It's that time of year again. Time for the annual Storefront Demme update. First up, today is Jonathan Demme's 63rd birthday. Happy birthday, Mr. Demme! There also happens to be some exciting news on the upcoming projects front. Demme is currently working on a Jimmy Carter documentary, entitled He Comes in Peace.

Believe it or not, this film has already been the source of controversy. As The Boston Globe reported last month, Jimmy Carter gave a speech at Brandeis University that Demme intended to use as the conclusion for his film, but Brandeis wouldn't let him photograph the event. "When I heard that we had been denied permission, I was kind of incredulous," Demme told The Globe. "They have in a way diminished everyone's ability to add to the debate, including the Brandeis students themselves. I thought, 'How can a film with the kind of aspirations we have be prevented from capturing a dialogue?"

The focus of the documentary is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is the subject of Carter's recent book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. The article explains that, as of January 20th, Demme had been shooting the documentary for three months.

There's actually a great deal of content that I've been meaning to add to the site and that will be coming in the weeks ahead. For now, go out and rent/buy the new The Silence of the Lambs DVD -- the fifth, by my count... though I stopped keeping track a while ago -- which features some fresh material, including an "All-New Jonathan Demme & Jodie Foster 3-part Documentary."

Next update (and no, you won't have to wait until 2008): some significant additions to the Music Videos section of the site.

It's that time of year again. I'd like to wish a happy birthday to Jonathan Demme! He turns 62 today. I don't know why I always post this image of Snoopy on Demme's birthday, but I'm a big Peanuts fan and it seems vaguely appropriate.

At the Sundance Film Festival, MTV News producer Benjamin Wagner had the opportunity to interview Jonathan Demme and Neil Young. He was kind enough to post the complete transcript in his Daily Journal.

Also, be sure to check out the radio interview that Jonathan Demme and Neil Young recently did with NPR's Terry Gross.

Next update: more links.

After an even longer break than usual, I'm back and I come bearing (or repeating) good news. I just returned from my first viewing of Neil Young: Heart of Gold and I can gladly confirm the overwhelming critical consensus: this is one of Jonathan Demme's major films and arguably his strongest work since 1986's Something Wild. For some reason, I had the impression going in that this was a minor project, thrown together quickly and with minimal strain or effort. Now I don't know about the quickly part -- in fact, I think the film was thrown together quite fast -- but this isn't a casual or minor film. This is a major cinematic achievement.

Much like Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz and Demme's own Stop Making Sense, Heart of Gold reaches a wildly satisfying state that I can only describe as emotional perfection. The only difference this time is that the musicians have a bit more wear on their faces, a few more years of history. With issues of mortality and failing health looming over the film, there's an unexpected sadness, weight, and humanity that comes through loud and clear. And don't get me started on Neil Young, who gives one of the most impressively sustained, powerful musical performances I've seen in a long time.

As I failed to report over the last several weeks, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and it's currently playing on a few screens across North America. Be sure to catch it on the big screen, if you get the chance. You won't regret it. For more on Heart of Gold, check out the official site and this article that stemmed from an interview Young and Demme gave at Sundance.

Finally, I have one quick followup, regarding Roger Corman's involvement in "Masters of Horror". As fans of the show have probably noticed, Corman didn't manage to direct an episode, after all. The reported reason was health problems, but John Carpenter claimed in a recent interview that Corman's wife (Julie Corman, producer of Demme's Crazy Mama) intervened for fear that he couldn't handle the strain of directing at his age.

Next update: some new links.

Creature Corner recently conducted an interview with Roger Corman. At 79, he's still going strong and actually preparing to direct a film for the first time since 1990's Frankenstein Unbound. Along with Dario Argento, George A. Romero, Tobe Hooper, John Carpenter, Joe Dante, and several others, Corman will direct an episode of Showtime's "Masters of Horror" series. These should begin airing some time in 2006.

The Agronomist DVD is in stores now and no, there aren't any features. But yes, it's an amazing film and essential viewing for fans of Jonathan Demme and activist filmmaking alike.

Finally, thanks to the ever-helpful Louis Black, I've updated the Music Videos section of the site. The list is still incomplete and may not be entirely accurate but Louis is checking with Jonathan Demme so any errors should be corrected soon.

Next update: the second part of Louis Black's article about Jonathan Demme. Again, you can read part one here.

