She’s been called the heroine of the indie movement and why not! LYNN SHELTON is best remembered as the creative force behind the movie “Humpday” which audaciously uncovers that there is such a thing as dude love between friends. The comedy had a rapturous reception during its run at numerous film festivals and even got a standing ovation at Cannes. Delivering on its premise of going beyond boundaries, the tale of 2 guys entering an amateur porn contest as the two stars is brilliant in its execution. No wonder LYNN won the John Cassavetes Award at Film Independent’s Spirit Awards 2010 adding to her Acura Someone to Watch Award win in 2009 at the same event…WOW!! On those meritorious achievements, Lynn should be lavished with praise for the genius that she is behind the lens. Don’t forget she did shine in the foxiest of ways on camera as the gorgeous bisexual Monica in “Humpday” who has amorous eyes for a threesome! If you want to see her playing yet another enchantingly complex character, be sure to catch the two day screening of “The Off Hours” at SIFF 2011 starting June 6th. In fact, there’s two indie sweethearts for the price of one ticket. Be blown away by the duo of perennial festival darling Amy Seimetz and the equally fabulous LYNN SHELTON who also serves as consulting producer on the film.
Realizing the potential of cinema, the cleverness by which she weaves her intimate stories most notably “Humpday” make for exciting consumption. This Seattle director and actress approaches filmmaking in a rather unique way, preferring to work closely with her cast and allowing each to improvise sans script. No wonder she was tapped to direct Jon Hamm and January Jones in the episode Hands And Knees of acclaimed TV Hit “Mad Men”. Lynn is rapidly becoming a core member of the indie community, an awe-inspiring woman whom everyone will hold in high regard…:)
This fall be prepared for Camille Mana and “Mr Social Network” Jesse Eisenberg in ‘The Ambassadors’, the upcoming indie project Camille co-stars with Jessie. That sounds mighty fascinating but first fall for her in “Norman” premiering tonight at SIFF 2011. While Emily VanCamp chews up the screen as the love interest we’ve come to adore, Camille herself does steal a heart or two (catch her in the trailer above) as she did in her very own coming of age drama “The Samurai of Strongsville” . Emily VanCamp was the sole reason I religiously followed “Everwood” on TV….must have started when I caught sight of Emily in the purple bikini in an early episode..hehe. Flash ahead and it seems foxy Camille has undeniably taken my fancy..:)
ISLA FISHER & POLLYANNA MCINTOSH in “Burke and Hare”
These two striking ladies sure make the Scottish accent so damn tempting. Isla Fisher is the Aussie Girl Next Door with that invitingly voluptuous body. Pollyanna Mcintosh is the statuesque vixen with the killer figure that has us fantasizing in an instant. Together they provide the visual pleasure amidst the black comedy of “Burke and Hare” in their cleavage bursting corsets. Pollyanna of course garnered controversy for being the centrepiece of gory thriller “The Woman” and its predecessor “Offspring”. Isla is the go-to-girl of comedy having caught the eye in “The Wedding Crashes” and many more after. Most significantly is the way they change it up onscreen that rocks our boats. Doing so in a period piece such as “Burke and Hare” is testament to their acting finesse.
Seeing Sophie Quinton in a barely naked pose in the poster of French murder mystery “Poupoupidou” harks back to the days of bombshells like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. Once voted as Most Promising Newcomer, Sophie does have that Sex Bomb appeal she uses to great effect in “Poupoupidou”. Take it from me, French starlets are synonymous with the carefree eroticism of cinema of days gone by and more so in the modern era. If you like whodunits than this French film will be your cup of tea. Tracing the cause in the death of Candice Lecoeur played with sweet seductiveness by Sophie, this is an entertaining look into the trials of being a celebrity and at the same time could just be a poignant tribute to the life and times of the great Marilyn Monroe.
Not sure why but strangely Rinko Kikuchi reminds me of Devon Aoki. Maybe it’s the peroxide hair or the innocent facade that masks a burgeoning sensuality. Whatever it may be, Rinko is fashioning herself into a style icon on the red carpet these days. The poignant drama “Babel” introduced her to the world and help her gain a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, a first for any Japanese actress. “Maps of the Sounds of Tokyo” and now “Norwegian Wood”, adapted from the best-selling novel by Haruki Murakami has put her in the driver’s seat as an Arthouse Darling. The romantic tearjerker brought to the big screen sees Rinko facing emotional turmoil in this tale of forbidden love. Her penchant for portraying the darker shades of the human makeup is gripping!
