PARK CITY, Utah -- In the psychological thriller The Jacket, Adrien Brody plays a man caged, bound and stuffed into the corpse drawer of a hospital morgue. Brody the actor can relate. Since winning the Academy Award for The Pianist, he's wriggled free of the suffocating career confines that can come with sudden fame and clout. Instead of headlining high-concept blockbusters, he's taken on supporting roles in films such as last year's The Village. Hardly what you'd expect from a gifted performer with the quirky confidence to kiss Halle Berry as he accepted his Oscar. [More]

Driscoll's Doll points us to an article at the Milwaukee Journal Online.

“This may be one of the biggest movies ever made but it’s made like an independent film, said Brody. “Peter and his team are autonomous. It’s incredibly creative and incredibly detail-oriented. The characters are very compelling, and I think it’s going to be the definitive ‘King Kong.’ ” [More]

From contactmusic.com: Hollywood star Naomi Watts is certain fans will accept Andy Serkis as KING KONG in the forthcoming remake - because his ability to capture a gorilla's behaviour has astounded her. Watts is currently filming the movie in New Zealand, and has been left amazed by the efforts of Serkis, who played GOLLUM in the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. She says, "What Andy brings to the party is like a whole art form. I mean, he's a gorilla! He is a gorilla! It's not just a guy in a monkey suit. "I didn't know what to expect going in. But Andy went to Rwanda to study the gorillas for two weeks. He worked in the London Zoo for two months and fed the gorillas. He completely understands the behaviour and is dedicated to getting it right. "So I'm getting something. When I look into his eyes, I'm getting monkey. It's incredible."

AICN's Quint weighs in again with his second report (of three) from his visit to New Zealand and the King Kong set. Take a look! [More]

After months of planning and construction work, director Peter Jackson's detailed replica of New York is about to come to life. Jackson announced on a website that cameras would roll on the set in Lower Hutt from today. The New York scenes are expected to include large numbers of extras in 1930s clothing and cars and other vehicles from the period. Shooting of his $200 million film King Kong took a break over Christmas. For the past two weeks, Jackson has been working with film editor Jamie Selkirk editing footage. [More]

New York Panorama

Gandalf writes: Well a lot has taken place in the last two weeks. After my break I returned to the set today to find it bustling with activity. A huge marquee and cast caravans now occupy the carpark - all the cars being parked along the gravel road surrounding the set with access now restricted by security. Most of the store fronts now appear painted, many sporting verandahs, although lots of scaffold is still in use. Lots to see in this selection of photos, including more posts for the elevated tracks, large green screens, camera towers, the painted tram on the street and some old vintage cars. I also learned that residents in the area received letters, similar to the one I received prior to filming on the Skull Island set, informing them of pending night filming and advising them not to be alarmed by sound effects... I've also included an updated panorama showing the set in its entirety. [More]

Adrien Brody's latest film 'The Jacket' will premiere tonight at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is about a military veteran who goes on a journey into the future, where he can foresee his death and is left with questions that could save his life and those he loves. It also stars Keira Knightley and Kris Kristofferson. [Sundance.com]

Kong Fan writes: I recently finished a Fan-teaser for King-Kong. I just wanted to give it a shot as a dedication to Mr. Peter Jackson's work. I made them in several formats (Quicktime and Windows Media) and also for differents bitrates. Thanks! [More]

Here are a few select images of Naomi Watts at the Sundance Film Festival today. More photos as they trickle in! [More]

Naomi Watts' latest film "Ellie Parker" will make its premiere this afternoon at the Sundance Film Fest (2:30PM at the Racquet Club if any spies are interested). The film is described as 'A hilarious comic portrait of a young woman's struggle for integrity, happiness and a Hollywood acting career.' [Sundance.com]

AICN's Quint weighs in with his first report (of three) from his visit to New Zealand and the King Kong set, this is a must read and I am sure Quint has much more in store for us over the next couple of reports. [More]

King Kong means so much to so many, and some of the stories of how Kong has affected some peoples lives are fantastic. One of these stories was recently shared with me, and I asked permission to share it with all of you. If you wish to share your story, drop me an email (corvar@theonering.net) and I will try to get it posted. Now on to how Kong affected the life of Christopher R. Mohr Sr. [More]

Driscoll's Doll writes: Before Adrien Brody announces the Oscar nominations next Tuesday, he is expected to attend the premiere of his latest film THE JACKET at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday evening, January 23rd. [More]

A miniature Mexico – complete with tiny cactus plants and replica sand – has been created in Wellington for the filming of big-budget Hollywood movie The Legend of Zorro. But it took a bit of work convincing Hollywood movie executives the project would be possible, Kiwi-born director Martin Campbell said during filming at a secret location yesterday. [More]

As an precursor to the resumption of the Production Diaries, Peter Jackson has sent through a message to keep us in the loop over what's been going on over the Christmas break, and what's planned when filming resumes next week! [QT6 3.8Mb] [QT6 1.6Mb] [QT4 3.1Mb]

Email us your questions and PJ may answer them in a future Production Diary!

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