After 18 Years, 'Paradise Lost' Subjects the West Memphis Three Are Freed

The West Memphis Three, who were convicted as teens of killing three eight-year-old boys and who spent 18 years in prison -- while fans of the 'Paradise Lost' series of documentaries about their case pushed for their release -- are free today. According to the Arkansas Times, a hastily-arranged hearing at a Jonesboro, Ark. courthouse led to a plea deal that secured the release of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. while upholding the guilty verdicts against them. Celebrity supporters were on hand, including Eddie Vedder, Natalie Maines, and 'Paradise Lost' filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, who had rushed to the scene to film a new conclusion to their trilogy. The trio were freed after agreeing to a plea deal that had them entering an "Alford Plea," which allows them to actively maintain their innocence in public statements while acknowledging in court that the state has enough evidence to convict them and accepting a sentence of time served. The deal forestalled the possibility of a new trial, a prospect raised in recent weeks by newly unearthed evidence supporting the defendants. Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley had been convicted of the 1993 slayings of Cub Scouts Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers. As documented in the 'Paradise Lost' documentaries that have brought worldwide attention to the case over the last 15 years, the prosecution offered little in the way of evidence against the defendants except their fondness for black clothing and heavy metal music, suggesting that the killings were part of a Satanic ritual. Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life in prison, while Echols was given the death penalty. Since their 1994 convictions, appeals have kept the case alive, drawing on information revealed in the documentaries suggesting that the case against the West Memphis Three had been slipshod and that other potential suspects had been overlooked. Berlinger and Sinofsky rushed to Jonesboro this morning to film the hearing. They had recently made a third movie about the case, 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory,' which was to screen at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals next month, but suddenly, they had a new ending to shoot. 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory' - Teaser Trailer "I have now spent half my life on death row," Echols said in a statement upon his release. "It is a torturous environment that no human being should have to endure, and it needed to end. I am innocent, as are Jason and Jessie, but I made this decision because I did not want to spend another day of my life behind those bars. I want to live and to continue to fight for our innocence." Singers Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, longtime supporters of the trio, were present at the hearing. They were just two of the many entertainment world figures who had campaigned for the trio's release over the years. Yesterday, Deadline reported that 'Lord of the Rings' filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh had subsidized the trio's legal costs in recent years, including funding investigative work that might have led to their freedom. The surprise hearing, announced just yesterday, follows the release of a report three weeks ago that found that DNA from the crime scene did not match any of the three defendants. In a statement today, prosecutor Scott Ellington said that new evidence, including the DNA report and allegations of juror misconduct, had increased the likelihood of a new trial, one that the state would have difficulty winning because of the time that had elapsed, the attention the case has drawn, and the fact that two of the three victims' families now support the defendants and believe that the killer is someone else who is still at large. Follow Gary Susman on Twitter @garysusman. Photo credit: AP

HAMMOND: Woodsy Allen, Kaira Pitt, 'The Help' Among Early Leading Oscar Challengers Do They Really Hold On?

