Join us for a SECRET WINDOW discussion on Sunday afternoon!

The Zone’s Movie Nights tradition continues this Sunday afternoon, October 30th, at 3 p.m. Eastern, when DeepinDepp and OldLady will be hosting a discussion of David Koepp’s SECRET WINDOW. This psychological thriller (based on a novella by Stephen King) is a perfect choice for Halloween weekend; while Johnny Depp’s Mort Rainey might have a few tricks up the sleeve of his baggy sweater, he is always a treat to watch! So grab your Doritos and your Mountain Dew, and join us for a look into SECRET WINDOW. Newbies welcome; ratty bathrobe optional.

Oscar-winner Eric Roth signed to write the screenplay for SHANTARAM, starring Johnny Depp

Eric Roth, whose screenplay for FORREST GUMP won an Oscar, has been hired by Warner Bros. to adapt the screenplay for their upcoming film SHANTARAM, starring Johnny Depp. Roth will be taking over screenwriting duties from Gregory David Roberts, who wrote the bestselling novel. Warner Bros. paid $2 million in 2004 for the rights to film SHANTARAM, Roberts’ epic and semi-autobiographical tale of an Australian heroin addict who escapes from prison and creates a new life as a doctor in India.

The Zone thanks emma for posting the story on the Zone’s News & Views forum.

BREAKING NEWS–THE LIBERTINE earns 8 British Independent Film Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Johnny Depp!

Awards season officially began today as the British Independent Film Association announced its list of nominees for year-end honors; Laurence Dunmore’s THE LIBERTINE, starring Johnny Depp as the Earl of Rochester, received an impressive eight nominations,including Best British Independent Film. THE LIBERTINE’s 8 nominations place it in a three-way tie with THE CONSTANT GARDENER and MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS as the most-honored films of the year. Laurence Dunmore scored a rare double nomination–for Best Director and for the Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director, since THE LIBERTINE is Dunmore’s first feature film.

Johnny Depp’s performance as John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, earned him a Best Actor nomination; he is the only non-British actor so honored. Other nominees are Chiwetel Ejiofor for KINKY BOOTS, Ralph Fiennes for THE CONSTANT GARDENER, Bob Hoskins for MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, and Matthew MacFadyen for IN MY FATHER’S DEN.

Three of Johnny’s LIBERTINE castmates were also recognized with nominations: Rosamund Pike as Best Supporting Actress; Tom Hollander as Best Supporting Actor; and Rupert Friend as Most Promising Newcomer. Production designer Ben Van Os received a nomination for Best Technical Achievement.

Congratulations to all the nominees! The British Independent Film Awards will be presented November 30th at Hammersmith Palais in London.

The Zone thanks sandstorm and Gilbert’s Girl for posting news about the BIFAs, and emma for posting the complete list of nominees. You can read the full story on our News & Views forum.