John Sauer, a lawyer arguing Donald Trump’s presidential immunity case, generated significant controversy when he asserted, in response to a judge’s hypothetical, that a president could not be prosecuted if he were to order the assassination of a political rival — unless he were first impeached and convicted.
With that case now before the Supreme Court, Sauer is arguing that justices should not be concerned with “lurid hypotheticals” that “almost certainly never will occur, and would virtually certainly result in impeachment and Senate conviction … if they did occur.”
The former solicitor general of Missouri,...
With that case now before the Supreme Court, Sauer is arguing that justices should not be concerned with “lurid hypotheticals” that “almost certainly never will occur, and would virtually certainly result in impeachment and Senate conviction … if they did occur.”
The former solicitor general of Missouri,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Andrew Perez
- Rollingstone.com
Updated: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said that he is stepping down as the Republican leader in the Senate, ending a tenure longer than anyone else in that position.
McConnell, 82, said on the Senate floor, “This will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.” He said that it was “time to move on,” although he said that he intended to remain in the Senate through the end of his term, which runs through 2027.
Elected in 1984, McConnell has served as Senate leader longer than anyone else, but his future in that position has increasingly been in doubt after a couple of incidents last year when he froze up as he was speaking to reporters. He had been hospitalized earlier in the year after suffering injuries from a fall.
McConnell also has seen increasing fissures in his party on issues that were once a given for Republican support,...
McConnell, 82, said on the Senate floor, “This will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.” He said that it was “time to move on,” although he said that he intended to remain in the Senate through the end of his term, which runs through 2027.
Elected in 1984, McConnell has served as Senate leader longer than anyone else, but his future in that position has increasingly been in doubt after a couple of incidents last year when he froze up as he was speaking to reporters. He had been hospitalized earlier in the year after suffering injuries from a fall.
McConnell also has seen increasing fissures in his party on issues that were once a given for Republican support,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito continued his criticism of the high court’s landmark same-sex ruling in a five-page statement that gave a detailed explanation as to why the court declined to hear a case that involved a Missouri lawsuit.
The case, Missouri Department of Correction v. Jean Finney, involved a dispute when jurors who voiced religious concerns about same-sex marriage were dismissed from an employment discrimination case.
In his statement, Alito agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the Missouri lawsuit. However, he said he believed it “exemplifies the danger” he anticipated in the 2015 Obergell v. Hodges case.
He further explained, “Namely, that Americans who do not hide their adherence to traditional religious beliefs about homosexual conduct will be “labeled as bigots and treated as such by the government.”
Alito wrote that the way Obergefell v. Hodges written in 2015 “made it clear that the...
The case, Missouri Department of Correction v. Jean Finney, involved a dispute when jurors who voiced religious concerns about same-sex marriage were dismissed from an employment discrimination case.
In his statement, Alito agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the Missouri lawsuit. However, he said he believed it “exemplifies the danger” he anticipated in the 2015 Obergell v. Hodges case.
He further explained, “Namely, that Americans who do not hide their adherence to traditional religious beliefs about homosexual conduct will be “labeled as bigots and treated as such by the government.”
Alito wrote that the way Obergefell v. Hodges written in 2015 “made it clear that the...
- 2/21/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Cast members from Veep and The West Wing reunited for a virtual fundraiser for the Wisconsin Democratic Party on Sunday, an event that was a mix of amusing memories, their own brushes with fame and warnings about what was at stake in the upcoming midterms.
During the event, actors re-enacted an abortion-themed scenes from each of their shows. They also played a quiz in which contestants had to guess if lines came from Veep, The West Wing or the real world, with an eye toward highlight some of the statements made by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-wi). Democrats see a pickup opportunity with their candidate, Mandela Barnes.
By the end of the two-hour event, about 686,000 had been raised.
“I’m doing this because I am a concerned citizen. I am a patriot. And I believe that democracy is, without hyperbole, is on the line right now, and I know that Wisconsin is a pivotal state,...
During the event, actors re-enacted an abortion-themed scenes from each of their shows. They also played a quiz in which contestants had to guess if lines came from Veep, The West Wing or the real world, with an eye toward highlight some of the statements made by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-wi). Democrats see a pickup opportunity with their candidate, Mandela Barnes.
By the end of the two-hour event, about 686,000 had been raised.
“I’m doing this because I am a concerned citizen. I am a patriot. And I believe that democracy is, without hyperbole, is on the line right now, and I know that Wisconsin is a pivotal state,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Kyrsten Sinema is a Democrat, technically speaking. The senator from Arizona ran as one four years ago, but since arriving in Washington, she’s shown more interest in thwarting, rather than advancing, the party’s agenda. She’s been a favorite of corporate interests, conservative donors, and, not surprisingly, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who on Monday called her “the most effective first-term senator” he’s ever seen.
McConnell was gushing over Sinema on Monday morning before she spoke at the McConnell Center in Kentucky — an inauspicious place for a Democrat to show their face,...
McConnell was gushing over Sinema on Monday morning before she spoke at the McConnell Center in Kentucky — an inauspicious place for a Democrat to show their face,...
- 9/26/2022
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
Ken Starr, a former federal appellate judge and a prominent attorney whose criminal investigation of Bill Clinton led to the president’s impeachment, died Tuesday at age 76, his family said.
In 2020, he was recruited to the legal team representing President Donald Trump in the nation’s third presidential impeachment trial.
For many years, Starr’s stellar reputation as a lawyer seemed to place him on a path to the Supreme Court. At age 37, he became the youngest person ever to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where Chief Justice John Roberts and justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia also had served. From 1989-93, Starr was the solicitor general in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, arguing 25 cases before the Supreme Court.
Despite his impressive legal credentials, nothing could have prepared him...
Ken Starr, a former federal appellate judge and a prominent attorney whose criminal investigation of Bill Clinton led to the president’s impeachment, died Tuesday at age 76, his family said.
In 2020, he was recruited to the legal team representing President Donald Trump in the nation’s third presidential impeachment trial.
For many years, Starr’s stellar reputation as a lawyer seemed to place him on a path to the Supreme Court. At age 37, he became the youngest person ever to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where Chief Justice John Roberts and justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia also had served. From 1989-93, Starr was the solicitor general in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, arguing 25 cases before the Supreme Court.
