"A" Titled Films!
These are all the movies I have seen that start with the letter 'A'. It will be continually updated as I view more and more films....
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- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsAndrew Dice ClayLauren HollyWayne NewtonA vulgar private detective is hired to find a missing groupie and is drawn into a mystery involving a series of murders tied to the music industry.Also starring: Morris Day, Maddie Corman, Gilbert Gottfried, David Patrick Kelly, Brandon Call, Robert Englund, Ed O'Neill, Vince Neil, Sheila E., William Shockley, Steve White, Kari Wuhrer, Delia Sheppard, Pamela Adlon, Jordan Lund, Tone Loc, Cindyana Santangelo (uncredited)
At least three of the band names listed above feature references to earlier movies produced by Joel Silver: "Ellen Aim and the Attackers" is the band fronted by Diane Lane in Streets of Fire (1984), "Nakatomi Boys Choir" is a reference to Die Hard (1988), as the main location of that story was Nakatomi Plaza, and "Alba Varden" is the name of the South Africans' vessel in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989).
In A Nightmare On Elm Street Robert Englund jumped through a mirror and cracked a TV over someone's head. In this film he jumped through a mirror but was the one who had a TV cracked on his head.
Robert Englund replaced singer Billy Idol who had been cast as Smiley but had to pull out of the role after a near fatal motorcycle accident. Englund, who had previously worked with Renny Harlin on A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), was personally asked by the director to take over the role after Idol's accident.
Maddie Corman's character is named "Zuzu Petals", a reference to It's a Wonderful Life (1946). In that movie, George Bailey's daughter, Zuzu, had brought home a flower she had got at school. She show's it to her father and complains that some of the petals are falling off. He puts these in his pocket. Later, when he "has never been born", he reaches into his pocket and Clarence the Angel, says, "They're not there." "What?" asks George. "Zuzu's petals." - DirectorDavid J. BurkeStarsVing RhamesTerrence HowardChazz PalminteriA notorious gangster nicknamed "Animal" must reconcile his past in order to make a future for his criminally-minded son.Also starring: Faizon Love, Wes Studi, Paula Jai Parker, Taraji P. Henson, Beverly Todd
Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Paula Jai Parker all appeared together previously in 2005s Hustle & Flow. - DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsSanaa LathanLance HenriksenRaoul BovaDuring an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win.Also starring: Colin Salmon, Tommy Flanagan, Ian Whyte
Sebastian de Rosa: Thousands of years ago, these hunters found a backwater planet. They taught humans how to build, and were worshiped as gods. Every hundred years, the gods would return. And when they did, they would expect a sacrifice. Humans were used to breed the ultimate prey. The hunters would battle with these great serpents to prove themselves worthy to carry the mark. But if the hunters lost, they made sure nothing survived. An entire civilization wiped out overnight.
Alexa 'Lex' Woods: So, the humanoids, the hunters, they brought those creatures here to hunt?
Sebastian de Rosa: And they use us like cattle. We're hosts for them to breed. The heat bloom was designed to lure us down here. This whole thing was a trap. Without us, there could be no hunt.
Was rumored to be in development ever since a skull from the title characters in the Alien film series appeared in the spaceship trophy room in Predator 2.
Except for scenes with stand-ins, Ian Whyte played all of the Predators. He was the first Predator actor since Kevin Peter Hall who died in 1991.
The character played by Lance Henriksen, Charles Bishop Weyland, is a co-founder of the Weyland Yutani Corporation. This is "the company" referred to in the earlier "Alien" movies. He is the "ancestor" of the Bishop Android from Aliens and Alien³, who were also played by Henriksen. In his office on the ship, he does the same hand trick as the Android in "Aliens."
The Alien vs. Predator story crossed over virtually all forms of media before becoming a feature film. There was a successful comic book series, toy line, multiple video games, soundtrack (of the PC game) and even a trading card series.
At one stage both Peter Weller and Gary Busey were approached to do a cameo as John Yutani, the other founder of the infamous "Weyland-Yutani" Company from the "Alien" films, but Yutani was written out of the script. The character was later used in the sequel, AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem, this time as a female.
The character of Verheiden was named after comic book writer Mark Verheiden, creator of the first Alien vs Predator comic series and the first story involving both species. Contrary to popular belief, the comic was released prior to the infamous shot of the alien "skull" in Predator 2.
Paul W.S. Anderson rewarded hardcore Alien and Predator fans by scattering references to the individual franchises within his film. For instance, the opening shot of the movie appears to be a silhouette of the Alien Queen from Aliens, before being completely revealed as a Weyland Satellite.
The altars where victims were placed in the Chamber of Sacrifices of the pyramid is arranged identically to the hibernation pods in the original Alien movie.