OK I'll say it. When the Academy awards were held today (nearly two-thirds of how through 2011) Woodsy Allencould have another Best Picture champion. Obviously the Academy awards aren't being held yet and that we continue to be four . 5 several weeks from the finish of qualifications. But once we are going to attempt the autumn season starting with the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals you're ready to have a look at where we're atand where we're going. First of all: can there be anything launched to date this year having a realistic opportunity to win the race Best Picture or at the minimum earn a nomination under new rules that say from 5 to 10 films might be nominated (meaning each nominee can't make it happen without receiving a minimum of 300 to begin with votes within the nominating process). Common knowledge states films launched within the first eight several weeks of the season are in a significant problem with individuals being released within the fall and holidays.This past year no eventual champion within the topeight groups was launched before October andseven of individuals those who win arrived on the scene on Thanksgiving or after. On the other hand some recent Best Pic those who win such as the Hurt Locker (2010) andCrash (2005) originated from the very first 1 / 2 of their particular years. Other classic Best Picchamps like Patton, The Godfather, The Silence from the Lamb, Gladiator, Braveheart company, Woodsy Allen's first Best Picture, 1977's Annie Hall, counseled me launched within the first five several weeks of the particular years so it might be foolish to downgrade the likelihood of movies we have already seen this season. Or wouldn't it? Indeed four of 2010's ten Best Pic nominees were launched in June and This summer. But apart from animated films like Rango and Rio there have been no solid Best Pic options until we hit the Cannes Film Festival in May. Gradually simmeringBest Picture talk was sparked through the fest opener, Allen's rapturously received Night time In Paris and Terrence Malick's Palme d'Or champion, The Tree Of Existence which both continued to later May domestic releases. The Allen film is becoming his most financially effective film ever and it'll hit the $50 million benchmark a few days ago. Its official Academy screening was packed towards the rafters ("the very best turnout I've observed in years", based on one member) and very well accepted. "I loved it however, many people I understand got mad at me because I did not like it, " another voter explained.InchI've not seen anything that's become that type of response. I believed it was excellent, the type of feeling I did previously reach the filmsInch. One honours consultant without any link with The new sony Pictures Classics or even the film requested "who does have thought Night time In Paris will be the first film cemented (for any nomination)?" However, many contend that it's too lightweight to visit the length and can fade. Still, to obtain individuals ever-more-crucial to begin with votes a movie needs to possess a passionate, uber-passionate following and also the vibe I'm presently getting from numerous people I've spoken to is the fact that Woodsy hit that one from the park. And let us face the facts , with acareer tally of 21 nominations andthree wins the Academy is Woodsy-friendly territory,a minimum of when he's on his game. His last pointing jerk is at 1994 for Bullets Over Broadway. His newest writing jerk was six years back for that dramatic Match Point. With SPC planning for a major campaign, nominations aren't unthinkable for Picture, Pointing, Supporting Actress (Marion Cottiard) and something is alreadylocked for Original Script. Fox Searchlight's The Tree Of Existence has already established a far more divided reaction from some voters I've spoken to but individuals who're enthusiastic about Malick are actually passionate. Others, less. An actor's branch member: "I believe Kaira Pitt's great, really wonderful. I believe that section -- I refer to it as the mushroom trip -- that section lost many people after i first viewed it in the Academy. It had been about sixty-six per cent full there were not many walkouts but lukewarm applause." Despite split decisions like this it cannot be reduced, despite the fact that Malick's only previous Best Pic nomination originated from 1998's The Thin Red-colored Line and also the last Palme d'Or champion to visit onto takeOscar's top awardwas Marty in 1955. A great deal will rely on how Searchlight campaigns the film. The savvy company could just position it as being too groundbreaking and vital that you ignore. Filmmakers admire Malick for getting their own vision on the watch's screen, also keep in mind that Cannes jury that granted it the very best prize incorporated Academy people like Jude Law,Uma Thurman and RobertDe Niro, who reported