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(December,2003)
From: CNN (The Detail is here) Review: 'Something's Gotta Give' something good
Review: 'Something's Gotta Give' something good Thursday, December 11, 2003 Posted: 3:57 PM EST (2057 GMT) Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in "Something's Gotta Give." (CNN) -- Sharp, witty, and deep-down funny, "Something's Gotta Give" is one of the best adult romantic comedies of the year -- or the last few years, for that matter. Jack Nicholson plays Harry Sanborn, a 60-something record executive who only dates women under 30. The lovely Amanda Peet plays Marin Barry, Harry's latest conquest. While on a romantic weekend at her family's beach house in the Hamptons on Long Island, Marin and Harry are surprised by Marin's mother, Erica, played by Diane Keaton. Deciding to be very adult about the situation, they all agree to stay and share the house for the weekend. But their mature plans abruptly change when Harry suffers chest pains during an intimate moment with young Marin. He's rushed to the hospital, where he is treated by a handsome young doctor named Julian Mercer, played by Keanu Reeves. (And Reeves, in a third-banana role, actually pulls this part off quite well.) Julian, knowing a good thing when he sees it, falls hard for Erica, despite the age difference. He also recommends that the only way Harry can be discharged from the hospital is to stay put at Erica's beach house for a few days of rest. The stage is set. Opposites attractingErica is a divorced woman of a "certain age" who is also a successful playwright. She's accomplished and mature and is -- most of all -- not Harry's type. Not that Erica is panting over Harry either: she knows his type and wants nothing to do with this aging lothario. Keanu Reeves vies for Keaton's attention in "Something's Gotta Give." But don't underestimate the power of love between the two -- and the romantic charm of Paris, where the film comes to its highly satisfying conclusion. The pairing of Keaton and Nicholson lights up the screen. These two Academy Award-winning actors become a well-oiled machine as they leap and twirl over the hurdles placed in their characters' paths. The comedic timing and the sheer skill they display is wonderful. These two veterans make this delightful comedic confection look easy. (It isn't -- as the old saying goes, "Dying is easy, comedy is hard.") Believing in loveNicholson appears to be having a wonderful time sending up his own real-life image as a player with younger women. Keaton -- who in real-life has never tied the knot -- is terrific as a woman who dares to believe in the possibility of love after all hope has seemingly died. Director and writer Nancy Meyers, who brought us the fine comedy "What Women Want" (2000), once again dissects the struggles between the sexes and creates another memorable and thoughtful comedy. This is Meyers' first time working with Nicholson, but she has had other successful collaborations with Keaton, including "Baby Boom" (1987), "Father Of The Bride" (1991) and "Father Of The Bride II" (1995). Keaton and Nicholson worked together in the 1981 drama "Reds" directed by their mutual friend Warren Beaty. Perhaps most surprising of all is the performance Meyers gets from Reeves. Easy-going, charming, relaxed and believable are not descriptions I would give his past work. He has also never played "the other man" -- the one who doesn't get the girl -- but Meyers makes it all happen. Reeves has rarely been so appealing. "Something's Gotta Give" is a wonderful antidote to this season's overwhelming epic-style films. This sparkling comedic gem will fit into everyone's stockings. "Something's Gotta Give" opens nationwide on Friday, December 12, and is rated PG-13.
From: Spikelet (The Detail is here) Jay Leno Tonight show
Jay Leno(JL):Welcome back, have a seat. Good to see you. Keanu: Thanks Jay, you too! JL: Congratulation on all your successes, it has been a great year for you Keanu: Yeah, thank you ... it's been absolutely extraordinary. JL: ...and you just had a birthday, you turned 39, how does one celebrate, you're a big movie star, what do you do? Keanu: Uhh, what did I do? ..I went out to dinner. JL: Oh, okay. So you went out to dinner, what happened? Keanu: I went out to dinner. Well, I actually, uhmm...the truth? The truth is I went out to dinner and I..., I..., it was a contemplative birthday, so I went out to dinner by myself, I had a salad, a steak, some wine ... JL: You went out to dinner by yourself?? Keanu: Yeah, I just wanted to sit down ... (sounds of sympathy from the audience) Keanu: (to audience) Well, let me tell you what I ... You don't know what I did after dinner... I'm not, I'm not gonna tell you... JL: Oh, okay, what did you do after dinner? Keanu: I'm not saying, ... JL: What did you contemplate, I mean did you ... Keanu: ...but it was good, it was good. Keanu: Well, it's been ahh really, it's been an extraordinary year, I just wanted to sit and think about things, and ahh, turning 39... JL: oh,that sounds like it's a tough year... Keanu: Yeah, JL: Now, that's sounds like,... Keanu: yeah, yeah JL: ... like you say 39, Keanu: yeah, JL: ...that's the second time you said that. Is that bad, turning 39? Keanu: No. It's really.. JL: You know, next year is. Keanu: What do you think 39 is about? JL: Exactly. Keanu: 39 is about turning 40. JL: I'm just saying,... You want to lie down on the couch, we can talk about this. Tell me about 40. Is that a problem for you? Keanu: No, it's okay, I mean it's just, you know it's one of those it seems like one of those kind of birthdays about mortality, about... JL: Really? Keanu: It wasn't like that for you?? JL: No, no we're talking about you now... Keanu: Well, what about you? What happens... JL: Well, what did you think, I've already been to 40 and once you pass it, you're not allowed to give the secret until other people ... you see what I'm saying... If I was to share it with you, then I would be kicked out of the over 40 club. Keanu: ...over 40 club?! JL: I mean, did you think, when you where a kid, okay, I'm 40, well, I'll probably be dead by then, did you think you'd be married, have kids, working at the lumber mill, what, what did you think??? Keanu: No, I didn't, I..., when you're a kid you don't think about 40, it's like that mythical grown up thing, it's like it's over, and then, when you are that thing, it's, its uhhh ... JL: Do you find a crisis?? Are you going though a midlife ... Keanu: Well, no crisss..., you know, it's contempt with it, it's like half way through your life ... you're kind of..., you, you uhmm... JL: So, you're only gonna live 'til 80? Keanu: (laughs) Okay, so obviously it wasn't a big deal for you! ... and it's not a... you know, but for me,... I mean, I also think it's kind of like, when you know, when you're turning 30 was the thing , you remember 29 and then..., once you're 30 then it's like ohh, 30 isn't so bad, and so I'm thinking maybe once you're 40 and you get into the 40 club ... JL: It's gonna be awful for you!! Keanu: Oh, really? JL: Everything just stops! Keanu: Really?? JL: It looks like, it looks like ... Keanu: There is Viagra for that (laughing) JL: If you need