The heroine calling an Alien an "ugly mother..." is a reference to the two previous Predator films, in which both Arnold Schwarzenegger (Predator) and Danny Glover (Predator 2) refer to the Predators as such.
In an interview, director Paul W.S. Anderson said that Arnold Schwarzenegger offered to reprise his role as Dutch Schaeffer (from Predator) at the end of this movie as a cameo, but only if he lost the election for California governor.
The first film in the "Alien" franchise to not feature Sigourney Weaver, who has said in interviews the idea of the crossover "sounded awful".
The words "alien" and "predator" are never said in this movie. Aliens are called "things", "creatures", and "serpents". Predators are referred to as "hunters" and "humanoids".
Lance Henriksen was first to be cast to maintain some kind of continuity with the previous films. - DirectorColin StrauseGreg StrauseStarsReiko AylesworthSteven PasqualeShareeka EppsWarring Alien and Predator races descend on a rural Colorado town, where unsuspecting residents must band together for any chance of survival.Also starring: Ariel Gade, Kristen Hager, Sam Trammell, Robert Joy, Ian Whyte
[last lines]
Ms. Yutani: The world isn't ready for this technology.
Col. Stevens: But this isn't for our world, is it, Ms. Yutani?
The Yutani character (of the "Weyland-Yutani" Company from the "Alien" films) was originally going to appear in the AVP: Alien vs. Predator, but was written out. The character was originally conceived to be male.
The Predator was nicknamed "Wolf" by the filmmakers, after the character Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction. His role in the film, like Wolfe's, is described as that of a "cleaner" - one who covers up assassinations, accidents, and other messy situations.
This is the first movie in both the Predator and the AVP-based movies that actually feature scenes of the Predators' home planet.
It was at one time hoped to include scenes of the Aliens' home world. Conceptual art was created and it was even storyboarded to be used as the closing shot of the movie, but ultimately the idea was dropped in favor of using it in a potential third film.
The Predalien was nicknamed "Chet" on set and in the script. This was to avoid early spoilers about the nature of the creature (i.e. it being a hybrid between the Alien and Predator). The name "Chet" was a reference to the obnoxious brother from the movie Weird Science (who was played by Bill Paxton)
According to the DVD commentary, Robert Joy's character Col. Stevens was originally written as Garber from Predator 2, who was the highest ranking survivor from Peter Keyes team hunting the predators. When the actor who played Garber (Adam Baldwin) couldn't be scheduled, the character was changed to Col Stevens.
Bill Paxton was approached to play the diner chef so he could appear in the second 'Predator', 'Alien' and 'AvP' film in each series. However, scheduling conflicts prevented him from making an appearance.
At the cemetery sequence, the man with a gun stands in front of a tombstone with the name "HAWKINS" on it. Hawkins was one of the soldiers of Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) on the first Predator movie, played by Shane Black, today a screenwriter (Lethal Weapon franchise) and director (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang).
This marks the second movie Ian Whyte has played the Predator creature. Next to Kevin Peter Hall, he is the only other actor to do so.
Several sounds are intentionally recycled from previous 'Alien' and 'Predator' movies as tribute to those films. These include (but are not limited to): actual Predator (like growls and tracking sounds from the helmet) and Alien noises (like hissing and screeching); the beeping of the motion tracker from Aliens, used in this movie during the opening credits, and as the sound made on the tracking screen showing the bomber heading towards its target; and the computers around Col. Stevens make the same sounds as the Mother computer from Alien. The only original sound that could not be reused was the Predator's characteristic chirruping sound, which was recreated specifically for this movie.
Steven Pasquale's character "Dallas Howard" shares his name with Tom Skerritt's character from the original Alien movie - Dallas was the captain of the Nostromo. Moreover, he says the line "Get to the chopper!", which was also said by Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in Predator. Perhaps a coincidence, he also shares his name with actress Bryce Dallas Howard who does not appear in any of these series.
Colin Strause and Greg Strause both wanted the film to be 3-D, however the idea was dropped, because it would be too expensive.
This is the first time in the franchise that a Chestburster emerges from a child. - DirectorDenzel WashingtonStarsDenzel WashingtonDerek LukeJoy BryantAntwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins.Also Starring: Leonard Earl Howze, Kevin Connolly, Novella Nelson, Malcolm David Kelley, Vernee Watson,Earl Billings James Brolin (uncredited) Jenifer Lewis (uncredited)
Denzel Washington agreed to star in the movie mainly because he knew it was the only way it would get financed.
Derek Luke was working at the Sony Studios gift shop when he met Antwone Fisher who was working on the lot as a security guard. When Fisher's screenplay was bought by Fox Searchlight, Luke asked Fisher for a copy of the script. He went to the casting director unannounced and asked to audition. He has since admitted "I was so terrible I started crying" but Luke was invited to audition again. Denzel Washington came to the gift shop to tell Luke that he got the part.