LUDIVINE SAGNIER & KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS in “Love Crime”
It’s intoxicating when a drama has two sexpots from different generations playing off each other in a game of seduction and betrayal. I’m talking about French thriller “Love Crime” that has its leading ladies Ludivine Sagnier and Kristin Scott Thomas straddle the merry-go-round of power and pleasures of the flesh. Kristin is the ageless siren whose forays into French cinema is something we always look forward to since she’s always stirringly wonderful. Ludivine is the belle de jour best remembered for her uninhibited nudity and sexual trysts she so aptly embodied as a nympho in “Swimming Pool”. European actresses are well known for disrobing on camera to drive a story but that never detracts from the fact that these ladies have solid credentials to captivate.
The great country of Canada sure has produced some of the hottest talents on the planet with quite the staying power. Take for example, the vivacious Jill Hennessy, she of “Crossing Jordan” fame who proved that medical examiners can be sexy despite mired in yucky dead bodies and dastardly homicides. Come 2011, she’s making a comeback with not 1 but 2 indie features that will ignite our fondness for her once more. In Roadie, she gets to showcase her vocal skills as a singer/songwriter who reconnects with an old flame. Her acting prowess can also be seen in “Small Town Murder Songs” as a scandalous drug addict who strays from the straight and narrow. If you have a weakness for exotic brunettes with a dazzling aura, Jill Hennessy is your gal.
One glance at the intriguing mix of films Krysten Ritter is slated to headline and you’ll get an inkling of why she’s looked upon as a quirky trailblazer. From Amy Heckerling’s “Vamps” to “Audrey Hepburn’s Neck”, the stylishly delicate beauty is on a roll. “Killing Bono” , screening at SIFF retraces the roots of megaband U2 and Bono’ rivalry with his friend Neil McCormick. Kristen plays the American manager of Neil’s band whose potential never comes close to the successes of U2. Her own start in the acting/music world was incidentally triggered by her having met indie rockers and having friends in bands hence her casting in “Killing Bono” is spot on. Here’s a mercurial actress with dizzyingly charming facets that’s always inviting..:)
Before Leslie Murphy becomes a Hot TV Siren Of Summer thanks to appearances on “House M.D.” and the upcoming comedy series “Franklin & Bash”, we all need to catch her in the intense “White Irish Drinkers”. You’ll get drunk with admiration for this special talent…hehe. Reviewers have constantly commended Leslie for the engagingly fresh spin she imbues her feisty Shauna Friel character. Honest, flirty and even bordering on the erotic, her portrayal as Shauna should see her becoming an indie darling in no time. A film convention such as SIFF 2011 deserves its share of rising starlets and Leslie doesn’t just cut an appealing figure onscreen, she’s super pleasant and a special talent indeed.
SALI SAYLER, DANIELLE PANABAKER, LAURA-LEIGH & MIKA BOOREM in “The Ward”
Kudos to horror maestro John Carpenter for showcasing the hottest young ladies of the modern era in “The Ward”. Sure it has two of the sauciest sirens in Amber Heard and Lyndsey Fonseca but we should remember the foursome featured here that are just as delectable. First off is blonde cutie Sali Sayler who appears at the very start as Tammy and could just be the cause of the ghostly happenings plaguing Kristen (Amber Heard). Danielle Panabaker and Laura-Leigh are two mental patients, Danielle being the attention-seeking prima donna Sarah while Laura as Zoey is the nervous wreck in schoolgirl outfits. As Alice, Mika Boorem provides the twist of the story. The attractively nubile emsemble of “The Ward” is to be applauded for being so convincingly rousing in the roles they’ve been entrusted.
