More than most other artists today, Post Malone is a name that comes to mind when you think about chart longevity. Over the past few years, he has had a number of songs that have popped up at or near the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed in the general area for weeks and weeks. Earlier this year, for instance, “Circles” set the record for the most time spent in the top 10 of the chart. Now, though, for the first time in a long time, he currently has no songs on the Hot 100 at all.
Chart Data points out that Malone does not have a song on the Hot 100 for the first time since January 2017. This comes after two of his songs had massive drop-offs: On last week’s chart (dated November 7), “Circles” sat at No. 18 and Ty Dolla Sign’s Malone-featuring cut “Spicy” debuted at No. 53. Neither song appears on the chart dated November 14.
For the first time since January 2017, @PostMalone is not charting on the Hot 100.
Malone has released no singles as a lead artist this year, although he has appeared as a featured artist on some songs in 2020, including Big Sean’s “Wolves,” Justin Bieber’s “Forever,” and Ozzy Osbourne’s “It’s A Raid.”
Ty Dolla Sign is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
TrapHouseJazz pioneer Masego has been working on his Studying Abroad EP for some time and this Friday, he’s ready to release the project in full after dropping the singles “Passport” and “Silver-Tongued Devil” with Shenseea. He’s got one last teaser to share, though, in the form of his bass-heavy new single “Mystery Lady” featuring Don Toliver.
According to the press release, “Studying Abroad is a concept experience that lyrically chronicles a relationship from sultry start to its explosive finish.” He’s also planning a live stream performing songs from the EP on Tuesday, November 17 at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET on his YouTube page. Studying Abroad is the first release from Masego since 2018’s Lady Lady, which became a favorite of critics and fans alike.
Meanwhile, the song gives Don Toliver another feature to add to his growing list of them in 2020. After foregoing an appearance on XXL’s 2020 Freshman Class cover — following in the footsteps of his Cactus Jack mentor Travis Scott — Toliver went on a tear, popping up on Nas’ “Replace Me” with Big Sean, Internet Money’s “Lemonade” with Gunna and Nav, on the “Lemonade” remix with Roddy Ricch, and on Rico Nasty’s “Don’t Like Me” with Gucci Mane.
Listen to “Mystery Lady” above.
Studying Abroad is due 11/13 on EQT Recordings / Capitol. Pre-save it here.
Don Toliver is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
From the moment the first trailer for The Force Awakens hit, the Star Wars sequel trilogy has been a non-stop lightning rod of controversy as fans battled over the creative choices made by the franchise while flying under the Disney banner. So this latest revelation about who George Lucas originally intended as the villain is sure to go over well.
In the new behind the scenes book, The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005, author Paul Duncan takes a deep dive into the making of the prequel trilogy and Lucas’ creative process. Through his research, Duncan discovered that the Star Wars creator had plans for the sequel trilogy that were dramatically different from what Disney delivered and would have involved bringing back the fan-favorite character Darth Maul. Via Polygon:
We already know from various parts of that galaxy far, far away that being cut in half wasn’t enough to stop Darth Maul, but apparently the Sith fighter would have been the main heavy of Lucas’ sequel trilogy with the aid of mechanical legs. Joining him, in theory, was Sith Lord Darth Talon, from the Dark Horse comic book Star Wars: Legacy. Lucas says “Maul eventually becomes the godfather of crime in the universe because, as the Empire falls, he takes over,” and that Talon was the Vader of the trilogy.
If that last part sounds familiar, Maul was revealed to have a similar role in the closing moments of Solo: A Star Wars Story, and he would’ve appeared in the sequel that was shelved after the film underperformed. But while Maul seems to be getting a raw deal when it comes to live-action Star Wars, he was featured prominently in The Clone Wars and Rebels animated series, which are both regarded by fans as some of the franchise’s best work. For proof, look no further than The Mandalorian, which is being shepherded by Clone Wars and Rebels creator Dave Filoni and is easily the hottest thing to happen to Star Wars in years.
As much as Larry Fitzgerald is known for his longevity in the NFL and as one of the greatest wide receivers in league history, his reputation was equally built on his genuine care for the communities he’s part of. From Minnesota where he grew up to the University of Pittsburgh to Arizona where he’s played his entire career, Fitzgerald has ingratiated himself with fans in a real way.
