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Madonna news - Aug. 2002
← July 2002 | Sep. 2002 →
Die Another Day lyrics
31 August 2002Madonnapower member Activate posted the Die Another Day lyrics. Notice that parts of them are missing, since he only has a poor quality audio file and can't hear the lyrics very clearly. Read them at our Die Another Day page.
Everyone prepares for Kabbalah wedding
Source: US Weekly - 31 August 2002Even though Madonna's spokeswoman claims "There's no Kabbalah [wedding] ceremony planned" for the singer and her husband, director Guy Ritchie, 33, two sources close to Madonna, 44, swear a "second wedding" is just days away.
In fact, not only has Madonna's daughter, Lourdes, 5, been preparing by learning about this mystical branch of Judaism at a summer program at the Kabbalah Children's Academy in Los Angeles, but now Hot Stuff hears that Madonna's younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, also attended a class at L.A.'s Kabbalah Centre on August 2002 23. "They want everyone ready for it," says a source."
Guys strikes back at critics
Source: Soundbuzz - 29 August 2002New Madonna movie 'Swept Away' has hit further problems, journalists in director Guy Ritchie's native Britain think it's a terrible film. The celebrity couple's remake of the 1975 Italian film 'Travolti Da Un Insolito Destino Nell'azzurro Mare D'Agosto' has been universally panned by industry audiences in London, following months of speculation that the movie was so bad it would not be granted a cinema release.
The film was deemed unremarkable by film writers, who were more intrigued by the sight of a massively muscle bound Material Girl at the screening, however some conceded the drama had got better following extensive changes after its first disastrous screenings.
A source says, "It might not be very good but I can tell you it's improved immeasurably from the edit I saw before. The problem for Columbia Tri Star is they can't 'bury' it. They're under pressure to promote the film properly because Guy and Madonna live in London."
Guy Ritchie has hit back at journalists in his home country saying, "There's a problem with the Brits. I don't know what it is, but they kick the s*** out of anyone who does well. I guess they do it everywhere. It's so vindictive. The press in the UK has kicked the s*** out of 'Swept Away' so far. No one had even seen it there, and every day there was another article about what a terrible movie it is.
There was an article by a chap who, by the way, has always blown so much smoke up our a** it's absurd. And he wrote that this movie will never get released, it's absolutely awful. He said everyone argued, and we're gonna get divorced. And they dedicated a page to that. You could warm your hands off the hatred and resentment. I knew we were setting ourselves up for the s***, but in a way it stimulates you to do it."
M ties her longest Hot 100 chart absence
Source: AbsoluteMadonna - 29 August 2002Just as we prepare for the onslaught of Die Another Day, Madonna has tied her own record, but not necessarily in a good way. With Die Another Day not serviced to radio this past Tuesday, it is virtually guaranteed that Madonna will remain absent on Billboard's Hot 100 through the week ending September 14, making it a full 62 weeks without a Madonna title on the chart.
This ties the 62 weeks she was absent on the chart from Rescue Me's last appearance in April 1991 through the debut of This Used to Be My Playground in June 1992.
Close behind: the 61-week period from Causing A Commotion to Like A Prayer, January 1988 through March 1989.
As Die Another Day is not likely to be officially sent to radio for another three to four weeks, Madonna should easily surpass her current 62 weeks, and we'll have survived through the longest Madonna drought since she first burst onto the scene nearly 20 years ago...
More info on and pix from DAD video!
29 August 2002Activate revealed following information to Madonnapower : "The short Die Another Day snippet that has been surfacing on the net is not from the Madonna song Die Another Day but it is a part from the film score.
Though the melody of the song by Madonna sounds a lot like that snippet of the score. The actual song isn't as orchestra sounding as the Madonna track, which is much more synthesized.
The DAD video was shot at Hollywood Center Studios in Hollywood, California. Madonna, Guy, Lourdes, and Rocco were all on the studio lot during the filming... so it seems this was a family occassion.
The video is directed by the Tractor brothers (officially known as "Tractor") of Sweden. While Guy observed M at work on set, the kids played in the patio outside mommy's dressing room. Friday's injury has now been confirmed as nothing more than a jambed right thumb: ouch!
It also seems the fencing duel is a lot more intricate than previously thought... after good/evil madonnas tire of their fencing swords... they resort to medievel battle axes, and even to spearguns! The fencing duel starts off in an all white room... and continues into a museum (which incidentally is inspired by hints of Bond memorabilia).
The battle is so explosive that Evil M sends Good M flying through a glass window and into the next room of the museum. By the end of the fight the museum is completely trashed!"
Die Another Day soon available online?
29 August 2002Madonnapower member Activate keeps us intrigued with his inside info: "The mysterious kazaa track is from the film score... NOT the actual track. I know! I know! It sounds like the track, yes! The melody is the same, the beats are somewhat the same... but the actual track is a lot more synthesized.
After listening to it, it is clear that madonna and mirwais have perfect their chemistry with this one! And some more about the actual track: she whispers in it... and she laughs too!" He claims to have a (poor quality) file of the entire song and will try to upload it soon, as well as more info and some shots of the video.
To be continued!
Junkie XL on new album? *rumour*
29 August 2002And the ball is rolling again about Madonna's new album. This time there can be read in the press that Madonna is gonna work with Junkie XL.
This Dutch DJ and producer recently made a remix of the Elvis song "A Little Less Conversation" for the Nike Commercial. Among the many offers he got after this, there was also the offer from Madonna, who called him for a work-discussion.
Junkie XL himself won't speak about working with Madonna, but his record company tells that it will come to a co-production very soon.
Injury during filming confirmed
Source: mi6.co.uk - 29 August 2002Madonna was injured during a fencing scene during the filming of the Die Another Day music video. Filming took place on Thursday 22nd August 2002 2002 and Friday 23rd before being delayed due to a small injury in a "fight" sequence.
She was reportedly very upset that shooting had to be stalled due to her accident. Filming is due to continue on Monday 26th and wrap on Tuesday 27th. Unlike the previous Brosnan Bond films, the Die Another Day music video will not feature any scenes from the film.
