Being Michael Madsen Premiere with cast in attendance

I just saw "Being Michael Madsen" at its World Premier at the Raindance Film Festival in London - Madsen gives further straight talk on Inglorious Bastards & you heard it here first - "The Philistine" cometh.

After the screening the cast & crew attended & did a short Q&A afterwards. This is Bold & Ballsy independent film making. The film touches on many themes of celebrity culture whilst being engaging enough to keep you entertained (tongue firmly in cheek).

I'm not entirely sure how to define the film itself e.g. film within a film, contemporary Fellini on a shoe string (think La Dolce Vita), reality film, pseudo documentary - its all in there with a heavy dash of satire.

It is a lot of work but the performances from the cast are rock solid. This is a complete departure from Michael Madsen's usual hit or miss fare. It really shows many facets of the man beyond his Quentin Tarantino screen persona. I hope he gets some decent roles soon that do not involve throwing Segal out of windows :-). On the whole an enjoyable coaster ride but you do have to do some work - this is not just eye candy.

If I had to crit: The final scene (not the climax) may be a little weak - in the context of viewing it at the Raindance Film Festival with the cast & crew doing a Q & A afterwards it was awesome. However I suspect for anyone not watching the film with the live accompaniment may not be swept away by the final scene.

Standout performances by Virginia Madsen, Jason Alan Smith, Doug Tompos, Davis Mikaels & Kathy Searle. Harry Dean Stanton is hilarious.

I had the opportunity to ask the director Michael Mongillo what was next? To paraphrase he said he was keen on doing some action films and that his graphic novel "The Philistine" would be interesting to see on the screen. Now I had not heard of The Philistine previously but after a little net rummage discovered that The The Philistine is a highly rated graphic novel. With similar elements to Batman & The Punisher. After seeing Being Michael Madsen I can't wait to see Mongillo translate a clever caped crusader film to screen.

Naturally I asked Madsen about Inglorious Bastards, (which is listed on IMDB as having production kicked off in 2008). He played in coyly saying something to the effect that it's all in Quentin Tarantino's head/hands at this stage. He also mentioned that Tarantino was meant to be at the Premiere but was in Manila for a Death Proof screening.

Seriously cant you see Madsen in greens with one of those GI helmets (tilted to the side), holding a rifle in one hand and about to throw a pineapple grenade with the other - from behind a bunker while protecting his company?

Premiere of Being Michael Madsen with cast in attendance

I just saw "Being Michael Madsen" at its World Premier at the Raindance Film Festival in London - Madsen gives further straight talk on Inglorious Bastards & you heard it here first - "The Philistine" cometh.

After the screening the cast & crew attended & did a short Q&A afterwards. This is Bold & Ballsy independent film making. The film touches on many themes of celebrity culture whilst being engaging enough to keep you entertained (tongue firmly in cheek).

I'm not entirely sure how to define the film itself e.g. film within a film, contemporary Fellini on a shoe string (think La Dolce Vita), reality film, pseudo documentary - its all in there with a heavy dash of satire.

It is a lot of work but the performances from the cast are rock solid. This is a complete departure from Michael Madsen's usual hit or miss fare. It really shows many facets of the man beyond his Quentin Tarantino screen persona. I hope he gets some decent roles soon that do not involve throwing Segal out of windows :-). On the whole an enjoyable coaster ride but you do have to do some work - this is not just eye candy.

If I had to crit: The final scene (not the climax) may be a little weak - in the context of viewing it at the Raindance Film Festival with the cast & crew doing a Q & A afterwards it was awesome. However I suspect for anyone not watching the film with the live accompaniment may not be swept away by the final scene.

Standout performances by Virginia Madsen, Jason Alan Smith, Doug Tompos, Davis Mikaels & Kathy Searle. Harry Dean Stanton is hilarious.

I had the opportunity to ask the director Michael Mongillo what was next? To paraphrase he said he was keen on doing some action films and that his graphic novel "The Philistine" would be interesting to see on the screen. Now I had not heard of The Philistine previously but after a little net rummage discovered that The The Philistine is a highly rated graphic novel. With similar elements to Batman & The Punisher. After seeing Being Michael Madsen I can't wait to see Mongillo translate a clever caped crusader film to screen.

Naturally I asked Madsen about Inglorious Bastards, (which is listed on IMDB as having production kicked off in 2008). He played in coyly saying something to the effect that it's all in Quentin Tarantino's head/hands at this stage. He also mentioned that Tarantino was meant to be at the Premiere but was in Manila for a Death Proof screening.

