My goodness, this film looks more amazing every time I see more about it. This was going to be a short post: new trailers, new poster, few screen shots - done - but no. There is a TON of new stuff released about this movie and I have to share it all (ok - not all, this post would have been twice as long and I didn't include the gorier stuff so you can feel OK about scrolling if you have family or work mates around.)
These trailers ARE both safe for work and kids by the way, so no worries there (a little blood and dirt and some skin but nothing too terrible). Here they are:
There are also two new posters - I go back and forth between which one I like better, though the first one that looks like a labyrinth was completely stunning, and I'm glad I saw that first.
There is an interview with Garrone in the Italian Huffington Post HERE and I'm including a few badly translated excerpts for you:
"... the raw violence of the tales of Giambattista Basile, with its medieval matrix, it seems to narrow current. Back on top passions and desires, as in fairy tales, which are always true, as he said Italo Calvino, because they speak of the human being. And fairy tales are archetypes, and the archetypes are always modern and universal ", (says Director Matteo Garrone). In “Il racconto dei racconti”, which will be outside Italy "Tale of Tales" because it is shot in English, the horror regaining the dignity of the prototypes, the "fairy tales mothers" that is, fantasies for adults, not children, and all strings of passion made of flesh and blood, of dreams and nightmares, of wandering from ugly to sublime the popular imagination conspire to create an overflowing beauty. It is a film of excess, to Garrone, as were the 50 tales of "Lu cunto de cunti them", by the genius of Giambattista Basile, Neapolitan in the first '600 provided the source material to edulcorazioni most famous Grimm, of Perrault , of Andersen. A film of excesses to be enjoyed in awe as a child listening to a fairy scary, with those slimy monsters and carnal that no creature could match digital, joyfully stolen even those pre-crafts film special effects, even B-movies of yesteryear. The excesses are straight from the imaginary popular and eternal sneer against the powerful. There is the all-consuming need maternity Queen Salma Hayek, who feeds a bloody dragon heart to give birth to the son of the victim will be coveted and exclusive passion. There is the paradoxical whim of Toby Jones, another sovereign, who stuffs a flea to the tonnage of an ox by sacrificing his only child. Vincent Cassel is the libertine who dazed by the orgies (and "that" orgies, chapeau) goes to bed by mistake, a poor old laundress, but the signs, you know ... because the magic is still there, and the genius of Basile was able to bring forward by four centuries satire of modern cosmetic surgery. So much so that the "cunto" original was titled "The old flayed", means the illusion of regaining youth and beauty. E'bello and important about B-movies, that Garrone cites among his sources of cinema, as well as the "Casanova" by Fellini, the "Pinocchio" by Comencini and all '"Armata Brancaleone" Monicelli, the legendary Mario Bava de "The mask of the devil."
I am so very curious to see what conversations and discussions this film inspires! (Or perhaps, incites would be a better word.)
Here's a bunch more stills which bring us more intriguing story information (I've left the most bloody and explicit ones out):
I'm also including screen caps from the new WEBSITE HERE to give you more of an idea of the synopsis and different stories involved/included. (It's in Italian but if you use a translator you can understand most of it). I recommend clicking on the images so you can read the story descriptions. There's more on the website too, about the girl and the ogre. There are a TON MORE photos on the official website too - all the ones included in this post are just a sampling (seriously!).
And here are some costume designs...
A list of locations used, which was a closely guarded secret for the whole production (wow! They're going to have "Tale of Tales" tours around Italy in the future, I just know it!)...
And other random things I've found from Cannes reports and other places:
And my son ADORES this ridiculously cute giant flea (No he hasn't seen the trailers!, just the posters, and I also told him that there was a story about a man who raised a special giant flea he loved, being included in the film and wanted to see a photo):
And here's a bonus bunch of behind-the-scenes images (you can click to enlarge).
There is also the official Facebook page HERE if you want to like/ follow it as well.
What do you think? Is the film piquing your interest yet?
I saw this entry on Tumblr this week and found it hilarious so had to share. All the images are from the comic series by Charles Vess that was eventually released in the GORGEOUS book, shown at the top of the post.
Anything that begins “as I was a-walking” is probably not going to end well, which is at least a good two-thirds of the ones I know
366 days is the right length of time to wait before you give up on anything
If you’re going to drown somebody, for God’s sake weigh the body down with rocks or something so nobody comes along and MAKES A F-ING HARP OUT OF IT ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THIS because that harp is going to drop the dime on you so fast
Note: I'm not convinced there are really spoilers here. I don't think it reveals very much about what's happened all season and with this twist, everything is completely different anyway, so I think you'll be safe... Maybe don't watch the trailers if you're truly concerned about spoiling your finale viewing.
There are all sorts of promises being made about this season's finale for Once Upon A Time. You're probably aware that the first half of this season was the "Frozen" season (-sigh-) and that the second half has been about the villains looking for their happy ending (ditto -sigh-).
I have to say, I've been less than riveted for most of it BUT we have been promised writing that uses a full two hours to explore a whole flip side to the storyline - thanks to a devious move of "rewriting" by the nefarious 'Author', everyone switches roles: the good become "evil" and the 'evil' become good.