It is rumoured that a few bars from the new title track will be part of the full trailer due for release on September 6th 2002.
~ This is a confirmation of what Madonnapower member Activate reported earlier this week. This also adds to his credibility on his storyline for the video.
More on DAD video
28 August 2002MadMaxmember FrozenMusic16 spoke with someone of the lighting crew of the Die Another Day video who revealed the following pieces of information on the Die Another Day video:
M's hair is blonde in the video
There is some sort of an action sequence filmed (possibly the fencing scene, though the source refused to acknowledge this)
The video synopsis, as described on this page on August 2002 26th, is "not entirely untrue"
The sound clip we heard is indeed bona fide and was "one of the versions used in the video". He did ask "why it's skipping like that", so that doesn't seem to be intentional and is probably just due to bad quality of the file.
Swept Away UK release: March 14
Source: Ananova - 28 August 2002Madonna's new movie will be released in the UK in March. She plays a spoilt rich American in Swept Away. The film is directed by her husband Guy Ritchie.
It had been claimed the movie would not be released, but film company Columbia Tristar has announced it will open in the UK on March 14.
Madonna Q&A at Billboard
Source: AskBillboard - 28 August 2002Hello Keith!
My absolute favorite artist is Madonna! I just want to know if you have heard her new song Die Another Day yet? If not, when you do would you be able to let your readers know what you thought of it, as well as, if you think it will be a hit with radio programmers!
Can you also find out if a single will be released commercially? My guess is that it won't be. She will likely make the mistake of not releasing it just like she did with Beautiful Stranger, American Pie, and Into the Groove, all of which would probably have made it to the top of Billboard's Hot 100! Do you agree?
Any word on the new album too? Also, if you can, what is your favorite Madonna song?
Hello John,
Well, where to begin? I have yet to hear Die Another Day, which is not slated for release until either late next month or in October. So, we don't have that much longer to wait for the track, which will be the theme to the forthcoming James Bond film of the same name.
With regards to radio programmers and if they will play the new single, it's a safe bet that since it's Madonna, and it's her first new music in a little while, it will almost certainly get a fair amount automatic airplay.
It has not been announced if Die Another Day will be released as a commercial single in the U.S. My guess would be that it will bypass retail, as her last two Maverick soundtrack singles have: American Pie and Beautiful Stranger, from "The Next Best Thing" and "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," respectively.
Certainly, if those two tracks had commercial singles, they would have reached much higher on Billboard's Hot 100 - American Pie hit No. 29, while Beautiful Stranger peaked at No. 19.
Madonna is at work on a new studio album, but the set won't see a release until next year. Her last studio set, 2000's Music, debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 2.8 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
My favorite Madonna song? I have a few. Express Yourself, Burning Up, Vogue, and Music all rank high on my list.
Gwyneth adores Madonna
Source: Hello Magazine - 28 August 2002And for her big 3-0 on September 28, the actress [Gwyneth Paltrow] is thinking about taking friends away on holiday, to "do things to ground myself with people that I really love and whom I've known forever", she tells the Daily Express.
But she's keeping mum on whether or not one of those pals will be close friend Madonna, whom Gwyneth "adores". "We're friends because she's a fantastically interesting woman, very powerful within," she says. "We are on similar paths in our lives – what we eat, our yoga and stuff like that."
More on DAD clip
28 August 2002A contact at the Queendom forum who appears to be 'in the business' claims to be the one who put the short Die Another Day clip online. He confirms it's authentic, but he refuses to put up the complete song.
He added the following information: "Madonna talks a bit in the song (Erotica/Paradise-ish) and vocoders are used..."
DAD audio file online
27 August 2002Since yesterday an audio file is circulating on the Internet, which is rumoured to be the instrumental intro of Die Another Day. (Thanx to Robster16, MadGuy and Kayer for providing the track)
Aniston denies cameo
27 August 2002Jennifer Aniston has denied appearing as cameo in Swept Away. This is from the Vancouver Sun:
"There are other stories she wants to squash as well - for example, the report that she's joining Madonna and her director husband Guy Ritchie to star in the remake of the cult Italian film, Swept Away.
Definitely untrue, Aniston declares. So would she like to do a movie with Madonna? "Well you know, anything's possible," she shrugs."
BMW's 'Star' inspired Madonna & Guy to make Swept Away
Source: AP - 26 August 2002Guy Ritchie and Madonna got the idea to remake the 1974 Italian romance 'Swept Away' from the Internet movie they made together last year for BMW. Ritchie directed his wife in a short in which she plays a petulant rock star who goes on a bumpy ride with a chauffeur played by Clive Owen.
'Swept Away' is about a wealthy woman stranded on an island who fights with, then falls for, a communist sailor. "Madonna saw the original version of 'Swept Away' first, like 20 years ago. And then we made the BMW commercial. Someone saw that and said, 'Oh this reminds me of 'Swept Away.'
So one night a friend played it and I wasn't paying much attention," Ritchie told Jane magazine for its October issue. "And then I got hooked the second they got in the dinghy and the engine broke down. I could see what was going to happen.
"By the time the film had finished, I said, 'Someone's got to remake this movie.' I liked the edge of it. The passion," Ritchie said. "And Madonna said, 'Why don't you remake it?' I said, 'Well, why don't you be in it?' She went, 'All right,' and that was that." Ritchie's version of "Swept Away," co-starring Adriano Giannini, is scheduled to open Oct. 11.
Rumoured storyline for DAD video *rumour*
26 August 2002Madonnapower member Activate claims the storyline for the Die Another Day video is as follows: "A friend of mine is working on the Die Another Day video set. He recently gave me a copy of the storyboard shooting schedule, which contains bits and pieces of some lyrics. Sketches of shots, and decription of what happens in the video, as well as what Madonna looks like. Security for the video is mysteriously low, so as not to attract attention.