Seriously cant you see Madsen in greens with one of those GI helmets (tilted to the side), holding a rifle in one hand and about to throw a pineapple grenade with the other - from behind a bunker while protecting his company?

Raindance Director's Foundation Certificate - The Grammar Of Directing

Directors use a variety of shots and lenses to compose their scenes and create a vocabulary of cinematic techniques and processes. Directors must learn the do's and don'ts of film grammar.

• Camera placement and technique
• Framing and composition
• Storyboarding as a directing tool
• Written assignment

Raindance Director's Foundation Certificate - The Grammar Of Directing

Where
Diorama Arts Centre
Camden, London, England NW1

When
6:30pm, Thurs 11 October, 2007

More info at Raindance

Withnail & I... 20 Years On Screening

To mark the 20th anniversary of one of British cinema's best-loved films, we are delighted to present a special screening followed by an on-stage reunion of the cast. The adventures of two ‘resting' actors are detailed in this gloriously funny tale. The protagonists take solace from unemployment with a country retreat and a cocktail of booze, pills and fags. The screening will be followed by a unique event: Richard E Grant, Paul McGann and writer-director Bruce Robinson will be joined by broadcaster Sue MacGregor. Their discussion will be recorded and broadcast at a later date as part of The Reunion series on Radio 4.

Murray Close Exhibition
Internationally renowned photographer Murray Close is exhibiting at BFI Southbank a selection of black-and-white stills taken during the filming of Withnail and I to coincide with the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Withnail & I... 20 Years On Screening

Where
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road, London, England SE1 8XT

When
6:30pm, Mon 8 October 8, 2007

Swimming With Sharks Preview

What Buddy wants, Buddy gets.

From getting him coffee to getting him laid, it’s up to new assistant and aspiring screenwriter Guy to satisfy every whim of the incendiary Buddy Ackerman, powerful movie producer and the boss from hell.

Blinded by the promise of a fast track up the Hollywood ladder, Guy is about to find out that movie making is not for the faint hearted. If he’s going to rise to the top, then he'll need to play by Buddy's rules. And Buddy plays dirty.

In this no holds barred telling of the 1994 cult film, award winning Hollywood actor Christian Slater returns to the London stage to get under the skin of the charismatic and sharp talking shark Buddy Ackerman in the world premiere of this fast moving and bitingly funny new thriller.

Written by Michael Lesslie (from a film by George Huang)
Directed by Wilson Milam

Swimming With Sharks Preview
Where
Vaudeville Theatre
404 Strand, London, England WC2R ONH

When
7:30pm, Fri 5 Oct, 2007

More info at http://www.vaudeville-theatre.co.uk

Alexander Mackendrick on Film-making with Paul Cronin

Paul Cronin, editor of the book: On Filmmaking: an Introduction to the Craft of the Director by Alexander Mackendrick presents a workshop based on Mackendrick’s influential teachings, featuring previously unseen footage of his lectures.

This two day workshop is an excellent opportunity for any filmmaker who wishes to learn more about film-making from one of the masters of the medium. Alexander Mackendrick’s practical approach serves as one of the best introductions to the craft of film-making available to filmmakers today. The workshop is structured around the illustrated lecture MACKENDRICK ON FILM which features never-before-seen footage of Mackendrick teaching and talking about his approach to film-making, and interviews with some of his former students and colleagues who discuss his ideas in detail.

Alexander Mackendrick on Film-making with Paul Cronin

Where
The London Film School
24 Shelton Street, London, England WC2H 9UB

When
22 Sat Sep- Sun 23 Sep, 2007

More info at London Film School

Zombie Walk

TODAY IS BORING is calling, marshaling and hosting a ‘Zombie Walk’: a flash mob convergence of hundreds of zombie-dressed participants trudging through the streets of London, ending up at the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen for bad zombie movie backdrops and zombie themed DJ sets.

The participation of a film crew, various photographers and professional make-up artists promises to make this one walk of the damned no one will forget! Please note that ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own nouveau zombie aesthetique, although the services of various make-up artists *may* be available for some people, its a good idea to secure your own zombie look in advance of your arrival. If you or someone you know would like to join the ranks of the army of the living dead, please send us an email to be included in our mailing list for updated details as the date approaches!