There have been a few gem-like pieces of writing that have been stand-outs this season* so I know they have the chops. I'm really hoping they had someone work as hard on getting this finale to work 'just right' for as long as it took, rather than have it be handled in the usual speed-writing manner of TV series, because, if they do it right, it could bring Once Upon A Time back onto the 'series you should be watching' map, but if they do the "everyone switches roles exactly and says each others' lines from previous episodes" (like the example preview I saw), I'm not going to be too impressed. (Must think positive!)
This finale, titled Heroes and Villains (add the hashtag to follow all the crazy on Twitter!) has potential to be interesting, that's for sure, and I'm glad they're just keeping it to the two episode/two hour length to explore it too - hopefully that will keep it tight and focused. Here's the official description and promises making the rounds to get you excited before Sunday. But hang on - we need the trailer too. Make that two trailers...:
Things are really getting shaken up in the "Once Upon a Time" Season 4 finale. The above clip shows that the Author (Patrick Fischler) is having fun switching roles. The Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla) is good, while Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas) have slipped to the dark side.
What else is in store for the finale? Creators Adam Horowitz and Eddie Kitsis tell Zap2it that fans should be ready for "Once Upon a Time" film experience. "The finale has to be when the Author starts writing," Kitsis says. "[Fans] should be prepared for a two-hour movie."
This means the Season 4 finale will work much like the Season 3 season finale that introduced the "Frozen" story arc, rather than two different stories being forced together.
"There's a unifying story idea that takes place over the two hours. It's not two separate episodes back to back," Horowitz clarifies.
Kitsis uses the phrase 'concept world' to describe the changes coming to the Enchanted Forest -- but he doesn't want over-hype the finale before people get a chance to see it.
"We don't want to over-promise, but just maybe. Our hope is that people will say that."
See who turns out to be hero or a villain when "Once Upon a Time's" Season 4 finale airs Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Oh and in other OUAT news? It has been renewed for a FIFTH season. (Please don't hit the reset button - again!)
Is that watery ink..?
* The Ice Queen was wonderfully drawn/written - and especially wonderfully played. Ursula's story was really interesting but far too short and easily wrapped up and the Author being revealed as a job rather than a specific person was great too. Despite my lack of love for the villains in general, Maleficent losing her egg-baby was heart wrenching and Cruella De Vil was completely evil through and through - and she always had been. It was wonderfully refreshing after the patterns we've seen.
For those who don't know, Lon Po Po is a Chinese variant of Red Riding Hood. It's fairly widely known, especially as a book by Ed Young was awarded a Caldecott medal and, as a result, can usually be found in libraries and schools.
A theatrical version of Lon Po Po, however, is unusual to come across! I love that they get the children involved with this, learning Chinese, twisting the tale around a bit, helping the children in the story know what to do - it's a great interactive way to learn the story, and the variant. (I love the multicultural cast involved too.)
CLARKS SUMMIT – A free performance of “Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China” will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, hosted by The Gathering Place at the Clarks Summit Borough building, 304 South State St.
This interactive play for children and their families is the final performance in a series presented by the Dietrich Children’s Theatre and The Gathering Place for Community, Arts and Education, a new nonprofit currently fundraising to turn the former Clarks Summit firehouse into an arts and education center.
“Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China” takes audience members on a trip to the Chinese countryside. Join three small children as they bid farewell to their father who is traveling overnight to visit their sick grandmother. The children are warned not to open the door to anyone, as the wolf may be lurking nearby. When there is a knock on the door late at night, however, the children are uncertain.
Is it their grandmother or the wolf?
Audience members will join the Dietrich Children’s Theatre and help the children figure out what to do in this unique retelling of a well-known story.
Dietrich Theater has a great collection of storytelling plays for children, including:
Balto: A True Story of the Bravest Dog In America
The Fairy Wife of Llyn Y Fan Fach (Welsh tale)
The Gifts of Wali Dad (Pakistani tale)
The Gingerbread Man
The Mouse's Marriage (Japanese folktale)
Peter and the Wolf (Russian story to teach children about musical instruments)
Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears (West African folktale)
Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (more than Mowgli!)
Coyote: A Native American Trickster Tale
Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China (which remain part of their regular repertoire).
You can see a little preview of the performance on YouTube HERE.
And here's a great reading of the book by Ed Young, complete with music and animation. I couldn't find a better version of the video, sorry, but you get a pretty good idea from this one. It's a beautiful book and the story is wonderful - highly recommended:
Developed in Melbourne Australia, it's one of the most fun-looking - and beautiful - storybooks I've seen (and it's a few years old now!). I had seen image shots but didn't realize the level interactivity till looking at it again recently.
I've included a video so you can see what I mean, but first, a description: Beauty and the Beast HD brings to life Walter Cranes sensational original illustrations, combining them with tilt and touch controlled physics elements, touch animations, drag-able character cutouts and a whole array of fantastic sound effects. A fairytale picture book that stays true to its gritty origin, complete with soothing music, antique visual style and beautiful art work presents a truly gorgeous addition to your digital book collection.
