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Gary Oldman

[Movie News] In Theaters This Week – February 26, 2021

by Tori Ann February 24, 2021

written by Tori Ann

Many theaters are still not open in the US. Some have had to close again due to health restrictions being put back in place or simply due to a lack of people coming in. While many big-name movies are pushing their release dates back even further, or choosing to premiere overseas first, a number of movies are still determined to make their way to theaters.

This weekend sees a trio of new movies released – a horror movie that takes place within a Jewish Orthodox community, a thriller about the world of opioids, and a new animated adventure about the dynamic duo of Tom and Jerry!

Crisis

Three stories about the world of opioids collide: a drug trafficker arranges a multi-cartel Fentanyl smuggling operation between Canada and the U.S., an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction tracks down the truth behind her son’s involvement with narcotics, and a university professor battles unexpected revelations about his research employer, a drug company with deep government influence bringing a new “non-addictive” painkiller to market.

Directed by Nicholas Jarecki

Starring: Gary Oldman, Armie Hammer, Evangeline Lilly, Greg Kinnear, Michelle Rodriquez

Release date: February 26

Tom and Jerry

Adaptation of the classic Hanna-Barbera property, which reveals how Tom and Jerry first meet and form their rivalry.

Directed by Tim Story

Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, Tom, Jerry, Colin Jost

Release date: February 26 (Also available on HBO MAX)

The Vigil

A man providing overnight watch to a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community finds himself opposite a malevolent entity, in writer-director Keith Thomas’ electrifying feature debut.

Directed by Keith Thomas

Starring: Dave Davis, Menashe Lustig, Malky Goldman, Lynn Cohen, Fred Melamed

Release date: February 26

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Movies / TV

[Cinema Sunday] “Sid & Nancy” – Gary Oldman’s Big Break

by Joshua Winchester March 25, 2018

written by Joshua Winchester

“Who the hell are you?” – Unknown; “Sid Vicious.” – Sid Vicious

March is coming to its end. And with that, the month long series of the career and success of Gary Oldman will be reaching its conclusion. Each post so far has covered a movie wherein a certain point of Gary’s career as an actor was changed by the role. Dracula, Norman Stansfield, George Smiley, etc. Now it’s time to look at where it all started, the part and film that gave the man his big break in the motion picture industry. With that, the time travel trip today is back to 1986. The year of the Challenger space shuttle incident, Queen’s final tour with Freddie Mercury, and the year comics changed with the release of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, and book one of Maus. Today’s focus, however, is on the release of the biopic movie Sid and Nancy, chronicling the relationship of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. It is thanks to that movie, the world was introduced to Gary Oldman and his race to stardom was begun.

Alex Cox (left), Andrew Schofield (center), and Gary Oldman (right) on set

Not many people may know who Alex Cox is. Before sitting down to write a piece about this film, this movie-lover had certainly never heard of him, let alone that he is responsible for Gary Oldman’s big break. In spite of the fact that Sid Vicious had only been gone from the world a handful of years, Alex was felt obligated to make the movie as revealed in an interview some years later:

I’m glad we made it. Because in the mid-80’s there was the threat of a rival Sid & Nancy film – a Madonna vehicle, with Rupert Everett, financed by a Hollywood studio. This was before Rupert Everett was a good actor. I felt under an obligation to struggle against that studio project, fearing it would be even worse than mine.

Gary (left) and Sid Vicious (right)

In spite of the potential for failure, Sid and Nancy has remained a beloved film by many. This in great part thanks to Gary Oldman’s being cast as Sid Vicious. One of the things is that it’s not just the look, and even being able to somewhat sound like Sid while singing. There is the capturing of his essence, his mannerism, who Sid Vicious really was. To truly sum up this casting choice, here’s another quote from Alex from the same interview (quoted above), regarding his pick of Gary:

Gary was an authentic Bermonsey boy – from the same part of London, the same world as Sid – and he really understood the ambitious aspect, the desperate need to get out of South London at all costs…

It is sometimes still hard to wrap one’s head around the idea of an actor with so many successes under his belt and so many amazing roles, starting out playing a deceased punk rocker who lived hard and fast and fell so quick. And yet, there it is. Cinematic history captured for all time on film and preserved in digital space. Critics praised the movie when it came out, especially Gary Oldman’s performance. One of the most noted reviews comes Roger Ebert when he appeared on The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers:

“I tell you who definitely won’t be [Oscar] nominated – and should be, and that’s a young British actor named Gary Oldman, who plays Sid Vicious – the punk rocker – in Sid and Nancy. And he’s going to fall prey to the Star 80 syndrome, which is why Eric Roberts wasn’t nominated [as Paul Snider]: Hollywood will not nominate an actor for portraying a creep, no matter how good the performance is.” (4:18-4:35 above).

Every person who has made it big in Hollywood had to start somewhere. A “humble beginning,” playing a part that seems so beyond what anyone wants to do, can lead to great triumphs in the world of movies and fame. So take some time today or even this week, to sit down and view and appreciate where it all began. Gary Oldman playing a beloved punk rock icon and starting down the road that has lead to stellar work and now, even an Oscar. So give three cheers for Gary as Sid Vicious, because if someone was gonna bring the noise and rock the screens, might as well be him.