De'aundre Bonds was initially given a role in the film. On the night that he learned he was awarded the role, he attended a family celebration and was involved in an altercation with his aunt's boyfriend. The altercation ended with Bonds stabbing the man to death. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison. - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsElisabeth ShueMaia BrewtonKeith CooganA babysitter must battle her way through the big city after being stranded there with the kids she's looking after.Also starring: Calvin Levels, Vincent D'Onofrio, Penelope Ann Miller, George Newbern, John Ford Noonan, Bradley Whitford, Ron Canada, John Davis Chandler, Lolita Davidovich, Clark Johnson, Sam Moses, Juan Ramirez, Andrew Shue (uncredited extra)
Andrew Shue has prominent 'extra' screen time on the dance floor at the frat party and also has a extra scene : . He is at the bar laughing at Daryl.
In an early draft (third rewrite) of the script, there is no mention of Sara's fascination with Thor. What is included instead is a funny scene at Soldier Field with The Chicago Bears Players stars Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, William Perry (William "The Refrigerator" Perry) and Mike Singletary. The boys invite the team members to come to the Anderson House to watch The Mummy's Curse (1944) and when they finally leave, Daryl smuggles out several of the team's jockstraps as souvenirs. The jockstraps later are used to make up the shortage of cash needed to get the station wagon out of (Miss) Dawson's garage. None of the Chicago Bears appear in and only one brief reference is made to the team in the film (by the girl at the frat party).
When Brad is introducing everyone in the chop shop, he tells one guy "uhh great...great shirt." The shirt is for the band Motörhead and says "Eat the Rich," a single they released in 1987.
When the kids are at the chop shop, Bleak refers to them as the Brady Bunch. In the following scene, when Brenda is still at the bus station, on one of the portable TVs, the theme music from The Brady Bunch (1969) can be heard.
The project started in the 1960s, but was abandoned in the 1970s. However, in the mid-1980s, Chris Columbus finally restarted the project. In the original plot, Jane Fonda was considered to play the lead role. However, Jane was too old for the character and the part moved to Bridget Fonda. But Bridget also withdrew from the project before auditions began.
The two rival gangs on the El Train challenge each other to a fight when the train crosses "Devereux" street, an in-joke towards director Chris Columbus' wife Monica Devereux and father in law Clarke Devereux who both appear in the movie.
Sara wears a backpack with a picture of Gizmo on it. This is a reference to Gremlins (1984) which was written by Chris Columbus.
Steven Spielberg considered being the executive producer of this film and have the film released under the Amblin banner, to help his friend Chris Columbus get the directing job. However Columbus had the directing job secured.
An early draft of the script has the part of Dawson, the garage owner, played by an extremely unfeminine woman and the scene emphasizes the humor of Sara and Brad's confusion over Dawson's gender. This part ultimately went to Vincent D'Onofrio and the scene as it appears in the film plays with Sara's fascination with the comic book hero Thor and has her confusing Dawson with her comic book hero (to Sara he's cleverly disguised as an everyday garage mechanic).
One of the movie's producers is Debra Hill, who teamed up with John Carpenter to make Halloween (1978), a horror movie about murdered babysitters. Listen carefully when Sara and Chris watch television. The music you can hear is John Carpenter's chilling Halloween (1978) theme, an in-joke.
In both this film and in Back to the Future Part III (1990), Elisabeth Shue faints and says the line, "I had the worst nightmare!"
Bradley Whitford was allowed to use his own Camaro for the movie. It has the license plate "SO COOL". The actual license plate Bradley had on his car.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus auditioned for the lead role, but withdrew in favor of Jodie Foster. But Foster, also withdrew, leaving Michelle Pfeiffer, Valerie Bertinelli, Elisabeth Shue and Justine Bateman as the only choices. Bateman withdrew from the project due to creative conflicts from the producers of Family Ties (1982). Pfeiffer left the project and instead starred in The Witches of Eastwick (1987). Bertinelli lost out to Shue on the final day of auditions. - DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneJamie FoxxWhen New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones.Also starring: Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field, Embeth Davidtz, Campbell Scott, Michael Massee, Stan Lee, Chris Cooper (uncredited) Denis Leary (uncredited) Martin Sheen (uncredited)
When Aleksei is first defeated by Spider-man, his underpants garment has rhino pictures all over it, anticipating his appearance as The Rhino at the end of the film. This is the first Spider-Man movie where Spider-Man fights a criminal (Alexei) before he becomes a costumed villain (The Rhino).
Gwen's death happens 121 minutes into the film. In the first series of comic books Gwen dies in issue 121.