The video starts off with Madonna being dragged into an interrogation room by two Chinese guards. She is in an old Chinese prison dressed in plainclothes. We see a Hebrew tattoo on her right arm. The guards force her into a chair. In front of her is a large table, and a thick metal chain is hanging from the ceiling behind her. The guards interrogate her, shaking their fists.
She's tough and won't give in, singing: "yes and no" with the music. There's a closeup of her face, as she sings: "I'm gonna kiss this secret..." Then she jumps from the chair and leaps on top of the table and starts dancing: "I guess I'll die another day, I guess I'll die another day, I guess I'll die another day, another day." She jumps from on top of the table and kicks it over so it's upside-down. She stands on top of it again (the table legs sticking straight up in the air) and continues dancing. Then the guards push her down on to the floor.
Then we see the beginning of a fencing duel. Madonna is fencing herself. Good Madonna vs. Evil Madonna....... Good Madonna is blond and beautiful. Bad Madonna is blond with black streaks in her hair. During the fight, Madonna is choreographically thrown against the wall: "UH..." There is now a bleeding cut on her stomach from the fencing: "UH..." She smears the blood from the cut on the wall: "I think I'll find another way." With the blood on the wall behind her, she starts to dance wildly.
Then the guards grab her and drag her into another room. M is resisting, but they are too strong. Madonna endures Chinesewater torture! The guards push her head into a water tank and pull her back out repeatedly. Underwater, we see madonna's face as she sings: "I'm gonna break the cycle." As the guards drag her from the water-tank, M is fighting for air. She breaks free!
Then we see Madonna with wet hair start to dance again. The metal chain from earlier is behind her. M performs with the chain, swinging on it: "For every sin I'll have to pay." Then there is a strings instrumental which lasts about 9 seconds. During which, the mirror behind her shatters and madonna falls to the ground. The glass stylistically shatters around her. She's on her knees, moving against the shattered glass on the floor.
We see some more of her fencing against herself.
The guards leave M alone as she crawls into a room with an electric chair in it: "I think I'll find another way." She sits herself in the chair and wraps the leather straps around each forearm (Tefillin style). Still wrapping the leather straps, she begins to do a Jewish style prayer. The guards come in to finsh strapping her into place. "Uh... Uh..."
Then there's a closeup of M's face. She calms down and becomes in control of her body. The camera moves in so all we see are her eyes. We hear the scratch from the electricity being turned on as she sings: "I guess I'll die another day... another day!"
New album for March 2003 *rumour*
26 August 2002According to fansite Madonnarama, Madonna's new album is now showing in Warner's release schedules for March 2003.
Preview Jane magazine
Source: USA Today - 26 August 2002It's all about family for Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie, according to an interview in the October issue of Jane, on newsstands Sept. 9. "To me, family is as big as it gets," says Ritchie. Marriage is "big", he says.
"Lourdes calls me Super Dad. She's got a good dad (Carlos Leon). He's a good man. She sees a lot of him. So, I get away with just being Super Dad." Says Mom: "I try to teach my children to share, to be generous, to be grateful."
Madonna injured during DAD video shoot *rumour*
Source: Activate @ Madonnapower - 26 August 2002Friday, Madonna injured herself during a fencing sequence in the 'Die Another Day' video. Yes, she fences! Just like in the movie! Anyway, the injury had nothing to do with being cut, it was a minor injury and Madonna became very upset because it stalled the shooting procedures.
Also, the video DOES NOT contain any footage from the movie like some other theme song videos do. The crew for the video have already completed 2 days (Thurs. & Fri.) of shooting and 2 more are to follow which are Mon. and Tues of this week.
More info coming soon including make-up, video content, and lyrics! NOTE: The supposed lyrics of the theme song that were posted on the internet awhile back are incorrect!
Die Another Day trailer
24 August 2002According to fansite Madonna's Ashram, the Die Another Day trailer will be released on September 6th and it will feature (part of?) Madonna's theme song!
Brother Chris to interview Madonna
Source: Madonnarama - 24 August 2002U.S. Gay-Lifestyle magazine, Genre has issued a press-release stating that it's October issue will feature an interview with Madonna by her brother, Christopher Ciccone.
The full press-release reads as follows: "Genre Magazine, the pre-eminent lifestyle magazine for gay men, celebrates its October 2002 Body + Soul issue with an exclusive Madonna cover interview, given for the first time ever by her brother, the magazine's Style Editor, Christopher Ciccone.
The interview will feature an intimate discussion between the two siblings. The teachings of Kabbalah, her new movie Swept Away, and life in England are among the topics on the table for this unprecedented "family" media event.
We are thrilled that Madonna has chosen to appear in Genre, with the added dimension of her brother Christopher, himself a talented writer, at the helm of the interview," says Editor-in-Chief Andy Towle.
Madonna continues to be a formidable talent, a cultural touchstone, a fascinating personality, and a loyal friend to the gay community."
Swept Away official site
24 August 2002Sony Pictures has put up an official site for Swept Away. It's a cool flash site with a synopsis and pictures from the movie, the trailer for streaming, and info on cast and crew. Interesting detail: in Madonna's bio they mention she's working on her new album, "which is scheduled for early 2003"! Go to the Swept Away site.
Swept Away pictures in InStyle
22 August 2002As reported yesterday, the september issue of InStyle magazine features lots of pictures of Madonna on the set of Swept Away. Fansite Madonna Drowned World added them to their Swept Away picture gallery.
Die Another Day soundtrack
Source: Maverick Records newsletter, thanx to AbsMad - 22 August 2002The Die Another Day soundtrack (featuring Madonna's theme from the film) will be released on Maverick Records on November 12th.
It will be an enhanced cd including Madonna's Die Another Day video as well as a "making of the video" special.
Rupert about the making of The Next Best Thing
Source: Empire Magazine, thanx to Little Star - 21 August 2002Was it fun making the movie?
"Mmm. In a way it was, in a way it was one problem, one fight and one battle after another. Me and Madonna fought each other, fought everybody, fought everything. It was fun in the sense that it was the biggest learning experience of my life, and one that I failed at. Because it was the first film that I thought I had - and I did at first - a lot of control on.