March 25, 2018 0 comment

Movies / TV

[Cinema Sunday] “Léon: The Professional” – A Villainous Oldman

by Joshua Winchester March 18, 2018

written by Joshua Winchester

“Death is… whimsical… today.” – Norman Stansfield

Every actor and actress at some point in their career plays a role that has a different shape from their usual parts. It challenges them, makes develop a different on-camera dynamic, and in that development there is a transformation of sorts. In the case of Gary Oldman, that transformation came when he took on a character that had to go into a place of anger and pure psychotic mania. The Cinema Sunday dial is set to travel back to 1994, the year that saw the passing of Kurt Cobain, Nelson Mandela elected as the first black president of South Africa, and the New York Rangers winning the Stanley Cup, breaking a 54-year losing streak of chances for the Cup. And in September of 1994, Léon: The Professional opened in theaters and with it, Gary Oldman’s first true shot of villainy saw the light.

Luc (middle) on set with Gary

Directed by Frenchman Luc Besson, Léon: The Professional deviated from his previous works, because while it was a story rife with action and violence, there is sentiment there too. But with Gary Oldman and his playing the role of Norman Stansfield, there is where Luc let a beast out to play. Luc has Gary take it all the way, with Norman having a pure streak of evil within in him and no qualms about taking civilians while dealing out death as a corrupt agent of the DEA.

Luc gave Gary the direction needed to bring Norman to life, Gary gave Norman his darkness that has made him so memorable as a movie villain. He is amoral, having zero empathy for human life, and also seeks to further his own agenda through abusing his power as a DEA agent. One of the greatest moments of that power abuse is when he discovers the identity of the hit-man wanting him dead (Leon) and orders the mobilizing of SWAT and police in order to put him down, just to save his own skin. In the end, all the officers at his disposal and all the firepower cannot save him from finally getting his due justice as befitting someone of his villainy.

A movie like Léon: The Professional is not the sort of picture you think would be hailed and well-loved by critics and audiences alike. Yet at the time of its release in 1994, it took in over $45 million worldwide against a $16 million budget. New York Times film critic Janet Maslin wrote of Oldman’s performance:

Mathilda’s life becomes hard when her entire sleazy family is rubbed out by Gary Stansfield (Gary Oldman), a fantastically corrupt drug-enforcement agent who says things like “Death is whimsical today.” In this preposterous role, Mr. Oldman expresses most of the film’s sadism as well as many of its misguidedly poetic sentiments. During the buildup to an ugly shootout, he even claims that the calm before the storm reminds him of Beethoven, a thought that may help viewers get through the nastiness that follows.

March’s end is nearly here, the days are getting longer again, which means spring is nigh. And while many will take advantage to be outside in spite of the chill, those who wish solitude and quiet may wish to sit back and enjoy this glorious and violent piece of cinema and Gary Oldman’s clever, but insane, work as Norman Stansfield.

March 18, 2018 0 comment

Movies / TV

[Cinema Sunday] ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ – British Intelligence Games

by Joshua Winchester March 11, 2018

written by Joshua Winchester

“We’re not so different, you and I. We’ve both spent our lives looking for the weakness in one another’s systems. Don’t you think it’s time to recognize there is as little worth on your side as there is on mine?” – George Smiley.

Daylight saving time is here which means it’s time to move those clocks. Working off that, March can now be a time of cinematic rejoicing. Not only will Gary Oldman be turning the ripe age of 60 this year, last Sunday at the Academy Awards he finally was given his due. Gary took home one of the most coveted awards of the night, Best Actor In A Leading Role for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. And so in keeping with the spirit of amazing performances, today’s little journalistic jaunt will be about Oldman’s role in a fabulous Cold War spy drama adaptation. So come along and enter the world of espionage, games, and the hidden world of spies.

Left to right: John Hurt, Tomas Alfredson (center), Gary Oldman

Tomas Alfredson helmed the big screen production of this classic spy novel. The talented director from Sweden who got his feet wet in children’s TV programming, then broke big with the horror film Let The Right One In. When interviewed by Rotten Tomatoes at the time of Tinker’s release back in 2011, he stated about the setting of the story:

I think the period was so much about, not ’73, as this is set in, it’s about the ’60s and ’50s and ’40s — all the periods before that. Because if you would visit someone in a home in 1973 there would be one chair that was bought last year and the rest would be stuff from the ’40s or the ’50s. Too often people always sort of push the volume to 10 when they’re doing period stuff. But, it’s of course a lot of fun to do it, and revisit — especially if you have experienced it yourself.

This is all very well and good, but the main success of the production comes not just from the sets and setting, but also from its cast. Primarily, the leading man and the supporting players as well.

Gary Oldman has worn many hats to fit the parts he’s played over the years. From vampire king to ruthless future weaponsmith, to hardened police commissioner and wizard. His stepping into a refined and calculating role as British Intelligence agent George Smiley was an ideal role for him. There is a quiet dignity to his portrayal of George on camera. Where other members of the cast are given to fits of rage and outbursts, George remains impassive, watching and observing in order to carry out the last order of his superior, to ferret out the mole inside the organization that has been feeding top level secrets to the Soviets.