Following the mixed critical and audience reaction to the film, star Andrew Garfield revealed that the screen-story had undergone major rewrites and restructuring during production. The original script focused more on the relationship between Gwen Stacey and Peter Parker, as well as the evolution of Max Dillion into the psychotic Electro and Harry Osbourn's descent into madness. During production at the behest of Sony studios, the story underwent a major overhaul to introduce a number of additional characters from the Spider-Man mythos, including Rhino, Black Cat, Dr. Kafka, with allusions to Mysterio, Vulture, Dr. Octopus, and Kraven the Hunter, among others with the hopes of creating a line of spin-off films. For his part, Garfield himself expressed his own disappointment at the deviation from the original story.
J. Jonah Jameson and Robbie Robertson from the Daily Bugle were to appear in the film, but director Marc Webb had difficulty of finding an actor that can better J.K. Simmons' performance in the Sam Raimi Spider-man trilogy. In the script Peter is a student at Empire State University, bringing his first Spider-Man pictures to Jameson, who gives him a tour of the Daily Bugle. Jameson complains that the Internet is killing the newspaper business; later, Spidey and Electro's first fight send them crashing through the Daily Bugle offices and the printing presses.
There were several different endings filmed, including one where the Goblin (Dane DeHaan) snaps Gwen's neck with his bare hands. But this was deemed too violent for a PG-13 rating. A version where the Goblin fatally stabs Gwen was also filmed. Ultimately, both were cut and replaced with the version that is seen in the film, which closely resembles the comic book version of the events
Shailene Woodley, who filmed scenes as Mary Jane Watson before this character was cut from the film, can be seen briefly near the film's climax. She can be seen from behind during a shot inside a café just as Rhino prepares his attack and after Peter's listened to Gwen's graduation speech.
Three Spider-Man villains have cameo roles in the movie: a female Oscorp employee named Felicia Hardy, a burglar known as Black Cat who is occasionally a love interest of Spider-Man, Allister Smythe, the Spider Slayer who makes an army of robots for the named purpose and Aleksei Sytsevich becomes The Rhino as shown at the end of the movie.
The final battle between the Green Goblin and Spider-Man was filmed in an actual clock tower where temperatures would reach 115 degrees. Dane DeHaan had to wear prosthetics and make up requiring 3 1/2 hours of application as well as his Goblin costume, which weighed 50 lbs and couldn't be opened without power tools. After DeHaan lost 7 lbs in a single day, the film's medic was so concerned that DeHaan would get heat stroke, that crew members were told to pour buckets of ice on DeHaan's head and down his suit between takes. Unfortunately, this didn't work because his body temperature was so high that the ice would melt and turn into steam before he could feel the cooling effects. Eventually, a tubing system that would pump cold water was installed in the goblin suit so that the cooler temperatures could reach DeHaan's body.
The Theme From Spider-Man (1967) is played repeatedly as Peter's cell phone ring. This makes The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) the only Spider-Man film where the cartoon theme song is not heard or quoted from.
When Spider-Man swings and maneuvers through a dark alley, a brief shot of a yellow pair of pants with a red stripe on them can be seen hanging from a clothesline. This is the costume of comic book villain Shocker.
Shailene Woodley was cast as Mary-Jane Watson, and even filmed scenes. But her role was cut from the film because the filmmakers felt there were too many characters and wanted to streamline the series, and have Gwen Stacy be the only love interest for the rest of the series.
Early on in the film, Max Dillon has a birthday cake in his fridge that is white with green icing and yellow lightning bolts. This is an homage to the original Electro suit from the comics. - DirectorMarc WebbStarsAndrew GarfieldEmma StoneRhys IfansAfter Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.Also starring: Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Chris Zylka, C. Thomas Howell, Michael Barra, Stan Lee, Vincent Laresca, Michael Massee,
Ben Parker: Peter? I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I know things have been rough for you. I think I know what you're feeling. You've been going through a lot of difficult things, with not having your father and all. Well, take it from an old man. Those things send us down a road. And I know that whatever road you'll end up on, you've got great things waiting for you, son. You owe the world your gifts. You just have to figure out how to use them. Whatever you decide, just know there are those who care about you. So come on home, Peter. You're my hero, and I love you.
In early January 2010, Sony announced that they cancelled their idea of making "Spider-Man 4" with director Sam Raimi and actor Tobey Maguire, who started their work together on Spider-Man, and instead decided to re-boot the Spider-Man franchise with a new story and crew.
Before Andrew Garfield was announced for the lead part, Taylor Lautner, Josh Hutcherson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Logan Lerman, Robert Pattinson, Jamie Bell, Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Angarano, Michael Cera, Alden Ehrenreich, Zac Efron, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Xavier Samuel, Jim Sturgess and Anton Yelchin were also considered to play the lead role.
Michael Fassbender was originally considered for the role of Dr Curt Connors; he eventually went on to play Magneto in X-Men: First Class. His Inglourious Basterds co-star Christoph Waltz was later rumored to be attached to the part.
