Screening Gotham: Diamonds and Dust-Up

(L-R) Director Zwick, mogul Simmons

Some of today's movie news of note from around New York:

--When it comes to gauging the magnitude of Africa's conflict diamond crisis, who in this feud are are you really going to believe: self-serving hack Ed Zwick or self-serving music/fashion/jewelry mogul Russell Simmons? Hint: It's probably not the guy who lands in print declaiming, "Damnit; why did he say that?"

--New York Magazine today reveals its year-end best-ofs, and as usual, David Edelstein gets it right, eschewing the standard-issue top-ten-title pissing contest in exchange for a blend of individual films and subjects that impacted him in 2006. If we must continue this stupid fucking tradition, let Edelstein's inclusive, independent and impassioned list be our standard-bearer.

--On the other hand, there's something quite profound about Cindy Adams's torching of Apocalypto, particularly her trenchant critical insight: "Because I won't see it doesn't mean I can't talk about it." And it only gets better from there.

--Matthew Ross drops in on Variety's awards chatter mill with a nice bit featuring Ryan Gosling. Like Cindy Adams, you probably don't need to click through to know the guy's all class -- well, except for that one time.

--The AP (via Time Magazine) was there when Dakota Fanning sat on Santa's lap. Gosh, remember the days when little girls just wanted ponies?

Posted at December 11, 2006 8:33 AM