- published: 25 Feb 2013
- views: 69313
Toys is a 1992 fantasy comedy film directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robin Williams, Michael Gambon, Joan Cusack, Robin Wright, LL Cool J, and Jamie Foxx in his feature film debut. The film failed at the box office at the time of its release, despite its impressive cast and lavish filmmaking. Levinson was criticized for a lack of plot focus. The magnitude of perceived directorial failure was such that Levinson was consequently nominated for (but did not win) a Razzie Award for Worst Director. The film did, however, receive Oscar nominations for art direction (Ferdinando Scarfiotti, Linda DeScenna) and costume design. It was also entered into the 43rd Berlin International Film Festival.
René Magritte's art, particularly The Son of Man, is obvious in its influence on the set design, and in part the costume design, of the film. The poster for the film distributed to movie theaters features Robin Williams in a red bowler hat against a blue, cloud-lined background. Golconda is also featured during a sequence where Robin Williams and Joan Cusack's characters perform in a music video sequence rife with surreal imagery, much of it Magritte-inspired.
Actors: Mert Togal (producer), Mert Togal (writer), Mert Togal (director), Erkut Tulunay (actor), Erkut Tulunay (producer), Cem Ince (producer), Gencer Ilkoz (producer),
Genres: Animation, Short,Actors: Kaylene Carlson (miscellaneous crew), Brian Ackley (producer), Chip Davis (actor), Chip Davis (actor), Chip Davis (producer), Chip Davis (actor), Chip Davis (composer), Chip Davis (writer), Andy Picheta (director), Lynn Giordano (miscellaneous crew), Arnie Roth (actor), Jamie Vesay (miscellaneous crew), Lora Davis (miscellaneous crew), Rebecca Ferrand (producer), Kelly Davis (miscellaneous crew),
Plot: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Live is a set of Christmas favorites from the group's best-selling Christmas albums. Mannheim Steamroller creator and composer Chip Davis has been recognized with 19 gold, eight multi-platinum and four platinum records and the group is the #1 Christmas music artist in all of history. The group's signature sound, characterized as "classical music meets rock and roll", established a distinctive new genre. While Mannheim Steamroller's music is uniquely moving by itself, Christmas Live captures the experience, sights and sounds of the group live in concert with this holiday release. The beloved holiday performance by some of the most talented musicians today and an intense multimedia presentation results in a powerful and emotional Christmas experience. This 56-minute Christmas concert features many favorite Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics. "Joy to the World" perhaps best epitomizes the distinctive Mannheim Steamroller sound: powerful synthesized melodies and harmonies, an intense drive and pathos, and skillful ornamentation. The accompanying fireworks on a huge, over-stage screen add a striking visual dimension to the song. Several Renaissance-inspired numbers like "In dulci Jubilo" and "Wassail, Wassail" showcase unusual Renaissance instruments and are paired with a rich, on-screen portrayal of a Renaissance feast. The instrumental, theatrical, and multimedia performances are completely evocative of the Spirit of Christmas. Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas concerts have become a holiday tradition, much like decorating the tree, hanging stockings and exchanging presents. Christmas Live has become a permanent part of any Christmas celebration.
Keywords: christmas, concert-film, future, independent-filmActors: Seymour Kneitel (director), Jack Mercer (actor), Jack Mercer (actor), Cecil Roy (actress), Winston Sharples (composer), Jack Mercer (actor), Sam Buchwald (producer), Seymour Kneitel (producer), Izzy Sparber (producer), Seymour Kneitel (writer), Johnny Gruelle (writer), Joyce Terry (actress),
Genres: Animation, Family, Short,