Carice van Houten to Play Leni Riefenstahl the beautiful actress, singer and Pioneer Film Director

Leni Riefenstahl

Carice van Houten

Berlin, Germany—I first talked about this last February when there was a tease article in Variety Magazine.

The Jessie Owens story is coming to the big screen.  The film titled, Race is starring Stephan James as Owens and he is joined Jeremy Irons and William Hurt in this film.  Stephen Hopkins is directing the film.  Shooting began this week in Berlin.

The multi-talented Dutch actress, Carice van Houten who happens to be my personal favorite has signed on to play the legendary German film director Leni Riefenstahl.

Van Houten was cast in the once in a lifetime role of the accidental Dutch resistance hero, Rachel Stein / Ellis de Vries in Paul Verhoeven’s film, Black Book (2006).   That’s still is my favorite film of all time!

Today, van Houten graces the Game of Game of Thrones cast as the Red Priestess, Melisandre.

Riefenstahl was a gorgeous dancer and actress and genuine contemporary of the late great Marlene Dietrich.  The events of 1933 in Germany would change her life. 

Riefenstahl was an incredibly talented woman who took advantage of an opportunity within Adolf Hitler’s emerging Third Reich to make films with virtually unlimited budgets.

Riefenstahl was not anti-Semitic or any kind of a racist.  She was an opportunist that simply rose to the occasion when she got her chance.

One of her trademark masterpiece films, Triumph des Willens or in English Triumph of The Will is banned today in Germany.  It’s filled with amazing camera shots both static and aerial that had never been done before in cinema.  

That film was an epic propaganda piece designed to make Germany love their new leader who promised them hope and change and during a very bleak period in German History.  

Riefenstahl matched her stunning images with music and the film became an undeniable hit.  Nazi propaganda aside Riefenstahl did exactly what film directors are supposed to do.

Riefenstahl’s greatest epic was her documentation of the 1936 Olympics. Hitler decreed that Blacks and Jews could not take part in this event but relented when Germany would not be allowed to host the event

We all know what happened with that legendary African-American track star Jessie Owens, to Hitler’s chagrin defeated all of the world’s greatest runners.

Riefenstahl’s spectacular film of Owens' victory has been seen millions of times and it’s still being shown today nearly 80 years later! Riefenstahl created the template that sports photographers everywhere still follow today.

Riefenstahl invented camera movements using aircraft, sliders, dollies and jibs that are being used by filmmakers everywhere today.  Imagine what she would have done with the multi-rotor camera drones in use today.

Riefenstahl was sought after by Walt Disney but her alliance with Hitler spoiled that.  She was nearly tried as a war criminal and found herself punished and precluded from doing what she preferred in Hollywood.

Riefenstahl became a documentary film maker that made groundbreaking films of African tribes and oceanographic scientific films until her death at age 100 in 2003.

Riefenstahl was also known for having a boyfriend some 40 years her junior! 

Okay i admit that I’m in love with van Houten’s amazing talents. I know this woman is exactly what the Oscar’s Best Actress Award is all about.  I love her singing too! I often listen to van Houten’s album, See You On The Ice as I drive around L.A.

I only hope that van Houten is able to book more of the blockbuster films she deserves.  If I was somehow van Houten’s agent, I’d make that happen!

To My Friends in the Netherlands…

Amsterdam, NL--It’s with a heavy heart that I mourn with you the loss of so many of your best and brightest people that were killed by the senseless destruction Malaysia Airlines flight #MH 17.

I have such fond memories of my visits to your nation rich with beauty, art and some of the friendliest people anywhere. 

I can’t wait for my next visit to Holland where I’m sure I’ll visit with old friends and make some new ones. 

I deeply respect the legendary Dutch heroes that risked torture and death resisting the Nazis during their brutal occupation. 

Few nations in the world can boast such an artistic, well-educated and productive population. 

I’m horrified that the remains of your loved ones are decomposing in the field of wreckage after being robbed of jewelry and other valuables.  This just adds to the misery for the friends and families of these innocent victims. 

I beg that the International Community demands that these human remains be treated respectfully and returned to the families without further delay.

There is of course no way to undo this insanity.  If there were a way for me to somehow help make things better I would not hesitate.

I want you all to know that you have my support, prayers and love as you have to deal with this horrific crisis.  

As for my fellow American friends please put a visit to beautiful Amsterdam and other Dutch cities on your summer travel plans.  You’ll be glad you did.  The incredible flowers, canals, museums are breathtaking.  The Anne Frank House is still there waiting for your visit. 

Languages, European Filmmakers and Stars that Deserve Better!

