Did anybody realize that the Limited Edition Vanilla Sky double LP features extended versions of songs compared to the CD? Most notably “Have You Forgotten” which runs a few minutes longer with additional lyrics. “Afrika Shox” and “Porpoise Song also have longer intros and outros. Just thought this was noteworthy…and yet another reason vinyl still rocks!!
Kirsten Dunst in Spiderman 2. ©Sony Pictures
This appears to be the name of Cameron’s new film according to a few published reports that have recently surfaced. The Hollywood Reporter states that Kirsten Dunst is in talks with Crowe for the female lead (after dropping out of M. Night Shyamalan’s next film The Woods). In another recent AP interview, Nancy Wilson (who will score the film) described it as ‘Jerry Maguire’ meets ‘Say Anything’ meets ‘© at Ridgemont High’ and the best work Cameron’s ever done. She also states that the leads are about twenty five years old (which seems to jive with the potential casting of Kirsten Dunst).
No male leads have been mentioned as of yet, but I’d love to see that long promised collaboration with Johnny Depp (who looks younger than his age) or maybe Orlando Bloom? Anyway, it’s great to hear some news about the film. Patience will be important, as the earliest principal photography will begin is late this year or early next year. Distribution is still up in the air, but my best guess is DreamWorks or Paramount. Things can and probably will change, so stay tuned for the latest.
I’m very pleased to introduce a new feature to the site today. A series of essays discussing the impact of Cameron’s films and what they mean to you, the readers. These will all be your submissions, so I encourage you to share your thoughts. First up, site reader Dan Pulliam’s ode to “In Your Eyes” and Say Anything… This is a very personal and heartfelt story and I appreciate Dan’s contribution to the site.
“In Your Eyes” by Dan Pulliam
“Accepting all I’ve done and said, I want to stand and stare again ’til there’s nothing left out. Oh, it remains there in your eyes. Whatever comes and goes, I will hear your silent call. And I will touch this tender wall ’til I know I’m home again.”
For the uninitiated, that’s how Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes’ was always meant to start. Ironically, those words get right to the heart of the song in ways that the released version never did. And with that in mind, I’ve decided to take the bull by the metaphorical horns with this first article and get right to the heart of Crowe. To go beyond the face value of a more conventional critique and look at what make Crowe’s films so great: individual moments. In what just may be the most ‘almost famous’ of these, I’m starting today with the boombox scene.
The Shorts section is finally here! You’ll find info and pics on Cameron directed Music Videos and Shorts including Tom Petty’s “Change of Heart”, Paul Westerberg’s “Dyslexic Heart”, “Fever Dog” and “Denim Invasion”.
Cameron reviews (and participates!) in Neil Young’s “Rust Never Sleeps” tour. You can read all about it in Crowe’s Rolling Stone story from November, 1978.
Cameron returns to Rolling Stone for the first time since September 2000 with a story entitled “The Backstage Pass”. The magazine is celebrating their 35th anniversary with an issue surrounding “American Icons”. The issue is at newsstands now..
Cameron contributed a nice story about his mother to Marlo Thomas’ book The Right Words at the Right Time. Muhammad Ali, Tom Brokaw, Cal Ripken Jr., Steven Spielberg, Venus Williams, Rudy Giuliani, Toni Morrison, Jack Nicholson, Mel Brooks, Billy Crystal, Tom Wolfe (and nearly 100 others) each tell a story of a crucial turning point in their lives brought about by the right words at the right time.
A real popular question of late is the music in the Vanilla Sky DVD featurette “A Prelude to a Dream”. The song is listed in the DVD credits (Special Features section) and it’s called “Tracy (playing with the young team mix)” by Mogwai (remixed by Kid Loco).
