The Cary Grant Gay Factor

“I’m going to suggest something radical: We’ll never know whether Grant was or was not gay, and it does not matter. What matters was that his image, for all its perfection, also had its points of flexibility — living intimately with a man for long stretches of time, doing cute man things together — that leaves the possibility open. Grant made millions of women swoon, and millions of straight men aspire to his likeness. But he also provided thousands of queer audience members with the hope that famous, successful, high-profile performers and homosexuality were not mutually exclusive, further suggesting straight, high-class masculinity as an elaborate masquerade.” [The Hairpin]

Rumor: Bill Murray Reportedly Shredded Ghostbusters 3 Script In Brilliant Act of Defiance

Presenting the best-worst Bill Murray rumor of the week: The National Enquirer (I know, I know) reports that the actor has finally gotten around to that Ghostbusters threequel script he had been avoiding for months — by shredding it and sending the carnage to Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis along with a note that read, “No one wants to pay money to see fat, old men chasing ghosts!” Fictional tabloid Bill Murray kind of has a point. [The Playlist]

Jason Reitman on 'Young Adult'

Jason Reitman on 'Young Adult'Enthusing in regards to the uncompromising ending to his black comedy "Youthful Adult," director Jason Reitman recently told a crowd within the New Beverly Cinema it labored because "assholes don't change like they normally do inside the third functions of movies."Reflecting upon that sentiment later, Reitman develops the idea to include all humanity, not just the jerks and jackasses around the world.InchEverybody has people eureka moments after they learn something about themselves or perhaps the world or they realize they need to develop and alter plus they don't," Reitman states. "Or they're doing, nevertheless it lasts basically per week. Or it's 5%. Nevertheless the 180-degree turns people make constantly within the finish of movies just don't occur around."In "Youthful Adult," it's Char-lize Theron's desperate author who involves question her existence when she returns by to pursue her high-school boyfriend. As put together by Diablo Cody, who labored with with Reitman on "Juno," Theron's character is often unlikable and may really be completely nuts."I really desired to determine if I really could create a crowd feel uncomfortable," Reitman states. "The amount of a fascinating exercise just like a director to retain the audience within the story, entertain them, make certain they're laugh, fit everything in the movie normally does, but furthermore try to be progressively uncomfortable to some degree where what is needed try searching within the mirror and ask for, 'Am I really like they?AInchYou familiar with realize that in many movies within the '70s," he adds. "It absolutely was pretty gutsy of Diablo to test it again because, at face value, this script made an appearance so unmakable. That was part of the fun from this.InchAttention Round The Oscars: THE DIRECTOR Helmers hot to globe trotWoody Allen Stephen Daldry David Fincher Michel Hazanavicius Terrence Malick Bennett Burns Alexander Payne Jason Reitman Martin Scorsese Steven SpielbergIn this mix Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'New Year's Eve': What the Critics Are Saying

