Alan Taylor Movies
- 2007
A rare original dramatic offering from cable's American Movie Channel, the weekly series Mad Men was the story of a major advertising agency operating from New York's Madison Avenue in 1960. The most successful ad executive at the Sterling Cooper agency was handsome, indefatigable Don Draper (Jon Hamm), who was not only expert at "playing the game" while servicing accounts ranging from cigarette manufacturers to political candidates, but was also an accomplished ladies' man. It was crucial for Draper to always be at the top of his professional form -- there were scores of hungry young executives who were eager to topple him from his perch and become Sterling Cooper's new top dog. The series evoked the manners and mores of the early '60s with pinpoint accuracy: the advertising business, like practically every other business, was completely male-dominated, with an overabundance of WASPs, a minimum of Jews, and virtually no other minority anywhere in sight; women were second-class citizens and sex objects, expected to be both subservient and "available"; honesty and integrity were merely words in the dictionary; and everybody drank and smoked to excess (indeed, so many cigarettes were lit up in the course of each episode that a number of TV critics were turned off by the show, undoubtedly preferring that historical fact be subordinated to contemporary political correctness). Others in the cast included John Slattery as agency CEO Roger Sterling; Elisabeth Moss as wide-eyed novice secretary Peggy Olson; Christina Hendricks as wordly wise head secretary Joan Holloway; Vincent Kartheiser as Don Draper's sharkishly ambitious protégé Pete Campbell; and Maggie Siff as Rachel Menken, a source of anger and confusion to the Madison Avenue macho males not only because she was the executive in charge of a major department store (and Jewish in the bargain!), but also because she refused to let any mere adman tell her how to promote her business. Created by The Sopranos' Matthew Weiner, Mad Men was unveiled by AMC on July 19, 2007. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2007
Christopher's movie premieres, but it leads to misgivings on Tony's part. Meanwhile, Johnny Sack befriends a doctor while deteriorating in a prison hospital. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2007
The feud between the Lupertazzis and the Sopranos reaches a boiling point as Phil Leotardo orders hits on Tony, Bobby and Silvio. Meanwhile Dr. Melfi grows disillusioned with her relationship with Tony. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2007
In the wake of an untimely demise, Tony seeks solace in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Paulie grieves the death of his mother and AJ grows apprehensive about the criminal activities of his friends. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2007
At an advertising agency in 1960s Manhattan, the creative director has problems coming up with ideas for a tobacco account and crosses swords with the female head of a large department store that she wants to take in a new retail direction. ~ Ray Stackhouse, All Movie Guide
- 2006
On the way home from a public event one afternoon, Bill (Bill Paxton) and Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn) find themselves overcome with passion, and make love in the car. Later, feeling a bit guilty, Barb points out that "It's Margie's (Ginnifer Goodwin) night." "It's not like we planned it," Bill responds, but soon enough, the couple are planning more little private encounters. They meet during lunch breaks, and even in the middle of the night. Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) realizes something's going on, and tells Wanda (Melora Walters) she suspects that Bill has found a potential fourth wife. Nicki and Barb find out that Margene has been socializing with Pam (Audrey Wasilewski), the neighbor across the street, and they confront her about it. Nicki calls Margene "the weak link" in their efforts to keep their lifestyle hidden. "You can't keep a secret like me," she tells Margene, "and you're not a good liar like Barb." More drama ensues at the store, where Wendy (Jodie Markell) alerts Bill to her suspicion that Don (Joel McKinnon Miller) and Peg (Wendy Phillips) are polygamists. Bill tells her, essentially, to mind her own business, but that doesn't seem likely. Bill and Don also plot to have the Attorney General's office investigate Roman's (Harry Dean Stanton) shady real-estate dealings. Ben (Douglas Smith) struggles with his sexual urges, and decides to start attending seminary after school. This does not meet with Brynn's (Sarah Jones) approval. "They'll brainwash you," she laments. One night, while Bill and Barb are out having a secret tryst, Alby (Matt Ross) pays an unwelcome visit to the Henrickson homes. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2006