Sorry, I disappeared again but I've been busy with my latest digressive pursuit. These days, I'm writing DVD reviews and editing DiscLand, the DVD column at Jeffrey Wells' website, Hollywood Elsewhere. So...on the DVD front, there's good news and bad news for fans of The Agronomist. New Line has announced a June 7th release date for the long-awaited American DVD release. Unfortunately, there don't appear to be any features. Let's hope that changes.

Also, I've updated the Music section of the site to include the soundtrack for The Manchurian Candidate.

Finally, I meant to post this news item long ago but somehow forgot. Some time last fall, Michael Moore discussed the support he received from several notable actors and directors (including Jonathan Demme), following his controversial Oscar speech in 2003. Here's the quote:

"Some complained about it on TV -- James Woods and others -- just horrible, disgusting people. I was glad they didn't like it. I got incredible notes, phone calls, emails, and letters from Jonathan Demme, Jeff Bridges, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep. I could go down a whole list but I don't know if I should out them. Then, when everyone was saying that any person who criticized America at a time of war would be shunned and boycotted and ignored and vilified, the sales of my books and movies went through the roof."

Next update: the second half of Louis Black's epic article about his long-standing friendship with Jonathan Demme. For now, you can read part one here.

I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to Jonathan Demme! He turns 61 today.

Next update: all kinds of stuff.

The Manchurian Candidate is out on DVD today and it includes all kinds of interesting features, most of which are accompanied by Jonathan Demme commentary. Be careful to pick up the widescreen version, though, as the full screen version looks very similar.

Also out on DVD today is the ultra-bizarre surprise hit of 2004, Napoleon Dynamite. Jonathan Demme recently discussed this film for the news.telegraph column "Filmmakers on Film." You can read that article here. Thanks to Eric Slee for bringing this to my attention.

I've been meaning to post this next piece for a while. Journalist Keith Uhlich recently completed a lengthy and very impressive biography of Jonathan Demme for the "Great Directors" section of the Australian film journal Senses of Cinema. Be sure to check it out.

In other news, anyone looking for a last minute Christmas gift should consider Ron Nyswaner's recently published memoir, Blue Days, Black Nights. Nyswaner has worked as a screenwriter (with and without credit) on several Jonathan Demme films including Swing Shift and Philadelphia. Demme is quoted in the ads for Blue Days, Black Nights: "Ron Nyswaner's account of his struggle with real-life demons great and small is gripping, harrowing, and sometimes shockingly intimate. It is heartbreaking -- and yes, it is also very, very funny indeed. Blue Days, Black Nights is a courageously candid tale of love and addiction, disintegration and rebirth."

Lastly, Christmas carollers should click the image below for invaluable assistance in their festive pursuits.

Next update: an update to the Music section of the site.

I've updated the Demme on DVD section with details on the Swing Shift DVD and other recent Demme DVDs. Which reminds me, a week from today the long-awaited 2 disc special edition of Philadelphia will be released in North America. A DVD with roughly the same features (Demme commentary, 2 documentaries, deleted scenes, etc.) has been available in Europe for a while. It's being advertised as the "anniversary edition" as it commemorates the film's vitally important 11th anniversary.

In other Demme DVD news, The Manchurian Candidate will be released on DVD in North America on December 21st. The content of that DVD still hasn't been announced. As for The Agronomist, a DVD has been released in Europe but there's still no word on a North American release.

Finally, a new David Byrne DVD Live at Union Chapel, London is being released today. Byrne performs 18 songs from different periods of his career (Talking Heads and post-Talking Heads): (Nothing But) Flowers, And She Was, Once in a Lifetime, God's Child, The Great Intoxication, Un Di Felice, The Revolution, Sax and Violins, This Must Be the Place, What a Day That Was, Like Humans Do, U.B. Jesus, Life During Wartime, Lazy, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Ausencia, The Accident, and Road to Nowhere.

Next update: an update to the Music section of the site.

After another prolonged absence, I'm back with several updates I've been meaning to add for months. As you've probably noticed, much of Storefront Demme is currently out-of-date. I'm working to ammend this. For now, the Links section has been updated. I've removed obsolete links and added several new interviews with Pauline Kael and Roger Corman. Best of all, I've added the long awaited 42 minute video of Roger Corman's lecture from the Fox Searchlab series. Also of note, the most recent entry in this series is with Robert Newman, one of the most noteworthy agents of directors in the movie industry today. He is also Jonathan Demme's agent.