Lay back, relax and experience this fantastic, incredibly rare 138 year old version of Beauty and the Beast reimagined for the iPad. Beauty and the Beast HD brings to life Walter Cranes sensational original illustrations, combining them with tilt and touch controlled physics elements, touch animations, drag-able character cutouts and a whole array of fantastic sound effects. Inspired by a love of books, we have carefully retain the original and authentic published text. A fairytale picture book that stays true to its gritty origin, complete with antique visual style and the soothing music of Georg Philip Telemann, making this book app a truly gorgeous addition to your digital book library.
Features: ★ Beautifully rendered illustrations ★ Lute performed by Jon Sayles ★ Music performed by Roxana Pavel Goldstein & Elias Goldstein. ★ Fun and enchanting interactive compositions ★ Artwork reproduce from high-resolution archival scans
And here's the video (note - I'm fairly sure this music isn't the same that's included, but just for a fun preview):
Before you ask: NO - there is no official word that anything from Beauty and the Beast will be shown, released or teased BUT they will have to mention it so there's a strong possibility it will be one of those bonus surprise things (like a shot of an enchanted rose, if they follow the Cinderella trend!), on the day for attendees/Gold Members. (We shall see).
Here's the official press announcement:
Opening day of the D23 Expo will feature the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony as well as peeks at Disney and Pixar’s animation slate, including looks at “Zootopia” and “Finding Dory.” Disney’s live-action properties, such as its upcoming take on “The Jungle Book” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” will be previewed on Saturday.
See? Fairy tale adjacent only (but still interesting to us fairy tale folk).
The D23 Expo 2015 will be held during August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center (Los Angeles). Tickets are available now.
By the way, I found this schedule online, which confirms Disney's animated Jack and the Beanstalk take, Giants, is still happening - and has a firm release date, albeit it very, very far away.
Also a little PSA: on April 30th, 2015 the Disney animated films The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid and Cinderella went back in the vault for the next seven years (sorry folks!).
What's coming out this year to replace them? Well, we have to wait till Fall and then again till February 2016 for more, but for this year: Aladdin: October 6th, 2015 - first time on Blu-ray
Our beloved Heidi who is the mastermind, creator, curator and wrangler for the amazing SurLaLune fairy tales site, as well as the accompanying blog, is having a birthday today!
(See? You announce it on your blog and the information stays here forever... ;)
We cannot tell you how much we appreciate all you've done and all you continue to do. I'm sure many of us would not have been half so successful in pursuing our passions, research and writing with fairy tales if it hadn't been for your work!
So, on behalf of all the readers at Once Upon A Blog: HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI!
If you'd like to give Heidi an extra-specially great day, go buy one of her books HERE (or, if you have them all already, buy one for a friend!).
You have a great list to choose from (and she's still creating these awesome resources!):
Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World: Fairy Tales, Myths, Legends and Other Tales About Maidens in Towers
Sleeping Beauties: Sleeping Beauty and Snow White Tales From Around the World
Cinderella Tales From Around the World
Beauty and the Beast Tales From Around the World
The Frog Prince and Other Frog Tales From Around the World: Fairy Tales, Fables and Folklore about Frogs
Mermaid and Other Water Spirit Tales From Around the World
Bluebeard Tales From Around the World
Twelve Dancing Princesses Tales From Around the World
The Fairy Tale Fiction of Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie
In “Il racconto dei racconti”, which will be outside Italy "Tale of Tales" because it is shot in English, the horror regaining the dignity of the prototypes, the "fairy tales mothers" that is, fantasies for adults, not children, and all strings of passion made of flesh and blood, of dreams and nightmares, of wandering from ugly to sublime the popular imagination conspire to create an overflowing beauty. It is a film of excess, to Garrone, as were the 50 tales of "Lu cunto de cunti them", by the genius of Giambattista Basile, Neapolitan in the first '600 provided the source material to edulcorazioni most famous Grimm, of Perrault , of Andersen. A film of excesses to be enjoyed in awe as a child listening to a fairy scary, with those slimy monsters and carnal that no creature could match digital, joyfully stolen even those pre-crafts film special effects, even B-movies of yesteryear.
The excesses are straight from the imaginary popular and eternal sneer against the powerful. There is the all-consuming need maternity Queen Salma Hayek, who feeds a bloody dragon heart to give birth to the son of the victim will be coveted and exclusive passion. There is the paradoxical whim of Toby Jones, another sovereign, who stuffs a flea to the tonnage of an ox by sacrificing his only child. Vincent Cassel is the libertine who dazed by the orgies (and "that" orgies, chapeau) goes to bed by mistake, a poor old laundress, but the signs, you know ... because the magic is still there, and the genius of Basile was able to bring forward by four centuries satire of modern cosmetic surgery. So much so that the "cunto" original was titled "The old flayed", means the illusion of regaining youth and beauty. E'bello and important about B-movies, that Garrone cites among his sources of cinema, as well as the "Casanova" by Fellini, the "Pinocchio" by Comencini and all '"Armata Brancaleone" Monicelli, the legendary Mario Bava de "The mask of the devil."
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