Christopher begins using heroin again, after he begins a secret affair with one of Tony's old flames. Meanwhile, much to her husband's chagrin, Carmela's suspicions about the disappearance of Adriana grow. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2006
Tony befriends an aging scientist and a celebrity rapper while recuperating in the hospital. Meanwhile, a dying aunt drops a bombshell on Paulie. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2006
Christopher learns he's to be a father and decides he and Kelli should get married. Meanwhile, a carnival ride malfunction leads to a rift between Paulie and Bobby, and Carmela has a run-in with Adriana's distraught mother. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2005
As the first season of Rome draws to a close, Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Pullo (Ray Stevenson) learn that they are heroes on the streets of the city, "symbols of brotherly love and redemption." On a trip to consecrate the land he and his wife have been given, Vorenus tells Niobe (Indira Varma) that Caesar (Ciarán Hinds) might exile him for disobeying his orders by helping Pullo. But Caesar later explains that it's politically unfeasible to punish the heroes, and if he does nothing, he'll appear weak, so, as part of a larger plan to incorporate (loyal) "plebs" and foreign citizens into the Senate, he makes Vorenus a senator. Of course, Caesar's ulterior motive is to have the "ferocious" Vorenus at his side so that no one will try to kill him. Pullo, near death, still manages to make his way from his sick bed, eager to reap the bounty of his newfound celebrity. Instead, he ends up collapsing at Vorenus' home, where Niobe assigns his care to Eirene (Chiara Mastalli), who contemplates murder. With Vorenus joined to Caesar on the Senate floor, the growing group of conspirators fears they will not have the opportunity to kill Caesar. While some would be content to poison him, or murder him in his bed, Brutus (Tobias Menzies) insists that the deed "must be done honorably." Then Servilia (Lindsay Duncan) realizes where she's heard Vorenus' name before, and sets a plot in motion to separate the hero from the dictator at the pivotal moment. While the plot is unfolding, Servilia invites Atia (Polly Walker) and Octavian (Max Pirkis) to her home, and tells them of her further plans for vengeance. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kerry Condon, James Purefoy, (more)
- 2005
In the Senate, Cicero (David Bamber), feeling that he has no choice, calls for Caesar (Ciarán Hinds) to be made emperor. Brutus (Tobias Menzies), also under tremendous pressure, speaks passionately in favor of the motion, and it passes unanimously. Caesar exhorts the senators, "Join with me in building a new Rome, that offers justice, peace, and land to all its citizens." Posca (Nicholas Woodeson), Caesar's slave, coaches Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) as he campaigns to be magistrate of the Aventine district. When Vorenus grows weary of studying laws and such, and wonders if they should wait and see if he's elected first, Posca lets him know that his opponents in the election are "straw men." Pullo (Ray Stevenson) wants to march in Caesar's Triumph, but is told that he can't because he's no longer a soldier. At a loss, he impulsively decides to free Eirene (Chiara Mastalli) so that he can marry her and move to the country. Vorenus agrees to help him, but his plans go badly off-course. An innocent man is murdered in a moment of passion, and a severe rift develops between Pullo and Vorenus. Octavia (Kerry Condon) has run away and sought shelter with a religious order, but Octavian (Max Pirkis) goes to retrieve her in time for the Triumph. Octavia still believes (and rightly) that Atia (Polly Walker) was responsible for Glabius' death. Servilia (Lindsay Duncan) gains a new ally against Caesar when Quintus (Rick Warden) arrives on her doorstep, looking for Brutus. With help from Quintus and Cassius (Guy Henry), Servilia composes a screed against Caesar's tyranny, to which she puts Brutus' name. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Trixie (Paula Malcomson) is tending to Al (Ian McShane), whose condition is worsening. Doc (Brad Dourif) decides that he may have to perform surgery, which Al would stand little chance of surviving. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) catches Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt) snooping around at Alma's (Molly Parker) claim and confronts him. Ellsworth is painfully familiar with George Hearst's operation, and makes his disposition toward Hearst quite clear. Lawrence County Commissioner Hugo Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) arrives from Yankton, and confirms to Cy (Powers Boothe) and Wolcott that the gold claims will be validated. Panicked prospectors are selling their claims to Cy, who is acting as a front for Hearst. When Alma notes the air of panic in the camp, Ellsworth reassures her. "Panic's easier on the back than the short-handed shovel," he jokes, before noting that Hearst's man's presence in the camp might have something to do with the rumors that have been circulating. E.B. mentions to Alma that the camp is in peril, and she coolly offers to buy his hotel, sending him into his own personal panic. Sol (John Hawkes) suggests to Seth (Timothy Olyphant) that they could use Alma's holdings as collateral to open a bank in Deadwood, but Seth doesn't want to involve Alma. Mr. Lee (Philip Moon), another of Hearst's employees, arrives in camp and makes his presence know in "Celestials' Alley," much to Wu's (Keone Young) dismay. Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), having lost her job, turns to an unlikely source for help. Carrie (Izabella Miko), the whore Wolcott likes, arrives in camp. Joanie (Kim Dickens) expresses further trepidation about Maddie's (Alice Krige) plot. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Bill's (Keith Carradine) luck has taken a turn. In a poker game at the new Bella Union, he cleans out Jack McCall (Garret Dillahunt), who does not take it well, even after Bill kindly gives him a dollar to get some food. Seth (Timothy Olyphant), busy building the hardware store, tells Bill that once things are settled, he'll send for his wife and son. Dan (W. Earl Brown) brings Brom's body back to town. Alma (Molly Parker) demands to have Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) examine the body for signs of foul play. The doc refuses to speculate as to how Brom's head injuries were incurred, urging her to return to New York. Farnum (William Sanderson), on orders from Al (Ian McShane), who's learned of the claim's real worth, offers to buy it from Alma, further flaming her suspicions. She goes to Bill for advice, and he pays a visit to Al. After giving Al the impression that he can be bought, Bill returns to Alma, and recommends Seth (Timothy Olyphant) as a trustworthy person to investigate her claim. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), who witnessed the "accident," asks Dan to alert him if he's in any danger. Andy Cramed (Zach Grenier) arrives at the Bella Union, trying to conceal a serious illness from his partners, Cy (Powers Boothe) and Eddie (Ricky Jay), but revealing to Joanie (Kim Dickens) that he's very ill, and that it's probably not a good idea to touch him. Alma, guilt-ridden, explains to Jane (Robin Weigert) that she only married Brom to help her father with his debts. Charlie (Dayton Callie), before he leaves for Cheyenne, tries once more to steer Bill off his path of self-destruction. "Can you let me go to hell the way I want to?" Bill pleads. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
The down-and-dirty side of building management in pre-gentrification Manhattan sets the stage for this dark comedy. It's 1981, and Joe Peltz (David Krumholtz) runs a newsstand in New York City, where he has recently married Annabelle (Clara Bellar), an exotic dancer from France who isn't in love with Joe but asked for his hand so she could get a Green Card. When Annabelle discovers she's pregnant, the couple decides they need a larger apartment, and Joe finds a flat in the East Village that's on the same block where his great-great-grandparents lived when they first came to America. However, the neighborhood is decaying and ridden with crime, and when Joe and Annabelle move into their new apartment, he's immediately drafted onto the building's co-op board, where he has to deal with a variety of eccentrics of various stripes and must often sleep in the lobby armed with a baseball bat to ward off junkies and burglars. But by far his biggest problem is Carlos DeJesus (Paul Calderon), a bully who has been squatting in the building for eight years with his roughneck teenage son, Segundo (Jon Budinoff). Carlos sees no reason why he should start paying rent, and he's made enemies with practically everyone who lives in the building, wasting no time in adding Joe and Annabelle to that list. So when a gasoline fire guts Carlos' apartment, the question is not who wanted him out, but who actually had the nerve to start the blaze. Based on a novel by Joel Rose, Kill the Poor was written for the screen by Daniel Handler, best known as the author of the popular "Lemony Snicket" books. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Krumholtz, Clara Bellar, (more)
- 2003
Filmed on-location in London, the FOX cop series Keen Eddie starred Mark Valley as Eddie Arlette, a New York City police detective. Disgraced and nearly dismissed after a spectacularly botched drug bust, Eddie was ordered to transfer to London's Scotland Yard so that he might rebuild his career from the ground up. Despite a daunting series of setbacks and blunders, Eddie managed to do his duty, with both himself and his Scotland Yard colleagues learning a lot more about one another's countries and cultures than they ever imagined. Sienna Miller co-starred as Eddie's reluctant flatmate, Fiona Bickerton. Others in the cast included Colin Salmon as Eddie's extremely judgmental Yard superior Supt. Johnson; Julian Rhind-Tutt as Eddie's deceptively prim-and-proper partner, Rudy (who, among other things, pretended to by married so he could attend sub-rosa wife-swapping parties); and a pair of animal regulars, Eddie's dog, Pete, and Fiona's cat, Duchess. Originally slated to debut in January 2003, Keen Eddie was shelved until June of that same year, reportedly to allow the producers to transform what had begun as a straight dramatic-action series into a semi-comedy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mark Valley, Sienna Miller, (more)