Despite his impressive legal credentials, nothing could have prepared him...
- 9/13/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At an evangelical victory party in front of the Supreme Court to celebrate the downfall of Roe v. Wade last week, a prominent Capitol Hill religious leader was caught on a hot mic making a bombshell claim: that she prays with sitting justices inside the high court. “We’re the only people who do that,” Peggy Nienaber said.
This disclosure was a serious matter on its own terms, but it also suggested a major conflict of interest. Nienaber’s ministry’s umbrella organization, Liberty Counsel, frequently brings lawsuits before the Supreme Court.
This disclosure was a serious matter on its own terms, but it also suggested a major conflict of interest. Nienaber’s ministry’s umbrella organization, Liberty Counsel, frequently brings lawsuits before the Supreme Court.
- 7/6/2022
- by Kara Voght and Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
In the fifth season premiere of Paramount+’s brilliant “The Good Fight,” liberal feminist attorney Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) learns of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg just moments before she is set to deliver an oral argument to the highest court in the land. Five episodes after the character hears this devastating news, Ginsburg appears to Diane in the form of legendary performer, writer, director and comedian Elaine May, who dons the icon’s signature dissent collar for an incredibly memorable and perfectly calibrated guest appearance.
Diane dreams up Ginsburg at a particularly tumultuous time, personally and professionally. As a white woman at the top of a historically Black law firm, Diane has been facing pressure to resign her named partner position. Her husband Kurt’s (Gary Cole) staunch Republican ideals and job offer from the National Rifle Association haven’t helped her case either and jeopardize her marriage.
Diane dreams up Ginsburg at a particularly tumultuous time, personally and professionally. As a white woman at the top of a historically Black law firm, Diane has been facing pressure to resign her named partner position. Her husband Kurt’s (Gary Cole) staunch Republican ideals and job offer from the National Rifle Association haven’t helped her case either and jeopardize her marriage.
- 6/21/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
When My Cousin Vinny arrived in theaters on March 13, 1992, nobody had any idea we’d still be talking about it 30 years later. A midmarket, fish-out-water comedy about a streetwise Brooklyn attorney (Joe Pesci) who travels to Alabama with his plucky girlfriend (Marisa Tomei) to help his innocent nephew (Ralph Macchio) beat a bum murder rap, the film didn’t get much promotion out of the gate. Instead, the studio that produced it, 20th Century Fox, invested heavily in higher-profile offerings like Alien 3 and White Men Can’t Jump. Wayne’s World...
- 3/7/2022
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, and his replacement will likely shape U.S. political life for decades.
Right now, all eyes are on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a federal judge serving on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Senate has already confirmed Jackson twice: once in 2013, when she became a federal trial-court judge, and then again in 2021, when she was elevated to the federal appeals court. Her most recent confirmation vote was bipartisan, with Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski voting along with all Democrats to support her.
Right now, all eyes are on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a federal judge serving on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Senate has already confirmed Jackson twice: once in 2013, when she became a federal trial-court judge, and then again in 2021, when she was elevated to the federal appeals court. Her most recent confirmation vote was bipartisan, with Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski voting along with all Democrats to support her.
- 1/26/2022
- by David S. Cohen
- Rollingstone.com
‘Ruth: Justice Ginsberg In Her Own Words’ Review: The Starz Doc Works, So Long as You Don’t Know Rbg
It’s been a little less than six months since Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at the age of 87. Before her death, Ginsburg’s vocal dissents on the Supreme Court and her status as one of the longest serving female justices gave her a certain cache. Art and pop culture came to immortalize the “notorious Rbg.” In 2018, the documentary riffing off that designation, simply titled “Rbg,” secured two Oscar nominations for its look at Ginsburg’s life and career. It was then followed by Mimi Leder’s scripted biopic, “On the Basis of Sex.”
Ginsburg’s death rocked an already bleak 2020, and as the government slowly starts to come out of things, complete with a new President and a predominately conservative Supreme Court, audiences are getting a new documentary: Freida Lee Mock’s “Ruth: Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words.” Premiering on Starz, the film’s premise is...
Ginsburg’s death rocked an already bleak 2020, and as the government slowly starts to come out of things, complete with a new President and a predominately conservative Supreme Court, audiences are getting a new documentary: Freida Lee Mock’s “Ruth: Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words.” Premiering on Starz, the film’s premise is...
- 3/1/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Few types of films are more awkward to sit through than listless and unremarkable biographical documentaries that fall short of their inspiring subjects. Touring the film festival circuit since 2019 and finally available to the general public via virtual cinemas, Freida Lee Mock’s “Ruth – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words” unfortunately yields one such bumpy viewing experience.
On one hand, it is tough not to adore the central figure of “Ruth,” the legendary and influential Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away last September and has been a lifelong, passionate teacher and practitioner of law, fighting against various forms of unconstitutional discrimination in the U.S. On the other, it’s curiously difficult to stay engaged with Mock’s film that merely puts forth a paint-by-numbers assembly of the wealth of material it has at its disposal.
“Ruth” consists of a collection of talking-head interviews, historical photographs and,...
On one hand, it is tough not to adore the central figure of “Ruth,” the legendary and influential Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away last September and has been a lifelong, passionate teacher and practitioner of law, fighting against various forms of unconstitutional discrimination in the U.S. On the other, it’s curiously difficult to stay engaged with Mock’s film that merely puts forth a paint-by-numbers assembly of the wealth of material it has at its disposal.
“Ruth” consists of a collection of talking-head interviews, historical photographs and,...
- 2/12/2021
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety Film + TV
President-elect Joe Biden has selected Merrick Garland as his nominee to be the next attorney general, the Associated Press and other outlets reported.
Garland, who sits on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016 after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to advance his nomination, or even meet with him.
Garland has served on the appeals court since 1997.
If confirmed, Garland would have one of the highest-profile Cabinet positions, with enormous influence on criminal and civil prosecutions. Perhaps his biggest impact on the entertainment industry will be on who he selects to lead the Antitrust Division, which reviews major mergers and acquisitions.
