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10/7/08

Posted 10/7/08 at 5:21 PM

Tragedy

Outrage: New Weird Al Single Delayed by iTunes Glitch

As the world waits with bated breath for "Whatever You Like," the massively anticipated, T.I.-mocking new single from comedy genius Weird Al Yankovic — which was supposed to make its debut on iTunes this morning — we now receive official word that a technical "glitch" has somehow delayed its arrival and it will now, let's hope, materialize "later today." Predictably, Apple's stock price has plummeted nine points since the opening bell.

New Single Update! [Weird Al via Idolator]

Posted 10/7/08 at 4:44 PM

Right-Click

Paul McCartney Fails to Set Sex on Fire

Paul McCartney Fails to Set Sex on Fire

Photo: WireImage

1. The Fireman, "Nothing Too Much Just Outta Sight"
Neither "nothing too much" nor "outta sight," Paul McCartney's latest (recorded under his experimental Fireman moniker) proves that he's better at scorching blues rock than Jack White is at Bond theme songs. [Idolator]

2. T-Pain feat. Chris Brown, "Freeze"
T-Pain is the best dancer in the whole world. Just ask him. [Pretty Much Amazing]

3. A.P.T., "Obama Obama"
Aaron P. Taylor (a.k.a. A.P.T.) does a passable Weezy impersonation for this reworking of "A Milli," which mentions Obama's name even more than tonight's debate will. [Mix Tape Podcast]

Plus: Kanye! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 4:31 PM

Confessions

Confirmed: Rick Ross Once Had a Real Job
Confirmed: Rick Ross Once Had a Real Job

It's a sad day for people inappropriately emotionally invested in ridiculous hip-hop personas — coke-rap boss Rick Ross has admitted that in the mid-nineties, presumably on the days he wasn't hustling, he was gainfully employed as a Miami-Dade County corrections officer. Ross has denied he was ever a prison guard for the last few months, despite a flood of photos and personnel records clearly showing otherwise, and it's not clear why he chose to confess now. By way of explanation, he told Don Diva, "I done been up and I done been down, and that's what makes me what I am. I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga." Instead, Ross would politely ask the felons if they wanted their door shut before gently sliding the bars in place. [BET]

Posted 10/7/08 at 4:16 PM

Kudos

Larry Doyle Wins Thurber Prize
Larry Doyle Wins Thurber Prize

Who needs the Nobel Prize anyway? Former Simpsons writer Larry Doyle has won this year's Thurber Prize for American Humor for his adorable, New York–recommended I Love You, Beth Cooper, beating out finalists Simon Rich and Patricia Marx. You can catch Hayden Panettiere playing the titular cheerleader character on the big screen next March when (spoiler alert) she will once again not die. [AP]

Posted 10/7/08 at 4:02 PM

W. TF

First Reviews Indicate Oliver Stone’s ‘W.’ Only Marginally Better Than Actual Bush Presidency

First Reviews Indicate Oliver Stone’s ‘W.’ Only Marginally Better Than Actual Bush Presidency

Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate

Last night, critics got their first look at Oliver Stone's Apatow-aping comedy spectacular W., loosely based on the life of much-admired president George W. Bush. So how is it? Not that great! According to Variety's Todd McCarthy, the film "is unable to achieve any aims higher than as a sort of engaging pop-history pageant and amateur, if not inapt, psychological evaluation," and "feels like a rough draft of a film it might behoove him to remake in 10 or 15 years." "It's a gutsy movie but not necessarily a good one," assesses The Hollywood Reporter's Kirk Honeycutt, who says W. is, at turns, "awkward" and bordering "perilously close to a Saturday Night Live sketch" (presumably he means one of the bad, non-Palin skits with which Tina Fey had nothing to do). Both critics note the spot-on performances by the movie's lead actors, but neither cite any specific examples of any hilarious pratfalls or wang-showing, which makes us slightly nervous that it won't be as funny as we'd hoped.

W. [Variety]
W. [HR]

Posted 10/7/08 at 3:30 PM

Is Ari Graynor Your Next Indie Crush?

USA Today checks in with Ari Graynor, the drunk chick from Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and we find ourselves feeling something very familiar. An adorable New Yorker stealing scenes in a Michael Cera movie? It's the Olivia Thirlby Indie-Crush Playbook! But could Graynor actually wrestle the mantle away from dear Olivia? After the jump, we investigate.

Read more! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 3:00 PM

Art Candy

Artist Sloane Tanen Explains Her Work Better Than This Headline Ever Could

Sloane Tanen's Feathers (2008).