- 2002
The first anniversary of patriarch Nathaniel Fisher's death colors this Christmas episode of HBO's Six Feet Under. As they prepare for a Christmas get-together hastily organized by a testy Ruth (Frances Conroy), each member of the Fisher clan remembers his or her last moment with Nathaniel (Richard Jenkins). The dinner finds Claire (Lauren Ambrose) feuding with her nice-boy prospective new beau (Stark Sands); David (Michael C. Hall) wonders whether Keith (Mathew St. Patrick) will show up to cement their newly resumed couplehood; Ruth nurses boyfriend Nikolai (Ed O'Ross) through the two broken legs he suffered in an apparent robbery; and Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) recovers from the shock of an unexpected guest at her mother's the night before. Brenda continues her reckless streak of erotic experimentation. After Nate (Peter Krause) suffers a sex-fueled seizure, she finally learns of her fiancé's illness. And Nate, despite this latest scare, befriends the participants of a biker funeral and accepts a symbolic gift from the deceased's hearty, lusty widow. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" marked season two, episode eight of the made-for-cable drama. Just as the series' first episode brought viewers Christmas in June 2001, this holiday-themed episode originally aired in April 2002. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
A fanciful retelling of the story of Napoleon Bonaparte (played by heralded actor Ian Holm, this British costume comedy suggests that it was Napoleon's double, not the man himself, who died on St. Helena Island. The film begins by presenting Napoleon after his defeat at Waterloo, at the home of a young boy (Tom Watson), where he watches a slide show of his actions and begins to tell his story. The film flashes back to Napoleon's six years of house arrest, when he dictated his memoirs to an aide (Murray Melvin). He has concocted a scheme with his sidekicks Montholon (Nigel Terry) and Bertrand (Hugh Bonneville) and a valet named Marchand (Eddie Marsan) to plant a double in his place so he can escape to Paris, where he can then reclaim his throne as emperor of France. Posing as a galley hand, Napoleon steals a ship, but mistakenly arrives in Belgium, where he must then make his way back to France by barge. When he finally arrives in Paris, he discovers his contact, Truchaut, has died, and he enlists the help of his widow Pumpkin (played by Mifune's Iben Hjelje). Unable to reveal his true identity, Napoleon kills time by using Pumpkin and other supporters to start a profitable business, and Pumpkin begins to find herself drawn to Napoleon, though knowing his real identity. The film was directed by American filmmaker Alan Taylor, who helmed the quirky 1995 comedy Palookaville. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ian Holm, Iben Hjejle, (more)
- 2000
While President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is in Hollywood for a fundraiser hosted by politically active homosexual movie mogul Ted Marcus (Bob Balaban), Leo (John Spencer) is back in Washington politicking Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) to vote the White House's position on an important tax bill that is currently in a 50-50 tie on the floor of the Senate. Meanwhile in L.A., Josh (Bradley Whitford) happily learns that political strategist Joey Lucas (Marlee Matlin) is staying in the same hotel as he is, and Bartlet meets his daughter Zoey's (Elisabeth Moss) new Secret Service bodyguard, Gina Toscano (Jorja Fox). ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
The sixth episode of the HBO mob series finds New Jersey crime boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) deciding to do the noble thing and cede control of the family to his rival and uncle, Junior (Dominic Chianese), much to everyone's surprise and dismay. In reality, Tony is maintaining control of the family. With the agreement of the other families in the tri-state area, Junior is being set up as a frontman without his knowledge. Immediately, however, Junior causes trouble by ordering tribute to be paid by Tony's top lieutenants, including a long-time family advisor, Hesh Rabkin (Jerry Adler). Tony shocks his psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), by declaring that he's falling in love with her during a session, and then kisses her. Junior learns that his tailor's grandson committed suicide because of a crippling drug addiction and orders two of his men to throw the drug dealer off a bridge in retaliation. Tony's medication is causing his sex drive to become nonexistent, much to the chagrin of both his wife Carmela (Edie Falco) and his mistress. At a dinner celebration, the FBI conducts surveillance on the Sopranos, aware that Tony is still the real power behind the criminal organization. "Pax Soprana" first aired on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1999. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Luke Ryland (Benjamin Busch), the demented "Internet killer" first seen on the previous episode "Homicide.com," is freed from prosecution on a technicality -- sending arresting officer Bayliss (Kyle Secor) off the deep end. Meanwhile, Giardello's (Yaphet Kotto) daughter Teresa (Audra McDonald) unexpectedly shows up in Baltimore to help her dad celebrate his promotion to captain -- and her brother Mike's (Giancarlo Esposito) long-overdue resignation from the FBI. Several last-minute revelations, apologies, and surprises occur in this, the 122nd and final episode of Homicide: Life on the Street -- which, in its terminal moments, neatly brings the entire series "full circle." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Giancarlo Esposito, (more)
- 1999
Former flames Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Mandy (Moira Kelly) argue the merits of allowing an economic bill to pass through Congress even though political opponents have made an addition that would upset the pro-environment President Bartlett (Martin Sheen). C.J. (Allison Janey) must attempt to squelch a story that the president and Vice President Hoynes (Tim Matheson) disagreed passionately during a Cabinet meeting, while simultaneously deflecting the advances of reporter Danny Concannon (Timothy Busfield), who is the best in the business at sniffing out a hot lead. Leo (John Spencer) is less than thrilled that his daughter has invited Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) to join her at the opera. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Alfre Woodard reprises her St. Elsewhere role as Dr. Roxanne Turner in this episode of Homicide: Life on the Street. The homicide detectives are called in when a woman insists that her cancer-ridden brother was euthanized by Dr. Turner. In the interrogation room, Turner admits that she has frequently injected terminal patients with a lethal dose of morphine, leading to a variety of reactions from the detectives. Elsewhere, Stivers (Toni Lewis) and Falsone (Jon Seda) become personally involved in their investigation of a pizza-parlor holdup which resulted in the death of a schoolgirl. And, still hoping to spare the department from a multimillion dollar lawsuit, Kellerman (Reed Diamond) secretly tapes Judge Gibbons (Rick Warner) while they discuss Gibbons' ruling in the Luther Mahoney wrongful-death case. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1997
Season six of Homicide: Life on the Street is marked by several changes in the Baltimore homicide unit, not least of which is the exit of two main characters, Sgt. Kay Howard (Melissa Leo) and videographer J.H. Brodie (Max Perlich). Several of the remaining unit members are still being rotated to other departments, though detectives Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher) and Tim Bayliss (Kyle Secor) have been returned to the open arms of their longtime skipper, Lt. Al Giardello (Yaphet Kotto). New faces in the squad room include Detective Paul Falsone (Jon Seda), late of the auto-theft division; Detective Stuart Gharty (Peter Gerety), formerly a uniformed officer; and Detective Laura Ballard (Callie Thorne), fresh from of tour of duty with the Seattle homicide department. All three of the newcomers face a hectic initation as they dodge the bullets of a sniper running wild in Baltimore. But the main story line in this first episode of the new season gets under way as Giardello attends a formal reception for his longtime friend, black businessman and community activist Felix Wilson (James Earl Jones) -- only to be swept into an unsettling murder investigation when the body of the Wilson family's maid is found in the men's room of the reception hall. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
Lewis (Clark Johnson) and Bayliss (Kyle Secor) investigate the murder of a 15-year-old student at an exclusive prep school. Complications arise when the prime suspect turns out to be the son of a powerful Baltimore judge -- and the detectives can't shake the feeling that the boy is guilty even after another student confesses. Back at the squad room, Pembleton (Andre Braugher) is allowed to return to active duty, though he is still pretty shaky after his stroke; and Kellerman (Reed Diamond) continues to be victimized by the ongoing federal investigation of corruption in the arson unit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