it, I guess you need it. Did you ever have a surprise party? Did anybody ever, while you where trying to contemplate suddenly "Surprise"? Keanu: Yeah, I had a ... actually I had a great 30th birthday, my friends threw a surprise birthday when I turned 30. I thought I was going to play some ice hockey, and just going out, and I got to this ice rink and there where,... like 100 people there and it was at this ice rink, and I don't know if you feel like this, but when you go to a ..., when you have a surprise party, part of you like hates everyone who's there, you're like, you're just like arrgh, you hate it, so I mooned everybody, I threw my pants down, I mooned everyone, and just said thank you and then, and then ... and then you love everybody, and then you love everybody and we had a, it was a really,... actually extraordinary evening... JL: See, mooning, mooning you could do at 30. Keanu: Yeah, right! JL: ... at 40, maybe a half moon is a little bit better, the moon tends to... the moon... Keanu: ...sets. The moon sets. (Both laugh. Show break) JL: Welcome back, talking with Keanu Reeves who is apparently going through some sort of midlife crisis! Keanu: Not anymore! JL: Well, you know what's interesting though, something different now, because I know, you just got, I think, it's your first house? Keanu: Yeah, I bought my first house. JL: You didn't live anywhere. Keanu: No, ...(laughs) I was like in the internet JL: (to audience)When we were trying to contact him we'd have to like, leave a package near the dumpster behind the... you know, because you didn't live anywhere. Keanu: No, it was hotels, and uhhh, my sister's guestroom for 9, 10 years. JL: Tell me about this, are you a grown up now? Keanu: Am I a grown up? JL: Yeah, you know, you buy a house, that make's you a grown up. Keanu: Well, you have grown up's responsibilities, it was great, I went house hunting, and then I uhhh, I walked into the place, and I just went this is it, this is where I need to rest, for a while. JL: You didn't say that to the realtor, did you? Keanu: I know they're worried about me... JL: No, don't ever do that, this is the one I want, now you're screwed. Keanu: Now you're screwed, the price just ... went up. JL: You have to go, ohh, this sucks, I need something..., oohh, alright, how much? You see? Keanu: Yeah, yeah. JL: Is it furnished? Keanu: No, I had no furniture, I got rented furniture right now, JL: You rented furniture? Keanu: I rented my furniture because I don't know what to put in it yet, so I rented the furniture, I got rented furniture. JL: So, what do you like, you have modern taste, do you like,... do you like modern stuff? What kind of furniture? Keanu: Yeah, I like modern furniture. Okay, I was in uhhh, I was working on Something's Gotta Give, and we were filming in Paris and so I went looking for furniture to see what I like, and I go, they have great places to look at modern furniture, so I go into this one place, and there's a book, and I go, oh, I like that, it was kind of like a two seat, kind of little outside chair, and I was like, ahh, I like that, do you have one of those, he goes yes, well great, uhhh, can I look at it, or have it? Yes. Uhhh, how much is it? It was 240.000 Euros, which is about $280.000!!! JL: For a chair? Keanu: For a chair! It's a damn fine chair... JL: Yeah! I think so. Keanu: ... but it won't be in my house. It's still there. JL: Now, you didn't say to the guy, oh, this is where I want to relax, I have to have this chair, see that's how they get you. Keanu: That's how they get you? JL: That's how they get you! Now, tell us about Something's Gotta Give. I love this movie, Diane Keaton was here last night, I really thought it was terrific, it's a romantic comedy, I'm not a romantic comedy guy and I went, this worked for me, I thought it was terrific, tell people who you play. Keanu: I play a doctor, Dr. Julian Mercer, who uhmm, Jack Nicholson's character has a heart attack and I provide the care and through uhhh kind of romantic comedy, whacky circumstances he ends up at Diane Keaton's character's house and I uhhh, when I go to pay a visit to check up on my patient, I fall in love with Diane Keaton. JL: Now, have you ever fallen in love with an older woman? Keanu: Fallen in love? (questioning look) JL: ...alright...have you ever... Keanu: uhhh, no, no, ... (audience starts laughing) JL: ... alright... Keanu: No, no, I didn't mean it like that,... JL: ... had sex... Keanu: No, no, no, I didn't mean it like that, no, no, no, I mean, I guess I don't, uhmm, JL: Have you ever dated an older lady, ... Keanu: Yes. JL: ...older woman? Keanu: Yes, yes, I mean, what is that thing...? I mean... JL: Did you ever have a crush on an older woman? Keanu: Yes, I've had a crush on an older woman, yes, yes, when I, I was working on a film called Parenthood once, I got on my knee and proposed to Diane Wiest. JL: You proposed??! Keanu: I proposed. JL: Well, that's more than a crush. Keanu: But I was a kid! What do we know, what do you know? JL: What did she say? Keanu: No!... I was like,... actually she was very nice, she kind of laughed and said, you're very charming, and get off your knee, and..., leave me alone. JL: Now, tell me about Jack Nicholson. What was he like? He could teach you something about... proposing... Keanu: Everything! He could teach you about anything, the guy is amazing, he's absolutely amazing, he's uhh, he's uhh, charming, he's such a talented actor, wonderful, humorous, just anything you think about him, but it's uhhh, he works so hard at what he makes look so easy, and I just uhhh... JL: Now, he has some nude scenes in the movie, you kind of see his rear end in the hospital a lot. Keanu: Yeah, yeah it's a comedy!! JL: Did that change your uhhh... (the audience starts laughing) Keanu: Oh, oh no! JL: So, what you're saying is ... Keanu: No, no, no! you're getting me in trouble here... JL: Oh, I see, ... Keanu: No, all I'm saying, I mean ... JL: So, Jack Nicholson has a funny ass, is that what you are saying? Keanu: Noo, nooo!!! JL: This man you admire... Keanu: No, whenever you show your ass it's funny, except at your surprise birthday party, but that's funny too! No, but I'm..., the thing is uhmm, the thing I'd like to speak about is, I, when I,(audience is still laughing) when I was working with him, I kind of found, because I wanted to watch the master, so there was a part of me that was, ...I remember, one time we were filming and he was speaking with Diane Keaton, he knows everything about cinema, cinema acting, so I found myself kinda, just, whenever he would speak, I would like listen, see what he was doing, and I remember this one time, I was leaving the set and there was all these lighting stats and stuff and he started talking, I stopped, and I was just kind of looking at him, ... and I thought to myself, Keanu, you're stalking, you're an actor stalker right now, you're stalking Jack Nicholson, and I was just like, you have to not be doing this! You can't be peering! And so I, I left. But he is actually..., he's amazing, he is absolutely... Then they watch a clip of the movie and that's it. He did stay for the rest of the show.
From: New York Daily (The Detail is here) Diane takes it all off!