I started writing the script, but then I was fired as a screenwriter, I was fired as a producer....It was so different from what I intended it to be. The reason I wanted to do it was to make it like an old-fashioned Hollywood film, not like a mini-series, which is how it turned out. And the thing is, the studio wanted to make it into much more of a generic crowdpleaser.
It's a marketing thing, they used exactly the same poster as they had used with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Runaway Bride. And the people who went to see Runaway Bride - Runaway Bride wasn't that good either, actually, but - are not really the people who want to see a story about a gay guy and his best friend having sex. Not that you got to see that in the end, which is one of the things I really hated about it."
Humpty Vission talks about Madonna's b-day party
Source: Richardhumptyvission.com, - 21 August 2002"This weekend is going down in the books! Friday I played in NYC with Frankie Bones, Terry Mullen and Space Girl... Good sound... good vibes...great people. It was good to be back in NYC. Saturday was the night... the birthday party I talked about last week, but I couldn't say who's was Madonna's b-day.
I played at a private party she had at her house and I played for 5 hours!!! This was the first private party I've played in 10 years. I've been ask many times to d.j. private party's, but I always turn them down even if they're big celebrities...not really my vibe.
This party seemed like it would be cooler than most private party's and it was... I was throwing down some funky-ass tunes and they were eating it up. The big records of the night where Tim Delux "It just won't do" and one my tracks called "Love Somebody" I can't mention who else was there, but you can imagine who would be attending Madonna's b-day party.
I brought in a sound system that was better than 80 of the clubs I've played at... it was booming and clean. They had a dance floor that was specifically made for the party, it was a plexxy glass dance floor that lit up with neon lights and it was filled with water and fish were swimming in the dance floor.... WICKED!"
Madonna in InStyle magazine
Source: Madonnarama - 21 August 2002The September issue of U.S. magazine InStyle features a 3 page spread of amazing pics of M on the set of her new flick. It is the brand new issue with Jennifer Aniston on the cover. It should be on all U.S. news stands by early next week!
Swept Away trailer
20 August 2002You can now stream the film trailer of Swept Away on Windonws Media Player or Real Player at ComingSoon. Madonna looks stunning in it! The trailer also confirms the official release date for the US being October 11th.
ET! talks Swept Away again
Source: ET! Online - 20 August 2002Madonna continues to be 'Swept Away' by her movie career as she puts the finishing touches on her newest project helmed by hubby Guy Ritchie, the man behind 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.' Tonight on ET, we have your exclusive first look at the 'Swept Away' trailer!
A remake of a 1974 Italian film, 'Swept Away' follows a slovenly sailor (played by Adriano Giannini, son of Giancarlo Giannini from the original) who is stranded on an island with his employer (Madonna).
A wealthy, self-centered woman who is used to having her own way, she now finds herself cut off from society. Realizing he has the upper hand, the sailor reverses their roles and becomes the controlling force in the relationship - until they fall in love. The film also stars Jennifer Aniston, hot off 'The Good Girl,' and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
The 44-year-old siren has had her share of hits and misses at the multiplex, peaking with her acclaimed portrayal of 'Evita' in 1996 and the big box-office smash 'Dick Tracy,' directed by former beau Warren Beatty in 1990. On the opposite end of the spectrum, her first big-budget foray into Hollywood, 'Shanghai Surprise' (starring then-husband Sean Penn), bombed in 1986, as did her follow-up the next year, 'Who's That Girl.'
Her first foray into film was in 1985's Matthew Modine wrestling pic, 'Vision Quest,' where she sang the hit ballad, "Crazy for You," in the background of a club scene. But it wasn't until 'Desperately Seeking Susan' later that year, starring opposite Rosanna Arquette and Aidan Quinn, that people began to notice her club-kid style and sex appeal.
At the peak of her "It Girl" fame in 1991, she agreed to be filmed for the shamelessly giddy and voyeuristic documentary, 'Madonna: Truth or Dare,' thus staking a claim on the reality front long before Ozzy Osbourne or Anna Nicole Smith.
'Swept Away' marks the third time Madonna has worked for her husband. Guy previously directed her in the music video for What It Feels Like For A Girl, and she starred in his comedic short film, 'Star,' which was one of a series of shorts directed by top-name directors for BMW in 2001.
Madonna's Japanese birthday party
19 August 2002Queen of Pop Madonna held her Japanese-themed 44th birthday party at her California mansion over the weekend. Guests included Gisele Bundchen, who arrived with Maverick Records boss Guy Oseary, Demi Moore, Jason Statham and Kelly Brook. Meanwhile, Madge has got a bit of a situation over modifications to her country home in Dorset.
She has a big gate put in for added privacy, but failed to apply for permission before doing so. The local council are demanding a formal application for the gate, as well as for her plans for a deer fence, garage and an extension to the orangery. Good to know that even Madge has to wade through the red tape. Source: PeopleNews
Queen of Pop Madonna roped her friends into sharing her love of image changes this weekend - by turning them Japanese for her lavish birthday bash. Looking at Maddy it may seem hard to believe, but she celebrated her 44th birthday on Friday. To celebrate, she laid on an oriental night for 50 of her closest friends at her and husbands Guy Ritchie's LA home, complete with ambient music and a Japanese buffet.
Among the guests were former Big breakfast host Kelly Brook and her boyfriend Jason Stratham, who appeared to be the only ones brave enough to ignore Madonna's request that everyone dress according to the theme. Actress Demi Moore, model Gisele Bundcen and the boss of the Material Girl's record label Guy O'Seary did gear up accordingly though. And we have to say that they carried it off brilliantly. Source: Daily Star
New Swept Away pix
Source: Entertainment Weekly - 19 August 2002Madonna returned to acting with a vengeance this year, on the London stage in the play 'Up for Grabs', in a cameo in the upcoming James Bond movie 'Die Another Day', and most notably in 'Swept Away', directed by her husband, Guy Ritchie ('Snatch').
