"Wolverine": 'Logan' Lost In Japanese Culture

Director James Mangold was recently interviewed about his plans for the upcoming "Wolverine" stand-alone sequel to the 2009 feature "X-Men Origins: Wolverine".

"It's a kind of adventure following such a unique character also in a really unique environment," said Mangold.

"I mean, the fact that half of the characters in this movie speak Japanese, this is like a foreign-language superhero movie that's as much a drama and a detective story and a film noir, with high-octane action as it is anything like a conventional tentpole film."

"Its about Logan getting lost in this very unique and insulated world of Japanese culture, gangster culture, and ninja culture...the fighting is going to be unique because it's all influenced by Japanese martial arts.

"I think more than anything, it's a character piece, asking really interesting questions that are what pulled me in about what it means to be immortal. What is it to live forever, when you lose everyone you've ever loved?

"Either you watch them get killed, or you just lose them by attrition. What is it to feel the burden of saving mankind through all of its mistakes, over and over and over again. What's the toll it takes on you as a living being that is somehow living this Frankensteinian, eternal life?"

McQuarrie's original screenplay was based on writer Chris Claremont and illustrator Frank Miller's Marvel Comics "Wolverine" solo, 4-part 1982 limited series. In that comic book series, 'Logan', aka 'Wolverine', the mutant with 'adamantium' retractable claws, is a 'ronin', or masterless, failed samurai who hides a deep-seated code of honor underneath his rage.

Logan travels to Japan to confront the woman he loves and the man that would keep them apart.

Claremont introduced the villain 'Shingen Yashida', a crime lord that is Wolverine's physical better.

When his foe is eventually defeated, Logan prepares to settle down into wedded bliss with 'Lady Mariko', but the presence of new villains threatens to derail the peace, leading to a climactic battle between Wolverine and the 'Silver Samurai'.

Also included in the stories are "X-Men" mutants 'Rogue', 'Cyclops', 'Storm', 'Kitty Pryde' and 'Nightcrawler'.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"....

"TIFF Nexus": Locative Media Innovation Day

Sneak Peek attended the inaugural "TIFF Nexus" conference, Friday, October 28 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox, in Toronto.

The "Locative Media Innovation Day" explored emerging themes and practices in locative and mobile media as well as showcasing results of the 'TIFF Nexus Peripherals Initiative' creative jam.

Locative Media is an emerging field at the intersection of GPS/mapping, augmented reality, mobile devices and content.

As the world moves into a trackable, sensor-rich and location-aware reality – the TIFF Nexus Locative Media Innovation Day looks at what kinds of social practices, entrepreneurial opportunities and artistic endeavors can be unlocked.

Highlights of the conference included Keynote Speaker Bill Buxton, TIFF Nexus Hands-on Hour Presented by Autodesk, 'The Business of Locative Media with Michele Perras, the unveiling of the TIFF Nexus Peripherals Initiative, Spacing Toronto Presents Locative Services and Augmented Reality App Lightning Talks, Future Stories Presents a Hands-on Workshop with SnapDragonAR Augmented Reality Software and a Networking Reception and Technology Demo.

At the evening reception, attendees from the film, gaming and new media sectors had the opportunity to meet and greet on the top floors of the new TIFF Building, enjoying Stella Artois beer, Jackson-Triggs wines, cold sushi and hot hors d'oeuvres.

"...'TIFF Nexus' is a new ongoing initiative designed to equip a new generation of Ontario storytellers with the network, skills and partners that they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving and growing digital media landscape. The series supports Canada’s film, game, digital and new media communities as well as fosters integrations between academics, industry members and enthusiasts..."

Future TIFF Nexus conferences, open to the general public, can be found at tiff.net/nexus.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "TIFF Nexus"...

Syfy Deals With "Wild Cards"

Syfy Films report they have acquired movie rights to the sci-fi superhero anthology "Wild Cards", edited by George R.R. Martin. The ongoing anthology of 22 books was first published in 1987 and is based on stories by a consortium of sci-fi writers.

Melinda Snodgrass will write the screenplay for "Wild Cards', the first acquisition for Syfy Films since its launch, December 2010., when it announced a team-up with Universal Pictures to create new 'monster movies'.

"'Wild Cards' presents a terrific franchise opportunity given the volume of material from this compelling fantasy series," said Syfy's Gregory Noveck. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to develop a film based on the anthology's supernatural heroes..."

"...the characters of 'Wild Cards' were developed with the goal of creating a realistic take on people with super powers and how they affect their daily lives. The series was conceived as a 'shared universe' in which different authors contributed new characters and storylines to the overall mythos..."

The books have been translated into several languages and adapted into comic books and role-playing games.

Click the images to enlarge...

Nicole Kidman's "Trespass" - November 1, 2011

Montreal-based V V S Films will release the $35 million budgeted, psychological thriller "Trespass", directed by Joel Schumacher ("The Lost Boys"), starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, on DVD, Blu-ray, Digital Download and Video On-Demand (VOD), November 1, 2011, across Canada :

"...'Kyle Miller' (Cage) is an eccentric diamond dealer who struggles to provide an exceptional lifestyle for his wife 'Sarah' (Kidman) and teenage daughter 'Avery' (Liana Liberato).

"But a sudden 'home invasion' suddenly evolves into something far more complicated as the three are taken hostage by extortionists, with a cycle of betrayal and deception emerging in the pressured conditions..."

"Trespass" is produced by Boaz Davidson, Avi Lerner, Irwin Winkler and David Winkler.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Trespass"...