Biden also would get a vacancy to fill on the D.C. Circuit with the nomination. The appeals court can have enormous influence over laws passed by Congress and regulations implemented by federal agencies.
Garland, who sits on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016 after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to advance his nomination, or even meet with him.
Garland has served on the appeals court since 1997.
If confirmed, Garland would have one of the highest-profile Cabinet positions, with enormous influence on criminal and civil prosecutions. Perhaps his biggest impact on the entertainment industry will be on who he selects to lead the Antitrust Division, which reviews major mergers and acquisitions.
Biden also would get a vacancy to fill on the D.C. Circuit with the nomination. The appeals court can have enormous influence over laws passed by Congress and regulations implemented by federal agencies.
- 1/6/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, 10:44 Am Pt: The White House said that the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to Devin Nunes in a ceremony on Monday morning. No pool reporters were present for the event.
Previously: Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to one of his staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill: Devin Nunes, who represents a Central California district.
The award is the highest civilian honor, and is presented to “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
The White House said in a statement, “Congressman Nunes pursued the Russia Hoax at great personal risk and never stopped standing up for the truth. He had the fortitude to take on the media, the FBI, the Intelligence Community, the Democrat Party, foreign spies, and the full power of the Deep State.
Previously: Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to one of his staunchest supporters on Capitol Hill: Devin Nunes, who represents a Central California district.
The award is the highest civilian honor, and is presented to “individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
The White House said in a statement, “Congressman Nunes pursued the Russia Hoax at great personal risk and never stopped standing up for the truth. He had the fortitude to take on the media, the FBI, the Intelligence Community, the Democrat Party, foreign spies, and the full power of the Deep State.
- 1/4/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, 6:36 Pm Pt: Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice at another White House ceremony amid the pandemic.
Unlike her introduction ceremony in September, which became a “super-spreader event” in the words of Dr. Anthony Fauci, most of the attendees in the crowd on the South Lawn wore masks and sat in chairs that were spread apart.
The White House played up the pageantry, unusual for a Supreme Court justice. With the Marine Band playing and large American flags spread on the White House facade, the event had the feel of a victory lap for Trump, who is trying to overcome a deficit in the polls in the week before the election. He largely stuck to a Teleprompter script before Barrett was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas.
“A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the president, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her,...
Unlike her introduction ceremony in September, which became a “super-spreader event” in the words of Dr. Anthony Fauci, most of the attendees in the crowd on the South Lawn wore masks and sat in chairs that were spread apart.
The White House played up the pageantry, unusual for a Supreme Court justice. With the Marine Band playing and large American flags spread on the White House facade, the event had the feel of a victory lap for Trump, who is trying to overcome a deficit in the polls in the week before the election. He largely stuck to a Teleprompter script before Barrett was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas.
“A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the president, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her,...
- 10/27/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
On Monday, Senate Republicans confirmed President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, in a 52-48 vote. The confirmation gives Trump his third appointment to the nation’s highest court in his first term in office.
It's official: Amy Coney Barrett confirmed to the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/TrIL0OW5Hp
— Axios (@axios) October 27, 2020
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is in a tough battle to retain her seat, was the only Republican to vote against Barrett.
Barrett will give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the court by...
It's official: Amy Coney Barrett confirmed to the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/TrIL0OW5Hp
— Axios (@axios) October 27, 2020
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is in a tough battle to retain her seat, was the only Republican to vote against Barrett.
Barrett will give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the court by...
- 10/27/2020
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
In high school, 15-year-old Heidi Schreck won enough prize money giving Constitution-themed speeches at American Legion halls to pay her way through college. A quarter-century later, Schreck spun her memories of all that youthful idealism into a hit Broadway show, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” which has proven to be every bit as much a “living, breathing document” as its subject since its 2019 debut at the Hayes Theater.
No doubt, in teaming with “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” director Marielle Heller to release a filmed version of her show on Oct. 16, she hoped that her words might impact the 2020 presidential election. What Schreck couldn’t have imagined is that the same week the special dropped on Amazon Prime, Senate lawmakers would be posing that very question to Donald Trump’s latest Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, asking this female “originalist” what the Constitution means to her.
Like her mentor Antonin Scalia,...
No doubt, in teaming with “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” director Marielle Heller to release a filmed version of her show on Oct. 16, she hoped that her words might impact the 2020 presidential election. What Schreck couldn’t have imagined is that the same week the special dropped on Amazon Prime, Senate lawmakers would be posing that very question to Donald Trump’s latest Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, asking this female “originalist” what the Constitution means to her.
Like her mentor Antonin Scalia,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
A little more than a year before he finished his second term in the White House, President Barack Obama nominated Myra Selby for a lifetime appointment on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The former Indiana Supreme Court associate justice, who is black, never got a chance to take the job. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked her appointment, reserving it for Obama’s successor.
After Donald Trump took over, he nominated a Notre Dame law professor and former Antonin Scalia law clerk named Amy Coney Barrett for the same opening.
After Donald Trump took over, he nominated a Notre Dame law professor and former Antonin Scalia law clerk named Amy Coney Barrett for the same opening.
- 10/14/2020
- by Jamil Smith
- Rollingstone.com
A shiny new Emmy hasn’t dampened “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver’s fire. On an information-packed Sunday night edition of the late night talk show, Oliver returned after a month-long hiatus with plenty to say about current events. In opening the show, Oliver took the long view, zipping from a stat-filled look at the rushed process to fill Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s empty Supreme Court seat with President Trump’s pick, Amy Coney Barrett (described by Oliver as the “female Antonin Scalia”) through a disheartening look at how her installation into the highest court in the land could swing the court to a conservative majority.
“When Barrett is confirmed, a president who lost the popular vote will have picked a quarter of the federal judiciary and a third of the Supreme Court and his choices will have been rubber-stamped by a Senate Republican majority representing 15 million fewer than the Democratic minority,...
“When Barrett is confirmed, a president who lost the popular vote will have picked a quarter of the federal judiciary and a third of the Supreme Court and his choices will have been rubber-stamped by a Senate Republican majority representing 15 million fewer than the Democratic minority,...
- 9/28/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
John Oliver kicked off his main segment of Sunday’s Last Week Tonight by addressing the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 and President Trump’s pick to replace her on the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.
