Cool News
A spy stumbles upon Adrien Brody pulling off a con in Prague! First BROTHERS BLOOM filming report and photos here!!!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here, with a report sent in by "Josef K" who stumbled upon Adrien Brody and the film crew of THE BROTHERS BLOOM while vacationing in the lovely city of Prague.
I've talked a little about this flick on the site. I'm a big fan of Rian Johnson's script and an even bigger fan of his first outing as a director, last year's BRICK. There are whispers that I might make it onset before they wrap and if I do, I'll be sure to fill you in on my adventures.
Below you'll get some photos and a report on what Josef K saw, including our first look at Brody in costume.
The Prague sequence is actually a pretty compelling part of the movie, so I won't spoil much, but I will say that there is a con going on (maybe more than one in this sequence) involving a break-in and even a little bang.
Hi Quint,
I've just returned from a few days holiday in Prague, during which time I managed to stumble upon location filming for Rian Johnson's Brick follow-up, currently entitled The Brothers Bloom (alternate title: Penelope).
I loved Brick but still know precious little about The Brothers Bloom. What I have known for sure since seeing Brick was that I was very much looking forward to Rian's next project. Therefore, it was a totally unexpected delight to run across the man himself, plus cast and crew, in the Czech capital. (Incidentally, if you've never been to Prague: lovely people, amazing culture and history, home of Kafka, Dvořák, Miloš Forman, world-class beer, go!)
OK, to my report... The two Prague locations and dates that I can confirm for filming were: Prague Castle (14th April) and Old Town Square (15th April). Following are merely my observations of some scenes concerning what I now know to be the 'Prague con' section of the movie - spoiler-free, folks, because unlike Quint, the lucky old sea dog, I haven't read the script. That said, for those who don't already know, the film's essentially a globetrotting con-man flick, referencing such previous classics as The Sting, House of Games and even Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
1) Prague Castle. As I approach the main entrance to the castle, I'm a little taken aback to see a large crowd of people in period costumes running through the courtyard and out of the gates. From a distance, it appears to be some kind of historical re-enactment, but it quickly becomes apparent that there is also a film crew present. When I spot Adrien Brody and Rian Johnson, it all falls into place. I'm immediately struck by Brody's costume: it seems to be early 20th century, and a quick glance at some of the extras would appear to verify that this is indeed a period film. Oddly, though, there are a few extras that are clearly in modern dress, and the uniforms of the security guards in this sequence seem late 20th century. What's going on? Rian Johnson offered a clue in an online interview with Chud.com: "It’s not period but it’s very much its own world, if that makes any sense."
The next set-up involves a dolly track with a quick push in towards the castle gates as the extras continue to flee the castle and Brody comes running in from the opposite direction, jumping up onto the gates moments after they have been closed by security guards. He looks through the gates in desperation for some seconds. Whatever or whomever is meant to be in the reverse angle is not, however, apparent.
2) Old Town Square. Less to report here, unfortunately. I observed a couple of set-ups, one very early morning, the other mid-afternoon. The first took place pretty much opposite the Astronomical Clock, with Brody and (I believe) Rinko Kikuchi walking past some of the facades in the square. The second set-up took place at or inside a doorway further along the street, unfortunately more or less out of sight.
Alas, Rachel Weisz was nowhere to be seen, quite possibly because the 'Prague con' does not concern her character (Penelope). The absence of la Weisz notwithstanding, this was all very intriguing. I'll let Quint fill out the article with any tidbits he cares to add which might offer some more context.
Call me 'Josef K.'
If you've never seen the Astrological Clock in Prague, here's a snap of it I took in my travels last year:
The cast is a strong one and Johnson just recently added Maximilian Schell (BLACK HOLE) and Robbie Coltrane (KRULL... and Hagrid, too) to the list. Hope you enjoyed the quick peek into the production. Hopefully, I'll be able to give you more in the near future.
-
+ Expand All
-
Maximilian Schell? That's cool.
-
The weather matches with the photos, assuming they're recent. We've had Spring Skies here since January. I only hope I get a better glimpse of the filmmaking process personally. Prague is a beautiful city, only hope that whatever they're planning compliments the beauty of human creation instead of destroying it. I've seen too many 'Day After Tomorrow' flicks lately to nab my interest in anything with a pessimistic outlook of the human condition. Give me a reason to care and to pay for, that's my advice. Because people aren't stupid and there're enough reasons not to give a damn already. Here's lookin upward...
-
I rock...
-
what about The Manolete movie?
-
...their 'travels' to Prague. Everyone I've ever known that's gone there comes back and must relate everything to Prague. Hmmm... how can I work Prague into the conversation. It's like Douchebag Central or something. No offense Quint, I'm sure you're not a douchebag, I just hate Prague and hearing about it.
-
Just like Prague.