This is the part where things could get wordy, but they shall not. Simply put, the supporting cast of Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy is of very epic proportions. To fill out every spot and bring each character to life, careful consideration had to be made for each and every person. For Control, head of the Circus (Intelligence), the steely and veteran actor John Hurt played the character excellently. In other roles, Colin Firth (Bill Hadon), Tom Hardy (Ricki Tarr), Mark Strong (Jim Prideaux), Toby Jones (Percy Alleline), Benedict Cumberbatch (Peter Guillam), the list of big names to play big parts goes on and on. But it is within these choices, like that of Oldman, that the story came to life and earned its place in the history of spy motion pictures.

Spy movies are more frequent now in modern cinema, making a project that is both a throwback and adapting an existing work all the more perilous. But fortune smiled down upon cast and crew in the form of high praise from reviewers. One in particular was from Rolling Stone and its film critic Peter Travers:

Watching Oldman parry with the electrifying Firth or put the screws to Hardy without raising his voice is a master class in film artistry. Oldman makes us brutally aware of the emotions roiling under the unruffled surface of this anti-James Bond, showing the sudden cruelty that tilts Smiley’s moral balance until – even behind his owlish glasses – he can’t see straight. As Alfredson directs the expert script by Peter Straughan and Bridget O’Connor, the film emerges as a tale of loneliness and desperation among men who can never disclose their secret hearts, even to themselves. It’s easily one of the year’s best films.

As spring weather creeps in more and more and the nights become longer, Hollywood will soon be churning out the next crop of spring and summer releases. Amidst all the big explosive blockbusters and comedies and family films, will come along resounding dramas like today’s movie piece. So while enjoying the day or even the week, have a little treat on hand to enjoy this sumptuous and stupendous bit of cinematography and acting that once again showcases why Gary Oldman is truly a great actor.

March 11, 2018 0 comment

History Movies / TV

[Cinema Sunday] ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ – Gary Oldman as the Count

by Joshua Winchester March 4, 2018

written by Joshua Winchester

“I am the monster that breathing men would kill. I am Dracula.” – Dracula.

March is here. Spring is in the air. Snow melts away bringing new life to the ground. Today is Oscar Day, the time of year when Hollywood’s best and brightest gather together to honor achievements in the industry. It is also the birthday month of Gary Oldman. Therefore, March shall be dedicated to Gary Oldman and some of his finest roles. Now it’s time to time-slide back to 1992, with President George H. W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin meeting to formally end the Cold War, the final Hitchhiker’s Guide book Mostly Harmless is published, along with the passing of E.C. Comics and Mad Magazine founder William Gaines. In November of that year, Gary Oldman brought chills to the big screen with his portrayal of movie monster Count Dracula.

Coppola (left) and Oldman (right)

Francis Ford Coppola is nothing short of a directorial legend, responsible for bringing the world such films as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and New York Stories. However at the time of Dracula’s release, his status in Hollywood was skewed due to the flop of The Godfather Part III released back in 1990. This is a man who in years past had taken existing works of fiction and turning them into movie gold. In making HIS vision of Dracula, Coppola chose to take more cues from the original novel than follow traditional Hollywood cues for the Count. In an article published by Entertainment Weekly a week after the release, Francis detailed about the production “‘Give me something that either comes from the research or that comes from your own nightmares.’ I gave them paintings, and I gave them drawings, and I talked to them about how I thought the imagery could work.” The end result is the lavish spectacle brought to life, with a big part of it owed to Gary Oldman being cast in the lead.

Gary is a master character actor. With any role given to him, there has been a high amount of clear dedication involved in making the on-screen performance believable to audiences. With Count Dracula, there was the decades of previous leading men in the part to contend with (Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, etc.) Choosing, however, to pay more attention to the source material is what lead to a terrifying and engaging delivery from Gary whenever he was on camera. One of the things that helped sell it was playing things as Bram Stoker had originally written them, both as an old decrepit man and as the youthful, reinvigorated vampire lord.

One of the other great strengths of the 1992 production is the rest of the cast. From Anthony Hopkins as Professor Van Helsing, to Winona Ryder as Mina Murray and Cary Elwes as Arthur Holmwood, every actor and actress who was part of the heroic band that fights against the Count exemplified all the best traits of their fictional counterparts.

What also sells things is the added plot device. In Stoker’s novel, Mina is brought under the Count’s sway through his vampiric powers. In Coppola’s movie, the historic Vlad Tepes is blended with Dracula to create a plausible reason for what brings the action from London back to Transylvania. Mina is the reincarnation of Vlad’s bride, which leads to him draining Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) for sustenance in order to make the trip to England. From there, he proceeds to romance her and, in spite of her love for Jonathan, Mina is drawn to the mysterious charming figure. Despite his charms and her near-turning into a creature of the night, it is Jonathan’s love for her that brings Mina back from the edge.

Despite the numerous films about Dracula over the years, critics still appreciated and enjoyed the latest outing from the mind of Francis Ford Coppola. James V. Hart wrote for Time magazine that:

“Coppola brings the old spook story alive…Everyone knows that Dracula has a heart; Coppola knows that it is more than an organ to drive a stake into. To the director, the count is a restless spirit who has been condemned for too many years to interment in cruddy movies. This luscious film restores the creature’s nobility and gives him peace.”