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RACHAEL TAYLOR in “Summer Coda”
Having lived in Australia for 3 years, I’m thrilled to include a gorgeous Australian actress on any and every Hot List I’ve concocted. And since I’ve already seen the sights of Melbourne, it’s fantastic to feature “Summer Coda” which is set in Murray River, one of Melbourne’s pristine locale. The film’s leading lady is none other than the stunning Rachael Taylor whose understated sexiness permeates the Aussie Romance; she has a nude scene in the bathtub after all. A remarkable breath of sunshine in her role as Heidi, the Aussie gal returning to her homeland from the US to re-connect with her estranged family but ends up finding love in the unlikeliest of places. Refreshing takes on romanctic flicks are much welcomed and Rachael is a must-see in this one.
Don’t you miss Kristen Kreuk when there was a huge gaping void following her departure of Smallville. Sorry Teri Hatcher but Kristen trumps you in the Lana Lang stakes; don’t you miss the will they won’t they hook-up storylines with her and Tom Welling’s Clark Kent. While we got to satiate our Kristen Kreuk fix by shamelessly supporting her Chun Li phase in Streetfighter (where were the buns and sexy outfits??), one has to admit her best work has been on TV. At this year’s SIFF Film Fest, she delves into indie territory as a suicidal women falling prey to a teacher with a thirst for blood. Somehow he finds a way to fall in love with his victims before killing them. A premise with shock value and rumored scenes of ingenious drawing of blood should have us returning to our obsession for the lovely Miss Kristen Kreuk.
Jennifer Connelly & Isabelle Fuhrman in “Salvation Boulevard”
It’s almost like looking in a mirror when talking about Jennifer Connelly and Isabelle Fuhrman from the star-studded dramedy “Sunset Boulevard. It’s no surprise that they are playing mother and daughter in this satire that paints mega-churches as a conglomerate. From the off, it is their similar bushy eyebrows and alluring chiseled features that would hypnotize viewers into submission. Jennifer Connelly is an Academy Award winning actress who’s risen above her sexpot image to become a celebrated dramatic actress. Isabelle Fuhrman is a teen sensation who’s about to top everything she’s done having scored the pivotal role of Clove in the much-discussed upcoming flick “The Hunger Games” with Jennifer Lawrence. It doesn’t matter if critics dismissed “Sunset Boulevard” as unfunny or disparaging Pierce Brosnan’s insane preacher as over the top; Give me a taste of Jennifer and Isabelle any day of the week!
NANCY STELMASZCZYK stars in “Love”, one of the most surrealistic and visually impacting movies of the year. Produced by Tom Delonge, frontman of Blink 182 and Angels and Airwaves, the mind-blowing trailer (above) is outlandishly imaginative in its execution. We’ve seen our fair share of Man In Space films the likes of “Moon” and Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” but this one takes on a more humanistic approach of familial communication and survival despite an impending doom. Check out the Never Before Seen Footage which reveals that NANCY (she’s the girl in the photo at the 3:01 mark) could just be a figment of imagination cooked up by the stranded astronaut of the story or is she??? I’m adamant that quite a lot of people would instantly regard her as a Fantasy Girl….The Polish Busty model/actress effusing Huge Sex Appeal no matter the time or place and highly likely even in outer space…:) In case you didn’t by now, watch her reel (above) Miss Body Beautiful NANCY being SKIN-TASTIC in a itsy bitsy black bikini. You’ll be surprised to discover this gal is more like the equivalent of a brainy beauty having graduated with a degree in Bio-Chemistry. Smart and Sexy is so often a sensual combo…:)
Here’s a juicy fact about NANCY: She was seen smooching ladies man George Clooney when she was working on the film “Oceans Thirteen”…..Hey NANCY..Give me a kiss too why don’t you…hehe. She’s also famed for being Girl #24 on the hit game show “Deal Or No Deal” and has appeared in “Bones” as well as “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. I’ll always remember one of her Facebook quotes: I’ll be the one in the tiny bikini at the beach if you need me”. Summer can’t come soon enough so why not show the Love for NANCY STELMASZCZYK who’s certain to join the ranks of Sex Symbols.