'Jack makes a fool of himself, why shouldn't I?' By JOE NEUMAIERDAILY NEWS FEATURE WRITER Diane Keaton with Jack Nicholson in their romantic comedy opening tomorrow... ...and with Woody Allen in 1977's 'Annie Hall.' Diane Keaton is taking it all off in her new movie - more than 25 years after her first nude scene.And at the age of 57, she's sexier than ever. "There was nudity in 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' in 1977," Keaton says in her familiar patter. "But people forget that, because I guess I'm usually clothed!" In "Goodbar," Keaton was topless, but in "Something's Gotta Give" - which hits theaters tomorrow - she gives the full Monty to co-star Jack Nicholson and movie audiences. Keaton sees her skin-ful performance as part of a tit-for-tat arrangement. "It's no big deal," she says. "If Jack's running around with his butt hanging out in a hospital gown, then I've got to be this naked fiftysomething woman, you know? Jack makes a fool out of himself, why shouldn't I? "It's an important aspect of this movie - the idea of intimacy. You have to be willing to give something. It was a required part of accepting the role, and I never for a moment thought I wouldn't do the nudity. "Mercifully, the lovemaking scenes were clothed!" In "Something's Gotta Give," Keaton is so desirable she's wooed by two very different men: Nicholson, 66, and 39-year-old Keanu Reeves. She says that getting steamy with Reeves was, well, odd. "It was pretty embarrassing, and for Keanu, too," Keaton says. "It has to do with time of life. It's instinctive - [while kissing him] you go, 'Uh, probably not!' "And Keanu was going, 'Definitely not!' He was trying to be polite. But he's so beautiful, it's stupefying. It was a guilty pleasure. A very guilty pleasure." The Academy Award winner - for "Annie Hall" in 1977 - and multiple nominee - for "Reds" (1981) and "Marvin's Room" (1996) - just snagged a National Board of Review award for "Something's Gotta Give," fueling buzz of yet more Oscar gold. Her continued success comes as no surprise to frequent screen partner and ex-love Woody Allen. "Diane has gone her own route over the decades, and has proved to be a perennial, beyond fashion or trends," Allen told the Daily News. "She proves that the cream rises to the top and stays there." Keaton's vocal rhythms are still punctuated by giggles and endearing utterances like "Oh, wow, yeah." In her brown menswear hat and tweed coat - but sans gloves, her favorite fashion accessory - she's as cute as ever. And she's taking the renewed interest in her with a sense of humor. "I feel like Seabiscuit. The ol' gal. In her final race, she's too old, but still she does it. Then they retire her," she smiles. "Are they gonna retire me? Don't retire me yet!" Keaton, who never married (she has two adopted children - 3-year-old son Duke and daughter Dexter, 8), says she likes to stay pals with her exes, including Allen, Warren Beatty and Al Pacino. "In some cases it's easy to remain friends - I never see Woody enough - and in others it takes more time, because you get hurt, you know?" Keaton says. "But pain is part of it. Falling in love is a scary proposition. "That's why it's so sweet to play being in love in a movie, because you win. You go in knowing you'll be saved." Though her real-life romantic history has been with older men, Keaton did have one experience in the other direction - during auditions for her 1983 drama "Mrs. Soffel," co-starring Mel Gibson. "I was in my upper 30s, and Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, all these young guys tried out for a role," she recalls. "The worst was literally touching Tom Cruise. Honest to God, his chest was like a rock, like a tree trunk - there was no softness. "Tom was bouncy, like a springer spaniel. Keanu is, too. Keanu would leap all over me. I was like, 'Whoa, go a little slower, babe!' He was like a Jack-in-the-box." Her scenes with Nicholson were different: They compared past romances as they lolled in bed waiting for the cameras to roll. "Failed romances," Keaton corrects. "I started right in, since I knew the way to Jack was to just be direct and say, 'Okay, did you have an affair with so-and-so?'" Keaton laughs at reports that she and Nicholson - who usually dates much younger women - have become an item since filming the movie. "Concerning Jack, the rumors are hilarious, and I'm honored that anyone would consider me Jack-worthy," she says. "When I was with Warren, I got to know Jack slightly. Then when we made 'Reds' [in which Nicholson co-starred], I got to know him better, if briefly. "We never dated, never did. I think we both probably thought, 'Why didn't we?' But it wasn't fated to happen. It's all timing."
From: TBO.com (The Detail is here) Review Jack, Diane Deliver Delightful Laughs
Jack, Diane Deliver Delightful Laughs Jack Nicholson acts his age, pokes fun at his image and takes top billing in the generically titled but otherwise sparkling romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give.'' His arching eyebrows, leering grins and disheveled nonchalance are in peak form for this bubbly toast to mature love. But the film really belongs to his captivating co-star. Diane Keaton is often overlooked as one of the premiere actors of the last 30 years. (How many saw her Oscar-nominated turn in "Marvin's Room'' seven years ago?). The "Annie Hall'' ingenue reasserts her brilliance with this exhilarating performance as a playwright in her mid- 50s who finds her sensual reawakening to be a disturbing surprise indeed. "I've been dating younger women for over 40 years,'' boasts self-made music- biz millionaire Harry Langer, 63, who thus considers himself an expert on what he calls, "the sweet, uncomplicated satisfaction'' of girls who could be his daughter. Or granddaughter. His relationships usually last a matter of days. Or hours. As the story starts, he's driving from New York City to a Long Island beach house with Marin Barry (Amanda Peet), his pert pal of the moment. They are expecting her mom's posh cottage to be vacant. So when Marin's mother, Erica (Keaton), a successful author of Broadway plays, arrives with her sister (Frances McDormand, delightful in the traditional confidante role) and the older women make their disapproval obvious, Harry's instincts tell him to skedaddle. A heart attack c wittily accompanied by a Marvin Gaye oldie - tells him otherwise. (There's also a good Viagra joke in the intensive care unit.) Stuck in the Hamptons on the orders of his doctor (Keanu Reeves, genial and charming for a change), Harry's tryst becomes a trial. The playboy and the playwright clash comically, of course. "I come out for some peace and quiet,'' moans Erica, "and I'm a character in a Kaufman and Hart play.'' But then, you won't see the leading lady nude or her antagonist flashing his buttocks in "The Man Who Came to Dinner.'' Writer-director Nancy Meyers ("What Women Want'') gives these greats plenty of room to stretch their slapstick skills without hardening the story's tradition-minded heart. Keaton's comical on-and-off crying jag, for example, is the stuff of movie legend.