While many actors have played the role of this dark monster, Gary Oldman gave some of the humanity that is overlooked back to the part. It is that humanity that lead to his success and subsequent influx of roles for a long time. So while waiting for the Oscars to begin, take some time to enjoy what is quite frankly one of the definitive movie tellings of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. It is a little bit of everything for everyone: dark, romantic, adventurous, and exciting. A quintessential picture supreme that should not be missed out by anybody.

March 4, 2018 0 comment

Pop Cult News

[Trailer] The Hitman’s Bodyguard Promises to Be a Hit, Man

by April Carvelli July 19, 2017

written by April Carvelli

The Hitman’s Bodyguard comes to theaters August 18th and each trailer just keeps getting better. The action/comedy stars Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman,Salma Hayek, Elodie Yung, Joaquim De Almeida, Kirsty Mitchell, with Richard E. Grant. If the movie is half as good as the trailers, then we have a hit on our hands.

“The world’s top protection agent [Ryan Reynolds] is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen [Samuel L. Jackson]. The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their raucous and hilarious adventure from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades and a merciless Eastern European dictator [Gary Oldman] who is out for blood. Salma Hayek joins the mayhem as Jackson’s equally notorious wife. The film will be “hitting” your theatres on August 18.

Summit Entertainment presents, Millennium Media presents, in association with Cristal Pictures and East Light Media, a Millennium Media and a CG Films production.”

July 19, 2017 0 comment

Pop Cult News

Movie Trailer: The Hitman’s Bodyguard with Samuel L. Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, Salma Hayek and Gary Oldman

by April Carvelli May 26, 2017

written by April Carvelli

Combine Ryan Reynolds, toss in some Samuel L. Jackson, then add some sexy Salma Hayek and season it well with Gary Oldman and you have the recipe for one hilarious action-packed adventure movie full of gun fights, explosions and of course some serious mother F***ing.

What can go wrong?

“The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.”

The problem is… a lot of people want his client dead, including himself.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard comes to theaters August 18th.

May 26, 2017 0 comment

Pop Cult News

NSFW Trailer – Ryan Reynolds & Samuel L. Jackson in ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’

by April Carvelli April 13, 2017

written by April Carvelli

Two of our favorite people, Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, are teaming up in a new mother effing movie, The Hitman’s Bodyguard. After watching this trailer, I can’t wait. The cast list is stellar, and after all who plays a better bad guy than Gary Oldman?

The world’s top protection agent [Ryan Reynolds] is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen [Samuel L. Jackson]. The relentless bodyguard and manipulative assassin have been on the opposite end of the bullet for years and are thrown together for a wildly outrageous 24 hours. During their raucous and hilarious adventure from England to the Hague, they encounter high-speed car chases, outlandish boat escapades and a merciless Eastern European dictator [Gary Oldman] who is out for blood. Salma Hayek joins the mayhem as Jackson’s equally notorious wife. The film will be “hitting” your theatres on August 18.

This spectacular action flick starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman,Salma Hayek, Elodie Yung, Joaquim De Almeida, Kirsty Mitchell, with Richard E. Grant, hits theaters August 18.

April 13, 2017 0 comment

Interview

PopCultHQ Interview: ‘MAN DOWN’ Screenwriter – Adam G. Simon

by Jason Bennett November 21, 2016

written by Jason Bennett

Adam G. Simon, screenwriter for the upcoming film Man Down, is a good friend of PopCultHQ. Our late founder, Manny Popoca, had the opportunity to meet and interview Adam in 2015 before his prior film’s debut (Synapse) and when Man Down hadn’t yet been opted for a film. When Manny passed this summer, it was then I first made contact with Adam. Upon hearing his death, he did something remarkable. He immediately stepped up and said, “I want to help.” It was because of Adam that a fundraiser was established to help our founder’s wife and children as they process, understand, and deal with this sudden tragedy.

This wasn’t just a kind gesture to help out a family dealing with the loss. This was a gracious calling from a sympathetic man whose life had been impacted simply by Manny spending some time with him at a convention.

It was a sign of gratitude, of humility, and one of character.

(l.-r.) PopCultHQ’s founder Manny Popoca and Adam G. Simon (2015)

About a week after Manny’s death, we published an article where we gave people a chance to say some words on how Manny impacted their lives. People from the comic book community, film, conventions and more took time out to remember PopCultHQ’s founder. The following is what Adam had to say upon hearing of his passing,

“I remember rubbing nickels together and hustling for anyone to listen to me. Manny Popoca was the first to do so. He gave me an outlet to speak about my projects when no one gave a shit. Kind and gracious, he was the first to show up at the booth and the last to leave. Genuinely interested in all things creative. We spoke last week about the future. His writing, all the things he wanted to accomplish, stories he wanted to tell, places he wanted to see. I’m glad I got to thank him for his generosity and energy. My heart goes out to his family.”

.

