Hurwitz – Hands down the best thing I have ever read of his! An evil mindf&#k for the lead character.
NOW Reading: Spycatcher by Matthew Dunn – so far, so good. Never read him before.
Pop Culture Nerd
June 4, 2011 at 2:36 pmThe Winslow is so good. I love Boone and friends. I’m looking forward to the other two books you mentioned. Spycatcher is Dunn’s debut so that’s why you haven’t read him.
Joyo
June 3, 2011 at 1:30 pmre: poster – SIGH. i wonder when we’ll evolve beyond the whole skin sells dependency. why does the word “americanize” seem to always involve dumbing something down and/or sexing it up?
Pop Culture Nerd
June 4, 2011 at 2:38 pmYour comment made me think of Prime Suspect with Maria Bello. I hope producers neither dumb down nor sex up Jane Tennison.
jenn aka the picky girl
June 3, 2011 at 2:00 pmOMG (yes, I really typed that). Daniel Craig is so flipping hot. But yes, he does look slightly creepy here. I wonder if the artist had any clue what the book/movie was actually supposed to be about.
Pop Culture Nerd
June 4, 2011 at 2:42 pmYour typing OMG is a big deal! I wonder if Lisbeth will be naked on the U.S. poster.
Rachel
June 3, 2011 at 9:04 pmRe poster: I think the best part is the date. I mean that is the sort of poster to really get you in the holiday spirit, yeah?
I’m reading Satori and about to start Your Friendly Neighborhood Criminal.
Pop Culture Nerd
June 4, 2011 at 2:45 pmThe trailer says it’s the feel-bad movie of the season.
Let me know if you like Neighborhood Criminal. I have his first one, An Ordinary Decent Criminal, in my TBR.
Rachel
June 18, 2011 at 3:36 pmBack with the final verdict. I liked the second even better than the first. I think they are pretty equal to each other but I was more familiar with the writing style making it easier for me to get right into the second one. If/when you read them, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I think there will only be a third as, sadly, Van Rooy passed away early this year.
Pop Culture Nerd
June 18, 2011 at 3:53 pmYour timing is perfect because Mr. PCN just finished Decent Criminal this morning and really liked it. He then read the excerpt for the second one and thought it sounded really good (we don’t have a copy yet). He’ll be excited to hear you liked it even more than the first.
I only found out a couple days ago that Van Rooy had passed in January. Shocking. Good to know there will be a third book. Thanks for the info.
Pop Culture Nerd
June 18, 2011 at 3:58 pmI just went to his website and it said a fourth book is supposed to come out next year. The site hasn’t been updated, though, so I don’t know if the book was finished before his death.