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Here's what's up:

• Rust Trial Begins for Cinematographer's Tragic Incident 🔍

• Disney+ and Hulu Prices Surge in Streaming Strategy Shift 🚀

• Rating Controversy and Shifting Intimacy in American Cinema 🫶

• HBO's 'The Franchise': A Comic Take on Superhero Movie Chaos 🦸‍♂️

Daily Domestic Box Office: August 8, 2023 💸

Rust Trial Begins for Cinematographer's Tragic Incident 🔍

The trial for the tragic incident on the set of "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life, has been given a start date after almost two years. The trial is set to commence with jury selection on December 5, followed by the actual proceedings from December 6 to December 15, all taking place in a Santa Fe courtroom. This development comes after Rust's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, recently entered a plea.

Gutierrez-Reed now stands as the sole defendant in the case after Alec Baldwin, who was initially charged, was dropped from the matter by newly appointed special prosecutors several months ago. The charges against Gutierrez-Reed include involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence, which could result in a sentence of up to three years behind bars if she is proven guilty.

Previously, Gutierrez-Reed's legal team attempted to have the charges against her dismissed, arguing that recent statements made by prosecutors to the media could bias potential jurors. However, the judge ruled against the request, stating that the defense did not demonstrate "actual and substantial prejudice" to warrant the dismissal of charges.

Gutierrez-Reed and Alec Baldwin were originally charged with two counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter in January. The charges against Baldwin were subsequently dropped in April, while a charge of evidence tampering was added against Gutierrez-Reed two months later.

Despite these legal developments, the tragedy and the subsequent legal proceedings have brought attention to the importance of safety on film sets and the need for a thorough investigation into incidents to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The trial will likely shed further light on the events that transpired on the set of "Rust" and provide an opportunity for accountability in the aftermath of this devastating incident.

What's coming? 🤔

Disney+ and Hulu Prices Surge in Streaming Strategy Shift 🚀

Disney is implementing significant price increases for its standalone Disney+ and Hulu premium plans in the U.S., alongside introducing a discounted bundle. Starting October 12, Disney+ Premium (ad-free) will rise by 27% to $13.99/month, while Hulu (ad-free) will increase by 20% to $17.99/month. The pricing for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu tiers will remain at $7.99/month each, with the bundled option at $9.99/month. Hulu + Live TV packages will also see a $7 increase. Additionally, ESPN+ pricing will go up from $9.99 to $10.99/month.

Internationally, Disney plans to expand ad-supported Disney+ plans to Canada, the U.K., and eight European countries in November. In December, subscription prices for ad-free Disney+ will increase in those markets. The company has gained 3.3 million customers for the ad-supported version of Disney+ since its December 2022 launch.

To incentivize streaming bundles, Disney will introduce an ad-free bundled plan of Disney+ and Hulu for $19.99/month, a 37% discount. Disney Chairman Bob Iger has indicated the pricing adjustments are aimed at reflecting the content's value. The company reported narrowed losses in its Direct-to-Consumer streaming segment while announcing the changes, and its subscriber counts for Disney+ and Hulu.

Disney's strategy involves price adjustments, bundled offerings, and expansion of ad-supported plans as it aims to enhance its streaming business's profitability and subscriber base.

Famous Birthdays on August 10th 🎂

Rating Controversy and Shifting Intimacy in American Cinema 🫶

The Motion Picture Association's decision to give Ira Sachs' film "Passages" an NC-17 rating has ignited a broader discussion on the portrayal of sexuality in American movies. While the filmmakers expected an R rating, the more restrictive NC-17 rating prompted them to release the film unrated, rather than risk commercial consequences or edit its content. In an interview, Sachs criticized the ratings board, highlighting the potential cultural censorship and even homophobia underlying such decisions.

"Passages," which explores shifting dynamics of intimacy within a troubled love triangle, features a generous amount of sex—both gay and straight. However, the scenes are not overtly explicit or gratuitous but instead integral to the movie's emotional fabric, reflecting the characters' complex relationships. The film's candid depiction of sex and nudity aligns more with European cinema's approach than that of American counterparts.

The ratings dispute parallels conversations surrounding Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," which is notable for including sex scenes in a Nolan film. This highlights the hesitancy of American cinema to address sex and sensuality, especially in mainstream productions. In contrast, European films often explore intimacy without restraint. The focus on "Oppenheimer" underscores American cinema's discomfort with openly portraying sexual content.

The evolving landscape of streaming and cable TV has provided an alternative space for exploring explicit content, with shows like "Girls," "Insecure," "Bridgerton," and "Game of Thrones" not shying away from intimate scenes. However, the scarcity of similar depictions in mainstream cinema raises questions about the industry's attitudes towards sexuality.

The rise of intimacy coordinators on film sets ensures a safe environment for actors during such scenes, but many prominent American actors remain reticent about baring all on screen. This contrast becomes more evident when looking at European cinema, where actors are often more willing to embrace nudity and intimate portrayals.

The debate around "Passages" and the broader conversation about sex in American film reflects the interplay of societal norms, artistic expression, and commercial considerations. It raises questions about the evolving portrayal of sensuality on screen and whether the American film industry is moving forward or regressing in its depiction of intimate moments.

Movies Released on August 10th 🎞️

HBO's 'The Franchise': A Comic Take on Superhero Movie Chaos 🦸‍♂️

HBO is set to address superhero fatigue head-on with its newly greenlit half-hour comedy series, 'The Franchise.' The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic world of a fictional struggling superhero movie franchise. The series delves into the challenges faced by the crew as they fight to secure their place in a tumultuous cinematic universe. 'The Franchise' humorously explores the question of how the intricate process of making superhero films unfolds, shedding light on the chaos and mishaps that give rise to the final product.

The ensemble cast includes Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant, and Daniel Brühl. The project is brought to life by the creative talents of Sam Mendes (known for 'Skyfall'), Armando Iannucci ('Veep'), and showrunner Jon Brown ('Succession,' 'Veep'). The series promises a unique blend of Mendes' romantic yet realistic touch, Iannucci's satirical prowess, and Brown's comedic brilliance.

Amy Gravitt, executive vice president of HBO Programming, praised the creative team for capturing both the allure and the chaos of modern filmmaking. The pilot for 'The Franchise' was completed prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and production for the series is slated to begin once the strike concludes. With this new series, HBO aims to inject a fresh perspective into the superhero genre while providing a lighthearted take on the challenges of creating larger-than-life cinematic universes.

New Trailer / The Continental: From the World of John Wick ▶️

Still of the Day ⏸️