From: FilmJerk (The Detail is here) Film Review: "Something's Gotta Give"
Film Review: "Something's Gotta Give" Diane Keaton gives a wonderful and satisfying performance in "Something's Gotta Give." So does Jack Nicholson. But onscreen together, the two titans share little chemistry between them, resulting in a film that doesnft have the romantic sparks it desires or the laughs it deserves. When Keaton has better interplay with Keanu Reeves than gThe Jack,h you know writer/director Nancy Meyers screwed something up. Harry Langer (Nicholson, coasting big time) is a rich, 63 year-old bachelor who loves the company of younger women. When one of his latest paramours (Amanda Peet) takes him to her motherfs beach house for a weekend of sex, Harry has a mild heart attack, leaving him in the care of the mother, successful playwright Erica Barry (Keaton). Harry and Erica do not see eye to eye on relationships, but in Ericafs company, Harry begins to see the appeal of women his own age. At the very same time, Harryfs 36 year-old doctor (Keanu Reeves, charming in a way gThe Matrixh films wouldnft allow) makes a play for Erica, while Harry attempts to seduce her with his own fading charms. Erica, caught in the middle, is aghast at all the attention placed on her. But once she accepts her situation, she opens up an emotional reservoir within that affects her more deeply than anything has in years. Three cheers all around for writer/director Nancy Meyers for attempting to buck the system a little bit and maker her object of desire a 57 year-old woman. You just donft see that enough these days, making gSomethingfs Gotta Giveh a noteworthy film for its graceful handling of sexuality and maturity. Itfs just a shame thatfs all Meyers handles with grace, because gGottah is a film so ripe with possibilities that its juices flow from the very first bite, but once you eat down to the core, you discover the fruit has been rotten all along. Maybe itfs because Meyers is so proud of her screenwriting accomplishment that her film eventually fails. She certainly pats herself on the back enough with Erica being a character not only desired by everyone, but also the most successful, intelligent, and carefully lit in any room she enters. Meyers has a fondness for writing strong female characters (gBaby Boom,h gPrivate Benjaming), but often these creations defy reality with their obscenely lavish lifestyles and absence of genuine moral quandaries. Erica is yet another upper class Hampton creation from Meyer, leaving sympathy for her romantic exploits threadbare at the very least. For whatever reason, Meyers always writes her characters very rich and very New Yorkian, with gGottah showing serious signs of this formula in its final stages of life. The core idea of Ericafs battle with herself and the two men after her is a wonderful, welcome change of pace. After years of seeing older male actors paired up with young female co-stars, this story needs to be told. Meyers is just not the filmmaker suited for filming her own script. After all, this is the same woman who decided that peaking her last comedy, gWhat Women Want,h with an attempted suicide scene would be a good idea. It wasnft. And on gGotta,h she believes comedy comes from cutting to Nicholsonfs naked ass three times in one scene. It doesnft. Hey, I thought this was a film for adults? gGottah gives Diane Keaton her best role in years, possibly decades, and she takes the opportunity to develop a rich connection with the camera and her co-stars very seriously. Erica isnft the most complex creature, but Keaton is willing to shed some vanity (there is a nude scene) in return for being the center of attention. Keatonfs acting is as good as itfs ever been, especially when you can clearly see Meyerfs screenwriting holding Keaton back from a more deft realization of Erica. The wrinkle in the fabric is co-star Jack Nicholson. Keaton and Nicholson are wonderful performers on their own, but paired up in the film, they lack the chemistry that should be integral to the picture. Watch a scene such as Erica and Harry strolling down a beach, improvisationally chatting away, and the film stops cold. gGottah hinges on the fact that these two characters are meant to be together, but the actors just canft quite sell the notion themselves. Jack acts like gJack,h in full eyebrow mode, but he canft muster the warmth and desire with Keaton like he can with himself. And Keaton has much better chemistry with co-star Keanu Reeves than she does with Nicholson. gGottah loses its structure about 45 minutes in. It then becomes a kind of theatrical, one-act play examining the romance growing between Erica and Harry. Without the sparks, gGottah begins to show its labored mechanics and formulaic screenwriting towards the end, at the very point the audience should be chomping at the bit for these two to realize their destiny. It may be a long-time-in-coming turn of the tables against typical Hollywood romantic relationships, but gSomethingfs Gotta Giveh loses all sense of reality by the time the climax pokes its head up. Meyers is a slave to convention, which would be the only explanation for the final events in the film to play out as they do. gGottah is perfect for Diane Keaton purists and those who donft see many romantic comedies in their lifetime. But as a truly challenging, warm, hilarious confection? Itfs a bicycle built for two and only one wheel to work with. My Rating: C
From: All@About (The Detail is here) Interview with Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves Plays Doctor in "Something's Gotta Give"Keanu Reeves Plays Doctor in "Something's Gotta Give" Keanu Reeves falls hard for a more mature woman in the romantic comedy gSomethingfs Gotta Give,h starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. Reeves plays a doctor who helps Nicholsonfs character recover while at the same time falling for the woman whofs reluctantly acting as Nicholsonfs nurse (Keaton). KEANU REEVES ('Julian'): Is it fun making movies that donft use blue screens? Did Nancy Meyers come to you with this project? You still audition? Would you say that intimacy is the real issue of this film and that it's a universal theme for men and women? Your character intuitively knows the emotions of this woman. Do you think people have that in real life? He has a line [in which] he says, gIsn't it great that I'm not intimidated by your brilliance?h No, it's gHow great is it for you that I'm not intimidated by your brilliance?h He gets her, and in that line, he's saying, gI recognize that this must be hard for you, that other people might be intimidated by your brilliance and I see that it's isolating for you.h And he's like, gBaby, you ain't alone because I love how brilliant you are.h So, I think that he is telling her that he gets her. Do you think age plays a role in relationships? Are you a hopeless romantic? Can you talk about Diane Keaton? She said she was scared about your love scene and that you helped her. What did you think of how Jack and Diane worked and behaved? What about the fallout from gThe Matrixh now that it's over? Are you glad it's over? Ewan McGregor was talking about he's glad he did gStar Wars,h but also glad that the eight years of work have come to an end. Do you think that it was a dangerous thing to go and do a trilogy? Jack Nicholson, "The Matrix," and "Constantine"
What do you think about the comments that the second and third "Matrix" movies weren't as well received as the first?
Are you working on gConstantine?h
Were you committed to that movie a long time ago?
Itfs based on a comic book?
What's the take on the character?
Do you think that it's going to be a commercial film, because that's a dark comic series?
He's an ex-priest?
What do you think are some of the cons about getting involved with another franchise?
I'm having a really positive experience right now. I'm working with some incredible artists. We have a remarkable DP. I'm working with Francis Lawrence who's very talented, has a fresh vision, [and is] a great storyteller. I'm doing a script with Akiva Goldsman, an Oscar award winner. He's one of the best writers in town. I'm working with Rachel Weisz, Tilda Swinton is acting in it. We've got some incredible set direction and we've got one of the best crews that I've ever worked with. We're telling a righteous story and something that I think is cool about adjusting one's place in the world. And if we're lucky enough to entertain folks and that they dig it and whoever says, gKeanu, do you want to do that again?h We'll see. Whether that turns into a franchise, and lunch boxes, I doubt it, but hopefully, if we can make a good film, I don't know.
How touch is it to come to a decision to make a film as an actor at this point? Do you agonize over it?
Are you often in the position of looking for work, or are the scripts piled up for you?
From: Boston Herald (The Detail is here) Keanu finds Rx in small part
Keanu Reeves, who reportedly collected $30 million plus 15 percent of the gross for his two ``Matrix'' sequels, was eager to take on a small supporting role in the new film ``Something's Gotta Give.'' ``For me, trying to do different kinds of roles, it was a wonderful opportunity, really, just to do something different,'' Reeves said. Reeves plays a doctor who treats Jack Nicholson's Casanova-esque Harry Langer for chest pains and finds his own heart thumping when he meets an accomplished playwright (Diane Keaton). Although the physician is a decade younger, he pursues the attractive 50-something, not knowing he has a rival in Langer. The actor doesn't find it so odd that he's not the film's leading man. He coveted the ``Something's Gotta Give'' role so much that he auditioned for it. ``I was looking for a job,'' he said. ``You laugh, but it's true. Often, you have a gut reaction to scripts you read. . . . You're always looking for good material. I mean, I love acting. Look at Jack Nicholson. He's 66 years old, I think, and he's making movies. He's doing his thing. Does Jack Nicholson have to go and make a movie? That's what we do.'' Yet it wasn't the younger man-older woman scenario that intrigued Reeves. ``Some people speak of this film as being age-oriented, but I would say that it's `ageless-oriented,' personally,'' he said. ``I think that it's about taking a risk, opening up, and somehow it seems so terrifying to open oneself up to another. We see these two beautiful, brave people in this film, Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, just kind of open up to each other. We get to enjoy it and see it on screen.'' Reeves, who at 39 has yet to marry, isn't saying that age does not factor into situations of the heart. ``I think that you're naive if you think that it doesn't matter, but I think that it doesn't matter at the same time.'' Does that mean Reeves is, like his character, a hopeless romantic? ``I don't know,'' he said. ``Am I a hopeless romantic? It's fun to be hopelessly in love. It's dangerous, but it's fun.''