I would also like to bring to everyone's attention A Letter to True. I recently caught this new film by Bruce Weber at The Montreal Festival of New Cinema where it was probably the best film I saw. At one point in the film, Weber discusses The Agronomist and an influential conversation he had with Jonathan Demme after a screening of that film. Anyway, it's an amazingly compassionate, aesthetically rich film and, while it may be difficult to find, it's certainly worth finding.

As for The Manchurian Candidate, it's been an enormous critical success and at least a moderate box office success, earning roughly $65.6 million in the United Sates alone. With an estimated budget of $80 million, this may be a little disappointing but it's still Jonathan Demme's third highest grossing film after Philadelphia ($77.4 million) and The Silence of the Lambs ($130.7 million). For more, see Box Office Mojo's Jonathan Demme page.

I've also added links to Cinema Confidential's interviews with Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep, as well as a Jonathan Demme radio interview from NPR and a Fresh Air special on The Manchurian Candidate.

Next update: DVD news and updates.

As usual, I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been really busy over the last couple months working for the Fantasia film festival in Montreal. If you're wondering what I have to do with this crazy festival, you can check out the news section of the site. I write all the news updates. I also wrote all the director bios that accompany the program notes, as well as the program notes for Freak Out, Monster Man, and Nothing. I'm also doing all kinds of strange stuff with guests, watching lots of movies, drinking too much beer, etc. which has all inhibited my ability to update this site.

But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about The Manchurian Candidate. I'm as excited as anyone. Until I have the chance to add more updates, check out the official site. In addition, Hollywood Elsewhere's Jeffrey Wells -- an old friend of the site -- wrote a rave review of the film, calling it "a better, fiercer, more jolting thing than the" original. Also, the notorious Ebert & Roeper gave it "two thumbs up" and, so far, The Manchurian Candidate has tracked much better than The Truth About Charlie at Rotten Tomatoes. I'll be back soon with much more.

Next update: more on The Manchurian Candidate, as well as that long-delayed Roger Corman interview.

I've added a link to Bo Goldman's Melvin and Howard screenplay. This draft is dated 2/1/79. I have a hard copy of this script in its original format and I'll try to post a pdf of that in the near future. For now, you'll have to settle for this oddly formatted (but still worhtwhile) version.

Speaking of Melvin and Howard, there's a new Melvin and Howard DVD out and it's a major step-down from the previous Anchor Bay special edition. Unlike the original DVD, this new DVD has no audio commentary with Jonathan Demme and Toby Rafelson. Officially, the original DVD is out-of-print but, if you look carefully, you can still find it.

For those of you with masochistic taste in reading, Greg Mariotti has posted an essay I wrote about Punch-Drunk Love and its relationship to mythology at his excellent Paul Thomas Anderson site, cigarettes & coffee (it's in the May 21-31 update). You can find other examples of my "writing" in the email section of this site. The most recent addition is an inter-review of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that I co-wrote (with Sarah Duda) for the new online film journal, Synoptique.

Next update: a lengthy video interview with Roger Corman.

I didn't think this day would ever come but I've finally finished transcribing "Jonathan Demme On the Line", an interview that Michael Sragow conducted for American Film a few months before the release of Swing Shift. This interview is interesting, chiefly because Demme still seems to have high hopes for Swing Shift, even at this late stage in the film's volatile post-production. This may be part of Demme's contractual obligation not to bad-mouth the film (that he has discussed in other interviews).

Aint it Cool News published a negative review of The Manchurian Candidate last week. Bear in mind, Aint it Cool News has a long-standing bias against the film and we are still over two months away from its (earlier than expected) release date. In addition, I've already received several positive responses from insiders who have seen early cuts of the film. In other words, remain optimistic.

One more thing: Jonathan Demme appeared on "The Charlie Rose Show" last week, along with Michele Montas, discussing The Agronomist. If anybody taped this program or would be willing to transcribe it, please let me know. Anyone interested in the film, should also check out its excellent official site.

Next update: the Melvin and Howard screenplay.

Last month I mentioned that Jonathan Demme appears in a comicbook that comes with the American Splendor DVD. Thanks to the technical assistance of Adam Rosadiuk, you can see that panel right here. For a larger version, click on the image below.

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this but two of Jonathan Demme's most obscure early films are now available on no-frills, ultra low-budget DVDs. Otherwise unavailable on video, Fighting Mad is available for only $5 on DVD. It's also available as part of a bizarre-looking collection called "Old Skool Thugz".