Film Director Paul Verhoeven directs a scene from Black Book

Berlin, Germany--I’m blessed in recent years to have made some wonderful German friends that work in the German film industry as filmmakers or are involved with film funding.   If you’ve not noticed, Germany has become very serious about making great films.  Many of them are being made in English!  The best is yet to come! 

My all time favorite film is Black Book.  That terrific film was funded in part through generous German government film funding.  This exciting, Paul Verhoeven, World War Two thriller is actually filmed in mostly Dutch but also in German, English and some Yiddish depending on when and where the scene take place.  Most of the European stars speak English and none better than Carice van Houten who won the, once in a lifetime staring role of the accidental hero, Rachel Stein.

Europe is a linguistic melting pot.  Italians, French, Germans, Dutch, and the rest of Europe’s population are encouraged and taught in school to speak English.  Yes, many Europeans speak languages other than English but for most that are caught up in language conflicts English is  nearly always their salvation.  

I love languages and when I was conscripted into military service thankfully I wound up in Germany rather than Viet Nam.  I immediately took to learning Germany’s customs and language.  Speaking a second or more languages is a gift of empowerment.  It turned out that I really loved Germany and today wish I’d never left when my military commitment ended. 

Unfortunately the English speaking nations have not taken to learning the European languages.   Filmmakers have bridged the language gap with subtitles.  That seems simple however it’s impossible even for accomplished readers to concentrate on the film images being shown and reading the subtitles.   I know too many Americans that for the most part are unwilling to read a movie.   Was you audience so busy reading the subtitles that they missed the film? 

I have a better solution!  Make the film in the native language.  However in addition, make it in English.  Most actors in Europe speak English and speech coaches can work with actors on set that need help.

As each film scene is set up it can be shot first in the native language and reshot in English.  The actors will need two sets of their script sides to study.  The editing process will take longer but since the scenes are duplicates, it should not be difficult.  The actors should not find this difficult since they're already in the moment. 

The benefits for European filmmakers and the actors will be huge!  The films will sell to a much larger audience and the actors will be seen worldwide.  This is about profits and careers!  Is the actor or actress a Dutch or German star or an international star?   American or British actors don't deserve better exposure than actors of other nations.  In the end, talent not the country of orgin should determine the fame and fortune of the worlds actors and filmmakers. 

Instead of simply competing for the Best Foreign Film at the Oscar Awards,  films could then win awards in every category!  I want to see my favorite actress Carice van Houten get a nomination and actually win the Best Actress Award.  

As for Black Book, it was a genuine masterpiece the cast and crew were amazing to say the least.  The story was based on fact however they used a good bit of artistic license.  If you’ve not seen Black Book you must!  Below is the trailer for this great film:

Take a Short Ride with Carice van Houten in Las Vegas!

Las Vegas, NV-While attending this years SHOT Show I took my inexpensive Panasonic Lumix digital camera and shot some video out the window.  I added a little music courtesy of my favorite actress Carice van Houten for the mood. Trust me she will put you in the mood!

100 Years From Today is an old song from the 1930’s that was used in the great Paul Verhoeven film, Black Book.  Van Houten is the undisputed star of that great 2006 movie based on World War Two reality. 

Carice van Houten at Sunday Night’s Heineken Music Hall Concert in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, NL—Okay, I’m obsessed!  I love the arts, theater and of course, music.   There are those artists that entertain us all.   God given talent and the ability to face the world and perform seems to be handed to a chosen few.  Carice van Houten is at the very top of my list of terrific performers.

Yes, people are born with talent but without hard work and serious dedication it may all be wasted.  Carice has incredible acting chops, best described by film director Paul Verhoeven.   Vehoeven said, “Carice is beautiful like Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct), but she can act!”  This was not really a slight to Stone’s ability but his recognition that Carice has a rare and special magic.   I certainly don’t discount Verhoeven’s ability to get all that an actor can possibly give in a performance.

To give a great performance an actor must forget the cameras, audience and simply put aside their ego.  They must actually live their part and avoid “performing”.  The great actors never imitate their characters but rather become them without losing their own voice and skin. 

Carice got my undivided attention in the Paul Verhoeven film, Black Book.  Carice was unquestionably the lead actor followed by a wonderful ensemble cast.  Unfortunately it’s all too rare when a film script offers a woman such a strong and commanding lead. 

Black Book was a fine example that a woman can be an action hero without killing anyone or losing her dignity or felinity.   Few actresses could have even come close to Carice’s great performance.

In this World War Two drama,  Carice spoke three languages, swam, danced and sang.  The role was as demanding as any you will ever see.  Unfortunately the film was never adequately distributed in the U.S.  The film can easily be obtained in Blu-Ray from Netflix or Amazon.com.  Black Book is a fabulous showcase for Carice’s amazing talents.