Oliver played a CBS This Morning clip noting that Barrett “is a favorite of religious conservatives for her strong anti-abortion rights views and, if confirmed, would move the court to the right for a generation.”
“Trump is about to replace a liberal icon with an extremely conservative justice who’s been called the ‘female Antonin Scalia,'” Oliver said ...
Oliver played a CBS This Morning clip noting that Barrett “is a favorite of religious conservatives for her strong anti-abortion rights views and, if confirmed, would move the court to the right for a generation.”
“Trump is about to replace a liberal icon with an extremely conservative justice who’s been called the ‘female Antonin Scalia,'” Oliver said ...
- 9/28/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
John Oliver kicked off his main segment of Sunday’s Last Week Tonight by addressing the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18 and President Trump’s pick to replace her on the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.
Oliver played a CBS This Morning clip noting that Barrett “is a favorite of religious conservatives for her strong anti-abortion rights views and, if confirmed, would move the court to the right for a generation.”
“Trump is about to replace a liberal icon with an extremely conservative justice who’s been called the ‘female Antonin Scalia,'” Oliver said ...
Oliver played a CBS This Morning clip noting that Barrett “is a favorite of religious conservatives for her strong anti-abortion rights views and, if confirmed, would move the court to the right for a generation.”
“Trump is about to replace a liberal icon with an extremely conservative justice who’s been called the ‘female Antonin Scalia,'” Oliver said ...
- 9/28/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Oliver returned to his desk after a month-long break – and an Emmy win – to focus on the furor in Washington over Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s successor. He offered few jokes in between his long-winded objection over Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. Oliver started his segment with the GOP’s efforts to rush the Supreme Court justice confirmation process of Barrett. Oliver was unhappy that the legacy of liberal stalwart Ginsburg was being replaced by the extremely conservative Barrett. Oliver continued to describe Barrett as having staunch anti-abortion views and called her the “female Antonin Scalia.” He detailed the effect the confirmation could have for years to come listing key cases that have been decided by a single vote like upholding the Affordable Cart Act, preserving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy and striking down a restrictive abortion law in Louisiana. Oliver noted that in the future the...
- 9/28/2020
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood insiders expressed deep concerns on Saturday as President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death this month of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
As a federal judge and as a legal scholar, Barrett has a track record as a social conservative who stands in staunch opposition to many liberal causes and policies that have been embraced by Hollywood heavyweights, such as abortion, education, health care and immigration policy.
Barrett at present serves as a federal judge on the Seventh Circuit — serving Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin — to which she was nominated by Trump in 2017. She spent 15 years as a law professor at the University of Notre Dame. Earlier in her career she clerked for arch-conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in 1998 and 1999.
In a Rose Garden ceremony, Trump introduced Barrett as “a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution.
As a federal judge and as a legal scholar, Barrett has a track record as a social conservative who stands in staunch opposition to many liberal causes and policies that have been embraced by Hollywood heavyweights, such as abortion, education, health care and immigration policy.
Barrett at present serves as a federal judge on the Seventh Circuit — serving Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin — to which she was nominated by Trump in 2017. She spent 15 years as a law professor at the University of Notre Dame. Earlier in her career she clerked for arch-conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in 1998 and 1999.
In a Rose Garden ceremony, Trump introduced Barrett as “a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution.
- 9/26/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
On Saturday, Donald Trump formally nominated Amy Coney Barrett to take the place of late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg on the Supreme Court.
Barrett is a conservative 7th Circuit appeals judge from Indiana who has been a federal judge for three years. Early in her career she also served on George W. Bush’s legal team in the Bush v. Gore decision that handed the presidency to Bush despite his popular vote loss in 2000.
In his announcement Saturday, Trump described Barrett as a “towering intellect” who had “unyielding loyalty to the Constitution.”
In a statement released shortly after Barrett’s nomination was announced, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called out the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to have the Affordable Care Act struck down, which would eliminate its protections for people with preexisting conditions. “Today, President Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the successor to Justice Ginsburg’s seat.
Barrett is a conservative 7th Circuit appeals judge from Indiana who has been a federal judge for three years. Early in her career she also served on George W. Bush’s legal team in the Bush v. Gore decision that handed the presidency to Bush despite his popular vote loss in 2000.
In his announcement Saturday, Trump described Barrett as a “towering intellect” who had “unyielding loyalty to the Constitution.”
In a statement released shortly after Barrett’s nomination was announced, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called out the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to have the Affordable Care Act struck down, which would eliminate its protections for people with preexisting conditions. “Today, President Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the successor to Justice Ginsburg’s seat.
- 9/26/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
President Donald Trump formally announced Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a move that will solidify the high court’s turn to the right.
An appellate judge since 2017, Barrett appeared at a White House Rose Garden ceremony on Saturday along with her husband Jesse and her seven children.
Her selection is all but certain after reporters staked outside her Indiana home observed her and her family leaving and then tracked a flight from South Bend, In to Washington.
If confirmed, Barrett will be the sixth conservative on the court, and could be a deciding vote when the justices hear oral arguments on Nov. 10 on a challenge to the Affordable Care Act, a fact that Democrats plan to highlight in the final weeks of the presidential election. She had criticized Chief Justice John Roberts 2012 opinion that upheld the health care law.
An appellate judge since 2017, Barrett appeared at a White House Rose Garden ceremony on Saturday along with her husband Jesse and her seven children.
Her selection is all but certain after reporters staked outside her Indiana home observed her and her family leaving and then tracked a flight from South Bend, In to Washington.
If confirmed, Barrett will be the sixth conservative on the court, and could be a deciding vote when the justices hear oral arguments on Nov. 10 on a challenge to the Affordable Care Act, a fact that Democrats plan to highlight in the final weeks of the presidential election. She had criticized Chief Justice John Roberts 2012 opinion that upheld the health care law.
- 9/26/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
President Trump has announced his nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.
Who it is doesn’t really matter — at least not in terms of the nominee’s legitimacy of the appointment.
The GOP made clear on the night of Ginsburg’s death that they planned to rush a conservative into her seat while they have the power to do so. Never mind that the voting process had already begun, which probably should have given pause to the Republicans. Four years ago, they refused to even consider...