That hasn’t changed during an NFL season in which stadium seats are sparsely filled and fan connection is harder to come by. Fitzgerald will join former ESPN personality Trey Wingo in a “Salute To Service” virtual panel on Tuesday evening in partnership with USAA, the financial services company dedicated to military members and their families. USAA customers will participate in an exclusive Q&A with Fitzgerald in the second of five such events throughout the NFL season. Participants can sign up and ask questions on the company’s website.
Fitzgerald spoke with Uproxx about the event, his commitment to servicemen and women this NFL season, and the Arizona Cardinals’ season so far.
The first thing I wanted to know is what it’s been like trying to connect with fans digitally this year as athletes and leagues have had to adapt to a new reality?
First off I want to thank USAA for giving me the platform in the first place to be able to connect with some of our service men and women, and it’s a pleasure to be able to work with such a wonderful organization that takes advantage of the opportunity (to connect with fans). This has been such an unbelievable year in terms of changes and differences, and being able to do things virtually, it’s been a little bit easier.
This would (normally) require me to drive out to Luke Air Force Base, you would have to organize a big auditorium to be able to fit everyone all in one place, and now if you have Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to connect and get people together. It brings people together from longer distances, it’s pretty easy to organize, so I think it’s a great workaround. Obviously, I would love to be in there shaking hands and taking pictures with the young people and really look them in the eye and tell them thank you. That would be more meaningful to me, but unfortunately we just don’t have that ability, so this is the next best thing, and USAA’s doing a great job bringing everybody together, so I’m really looking forward to the Salute to Service virtual lounge.
What excites you most about the work USAA does and the opportunity to give back your time and energy to these folks who have served in uniform and care so much about the NFL?
For as much as the armed forces do for us as a country, it’s great that USAA has been able to do something for them as well. Whether it’s insurance or banking or so many different platforms, they’re able to support military families around the world and they do a wonderful job. I’m really honored to be able to work with such a wonderful organization to put this together.
I’m excited to be able to share some of my stories, hear some of theirs, and it’s going to be a great time.
We’re talking after a Cardinals loss I realize, but you guys are off to a good start as a team at 5-3, your offense is clicking pretty well. What would you say has been the biggest difference between this year’s team and last year’s team?
We’re more mature. We have a year under our belt in this system, and that has given guys a lot of confidence. Our quarterback (Kyler Murray) is continuing to get better, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league, and whenever you have somebody at that position who can do what he does, it’s going to give you a higher chance to be able to win and be competitive every game. It’s been fun to be able to go through the season. Defensively, we’ve really improved, so it’s been going in the right direction and hopefully we can continue to do that.
I know you probably get asked about this often but I’ll indulge you again if you don’t mind. Just give me a sense of how special it has been to work alongside such a talented receiver like De’Andre Hopkins. Have there been any surprises about having a guy like that in your building this year, anything that he’s done that impressed you or surprised you now that you’ve been around him a few months?
When you get a chance to watch somebody great, even from your perspective as a journalist, you can read somebody’s columns or listen to somebody’s radio show, but when you get a chance to sit down and really watch it live in-person, you have a greater appreciation for the skill set.
Most of the time when you’re watching a guy, you see him on the highlights, the touchdowns, the long plays, but to be able to see him do it consistently, day-in and day-out in practice and how competitive he is, how great of a teammate he is and all these things on a daily basis, it gives you a greater appreciation for why he is who he is and makes you thankful he can be a teammate of yours and that you get a chance to learn from him.
Again, I always hate to talk to guys after tough losses, but you’ve seen all sorts of different seasons play out, so where’s your head at as you think about the rest of this year? What should Cardinals fans and NFL fans expect from this team going forward?
Guys are going to compete, work hard every single day, improve. Wins and losses happen, it’s life, but we have to get prepared for a really good football team in Buffalo next week. That’s where my mindset is. Make sure we clean up the mistakes that we made against the Dolphins and that we don’t make those same mistakes (this week).
