Latest news with #InBruges
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In Bruges? Don't steal the cobblestones, locals say
Drugs, sex, murder, attempted murder, black humour - all are to be found amid the mayhem that is the 2008 film "In Bruges", starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell as a pair of Irish gangsters trying to hide out in the Belgian city famous for its medieval-era heritage and old town. But one thing the flick does not have is people stealing the city's famous cobblestones, which were made from porphyry quarried from Wallonia, a rock prized for its durability. According to city alderman Franky Demon, light-fingered visitors are helping themselves to at least 50 of the cobblestones every month, apparently to take home as souvenirs. "At iconic sites such as the Minnewater, the Vismarkt, the Markt and the Gruuthusemuseum, an estimated 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear every month and the true figure may be even higher still," Demon told Belga, the national press agency. The number of stolen stones probably increases during the summer as visitor numbers soar, according to the official. Not only does yanking the stones out of the ground undermine the city centre's renowned aesthetic, it leaves pedestrians vulnerable to taking a tumble, particularly elderly walkers who can be frail or less nimble than others. "Anyone that walks through Bruges is walking through centuries of history," Demon said, exhorting would-be thieves to "leave the cobblestones where they belong." But perhaps it is not such a surprise that Bruges would be the setting for such acquisitiveness: after all, it was the home town of Doctor Evil from the Austin Powers film series, a character who described himself as the son of a "relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery."
Extra.ie
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Brendan Gleeson to star in The Weir for his first theatre performance in 10 years
Brendan Gleeson is set to return to the stage for the first time in a decade in a production of The Weir at the 3Olympia. The play, written and for the first time directed by Conor McPherson, will run from August 8 to September 6. It will then appear in London's Harold Pinter theatre from September 12 to December 6, marking Gleeson's West End debut. 'The last time I appeared on stage was 10 years ago, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, where I started my career,' Gleeson said. 'I can't wait to be back there, and then to play in the West End for the first time, at the beautiful Pinter Theatre.' Though perhaps better known for his career in film, with roles in The Banshees of Inisherin , In Bruges and more, the Irish actor began his acting work in theatre. Gleeson last appeared on the theatre stage in 2015, performing alongside his sons Domhnall and Brian in The Walworth Farce , also at the 3Olympia. McPherson's The Weir was written in 1997, set in a rural Irish pub as the regulars share stories with a newly arrived woman from Dublin. It won an Olivier Award for the best new play following its premiere. 'I can hardly believe it's been 30 years since I wrote The Weir and about 30 years since I first met the wonderful Brendan Gleeson,' McPherson said. 'It's an absolute honour to bring this play to life again with one of the greatest titans of Irish acting.' Tickets for the 3Olympia run go on sale Saturday, May 3.
Irish Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Brendan Gleeson to return to the stage for the first time in 10 years in Conor McPherson's play The Weir
Brendan Gleeson is to act on stage for the first time in a decade in Dublin this August, in a new production of The Weir, the play written – and now, for the first time, directed – by Conor McPherson . After its four-week run at the 3Olympia Theatre ends, on September 6th, the show, which is being staged by Landmark Productions and Kate Horton Productions, will transfer to London for a 12-week run that will be Gleeson's West End debut. The actor, who describes The Weir as profoundly moving, inspiring and ultimately hopeful – 'one of the rarest plays around' – began acting in theatre but is now better known for his screen performances, from In Bruges to his Oscar-, Bafta- and Golden Globe-nominated role in The Banshees of Inisherin. 'The last time I appeared on stage was 10 years ago, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, where I started my career. I can't wait to be back there, and then to play in the West End for the first time, at the beautiful Pinter Theatre .' READ MORE That Olympia production, also staged by Landmark, was of Enda Walsh's The Walworth Farce , in 2015. Gleeson appeared in it with his sons Brian and Domhnall. McPherson's 1997 play, which is set over an evening in a rural pub in Co Leitrim, sees the regulars interrupted by a young woman recently arrived from Dublin. They share stories with her – about folklore, ghosts and fairies – and she tells her own melancholy tale. The Weir won an Oliver Award for best new play after premiering at the Royal Court in London; it opened on Broadway in 1999. It has since been performed all over the world, including at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2022. 'It's an absolute honour to bring this play to life again with one of the great titans of Irish acting,' McPherson says. The writer's new play, The Brightening Air , has just opened in London, with a predominantly Irish cast, to strong reviews. [ The Brightening Air at the Old Vic review: Conor McPherson's outstanding new play turns convention on its head Opens in new window ] Anne Clarke of Landmark , one of Ireland's leading theatre producers, says she got involved after Horton called to say that she had been 'working with McPherson on a new production of The Weir' and that 'Brendan Gleeson had agreed to play Jack. They were hoping the production would open in Dublin, ahead of a West End run. I had been lucky enough to work with Brendan before.' The thought of working with him 'on Conor's sublime play was a thrill'. Horton, a producer of more than 100 world premieres, with awards that include a Pulitzer, Tony and Olivier, says she was 'spellbound' at the premiere of McPherson's play and couldn't have wished for more for the writer 'to agree to direct his own masterpiece for the first time' and 'for the magnificent Brendan Gleeson to agree to lead the cast'. Tickets for the Irish run go on sale on Saturday, May 3rd.