In addition, there are two different DVDs available for Demme's writing/producing debut, Angels Hard as They Come. One is a low-budget release produced by the same company that released the Fighting Mad DVD, BCI Eclipse. The other Angels DVD is part of a collection called "Classic Biker Movies". I haven't seen any of these DVDs so don't consider this a recommendation but, other than television, this is the only way to see these early Demme films.

Next update: let's face it, I'll probably never find time to finish transcribing the Swing Shift interview but, if I do, you'll read it here first.

The Manchurian Candidate trailer is now online and the film's North American release has been set for July 30th.

Next update: I'll be back soon with the Swing Shift interview and much more on The Manchurian Candidate.

Earlier this month, Jonathan Demme appeared at Austin’s South by Southwest festival. During this visit, he was interviewed by The Austin Chronicle. You can read the interview here and, for complete coverage of SXSW 2004, go here.

Recently, while reading about Robert Altman’s Short Cuts, I discovered a quote about the film attributed to Jonathan Demme. Demme was part of a select group of friends and colleagues that Altman invited to an early screening of the film. You can read more about this screening in Rolling Stone's review of Short Cuts. Here’s what Demme had to say about the film:

"It’s a great ocean of a movie with vast calms, raging waves, everything. It can make you laugh so hard and then break your heart."

As some of you may have noticed, Jonathan Demme appears in the comicbook that comes with the new American Splendor DVD. According to the comic, Demme tried to get an American Splendor film off the ground in the early 80s but didn’t succeed. I’ll try to scan the comic panel for the next update.

Finally, sad news for fans of Demme’s Swimming to Cambodia collaborator, Spalding Gray. After disappearing in early January, Gray’s whereabouts was unknown for almost two months. A few weeks ago his body was finally discovered in the East River. Apparently, the cause of death was suicide. You can read more here. I don’t want to be insensitive but the Swimming to Cambodia video cover now has a completely unintended significance.

Next update: the long-awaited Swing Shift interview. For now, the transcribing continues.

Happy birthday to Jonathan Demme! He turns 60 today.

Next update: that Swing Shift interview I promised earlier.

The internet movie database now has a far more complete list of cast and crew for The Manchurian Candidate. Some interesting highlights: Rachel Portman (Beloved, The Truth About Charlie) will again compose the score, and both Jon Voight and Miguel Ferrer will appear in the film.

A few weeks ago, Entertainment Weekly released its 2004 preview issue. The magazine's film critics, Owen Gleiberman and Lisa Schwartzbaum, both selected The Manchurian Candidate as one of their most anticipated films of 2004. The issue also includes a brief article about the film. Online, these articles are only available to subscribers. If you have a subscription, go here.

Just a reminder that Swing Shift is now available on DVD. Again, this DVD has no special features and is the original theatrical version of the film. Watch at your own risk.

Next update: an interview with Jonathan Demme that was conducted a few months before the release of Swing Shift.

As I mentioned last week, a Swing Shift DVD is being released on January 20th. Sadly, this is the theatrical version of the film, not Demme's original cut. Demme's version has never been widely available, nor is there a print or transfer that meets the technical standards of a mainstream DVD release. Features on the DVD are minimal. It will include a new transfer, enhanced for widescreen TVs, and a trailer.

As usual, I'd like to make an important holiday reminder. While Christmas carroling for your disadvantaged group of choice, don't forget the holiday favorite by Melvin Dummar, "Santa's Souped-Up Sleigh". Print it out and pass it around.

Next update: some interesting new links.

After a seven week hiatus, Storefront Demme is back. The hiatus was largely the result of a computer meltdown, an overload of work, and a general lack of Demme news.

As I wrote seven weeks ago, Jeffrey Wells featured Demme's The Manchurian Candidate in two of his recent columns. The first deals with the script and the second deals with reader feedback to the first column. Both are worth a look.

This week, Wells also wrote about the Swing Shift DVD which is scheduled for release on January 20th. As you may remember, I introduced Wells to the Swing Shift fiasco last year and, in response, he wrote a column about it. A few days later, he got a copy of the bootleg tape and claimed he would be reviewing it. He didn't...until now. Unfortunately, he seems to be the first person who isn't entirely enthusiastic about Demme's cut.

Next update: more on the upcoming Swing Shift DVD.