You have to be able to let the losses go, let the wins go, and always be looking forward to the next opportunity.
It might seem like the summer — with its lazy afternoons and beverage-demanding heat — is the perfect season for beer. But while it’s tough to beat a refreshing IPAs, pale ale, or wheat beer on a steamy summer day, we believe fall is the best time to throw down a few pints. The changing of the seasons means some days the weather is crisp and cold and other days it’s almost unseasonably warm. Plus there’s more beer in season, from piney IPAs to rich brown ales to deep, chocolaty stouts to crisp sour ales to malt-heavy Scotch ales.
Simply take a look out your window and pair your day with the right beer. Or, better yet — drink what you want, when you want.
To help you find fall beers that haven’t hit your radar yet, we listed eight of our favorites below. Seek them out and enjoy autumn filled with new brews and (hopefully) a few romps through the leaves.
Bearded Iris Fresh on Fresh
ABV: 7.5%
Tasting Notes:
If you haven’t had a few already, this beer will prove to you that fall is a great time for wet-hopped IPAs. These super fresh beers should be enjoyed immediately, as they don’t have much shelf life.
Bearded Iris Fresh on Fresh is filled with the aromas of citrus. From the first sip, you’ll be met with Citra, Simcoe, and fresh, piney Mosiac hops. It’s bright, full of energy, and heavy on the tangerine, grapefruit, and mango sweetness.
Bottom Line:
This beer is fresh, vibrant and should be enjoyed pretty much as soon as you buy it. Sit on a porch or patio before the weather turns any further and taste one last bit of summer in beer form.
North Coast Brother Thelonious
ABV: 9%
Tasting Notes:
Fall is prime time for Belgian-style abbey ales like North Coast Brother Thelonious. Named both for the style of beer as well as jazz legend Thelonious Monk, this beer is rich, malty, and filled with caramel sweetness perfectly suited for chilly fall nights.
Bottom Line:
Throw on some jazz and warm yourself from inside out with this pick — it’s the perfect fall beer.
Silver City Magnificent Bastard
ABV: 9.2%
Tasting Notes:
While not a beer you’ll find everywhere, you’d be remiss if you didn’t at least try to seek out a Scotch ale this fall. One of the best is from Silver City’s Magnificent Bastard. This complex brew is well-balanced with Nugget and Cascade hops as well as Munich, Caramel, Peated, NW Pale, and Black malts.
It’s subtly smoky and filled with sweet vanilla, toasted caramel, and subtly bitter hop notes.
Tasting Notes:
Save this one for a cool night. Pour yourself a pint and feel the whisky-like caramel flavors warm you through and through.
Three Floyds Broo Doo
ABV: 7%
Tasting Notes:
Another wet-hopped IPA, Three Floyds Broo Doo is truly a special fall experience. Before taking a sip, you’ll be struck with a mixture of floral, citrus, and candied fruit flavors.
This beer screams “fresh!” with hints of papaya, mango, and clementines.
Bottom Line:
This pick is perfect for the warmer fall nights but still stands up as the weather grows colder.
Jack’s Abby Shipping Out of Boston
ABV: 5.3%
Tasting Notes:
The name references two things. First the manufacturing history of Boston as well as being a play on the popular Dropkick Murphy’s anthem, “Shipping up to Boston.” The flavor is as rich as the city’s history. Made in the German-style, this amber lager is a great combination of resinous hops and sweet, caramel, and toffee malts.
Bottom Line:
It’s a great beer to pick up after you’re done drinking Jack’s Abby Copper Legend this fall.
Upland Paw Paw
ABV: 6.5%
Tasting Notes:
Proving that fall is the perfect time to branch out into different styles, Upland’s Paw Paw is a barrel-aged fruited sour ale that you’ll want to stock up on for the coming winter. This golden sour ale began as a sour blonde ale that was aged with pawpaw fruit — which tastes like a combination of mango and banana.
The beer itself is tangy, tart, and filled with tropical fruit flavors.
Bottom Line:
Sip it like a wine spritzer — making you dream of warm days in the future while being tart enough to always bring you back to the present.
