EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. Financing ‘Inherent Vice' Which Begins Shooting This Month; Robert Elswit Returning As DP

Lately we've been inundated with requests to find out what exactly is going on with Paul Thomas Anderson's adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's "Inherent Vice." The project -- which was first announced back in 2010 -- centers on a pothead private eye named Doc Sportello and his hazy adventures in late 60's Los Angeles. PTA had supposedly been interested in Robert Downey Jr. for the lead but ultimately decided to reunite with his "The Master" star Joaquin Phoenix instead and those who have seen the actor lately know that he's certainly been looking the part these days. But other than Phoenix's impressive sideburns, we had no real indication as to whether the film was still on track for the "late April/early May" dates pegged by producer JoAnne Sellar during our interview earlier this year. Since production has been so quiet recently we decided to do a little digging and have some great news to share with you all. What have we learned so far? Read on.

David Gordon Green ♥'s PTA & ‘Punch-Drunk Love'; Film Named 10th Best Romantic Movie Of All Time

Huffington Post writer Mike Ryan recently sat down with filmmaker David Gordon Green ("George Washington," "Pineapple Express") about his latest film "Prince Avalanche" (currently playing at the Tribeca Film Festival) and after grilling him about his last effort the 80s throwback comedy 'The Sitter," the conversation veered towards PTA and his admiration for "Punch-Drunk Love" in particular (though he seems to prefer "There Will Be Blood"). 

PTA Told Robert Downey Jr. He Was Too Old For ‘Inherent Vice'; Wanted Joaquin Phoenix For The Role

Recently there was much speculation as to why Robert Downey Jr., who had been linked to the lead role of Doc Sportello in "Inherent Vice" for so long, would suddenly decide to drop out of the film just as it's getting ready for production. Many assumed it was because he was too busy with his never-ending Marvel contract but it appears that wasn't the case. In an interview with GQ (via The Playlist), Downey Jr. says it was PTA who decided Downey wasn't right for the role and he wanted Joaquin Phoenix (though the pair are still friends).

Watch: Video Analysis Of ‘The Master'

A week or so ago we linked to a video essay by Darren Foley who linked "Punch-Drunk Love," "There Will Be Blood" and "The Master" together as a thematic 'trilogy.' You may also recognize his video essay from a few years back that compared Barry Egan to Superman and his latest is a detailed dissection of "The Master" which you can watch above. While some of the influences may be strictly coincidental, the video definitely raises some interesting connections which should give those that were perplexed by the film plenty more to ponder. Thoughts?

"The Master" is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.    
Stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and updates.

Watch: PTA's 15 Minute Intro To Max Ophüls' ‘The Earrings of Madame de...' Criterion Collection DVD

Paul Thomas Anderson on Max Ophuls from filmschoolthrucommentaries on Vimeo.

Back in 2008, PTA recorded a 15 minute commentary/intro to Max Ophüls classic "The Earrings of Madame de..." for the Criterion Collection DVD. Now, thanks to the magic of the internet you can watch that online. There are spoilers if you've never seen the film but even so, it'll probably make you more inclined to pick up the disc and watch the film. (Thanks Matt8U!)

"The Master" is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.    
Stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and updates.

R.I.P. Roger Ebert

It's a sad day as film critic Roger Ebert has passed away today at the age of 70. Ebert's passion for film has had a tremendous effect on cinephiles, critics and probably everyone that reads this site. Though he was lukewarm on "The Master" (which I'm pretty convinced might have changed if he had given it a second viewing), he's always been a supporter of Paul and his films. Watch all of his televised reviews of PTA's films below and leave your memories of the man in the comments.