Ashley Greene, Mia Wasikowska, Scout Taylor-Compton Teresa Palmer, Amber Heard, Dianna Agron, Brooklyn Decker, Imogen Poots, Lindsay Lohan, Emma Roberts, Emily Browning, Lily Collins, Anna Kendrick, Ophelia Lovibond, Sara Paxton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Georgina Haig, Hilary Duff and Dominique McElligott were considered for the role of Gwen Stacy, but were beaten out by Emma Stone.
This film marks the first time Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) becomes The Lizard on film. Although Curt Connors appeared in the original Sam Raimi films, played by Dylan Baker, the character never became the Lizard despite some strong hints.
This is the first "Spider-Man" film to not feature Spider-Man's perennial love interest Mary-Jane Watson (in the original three films played by Kirsten Dunst). Instead, Peter Parker's original girlfriend Gwen Stacy appears (who had been played by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third film).
John Slattery, Sam Elliott and R. Lee Ermey were rumored for the role of J. Jonah Jameson. However, it was later revealed that the character would not be making an appearance
Anne Hathaway, who was going to star in this film as Felicia Hardy (Black Cat), went on to star in The Dark Knight Rises as Selina Kyle (Catwoman).
To prepare for his role as Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield studied the movements of spiders and tried to incorporate them as much as he could: "Parker is a boy/spider in terms of how he moves, and not just in the suit."
EASTER EGG: When Peter first enters Gwen's room, there are several books stacked just inside the window through which Peter enters. The book at the top of the stack is the novel "Seabiscuit". Tobey Maguire, who portrayed Peter/Spider-Man in the original trilogy, also played the lead character in the film adaptation, Seabiscuit.
The pop culturally misquoted line by Ben Parker "With great power comes great responsibility", prominent in the Sam Raimi movies, is not once uttered in this film. This is actually more in keeping with the comics, as it was merely a text box that said "With great power, there must also come great responsibility" in Amazing Fantasy #15. However, through the years, the line has been erroneously attributed to Ben, even by Peter himself, so much so that it is taken as true in comics, cartoons and movies. The voice-mail left by Ben alludes to this, but never directly quotes it.
When Spiderman swings through New York at one point he yells, "Hey, I'm swingin' here!" This is in reference to the famous ad-lib by Dustin Hoffman in New York based Midnight Cowboy, "Hey, I'm walking here!"
When Sam Raimi was still attached to the film, Raimi wanted The Vulture to be the primary villain with Ben Kingsley to play the role. However, Raimi's direction and decision was ultimately vetoed and overruled by Avi Arad who insisted on having The Lizard instead. According to Raimi, it was Arad's insistence that ultimately had him leaving the production by early 2010; he was also responsible for having Venom for Spider-man 3 against Raimi's wishes.
Cameos:
Michael Papajohn: the carjacker in the previous Spider-Man series appears as Dr. Ratha's driver.
Stan Lee: The man in the library unaware of the events going on behind him. ” - DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.Also starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, CCH Pounder, Wes Studi, Scott Lawrence, Peter Mensah, Debra Wilson, T.J. Storm (uncredited)
Col. Quaritch: You are not in Kansas anymore. You are on Pandora, ladies and gentlemen. Respect that fact every second of every day. If there is a Hell, you might wanna go there for some R & R after a tour on Pandora. Out there beyond that fence every living thing that crawls, flies, or squats in the mud wants to kill you and eat your eyes for jujubes. We have an indigenous population of humanoids called the Na'vi. They're fond of arrows dipped in a neurotoxin that will stop your heart in one minute - and they have bones reinforced with naturally occurring carbon fiber. They are very hard to kill. As head of security, it is my job to keep you alive. I will not succeed. Not with all of you. If you wish to survive, you need to cultivate a strong, mental aptitude. You got to obey the rules: Pandora rules. Rule number one...Everyone on this base, every one of you, is fighting for survival, and that's a fact. There's an aboriginal horde out there massing for an attack. These orbital images tell me that the hostile numbers have gone from a few hundred, to well over two thousand in one day. And more are pourin' in. In a week's time there could be 20,000 of 'em. At that point they will overrun our perimeter. That's not gonna happen. Our only security lies in preemptive attack. We will fight terror with terror. The hostiles believe that this mountain territory is protected by their... deity. And when we destroy it, we will blast a crater in their racial memory so deep, that they won't come within 1,000 klicks of this place ever again. And that, too, is a fact.
Michael Biehn was considered for the role of Col. Quaritch. James Cameron rejected him because he'd already cast Sigourney Weaver, and he didn't want people to think it was Aliens all over again.
James Cameron originally planned to have the film completed for release in 1999. At the time, the special effects he wanted increased the budget to $400 million. No studio would fund the film, and it was shelved for eight years. Cameron was convinced that CGI effects had progressed enough to make this film when he saw Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
One of the most expensive movies ever made (as of December 2009), with an estimated budget of US $280,000,000.