In the Screen Gems release (in theaters Oct. 11), Madonna plays Amber, a snobby socialite on a Mediterranean yacht trip who irks earthy crew member Giuseppe (Adriano Giannini), an ardent Communist. But when fate strands Amber and Giuseppe on a deserted island, they embark on a torrid affair.
The movie is a remake of Italian director Lina Wertmuller's 1974 film, 'Swept Away... by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August 2002', in which Adriano's father, Giancarlo Giannini ('Hannibal') played the same role.
'Swept Away' is likely to be controversial, and not just for the usual love-it-or-hate-it reactions to Madonna's movie roles. True, the knives were already out for Madonna, with the production dogged by rumors of massive reshoots, supposedly necessitated because Ritchie felt the footage of Madonna in costume (and out, during the love scenes) didn't flatter the 44-year-old star, and because test audiences didn't like her character. (A Screen Gems spokesperson tells EW.com that these rumors are false. As for how Madonna looks in the movie, look at these photos and decide for yourself.)
Amber is supposed to start out as an unlikable rich bitch, then become the submissive lover of the violent-tempered Giuseppe. The film's sexual politics may be the real sticking point, what with Giuseppe slapping Amber around before they have sex. Still, Madonna is not one to apologize, so don't expect her to justify her love.
Click for some unseen Swept Away pictures
Swept Away release date
Source: Billboard - 18 August 2002The film "Swept Away," starring Madonna and directed by her husband, Guy Ritchie, will open Oct. 11 in U.S. theaters. The movie was initially titled "Love, Sex, Drugs, and Money," and is based on the 1974 Italian film "Travolti da un Insolito Destino Nell'Azzurro Mare D'Agosto." Adriano Giannini and Bruce Greenwood also star.
In the film, Madonna plays a socialite stranded on an island with a handsome, Communist sailor (Giannini). As previously reported, Madonna has penned the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film "Die Another Day," which opens in November. The artist makes a cameo in the film as a fencing instructor, contrary to initial assertions that she would not appear on-screen.
Madonna is also expected to appear in director Peter Greenaway's next film, "The Tulse Luper Suitcases," which features Blondie's Debbie Harry, Vincent Gallo, Don Johnson, and Isabella Rossellini, among others. The film is due out sometime next year. The artist has begun work on her next studio album with assistance from producer Mirwais, who was behind the boards for 2000's Music.
~ There's still much confusion about Swept Away's release date. While more and more sources are talking about a October 11th release in the United States, there are still others claiming it will be out on October 25th.
What the UK is concerned: Variety reported that Sony has set a tentative UK release date on March 25th, because they expect more success in the US than in the UK. As always, it's waiting for official confirmations... Below you can find two rumoured-to-be-official posters
Swept Away co-star shocked by love scenes
Source: Ananova - 18 August 2002The co-star of Madonna's controversial new movie says filming the love scenes filled him with loathing. Adriano Giannini says he had to slap Madonna around and make her bark like a dog in Swept Away. But he says the star was unperturbed by the explicit scenes.
Madonna plays a spoilt rich American in the £4 million movie, directed by husband Guy Ritchie. Giannini told the Sunday Express: "It didn't come easy for me to slap a woman, especially someone I had grown up listening to. When I first slapped her, she thought it wasn't violent enough and told me to hit her harder.
"On another occasion, I was asked to humiliate her by making her bark like a dog. It got a bit masochistic but she's good. She's very professional. He added: "She's as tough as a lizard and should be made into a belt, bag and boots."
Swept Away will hit US cinema screens on October 25, and released in the UK at a later date.
Happy Birthday Madonna!
16 August 2002Today Madonna celebrates her 44th birthday. Mad-Eyes likes to wish her a wonderful day, and lots of luck and love.
Niki's web chat
15 August 2002Niki Haris, Madonna's longtime backup singer talked tonight on a webchat with BBC's Top Of The Pops.
Madonnarama reports: "Niki made it clear that she did not say that Madonna was pregnant; she was talking about Donna. Niki also confirmed the following details about the new Madonna album:
She does not sing on Madonna's new album, nor on 'Die Another Day'.
She has bought Madonna a birthday present which she gave to her before she left the US.
Madonna is continuing recording her album at the end of September.
Her and Donna are to record an album together.
She talked a lot about tours (mentioning 'Material Girl' at Blond Ambition was her favourite stage moment)"
Madonna against Mad'House using her lyrics
Source: The Sun - 15 August 2002Madonna has banned Dutch group Mad'House from printing the lyrics to her songs on their new album. The dance act – who entered the charts at No3 with Like A Prayer – have recorded a CD of 13 Madge covers.
The Queen Of Pop had no power to stop them recording her songs but lawyers prevented them from printing the lyrics. The album also features a version of Holiday – and it's bloody awful.
~ Finally she puts those losers in their place! ;-)
Adriano on Madonna
Source: NY Daily News - 14 August 2002Adriano Giannini was feeling the heat after accepting the role of a deckhand in Guy Ritchie's remake of "Swept Away," the part his father played in the original 1975 version of the film.
"At first, I was a little bit afraid," the actor admits in the Condé Nast Traveler's September issue, which features sexy shots of the actor walking on the beach alongside his hard-bodied co-star, Madonna.
"On one side, my dad, and on the other, Madonna! It was a lot of pressure: a lot of strange scenes - sex scenes, violent scenes - under the direction of her husband. But Madonna and Guy made me feel at ease," he says.
October 11th release
14 August 2002After several reports of an October 25th release, it seems more and more likely it will be October 11th. This is from Madonnarama: No more LA/NY only for Swept Away... Yahoo!
Movies has corrected their mistaken October 25th release date info (or perhaps not a mistake but a too hastily reported consideration), and not only is Swept Away certain to be released earlier, it will be in 500 theaters! It makes more sense this way, as it was indeed strange that Madonna was going to rule 3 major magazine covers in September/October when the film wouldn't even be in most theaters until November!