Sloane Tanen's Feathers (2008).Photo: Courtesy of Washington Square Windows

Sloane Tanen is an author and artist working in the capricious mode that has propelled Kay Thompson, Josh Schwartz, and Tina Fey to cult status: adolescent angst for adults. On display at Washington Square Windows — an all-hours gallery–slash–window display that gives Bloomingdale’s a run for its window shoppers — are her chenille chicks in various postures of anxious frivolity. There’s something for everyone: the Blair Waldorfs, the Seth Cohens, and the Stewies of the world.

See another! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 2:14 PM

Chat Room

Wong Kar Wai on ‘Ashes of Time Redux’ and the Joys of Working With a Drunk, Naked Cinematographer

Sporting his trademark silver-rimmed sunglasses (even indoors) and a staccato laugh that pops out when a particular reminiscence strikes him as amusing, director Wong Kar Wai exudes a quiet warmth somewhat at odds with the emotional coolness often explored in his films. He made his English-language debut with 2007's My Blueberry Nights and follows it up this year with a commercial rerelease of a redux version of his abstruse 1994 samurai epic, Ashes of Time, the film that first helped earn him a reputation for long shooting schedules. Never officially released outside of Asia before this, the ruminative, desert-set movie, which features a new score and swapped-out takes, hits theaters this Friday. Wong sat down with Vulture to talk about his technique.

"I still have a photo of Chris Doyle on the last day of shooting where he's basically fully naked, with the camera on his shoulders." »

Posted 10/7/08 at 1:30 PM

Quote Machine

Never Ask Faye Dunaway If She Threw Pee on Roman Polanski

"I won't respond to that. That doesn't even deserve the dignity of a response. I don't know the details of that. It is absolutely ridiculous … This from the Guardian? I don't believe it! It is insulting that you would even bring it up! My God … I turned down the Mail to do this!" Faye Dunaway on the rumor that she threw a cup of urine in Roman Polanski's face when the director refused to allow bathroom breaks on the set of Chinatown [Guardian]

"You know, I'm from Texas, but the character wasn't Bush. It really wasn't Bush. Okay, it was Bush and it wasn't Bush." Dennis Quaid on playing the president in American Dreams [A.V. Club]

"My parents shut down Disneyland for me, so I'm good for a while." Miley Cyrus on her 16th birthday [USAT]

Plus: What did Meatloaf say that he later blamed on vertigo? »

Posted 10/7/08 at 12:47 PM

The Daily Fey

Is a Tina Fey Backlash Inevitable?

As should be completely obvious to anyone, Tina Fey is having a pretty terrific month. First she won like 400 Emmys for her brilliant work on the second season of 30 Rock. Then she propelled Saturday Night Live to unforeseen levels of relevance with her spot-on impersonation of beloved Alaskan politician Sarah Palin. Next, as has now become legend, she fixed the global financial crisis, captured Osama bin Laden, and rescued newborn kittens from a fire. And now she's signed a book deal! Fey will write a "book of humorous essays in the style of Nora Ephron," for Little, Brown & Co., for which she'll likely be paid an advance large enough to bail out the next five failed banks. So can anything be done to prevent the certainly imminent Tina Fey backlash?

Man, we hope so! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 12:11 PM

Video Games

Video Games Preserved
Video Games Preserved

A National Videogame Archive will open later this month in Nottingham, England, holding a "'treasure trove' of consoles and cartridges ranging from 'the humble beginnings of 1972's "Pong," to the blockbusters of the 21st Century.'" It'll also be dedicated to preserving the ways of the gaming communities, meaning this may be the world's first archive with one of those Museum of Natural History–type glass displays to feature a bleary-eyed kid drinking Mountain Dew. [1Up]

Posted 10/7/08 at 12:00 PM

Mysteries

‘SNL’ Embroiled in Minor Censorship Controversy!

First, Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression helped the show score respectable ratings again, and now Saturday Night Live is the subject of an actual, real-life controversy! When the heck was the last time that happened? A passably funny, Nancy Pelosi–skewering sketch on the bailout bill from Saturday's episode was posted on NBC.com and Hulu following its original airing, but it's since been taken down (see it here for now). Why? No one knows! Of course conservative-blogosphere speculation is that NBC caved to left-wing political pressure, though what's more likely is that billionaires Herbert and Marion Sandler, who were played in the skit by Darrell Hammond and Casey Wilson, complained about the possibly actionable caption that ran under their names: "People who should be shot." Either way, congratulations, Saturday Night Live, on your best week since "Dick in a Box."