ABC Wednesday belonged to CBS for the first time all season. The network pulled in the night's highest rating among the 18-49 set, earning a 3.1 and outpacing ABC and Fox, which were both tied for second. The net topped in total viewers, per usual, with an audience of 11.6 million over the course of the night. CBS didn't boast any particularly strong showings, either. Survivor: South Pacific was up just two tenths from the previous week (to a 3.3 rating in the key demo), with Criminal Minds actually down from its last original broadcast for a 3.4 among adults 18-49. CSI fared better than the Grammy Nominations Concert, which held its timeslot the week earlier, grabbing a 2.5 rating and CBS' only solo victory for an hour that night. PHOTOS: Fall TV Death Pool: Which New Show Will Be Axed? ABC earned a 3.0 among adults 18-49 for the night, starting out with steady showings of The Middle (a 2.8 rating) and Suburgatory (2.8), but falling behind with lower-than-usual performances from Modern Family (5.0), Happy Endings (2.9) and Revenge (2.3). It should be noted that all of the series were technically up from their last original broadcasts (Nov. 23), but that night was down quite a bit on account of Thanksgiving eve. Fox also brought in a 3.0 for adults 18-49 with a 90-minute X-Factor and a new episode of I Hate My Teenage Daughter. The singing competition sunk 11 percent to a 3.3 rating among 18-49-ers, while the second outing of the new comedy dropped 25 percent to a 2.1 in the same group. On fourth place NBC, Up All Night (1.8 rating among adults 18-49), an encore (1.4), Harry's Law (1.2) and Law & Order: SVU (1.9) gave the network a 1.6 for the night. SVU dropped 14 percent from it's last episode, matching its series low. America's Next Top Model rose 25 percent for its season finale, pulling in a 1.0 among adults 18-49. Coupled with a repeat, it gave the network a 0.8 rating for the night. Wednesday, Dec. 7, Overnight Ratings: 8 p.m. CBS: Survivor: South Pacific (11.5 million viewers, 3.3 rating among adults 18-49) Fox: The X Factor (10.4 million, 3.3) ABC: The Middle (8.8 million, 2.8) NBC: Up All Night (4.95 million, 1.8) The CW: America's Next Top Model (R) (1.3 million, 0.6) 8:30 p.m. ABC: Suburgatory (8.0 million, 2.8) NBC: Up All Night (R) (3.8 million, 1.4) 9 p.m. ABC: Modern Family (12.1 million, 5.0) FOX: The X Factor (10.8 million, 3.4) CBS: Criminal Minds (12.3 million, 3.4) NBC: Harry's Law (7.0 million, 1.2) The CW: America's Next Top Model (2.35 million, 1.0) 9:30 p.m. ABC: Happy Endings (6.5 million, 2.9) Fox: I Hate My Teenage Daughter (5.4 million, 2.1) 10 p.m. CBS: CSI (11.1 million, 2.5) ABC: Revenge (7.3 million, 2.4) NBC: Law & Order: SVU (6.9 million, 1.9) TV Ratings

Warner Music narrows losses

Warner Music Group showed small year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter improvements in its financial results, with adjusted net losses narrowing to $138 million for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30 from $143 million a year earlier and a fourth-quarter loss of $43 million, narrowed by 7%. Company said the loss "reflects the impact in interest expense related to the July 2011 refinancing of certain indebtedness in connection with the acquisition of the company by Access Industries." While the company was taken private with its $3.3 billion purchase by Len Blavatnik's Access Industries, it is continuing to issue earnings reports. Revenue for fiscal 2011 declined 4% to $2.96 billion from $2.98 billion in 2010. Fourth-quarter revenue dropped 6% to $707 million from $753 million a year earlier. Company said the decline "reflects a light release schedule, as well as the continued transition to digital in the recorded music industry." Growth in France, Spain and Latin America was offset by drops in the U.S., Japan and the rest of Europe. In recorded music, WMG's top sellers during the last quarter included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruno Mars, Lenny Kravitz, Blake Shelton and Jason Derulo. Its major acts during the fiscal year included Michael Buble (currently atop the U.S. album chart with his "Christmas" album), Cee Lo Green, James Blunt, the Chili Peppers and Mars. WMG's music publishing division, Warner/Chappell, announced small dips in revenue for the fiscal year and fourth quarter, related to an agreement about mechanical royalties payments accrued in prior years. Earnings report came on the heels of an internal announcement that chairman and ex-CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. would step down in January (Daily Variety, Dec. 6). Bronfman's departure follows WMG's abruptly terminated bid for EMI Music. With completion of Universal Music Group's $1.9 billion purchase of EMI, WMG will be a distant third among the three major music companies in terms of market share. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison

Fishing rod Blagojevich Fishing rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Wednesday, The Connected Press reviews. The previous Illinois' governor's 18 criminal offence corruption convictions incorporated accusations he attempted to market Leader Barack Obama's vacated Senate chair for money.InchWhen it's the governor who goes bad the material of Illinois is torn and damaged and never easily fixed," Judge James Zagel stated.Fishing rod Blagojevich found guilty in corruption trialBlagojevich, who had formerly maintained his innocence, apologized in the court to Illinois citizens, the judge in the situation, and also to his family, prior to the sentence was read. "I've nobody responsible but myself for my stupidity and actions, words, stuff that Used to do, which i thought I possibly could do," he stated.Blagojevich permitted to look on Celebrity ApprenticeThe 54-year-old Blagojevich - who made an appearance on Season 9 of Celebrity Apprentice and was fired around the 4th episode - was serving his second term as governor when he was taken off office in The month of january 2009. He's Illinois's 4th governor to visit prison.