Who it is doesn’t really matter — at least not in terms of the nominee’s legitimacy of the appointment.
The GOP made clear on the night of Ginsburg’s death that they planned to rush a conservative into her seat while they have the power to do so. Never mind that the voting process had already begun, which probably should have given pause to the Republicans. Four years ago, they refused to even consider...
- 9/26/2020
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
President Donald Trump plans to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to fill the Supreme Court vacancy following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, multiple media outlets, including CBS News, CNN and The New York Times, reported on Friday afternoon.
Trump plans to announce his choice at a White House ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
The president told reporters that he had made a decision, but told of reports that Barrett was the pick, he said, “I haven’t said that…They’re all great.”
The choice of Barrett would not be a surprise: She has been widely viewed as a front runner for the high court, and met with the president earlier this week. She also was reported to have been a leading contender for the last Supreme Court vacancy in 2018, when the president ultimately selected Brett Kavanaugh to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Barrett, 48, has been on the Seventh Circuit Court of...
Trump plans to announce his choice at a White House ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
The president told reporters that he had made a decision, but told of reports that Barrett was the pick, he said, “I haven’t said that…They’re all great.”
The choice of Barrett would not be a surprise: She has been widely viewed as a front runner for the high court, and met with the president earlier this week. She also was reported to have been a leading contender for the last Supreme Court vacancy in 2018, when the president ultimately selected Brett Kavanaugh to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Barrett, 48, has been on the Seventh Circuit Court of...
- 9/25/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Biden and Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a meaningful disagreement back in 1993, during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Biden chaired it at the time. They were discussing societal change, and specifically how it should come about. Should a court move ahead of a populace’s attitudes and its regressive laws to expand constitutional protections, or should it be more prudent?
Biden seemed perplexed by Ginsburg’s predilection for moderate judgment, which was understandable. Others have done far better than I could in eulogizing the late Supreme Court justice,...
Biden seemed perplexed by Ginsburg’s predilection for moderate judgment, which was understandable. Others have done far better than I could in eulogizing the late Supreme Court justice,...
- 9/22/2020
- by Jamil Smith
- Rollingstone.com
The gym in the basement of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s apartment complex was small and dank, with low-tech equipment and fluorescent lighting, not a promising setting for what we hoped would be one of the most important shoots of our documentary about Justice Ginsburg’s life. After the justice had surprised us by agreeing to our request to film her workout routine, we were told we could shoot exactly 30 minutes of the 60-minute session. We were skeptical that RBG could do 20 pushups or hold a sequence of planks as had been reported, and expected we’d be told to shut off the cameras before the more taxing exercises began. “Until our time is up,” we told our cinematographers, “just keep rolling.”
While we were fretting, our lead character had been preparing for her star turn. Rbg entered the gym in an outfit better than any wardrobe supervisor could have dreamed up: her trademark scrunchy,...
While we were fretting, our lead character had been preparing for her star turn. Rbg entered the gym in an outfit better than any wardrobe supervisor could have dreamed up: her trademark scrunchy,...
- 9/22/2020
- by Betsy West and Julie Cohen
- Variety Film + TV
Prior to the 2016 election, Republicans urged White House officials to hold off on picking a successor to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia until after the presidential election. More than four years later and the GOP wavers on their stance as the scramble to fill the vacant seat left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg begins. From inconsistent to “moral black holes,” the hosts of late night TV have their opinions on the GOP’s moves.
After paying tribute to “fierce defender of democracy” Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Late Night host Seth Meyers went on to chastise President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ efforts to try and fill the open U.S. Supreme Court Justice seat as soon as possible.
“It’s still worth taking stock at how insulting and transparent their lies were and remembering that for the future. It’s not just hypocrisy, it’s nihilist,” Meyers said. “They’re moral black...
After paying tribute to “fierce defender of democracy” Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Late Night host Seth Meyers went on to chastise President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ efforts to try and fill the open U.S. Supreme Court Justice seat as soon as possible.
“It’s still worth taking stock at how insulting and transparent their lies were and remembering that for the future. It’s not just hypocrisy, it’s nihilist,” Meyers said. “They’re moral black...
- 9/22/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
A Supreme Court seat has opened in an election year, and you’ll never guess who is strongly in favor of filling it — all of the people who were against it last time. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues would like to fill the vacancy created by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, despite the fact that they spent the better part of 2016 vehemently opposing the idea of having a Supreme Court fight so close to ballot-casting time. (For reference, Antonin Scalia’s unexpected death was 269 days before...
- 9/21/2020
- by Tessa Stuart
- Rollingstone.com
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden reflected on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, telling reporters that she “stood for all of us” as she pursued “the highest American ideas of equality and justice under the law.”
Biden also said that a vote on her successor should not take place until after the election. “The voters should pick the president, and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider. This was the position the Republican Senate took in 2016, almost 10 months to go before the election. That’s the position the United States Senate must take today.”
Donald Trump Tells Reporters He Hadn’t Heard Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death: “You Are Telling Me Now For The First Time. She Led An Amazing Life”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that he would bring to the floor whoever President Donald Trump nominates. In 2016, McConnell blocked President Barack Obama...
Biden also said that a vote on her successor should not take place until after the election. “The voters should pick the president, and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider. This was the position the Republican Senate took in 2016, almost 10 months to go before the election. That’s the position the United States Senate must take today.”
Donald Trump Tells Reporters He Hadn’t Heard Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death: “You Are Telling Me Now For The First Time. She Led An Amazing Life”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that he would bring to the floor whoever President Donald Trump nominates. In 2016, McConnell blocked President Barack Obama...
- 9/19/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the senior liberal voice on the high court and a lifelong advocate of women’s equality, has died. She was 87.
The court said she died of metastatic pancreatic cancer Friday evening at her home in Washington, D.C., where she was surrounded by her family. Ginsburg had announced over the summer that she had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but she said that she would “remain a member of the court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that.”
According to NPR, just days before her death, Ginsburg dictated a statement to her granddaughter that read in part, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Career In Pictures – Photo Gallery
Chief Justice John Roberts said: “Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature.