Zombie Walk
Where
St Paul's Churchyard
London, England EC4M 8AD

When
1:00pm, Sat 22 Sep, 2007

More info at Your life is a film

Exclusive preview screening of Stardust

You are invited to an exclusive preview screening of Stardust.


In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.

RSVP essential

Exclusive preview screening of Stardust

Where
Odeon Kensington
263 High Street,Kensington,London,W8 6NA

When
10:30am, Sun 7 Oct,2007

Design in Denial

"Once upon a time, designers were celebrated as people who dreamt of transforming the world. Today, it seems as if they are regularly blamed for that transformation: for increasing consumerism or for wasteful obsolescence. Once visionaries; today's designers seems much more cautious.

Even with more access to tools, techniques and materials, designers are happy to restrict their palette for the sake of ethical, social or environmental considerations. Design is seldom discussed in its own terms. Many designers increasingly defend design by doing stuff-other-than-design. In fact, they are more likely to stress design's moral contribution to myriad issues including responsible consumption, social inclusion and sustainable living.

A panel of four designers will question this, asking if it is legitimate, if designers are simply capturing the cultural 'zeitgeist' or if design is in denial?"

In association with the Future Cities Project

Confirmed speakers:
Clive Grinyer, director of design, Orange France Telecom
Austin Williams, director, Future Cities Project; author/illustrator, Architectural Shortcuts: Essential Guides for Building Designers
Patrick Cox, executive creative director, Wolff Olins; designer, London 2012 logo
Tom Dunmore, editor-in-chief, Stuff and www.stuff.tv
Jonathan Barnbrook, typographer/designer and founder of Virus Foundry

Chair: Martyn Perks, design consultant, cScape; member, Future Cities Project

Design in Denial

Where
Design Museum
Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD

When
7:15pm, Mon 1 October 1, 2007

More info at Battle of Ideas

Friendship in the Digital Age

Social networking sites are multiplying at an unprecedented rate, and being taken up by an increasingly wide spectrum of society. But who needs 100, or 1,000, friends? What is the boundary between friendship and networking? Should we treat this desire for community as a positive sign that Western society is not based on selfish individualism? Or are 'friends' simply another 21st-century status symbol?

Speakers:
Mark Vernon, author, The Philosophy of Friendship; Carole Stone, managing director, YouGovStone; MT Rainey, founder of online social network www.horsesmouth.co.uk; Derek Draper, psychotherapist and former adviser to Peter Mandelson, and Kate Hamilton, MD of Gravity Planning and Research, and member of the Friendship Project. Chair: Professor Ray Pahl, co-author of Rethinking Friendship.

Friendship in the Digital Age

Where
ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)
The Mall, London, England

When
7:00pm, Thurs 27 September, 2007

More info at ICA

The Masque of the Red Death

This haunting version of Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death follows Punchdrunk's smash-hit success, Faust, which won a Critics' Circle Award in 2006.

Journey into a macabre world, explore the four corners of Battersea Arts Centre and relive its Victorian origins as Punchdrunk immerses the building in Poe's imagination.

'One of the most memorable evenings you're likely to have all year.' Evening Standard (on Faust)

The Masque of the Red Death is an indoor promenade performance lasting up to 3 hours, with two entry times at 7.15pm and 7.45pm.

Evening dress is optional.

On Friday and Saturday nights tickets for The Masque of The Red Death includes entry into Red Death Late Nights, an after-show party with live music and dancing.

Adult content. Not recommended for those under 14 years of age.

The Masque of the Red Death

Where
Battersea Arts Centre
Lavender Hill, London, England SW11

When
7:45pm, Mon 17 Sep, 2007
More info at Punch Drunk Productions

Ricky Gervais Live Fame

Ricky Gervais, Hollywood's "Hottest Brit" and co creator and co writer of the two multi award winning shows The Office and Extras, is about to embark on a national UK tour and a selection of international dates, with his third live show Fame.

Despite its glamourous title it is probably the purest stand-up of all three. More anecdotal and autobiographical than before it allows Ricky to meander and deconstruct everyday life. Well, everyday life for someone who is famous in nearly a hundred countries and hangs out with David Bowie and Ben Stiller

Ricky Gervais Live Fame
Where
Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, London, England SW72A

When
8:00pm, Tues 2 October, 2007

More info at Ricky Gervais.com

Raindance Director's Foundation Certificate - The Director And The Rehearsal

The director's challenge is to communicaste his/her vision to the cast. Learn to run a rehearsal and create mood and tension by inspiring the actors and using the tool of staging.