Night Shift Darkling
ABV: 12.9%
Tasting Notes:
Technically this is a beer brewed for Halloween, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying it for the rest of fall. It’s subtly smoky and filled with hints of espresso, bitter dark chocolate, and a nice kick of creamy vanilla.
Bottom Line:
It’s high in alcohol, luxurious, and warming on a cold, fall night.
Troegs Hop Knife
ABV: 6.2%
Tasting Notes:
A reference to the act of harvesting hops, Hop Knife is a fall seasonal beer filled with both regular hops and dry hops. With the likes of Cascade, Chinook, El Dorado, Centennial, Citra, and Columbus hops, this fresh, crisp brew is filled with hints of orange, grapefruit, tangerine, and juicy pineapple.
Bottom Line:
It’s not your average heavy, malty fall beer and that makes it a perfect respite from the usual.
The 2020 presidential election is over. Voting polls are closed, and while certain sitting politicians refuse to lose with grace and dignity, regular civilians can no longer cast ballots for them.
That may sound like a ridiculously obvious statement to anyone who’s been paying attention to the media circus this past week but when it comes to Trump’s inner circle, particularly his offspring, we’ve found it’s better to keep things simple. And scheduling tweets just seems a bit too complicated for Donald Trump’s second-oldest son, Eric. The poor guy really fudged up the dates on Hootsuite this week, tweeting out to his father’s followers in Minnesota an encouraging plea to get out and vote.
Of course, seven days after Trump lost the state to President-Elect Joe Biden, it’s impossible for even the most fanatic of Trump’s groupies to actually do that, but as funny as this social media gaffe is, we almost feel bad for calling Eric out on it. After all, this is the same dude who was satirized with a fidget spinner.
Twitter doesn’t share any concern for Eric Trump’s wounded pride because the masses are having plenty of fun raking him over the coals for his since-deleted botched rallying cry.
I need the number to the voter fraud hotline to report Eric Trump for clearly trying to break the law and get people to vote after the election deadline. pic.twitter.com/bs8mwLXcWH
Bad Bunny may still be releasing music, but he’s also begun to pivot to other projects. Not only did the Puerto Rican singer recently collaborate with Crocs for his own line of glow-in-the-dark shoes, but now it’s been announced that Bad Bunny secured a role in the upcoming third season of Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico.
Per a press release, Bad Bunny has been cast in the role of Arturo “Kitty” Paez. He’ll play a member of Ramon Arellano Felix’s “Narco Juniors” gang, who are described as wealthy and well connected kids from the upper class who became involved with the cartel after getting a taste of the money, drugs and violence that goes along with the lifestyle.
In a statement about the upcoming season, ex-producer Eric Newman told The Hollywood Reporter what fans can expect to see. “You can look at season one of Mexico as consolidation of power, and season two as the erosion of it — and then what comes in its place is chaos,” Newman said. “If you view the Mexican chapter of Narcos as an acceleration into chaos, the end of season two is very much where we become untethered. We’re hurtling out of control, and where it leads is our incredibly bloody present.”
The release date for the third season has yet to be announced, but Bad Bunny did confirm back in May that filming had already begun. Production was halted due to social distancing measures so time will tell when the new season is ready to launch on Netflix.
One of the many enjoyable aspects of Phora’s artistry is the meticulous approach to his songs. They’re crafted with care and an understanding of the emotional burden they carry, both for himself and the awaiting listener who relates to his creations. Let it be known that these bodies of work aren’t emotional dumps that leave his fans overwhelmed and sprinting towards the nearest source of happiness. Instead, you’re slowly reeled into the Anaheim native’s works of art thanks to his patience with delivering his pain at a digestible rate.
This pain is derived from both Phora’s past and present, becoming a foundational piece to his music. Every year for the past eight years, he’s returned with a new project that finds him depicting his world for fans, one filled with ailments caused by love, the natural bane of the world, and more. Replicating the concept he put forth on his 2016 project, With Love, Phora makes his mark in a new decade with its sequel.