Here's the brief but informative clip from Yahoo! Movies: "Release Date: October 11th, 2002 (moderately wide release in 500 theaters)"
MTV Becoming in search of Madonna wannabes
Source: Madonna.com - 13 August 2002MTV is holding try-outs in New York for Madonna wannabes. The try-outs will be held at 10am on August 2002 24 at 435 West 19th Street. For more details call 212-654-8999 or write an email to MTVCASTING@mtvstaff.com.
Pregnancy rumours denied, once again
13 August 2002Following a new stream of rumours fuelled by The Sun earlier this week, the NY Daily Post cites: "A photo of Madonna wearing a black jumper has spawned another litter of rumors that she's expecting again.
A rep for the singer, who's in L.A. getting ready to shoot the video for her 007 theme song, "Die Another Day," says (once again) she's not with child. "
Sign a birthday card for Madonna
13 August 2002Fellow Annodam member Madonnapolisare collecting birthday wishes from Madonna fans which will be united on a birthday card, graced with a specially designed cover by Foompy. The finished product will be sent to Liz Rosenberg. Send your wishes to Madonnapolis@aol.com and they'll make sure it will be added.
New script deal for Maverick Films
Source: Yahoo! - 13 August 2002Madonna and Guy Oseary's Maverick Films has acquired the spec "Kool Herc's Breakbeat" by tyro scribe Paul Hirsch in a deal worth low-six figures.
The storyline is described as an odd-couple misadventure that centers on two DJs searching for an elusive but prized hip-hop record entitled "Kool Herc's Breakbeat." [...]
Maverick Films is currently in production on "Agent Cody Banks" at MGM, and is developing the American remake of "My Sassy Girl" at DreamWorks.
Kylie to record Madonna song
12 August 2002The Herald Sun heats up earlier rumours that Kylie is to record a song written by Madonna: "Her next single is likely to be Alone Again, written by Madonna. It is tipped to be released as a double a-side with Come Into My World, the last single from her million-selling Fever album.
"I don't think she's ever given a song of hers to another artist," Minogue said. "It's quite rare." Source: Herald Sun
The Sun reports that the song was co-written by Rick Nowells, which means the song is probably a leftover from the Ray Of Light recording sessions.
~ Guess again Kylie, she gave Love Won't Wait to Gary Barlow, and has written lots of songs for other artists.
New poster for Die Another Day
12 August 2002JamesBond.com has revealed a second teaser poster, this time featuring main actors Pierce Brosnan and Halle Barry
Madonna and Guy to renew their wedding vows
Source: Sunday People - 11 August 2002Madonna and Guy Ritchie are planning to renew their marriage vows in a mystical Jewish ceremony, I can reveal. The couple made the decision after seeing a Kabbalah wedding in Los Angeles. Madonna feels their Scottish nuptials two years ago didn't seal their union properly. Now, after watching the Hebrew ceremony, she wants to renew their vows with a similar service.
A friend of the couple said: "Madonna is very keen to have a Kabbalah ceremony. She said it was so beautiful, she wanted to have one herself. "She saw the ceremony by chance. Madonna was at a Kabbalah centre in Los Angeles recently. A wedding was taking place so she stayed and watched from the back.
"Afterwards she told some of the wedding guests that she was going to plan a Kabbalah service for her and Guy in the next couple of months." The two-hour ceremony, which is based on a specific interpretation of the Old Testament, won't be performed in a synagogue because Madonna and Guy aren't Jewish. But the blessing will involve the superstar having to circle her husband seven times.
Madonna was brought up a Catholic but has been a devotee of Kabbalah for about five years. Guy will go along with it for his wife's sake. My source said: "Guy isn't quite as spiritual as Madonna but he does like the idea of renewing their vows."
11 August 2002 - Mad'House debutes at UK no. 3
After storming the charts everywhere on the European mainland, Mad'House debutes at no. 3 in the UK chart with their (horrible) cover of Like A Prayer. Next will be the US, where radio stations have discovered the remix already too...
Frozen is ultimate Madonna video
11 August 2002Frozen is the ultimate Madonna video, according to a survey here at Mad-Eyes. For 13 weeks we've asked Mad-Eyes visitors to vote for their favorite video of each Madonna album. In a final poll, Frozen was chosen as ultimate favorite by 23,2% of the voters.
Earlier the stunning video by Chris Cunningham was also voted Best Video of the 90s. In a tie for the second place came three videos of the late 80s; Like A Prayer, Express Yourself and Vogue were previously voted favorites of the 80s and ended up with each 17,4% of the votes in the final poll.
Release dates for Swept Away and DAD single
10 August 2002Though an official statement announced that Swept Away will be released on October 25th, MTV now reports that the release date is October 11th. They also added that the Die Another Day single will be released by the end of October.
Read the article here. If you can't keep track of all the release dates, check out our calendar.
Madonna to sell babywear?
Source: Sky News - 9 August 2002Does this woman ever stop? Queen of pop Madonna, who recently scored rave reviews in her West End debut Up For Grabs, is moving into a whole new project. Her company Maverick has registered a new name Boogie Woogie Baby.
M hopes to launch her own range of babywear out of desperation at finding nothing fashionable in the shops for baby Rocco to wear. Don't expect to buy this in the shops though. We can reveal that she plans to launch it through one of her famous designer friends. Who can it be? Let's just say the collection will no doubt be stella!
Guy finds love scenes awkward
Source: Madonnarama) - 8 August 2002Guy Ritchie talks about how awkward he found directing Madonna's love scenes during the making of Swept Away. The article in the September 2002 edition of American Premiere previews Autumn releases:
"I wanted to do something completely different, the wife was available and cheap, and one thing led to another," says director Richie (Snatch), whose wife is, of course, Madonna. In his version of the 1975 Lina Wertmuller film, Madonna plays Amber, the diva wife of a pharmaceutical millionaire (Bruce Greenwood), whose idea of a Mediterranean cruise on a converted fishing boat is not to her liking.
She takes out her displeasure on Guiseppe (Adriano Giannini), a strapping young shiphand, but when she gets stuck with him on a deserted island, the tables are turned - Giuseppe gets retribution, and Amber falls for him despite the abuse.