With the upcoming release of Man Down, I reached out to Adam to see if he’d be up for an interview from us. With almost lightning response time and no hesitation, I received, “Done. Let’s do this.” So here is a look at actor/writer/producer/all-around awesome guy Adam G. Simon and his story coming to life on the big screen in under two weeks!

Man Down

Directed by: Dito Montiel

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Kate Mara, Gary Oldman, and Jai Courtney

Release Date: December 2, 2016

Synopsis of MAN DOWN:

When U.S. Marine Gabriel Drummer (Shia LaBeouf) returns home from his tour in Afghanistan, he finds that the place he once called home is no better than the battlefields he fought on overseas. Accompanied by his best friend Devin Roberts (Jai Courtney), a hardnosed marine whose natural instinct is to shoot first and ask questions later, he searches desperately for the whereabouts of his estranged son, Jonathan (Charlie Shotwell) and wife, Natalie (Kate Mara). In their search, the two intercept Charles (Clifton Collins Jr.), a man carrying vital information about the whereabouts of Gabriel’s family. As we revisit the past, we are guided in unraveling the puzzle of Gabriel’s experience and what will eventually lead us to finding his family. The psychological suspense thriller MAN DOWN also stars Gary Oldman. #mandown

PopCultHQ’s Interview:
Adam G. Simon

Adam Simon in Synapse (2015)

PopCultHQ: Can you walk us through the process of taking your completed script and getting it to the point it gets picked up for a film? How long did you pitch it before an offer? Did you experience any frustrations or self-doubt when it wasn’t opted?

Adam Simon: It didn’t really go the traditional pitch, option route. I had shopped the concept around for a while with little to no interest. I met with quite a few producers over the period of a year who had some interest. A producer, Dawn Krantz, optioned the script, and set up a meeting with Steve McEveety, John Shepherd and Patrick Hibler at Mpower Pictures.

Quickly I realized the story had found its home. They spoke excitedly of their passion for the subject matter, and told me that MAN DOWN would get the treatment it deserved. Endless discussions, meetings and rewrites followed. I worked odd jobs to get by, and stayed with friends while Mpower sought out actors and directors for the project. At times the process felt like a rollercoaster, but we were all in agreement that it would take a special group of artists – talented, driven, crazy artists – to jump on this project.

You always doubt. I never put all eggs in one basket you know? The whole process to making a movie is frustrating, self doubt is always there but you have to just push forward. Persistence wins every time…unless you die in the process. 🙂

(l.-r.) Adam, Shia LaBeouf, Kate Mara, and director Dito Montiel

PopCultHQ: Man Down is finally getting its release in the U.S. on December 2nd. There are some great names in the industry taking attached to the project (Shia LaBeouf, Kate Mara, Gary Oldman, Jai Courtney). How involved are you, or have you been, with the cast/crew, filming, or production?

AS: Very limited. I met with some of the cast. Dito and I had long conversations but I was a resource. Everyone works differently, I am on a project now that I am heavily involved in. Meetings with the director, the cast, hammering out some of the intricacies of the characters in a really intimate way. You have to be flexible, there is no set way, or set position of a writer in the theatrical space, that is more seen in television. In film, any number of people can determine the depth of your involvement. It all depends.

PopCultHQ: How has the reception been ahead of its release? I guess it’d be nice to hear from someone firsthand hearing rants and raves rather than what I may be able to find online (and its validity).
.

AS: The people love it and that is what I care about. We have screened the film for veterans and veterans organizations. It’s affecting people in a very personal kind of way. I know what you are talking about though. Shia spoke about it at a screening we did last week. We were at the Venice Italy Film Festival, we screened the film and received a ten minute standing ovation. People were touched. We got back to the hotel and two articles were written just tearing the film apart. At closer inspection the critics were out on a personal vendetta you know, like against Shia. I took it personally. That’s my heart up there. That’s Dito’s, Shia’s, Jai’s, Kate’s, Gary’s, Clifton’s, Charlie’s, Tory’s, everyone’s heart.

(l.-r.) Kate Mara, Shia LaBeouf

Look, people will like it, people will hate it, but we are talking about something that no one is talking about in a way that no one is talking about it. Veterans have responded well to it, people have loved it. Critics? We’ll see. Let me just say though, I respect the critics who have actually worked in the industry, but many of them are like wine tasters you know? Never worked a day in the vineyard, never crushed grapes, never worked the field. I care about the people. I care about the story, what is being transmitted. I care about connection and being understood.

PopCultHQ: I see you have a couple of writing credits for some upcoming projects. “The Pawn,” of which you’re listed as creative executive producer as well, to be directed by Clifton Collins, Jr., and “No Quarter” with Greg Francis at the helm. What can you tell us about each of these upcoming projects?

AS: Nothing. HAHA. Pawn is going through some revisions as well as some story rights hurdles but it’s getting there. Working on a ton of projects. No Quarter has been a passion project of mine for a while. I am a survivor of abuse. I was abused as a kid and wanted to tell that story in a compelling way. In a way that would have given me some clarity had I watched it as a kid. It’s been a hard process pitching it. Everyone wants pre packaged hot dogs right now in the feature space. Trilogies, properties, super heroes, spandex. Not a lot of people willing to cut checks to storytellers that are trying to hold a mirror up. So it took a while but I found them. Greg is just a kindred soul. He gets me. I get him.