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Movies where the city feels like the main character
In cinema, the backdrop often plays a crucial role, but sometimes, the city itself becomes as integral to the story as the characters. Whether it's the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the romantic boulevards of Paris, certain films do more than just use their location as scenery—they turn the city into a character, alive with its own rhythm, vibe, and mood. The setting becomes an extension of the narrative, shaping the story, influencing the characters' decisions, and becoming a character in its own right. Let's explore six films where the city is not just a backdrop, but a pivotal force that drives the action. 1. Lost in Translation (2003) – Tokyo Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation is the perfect example of a city becoming a main character. Tokyo, with its blend of modernity and tradition, is as much a part of the film as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson's characters. The neon lights, the bustling streets, the serene temples—Tokyo's isolation and overwhelming energy mirror the emotions of the protagonists, who find themselves navigating a foreign world. In Lost in Translation, the city's urban landscape serves as a metaphor for their disconnection and eventual bond. 2. Midnight in Paris (2011) – Paris Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris is a love letter to the City of Lights. In this romantic fantasy, Paris is not only the backdrop but also a timeless character that bridges the past and the present. From the charming streets of Montmartre to the elegant beauty of the Seine, Paris shapes the film's sense of nostalgia and wonder. The city almost has a magical quality, drawing Owen Wilson's character deeper into his own romanticized past. Paris isn't just where the story happens—it's the soul of the story itself. 3. In Bruges (2008) – Bruges Martin McDonagh's In Bruges gives the small Belgian city of Bruges a dark, ironic persona. Known for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, the city's serene beauty contrasts sharply with the story's violent undertones. Bruges feels like an eerie, almost claustrophobic character in the film, as if its winding streets and historic buildings are closing in on the troubled hitmen at its heart. The city's mood shifts with the characters' internal struggles, turning Bruges from a place of beauty into a place of reflection and consequence. 4. Ratatouille (2007) – Paris In Pixar's Ratatouille, Paris becomes the ultimate culinary kingdom, where food and creativity reign supreme. The city, with its charming streets and grandiose architecture, is not just a backdrop to Remy's story—it's an inspiration. The bustling markets, the kitchens of Gusteau's restaurant, and the hidden nooks of Paris offer Remy a stage for his culinary dreams. Through Remy's eyes, Paris becomes a vibrant, ever-evolving entity, fueling his passion and guiding his journey to success. 5. Before Sunrise (1995) – Vienna Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise is an ode to Vienna as much as it is a love story between two strangers. The city's historic beauty—its cobbled streets, cafes, and iconic architecture—creates a dream-like atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the spontaneous connection between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's characters. Vienna is not just a place where they meet; it is a character that gently pulls them through the night, offering both a sense of adventure and intimacy. The city plays a quiet, yet essential role in their brief but transformative journey together. 6. La La Land (2016) – Los Angeles Damien Chazelle's La La Land reimagines Los Angeles as more than just a city—it's a character in its own right. The sprawling urban landscape, the iconic sunsets, and the energy of the city reflect the dreams and struggles of its two protagonists, played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The vibrant streets of LA are where dreams are born, but also where they sometimes collide. The city is a canvas for the characters' aspirations, disappointments, and eventual growth. In La La Land, Los Angeles is a city full of opportunities, but also full of the harsh realities of following one's dreams.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sundance Film Festival waves goodbye to Park City in favor of Boulder, Colorado
(Reuters) - The Sundance Film Festival announced on Thursday it is moving location from Park City, Utah, to the university town of Boulder, Colorado, starting with its 2027 edition. The film festival, which was co-founded by Hollywood star Robert Redford in Salt Lake City back in 1978, and has been a staple in Park City since 1981, is known for championing mostly American independent films. Iconic movies such as "Reservoir Dogs," "American Psycho," "In Bruges," and "The Usual Suspects" all began their cinematic journeys at the festival. Organizers announced in April 2024 they were considering moving to another location as the contract with Utah expires in 2027. The choice was between Cincinnati, Ohio, Boulder, Colorado, and Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah. Announcing the move on their website, the festival said that "Boulder offers small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene, making it the ideal location for the festival to grow." The Sundance Film Festival will return to Park City, Utah, one last time for its 2026 edition.