Prior to the release of With Love in 2016, Phora sent a message to fans on Twitter, which read in part, “Guaranteed to get u through what ur going thru, and let u know I’m with u.” This olive branch of support and comfort is once again offered on With Love 2 and it doesn’t take him long to deliver it on the new album. With support from rap newcomer Toosii, he and Phora allude to the triggers they suffer from following traumatic experiences in their lives. “Traumatized from the past and the pain is the only thing I run from,” Phora says on the song’s chorus. Shortly after, he adds a brief message of perseverance singing, “But I’m ten toes down, and I won’t let it break me.” Rather than drown in these struggles, the Anaheim native thugs it out knowing that his success will motivate someone else’s.
The uplifting reminders continue all throughout the album. “This Weekend” with Ty Dolla Sign offers a moment of relaxation and intimacy that only two lovebirds can indulge in when their respective guards are down. “Stars In The Sky” with Jhene Aiko and “Love Yourself 2” are additional tracks that present Phora as a man who has momentarily broken out the thick webs of depression, anxiety, and trauma — topics he has often mentioned in his work over the years. The latter track boasts a comforting pair of lines that says, “Music reminds me that pain is temporary / Flowers remind me that rain is necessary.” The vibrant beauties of Phora’s world helped him realize that the gloomy clouds that frequently sat above him were nothing more than temporary.
While an optimistic view towards life is certainly part of the goal on With Love 2, it’s not approached in a way that is blind or ignorant to Phora’s struggles and ill moments. From the pain that haunts him after the love of his life departs on “Destiny’s Song” to the suicidal thoughts that takeover his mind on “Sinner Pt. 4,” Phora is oftentimes staring over a cliff’s edge on the project. Every flight has a landing and unfortunately for him, these landings tend to err on the rough side of things. Despite this, Phora’s moment to take off and return to the highs of life is just around the corner. For the time being, however, all he can do is tend to the present and push through it in preparation for the future.
“I learned that it’s not over when you lose, it’s only over when you quit.” These lines on “Love Yourself 2” aren’t delivered in a championing sentiment that allows Phora to pat himself on the back after defeating his demons. No, it’s for you the listener who drowns in the heavy and overwhelming pile of bullsh*t that life has to offer. French novelist Gustave Flaubert once said, “One can be the master of what one does, but never of what one feels,” and Phora’s new album embodies that quote to a T. Attempting to control these outside forces is like trying to grab air with your bare hands; no matter how many times you try, your attempts will always come up empty-handed. Phora has no power over the things, good or bad, that come his way. Instead of trying to gain this power, he puts his energy towards the people around him who experience his struggle. The Anaheim native tries day in and day out to conquer his demons, just like the rest of us, and it’s a comforting thing to know this battle isn’t a solo effort.
Christopher Osburn has spent the past fifteen years in search of “the best” — or at least his very favorite — sips of whisk(e)y on earth. In the process, he’s enjoyed more whisk(e)y drams than his doctor would dare feel comfortable with, traveled to over 20 countries testing local spirits, and visited more than fifty distilleries around the globe.
The most exciting aspect of being a bourbon fan in 2020 is that a new, intriguing, delicious bottle is always right around the corner. Sure, this refers to the bottles currently sitting on shelves that you haven’t had a chance to taste yet, but it also reminds us of the special releases dropping on a regular basis.
With the end of the year coming up, I decided to crack open my tasting notebook again and share six of my favorite bourbon releases from the past two years. Check them out and try a few for yourself… if you can find them, that is.
The late Booker Noe gave Freddie Noe (8th generation Beam family member) the nickname “Little Book.” When it was time to make whiskey of his own, Freddie looked to his grandfather for inspiration. The four unfiltered and uncut bourbons are blended to pay tribute to the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection brands (Basil Hayden’s. Knob Creek, Booker’s, and Baker’s).
Tasting Notes:
Freddie worked hard on this, so give it the nosing it deserves. If you do, you’ll be met with aromas of sweet brown sugar, charred oak, subtle herbal hints, and sweet caramel. The first sip yields subtle cooking spices, rich cream, butterscotch, and sweet heat. The finish is long, warming, and filled with spicy pepper and pleasing cinnamon.
Bottom Line:
Since each Little Book offering is unique, they should be treated that way. Sip on this one slowly in a rocks glass over one solitary ice cube.
