FilmFreaks

Tag: Jason Schwartzman

  • Multiple Studios Pass On Dropped “Artificial”

    When a project with the potential to capture the zeitgeist is unexpectedly released from its parent studio, it throws the distribution world into immediate chaos. That’s precisely what happened when Luca Guadagnino’s ambitious film, Artificial, was dumped by Amazon MGM Studios on Friday.

    Following the exit, potential buyers who had shown interest in landing the rights vanished from the running. Focus Features, Warner’s new specialty label Clockwork, A24, and streaming giant Netflix all dropped out of the consideration pool. While MUBI remains actively pursuing the film, there are whispers that other major players, like Neon, are still circling the opportunity.

    The story itself dives deep into the high-stakes world of artificial intelligence, exploring not just the meteoric rise of OpenAI and the development of ChatGPT, but also the intense personal dramas—the ego clashes, ethical tensions, and simmering rivalries—that fuel this technological revolution.

    At the heart of the narrative are some of the most compelling names in modern tech. The cast includes Andrew Garfield portraying the current CEO Sam Altman, Yura Borisov as machine learning engineer Ilya Sutskever, and Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk, alongside stellar performances from Monica Barbaro, Cooper Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, and Mark Rylance. With production costing $40 million, the film is now in the final stages of post-production, waiting for its next chapter.

    The buzz surrounding Artificial suggests that the narrative may be significantly darker than initially anticipated. Reports hint that the film tackles the power dynamics between Altman and Musk in a decidedly less flattering light, suggesting a complex look at the human cost of technological ambition.

    This tense blend of celebrity rivalry and existential threat has caught the attention of distributors keen on finding a home for genuinely provocative material. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories aren’t just about what happens next, but about who is fighting for control in the present moment.

    Credit: Dark Horizons

  • Plaza Reacts To Amazon’s “Kevin” Cancellation

    Amazon Prime Video has decided to pull the plug on the adult animated comedy series Kevin, delivering a disappointing conclusion just two months after the show premiered. For fans who tuned in to follow the adventures of an anthropomorphic cat navigating the wild landscape of New York City alongside a group of misfit animals, the news felt like a sudden shift in the creative winds.

    The series brought together a stellar ensemble cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Aubrey Plaza, Amy Sedaris, John Waters, and Whoopi Goldberg. At the heart of the creation were Plaza and Joe Wengert, who co-created the unique world of Kevin. The show offered viewers a charming and often hilarious look at finding home and belonging in unexpected places.

    The reaction from the creators was understandably emotional. Aubrey Plaza, one of the stars of the series, shared her feelings on social media, comparing the cancellation to the struggles faced by other long-running shows. She reflected on the industry’s changing landscape, wishing that the creative spirit of television wouldn’t be extinguished by automation and machinery.

    “I remember on the early days of Parks & Recreation when we all thought we would be cancelled because our ratings weren’t great. Our numbers,” Plaza noted. “But we had some special humans over at NBC that believed in the show and let us grow and let audiences fall in love with our characters. I was hoping for this for Kevin but sadly we are living in a different time in our industry. I hope the machines won’t ruin everything. Maybe Kevin will find a new owner someday. Love you all very much. Meow.”

    Despite the abrupt end, the legacy of Kevin remains intact. The full series is still available to stream on Prime Video, offering fans a chance to revisit the quirky and heartfelt journey of the feline protagonist and his companions.

    The show boasted an incredible guest cast, further enriching its already vibrant world with appearances from talent such as Joe Locke, Patti LuPone, Tig Notaro, Cary Elwes, Charles Melton, Quinta Brunson, and Addison Rae. This diverse group contributed to the unique comedic chemistry that defined the series.

    While the streaming journey for Kevin has concluded on Prime Video, its impact on adult animation and comedy remains a bright spot in television history. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of original storytelling and the unforgettable characters created by a talented group of creators and performers.

    Credit: Dark Horizons