Though he is not credited in the film, several locations look very similar to paintings by English surrealist Roger Dean, most notably his works "Floating Islands" and "Arches".
To help the actors prepare for their roles, director James Cameron took the cast and crew to Hawaii, where they spent their days trekking through the forests and jungles and living like tribes (building campfires, eating fish, etc), in order to get a better sense of what it would be like to live and move around in the jungle on Pandora, since there would not be any actual jungle sets to aid and guide the actors and crew. Zoe Saldana even dressed up as a warrior during these journeys, complete with an alien tail symbolic of the one her character has in the movie. These hikes were only done during the daytime, though; the cast and crew spent their nights at a Four Seasons hotel.
Avatars have eyebrows and five digits per hand or foot while the Na'vi only have four and no eyebrows. The Avatars are also broader in the chest and arms, appearing more 'muscular'.
The Na'vi language was created entirely from scratch by linguist Paul R. Frommer. James Cameron hired him to construct a language that the actors could pronounce easily, but did not resemble any single human language. Frommer created about 1000 words.
The year is never stated, but the video log shows that the year is 2154. The final battle takes place during August 2154, 200 years from the date of James Cameron's birth.
Colonel Quaritch mentions that being on Pandora made him feel "like a shave-tail Looie." "Shave tail" was a term originally used in the 19th century among U.S. cavalry regiments. Newly assigned cavalry troopers were given horses with a shaved tail, to let other troopers know that the rider was dangerously inexperienced, and should be given extra room to maneuver during training. "Looie" is a nickname for lieutenant, the lowest ranking, and least experienced, rank among U.S. Marine Corps officers.
Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal were the studio's first choice to play Jake Sully, but James Cameron decided to cast an unknown Sam Worthington in the lead role.
"Avatar" is Sanskrit for "incarnation". It is used extensively in Hindu scriptures to refer to human incarnations of God.
According to James Cameron, the Na'vi are blue to create a conceptual parallel with traditional Hindu depictions of God (e.g., in the forms of Vishnu, Shiva, Rama, Krishna, etc.), but also because "I just like the color blue."
Ey'wa, the deity of the Na'vi people, is a mixed-up pronunciation of "Yahweh", the God of the Hebrews. It also means "yes" in Arabic.
The word "na'vi" in Hebrew means prophet. A na'vi is a visionary or someone who communicates directly with God. Its plural, nevi'im, also refers to the prophetic books of the bible, which include "Judges," "Kings," and "Isaiah."
The concept of a network of trees in which minds of the deceased continue to exist appears in several novels of the "Ender" series by Orson Scott Card, most prominently in "Speaker for the Dead". Just like in the movie, the trees in the novel are sacred to the native (remotely humanoid) inhabitants, who tolerate the presence of a small human colony on their world until cultural misunderstandings lead to conflict.
Jodie Foster was considered for the role of Dr. Grace Augustine.
According to Jake's video logs, the entire film (on Pandora) takes place over a 96-day period. The first log is dated 05/19/2154 and the last 08/24/2154 - 3 months and 5 days later.
All animals on Pandora have six limbs, except for the humans and Na'vi.
There are striking similarities between the movie and the "Destination: Void" universe depicted by Frank Herbert and 'Bill Ransom' in the science fiction novels 'The Jesus Incident' and 'The Lazarus Effect'. In the novels, an alien planet called Pandora is home to a global network of sentient kelp in which the minds of the deceased also continue to exist. The kelp, as well as other native lifeforms on the planet, are linked into a large entity with a shared consciousness, called "Avata".
The cap that Norm Spellman wears during his first trip into the Pandoran jungle has Braille symbols on it that represent "#1969", or "Number 1969", the year that humans first landed on the moon.
The book Grace picks up in the abandoned school is called 'The Lorax' by Dr. Seuss. Like the plot of the film the book is about a mystical forest full of beautiful trees and mystical creatures that are destroyed by man's lust for ever growing industry.
The common spirit of Pandora where every creature is constantly connected to each other and the planet itself is based on the concept of Gaia described in Isaac Asimov's novel 'Foundation's Edge' (1982).
In James Cameron movies, allies to the main characters often have Catholic references. In Aliens, this ally was called 'Bishop'; in The Abyss, it was 'Monk'. In 'Avatar', Sigourney Weaver plays a character called Grace Augustine. Saint Augustine was a Catholic monk who brought Christianity to pagan England, and became Archbishop. One manner of address for an Archbishop is 'Your Grace'.
Jake Sully's initials (J.S.) are the same as John Smith, a central figure in the historical and often romanticized story of Pocahontas. Avatar shares many similarities with the Pocahontas story in plot and theme. Like John Smith, Sully is a member of an invading force who falls in love with a tribal princess, after learning her customs.