NBC Scrubs 'SNL' Anti-Democrat Bailout Skit From Website [Newsbusters]
It Is Here! The Banned SNL Skit Cannot Hide From Louie [Pat Dollard]

Posted 10/7/08 at 11:15 AM

Overnights

‘Heroes’: A Gouda Moment to Take the Taco

Of all the preposterous, half-wit, truly Gouda moments in Heroes history, a five-second scene in last night’s episode might have truly taken the taco. After Tracy/Nikki/Jessica realizes that Senator Nathan Petrelli also has superpowers (after he flies in to save her from jumping off a bridge), she kisses him. We then get a jump cut to four years in the future, where President Nathan Petrelli, married to First Lady Tracy/Nikki/Jessica, is addressing the press corps after a nuclear explosion in the fictional Costa Verde, California.

That's not it yet! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 10:31 AM

Litigation Remix

R. Kelly’s Legal Team Finally Gets to Play Offense

When R. Kelly was acquitted on child-pornography charges this summer, it evaporated a legal black cloud that had been hanging over the troubled troubadour for more than six years. But it wasn't clear what, exactly, that would change — Kellz had, after all, never stopped making the sexiest music he was capable of (just like a fireman!). But now the AP is reporting that Kelly filed court documents yesterday requesting a judge's assistance in collecting $3.4 million he's owed by a former tour promoter and we think we know exactly what's changed — somehow, post-acquittal, Kelly's legal karma has turned and, for perhaps the first time in his entire life, he's the one initiating courtroom action!

And he might actually win! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 9:45 AM

Booty

Johnny Depp Cashes Out While Money Is Still Worth Something

According to London's unfailingly reliable Daily Mail, Disney is paying Johnny Depp the totally reasonable sum of $56 million for Pirates of the Caribbean 4, the biggest up-front payment to any actor in movie history (Tom Hanks was recently paid a measly $50 million for his forthcoming Angels & Demons, which is now completely embarrassing). "It's a lot of swag but there's only one Johnny Depp," says the Mail's source. "They simply cannot make another Pirates movie without Jack Sparrow."

Orlando Bloom: totally expendable! »

Posted 10/7/08 at 9:00 AM

The Industry

Helena Bonham Carter Unexpectedly Joins the Cast of a Tim Burton Movie

Might Also Wear Dark Eyeliner?: Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter have joined the cast of Tim Burton's Wonderland at Disney. Hathaway, who just blew our minds with her jacked-up performance in Rachel Getting Married, will play the White Queen who asks Alice to slay the dreadful Bandersnatch, while Carter will be shouting "off with their heads" as the Red Queen. [HR]

Carell Makes a Smart Move: As part of their courtship in making a Get Smart sequel, Warner Bros. has signed a three-year first-look deal with Steve Carell and his newly created Carousel Productions. The company is staffed by Carell and his two friends, Vance DeGeneres (oh yeah, remember him from The Daily Show?) and Charlie Hartsock (oh yeah, remember him from being Carell's college roommate in real life?). Their projects are expected to flourish with "this strong base of friendships," according to Carell, which is a nice way of saying "me and my friends are gonna hang out and drive your golf carts, suckahs!" [Variety]

Philanthropy Is Broderick's Strong Suit: Master ticket salesman Matthew Broderick will return to Broadway next year in Roundabout Theater Company's revival of Christopher Hampton's The Philanthropist. He'll play a university professor whose life is entirely disconnected from public events, including the assassination of the prime minister, although not from the water-gun assassination of one of his students. [Variety]

Plus: Hollywood to make a movie out of a comic book! »

10/6/08

Posted 10/6/08 at 5:45 PM

Right Click

Andrew Bird Whistles Through the Financial Apocalypse

Andrew Bird Whistles Through the Financial Apocalypse

Photo: FilmMagic

1. Andrew Bird, "Oh No"
As the title suggests, beneath the pretty strings and whistling, Andrew Bird is pretty alarmed on this track off his next album. But not about the economy! He's mostly upset about "calcium mines you bury deep in your chest" and calculators used as weapons. [Pitchfork]

2. The Killers, "Spaceman"
Aliens always seem to abduct crazy people. Like Brandon Flowers, who told of a close encounter on this weekend's SNL wearing what could be the weirdest jacket we've ever seen. [Culture Bully]

3. The Game feat. Mars, "Through My Eyes"
Newly obsessed with death and spaceships, the Game drops what might be his most soulful and perhaps best track ever. [Tape]

Plus: Mos Def! »

Posted 10/6/08 at 5:38 PM

Politics

Ever Wanted to Own a Piece of the Iconic Presidency of George W. Bush?
Ever Wanted to Own a Piece of the Iconic Presidency of George W. Bush?