First released in October of 2019, this bottle replaces Heaven Hill’s 6-year-old bottled in bond bourbon. Who knows why they did it, but the old bottle is retired and this one was aged for one more year. Now officially the flagship bourbon of the distillery, it sports a high corn content (78%) and is exceedingly mellow, subtly spicy, and highly sippable.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, your nostrils will be filled with hints of charred oak, sweet caramel, and rich clover honey. The first sip is very dry and brings forth subtle cinnamon followed by smoky tobacco, toasted oak, velvety vanilla, and toasted marshmallows. The finish is long, warming, and filled with baking spices and ends with a final flourish of creamy caramel.
Bottom Line:
This bottle is a bargain at under $40. You can feel comfortable mixing with it, but it shines neat or on the rocks.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
ABV: 47%
Price: Was $50, now $100
The Story:
Released in September 2020, this bourbon consists of fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch that is matured for a second time in toasted new oak casks that were air-dried for 18 months before toasting and flash charring. The result is a unique bourbon with extra notes of charred oak, caramel, and vanilla.
Tasting Notes:
This bourbon was matured a second time to impart extra flavors. That alone should be enough for you to spend a few moments nosing it. You’ll be met with hints of charred oak, toasted caramel, spicy cinnamon, and dried cherries. The first sip delivers peppery spice followed by sticky toffee, creamy vanilla, and cocoa. The finish is medium in length, warming, and filled with peppercorn spice and mellow caramel.
Bottom Line:
While this isn’t the most expensive bourbon, it’s high quality enough to be sipped slowly on a cool fall evening.
Weller Full Proof
ABV: 57%
Price: was $50, now $475
The Story:
Back in June of 2019, Buffalo Trace dropped Weller Full Proof. A new addition to the Weller lineup that includes Antique 107, Special Reserve, 12 Year, Single Barrel, and C.Y.P.B, this offering was bottled at 114 proof, the same alcohol level the distilled whiskey was when it began aging. Like all of Weller’s offerings, this one is limited-edition and will likely be offered every summer.
The expression once carried a palatable price tag of $50, but due to its limited availability, the aftermarket price has soared.
Tasting Notes:
If you give this offering a nosing, you’ll be met with caramelized sugar, sweet vanilla, and fruit cake. The first sip yields toasted oak, mouth-watering caramel, subtle cinnamon, and just a hint of peppery spice. The finish is long, filled with pleasing heat, and ends in a final crescendo of cinnamon warmth.
Bottom Line:
If you can manage to get your hands on a bottle for a reasonable price, good for you. Don’t waste it by mixing it. You can use the brand’s flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon for that. Sip this one slowly and discover the rich flavors.
This high corn (68%), high wheat bourbon doesn’t carry an age statement, but it’s assumed they range in age from 6 to 8 years old. It’s non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength. The most exciting aspect is that this barrel proof bourbon is released three times per year (January, May, and September) and each offering is different, using different small-batch bourbons.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, you’ll be treated to aromas of spicy cinnamon, charred oak, sweet vanilla, and the smell of the rickhouse itself. The first sip brings with it caramelized sugar, pleasing honey, cooking spices, and dried fruits. The finish is long, warming, and ends in a combination of spicy cinnamon and sticky toffee.
Bottom Line:
This high proof bourbon works well in your favorite cocktails, but if you’re going to spend over $50 for a bottle, we suggest you at least try it neat or on the rocks.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2020
ABV: 55.4%
Price: $59.99
The Story:
This limited-edition bourbon is something truly special. It’s wood finished, meaning that after maturation, the brand’s beloved Cask Strength Bourbon is added to barrels that contain Maker’s Mark’s specially designed wooden staves made from French oak and American oak. The bourbon is then rested with these wooden staves. The result is a complex whiskey that melds old and new aging techniques.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, you’ll find the aromas of rich, salted caramel, toasted oak, and creamy, sweet vanilla. The first sip brings brown sugar, rich almonds, dried cherries, and toasted vanilla beans. The finish is long, warming, and loaded up with mellow caramel and faint cinnamon.
Bottom Line:
This limited-edition bourbon is well suited as a sipper on a chilly fall evening. Sip it over ice to let it bloom as you sit on a porch with a blanket on your lap, enjoying the crisp air.