The court said she died of metastatic pancreatic cancer Friday evening at her home in Washington, D.C., where she was surrounded by her family. Ginsburg had announced over the summer that she had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but she said that she would “remain a member of the court as long as I can do the job full steam. I remain fully able to do that.”
According to NPR, just days before her death, Ginsburg dictated a statement to her granddaughter that read in part, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Career In Pictures – Photo Gallery
Chief Justice John Roberts said: “Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature.
- 9/18/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The Trump administration is pushing dramatic changes to the American retirement system that will benefit Wall Street but push average citizens into plans that are riskier, less profitable, and loaded with high and hidden fees.
In the past two months, the Trump’s Labor Department has introduced two pending changes to deregulate vulturous private equity firms and multi-trillion dollar retirement managers like Vanguard, Fidelity, and BlackRock. A third proposed change would restrict retirement investments with an underlying environmental, social, or governance mission — mainly to boost the struggling fossil-fuel industry.
If finalized,...
In the past two months, the Trump’s Labor Department has introduced two pending changes to deregulate vulturous private equity firms and multi-trillion dollar retirement managers like Vanguard, Fidelity, and BlackRock. A third proposed change would restrict retirement investments with an underlying environmental, social, or governance mission — mainly to boost the struggling fossil-fuel industry.
If finalized,...
- 8/23/2020
- by David Bradley Isenberg
- Rollingstone.com
In his seemingly endless efforts to thwart a robust democratic participation in November’s election, on Thursday night President Trump told Sean Hannity that he planned to send law enforcement to polling places on election day. He told the Fox News host, “We’re going to have sheriffs, and we’re going to have law enforcement. And we’re going to have hopefully U.S. attorneys, and we’re going to have everybody and attorney generals.”
Rest assured, he can’t do this.
As usual, Donald Trump was not entirely...
Rest assured, he can’t do this.
As usual, Donald Trump was not entirely...
- 8/21/2020
- by David S. Cohen
- Rollingstone.com
When the Supreme Court convenes by teleconference on Monday, the news media will mark a milestone: The justices are allowing a live audio access of oral arguments.
As of now, the move is temporary, as the coronavirus crisis has forced the high court, like so much of the country, to work remotely. In normal times, oral arguments would be open to the public and the media, but with strict rules against cameras and recording devices, while audio was made available days later.
C-span is set to provide the live audio of the arguments on its TV and radio channels, as well as on its website and app.
For decades, the public affairs network, which is funded by the cable industry, has sought permission to bring cameras into the court, bringing it in line with its coverage of the House and Senate chambers and many events at the White House. That has not happened,...
As of now, the move is temporary, as the coronavirus crisis has forced the high court, like so much of the country, to work remotely. In normal times, oral arguments would be open to the public and the media, but with strict rules against cameras and recording devices, while audio was made available days later.
C-span is set to provide the live audio of the arguments on its TV and radio channels, as well as on its website and app.
For decades, the public affairs network, which is funded by the cable industry, has sought permission to bring cameras into the court, bringing it in line with its coverage of the House and Senate chambers and many events at the White House. That has not happened,...
- 4/30/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In Adam McKay’s satirical Dick Cheney biopic “Vice,” the character spends years plotting to render the executive power of the presidency limitless. This concept — dubbed “the unitary executive theory” — paved the way for Cheney’s ability to expand presidential powers beyond congressional oversight after 9/11.
While Cheney himself never responded to his characterization in the movie, the portrayal didn’t go unnoticed by his Republican peers. On Friday, Attorney General William Barr took a bizarre stab at the movie during a lengthy speech to the conservative legal group the Federalist Society. Barr defended his controversial stance that the president is impervious to laws that apply to other citizens, even as Congress engaged in impeachment hearings across town. The attorney general used “Vice” to illustrate what he said was a mischaracterization of the stance. And now, in a statement exclusive to IndieWire, McKay is responding to the claims.
Barr brought up “Vice” early in his speech.
While Cheney himself never responded to his characterization in the movie, the portrayal didn’t go unnoticed by his Republican peers. On Friday, Attorney General William Barr took a bizarre stab at the movie during a lengthy speech to the conservative legal group the Federalist Society. Barr defended his controversial stance that the president is impervious to laws that apply to other citizens, even as Congress engaged in impeachment hearings across town. The attorney general used “Vice” to illustrate what he said was a mischaracterization of the stance. And now, in a statement exclusive to IndieWire, McKay is responding to the claims.
Barr brought up “Vice” early in his speech.
- 11/18/2019
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Washington — While much of D.C. made sense of the revelations found in the explosive intelligence-community whistleblower complaint on Thursday, the Trump administration’s methodical campaign to demolish every regulation in sight and cozy up to corporations took a big step forward.
The Senate Thursday evening narrowly confirmed Eugene Scalia, son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to run the Department of Labor. A longtime corporate lawyer whose client roster has included Goldman Sachs, Facebook, Walmart, and Juul Labs, Scalia will now lead the federal agency tasked with...
The Senate Thursday evening narrowly confirmed Eugene Scalia, son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to run the Department of Labor. A longtime corporate lawyer whose client roster has included Goldman Sachs, Facebook, Walmart, and Juul Labs, Scalia will now lead the federal agency tasked with...
- 9/27/2019
- by Andy Kroll
- Rollingstone.com
TV shows have been taking on politics for decades. Long before “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “House of Cards” hit the small screen, viewers got inside looks at presidential campaigns, White House senior staffers, and the world of counterterrorism. Take a look back at the greatest political TV shows of all time.
Yes, Minister (1980-82)
We start our list on the other side of the pond. This classic British show starred Paul Eddington as the minister of the (fictional) Department of Administrative Affairs, with Nigel Harthorne and Derek Fowlds as his two secretaries. The show inspired numerous spinoffs and was a favorite of Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.
Tanner ’88 (1988)
This early political mockumentary miniseries from Garry Trudeau (“Doonesbury”) provided a behind-the-scenes look at the fictional campaign of former Michigan representative Jack Tanner as he sought to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for President. The series starred Michael Murphy in the title role,...