the film because of its apparent ambition. Older people particularly may prefer Disney/Dreamworks' The Assistance which came an believed 95% capacity house at its AMPAS screening last weekend and "massive" applause for Viola Davis along with other people from the ensemble cast. It is the kindof entertaining, socially conscious movie the Academy has fallen forin past decadesand there might be an idea for your again. "Whether it got a Best Picture nomination I wouldn't be sorry whatsoever," stated one normally hard-to-please member attending. A current SAG nominating committee screening in the Arclight in Hollywood that featured a Q&A using the six principal female stars came multiple standing ovations. A Dreamworks source explained they had not planned on coping with Oscar talk too soon, just wishing to spread out effectively (they did with $35 million within the first 5 days), however the response has increased their timetable. Expect a significant campaign with wished-for nodsincluding Davis as well as Actress and Octavia Spencer for the best Supporting Actress, and aSAG Cast jerk would appear to stay in achieve. Ifthe film continues itsstrong box office run evaluations towards the Blind Side, which obtained a Best Pic jerk 2 yrs ago, is going to be inevitable. Obviously which was once the Acad needed to nominate 10 pictures. Despite a 74% fresh score at Rotten Tomato plants, experts groups will most likely 't be of great importance and help. Butwhen the Academy holds something using its heart because it didBlind Side andreigning Best Pic champion The King's Speech,all bets are off. Among summer time blockbusters with Best Picture aspirations, Warner Bros.will launch anaggressive campaign for that final Potter film, Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with about landing a Best Pic jerk as recognition from the entire series (ala The almighty from the Rings,even though evaluations aren't really thatapt). And Vital is plotting an offer for J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg's Super 8, using the studio likely to help remind voters from the warm feelings they'd in the film "despite the fact that it opened up waaaaay in June." Because of its styles it might have strong attract filmmakers -- it's kind of E.T. meets Day For Evening meets Aliens,all Oscar those who win--despite the fact that most commentators will most likely discount its chances when more severe fare opens. 2 yrs ago the August release District 9 won an uncommon sci-fi Best Pic nomination (again there have been a needed 10).The studio can also be wishing to achieve attention for supporting actress Elle Fanning and it has already become an increase on its pre-nominations screening series for Academy and also the Guilds. twentieth century Fox might seriously be considering mounting a Supporting Actor campaign with respect to Andy Serkis who plays lead ape Caesar in theirits smash Rise from the Planet from the Apes.However, many inthe acting branch and SAG still freely fear the results from the performance capture process which blends CGI with actors' actions to produce a character. Some experts happen to be freely with a Serkis nomination butsome stars are wary it may be the start of the finish for that professionbut, therefore it isa lengthy shot.It really requires great talent and Serkis could be an inspired choice. The film performed to about 70% capacity at its official AMPAS screening on Saturday evening and was well-received I'm relayed through a neutral Academy member who had been there. Much more likely stars will gowith 81-year-old Christopher Plummer's touching performance like a guy who arrives from the closet right close to the finish of his existence within the June release Beginners. He'd appear to become a lock on the supporting jerk. And hopefully voters will not forget Mexican star Demian Bichir's great operate in June's A Much Better Existence or Rachel Weisz in the present The Whistleblower, despite the fact that both indiefilms unsuccessful to ignite in the box office in a major way. The Weinstein Company's Sarah's Key may also draw attention, particularly for that past due Kristin Scott Thomas. Areas with bountiful candidates to select from within the first eightmonths of 2011's film crop are Animated Feature (brought by Rango and Rio ), Documentary Feature (Buck, Senna, The First Page: Within the New You are able to Occasions, Project Nim and Werner Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams) not to mention the blockbuster, summer time movie-friendlyVisual Effects category that has now been broadened to 5 nominees. The larger challenge for films having a The month of january through August birthdate will bestaying front of mind once the real competitiveonslaught starts the following month. Approaching: Phone fall and holiday challengers in the Major Galleries and Independents.