Carice just released her new CD called; See You On The Ice. It’s entirely in English There are some really well written songs I know most people will enjoy and Carice has a hit on her hands. Of Course you can sample and buy this music from iTunes and wherever music is sold today.

Carice gave a concert at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam.  It was disappointing for me that I was unable to attend, however thankfully here are three videos attached below from the concert. 

I don’t know just where Carice’s career is going but we need to see much more of her in the United States.  Her impeccable English should not bar her from any role.   She’s got a top American agent who must get busy or risk losing Carice to another.   Carice belongs in big budget feature films rather than television. 

Carice has reportedly told tabloid publications she wants to do more music.  If you’ve not see Black Book, do so.  I have attached the trailer at the bottom after the others.

Sit back and enjoy the videos.  

Still I dream of It.

Particle of Light

Time

Emily

Particle of Light Official Video

The Black Book Film Trailer

Carice van Houten Turns her Focus to Singing

Amsterdam, NL—The incredibly talented actress Carice van Houten is apparently at an impasse in her life whether to continue acting or to take on a singing career.   At this juncture she’s told several publications that she’s having more fun singing.  She’s about to give her first concert with Rufus Wainright later this month in this beautiful city of the Dutch Masters. 

Van Houten is a terrific actress that has not really gotten a solid foothold in the U.S.  The Paul Verhoeven film, Black Book showcased the actress’ beauty and many talents.  The problem was the film was mostly in Dutch and subtitled.  It did not get the kind of distribution and promotion it deserved.  Of course in Europe it was a genuine hit.  For me personally, it was the best film I’ve seen to date.

Van Houten was given the role of Nina Von Stauffenberg in the film Valkyrie starring Tom Cruiz.  Unfortunately Valkyrie’s producers and writers did not give enough tribute to van Houten’s character.  That brave woman was sent to a concentration camp for her resistance activities.

Another film was made that has yet to see daylight here is Jacky.  That’s a film staring Holly Hunter with Carice van Houten and her younger sister Jelka van Houten.   This film was shot in New Mexico.  Hopefully does eventually get some promotion and distribution. 

Van Houten recently visited L.A. and tweeted a picture that seemed to indicate she also took a road trip to Tucson, AZ.  I know she visited her agent in L.A. but the purpose rest of her trip was a mystery, at least to me.   I suspect she was looking for new projects here.  Her Hollywood agent at CAA has to do a much better job of promoting her. 

Hollywood is loaded with nepotism and corruption of every kind.   It too often takes more than great talent to get cast into any film with a significant budget.   I hope van Houten's trip went well because she is a terrific and bright star America needs.

Van Houten is a dedicated actress that will never settle for a second rate performance.  She may make what she does look easy but countless hours of blood, sweat and tears goes into everything she does.  Her hard work and dedication pays of in her finished product.

Van Houten’s first CD; See You On The Ice can be obtained from iTunes and Amazon.com.  I found it very enjoyable.  I expect there will be more music from Van Houten.  Hopefully it will not be at the expense of her absence on the silver screen.   

Carice van Houten is a Singing Sensation!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands—In this incredibly beautiful city there is no shortage of art, entertainment or excitement.  It’s a natural place for the terrific actress, singer and world-class entertainer, Carice van Houten  who is a child of Holland.   

I fell in love with Carice’s many talents when she starred in the Paul Verhoeven Film, Black Book.  I expect this incredible and exciting young woman to be getting an Oscar bound film role any day.   

Carice completed a brand new album, See You On The Ice which is due to be released on ITunes on September 28.  

Carice was a guest on a Dutch DJ’s radio show and sang two selections from her album.  This sneak peek was a real treat for me to watch and now I must pass her on to you!

At the very top of my Bucket List is winning a video interview of Carice for this blog! Somehow I think that will happen when I'm in Amsterdam or Carice is in L.A.

Black Book is available on Blu-Ray at Amazon.com.

Carice van Houten Rocks!

The lovely and talented Carice Van Houten ROCKS!

Amsterdam, NL—The amazing actress, singer and talented performer Carice van Houten has released a new music video, Emily.  This is part of an album, See You on the Ice, that’s being released and will be available very soon on ITunes.   

Van Houten, a multiple Golden Calf award winner simply owns her audience on everything she does.  She’s mastered her native language Dutch along with impeccable English and German.  I discovered her multiple talents in the fabulous Paul Verhoeven film, Black Book.

She is a regular performer in the Game of Thrones.  She can also be seen with Holly Hunter in a new film called Jackie.  

Carice is considering a film project right now that I’m involved with but, Carice is in demand everywhere.  The America audiences will soon be discovering her simply because she’s fearless and unstoppable! 

I hope to be able to interview that great lady on video soon for this blog.