Ahh….the feeling of friendship and love is a wonderful thing and experimental film “Jess + Moss” has a telling sentimental vibe that’s presented in a unique style. Notable Images of the cassette tape at the beginning of the trailer (above) I’m sure brings back some vivid nostalgia of our childhood. The film’s indelible premise of two carefree souls on a journey of discovery is driven by actress SARAH HAGAN who is divine in the role of Jess, the 20-something looking for solace after being abandoned by her mother. This leads to a bond with her cousin Moss, a 12-year old whose life is in a funk just like her. You might recognize SARAH as the cult figure Millie Kentner on “Freaks & Greeks” and also Amanda, ass-kicking Vampire Slayer from “Buffy”. SARAH has indicated that she’s very proud of the film and why not seeing how she has garnered numerous plaudits for her moving performance. With those gorgeous blue eyes, adorable voice and interesting likability, she’s someone you’ll be fawning over in no time. With SIFF 2011 now in full swing, “Jess + Moss” which screens Saturday the 21st is your best chance to watch the ethereal SARAH HAGAN dazzle.
If you go over to the SARAH HAGAN OFFICIAL SITE, you will find it’s also a portal showcasing her creative side with an impressive collection of original artwork in addition to her movie-related stuff. I urge you to check out her ‘Ultimate Fighter” impression in the bittersweet short film “Someday We Will Get Married” (above), a tale of first love that doesn’t always end up being your eternal love. I’m captivated by how beautiful she looks in pretty much every scene, excelling in a romantic capacity as she has so often does with those distinctive ‘Geeky’ incarnations she’s brought to life. From established TV Starlet to rising indie darling, SARAH is a good-natured talent who more than takes your breath away.
SHANLEY CASWELL is the very fetching Star of groundbreaking “Detention” which transcends being just a smart teen horror film and stands on its own two feet as a genre-bending master class. If it created a huge buzz at SXSW this year as well as constantly receiving rave reviews on the internet, the intelligent slasher is expected to shine at the SIFF Film Festival 2011 as will it’s endearing female lead SHANLEY. I’m enraptured with her kindness for doing this interview at such short notice, a reflection of her appealing accessibility that’s truly charming. Already being praised as a female version of John Cusack and spoken highly of as the stirring centerpiece of “Detention”, admiration for her is rapidly growing.
In the throes of the psychedelic pace, pop culture references and riveting sci-fi cum slasher elements of “Detention”, SHANLEY is a standout as RILEY, the human touch amid the chaos. She captures the trepidation of youth, the foreboding of terror and the thrilling face offs with the movie’s villain impeccably. Even at 18, SHANLEY has shown she is adept at delivering a solidly authentic performance which could prove to be her launchpad as a Teen Idol.
Have a good read as SHANLEY lets us in on what’s it like being the female lead of a fascinating horror film, her grueling yet fun moments during the making of “Detention” and why she has the hots for Simon Baker after working with him on “The Mentalist”.
1. Hi Shanley.You’re possibly the Final Girl in “Detention”. What’s it like being the leading lady of the slasher and playing a character that’s an outsider going through teen angst?
A: At first signing on to do Detention was exhilarating. The script was so interesting and like nothing I had ever heard about that I had to do it. Riley is a character that is a lot like any normal teenage girl: pop culture oriented, embarrassed, tormented, self centered, and opinionated.
I’ve been through all of these things growing up, like most teenagers, so it was easy to relate to her “my life is ruined” mentality. Now on the note of being the leading lady; that scared the crap out of me. Especially with working with Dane Cook, Josh Hutcherson, and Joseph Kahn all people whom I highly admire.
2. Inevitable comparisons are going to be drawn between “Detention” and the “Scream” Franchise. Can you tell us how different is your heroine Riley as opposed to Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott?
A: Detention has a different feel than Scream. It’s more fun and relatable to people my age in my generation. Scream was the old generations meta comedy-horror, Detention will appeal to teenagers now-a-days. That goes for Riley’s character too.
3. There’s a scene in “Detention”, reminiscent of “The Breakfast Club” (the film that made a tremendous impact) albeit more in line with the reality of youth today. As a teenager yourself, what do you think are the movie/movies that define your generation?
A: “Superbad”, “The Hangover” and “The Social Network” are three that come to my mind. “Superbad” and “The Hangover” are ones that we see everywhere today with quotes and clothing. “The Social Network” is one that will never be forgotten because of the event that it’s about. Facebook and social networking have defined our generation.