Weinsteins Eye Their Very Own Broadway Productions

NEW You are able to - Harvey and Bob Weinstein are searching to set up financing partners for any slate of original Broadway productions according to their past movies, a resource confirmed Monday. The film moguls are thinking of getting eight to 10 productions for the time being, with Chocolat and Cinema Paradiso one of the likely films which get the Broadway treatment. Mark Patricof's Mesa Global, a boutique investment advisory firm, is spearheading the Weinsteins' effort to set up money and structure close ties. This news was initially reported through the New You are able to Publish. The Weinsteins have previously sometimes committed to others' stage shows, however they expect to do their very own productions. "It's an growth of the present Weinstein Live Entertainment," Weinstein Co. COO David Glasser, who's focusing on the project with David Hutkin, executive vice president of proper initiatives, opportunities and also the banking group, told the Publish. "Rather than trading in other shows, it's about original shows from our shop." The Weinsteins happen to be in production about the musical Finding Neverland, in line with the Miramax movie about Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, based on the Publish. An organized tryout in California was lately cancelled because the organization felt happens production isn't ready yet, it stated. Related Subjects Harvey Weinstein Bob Weinstein The Weinstein Company

Samantha Ronson Charged Over DUI

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Samantha Ronson will face a judge over her driving under the influence arrest earlier this month. On Tuesday, Access Hollywood confirmed that the celebrity DJ has been charged with two misdemeanor counts for driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level above .08. The maximum penalty if Ronson is convicted is 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Ronson was arrested on Aug. 1 on suspicion of driving under the influence. The celebrity DJ was stopped outside of Baker, Calif., at 10:31 AM for speeding in her black Porsche. She was clocked going 89 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, California Highway Patrol said in a statement released to Access Hollywood at the time. After Ronson was stopped, law enforcement officials said she displayed signs of alcohol intoxication and was given a series of field sobriety tests and then arrested. Ronson refused a portable breath test on the scene, but submitted to a breath test at the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Substation in Baker. She was then later booked at the Sheriffs jail in Barstow, Calif., and released on Monday, Aug. 1, at 5:30 PM CHP said Ronson was cooperative during the booking. TMZ first reported news of the charges. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Apes' increases to surface of Friday B.O.

'Rise from the Planet from the Apes'Fox's "Rise from the Planet from the Apes" beat its way up from the domestic box office Friday. Individuals damn dirty apes made $19.75 million from three,648 locations.B.O. experts expect "Apes" to double that figure through Sunday, but reviews that are positive and person to person could mean a level more powerful bow for Fox's apes. Pic made $1.25 million in night time sales Thursday evening, in comparison to Universal's $800,000 late evening haul for "Cowboys and Aliens" per week earlier.Sony's "The Smurfs" snagged second with $5.95 million from three,395 locations. "Cowboys and Aliens" narrowly beat "Smurfs" last weekend after "Smurfs" required Friday evening. The live action-toon hybrid has cumed $61.152 million locally so far.A few Universal game titles arrived neck-and-neck last evening. "Cowboys and Aliens" is beginning its soph sesh with $4.749 million from three,754 locations and newcomer "The Modification-Up" is directly on its heels with $4.748 million from 2,913, based on the studio."Change-Up" may be the summer's sixth R-ranked laffer and also the second from Uni after sleeper hit "Bridesmaids." Despite its exclusive pedigree -- composed by "The Hangover" scribes and helmed by "Wedding Crashers'" director, and promoted thusly -- studio has anticipation within the low-to-mid teens for that weekend. Outdoors of the frame, its legs will be based largely on person to person and femme interest, which lately spiked for that film and is a great omen for mid-week figures.Discussing the tail finish, Paramount's "Captain America" required fifth Friday evening about $3.8 million from three,620 locations. Pic has cumed roughly $134 million Stateside to date. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Broadways New Funny Girl: Lauren Ambrose

FIRST Released: August 3, 2011 4:06 PM EDT NEW You are able to, N.Y. -- Lauren Ambrose is going to be walking into Barbra Streisands large footwear inside a revival of Funny Girl that's going to Broadway. The first kind star of Six Ft Under continues to be cast as Fanny Brice inside a production which will take part in the Ahmanson Theatre in La before coming in New You are able to early in the year of 2012. It will likely be the very first Broadway manufacture of the musical because it initially opened up in 1964. It features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill along with a book by Isobel Lennart, in addition to tunes like Dont Rain on my small Parade the ones. Ambrose has formerly made an appearance on Broadway in Awake and Sing! and Exit the King and starred within the Shakespeare around the block productions of Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet. Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Lars Von Trier Upset Norway Mass Murderer Loved Dogville

“I feel badly about thinking that Dogville, which in my eyes is one of my most successful films, should have been a kind of script for him. It’s horrific,” director Lars von Trier said about the fact that Dogville was revealed to be one of Norwegian camp killer Anders Behring Breivik’s favorite films. “[I]f it was an inspiration, I’m sorry that I made it. But of course I have educational purposes with my films, even if I hesitate to admit it, and my views are the complete opposite of Breivik and his deeds.” Dogville ends with Nicole Kidman’s character ordering the massacre of the village that abused her. [Hollywood-Elsewhere]