-
Prague isn't "Douchebag Central" unless you bring it with you. If you've ever been to Praha, you'd find little reason to hate it. Stop spewing your angst against a location you're too unmotivated to see for yourself. It's one of the most beautiful but still inexpensive locations on the planet (civilized locations) to film and Hollywood is all over it, for good (Casino Royale) or bad (XXX, many others). If you hate a place you've never been you're really just revealing self loathing and this site has enough of vermin doing that. I'll not 'stimulate' you with my experience in this breathtaking city, but strongly suggest you get off your overfed (statistically) ass and get some exercise in some of the most beautiful locations I've ever breathed in before all the culture you get is out of the Hollywood machine. And believe you me, Prague Castle at 3 in the morning, even on a below zero winter's night with the right person beside you will be a moment you reflect upon when you're dying in a hospital from heart failure and second guessing your faith in humanity. 'Nuf Said.
-
Seriously, though, I just caught Brick a few weeks ago and loved the perspective and the direction. Rian Johnson got the most out of limited resources, which is a good measure for true talent. (I have to admit, I love the ingenuity of low-budget camera tricks and directorial touches.) These have to be heady times for him, getting pulled up to directing Academy Award level folks. (Though Levitt will probably get to that realm soon enough, too.)
-
always a pleasure to get an original voice out there. i'm psyched for this. and am i a design dork or is that gnarly clock the model for the clock used in the tower in the HP movies?
-
Hpoe I'm nor being too negative...
-
...but more as an exercise or a clever parody than as a serious film.The actors all pulled off their roles admirably and it was interesting to see how the archetypes of crime noir translated into a modern setting.But the language, while well handled for the intent of the piece, prevented me from taking it seriously. I kept thinking about how it was just a few musical numbers, cute costumes and cream-puff launchers away from being a Bugsy Malone remake.Again, not trying to undermine what Brick accomplished. It's very clever. But I'd like to see our friend Johnson try tackling a real story without any gimmicks.Maybe that's what this will be?
-
looks coool indeed
-
THAT is douchebag central. prague is a wonderful city...
-
There I go being negative again....
-
In fact, I'm dowloading the film now. Yeah, I'm subverting the system and my mind is expanding because of it. I know what I'm doing is 'bad for "the industry"' but my perspective is a little off, having lived in Praha for the last few years. Film is my entertainment and has been my salvation,.. and I love working with young people, with film, for their own understanding of the human condition as well as mine. The trailer intrigued me, though it's hard to find a great film using young talent now days. The talent has been getting better, it's just the quality of the films has been going down,.. Anyone ever see BETTER LUCK TOMORROW? I loved that film. Despite it's MTV connection.. I really liked MEAN CREAK as well. What other great acting have we seen from OK scripts and productions using young actors lately? Anyone care to indulge me? I'm always on the lookout..
-
If you're gonna visit Prague...and I highly recommend it...go before 2010. That's when they're supposed to start using the Euro. The Czechs still use their own currency. I scored some great great smoke there. Paid 300 crowns.....something like 14 bucks.
-
I'll back Prague23. if you're gonna be sensitive about a city, Prague is a good choice. it is fantastic. although it was crowded as all hell during last summer's World Cup.
-
me like
-
... at your own belly buttons. See heads start to rise, violence *is* going to ensue.
-
Many places in Praha already accept the Euro, FYI. Usually multi-national companies, expat owned places and lots o places in the center. When I arrived in July of 2005 the exchange rate from US dollars to Czech Krowns was roughly 26 Krowns to the dollar. As of this moment, it's 20.62/1 dollar. Mostly because of the decline in the value of the dollar. So I'd say go as soon as you can. THE most threatening negitive future aspect that would affect this city would be if the Olympics were held here like those folks are planning. The Olympics have caused many a city to overlook it's cultural heritage LAWS and have caused the destruction of many places in the name of Capitalistic greed. Praha is already tourist packed in the summer anyway. The Olympics would be the most destructive force to this city since the summer of 2002 floods.
-
Is there anything I missed Prague23? :) Spent a fantastic night in that five story nightclub on Charles Bridge. Best view from a club ever, as I was on the fifth floor and the sun came up over the river and all the bridges and the city. Beautiful. And I have done all the Ibizan clubs too.
-
I should get it within the next few days...And regarding Prague, I've never been, but my wife got to go for work several years ago and she loved it. Said it was a beautiful city.
-
sorry to namedrop but was actually there last week lovely city and amazing women. went to radost FX on saturday, fantastic club / bar. people of prague i salute you. you lte us come into your city, drink your beer and play around with your beautiful women. i salute you!
-
Been there twice during summer and winter. Relatively inexpensive there. Fantastic beer, beautiful architecture and stunning women. A friend asked me what the women were like. "It's like walking through the pages of Vogue Magazine." We played a game of spot the ugly chick, and that was pretty tough to do.
-
I'd also include that Prague sports the most beautiful and unspoiled Baroque archetecture & one of the best public transportation systems in the world, on par with Berlin. But also has very saturated array of pickpockets. & I've never met a hooker that wasn't a complete bitch or thief. They'll walk straight up to you, put one hand on your cock, their tongue in your eye and in 2 seconds your wallet is gone. So I don't carry one :-)
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 171 total posts 169 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 157 total posts 111 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 138 total posts 75 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 67 total posts 67 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 479 total posts 62 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 59 total posts 59 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 62 total posts 59 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 48 total posts 45 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 116 total posts 32 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 181 total posts 30 posts