It was not lost on both of us that of all Jan de Bont’s films – in which many are pop culture canon like Speed and Twister – that the focus of the interview would be on his 1999 horror film, The Haunting. (The reason being is because Paramount has released a nifty new Blu-ray.) When talking to de Bont, you can tell his feelings on the film are a mixed bag. But, like a lot of people, his admiration for the film over the years has grown. At the time, even though it made a lot of money, it was derided for too much CGI. Also, not much attention was given to the cast, but now, retroactively – Liam Neeson (before he was really an action star), Lili Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, and even a cameo from a creepy Bruce Dern – it’s an all-star cast. (With a crazy sequence involving a statue of a lion eating Owen Wilson’s head, which de Bont walks us through ahead.
But then, in 2003, de Bont film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life … and that was it for him. It’s been 17 years since the director of Speed has made a film. And ahead, he explains the experience on that film was so bad it turned him off of Hollywood filmmaking. But, with streamers at the forefront today, he does hint that, maybe, he’d be open to a return.
In the pantheon of movies you’ve done, where The Haunting rank for you? I am surprised of all your movies, this one is the focus.
Yeah, I understand. It doesn’t relate too much to the other projects I’ve worked on, of course. It relates to some other movies I worked on as a cinematographer. Maybe it might be more clear to you when I explain that this project was developed by Spielberg.
Right.
I was working on that film, Minority Report, which I was really excited about. And before I was working still on Twister, the post production. And Spielberg got Tom Cruise to work on Minority Report. Then he said, “Why don’t you take the movie I was going to do, The Haunting, and I can do this with Tom Cruise when he’s available for his scheduling.” And so it is kind of… I would have probably not chosen it if it was coming out of nowhere.
I see.
But because we could have lost Minority Report and he wanted to make it, and he wanted Tom Cruise. so basically that’s how I got involved in The Haunting. But I said I liked it. It’s not, like you said, it wouldn’t be top of my list to working on, but I thought it was intriguing because I like the idea of the vulnerable kind of innocent, believing young girl coming to this place. Then there’s a whole different and darker side to that house, but she refuses to see that, and she refuses to really believe there’s evil in the house. So I thought it was interesting to do that.
I get the impression more people like this movie now than they did then.
Yeah. You’re exactly right, because I had experienced the same thing. Because I go to Europe and meet film students, and journalists, and they liked the movie, too. Because the initial reaction in the United States was really looking at The Haunting more as a remake of the old black and white movie. And of course, it’s nothing even close to that. And they see it much more as a separate movie that’s a totally different interpretation.
I have two theories why. The first is, people then seemed to complain about the CGI. I don’t think anyone would watch this today and go, “What’s all this CGI?” I think people would just go, “Oh yeah, this is a normal movie.”
Yeah, exactly. In hindsight, I have to say, I don’t mind the CGI when he appears, because that you cannot do it for real. But it could have been more mysterious, like if you really don’t quite know if it moved, but it did move, but maybe you might’ve mistaken interpreting it that way. And you’re right. And now everybody’s so used to seeing all those things in a big effect movie, or an action movie.
The other thing is, and I don’t know if you’ve thought about this, you retroactively have this amazing cast that probably was not appreciated then. Even Liam Neeson. Obviously he was very famous. He had just been in Star Wars before this came out. But people didn’t really know him as the action star from Taken yet.
Yeah, exactly.
People weren’t used to him in this more action-y role. And you’ve got Owen Wilson before he’s famous. Catherine Zeta Jones. People just knew her from Mask of Zorro. So you have all these big name stars in it that weren’t quite where we think of them today.
Well, actually, I loved casting at the time. But to me, it is such a big danger casting a star in a movie that depends on a lot of actions and reactions. And if you see, let’s say, Julia Roberts. If she would have been in this movie that, for instance, you always will see Julia Roberts reacting to something. You’d never see the character. And that would be devastating for the movie. With Lili Taylor, nobody knew Lili Taylor, or barely. She had only been in independent movies. But she’s such an amazing actress. And she was completely great. And so was Owen Wilson. And so was Catherine Zeta Jones. Completely different characters that hadn’t been seen yet, too much.