"He doesn't smack the shit out her like he did in the original, but he gives her a hard time," says Ritchie, who shot in many of the same locations in Malta and Sardinia, and says the physical violence in his version "isn't quite as shocking" as Wertmuller's. "Bear in Mind," he adds, "she is my wife."
Giannini, who has worked behind the scenes on Hollywood productions and acted in two Italian movies, is tackling the same role his father, Giancarlo, played in the original, although Ritchie wasn't aware of the link at first. "I thought he looked cool," the director says. "It's a funny coincidence," says Giannini, who had visited his father on the set when he was three.
'Take My Wife --- Please'
Ritchie found the love scenes a bit tricky to shoot. "I had to point toward his hand and then poke her on the bum and say, 'Put hand on bum,'" he recalls. "I had to look like I wasn't finding it awkward, which wasn't the case."
Access Hollywood talks about Swept Away
Source: Madonnarama - 8 August 2002In a promo shown for Thursday's 'Access Hollywood' they promised to take a look at 'Swept Away'. It is expected that new footage will be shown. In addition, Sources at the film company say that the trailer for the film is complete and should be in theatres any second! Hopefully, they will show a snippet of the trailer on Thursday. 'Access Hollywood' is syndicated in the U.S. Check you local listings for airtimes!
Swept Away release date confirmed in statement
Source: ET Online - 7 August 2002Despite a published report in a London weekly, a studio spokesperson tells ET that Madonna's first film with her husband, Guy Ritchie, is not in danger of going straight to video.
'Swept Away' is predictably controversial and test audiences have reportedly found the violence towards Madonna's character difficult to watch. But controversy is neither swaying nor delaying the release. The film will open in theaters on October 25 and Madonna will promote the project.
Madonna has said in a statement that she is "very proud of Swept Away" and added that she will promote the film as expected.
New ICON cover?
7 August 2002Madonna.com has listed another cover for the new ICON Magazine (no. 38), different from the one we saw a few weeks ago
DWT choreographer to work on Die Another Day video
Source: Capital Times, - 7 August 2002A decade ago, when Verona native Jamie King was 20 years old and just making an international name for himself as a dancer with Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" tour in Europe, Jamie's mother, Barb Watts, and her husband, Dave Watts, threw a party in Madison to celebrate HBO's airing of a Jackson tour stop in Bucharest, Romania.
What Barb hadn't anticipated was that Jamie himself would make the party - he flew home to Madison because illness forced Jackson to cancel the last week of his tour. Now maybe Barb should plan a party for the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be held in September.
That's because Jamie, whose star keeps ascending, was just nominated for an Emmy for choreography for his work on the HBO special "Madonna Live: The Drowned World Tour." The concert was broadcast live last Aug. 26 from the Palace of Auburn Hills near Detroit.
King studied dance at the West Side Performing Arts Studio in Madison and eventually earned a scholarship to the Tremaine/Sleight Dance Studio in Los Angeles. Now there is hardly a big show business name he hasn't worked with, from Madonna and Jackson to Prince and Britney Spears. Yet another credit: King choreographed the 1996 Academy Awards presentation.
Proud mom Barb Watts said Sunday that Jamie will work with Madonna again in August 2002 - this time on a video that will be released in conjunction with the new James Bond movie.
No single release for Die Another Day? *rumour*
Source: Madonnarama - 6 August 2002Latest insider info is that there will be no single release for Madonna's theme to the Bond film. It's not yet confirmed if this is just relating to the US or for the rest of the world. It's a trick that was pulled Stateside with 'Beautiful Stranger' and 'American Pie' but rumour has it that the next release will have the same fate.
~ Do note that this is nothing more than a rumour right now without any official confirmation. Personally I'd find it very bizarre if a Bond theme - especially one by Madonna - wouldn't get an official release.
Liz denies rumours on Swept Away release
Source: MSNBC - 6 August 2002Madonna's spokeswoman is dismissing reports that the singer's rumor-plagued flick, "Swept Away," won't be released.
The film, directed by hubby Guy Ritchie, is scheduled for an October opening, but it was reportedly dumped on by test audiences, who didn't like seeing Madonna fall in love with a guy who smacked her around.
"I've been in L.A. all week working on the marketing of the film, and it went really well," Madonna's spokeswoman told the Scoop. "People should at least see the film before they decide to hate it."
British actress Samia Ghadie praises Madonna
Source: People.co.uk - 5 August 2002I absolutely adore Madonna. Ever since I can remember I've danced to her music. The first single I actually bought was La Isla Bonita and I loved the video for it so much. Madonna's album The Immaculate Collection is a treasured possession of mine. I'd never part with it for any price.
When I was a kid I bought a pair of lacy black gloves, just like Madonna's. I thought I was the bee's knees as I impersonated the Material Girl round the bedroom. Madonna is such a great role model to women of my generation. She teaches you that, if you believe in yourself and work hard, then your dreams can come true.
Last year I went to see her in the Drowned World Tour with some of the girls from Corrie - Suranne Jones, Naomi Russell and Jenny James. Honestly, I was like some excited kid. As she came on I was screaming: "There she is, oh my God!" I thought I was going to burst a blood vessel. I must confess I prefer her earlier music, but I'm still a massive fan of her current work.
Madonna & Guy to write childrens book
Source: PeopleNews - 5 August 2002Never one to sit back and twiddle her thumbs, Madonna is now planning to write a children's book. According to US reports, Madge is to write the book with her husband, film director Guy Ritchie.
'Madonna and Guy love reading books to their son Rocco, and they thought they could write one as good as anyone,' a source commented.
The Material Mom has been keeping herself busy with acting of late, recently starring in the theatre production Up for Grabs, and filming a cameo part for the new Bond film, Die Another Day.
The Ritchies may need a bit of cheering up after the release date for their film collaboration Swept Away has been delayed for the second time, with speculation rife that the film will be released straight to video and embarrassingly, not in the cinema.
Rupert and Guy on working with Madonna
Source: PeopleNews - 5 August 2002Rupert Everett on working with Madonna on the dire film The Next Best Thing: "It was one problem, one fight and one battle after another. Me and Madonna fought and fought everything, fought each other, fought everybody."