• How actors work
• Creating characters for the screen
• Tools for communicating with actors
• Rehearsal process and staging
• Written assignment

Raindance Director's Foundation Certificate - The Director And The Rehearsal

Where
Diorama Arts Centre
Camden, London, England NW1

When
6:30pm, Thurs 20 September, 2007

More info at Raindance

FT Business of Design Talks: Branding with Design

"From Marriott to Motorola, Audi to Apple, companies around the world are trying to differentiate themselves with "design-led" offerings. How do creative directors and designers go about reshaping corporate images in this way?"

Speakers:
Frank Stephenson, Alfa Romeo
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic
Nick Jones, Soho House

FT Moderator:
John Gapper, chief US business commentator

Co-hosted by the Financial Times and the London Design Festival

FT Business of Design Talks: Branding with Design

Where
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London

When
8:10am, Weds 19 Sep, 2007

More info The London Design Festival

Wyclef Jean rapping at a secret gig to launch Carnival Vol.2 Memoirs of an immigrant

Wyclef Jean free flows at a secret gig to launch his new album Carnival Vol.2 Memoirs of an immigrant.

This was at the Crystal Club, London. Spotted in the crowd; Jakki Degg, Will.i.am (from the Black Eyed Peas), Westwood and Craig Grobler.

Wyclef Jean rapping at a secret gig to launch Carnival Vol.2 Memoirs of an immigrant

Wyclef Jean free flows at a secret gig to launch his new album Carnival Vol.2 Memoirs of an immigrant.

This was at the Crystal Club, London. Spotted in the crowd; Jakki Degg, Will.i.am (from the Black Eyed Peas), Westwood and Craig Grobler.

Clint Langley & Pat Mills at Forbidden Planet

Clint Langley and Pat Mills will be signing copies of the Slaine: The Book Of Invasions Volume 3 and Clint will be signing copies of the Minotaur DVD.

Minotaur is out on DVD on the 3rd September. It’s the tale of an Iron Village where every five years, eight youths have to be sacrificed to the monster, Minotaur. Clint Langley helped design and build the artwork for the Minotaur and there is a gallery of Clint’s images included on the DVD.

Slaine: The Book Of Invasions: Volume 3, is the epic barbarian fantasy based in Celtic mythology. Written by Pat Mills with artwork by Clint Langley it continues the journey of the High King of Ireland. Slaine now comes back from the Otherworld to help the besieged city of Tara.

All Orders must be placed before 12pm on Friday 14th September 2007.

Pre-order your signed copy of Slaine: The Book Of Invasions

Clint Langley & Pat Mills at Forbidden Planet

Where
Forbidden Planrt
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR

When
1:00pm, Sat 15th September, 2007

More info at Forbidden Planet

Red carpet premiere of Halo 3 in London

Microsoft's vastly anticipated Halo 3 for the Xbox 360, is about to be launched in the UK at a star-studded Halo 3 Launch Party in London.

The red carpet premiere will be taking place at the BFI IMAX Cinema in Waterloo on the 25th September.

As well as having a chance to play Halo 3 before anyone else in the UK, lucky guests will also be able to witness an epic battle over Xbox Live, with Pharrell Williams hosting and representing the UK against other celebrities based at premieres around Europe.

About Halo 3
The epic saga continues with Halo 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live, and spawning action figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and more.

Red carpet premiere of Halo 3 in London

Microsoft's vastly anticipated Halo 3 for the Xbox 360, is about to be launched in the UK at a star-studded Halo 3 Launch Party in London.

The red carpet premiere will be taking place at the BFI IMAX Cinema in Waterloo on the 25th September.

As well as having a chance to play Halo 3 before anyone else in the UK, lucky guests will also be able to witness an epic battle over Xbox Live, with Pharrell Williams hosting and representing the UK against other celebrities based at premieres around Europe.



About Halo 3
The epic saga continues with Halo 3, the hugely anticipated third chapter in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Halo franchise. Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood, and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Halo 3 represents the third chapter in the Halo trilogy—an international award-winning action series that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon, selling more than 14.5 million units worldwide, logging more than 650 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox Live, and spawning action figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel, an upcoming film adaptation, and more.

Malcolm Gladwell and Steven Levitt Tipping Point Strategies in The Age of Freakonomics Seminar

"When two of the business world's most thought-provoking intellectuals share the same platform at the same event then you're going to learn more about yourself, your business, and its impact on society than you ever thought possible.