Of course you have! For his new show, "America the Gift Shop," photographer Phillip Toledano has created a raft of hilarious/horrifying fake products that reflect the "current foreign policy in the fun-house mirror of American commerce," like the Abu Ghraib coffee table at left. Thankfully, none of them are actually for sale. [America the Gift Shop via Politics & Power Blog/VF]

Posted 10/6/08 at 5:14 PM

In the Magazine

What Tina Fey Would Do for a SoyJoy, and Other Culture Highlights From This Week’s ‘New York’

Emily Nussbaum asks what Tina Fey would do for a SoyJoy (bonus product-placement highlight reel after the jump!). Brian Raftery tracks down street artist Poster Boy. Dan Kois and Ben Mathis-Lilley dream up the art of the new Great Depression. Kois also reviews Equus and The Seagull. Logan Hill celebrates Joe’s Pub’s tenth birthday. David Edelstein reviews Rachel Getting Married and Body of Lies. Justin Davidson rethinks Leonard Bernstein. Sam Anderson reviews Planet Google. Adam Sternbergh profiles Californication’s Madeleine Martin. And Richard Russo, Sam Mendes, and Philip Seymour Hoffman remember Paul Newman.

Plus: A video of hilariously egregious product placement! »

Posted 10/6/08 at 4:45 PM

Last Night's Gig

Antibalas Say Party — or Else!

In the grand New York tradition that has brought us Italian leather shoes made in Korea and Chinese Mexican food, Antibalas, the Spanish-speaking Afrobeat collective, features only one visibly African-derived member; the dozen remaining musicians seem to represent every other racial demographic. Vive la difference — at last night's concert at South Street Seaport's Spiegeltent, Antibalas packed enough of a wallop to silence any dull questions of authenticity.

Rhinestones, dashikis, dreadlocks, and glitter! »

Posted 10/6/08 at 4:30 PM

Overnights

‘Entourage’: The Boys Eat Mushrooms in the Desert

The boys, Eric Roberts, and Eric Roberts's drugs head to the desert for some high-spirited soul-searching — an obvious but gratifying plot that reminds us why Entourage is the show we can't stop watching–slash–can't stop hating ourselves for watching!

Plenty of warm, wet brotherly love. »

Posted 10/6/08 at 4:20 PM

Awesome

Confirmed: Weird Al to Have His Way With T.I.
Confirmed: Weird Al to Have His Way With T.I.

Via his MySpace blog, pop auteur Weird Al Yankovic has confirmed that his new single — out tomorrow on iTunes — will be a parody of T.I.'s "Whatever You Like." For the first time in Yankovic history, his version will have the same title as the original track, though he promises "I DID change the lyrics. Somewhat." GET EXCITED! [MySpace]

Posted 10/6/08 at 4:02 PM

Art Candy

Artist Joshua Lutz Visits History’s Most Exhilarating Ren Faire

Joshua Lutz's Untitled (Crown) (2007).

Joshua Lutz's Untitled (Crown) (2007).Photo: Courtesy of ClampArt, New York

Joshua Lutz's ever-so-slightly-askew photographs at ClampArt through October 18 document ten years in the meadowlands, the marshy wilderness between NYC and New Jersey. Whether on her way to a beauty pageant or a Ren faire, this young Jersey gal looks like what she really wants to be doing is playing chess in Washington Square Park.

Posted 10/6/08 at 3:31 PM

Overnights

‘Mad Men’: Endgame

‘Mad Men’: Endgame

Photo: Courtesy AMC

Last week, fifties manhood never looked more impotent, pathetic, or cruel, as Don and Roger flailed and drank and smoked — while Betty, Joan, and Peggy all gasped for air. This week, the show goes even darker.

“Get a rope.” »

Posted 10/6/08 at 3:00 PM

News Reel

Leonardo DiCaprio: Master Impressionist?

In Body of Lies, Russell Crowe is alone in most of his scenes, so at the premiere on Sunday his castmates were unable regale us with tales of phone-throwing temper tantrums. However, we did get delicious insight into the notoriously private Leonardo DiCaprio’s off-screen antics. While everyone involved in the movie swore that DiCaprio didn’t preach about environmental issues ("He doesn’t proselytize about anything, but he was very happy when I bought a hybrid. Put it that way," said screenwriter William Monahan), it seems Titanic's Jack Dawson is a talented mimic. Monahan loved his Nicholson impression best but said that DiCaprio does everybody equally well. Michael Gaston remembers DiCaprio’s imitation of director Ridley Scott. French actor Mehdi Nebbou burst out laughing at the thought of — wait for it — DiCaprio’s impression of Nicole Kidman, which he describes as both a physical and vocal impersonation. Oscar Isaac says DiCaprio does a “great, great” Denzel Washington. "I don’t want to get him in trouble, but it was very funny. I’m sure Denzel would love it," Isaac said, laughing. "It really makes him a badass."

Ridley Scott: "He took the piss out of me regularly with a very good impersonation." »


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