PopCultHQ: Which actor and/or director would you love the opportunity to either work with or write for?
.

AS: You know I have it right now. I can not wait to talk about who we got on board. There really isn’t any one person I am singling out. I am pitching some ideas in television now. I want to have one foot in there but always one foot in the feature space. I have some incredible projects I am kicking around town so we will see.

PopCultHQ: Anything you would like to add, include, or let people know?
.

AS: Manny was a dear friend and a big supporter of mine. I am really grateful to you and your writers for everything you did to help out his family and continue his legacy. I miss the Con and I miss him.

PopCultHQ, and I personally, would like to thank Adam not only for taking the time for this interview but for everything he has done for us and the Popoca family. God bless you Adam, and here’s to great success with Man Down!

November 21, 2016 0 comment

Comic Books Interview

PopcultHQ Exclusive Interview With Hollywood Screenwriter and Actor: Adam Simon

by Manny Popoca July 2, 2015

written by Manny Popoca

Image courtesy of Dennys Illic - Adam Simon

Photos credit to: Dennys Illic – Adam Simon

It is simply astounding to me what time can do to a person…….

Everyone knows the old adage of how time and pressure can crush earthly minerals into worthless pieces of common coal. Or that very same grueling time and endless weights of the world can also produce jewels so preciously valued by humanity. Yet many of these so-called “diamonds in the rough” can go completely unnoticed unless they shine so bright they create a once-in-a-lifetime glare in the darkness that catches the eye. That is what almost every single person in Hollywood likens themselves to…..a bright shiny diamond that needs to be in the spotlight to show everyone else how they have “MADE IT” in the so called land of dreams.

The best thing about screenwriter, actor and director Adam G. Simon, who is truly one of those rare diamonds in the rough………..he doesn’t give a shit about “MADE IT” in Hollywood! For in his words……”There is no REAL making it in Hollywood!”

Last year I was fortunate enough to run into Adam Simon, who was on his way to finally becoming one of those ‘Hollywood names.’ Even surrounded by the dazzling lights of the stars and the smoke-screen of the Hollywood machine, Adam has managed to stay light-hearted, loving and most importantly humble to the bone. It has now been almost a full year to the date of our first fateful meeting; Adam and I still keep in touch, keeping tabs on each others careers.

It is simply astounding to me what time can do to a person………

Adam Simon interview:

Serious stuff:

PopcultHQ: You were Born in Cali?

Adam Simon: “Yes Sir. California boy. Got three sisters and two brothers.”

PopcultHQ: What were the early family years like?

Adam Simon: “We were like the Brady Bunch meets Lord of The Flies. We all grew up in a small desert town just outside of the Lancaster/Palmdale area.”

PopcultHQ: You started in drama stage acting – does time allow still for stage acts?

Adam Simon: “Yes it does. There is always time for that. I am getting ready to play Lee in the play “True West” while developing another stage production with a group of really talented actors.”

PopcultHQ Trivia – Adam has trained in numerous acting schools and takes physical training to another level with his MMA background –

PopcultHQ: Who did you look up to in acting, writing, art, TV, movies or music,?

Adam Simon: “Look up to might be the wrong word. I don’t idolize anyone. I respect different artists for different reasons but there does seem to be a common thread no matter the medium. I respect anyone who has been able to create art without losing their individual voice. Those are the artists I respect and who I want to work with.”

Adam Simon: “(In a later talk Adam and I had) I think you had asked me this before and I was like ‘I don’t look up to anybody, I do my own thing’. But I was thinking about that question more and I was like ‘man that’s not true’. If there is anyone I look up to it would be Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces, The Grey, The A=Team, Narc). That dude…….is amazing! The story behind his movie Narc, that movie got shut down halfway though production cause they ran out of money. And that’s a movie with Ray Liotta and Jason Patric! Well anyway, they had to shut down, he had to grind to raise the money and he got his film made by working his ass off. Now it’s being made into a TV series with Joe Carnahan behind it producing it with Eminem. To go from an indie film that has troubles like that and to come full circle to where he is now. I got to meet Joe on the Universal lot, I don’t normally fan-boy out to anybody but when I seen him I just couldn’t help myself. So I introduced myself to him and it turns out Synapse actually came across his desk. I was so stoked by that!”

PopcultHQ: Friends in Hollywood, you seem to have a lot, can you still have real friends in this business?

Adam Simon: “I think so. The number of real friends is smaller but definitely stronger.”

PopcultHQ Trivia – Adam has had many odd jobs……the most odd being a Close Protection Specialist. But is better known as a – actor, writer , director, father –

PopcultHQ: Your past jobs, the struggle?

Adam Simon: “I come from a blue-collar family. I have done so many different jobs. Construction worker, janitor, apartment manager, pizza delivery driver, bouncer. They all gave me insights and stories to tell.”

Photos credit to Dennys Illic – Adam Simon

PopcultHQ Trivia – Adam was homeless when he wrote “Man Down” –

PopcultHQ: Do people really understand how much hard work goes into writing a script? Because your job is basically to make it look seamless or easy when you’re good at what you do.