Jessica Alba Says Leaving Daughters At Home Is Growing More Difficult

First Published: December 4, 2011 3:20 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Jessica Alba Talks Being A Mommy Of Two LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After welcoming daughter Honor Marie in June 2008, Jessica Alba gave birth to her second little girl, Haven, in August, and so far, the actress says sibling rivalry hasnt reared its ugly head in their home. [Honor] loves being a big sister, Jessica told Access Hollywood at March of Dimes 6th Annual Luncheon for Babies in Los Angeles on Friday, when asked how the two girls were getting along. While the 30-year-old Machete beauty enjoys the challenge of being a working mom, she admitted leaving her two little girls is becoming more and more difficult as Havens personality begins to blossom. Every time [I] leave the house it is [difficult], she told Access. Its always like I want to be back and I want to cuddle. Havens smiling all the time and cooing, she continued. Shes really cute! Though its tempting to stay home with her girls, Jessica said supporting March of Dimes is a cause too close to her heart to be ignored. I love the work that March of Dimes does. Being a mother of two, I know how important it is to have healthy children, she said. The work that they do with women to ensure that their babies are healthy is really important, and its really the only way that you can ensure babies have the best start at life. Luckily, Fridays luncheon had an extra perk for the actress close proximity to her daughters. I live up the street, so I get to go right back home! she told Access with a laugh. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hungary passes new film law

Producer Andy Vajna wants to revive Hungarian filmmaking.BUDAPEST -- On Nov. 21, Hungarian lawmakers passed amendments to the country's film law, which industry insiders and analysts are touting as a game-changer that stands to reform and possibly reinvigorate the nation's struggling domestic cinema.Among other reforms, the legislation has secured a new source for public funding of films, improved oversight of how these funds will be spent, and streamlined the process for getting financial support to filmmakers.For producer Andy Vajna, who made his bones in Hollywood with such films as "Rambo" and "Total Recall" and the law's chief architect, these reforms, which represent more than almost a year of reorganization and wrangling, are a new beginning."It's been a long hard nine months," says Hungarian-born Vajna, appointed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban to oversee the legislative reform process, "and finally we have reached our goals. We have a film law, and a financial source for motion picture support."That financial source is 80% of the tax revenue earned by the national lottery in Hungary. It is estimated the lottery will generate about $10 million in 2012, which officials say will be enough to help finance up to eight domestic feature films, one animated film and one documentary over the next year,The new law simplifies the funding process by centering decision-making for state funding on a single office: the Hungarian National Film Fund, which -- underscoring the industry's new focus as a commercial asset -- is overseen by the National Development Ministry, not the National Resource Ministry that currently supervises cultural affairs.According to Vajna, the new law brings discipline, clarity and efficiency to the industry. "I want (the funding process) to be a see-through concept," Vajna says. "I want the whole funding system to be transparent. We want to oversee the projects and make sure they are developing properly."In 2010, Hungary's film financing process came under scrutiny when prominent local producer Gabor P. Koltai was accused of misappropriating public funds and defrauding the state financing system. The new law includes checks to safeguard against similar abuses and to lend professional support to the industry."We will be assisting (filmmakers)," Vajna says. "If you are in trouble we want to help. So we will not just be giving money away, we will be assisting and following up, making sure that money is being spent for what it was meant for. Above all, we will be seriously involved in approving the screenplays because that's where it all begins."The ultimate goal appears to be winning back the business of the Hungarian audience. According to authorities, in 2010 the market share of Hungarian cinema was only 4%.Vajna hopes that under the new system local filmmakers will be able to reconnect with Hungarians. "Right now, you have a situation where Hungarian films are not able to attract its own moviegoers," he said. "We have to do something to entice these people to come back." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Jeremy Renner: 'Hansel And Gretel Witch Hunters' Is 'Gritty' And 'Fun'