Yes, Minister (1980-82)
We start our list on the other side of the pond. This classic British show starred Paul Eddington as the minister of the (fictional) Department of Administrative Affairs, with Nigel Harthorne and Derek Fowlds as his two secretaries. The show inspired numerous spinoffs and was a favorite of Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.
Tanner ’88 (1988)
This early political mockumentary miniseries from Garry Trudeau (“Doonesbury”) provided a behind-the-scenes look at the fictional campaign of former Michigan representative Jack Tanner as he sought to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for President. The series starred Michael Murphy in the title role,...
- 6/13/2019
- by Juliette Verlaque and Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver lobbied for one U.S. state — but preferably not Florida, for snarky reasons — to cement gender equality in the constitution by ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.
“It’s been an especially rough few years in America for women — from abortion bans to the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice with ‘resting beer face’ to the election of a president who thinks of their genitals as handles,” the comedian cracked. And while June 4th marked the 100th anniversary of Congress passing the 19th amendment, securing women’s right to vote,...
“It’s been an especially rough few years in America for women — from abortion bans to the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice with ‘resting beer face’ to the election of a president who thinks of their genitals as handles,” the comedian cracked. And while June 4th marked the 100th anniversary of Congress passing the 19th amendment, securing women’s right to vote,...
- 6/10/2019
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
John Oliver used the bulk of Sunday’s Last Week Tonight (aside from comparing potential UK prime minister Boris Johnson to “what Kevin McCallister [Macauley Culkin in Home Alone] would eventually look like if his parents never came home”) to weigh in on the perpetual limbo of the Equal Rights Amendment, which needs one more state to ratify it.
The Era was originally passed in Congress in 1972, almost 50 years after it was originally introduced. Since then, the debate has been politicized and muddled by interpretations, and has been one state short (still) of the 38 needed to ratify.
Oliver doesn’t buy the interpretation arguments
“You can’t interpret [the Era] as not addressing gender discrimination, because that is all it addresses,” Oliver said, with the...
The Era was originally passed in Congress in 1972, almost 50 years after it was originally introduced. Since then, the debate has been politicized and muddled by interpretations, and has been one state short (still) of the 38 needed to ratify.
Oliver doesn’t buy the interpretation arguments
“You can’t interpret [the Era] as not addressing gender discrimination, because that is all it addresses,” Oliver said, with the...
- 6/10/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
On Friday, Fox News anchor Chris Wallace made news by merely stating the obvious while giving his take on an interview with Attorney General Bill Barr that aired on the same network.
The part that stood out to most was when Wallace said, “What really comes across to me most of all is that for two years Donald Trump sat there and said ‘I don’t have an attorney general. I don’t have somebody out there looking for and protecting my interests.’ He clearly has that now with Bill Barr.
The part that stood out to most was when Wallace said, “What really comes across to me most of all is that for two years Donald Trump sat there and said ‘I don’t have an attorney general. I don’t have somebody out there looking for and protecting my interests.’ He clearly has that now with Bill Barr.
- 5/18/2019
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
What must it be like to play poker with Christoph Waltz? For all the actor’s charms, subtlety doesn’t seem to come naturally to him. Granted, Waltz was a revelation as the unnervingly appealing Nazi colonel in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” but in most of the roles that have followed, he’s tipped his hand with each exaggerated expression, working his elastic face like some kind of live-action cartoon character.
That’s an especially odd approach to take in playing a con artist, as he does in “Georgetown,” since no one in the real world would believe a man who telegraphs his true intentions quite so transparently. But seeing as this is also Waltz’s directorial debut, signed under the name “C. Waltz,” he can surround himself with similarly vaudevillian performances from otherwise excellent actors — including Vanessa Redgrave and Annette Bening — whose natural tendency has been to underplay their characters’ emotions.
That’s an especially odd approach to take in playing a con artist, as he does in “Georgetown,” since no one in the real world would believe a man who telegraphs his true intentions quite so transparently. But seeing as this is also Waltz’s directorial debut, signed under the name “C. Waltz,” he can surround himself with similarly vaudevillian performances from otherwise excellent actors — including Vanessa Redgrave and Annette Bening — whose natural tendency has been to underplay their characters’ emotions.
- 4/28/2019
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Democratic candidates are being pushed to the left on several key issues as the race for the 2020 nomination heats up. One of those issues, as Politico made clear on Monday, is whether something should be done to protect the integrity of the Supreme Court from ruthless political maneuvering. Sens. Kamala Harris (D-ca), Elizabeth Warren (D-ma) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-ny) don’t want to rule out the idea of adding seats to the nation’s highest court. “We are on the verge of a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court,...
- 3/18/2019
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
In today’s film news roundup, “Trial by Fire” and “The Harvesters” get U.S. distribution deals and the Ford vs. Ferrari movie, starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon, gets an awards season release.
Acquisitions
Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. rights to true-crime drama “Trial By Fire,” starring Jack O’Connell and Laura Dern.
Roadside, which announced the deal Monday, will release the film on May 17. The film is directed by Edward Zwick and adapted by Geoffrey Fletcher, who won an Academy award for “Precious,” from David Grann’s article originally published in The New Yorker in 2009.
“Trial by Fire” had its world premiere at the 2018 Telluride Film Festival, and is produced by Zwick, Allyn Stewart, Kipp Nelson and Alex Soros. Executive producers are Kathryn Dean and Marshall Herskovitz. Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros, financed the project.
“Trial by Fire” centers on the unlikely bond between an...
Acquisitions
Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. rights to true-crime drama “Trial By Fire,” starring Jack O’Connell and Laura Dern.
Roadside, which announced the deal Monday, will release the film on May 17. The film is directed by Edward Zwick and adapted by Geoffrey Fletcher, who won an Academy award for “Precious,” from David Grann’s article originally published in The New Yorker in 2009.
“Trial by Fire” had its world premiere at the 2018 Telluride Film Festival, and is produced by Zwick, Allyn Stewart, Kipp Nelson and Alex Soros. Executive producers are Kathryn Dean and Marshall Herskovitz. Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros, financed the project.
“Trial by Fire” centers on the unlikely bond between an...
- 2/25/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Indie distributor Roadside Attractions has acquired U.S. rights to Edward Zwick’s true-crime drama “Trial by Fire,” the company announced on Monday.