Adam Simon: “It depends on what people you are talking about. (Laughs.) I think most people in this town understand the work that goes into the writing but many outside of it don’t. Creating one good story is a task in and of itself let alone creating several. You can’t be precious about your work. It is different for everybody but for me a story comes from a single idea, but film-making is a collaborative process so you have to be open and welcoming of notes and critique, it’s how you grow. As far as my job, I don’t think it is to make it look seamless or easy. Writing is a process. It is difficult. It requires dedication, persistence and time. It aint easy. It’s fucking hard!”

PopcultHQ: I know you work very hard and take training extremely serious so I have one question about that. One of the things I had seen on your social media is a picture of you in a gym, lying on a mat, face down and a group of muscled-up dudes pinning you down to the mat just trying to drive every ounce of your body an limbs sheer though the concrete…….what the hell was that?

Adam Simon: (laughing) “OK, so I train with these guys all the time, they are called ‘Progressive Force Concepts’ they are out of Las Vegas. The trainers name is Chad Lyman, black belt in jujitsu former law enforcement guy…..actually all the guys in that gym are all special forces, law enforcement type guys. Not only do they do extreme training, they also go over seas to protect pipe-lines or bodyguard special VIP’s. So they also do combat training for military personnel. I’ve been in MMA all my entire life and I’m used to heavy training but I had a film project that involved special forces military work. They always say a Special Forces guy can tell another special forces guy even if he’s out of uniform, that is just something that’s built into their bodies. So I went to Chad and told him I’m all yours. So over the next three months he put me through the ringer, it was a specialized program that involved some crazy crazy shit. It was gnarly man, I’ll be kicking out some video of that pretty soon”

Adam Simon: “There is this friend of mine that’s doing sort of documentary on my life, following me around filming everything. It will be about my losing my business, losing my wife, supporting my kids, going through bankruptcy, going through a divorce, selling my car, being homeless sleeping in a parking garage bathroom. Getting through all that, to meeting Rob (Rob Prior: Famous Painting Artist), getting on the comic con circuit, getting my first script optioned, to working on television shows….just that whole journey. So he wanted to do a film on it and I’m like ‘Ehhh, I’m not into that, I’m more into telling other people’s stories’. But he’s like ‘I really want to tell your story,’ he finally convinced me. So he got to go out to Vegas with me and filmed me going through weapons training and seeing me getting my face all busted up. That is coming out in 2016”

PopcultHQ: Do you want to talk at all about having an original script stolen….you still wished them to do well…….why?

Adam Simon: “I can talk a little bit about it. I wrote it, I loved it, I lost it. Then it became something I didn’t recognize which made it easier. The lost time and money made it difficult but ultimately it was a learning experience that made me stronger and more aware. Stories are my children. If one of them is taken, I fight for it, but if I lose that custody battle I want the child to still be safe, loved and cared for, know what I mean?”

Synapse

Acting and writing on SYNAPSE:

PopcultHQ: What are your feelings on – Independent versus Studio?

Adam Simon: “They both have their pros and cons. Ultimately it just depends on the particular production and the team involved. It really isn’t fair to say Indie versus Studio. There are shit studio productions and shit Indies, there are amazing studio films and amazing Indies. I recently heard a celebrity kind of dissing Independent film makers. I thought, “wow what crap Indie sets have you been on?” I have had a different experience, even working odd jobs on Indie sets. Some of them have been the most organized, efficient, amazing sets to be on. No waiting, no fat, no fluff. Instead of a giant Studio armored division the Indie film maker can be a Special Forces Team that is kicking ass and taking names with just a handful of operatives or it can be a shit show. It just depends on how much planning you put into it and how well you execute that planning.”

PopcultHQ: Synapse 2?

Adam Simon: “Yeah……we’re working on the sequel to Synapse. It was always meant to be a trilogy with a prequel and a sequel. I’m super excited about it.”

Adam Simon: “Synapse by itself is a self-contained story but ends on such a cliff hanger it leaves the audience wondering what happens next. One day Ken (director: KENLON CLARK) and I were tossing ideas around and he came up with this idea that just blew my mind. That got me writing again. I think the story is really beautiful and surprisingly emotionally powerful.”

Adam Simon: “When we screened Synapse for Los Angeles Center Studios. They came back and were like ‘WOW we were expecting what you guys described as a sci-fi thriller, but actually was very moving and touching.’ And it makes sense since ultimately Synapse is about a man trying to get his family back, it just so happens to take place in this science fiction world.”

Photos credit to Dennys Illic- Adam Simon

Fun stuff:

PopcultHQ Trivia – Adam is a huge comic book and sci-fi fan – Adam, also has a very unhealthy fixation over Marvel’s The Punisher –

PopcultHQ: What comic book movie gig do you want: other than The Punisher…?

Adam Simon: “The sequels to The Punisher.”

PopcultHQ: Do you find yourself being more PC (politically correct) now being more in the public eye?

Adam Simon: “Fuck no!”

PopcultHQ: Any Hollywood fuck up stories?

Adam Simon: “Everyday man. You fuck up, pick yourself up, learn from it and move on. Taking care not to make the same mistakes twice.”

Adam Simon: “Dude! I’m so friggin’ proud of you man!”