Films like "Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman," "Jack the large Killer" and last year's "Red-colored Riding Hood" each one is a part of Hollywood's recent trend in taking popular favorite anecdotes and turning them into grown-up fare. To not be exempt in the fun, Hansel and Gretel turn their interests from eating chocolate to killing ghouls within the approaching film "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Predators," going to be out on March 2. The film has certainly developed since it was initially introduced. At some point producer Adam McKay told MTV News he was thinking of getting some stars in the "Twilight" cast to star within the film under director Tommy Wirkola ("Dead Snow"). But that notion never moved on. Ultimately Wirkola found his leading guy and lady as Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, and also the movie finished shooting captured. I swept up with Renner when he was marketing "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," and that he accepted the film was certainly a spin around the classic story book for that MTV generation. And that is precisely why he required it on. "It's inside a wonderful story book world that's a little gritty, a little fun. It ought to be a great ride," he stated. "It's among individuals movies which i desired to do due to Gemma and since it had been an illusion, that is lighter fare compared to other movies I have done, and that i thought it might be fun to take part in that world." Unlike other films of their ilk, "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Predators" happens a long time following the story book look place. Let us just say getting a witch almost eat them once they were children left the youthful chocolate-happy kids a little psychologically damaged. "Story book being. Does not it seem like they are said to be happy? Well it isn't. Therefore it takes Hansel and Gretel, we last left them killing a witch as children once they were left within the forest to die," Renner stated, establishing the plot. "It's a long time later and they've a grudge against ghouls so that they choose to become bounty predators plus they kill ghouls as a living. Sounds really type of the best factor, I guess.Inch Are you currently searching toward "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Predators"? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

Yorkey: Screen meets stage in unusual profession

John YorkeyBrian Yorkey joined the field of screenwriting a proficient playwright and lyricist -- he composed it and lyrics for "Alongside Normal," this year's Broadway musical in regards to a mother struggling with bpd, which won three Tony Honours along with a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.As the mobile phone industry's of stage and screen rarely mix, Yorkey sees a fuzzy area between your two, and that he approaches new material for in the same manner.InchAfter I would be a kid, whenever we'd go anywhere new, I'd be less thinking about seeing tourist stuff compared to searching in the houses and flats and trying to puzzle out what it really was prefer to live where these folks resided," he states. "So whether I am writing an audio lesson or perhaps a script or perhaps a musical or stage play, I begin by asking myself one question: What's that world like?"His approach created original story lines which were wealthy in character, and Hollywood soon required notice. He's been busy since.Very first, his feature pitch "Again And Again" offered inside a putting in a bid war to Universal for top six figures, compelling Summit Entertainment to fast-track the project.Next, Yorkey and composer Tom Kitt preemptively offered a script for his or her feature "Score!" to Warner Bros. The musical, which informs the storyline of two lower-on-their-luck Broadway songwriters taking jobs as advisors in a theater camping, is going to be co-created by Anonymous Content and Team Downey. Robert Downey Junior. can also be slated to look among the film's leads.And lastly, Yorkey and Kitt happen to be busy writing original tunes for Diablo Cody's reimagining of "Sweet Valley High," an element setup at Universal with Marc Platt ("Wicked") creating.Still, Yorkey has not forgotten his theater roots. Additionally to focusing on an untitled Broadway project he's also working together with Sting on a bit of musical theater that'll be in line with the songwriter's 1991 album "The Soul Cages."Because of so many film projects within the works, so how exactly does he experience now having the ability to add "accomplished film writer" to his resume? "I'll inform you if this happens."TEN SCREENWRITERS To Look At 2011:Josh Applebaum & Andrew Nemec Jay Baruchel & Jesse Chabot Justin Britt-Gibson Neil Mix Andrew Haigh Kurt Johnstad Lauryn Kahn Paula Pell Jon Spaihts John Yorkey Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com