Guy Ritchie on working with Madonna on Swept Away: "She didn't throw any tantrums. Well, not too many. She was no trouble at all because she is a true professional. She's like Vinnie Jones in that respect. Whatever you say about them, they are professionals."
Maddy buys Mini
Source: The Sun - 5 August 2002Madonna's love affair with all things British is still going strong — she has splashed out on a sporty Mini Cooper.
Madge took delivery of the £20,000 electric blue motor — including £4,000 of luxury extras — last week. And workers at the Cowley car plant in Oxfordshire gave it the personal touch by signing their names on the underside of the chassis.
Madonna's choice of the Mini — a classic British icon, despite being owned by BMW — shows just how much she feels at home in the UK.
A worker at Cowley said: "We are all so proud that Madonna is such a big fan of the car. Everyone who worked on it left their signature, either inside or under the bonnet. If anyone doubted this was a classy car before, they can certainly think again now Madonna has bought one."
The superstar didn't visit the plant herself but ordered an aide to collect it for her last Tuesday. The extras Madonna wanted include a leather interior, 17in alloy wheels and a satellite navigation system to help her negotiate Britain's roads.
Madonna has triggered a host of other US stars to set up home in the UK. She has a pad in London as well as a £9million estate in Dorset, where she enjoys going shooting with husband Guy Ritchie.
French title for Swept Away is 'A la dérive'
Source: MTV.fr - 4 August 2002Distributor Columbia Tristar Films France has announced that Swept Away will be released in France under the title 'A la dérive'.
They also say it's too early to know if there'll be a French premiere in Paris, and if it would be attended by Madonna and Guy.
Canadian pop star matches Madonna's record
Source: Canada.com - 4 August 2002A hit single by teenage Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne has managed to achieve chart success matched only by Madonna.
Lavigne's debut single, Complicated, has ruled the Contemporary Hit Radio chart for 10 straight weeks, tying Madonna for the longest stay at No. 1 in the history of the Broadcast Data System.
The Material Girls' 2000 single, Music, also reigned for 10 weeks. Alanis Morisette previously held the record for a Canadian artist's stay at the top of the chart with her 1999 hit Thank U lasting seven weeks.
Swept Away not in theatre but straight to video? *rumour*
Source: This Is London - 2 August 2002Fuelled by the rumours of difficulties on the set, bad reactions from preview audiences and the fact that no UK release has been set yet, the Evening Standard spreads the rumour that Swept Away might not get to theatres at all:
"Guy Ritchie is on the phone. He is telling me about the film he has just completed. "It was incredibly hard to finance because it was considered a hot potato," he is saying. "It's set on an island and she has to snog people and get beaten up."
The "she", of course, is Madonna, Mrs Guy Ritchie, whose involvement would certainly ratchet up the temperature of any project. But the film, Swept Away, has become more cold potato than hot. In fact, it seems to have disappeared altogether.
The £4 million movie, backed by Sony Pictures/FilmFour was filmed throughout 2001, with a spring 2002 premiere and early summer general release in UK cinemas pencilled in. Ritchie and his producer Matthew Vaughn (Mr Claudia Schiffer) had hoped for a Cannes Film Festival premiere in May, but at the last minute the film was withdrawn and the general release was put back to this October.
Now it has not only been put back again but, worse still, Swept Away seems not to be scheduled for general release in the UK at all. Even the US release date of 25 October is doubtful. Reports flooded in from previews that the movie was a mess, unpalatably violent and that audiences did not engage with the black humour which is Ritchie's stock-in-trade. Word spread, creating a miasma of disaster around the project.
Vaughn and Ritchie are currently in LA, where they are doubtless attending some very lively meetings. Inconceivable though it sounds, Swept Away might never be seen in the cinema at all." .
Liz Smith on Swept Away and Vanity Fair
Source: Liz Smith's column in NY Post - 1 August 2002For those who like their Madonna nasty, gorgeously dressed, and (eventually) naked, you're gonna love her in "Swept Away."
This remake of Lina Wertmuller's 1975 film has discontented rich-bitch Madonna browbeating her yacht minions in an eye-popping wardrobe, cast-away on an island in little more than a bikini, and then subjugated, vulnerable and bare-naked, in an artistic, shadowed way.
Madonna's hubby, Guy Ritchie, who directed the pic, is a secure man to have allowed his wife so many intimate scenes with co-star Adriano Giannini (he is the son of the original male star of 'Swept Away' Giancarlo Giannini).
But maybe watching the Mrs. cavort stoked the old home fires - a bit of married fantasy, you know? Critics will say what they will, but Madonna can't be faulted physically in "Swept Away." Her abs alone - after two children - take Best Actress honors.
In October, Madonna appears on the cover of Vanity Fair, photographed by Craig McDean and profiled by Stephan Daly. He did an excellent appreciation of Madonna last year in VF's music issue. Mrs. Ritchie, press-bruised, never forgets a kind remark.
Madonna interested in Monroe items
Source: Yahoo UK - 1 August 2002Pop star Madonna expressed interest in jewellery and a dress once owned by actress Marilyn Monroe that sold for more than 10,000 pounds at a London auction, a sale spokeswoman says.
A silk Pucci dress worn by Monroe, the sultry star of films "Some Like it Hot" and "Gentleman Prefer Blondes", sold for 3,300 pounds and a ring worn by the actress went for 5,000 pounds at the Cooper Owen auction.
"I can say a private bidder snapped up the dress and most of the jewellery and Madonna's office called and showed interest in the items," a Cooper Owen spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Madonna was not available for comment.
Guy & Mo interview and pictures in Vanity Fair
1 August 2002New York television show 'Full frontal Fashion' has just announced that Madonna and Guy will grace the cover of the October issue of Vanity Fair magazine.
The issue will feature an exclusive interview with the couple as well as as new never seen before pictures.
This is part of the publicity surrounding the release of 'Swept Away' on Oct 18th in the U.S.
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