From: Winnipeg Sun (The Detail is here) Peach of a guy
Turns out Keanu's not that tough to figure out By louis b. Hobson NEW YORK -- Look up enigmatic in the dictionary and you might just find a picture of Keanu Reeves. All those synonyms from secretive, ambiguous and illusive to indecipherable, paradoxical and inscrutable certainly apply. Here's the guy who went from playing a goofball in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure to having one of the most excellent contemporary careers in Hollywood. It could be construed as pure good fortune that he stumbled into the thriller Speed -- but it was more than luck that kept him from doing the disastrous sequel. He easily could have passed on The Matrix after tanking with Johnny Mnemonic but instead parlayed an almost identical sci-fi performance into a movie icon. Reeves' offscreen person is just as puzzling. His co-stars talk about how erudite, personable, humorous, sweet and kind he is yet he has long been an infamous interview subject. In round-table settings and at press conferences his answers are cryptic and his demeanor defensive. So it was with no small amount of trepidation that I approached our one-on-one interview for the holiday comedy Something's Gotta Give. I can't pretend I've met the real Keanu Reeves but I've certainly met a much different man than I've encountered through previous group interview situations. The first thing that struck me was that he is more imposing in person than he is on screen. He's every bit his 6-foot-1 and he has hands like baseball mitts, but there's a gentleness to his handshake. He proved far more relaxed, articulate and humorous. Q: You've had quite a remarkable career since your feature-film debut in 1986 in Youngblood. Did you have a plan when you first started out? A: I didn't have a plan but I had a hope. I hoped I'd be able to make a living acting because I loved it so much and I hoped I'd get the opportunity to make quality films and work with some of the best actors and directors in the business. I also hoped I could have a career that would allow me to do stage work as well as film." Q: When you look back, can you remember those early days in Toronto? A: Like it was yesterday. I arrived in Toronto when I was seven. I went to four different schools and I'm proud and happy to say I still have contact with friends I made in those early years. I love the city and always have. Q: At what age were you bitten by the acting bug? A: I started taking acting classes at the Jewish Community Centre when I was 15 and I got my first agent when I played Mercutio in a (community) production of Romeo and Juliet when I was 16. I did a Coke commercial and that led to my first professional acting gig (as the title character) in Wolf Boy, which lead to Youngblood. Q: When you auditioned for Wolf Boy had you already made the decision to pursue acting as a career? A: Before I went out to audition for Wolf Boy, I was managing a pasta place. I'd worked there so long they'd made me the manager. One day a woman who was working for me asked if she could have the day off so I was trying to rearrange staffing. I suddenly realized this was not what I wanted to do with my life, so I quit. I walked out of that place and over to the auditions and got the role in Wolf Boy. Q: Were you surprised when so many people were surprised that you decided to star in the Manitoba Theatre Centre's production of Hamlet? A: I would have preferred if fewer people were surprised. I want to do more stage work. Before I left Toronto for Los Angeles, I would audition regularly for the Stratford and Shaw festivals. I still harbour a dream of being part of either of those companies for a season. Q: Is there another Shakespearean role you covet? A: Absolutely. I'd really like to play the Scotsman in "The Scottish Play." Q: At what point in your career did you finally concede this acting thing was working for you? A: I haven't said that to myself yet. I really haven't. It would be foolish of me to pretend things haven't worked out well for me financially but that's an exterior thing and that's what other people tend to gauge an actor's career by. Personally I feel like I'm still searching. I'm still trying. I'm still working on my craft on almost daily basis. Q: Is it difficult at this point in your career to let people into your life? A: In terms of my personality, my sensibility and who I am, I'd have to say it hasn't changed all that much. I really trust people until they show me that I can't trust them. When I meet people, I try not to have expectations but I also try not to be naive. I don't want to have to put up any unnecessary walls but I also don't want to leave myself unguarded. Talk to people who knew me in Toronto 30 years ago. That was true of me then just as it's true of me now. Q: Here comes the inevitable Matrix question. Are you relieved it's all over and that you will soon be able to stop talking about Neo and The Matrix? A: Not at all. It was an incredible experience. I think they're all wonderful films and I'll speak about them until I croak. I won't ever tire of talking about the character, the films and the whole experience itself. It is a very important part of my life just as it's an important part of my career.
From: New York Post (The Detail is here) Something's Gotta Give
Something's Gotta Give Writer-director admits premise is nuts The idea of someone who looks like Keanu Reeves (who is 39) chasing after a woman Diane Keaton's age (58) sounds like an only-in-the-movies fantasy (insert requisite Demi Moore-Ashton Kutcher joke here). And Nancy Meyers, who wrote and directed "Something's Gotta Give" - in which Reeves and Jack Nicholson both vie for Keaton's affections - is willing to admit it. Meyers got the idea not long after divorcing her husband Charles Shyer, with whom she had written ''Private Benjamin" and remade the "Father of the Bride" movies, and acknowledges that the script is a bit of wish-fulfillment for women of a certain age. "Do I think somebody could be drawn to the Diane Keaton character? Yeah," she has said. "Is it a fantasy that he's being played by Keanu? Yes. And the fact that Jack's character comes around at the end - is that a fantasy?" She hedged. "I hope not."