Probably Say Anything, right? Most people knew her from that?
Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Yeah. That’s it. In hindsight, it looks like a cast that people remember.
Rewatching, I completely forgot Owen Wilson was in this. Also I love that his character’s name is Luke, which is his brother’s name.
And I liked him for the part because he could put a little lighter moments in it to take the scare, or some of the fear factors, out. And I think he’s perfect for this movie. He makes me laugh, but not like a big broad laugh. He makes me smile a little bit. And that’s really good if you can achieve that in a movie like this.
He has an amazing death scene. He gets his head bitten off by a lion statue.
[Laughs] That doesn’t happen all the time.
Paramount
I made an audible reaction.
Yeah, and actually, it was a scene that we had to make a copy of his facial expressions. So you have to act an expression, a reaction, that you don’t know if he would ever do that in real life. And so you have to be really careful it’s not too big, or it’s not too little. Because in real life, if you see that lion’s head come at you the reaction would be there. And then it would be in total shock and total fear. So we had to kind of pick something in the middle. And it was kind of, some of the takes it worked. And with other takes it didn’t work so well. And we had to kind of darken it a little bit.
Bruce Dern is in this movie, briefly. How did that happen?
I had met him once before, and I thought it needed a guy that we can put down fairly quickly what he’s all about. And, of course, you know how he acts.
I do.
And how expressive he is in this in his face. So the very first time you see him, and she meets him at the gate, and you know right away, there’s something really not quite right with him. You know? And that is so good that he can do that, almost in one or two shots. And he can do that. He’s perfectly right for that.
During the pandemic I’ve re-watched a lot of your movies…
Oh, really?
Obviously I watched Speed for the first time in five or six years. And Twister. I am curious, what have you been doing? After Laura Croft: Tomb Raider – Circle of Life you stopped making movies.
Yeah. It was not such a great experience. But more from the reason how the studio tried to really interfere with it in a way. And the thing itself is that the makers of the game were also involved. And they never told me that they, also, have a say in the story.
Right…
Suddenly there were all these changes that have taken, and who had to be what, and what cast. And then suddenly it became such a big scene. Everything was a big deal. And then the very first day of shooting, it was in Greece, on the Island. The very first day, we got a call, “Oh, I want to congratulate you on your first day. And by the way, you have to cut $12 million out of your budget.” The very first day! And in those days, $12 million, that’s like four scenes.
Of course.
And I said, wait a second. So what happens to the storyboard? You’re going to create massive gaps in this story. And then how do you fill it? What are you going to replace it with? And then that kept following us. It was really … it’s a pity. I kind of like working with her [Angelina Jolie], and she’s a character, but I thought she was a very interesting character to work with. She’s definitely very opinionated. But not in a negative way, I feel. She was difficult to work with, but for me it was, probably, not a problem. I didn’t really see anything negative at that time. And I really ended up liking her very much, so.
And then basically you say, wait a second, every movie’s going to be like this? Where the studio has a say in what will be done, what scenes have to be in, and even what kind of shirts somebody has to wear at one point? They didn’t like the buttons on one shirt! I still remember, I got a call, “I didn’t like the buttons on the shirt.” I don’t even remember. What was the guy’s name? The male lead in that movie? Man, I forgot his name. But then, “Wait a second. You’re calling me because you don’t like the buttons on the shirt?” That was so absurd. Really. And then also having to really constantly deal with budget issues.
I’m guessing Ciarán Hinds?
There were films that I wanted to work on, and unfortunately they also did not get made. None of them got made. I said, wait a second, is this too much work? This is too difficult. Because I felt this wasn’t a traditional period, where studios were taking a much bigger part in the making of the movie. And it became… that’s not worth it. You know?
But with Netflix and all the streaming services, it seems like little interference, comparatively.
Oh, there is hardly any. They like the script and that’s it. And then go and make it, you know?
Well, you should do that. I want to see another movie from you.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I have to say that I did like some of those series a lot, and I’ve followed them from A to Z, all the episodes, and I cannot stop watching until it’s over. So, who knows. I don’t know.
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