Question about ‘W.’ leaves Stone at a loss for words

• Last Updated: December 13. 2008 9:30AM UAE / December 13. 2008 5:30AM GMT

He has never been known for mincing his words but even Oliver Stone, the controversial director of W., was left speechless when asked by a TV presenter whether his hapless protagonist liked his film.

Stone was accosted on the red carpet at Dubai International Film Festival by the City 7 presenter, who would have done well to do her research before sweetly inquiring whether George W Bush, the US president, had helped him with the movie.

The director has for years been openly critical of Mr Bush, describing him as doing “perhaps more damage than any other president”. So it was little wonder he growled: “This is not a nice movie about Bush!” before stomping off.

Bollywood blockbusters?

They left the best for last: after a dismal year at the box office for Bollywood, the industry is gearing up for three major releases which are tipped to boost earnings.

This year has seen a number of high-profile flops including Love Story 2050 and Drona – the big-budget films that attempted to move away from the typical genres in Bollywood, to explore science fiction and animation. However, debates are raging ahead of the release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (Match Made in Heaven) starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, the actor-director duo have previously successfully made several romantic comedies that still play in some theatres in Mumbai. However, since the three-day terrorist siege in Mumbai, questions abound about people returning to cinemas, safety issues in public places and honouring the mood of the city, which continues to be sober but resilient.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be simultaneously released internationally, including in the UAE, this weekend. Ghajini, starring Aamir Khan and Jumbo, an animated feature with the voice of Akshay Kumar, will be released later this month.

Action that jumps out at you

“Markets” sound a little too business-like to really be fun, but the Dubai Film Market has turned that notion on its head.

Upon entering its location at the Hotel Minas Asalam, one encounters a large plasma TV screen that appears to be showing video images that are grainy and out of focus. Ziad Yaghi, the director of the festival’s first market, approaches, a devilish grin on his face and a pair of sunglasses, or so they appear, in his hand.

Put on the glasses and the TV images literally spring to life, allowing a full 3D experience of auto racing, paragliding, American football, international basketball and a host of other activities. The images are crystal clear and courtesy of Sanford Climan of the company 3ality. Climan will be in town for the festival, hoping to convince filmmakers and broadcasters that 3D is the future.

A muse with high energy

Congratulations to Michael Turda, the Filipino illustrator whose painting, I Am Legend, took first prize at the Art of Can contest last week.

The award was to honour art inspired by the energy drink Red Bull. Turda’s entry, which beat stiff competition from an overwhelmingly Pinoy field, showed a wild scrum of white-suited men pursuing a levitating Red Bull can.

It was far from being the maddest entry; you can judge for yourself which piece bears that distinction if you visit Galleria at the Mall of the Emirates before Dec 19.

For his own part, Turda seemed bemused his success. “It’s quite a surprise because I did the artwork for a few days only,” he told Sama Dubai TV’s Rahal al Tawil at the ceremony. One might suggest that a few days is quite a long time to spend making free advertising for a soft drinks company, but good on him all the same.

falcon@thenational.ae