Mo'at, the spiritual leader of the tribe, is referred to by the title "Tsahik". This name sounds remarkably similar to the Hebrew "Tsaddik", meaning an individual of outstanding virtue and piety. The term is often applied to an especially knowledgeable interpreter of Biblical law and scriptures.
When Jake is examining his ponytail, Dr. Augustine states, "Don't play with that, you'll go blind." This is a common phrase that is taught to adolescent boys (referencing their genitalia) to discourage them from masturbating. It is revealed later in the film that the Na'vi use their ponytails to mate.
Stephen Lang has hinted that Colonel Quaritch could return for a sequel: "You think those two arrows in my chest are going to stop me from coming back? Nothing's over so long as they've got my DNA!" - DirectorNorman JewisonStarsAl PacinoJack WardenJohn ForsytheA lawyer is forced to defend a judge, while defending other clients, and trying to find punishment for the guilty and provide justice for the innocent.Also starring: Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Lahti, Robert Christian, Thomas G. Waites, Larry Bryggman, Craig T. Nelson, Dominic Chianese, Joe Morton, Connie Sawyer, John Aquino,
Arthur Kirkland: The one thing that bothered me, the one thing that stayed in my mind and I couldn't get rid of it, that haunted me, was why. Why would she lie? What was her motive for lying? If my client is innocent, she's lying, why? Was it blackmail? No. Was it jealousy? No. Yesterday I found out why. She doesn't have a motive, you know why? Because she's not lying... And ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution is not going to get that man today, no, because I'm gonna get him! My client, the Honorable Henry T. Fleming, should go right to *beep* jail! The son of a bitch is guilty! That man is guilty! That man, there, that man is a slime! he is a *slime*! If he's allowed to go free, then something really wrong is goin' on here!
Judge Rayford: Mr. Kirkland you are out of order!
Arthur Kirkland: You're out of order! You're out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They're out of order! That man, that sick, crazy, depraved man, raped and beat that woman there, and he'd like to do it again! He *told* me so! It's just a show! It's a show! It's "Let's Make A Deal"! "Let's Make A Deal"! Hey Frank, you wanna "Make A Deal"? I got an insane judge who likes to beat the *beep* out of women! Whaddya wanna gimme Frank, 3 weeks probation?
Frank Bowers: *Dammit!*
Arthur Kirkland: [to Judge Fleming] You, you sonofabitch, you! You're supposed to *stand* for somethin'! You're supposed to protect people! But instead you rape and murder them!
[dragged out of court by bailiffs]
Arthur Kirkland: You killed McCullough! You killed him! Hold it! Hold it! I just completed my opening statement!
According to director Norman Jewison's audio-commentary, in legal circles the film was criticized for its portrayal and depiction of legal eagles, lawyers and judges. Jewison described the film as "a terrifying comedy".
When Jack Warden is seen sitting on the ledge of the law building four stories up, he really was. Warden was though wearing a security cable harness under his clothes as a safety precaution in case he slipped.
Actor Jeffrey Tambor had to wear a wig for several scenes. Scenes seen later in the film show him bald, and as scenes for movies are not usually shot in sequence, Tambor had shaved his head for the bald scenes, and so had to wear a wig.
When Al Pacino was cast he had been considering the lead role in Kramer vs. Kramer which he rejected in order to do this movie. Ironically, when Pacino was Oscar nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award, Dustin Hoffman won for Kramer vs. Kramer.
To prepare for his role as a lawyer, Al Pacino interviewed attorneys, researched the legal profession and attended court with legal eagles.
During filming, actor Al Pacino frequently ad libbed and improvised. Pacino like to do this because he was slow learning lines as well as to be spontaneous. This however can interfere with another actor's performance. Reportedly, Pacino's mentor, Lee Strasberg, said "Al, learn your lines, dollink!". Pacino years later recognized that this was good advice.
On and off the set, Al Pacino was seen frequently being "in character" due to his method acting, something to which he had been a student of under co-actor Lee Strasberg. At meal breaks, Pacino would be known to call Strasberg by his character name of Grandpa and once when asked about a contract by someone working on the film, Pacino started to assess it for him legally even though Pacino is an actor not a lawyer.
The movie is notable for one particular scene which sees a justice, Judge Francis Rayford (played Jack Warden), firing a pistol in court. According to director Norman Jewison's audio-commentary, this was allegedly based on a judge in Texas who had unbelievably taken a gun to court. In one American borough, Jewison cited research that showed that five out of six criminal justice judges wore firearms.
The picture was the first produced screenplay of husband and wife writing of team of Valerie Curtin and Barry Levinson.
The coffee café scene featuring Jack Warden and Al Pacino took twenty-six takes to film. Reputedly, Warden ate so many sandwiches that he threw-up.
First cinema film of Jeffrey Tambor.
