Sadly, actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died yesterday of an apparent heroin overdose in Greenwich Village. Everyone will have their favorite Hoffman performance, but to say goodbye to the man’s terrific 23-year acting career we’ll share this clip from Almost Famous discussing the positives and negatives of being uncool.
Experimental New York rock band Yeasayer has put out a music video for “Madder Red” from their second self-produced album Odd Blood. The video stars Kristen Bell dealing with the passing of one of the most unique pets of all time. Thanks to our pal Eric, understanding my still-unwavering Veronica Mars crush, for sending this our way.
We’re saddened to report that motion picture screenwriter, director and actor Dan O’Bannon has passed away at the age of 63. The man wrote Blue Thunder, Alien, Aliens, two segments of Heavy Metal, Return of the Living Dead, Screamers, helped adapt Total Recall for the big screen, and worked on the visual effects for the original Star Wars. He also wrote, starred, and did the special effects for John Carpenter’s original student film which became Dark Star. Without him there would be no Ripley, no Blue Thunder (thus no Airwolf), far fewer “Living Dead” movies, and no three-breasted hookers on Mars. For all that and more, Mr. O’Bannon, we thank you and sadly bid you adieu.