Weekly Roundup: Spooky Hotels, Iconic Trailers, and Breaking Blunders in Film

Welcome to this week’s roundup of the latest and greatest happenings in the world of cinema! From ghostly encounters to cinematic blunders, here’s what you may have missed.

Guillermo del Toro’s Haunted Hotel Encounter

Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director of The Shape of Water, has recently shared spine-chilling details about his experience while filming his adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in Aberdeen, Scotland. During his stay in the hotel known for its supernatural reputation, del Toro moved into the “Most Haunted room” where unsettling happenings had reportedly occurred.

“There is something angry… A shred of rage,” del Toro expressed on social media while sharing his experience.

Despite his frequent stay in haunted locations, he admitted that while he has high expectations of the paranormal, the atmosphere in his current quarters was overwhelmingly oppressive. Del Toro noted that while nothing explicitly spooky had happened, the room felt genuinely evil, prompting him to seek different accommodations for sleep.

Guillermo del Toro discusses his haunted hotel experience.

Lady Gaga and Joker’s Musical Revolution

In an intriguing twist to the comic book universe, Todd Phillips has opened up about the unique approach taken in the much-anticipated sequel Joker: Folie à Deux. Phillips revealed that Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn diverges from traditional depictions, stripping away familiar traits to introduce a raw and unstable version of the character.

Both Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix worked diligently to blend live musical performances with their characters’ emotional arcs, creating a haunting blend of chaos and sincerity. Gaga explained the artistic choice:

“What would need to be true for two people to just break into song in the middle of a conversation?”

With the film set to release on October 4, 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting how these innovative choices will play out on screen.

Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix prepare for a unique musical experience.

Lionsgate’s Megalopolis Trailer Mishap

In a surprising misstep, Lionsgate has pulled the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis due to the inclusion of misleading quotes attributed to film critics. The studio has publicly apologized, stating, “We screwed up. We are sorry.”

Coppola’s passion project, which reportedly cost him $120 million of his own finances, has faced numerous challenges, including mixed reviews and behind-the-scenes controversies that have cast a shadow over its release. The film is set to premiere on September 27, but with a rocky start, many are left wondering how this will affect its reception.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis faces challenges ahead.

The Traitors U.K. to Feature Celebrity Cast

As The Traitors U.K. gears up for its upcoming season, excitement and concern swirl around its decision to feature a roster of celebrities. While this could boost viewership, hardcore fans worry about how celebrity status might impact the authenticity of gameplay.

The previous seasons showcased intense strategy without the interruptions of pre-established relationships, offering a delightful complexity that may be diluted with celebrity participation. It remains to be seen how these dynamics will unfold, igniting meaningful discussions among fans.

The Traitors U.K. hopes to captivate audiences with a new twist.

Kamala Harris’ Unseen Cinematic Influence

In an unexpected twist from the indie film circuit, producers of the 2011 movie Politics of Love reflected on how Kamala Harris inspired a character in their film long before she became a household name. Through a fascinating blend of political commentary and romance, the film aimed to provide representation for nonwhite individuals in genres often led by more conventional narratives.

While the film has largely faded into obscurity, the filmmakers express optimism about Harris’s journey and envision a renewed relevance for their work in light of her candidacy.

Kamala Harris and her unexpected impact on film.

Conclusion

This week’s cinematic news has provided a mix of eerie, captivating, and thought-provoking moments. From del Toro’s haunted stay to gossip in the film industry regarding Megalopolis, it’s clear that the world of cinema continues to surprise and inspire. Stay tuned for more updates in the following week!