From: Star Online (The Detail is here) Star quality
He may be the newly-crowned highest-paid actor in Hollywood, but Keanu Reeves can teach us all a humble life lesson or two, LYNETTE MOEY writes. AT ANY point in his career, Keanu Reeves has always been the centre of wild speculation. In his mid-20s, mostly because he had played lovable airheads in Bill and Tedfs Excellent Adventure and Parenthood, everyone speculated he was dumb. In his late 20s, he made a movie called Speed and, suddenly, everyone was heralding the dawn of the new metrosexual action hero. Many have credited Keanu for paving the way for sensitive actors like Tobey Maguire and Christian Bale to be cast in traditional he-man roles like Spiderman and Batman. Then came the inevitable gay speculations, which he made no effort to dispel. After a series of flops, everyone was predicting he would vanish. But in his mid-30s, Keanu made a movie called The Matrix. And today, the chief speculation around Hollywood seems to be about his money. His loads and loads of money. Just how much is Keanu making off the Matrix sequels? Hefs not telling but, a few days ago, Varietyfs editor Peter Bart wrote in an open editorial to him: gAccording to my calculations, you (Keanu) emerge with the most astonishing take-home pay in the history of the movie industry. Indeed, you may shortly become historyfs richest actor. gThe final two eMatrixesf released this year could together reach a total world gross of US$1.5bil (RM5.7bil). That means you, Keanu, as a major gross participant could pocket well north of US$150mil (RM570mil). Indeed, with (Matrix: Revolutions) opening recently ... your piece of the pie from the first weekend alone could exceed Tom Cruisefs total upfront paycheck.h When it comes to money - and he makes loads and loads of it - Keanu Reeves has no qualms about spreading it around, repaying those who have looked after him and even taking a pay cut to help others. His percentage of the worldwide box-office gross, including DVDs and tie-ins, is also subject to speculation. Forbes believes hefs taking US$30mil (RM114mil) plus 7.5% of the Matrix sequelsf gross but other trade magazines like Hollywood Reporter and Variety attest it is more like 15%, which makes perfect sense because he took 10% of the original Matrix gross in 1999, and is still reaping from the DVDs which have sold 30 million copies so far. He has also become the subject of money programmes like BBCfs Liquid Assets which projects his current worth to be around US$400mil (RM1.5bil), four times the worth of California gov-ernor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not bad for an actor whom, many believe, made his career almost entirely on his exotic Chinese-Hawaiian-English looks and Zen-like passive screen persona. Which brings us to the subject of this article: what can we learn from Keanu? Lesson No.1: Money does not buy happiness Keanu will be the first to tell you that. Like his character Neo, he appears to be surrounded by death. One of his best friends, River Phoenix (Joaquin Phoenixfs older brother, for those who are too young to remember), died from a drug overdose in 1993. Keanufs daughter with a girlfriend, whom they had named Ava, was stillborn on Christmas Eve 1999. One and the half years later, that very same girlfriend, Jennifer Syme, died in a car crash. Her obituary in the LA Times read that she was leaving behind gthe love of her life – Keanu Reeves.h And now his beloved sister, Kim, who has been combating chronic leukemia for years, has taken a turn for the worse and many believe she doesnft have long to live. Again, the speculation is that this has all led to his depression. When you quote gMoney doesnft buy happinessh to Keanu, he laughs it off with a gNo. But you can get a good bottle of wine and a steak ... so it helps.h Lesson No.2: When you have money, spread it around There is no Hollywood star who has more resembled the paragon of philanthropy than Keanu. He felt so guilty he had insisted on take after take with Hugo Weavingfs 12 stuntmen while filming the fight with the 100 Agent Smiths in Matrix: Reloaded that he bought them all a Harley Davidson each. gSome of the toughest guys had tears in their eyes,h chief stuntman Chad Stahelski declared. Then of course, The Wall Street Journal reported he had given up some of his Matrix sequels gross profit points to create a pool for the special effects and costume department, people who normally donft see much money. When asked about it, he in-tones warily, gI'd rather people didnft know about that.h Liquid Assets believes he has donated US$17mil (RM65mil) to charity, and will continue to actively support cancer research. Lesson No.3: When youfve grown up, repay those whofve looked after you Certainly many Asian parents will echo this. Many believe Keanu had paid for the palatial Hollywood villa his mother lives in, where she throws diamonds-and-champagne pre-Oscar parties, as well as his sisterfs house and stable of horses. He spends lavishly on his family, taking them to exotic holiday retreats and insisting on nothing but the best. He himself owns only two pieces of property: a US$5mil (RM19mil) gmodesth house in Hollywood next to neighbours Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire and a New York apartment. He hasnft furnished his new house either. He told Arena, gIfve got rented furniture, Ifve bought a bed.h Lesson No.4: If you believe in your craft, take a pay cut The karmic wheel dictates good fortune will come to those who donft care about money, and it seems to be true in Keanufs case. The Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com) reported he had given up US$34mil towards the special effects (the sequence that comes to mind is of course the dazzling mecha-battle in Revolutions, a part of the movie hefs not even in). He had lowered his salary significantly in the past so that his movies would be able to pay for co-stars like Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. To work with Jack Nicholson on the upcoming Somethingfs Gotta Give, he agreed to take the third lead. To help his friends, like the director of the 2004 movie Thumbsucker, he worked for almost nothing. Good lessons from someone the critics have always labelled a monosyllabic meathead.
From: BBC (The Detail is here) Keanu's bizarre love triangle
Last updated 4 December 2003 Keanu Reeve's new film, 'Something's Gotta Give' had its world premiere in New York this week. The movie also stars Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton who join Keanu in a love triangle. Art imitates life as Jack plays an older man with the sex drive of a younger man. In the film Jack's character falls for Dianne's daughter but his doctor, played by Keanu, starts to get in the way. After the Matrix trilogy Keanu's gone for a completely different role. He sums up his choice to do the film in a typically unnecessarily complicated way: "It was one of the best scripts I've ever read, a great role. I would say going from the formalism of the Matrix and to something so naturalistic as 'Something's Gotta Give' is a great opportunity as an actor. It's something that I hope to be able to do, different kinds of roles and different kinds of films."
From: The Punisher Hype! (The Detail is here) Hero Realm chatted with comic book artist Tim Bradstreet about the Constantine and The Punisher big screen adaptations. Here's a few clips from the interview...
Tim Bradstreet on Constantine & The Punisher Source: Hero Realm Thursday, December 4, 2003 Hero Realm chatted with comic book artist Tim Bradstreet about the Constantine and The Punisher big screen adaptations. Here's a few clips from the interview... A.H.: Any thoughts about Keanu Reeves playing Constantine? Bradstreet: Hmm. I have to be honest and say that when I first heard the rumor, there was also buzz to the fact that Guy Ritchie would direct. My thought's were, if Ritchie is directing I don't care who they get to star in it cause it should be good. With Ritchie helming, maybe they would move the storyline out of the states and back to the UK where it belongs. Then I heard that Ritchie wasn't in but Keanu was. I don't hate Keanu, it's better than having Arnold attached. And if they are going to build this film around the star it makes sense to Americanize the character given the fact that I just can't see Keanu pulling off a Liverpool accent. I will reserve final judgment until I see the film. Keanu may just pull it off. The thing I'm most upset about is the fact that they've taken the character out of the UK. London is just as important to Hellblazer as John Constantine is. Fans are already alienated from this production because of that alone. Where is the benefit of alienating your core audience? Apparently, they don't believe that the 14,000 or so people who read it monthly are very important in the scheme of things. But that's Hollywood. Take everything that is essential to the character and change it to fit the profile of the popcorn industry. All that matters is that Keanu does his job and brings in his core audience. That's how the bean counters look at it. It really sucks that if they wanted to stay true to the book it would probably hurt the box office. American audiences just don't want to pay to see a British chap con people and use magic (I'm assuming). Although I would have definitely plunked down my cash to have seen it. Now if I was casting that film I'd have cast Paul Bettany as Constantine. That would have made my day. But Paul Bettany is not proven box office and this industry is all about profit. Too bad really. Now, bitching aside I really hope that director Francis Lawrence and his hard working crew are passionate about the project and deliver a film that makes me eat my words. I wish them all the best of luck. And don't count out Keanu yet. I remember a certain comedic actor who donned the cape and cowl of a certain Bat Man a while back. Fans raised holy Hell when that was announced and then quickly changed their collective minds when they saw the film. If the cast and crew of Constantine manage to create a work that is a cut above the usual comic book to film adaptations, then the jeers will turn to cheers. A.H.: I understand you've had a chance to meet Thomas Jane. As an artist who is synonymous with the Punisher right now, what do you think fans can expect from both the actor's portrayal of the character and the movie itself? Bradstreet: I'll tell ya, I like him. He has a great face. He looks absolutely badass in the leather coat. I wish I could use him on the covers! Is it perfect casting? No. But I have a lot of faith that Thomas can pull this off. He has the tools and the chops. He spent a lot of time training with Delta Force and he's passionate about the character. I believe he'll do a great job. I always saw Frank as bigger. But you have to realize that there are a ton of people that will see that film that are not going to have a preconceived notion of the character. For them, Thomas will BE the Punisher. I also believe that Hensleigh is going to craft a juggernaught of a film based on the stuff I've seen and having read the script. The tone of the film is a lot like my more realistic take on the covers. So far, I like what I see. April 16th is coming up fast so we don't have long to wait. Unfortunately I'll be out of the country when it opens. Maybe I can get Jonathan to send it to me on DVD.
