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Alexander Payne

Hailing from the US state of Nebraska, Alexander Payne has forged a unique path from small-town America to the lauded heights of Hollywood; his films include Sideways (2004), Nebraska (2013), and his latest hit The Holdovers (2023). Let’s take a look at some of his signature trademarks. Human relationships From Citizen Ruth (1996) all the way to The Holdovers , Alexander Payne’s films consistently explore human relationships and communication. Characters clash, eventually finding unexpected bonds in a blend of comedy and sincerity - a surefire way to know that you’re watching one of his films. Satirical humour Incorporating satirical wit and dark humour into his storytelling, Payne crafts a distinctive blend of depth and levity. His films confront serious themes with a touch of irony, providing a fresh perspective on societal norms and

that has left a lasting impression on you?

APRIL

I would have to say The Aristocats . It was an obsession, to put it lightly, and I still remember most

of the songs. I loved the humour and the absurd plot line. Surprisingly though, I’m not particularly a cat person. What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . It is such an adventurous take on the main character’s emotional journey, and it has fabulous settings and imaginative events. It was a great journey which started from such a mundane task. What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? Undoubtedly The Office . It shaped the humour I have today, and it has connected me with many people. It was recommended to me by my best friend, and I have never stopped recommending it to people to watch.

STACK’s ROVING REPORTER

human behaviour. Environment

Places and environments are often the foundation of Payne’s stories. Picturesque backdrops such as vineyards, prairies, and beaches provide a natural stage for his characters to play against, further extracting normality from what are often unusual situations.

TEAGAN KELLY @ JB Glendale, NSW

Eric Bana returns in Force of Nature , the highly anticipated sequel to The Dry , while the legendary Ethan Coen goes it solo for the new crime caper Drive-Away Dolls . Mean Girls also gets a modern musical revival starring Australia’s Angourie Rice. On The Radar

What’s the best thing about working at JB? The people. Getting to know the people I work with, I can say they’re wonderful, and they make my days the best. Also meeting the customers who come in; they have great stories to tell.

What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’ve been loving The 100 . I’m not finished yet, but so far I’m hooked. It keeps me on the edge of my seat. The plot is so interesting to me, and holds great character development.

What’s a movie you saw as a child

QUIZ

movie Gunga Din ? Q3 What continuing star role was played by a fellow named Pal? Q4 What future famous star of the 1950s has one single line of dialogue talking to a soda jerk played by Rock Hudson in a 1952 movie? Q5 Two films, 1932 and 1953, with two different titles but the same story with the same lead actor. Name the two films and the actor? Q6 Who was originally offered the director’s chair

for The Godfather ? Q7 Which pioneering

Hollywood film director had a hot water tub installed in his office after claiming he got his best ideas soaking in a bath? Q8 What favourite possession was James Bond ordered to surrender in Dr. No ? Q9 On the Town (1949) - which town? Q10 Which film did George

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Q1 What 1968 disaster movie had a geographically incorrect title? Q2 Who in 1962 directed

Third Jurassic Park trilogy Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment have recently unveiled plans for a new trilogy of Jurassic Park movies, tentatively titled Jurassic City. Renowned British filmmaker Gareth Edwards, known for his work on The Creator and Godzilla , is set to direct, with David Koepp, the original film’s screenwriter, on board to pen the script for the first instalment. Steven Spielberg will serve as an executive producer for the project. While details about the storyline remain scarce, reports suggest that Scarlett Johansson is in talks for a starring role. Universal has also revealed that the trilogy will exist within the same universe, but will mark a fresh start for the franchise, with none of the previous cast members returning.

the western that was basically a remake of the 1939 adventure

Lucas acknowledge as inspiration for the plot of Star Wars ?

MARCH 2024 (Issue 233) ANSWERS - A1. George Sanders A2. Laurence Olivier for Hamlet (1948) A3. Linda Hunt played the male character Billy Kwan in The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) A4. Cops (1922) starring Buster Keaton A5. Danny Aiello played Jack Ruby, who assassinated Lee Harvey Oswald, depicted in the movie Ruby A6. Shane A7. Hal Roach A8. Armageddon , delivered by the character Rockhound, played by Steve Buscemi A9. Bob Hope A10. Martin Scorsese

22 APRIL 2024

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