The film, starring Laura Dern and Jack O’Connell, was adapted by Geoffrey Fletcher (“Precious”) and is based on David Grann’s article in The New Yorker about the unlikely bond between a death row inmate (O’Connell) and a mother of two from Houston (Dern) who, though facing staggering odds, fights for his freedom.
“Trial by Fire” had its world premiere during the 2018 Telluride Film Festival in August. Roadside plans to release the film on May 17.
Also Read: Leonard Cohen Sundance Documentary 'Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love' Acquired by Roadside Attractions
“I first read David Grann’s article, ‘Trial by Fire’ in The New Yorker nearly ten years ago. I couldn’t stop talking about it to friends and soon realized I had to try to make it as a film,...
The film, starring Laura Dern and Jack O’Connell, was adapted by Geoffrey Fletcher (“Precious”) and is based on David Grann’s article in The New Yorker about the unlikely bond between a death row inmate (O’Connell) and a mother of two from Houston (Dern) who, though facing staggering odds, fights for his freedom.
“Trial by Fire” had its world premiere during the 2018 Telluride Film Festival in August. Roadside plans to release the film on May 17.
Also Read: Leonard Cohen Sundance Documentary 'Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love' Acquired by Roadside Attractions
“I first read David Grann’s article, ‘Trial by Fire’ in The New Yorker nearly ten years ago. I couldn’t stop talking about it to friends and soon realized I had to try to make it as a film,...
- 2/25/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Up until this week, I was predicting that “Rbg,” the Oscar-nominated documentary tribute to the wonder woman who is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg would win, mostly because of its medicinal effect on our uncertain times. It gets many things right, like highlighting her nearly half-century love story with her devoted husband, Martin, her odd couple friendship with fellow Justice Antonin Scalia and her career-long dedication to fighting on behalf of women to be treated as equals in the eyes of the law.
But “Rbg’ has one major flaw that is simply the fault of Ginsberg’s profession. We can’t eavesdrop on her arguments in the Supreme Court or witness her as she delivers those scathingly brilliant dissents in real time. Basically, we rummage through her closet and see her jazzy array of jabots that she wears with her robes. And we can hear her arguments for her landmark cases over the years.
But “Rbg’ has one major flaw that is simply the fault of Ginsberg’s profession. We can’t eavesdrop on her arguments in the Supreme Court or witness her as she delivers those scathingly brilliant dissents in real time. Basically, we rummage through her closet and see her jazzy array of jabots that she wears with her robes. And we can hear her arguments for her landmark cases over the years.
- 2/15/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
If you’ve ever enjoyed the Fast and Furious movies, reality television and have ever suffered a tendency to quote catchy slogans from adverts for humour – you know which one I’m talking about – then you’re Part of the Problem. You should, instead, put your time toward a mission of unflinching political observance and never, ever cease in your mission to promote the latest flavour of liberal activism offered by Hollywood.
That’s at least according to Vice, the latest film from writer-director Adam McKay, who at the same time as Dick Cheney’s golden ascent after 9/11 became one of comedy’s household names.
Rightly so, too. Nascar flick Talladega Nights, Step Brothers and 2015’s Oscar-winning The Big Short were chronicles of a simpler time reaching a turbulent end. Vice is McKay’s most explicit attempt to grapple with a political and cultural era he has previously explored with care,...
That’s at least according to Vice, the latest film from writer-director Adam McKay, who at the same time as Dick Cheney’s golden ascent after 9/11 became one of comedy’s household names.
Rightly so, too. Nascar flick Talladega Nights, Step Brothers and 2015’s Oscar-winning The Big Short were chronicles of a simpler time reaching a turbulent end. Vice is McKay’s most explicit attempt to grapple with a political and cultural era he has previously explored with care,...
- 1/22/2019
- by Adam Solomons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“On the Basis of Sex” began eight years ago at the funeral of screenwriter Daniel Stiepleman’s uncle, Marty Ginsburg. Stiepleman learned that Marty, a tax lawyer and professor, and his wife of 56 years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, once argued a case together back in 1972. Charles E. Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue was Ruth’s first, a landmark case on behalf of gender equality.
Stiepleman thought: “This would make a great movie.” When he approached his aunt for her cooperation, he said he wanted the film to show Marty and Ruth as a marriage of equals. She said: “Well, if that’s how you think you want to spend your time.”
Ginsburg became deeply involved in “On the Basis of Sex”, ensuring that Stiepleman and director Mimi Leder nailed the legal details, giving them books and files along with detailed script notes. She also had cast approval over stars Armie Hammer...
Stiepleman thought: “This would make a great movie.” When he approached his aunt for her cooperation, he said he wanted the film to show Marty and Ruth as a marriage of equals. She said: “Well, if that’s how you think you want to spend your time.”
Ginsburg became deeply involved in “On the Basis of Sex”, ensuring that Stiepleman and director Mimi Leder nailed the legal details, giving them books and files along with detailed script notes. She also had cast approval over stars Armie Hammer...
- 12/26/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“On the Basis of Sex” began eight years ago at the funeral of screenwriter Daniel Stiepleman’s uncle, Marty Ginsburg. Stiepleman learned that Marty, a tax lawyer and professor, and his wife of 56 years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, once argued a case together back in 1972. Charles E. Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue was Ruth’s first, a landmark case on behalf of gender equality.
Stiepleman thought: “This would make a great movie.” When he approached his aunt for her cooperation, he said he wanted the film to show Marty and Ruth as a marriage of equals. She said: “Well, if that’s how you think you want to spend your time.”
Ginsburg became deeply involved in “On the Basis of Sex”, ensuring that Stiepleman and director Mimi Leder nailed the legal details, giving them books and files along with detailed script notes. She also had cast approval over stars Armie Hammer...
Stiepleman thought: “This would make a great movie.” When he approached his aunt for her cooperation, he said he wanted the film to show Marty and Ruth as a marriage of equals. She said: “Well, if that’s how you think you want to spend your time.”
Ginsburg became deeply involved in “On the Basis of Sex”, ensuring that Stiepleman and director Mimi Leder nailed the legal details, giving them books and files along with detailed script notes. She also had cast approval over stars Armie Hammer...
- 12/26/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
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