CATE PROJECTS

Well, here we are again at Rumour City Central. We understand they are re-looking into the Y2K bug affaire, because we hear our Cate may be involved. Just kidding, but, Ms. B does seem to be mentioned regarding every other film being made in the next 18 months.

While Sally Potter's "The Man Who Cried" and Emir Kusterica's "The White Hotel" continue to be mentioned in regards to Cate, it is being mentioned with some certainty that Ms. Blanchett will star in "The Gift" for "A Simple Plan" supremo, Sam Raimi. The thriller is co-written by Billy Bob Thornton.

Additionally, if that wasn't enough to be excited about, Cate is suddenly being mentioned in conjunction with the Steven Spielberg-directed sci-fi thriller "Minority Report", whose headliner is Tom Cruise. Reports say discussions are ongoing, yet, an offer has not been tendered to Cate. Jenna Elfman was the female name being associated with this futuristic thriller up til now, so who knows what's going on?

Matt Damon was summoned by Spielberg to join the project based on their relationship from "Saving Private Ryan". Perhaps, Matt, in turn, did the same thing based on having worked with Cate on "The Talented Mr. Ripley". Hopefully, we can begin to thin out the herd of all these rumours at some point in the not-too-distant future.

PUSHING TIN TRIUMPHS

We are most happy to report that Pushing Tin was well received at its Euro premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival. These remarks, from Neil Norman at This Is London seem fairly typical of the warm reception:

" Afraid of flying? Then Mike Newell's latest, Pushing Tin, is a film best avoided - which is a pity as it is a sophisticated, brilliantly scripted American comedy set in the rarefied and exceedingly macho world of Long Island air traffic controllers.

John Cusack stars as Nick "Zone" Falzone, the most dextrous juggler of flight paths on the team, whose position is threatened by the arrival of the ultra-cool Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thornton). The stress factors are increased by a little light adultery until Nick's marriage and his job begin to fall apart.

Angeline Jolie, as an alcoholic vamp with a Grand Canyon cleavage, and Cate Blanchett, as an all-American young mother, provide sterling support in this terrific, ingenious and very funny movie. Following hard on the well-shod heels of Donnie Brasco, this establishes Newell in the front rank of Brit directors in Hollywood."

So, that certainly beats some of Brit's earlier bashing of the film when it hadn't even made it's way to Europe yet.

A FAMOUS FAMILY IN THE WINGS

If this report taken from Wednesday's Sydney newspaper is correct..looks like our Cate could be coming home where she belongs, even if only for a short time. Here is the article:-

"It will be a Blanchett family affair when the Sydney Theatre Company lifts the curtain on the upcoming play Cyrano De Bergerac next month.
One Andrew Upton (husband of Cate) is adapting the play for the pre-eminent company.
And his sister-in-law Genevive Blanchett (sister of Cate) will design the set, in which the occasionally bottom exposing Jeremy Sims will romp around (fully clothed) in the title role as the man with the big nose. Thirteen wonders if Cate will attend the opening night."

Let's cross our fingers this report is correct.

NOT HIS GIRL FRIDAY BUT OUR GIRL, CATE

Subscribers to our Cate and Sarah (Polley) list might remember the very astute and articulate comments made by our very own co-author Dean following his attendance at a performance of the highly acclaimed play "Cloudstreet" some time back. He informed us at that time that the play would be going on an international tour and all interested parties would be well rewarded by checking it out.

Other visitors to ACBO may remember the article Cate wrote back in March for This Is London entitled, "Cate Blanchett On Crying In Public Places". It was an observational review by Cate regarding a production by friends of hers. (You may find it in The Cate Library under Blanchett, Cate in the General Interest Articles room.)

Well, our Cate has taken up the pen once again to say a few words about her friends in Company B theatre group as they bring "Cloudstreet" to London. For a fascinating look at the further adventures of Cate the journalist, check out Cloudstreet's Ticket To Cloud Nine.

Guess that's all we have for you for now. Until then, don't forget, when all else fails, PLAY A VOLTA!" Cheers!

Aussie Cate Online © 1999 Lin, Dean, Lance
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