PopcultHQ: Thanks, I really appreciate that!

Adam Simon: “You’ve been able to do what you love and you’ve been increasing your on-line presence!”

PopcultHQ: It is crazy how this blog writing has gone for me but I’m just riding the wave and I have a fantastic team with me on this website

Adam Simon “Yeah man, you’re just killing it!”

Adam Simon “You know how cool is it that like a year ago………”

PopcultHQ: Exactly dude, exactly…..that’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about, how we both met at the start of our careers and how nuts it’s just been for both of us in a years time.

PopcultHQ: So beforehand….not to sound rude in any way, but in essence you were nothing before Wizard World and now you turn out into THIS person!

Adam Simon “Yeah, I had been attending acting conservatory in LA. I had written several scripts and pitched them around trying to sell them studio to studio, just to anybody that would talk to me. I was just trying to meet up with any one. So I was with Kenlon Clark about a year before Wizard World, we shot Synapse that was in the can and we were just thinking what to do with it, how to sell it, how to get it out there. Then I met Rob (Prior), we were working on another project together and he was doing the artwork on and we just hit it off! Rob was like ‘look, I’m on the comic con circuit selling my art, talking about my art to the people. Why don’t you come out and join me and talk about your movie’. So I did, I joined up with him and halfway on the road with him on Wizard World talking about Synapse, and that’s when Man Down got picked up. Wizard World has been very good to me and it’s been great.

PopcultHQ: Anything you want to talk about that will be exclusive to Popculthq?

Adam Simon: “Got you an exclusive right here! At this moment Synapse is in the hands of Michael Archaki and Christian Davis undergoing final Sound Design and Score. We are really pushing to try to screen Synapse for audiences attending the Chicago Wizard World Comic Con on August 20-21-22-23. It looks like we are going to make it happen as part of the Wizard World Bruce Campbell Horror Fest (Film Festival)! It’s a great way for us to give back to Wizard World for allowing me to promote Synapse on the con circuit.”

Saturday August 22 during Wizard World Chicago at 12:00 PM – Synapse – World Premiere, followed by Q&A with cast & crew

PopcultHQ: So this will be like a free showing for the fans?

Adam Simon: “Absolutely brother! It will be a one shot deal where fans can get a link and see the movie for free on that day. Something I don’t think that has ever been done before and we want to give back to the Wizard World fans, so we want to just give it to the masses!”

PopcultHQ Trivia – “Man Down” Is a major motion film written by Adam Simon. A story that follows a haunted Afghanistan war veteran who attempts to come to terms with his past while searching for his family in a post-apocalyptic America. Starring Shia LeBeouf, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara –

PopcultHQ: Any news on the “Man Down” front?

Adam Simon: “I’ll be at the Toronto Film Festival in September and we will be premiering “Man Down” there. I’m really excited about that! I can’t talk too much about it right now but it defiantly deals with a very serious issue that’s going on right now. A very serious message just like Synapse is.

PopcultHQ: Any new films in the works?

Adam Simon: “Ken, EJ and I are working on another Sci-fi flick named “After Us“

PopcultHQ: Another Indie project?

Adam Simon: “Yes, Indie project but with a lot bigger budget this time around. We’re reaching out to some big names for the lead in the film”

PopcultHQ: So final question, what advice do you give to future writers?

Adam Simon: “This is what I tell people when I’m speaking on panels, when they ask ‘what’s your advice, what books should I read, what’s the formula to writing good stories?’. I tell people two things – write from your heart, write what you believe in and WORK YOUR FUCKING ASS OFF!! Those are the two things…….I don’t know if you’ll succeed (laughing) but at least you’ll be happy!”

Awesome Adam! Well you know how happy I am with your career as well and I cannot wait to finally see SYNAPSE! Thanks again for this exclusive interview with my website PopcultHQ. I will see you and Rob Prior again in Chicago at Wizard World Comic Con my friend.

Below is the official trailer for Synapse the movie.

Synapse art by: Rob Prior

Synapse Movie Official Trailer:

http://youtu.be/1MHZf0fjBu4

Synapse is the story of an addict memory dealer who is chased relentlessly by federal narcotics agents in pursuit of a secret buried deep within his mind. “Mems”, as they are known on the street, were developed by the United States military in assisting soldiers who suffered brain trauma in combat. After a leak by a government informant, the technology explodes globally allowing anyone the ability to mold their memories how they see fit. Synapse is a branch of the DEA tasked with stamping out the illegal MEM trade.

Nathan Stafford works as an undercover enforcement agent working in a city ravaged by drugs and gang warfare. When Nathan begins working with a low-level MEM dealer, he learns a secret that places him and his family in danger. With time running out, the two adversaries must work together or die fighting against a corrupt agency and a system bent on their destruction.

SYNAPSE

Director: KENLON CLARK

Written By: Adam Simon

Starring –

Actor: JOSHUA ALBA

Actor : CHARLEY BOON

Actor: SOPHINA BROWN

Actor: HENRY SIMMONS

Actor: ADAM SIMON

All Adam Simon Photos credit to: Dennys Illic

July 2, 2015 1 comment

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PopCultHQ’s Interview:
Adam G. Simon