The film is famous for its line "You're out of order! You're out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They're out of order!". The line of dialogue has been frequently referenced and parodied in popular culture.
Second time that actor Al Pacino was Best Actor Oscar nominated when playing alongside his acting teacher Lee Strasberg, the first had been in The Godfather: Part II.
The title is the last four words of the Pledge of Allegiance recited daily by US schoolchildren. Its full version reads: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".
This was 75-year old character actor Sam Levene's final film. It culminated a 40+ year acting career. - DirectorEduardo SánchezStarsAdam KaufmanCatherine ManganBrad William HenkeFifteen years ago, a group of men's lives were forever changed by a strange occurrence. Now, the same group of men will spend a night together ... in terror.[first lines]
Cody: [wielding harpoon] Let's do it!
Otis: Hey, I think we oughta wait a minute.
Duke: Don't go pussy on me.
[cocks his gun]
Otis: I'm not man, I just think...
Duke: Don't!
Otis: This is the stupidest goddamn thing I've ever done.
Was originally planned as a horror/comedy with the title "Probed". - DirectorWilliam GirdlerStarsCarol SpeedWilliam MarshallTerry CarterA marriage counselor becomes possessed by a demon of sexuality when her father-in-law, an archaeologist and an exorcist, accidentally frees it while in Africa.Rev. Emmett Williams: I am black and comely as the curtains of Solomon, o, ye daughter of Jerusalem. Let me kiss thee with the kisses of my mouth, for thy love is better than wine.
Abby Williams: What makes you call it love?
Rev. Emmett Williams: Abby...
Abby Williams: [lapsing into demon voice] I want to know why you call sex "love". It's just an animal lust, isn't it? I'm not your ho'.
Rev. Emmett Williams: Oh, come on, Abby...
Abby Williams: *beep* you ain't got enough to satisfy me, you impotent son of a bitch! [kicks him in the groin]
Out of circulation for years after Warner Bros. sued American International claiming it was a ripoff of its film The Exorcist. Although the film was very profitable (its budget was approx. $200,000 and it earned $4 million in its first month of release), director/producer William Girdler never saw a penny of it because of the lawsuit, which was settled shortly before he died in 1978.
The song that Abby sings in church, "Is Your Soul A Witness?", was written and performed by the actress herself, Carol Speed.
In addition to the devastating tornadoes that struck during filming, there were more instances of bad luck on the set. Actor Terry Carter broke his ribs filming one scene, and whenever Carol Speed would appear on the set dressed as the demon, the generators would fail.
Filmed in Louisville, Kentucky, the production was temporarily halted when a series of tornadoes ripped through Louisville on 4 April 1974. Carol Speed recalled taking refuge with Juanita Moore in the lobby of a hotel that had no tornado shelter. They weathered the storm wrapped in blankets to protect them in case one of the large glass windows exploded.
William Marshall was vocal about his unhappiness with the production of the film, mostly because he'd been promised certain script revisions that never materialized. - DirectorEdward DmytrykDuilio ColettiStarsRobert MitchumPeter FalkRobert RyanAnzio: one of WWII's bloodiest battles as the Allies smash through the German lines which have enclosed the Anzio beachhead--four months and 30,000 casualties before the Allies finally march to Rome.Also starring: Arthur Kennedy, Reni Santoni, Giancarlo Giannini, Patrick Magee, Arthur Franz,
Dick Ennis:[referring to a radio that went dead] "Ain't that a bitch? A dumb, dirty stupid useless bitch!"
The meaning and relevance of this movie's title "Anzio" refers to the Battle of Anzio on 22 January 22 1944 during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. The Battle of Anzio was an amphibious assault against the Axis allies of Germany and Italy in the Italian regions of Nettuno and Anzio. The name of the World War II military mission that resulted in this combat was Operation Shingle. This operation was aimed at outflanking the German army on the Winter Line and as such allow for an assault on the capital city of Rome, Italy. Operation Shingle was lead by Major General John P. Lucas
The "Black Devils" was the nickname of the 1st Special Service Force, The Devil's Brigade (also called The Black Devil's and The Black Devils Brigade), a joint American-Canadian commando unit organized in 1942 .
The Rapido River was the site of a major assault by the US 36th Infantry (Texas) Division. The attack was repulsed by the Germans with many casualties (143 killed, 663 wounded and 875 missing) The 36th Division was destroyed as a combat capable unit.
Peter Falk in his 2006 auto-biography 'Just One Thing: Stories of My Life' states that he didn't like the script for this movie which he thought was hackneyed and full of cliché. Falk wanted to leave the film for these reasons. However, producer Dino De Laurentiis encouraged Falk to stay by giving him film poster name-above-the-title credit as well as choice of writer for his dialogue. Falk stayed on the picture and apparently actually wrote his own dialogue.