What's more, this conference in London will change your priorities, it will help you redefine strategy and allow you and your business to focus on what's important for sustained success.

Steven Levitt's revolutionary book, Freakonomics (2005), co-authored with Stephen Dubner, is an international bestseller and has catapulted Levitt to international stardom. Levitt is currently a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Chicago, and has been described as a rogue economist. This is his first UK public conference.

Gladwell has been a staff writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996, and in 2005 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. He is the author of two books, both of which were international bestsellers, The Tipping Point and Blink."
Malcolm Gladwell and Steven Levitt Tipping Point Strategies in The Age of Freakonomics Seminar

Where
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, England SW1P

When
5:30pm, Mon 17 September, 2007


More info at LSE

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro at Comicon in London

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro

The 1977 Camaro from the Transformers movie was on display at London Comicon 2007.

The vehicle has a rebuilt V8 engine with a modified high rise double pump carburetor and modified headers. The Camero has an automatic transmission, power steering, with “Craigers” wheels up front and “American” wheels in the back. The dash has been modified with new gauges, a spruced up interior, and the “Autobots” logo on the steering wheel! The car comes with a title from the State of Oklahoma.

In 2007 the Camaro was sold on eBay for $60,101.00.

Photo taken at London Comicon 2007.

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro at Comicon in London

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Transformers Bumblebee Camaro

The 1977 Camaro from the Transformers movie was on display at London Comicon 2007.

The vehicle has a rebuilt V8 engine with a modified high rise double pump carburetor and modified headers. The Camero has an automatic transmission, power steering, with “Craigers” wheels up front and “American” wheels in the back. The dash has been modified with new gauges, a spruced up interior, and the “Autobots” logo on the steering wheel! The car comes with a title from the State of Oklahoma.

In 2007 the Camaro was sold on eBay for $60,101.00.

Photo taken at London Comicon 2007.

301 at Comicon, 2007, London

300 is a historically-inspired 1998 comic book limited series (later collected into a single hardcover volume) written and illustrated by Frank Miller with painted colors by Lynn Varley.

301, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The comic is a fictional retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae and the events leading up to it from the perspective of Leonidas of Sparta. 300 was particularly inspired by the 1962 film The 300 Spartans, a movie that Miller watched as a young boy. The work was adapted into a film with 2007's 300.

In 480 BC, King Leonidas of Sparta gathers 300 of his best men to fight the upcoming Persian invasion. In what is likely a suicide mission, they and their allies plan to stop King Xerxes's invasion of Greece at the narrow cliffs of the "Hot Gates" (Thermopylae). The terrain prevents the Greeks from being overwhelmed by Xerxes' superior numbers.

Before the battle starts, Ephialtes, a deformed Spartan, begs Leonidas to let him fight but is rejected due to his hunchbacked form, which prevents him from lifting his shield high enough for the phalanx.

The Spartans and their allies successfully hold off the Persians for two days and nights. During a break in the fighting, Xerxes meets with Leonidas and offers wealth and power in exchange for his surrender. Leonidas declines, and battle continues. In his depression, Ephialtes betrays the Greeks by telling the Persians about the existence of a small pass that allows Xerxes to attack them from behind.

Learning of the Persian maneuvers, the Greeks realize their position is indefensible, but the Spartans and a few others refuse to retreat. Before engaging the Persians for the last time, Leonidas orders one Spartan (Dilios) to leave, so that he might survive to tell their story.

On the third day Xerxes has the Spartans surrounded, their remaining allies (Thespians) already dead. He gives Leonidas one final chance to surrender and kneel to him. After some hesitation, Leonidas finally complies and throws down his arms. This, however, turns out to be a ruse and Leonidas throws his spear at Xerxes, intending to kill. However, he only wounds his face. The Spartans are killed to the last man by arrows.

The story then shifts about a year later and ends as now-Captain Dilios relates the heroic sacrifice of Leonidas and his Spartan comrades to his troops before the Battle of Plataea. Which is rumoured to be the the basis for the cinematic sequel to 300.

301 at Comicon, 2007, London

300 is a historically-inspired 1998 comic book limited series (later collected into a single hardcover volume) written and illustrated by Frank Miller with painted colors by Lynn Varley.

301, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The comic is a fictional retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae and the events leading up to it from the perspective of Leonidas of Sparta. 300 was particularly inspired by the 1962 film The 300 Spartans, a movie that Miller watched as a young boy. The work was adapted into a film with 2007's 300.

In 480 BC, King Leonidas of Sparta gathers 300 of his best men to fight the upcoming Persian invasion. In what is likely a suicide mission, they and their allies plan to stop King Xerxes's invasion of Greece at the narrow cliffs of the "Hot Gates" (Thermopylae). The terrain prevents the Greeks from being overwhelmed by Xerxes' superior numbers.

Before the battle starts, Ephialtes, a deformed Spartan, begs Leonidas to let him fight but is rejected due to his hunchbacked form, which prevents him from lifting his shield high enough for the phalanx.

The Spartans and their allies successfully hold off the Persians for two days and nights. During a break in the fighting, Xerxes meets with Leonidas and offers wealth and power in exchange for his surrender. Leonidas declines, and battle continues. In his depression, Ephialtes betrays the Greeks by telling the Persians about the existence of a small pass that allows Xerxes to attack them from behind.

Learning of the Persian maneuvers, the Greeks realize their position is indefensible, but the Spartans and a few others refuse to retreat. Before engaging the Persians for the last time, Leonidas orders one Spartan (Dilios) to leave, so that he might survive to tell their story.

On the third day Xerxes has the Spartans surrounded, their remaining allies (Thespians) already dead. He gives Leonidas one final chance to surrender and kneel to him. After some hesitation, Leonidas finally complies and throws down his arms. This, however, turns out to be a ruse and Leonidas throws his spear at Xerxes, intending to kill. However, he only wounds his face. The Spartans are killed to the last man by arrows.

The story then shifts about a year later and ends as now-Captain Dilios relates the heroic sacrifice of Leonidas and his Spartan comrades to his troops before the Battle of Plataea. Which is rumoured to be the the basis for the cinematic sequel to 300.

Le Chiffre or Mads Mikkelsen, at Comicon 2007, London

Le Chiffre

Le Chiffre is a fictional character and the main antagonist in Ian Fleming's James Bond novel Casino Royale. On screen Le Chiffre has been portrayed by Peter Lorre in the 1954 television adaptation of the novel for CBS's Climax! television series, by Orson Welles in the 1967 spoof of the novel and Bond film series, and by Mads Mikkelsen in the 2006 film version of Fleming's novel.

Le Chiffre or Mads Mikkelsen, 007, James Bond, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Le Chiffre
Gender: Male
Occupation: Terrorist banker
Affiliation: SMERSH, Quantum
Status: Deceased
Portrayed by: Peter Lorre (1954), Orson Welles (1967), Mads Mikkelsen (2006)

In French, le chiffre means "the figure" (i.e. "the number") or "the cipher." Fleming based the character on occultist Aleister Crowley.
Le Chiffre, alias "Die Nummer", "Mr. Number", "Herr Ziffer", "Ochiu Spart" and other translations of "The Number" or "The Cipher" in various languages; is the paymaster of the "Syndicat des Ouvriers d'Alsace" (French for "Syndicate of the Alsatian Workmen"), a SMERSH-controlled trade union.

He is first encountered as an inmate of the Dachau displaced persons camp in the U.S. zone of Germany in June 1945 and transferred to Alsace-Lorraine and Strasbourg three months later on a stateless passport. There he adopts the name Le Chiffre because as he claims, he is 'only a number on a passport'. Not much else is really known about Le Chiffre's background or where he comes from, except for educated guesses based on his description.

“ Height 5 ft 8 ins. Weight 18 stones. Complexion very pale. Clean shaven. Hair red-brown, 'en brosse'. Eyes very dark brown with whites showing all round iris. Small, rather feminine mouth. False teeth of expensive quality. Ears small, with large lobes, indicating some Jewish blood. Hands small, well-tended, hirsute. Feet small. Racially, subject is probably a mixture of Prussian or Polish strains. Dresses well and meticulously, generally in dark double-breasted suits.”

Casino Royale, Chapter 2: Dossier for M
He is also fluent in French, English, and German with traces of an Occitan accent.