From: USA Today (The Detail is here) Jack and Diane got that 'Something'
By Donna Freydkin, USA TODAY NEW YORK — Blame it on the bitter cold. Neither Jack Nicholson nor Diane Keaton stopped to answer questions as they breezed down the red carpet Wednesday night and into the premiere of their coupling comedy Something's Gotta Give, opening Dec. 12. In the movie, Nicholson, 66, and co-star Keanu Reeves, 39 (who didn't make it to the screening) both fall for Keaton, 57. But the two romantic leads couldn't have been warmer at the cozy after-party, held in the Central Park Boat House. Wearing her trademark black leather gloves, Keaton arrived at the eleventh hour and couldn't wait to get home to daughter Dexter and son Duke. Here's a shocker: Despite just being named best actress by the National Board of Review, Keaton says she has no other movies lined up. She's focusing on the holidays, instead. "I'm going to be with my family, of course," she said. "With the kids. We all believe in Santa Claus!" Nicholson, meanwhile, held court at the opposite end of the room. He sat next to Columbia Pictures head Amy Pascal and his publicist, Pat Kingsley, and was besieged by a steady stream of buxom admirers. Still, Nicholson, who's not exactly chatty with reporters at movie premieres, found time to mention what drew him to this flick in the first place. "A great script will do it," he said. "Makes it easy." Amanda Peet, meanwhile, hung out with her mom. The actress, 31, who plays Keaton's daughter and Nicholson's girlfriend, gave a shoutout to her real-life beau, David Benioff, a screenwriter. "My boyfriend's a great writer, and I find that really sexy," she said.
From: ETOnline (The Detail is here) Keanu Gets Cozy with Keaton
December 3, 2003 Freed from Zion and his 'Matrix' duties, KEANU REEVES is teaming up with screen legends JACK NICHOLSON and DIANE KEATON for the romantic comedy 'Something's Gotta Give,' coming to theaters December 12. ET sat down with Keanu to talk about relationships and his sexy, romantic character. In the sweet comedy, Nicholson plays Harry Sanborn, an aging playboy with a libido much younger than his years. During a romantic weekend with his latest conquest, Marin (AMANDA PEET of 'The Whole Nine Yards'), at her mother's Hamptons beach house, Harry has chest pains. Marin's divorced mother, Erica (Keaton), reluctantly cares for Harry, and in the process he develops romantic feelings for the more age-appropriate woman. But while Harry struggles to change his old habits, his charming, 30-something doctor (Reeves) steps in and begins to pursue Erica! Now Harry, who has always had the world on a string, finds his life unraveling. Keanu told ET he was thrilled to play opposite veterans Keaton and Nicholson, and after reading the script was honored just to be part of such a "beautiful" film. "It was funny, it's touching," he revealed after seeing the movie. "As an actor the chance to work with some greats and then do something so different from 'The Matrix' ... it's a great movie." Keanu reveals that the film also addresses issues many can identify with: "I think they turn to the age old question, which is 'Are you open to love? Are you open to giving love, open to being loved? Can you get out of your own way? Can you get over your fears?' " Also starring FRANCES McDORMAND and JON FAVREAU and directed by NANCY MEYERS ('What Women Want'), 'Something's Gotta Give' gives in to audiences everywhere December 12.
From: Movie Hole (The Detail is here) Interview : Keanu Reeves - Somethings Gotta Give
One easily forgets that there is more to Keanu Reeves than "The Matrix", as is proven by his charmingly romantic turn in "Somethings Gotta Give", in which he plays a doctor smitten by the older Diane Keaton. In an affable mod when chatting to the press in a New York hotel room, Keanu talks romance and movies with PAUL FISCHER. The doctor is in? Is it fun to come back from blue screens? It didn't matter that it wasn't the lead like you've been playing for the sat ten years? Did Nancy come to you or send this to your people? You audition still? What scene did you do and did you do it with Diane? Are you as impulsive as this character seems to be? Would you say that intimacy is the real issue of this film and that it's a universal theme for men and women? Your character intuitively sort of knows the emotions of this woman. Do you think that people don't have that in real life? Do you think that he told her that? Do you feel that age plays a role in relationships? Can you talk about Diane Keaton? She said she was scared about your love scene, and that you helped her? What did you think of how Jack and Diane worked and behaved? How does it feel to be on the cover of 'Mad' magazine? They're satirizing you and Al Pacino. Do you feel the same about 'Newsweek'? What about the fallout from 'The Matrix' now that it's over? Are you glad it's over like Ewan McGregor was talking about he's glad he did it, but also glad that the eight years of work have come to an end? Do you think that it was a dangerous thing to go and do a trilogy? What do you think about the comments that the third and second films were not as well received as the first? How do you feel about the aspect of you being portrayed as something you don't feel that you are How do you deal with a society that doesn't believe in the private life of any actor? Have you seen the biography that they did on you? What do you think about it? People have done that to you, haven't they? Were you committed to Constantine a long time ago? Is it a comic book? What's the take on the character? Do you think that it's going to be commercial because that's a dark comic series? He's an ex-priest? So, that's not exactly like making love to Diane Keaton in this movie? What do you think are some of the cons about getting involved with another franchise? How is it to come to a decision to make a film as an actor at this point? Do you agonize over it? Are you often in the position of looking for work or are the scripts piled up for you? Did you get to talk with Jack much or get any advice from him about the business? Would you ever auditioned for Stratford again? But that's when you were known? Is it possible at this point in your career to sit back and be a couch potato or do you feel compelled to honour your temple, so to speak? Do you believe in true love and soul mates and all of that? Are you a hopeless romantic? When you were in Paris, was it romantic? Had you been there before? Do people know you when you're there? SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE OPENS ON DECEMBER 12
From: News Week (The Detail is here) (Review) Sweet on Keaton
In her new film, Diane finally gives Nicholson some age-appropriate love. Women will cheer. So should everybody Women, on the other hand, tended to high-five each other and say things like, gAbout time!h Writer-director Nancy Meyers (gWhat Women Wanth) got Jack Nicholson onboard. But when she pitched the movie to Diane Keaton, she got a unique reaction. gDianefs the most self-deprecating person alive,h Meyers says, laughing. gShe said, eWhy would anyone want to see a movie where Ifm falling in love?f h If Keatonfs got a few spare hours, wefd be glad to explain it to her. Since she la-di-dahed her way into the hearts of audiences (and the Academy) with gAnnie Hallh in 1977, shefs charted one of the longest and most diverse careers of her generation, playing comedy and drama with equal grace: gLooking for Mr. Goodbar,h gReds,h gThe First Wives Club,h gMarvinfs Room,h gThe Godfatherh trilogy. Shefs been hilarious and heart-rending—often at the same time—and perhaps never more so than in gSomethingfs Gotta Give.h Despite the comic setup, the movie, opening Dec. 12, is really about her character—a long-divorced playwright who finds herself, against her wishes, emotionally vulnerable again. gI loved playing being in love,h Keaton says. gThat was a beautiful experience because itfs so out of keeping with my life.h Although Keaton has had major romances—Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino—she has never married and, at 57, doesnft expect to. gRomantic love,h she says, gI was never comfortable with it, ever. It was always fraught with anxiety. I always wanted too much for myself, and it brought out too much fantasy for me about the way it should be. So acting gives me the opportunity to