4. You do a lot of running trying your utmost to escape from the serial killer. How physically demanding were those scenes and what were your favorite moments from the film?
A: I actually trained before we started filming for the stunt work and the dance scenes. I had to fall a lot so I was taught how to fall properly without getting hurt. The hanging scene was the hardest because I was in a harness for about 6 to 8 hours and hanging for about 4 to 5.
I had bruises from the straps and had motion sickness by wrap time. My favorite scene to film was probably the skateboarding scene. They set up this cool contraption where the skateboard was connected to the camera so we could actually skate and and do the scene. Those were fun.
5. Just read that your first major role was on Hallmark in “Mending Fences” as a gothic teen with a sarcastic side, a complete opposite to your bubbly disposition. Why do you think actresses much prefer essaying the darker roles?
A: I think there’s a lot more complexity to playing darker roles. I’ve definitely played my fair share of bubbly roles though. I would do it more often but unfortunately some people don’t think that I have a very “bubbly” face all the time. And I……I’m also very sarcastic which turns some people off.
6. There’s plenty of haters out there unlike me of course who shows the love for actresses on a daily basis…:):) How do you deal with the critics even at your tender age?
A: I’ve been very lucky so far to not have any critics. If I did I’m pretty good at taking things in thinking about them logically, then forgetting about them later.
7.From “Bones” and “The Mentalist to “The Middle”, you’ve been gracing quite a number of TV Shows. Who has been your favorite actor and why?
A: To work with? Simon Baker form The Mentalist. He is so cool and suave. He’s got a way of making everyone smile and feel special. Plus he’s got an Australian accent! How could I not be in love with him.
8. You once said the uncertainty of the acting industry gives you a thrill. What would be your dream role?
A: My dream role is always changing. At the moment I’d love to be some badass assassin or something. I’m really into stunt heavy movies right now. I feed off of adrenaline on set, the more adrenaline I have the more focused I am and the more work I get done.
9. In Tinseltown, teen actresses are regularly in demand more so this past year so what’s next for Shanley Caswell?
A: I have no idea what’s next. The thrill of this industry is why I love it. I’m not working on anything right now but next month I could be in France filming a miniseries. You have to learn to go with the flow. Right now I’m focusing on school and studying Kinesiology.
10. Tell us the one thing that nobody will ever guess about you.
A: I love rock climbing and bungee jumping.
Thanks again for the support and the awesome questions!
Come May 19th 2011, Seattle International Film Festival will be the epicenter of visual pleasure that will be colorfully stimulating throughout. Certainly we have to pay tribute to the actresses who in varying capacities are ensuring we fans have a mind-blowing good time. Not since “Fright Night” have Vampires been this audaciously seductive and the leading ladies of “We Are The Night” or “Wir sind die Nacht” (in German) should be commended for bringing Sexy Back! JENNIFER ULRICH for one is a sensation as Charlotte, a silent era movie star with looks to kill and a ruthless appetite for blood. JENNIFER has a priceless scene in “We Are The Night” where she pokers her eye with a lighted cigarette…there’s none of the emo posturing or existential thoughts of being the undead….It’s as true to the immoral vampiric nature as you can get amidst a very addictive Eurodance soundscape complete with throbbing beats. Being a Vamp is all about excess and I love how JENNIFER portrays her sultry Charlotte character with both bloodlust abandon and dignified poise. It’s terrific to see a strong female-fronted movie with women driving the story and doing the majority of the onscreen kills. I urge you to watch German Sirens JENNIFER ULRICH, Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss & Anna Fischer in one of the most gorily fun movies of the year! I’m half expecting a Hollywood remake to be churned out pretty soon.
It really doesn’t matter where you live in the world or what language you’re conversant with, JENNIFER like so many of her European peers have brilliantly intimated the enthralling cinematic experience we are so fond of. She’s been lauded once before for her intense performance as a teen who rebels against the ideals of a school cult in “The Wave”. Good-natured and with a heady desirability, it would be fascinating to see JENNIFER crossover to the American Market and achieve the kind of popularity relished by German talents say for example Franka Potente. JENNIFER brings a compelling freshness on the film scene and well on her way to success.