In the novel, he makes a major investment in a string of brothels with money belonging to SMERSH. The investment fails after a bill is signed into law banning prostitution. Le Chiffre then goes to the casino Royale-les-Eaux in an attempt to recover all of his lost funds. There however, Bond bankrupts him in a series of games in Chemin de Fer. Le Chiffre kidnaps Bond's assistant, Vesper Lynd, to lure him into a trap and get his money back. The trap works, and Le Chiffre tortures Bond by striking his testicles with a 3-foot long carpet beater to force him to reveal where he has hidden the money. Upon determining, however, that Bond will not give in to torture, Le Chiffre produces a knife with the implied purpose of castrating Bond. He is interrupted by a SMERSH agent, however, who shoots him between the eyes as punishment for losing the money. The torture Bond suffers at the hands of Le Chiffre briefly upsets 007's confidence in his profession, and he toys with the idea of leaving the service until the novel's conclusion, when a new threat emerges.

Le Chiffre's death is seen by the Soviet government as an embarrassment, which in addition to the death and defeat of Mr. Big in Live and Let Die, leads to the events of From Russia with Love. In the novel SMERSH attempts to get revenge by killing Bond in an elaborate plot that would embarrass the British Secret Service within the intelligence community.

Le Chiffre or Mads Mikkelsen, at Comicon 2007, London

Le Chiffre

Le Chiffre is a fictional character and the main antagonist in Ian Fleming's James Bond novel Casino Royale. On screen Le Chiffre has been portrayed by Peter Lorre in the 1954 television adaptation of the novel for CBS's Climax! television series, by Orson Welles in the 1967 spoof of the novel and Bond film series, and by Mads Mikkelsen in the 2006 film version of Fleming's novel.

Le Chiffre or Mads Mikkelsen, 007, James Bond, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Le Chiffre
Gender: Male
Occupation: Terrorist banker
Affiliation: SMERSH, Quantum
Status: Deceased
Portrayed by: Peter Lorre (1954), Orson Welles (1967), Mads Mikkelsen (2006)

In French, le chiffre means "the figure" (i.e. "the number") or "the cipher." Fleming based the character on occultist Aleister Crowley.
Le Chiffre, alias "Die Nummer", "Mr. Number", "Herr Ziffer", "Ochiu Spart" and other translations of "The Number" or "The Cipher" in various languages; is the paymaster of the "Syndicat des Ouvriers d'Alsace" (French for "Syndicate of the Alsatian Workmen"), a SMERSH-controlled trade union.

He is first encountered as an inmate of the Dachau displaced persons camp in the U.S. zone of Germany in June 1945 and transferred to Alsace-Lorraine and Strasbourg three months later on a stateless passport. There he adopts the name Le Chiffre because as he claims, he is 'only a number on a passport'. Not much else is really known about Le Chiffre's background or where he comes from, except for educated guesses based on his description.

“ Height 5 ft 8 ins. Weight 18 stones. Complexion very pale. Clean shaven. Hair red-brown, 'en brosse'. Eyes very dark brown with whites showing all round iris. Small, rather feminine mouth. False teeth of expensive quality. Ears small, with large lobes, indicating some Jewish blood. Hands small, well-tended, hirsute. Feet small. Racially, subject is probably a mixture of Prussian or Polish strains. Dresses well and meticulously, generally in dark double-breasted suits.”

Casino Royale, Chapter 2: Dossier for M
He is also fluent in French, English, and German with traces of an Occitan accent.

In the novel, he makes a major investment in a string of brothels with money belonging to SMERSH. The investment fails after a bill is signed into law banning prostitution. Le Chiffre then goes to the casino Royale-les-Eaux in an attempt to recover all of his lost funds. There however, Bond bankrupts him in a series of games in Chemin de Fer. Le Chiffre kidnaps Bond's assistant, Vesper Lynd, to lure him into a trap and get his money back. The trap works, and Le Chiffre tortures Bond by striking his testicles with a 3-foot long carpet beater to force him to reveal where he has hidden the money. Upon determining, however, that Bond will not give in to torture, Le Chiffre produces a knife with the implied purpose of castrating Bond. He is interrupted by a SMERSH agent, however, who shoots him between the eyes as punishment for losing the money. The torture Bond suffers at the hands of Le Chiffre briefly upsets 007's confidence in his profession, and he toys with the idea of leaving the service until the novel's conclusion, when a new threat emerges.

Le Chiffre's death is seen by the Soviet government as an embarrassment, which in addition to the death and defeat of Mr. Big in Live and Let Die, leads to the events of From Russia with Love. In the novel SMERSH attempts to get revenge by killing Bond in an elaborate plot that would embarrass the British Secret Service within the intelligence community.