pretend that I am somebody whofs open to the possibility.h And acting with Keanu Reeves, who also pursues her in the new film, didnft get her thinking about younger guys? gI like to look at them,h she says. gWhatfs not to enjoy? But I donft want to go there. Itfs too weird. When I made eMrs. Soffel,f I got to do these screen tests with all the guys—Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise—and kiss them. The worst was kissing Tom Cruise, because his body was like a rock, and I thought, this is just wrong. This doesnft make me feel happy.h Not that shefs got time to date anyway. Shefs mother to an adopted daughter, Dexter, 8, and a son, Duke, 2. She publishes books of photographs, both her own and other peoplefs; shefs fascinated by design, finding and remodeling a series of homes; shefs been a fashion icon for decades, wielding her trademark style of swap-meet sophistication. gThe thing I was not prepared for about getting older is that I feel more engaged in life than ever,h she says. gMore things are pivotal. I lost my father. My mother is not totally well. Ifm raising children. Itfs overwhelming, in a sense. How can you address what you have in front of you and stay vital?h Nicholson figures shefs vital enough for both of them. gShefs a fascinating woman,h he says. Theyfd shared scenes in the 1981 drama gReds,h but they hadnft spent time together until this film. gShe has tremendous energy. A lot of opinions. Itfs always good to be around someone whofs questioning whatfs going on in life. And shefs a wonderful actress—authentic and unpredictable. Her presence is very specific and very powerful.h Shefs looking pretty great, too. gYeah,h he says. gKeaton knows how to pull it together.h Bob Marshak Keanu Reeves pursues Diane Keaton in 'Somethingfs Gotta Give' In the filmfs most heartbreaking scene, Keaton tells Nicholson that she loves him, knowing that he doesnft love her. gIt was stunning,h Nicholson says. gI completely believed that she loved me, certainly for the moment.h And she did, in a way. gHefs dazzling,h Keaton says. gThat face, itfs irresistible to me. I have never spent that much time in bed with anybody on any movie, and we would talk about former love affairs and alliances with people. We really got to know each other, because itfs so humiliating. Youfve got this apparatus to hide your breasts and youfre thinking about your stupid little arms.h She laughs. gThatfs the joy of regular life: you donft have to think about your body in the morning.h Keaton had still more reason to think about that: in gSomethingfs Gotta Giveh she has a brief full-frontal nude shot. But she didnft hesitate about exposing her body to moviegoers. gAt this point, does it really matter?h she says. gItfs not a precious item. I used to be so fearful—like, eOh, God, itfs specialf—but nobody is looking at me the way I once imagined people would look at me, like with deviant thoughts. I think they just go, eHuh. There it is. Intactf.h Hardly. The reaction is more like, Wow. Who knew? gWell,h Keaton says. gFor a second itfs fine.h And so is she, by the way. gI have huge, big, important sustaining loves that make my life valuable, necessary,h she says. gBut happiness? I donft know. Isnft life really a series of problem-solving events? Itfs how much youfre engaged by the fun of solving your problems, and continuing to be curious. Thatfs as much as you can expect.h Keaton smiles. gI feel like Ifve done a hell of a lot with what I am. Ifm quite an ordinary person, but Ifm extraordinary in the sense that I try very hard. Whatever opportunities came my way, I held on for dear life.h Now she laughs. gI really wanted a lot.h And shefs gotten almost as much as she deserves. © 2003 Newsweek, Inc.
From: Guardian (The Detail is here) U.N. Climate Conference Opens in Italy
Monday December 1, 2003 5:46 PM By LUCA BRUNO Associated Press Writer MILAN, Italy (AP) - A U.N. conference on climate change opened Monday with organizers stressing there was ``unquestionable'' scientific proof that humans were responsible for global warming, but the meeting was nevertheless clouded by new doubts about the viability of the Kyoto pact on curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The conference host, Italian Environment Minister Altero Matteoli, said in his opening remarks that he would have liked to have welcomed delegates to a conference for a treaty that had already entered into force. But with Russia now signaling it won't join Kyoto, that opportunity was lost. ``But this does not mean that our commitment and our work to strengthen the global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to strengthen the adaptation of the planet's most vulnerable regions to climate change should be weakened,'' he said. The Kyoto treaty, negotiated in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, sets a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The United States rejected it in 2001, saying the cuts would be too harmful to the U.S. economy. President Bush also questioned the science behind the restrictions proposed by Kyoto, and called for more studies. To take effect, the Kyoto pact must be ratified by at least 55 countries, including those responsible for causing 55 percent of world greenhouse gas emissions in 1990. With the United States out, that minimum can be reached only with Russian participation. But last October, Russian President Vladimir Putin predicted that the pact would fail to reverse climate change, even if every country complied. His economic adviser, Andrei Illarionov, contended the treaty would ``doom Russia to poverty, weakness and backwardness.'' Russia's response to Kyoto has cast a cloud over the conference, with participants saying they doubt any major breakthroughs will be achieved and that alternative strategies would be discussed in the corridors. ``The big question now is not the U.S. but Russia,'' said Alden Meyer, a conference participant from the Washington-based Union of Concerned Scientists. Annie Petsonk, international counsel for the Washington-based group Environmental Defense, concurred, and said time was running out for countries to commit. ``Evidence of climate change is becoming increasingly apparent, and the time window for action to get the greenhouse gasses reduced is becoming more urgent,'' she said. Hungarian Environment Minister Miklos Persanyi, the conference chairman, urged delegates at the opening session Monday to pursue the path that they had already chosen to reduce emissions because ``we should never forget that human-induced global environmental change presents a risk to our common future.'' He said that scientific data to be presented during the meeting would show that greenhouse gasses are steadily increasing, and that ``the link between the higher concentration of these gases in the atmosphere and human activities causing these emissions is already unquestionable.'' ``The scenarios by scientists on the future behavior of the global climate are different, but all are alarming,'' he said. The United States is sending a delegation that includes the U.S. undersecretary for global affairs, Paula Dobriansky, as well as the administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Retired Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr. Dobriansky, as well as many as 80 ministers from around the world, were expected to attend only the high-level sessions at the end of the meeting. In a telephone interview ahead of the conference, Lautenbacher said scientists differ among themselves about how much of global warming can be blamed on humans. ``Climate science is at the beginning of its life,'' he said. ``I do believe we need more scientific info before we commit to a process like Kyoto.'' The conference, which was attracting thousands of environmentalists, researchers and government delegations, got off to something of a slow start Monday because of a massive one-day transport strike in Milan and the rest of Italy which crippled traffic in Italy's financial capital. Some of the highlights of the two-week meeting include a screening of a Canadian documentary on global warming narrated by Keanu Reeves and Alanis Morissette; scientific roundtables and exhibits on everything from ``extreme meteorological events'' in the Alps to the impact of climate change on peatlands. Established since 1st September 2001 by 999 SQUARES. |
