With 'Stronger,' Clarkson Finally at Ease

LOS ANGELES (AP) It may have taken some time, but Kelly Clarkson seems to finally be releasing an album without any drama on the side."Everything is good, everything is happy," she said, laughing brightly during a recent interview to promote "Stronger," released this week.It's a different scenario than her last two albums: She went through public disputes with legendary executive and mogul Clive Davis over her third album and with OneRepublic singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder after her last album was released.They were typical of the bold stances she's taken that proved her to be more than the passive, malleable product of a hit TV competition, establishing her as an artist instead of just a voice."I've been a fighter since I started walking," she said, adding casually and genuinely a line that could be lifted from one of her inspirational songs: "We get one life. You want to make sure that you're living it how you want to live it."Since Clarkson became the first "American Idol" a decade ago, she's established herself as one of pop's most formidable, and successful singers. She's sold over 20 million albums worldwide and landed seven singles in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, including "Breakaway," ''My Life Would Suck Without You," "Miss Independent," and perhaps her biggest hit, "Since U Been Gone."Clarkson has maintained creative control of her music and career since her "Idol" days, and has written on all of her albums. But her determination to chart her own course has not come without a few battles. In 2007, Davis became concerned over the less commercial sound of Clarkson's third album, "My December," which Clarkson revealed publicly after rumors of a rift; Clarkson later mended fences and called the tension overblown. Then in 2009, Clarkson called out Tedder for musical similarities between "Already Gone," which he wrote for Clarkson, and Beyonce's "Halo," which he also wrote.Clarkson calls her new collection of 13 songs "the easiest record that I've made with my label." But she makes clear that's because the suits bent to her will not the other way around."I think people project on you like the formula that has worked in the past. And then they get to know you," she said. "(Now) they know me better as an artist, they know me better as a person. They know what I'm going to do and what I don't like, and it just really works."Sonically, "Stronger" doesn't tinker much with the formula that has helped Clarkson become the top-selling "Idol" artist ever, blending clean pop-guitar riffs with contemporary dance synths. But there is an undertone of loneliness and sadness coursing throughout, including some downbeat lyrics co-written by Clarkson herself."Hello, is anybody listening? Won't somebody show me that I'm not alone," she sings on "Hello.""If you look at my whole catalogue, there are far more sadder songs than happy," the Texan acknowledges in her Southern drawl. "But that's only because writing is a form of therapy. So obviously the things that you're getting out are the things that you've been going through and struggling with. You want to keep all the happy inside. If I'm going through a hard time, I write it out."In person, Clarkson is bubbly and quick to laugh, sharing that in her time off, she picked up the violin and started learning Italian with Rosetta Stone. "I'm horrible at it so far," she laments lightly.But she never comes close to revealing the subject of "Stronger's" multiple scornful breakup and kiss-off songs. "You don't know a thing about me," she sings on the first single, "Mr. Know It All." And it's true that the 29-year-old retains an enigmatic air, despite her down-to-Earth image.Toby Gad, who co-wrote and produced two songs on "Stronger," had planned on a 10-minute meeting with Clarkson when the two first met, but ended up at a two-hour dinner."She's a very strong survivor, and very organic and very real," he said. "You can connect with her on a very human level."Still, after the dinner and several days of revising lyrics alongside the pop star, he said he doesn't remember if she ever mentioned her own relationships to him.While Clarkson seems to sing almost exclusively about the ups and downs of love, her songs are often deceptively universal. Clarkson says "Mr. Know It All" could apply to her own record label or to the media, and Gad's "The War Is Over" functions as a coda to a romance or to an actual war."That's the underlying theme for her, to vent emotions that we all feel in our relationships," Gad said.And Clarkson will continue to vent as she sees fit."I'm always vocal," she said. "People ask me and I tell them. If I have a problem, I say it. I'm never malicious about it, I just say what happened. And I think a lot of people don't do that. So I think it maybe catches people off guard. But I don't know any other way to be but honest musically or personally. So I guess that just comes through."Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Ryan Pearson October 26, 2011 Kelly Clarkson PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Matt Sayles LOS ANGELES (AP) It may have taken some time, but Kelly Clarkson seems to finally be releasing an album without any drama on the side."Everything is good, everything is happy," she said, laughing brightly during a recent interview to promote "Stronger," released this week.It's a different scenario than her last two albums: She went through public disputes with legendary executive and mogul Clive Davis over her third album and with OneRepublic singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder after her last album was released.They were typical of the bold stances she's taken that proved her to be more than the passive, malleable product of a hit TV competition, establishing her as an artist instead of just a voice."I've been a fighter since I started walking," she said, adding casually and genuinely a line that could be lifted from one of her inspirational songs: "We get one life. You want to make sure that you're living it how you want to live it."Since Clarkson became the first "American Idol" a decade ago, she's established herself as one of pop's most formidable, and successful singers. She's sold over 20 million albums worldwide and landed seven singles in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, including "Breakaway," ''My Life Would Suck Without You," "Miss Independent," and perhaps her biggest hit, "Since U Been Gone."Clarkson has maintained creative control of her music and career since her "Idol" days, and has written on all of her albums. But her determination to chart her own course has not come without a few battles. In 2007, Davis became concerned over the less commercial sound of Clarkson's third album, "My December," which Clarkson revealed publicly after rumors of a rift; Clarkson later mended fences and called the tension overblown. Then in 2009, Clarkson called out Tedder for musical similarities between "Already Gone," which he wrote for Clarkson, and Beyonce's "Halo," which he also wrote.Clarkson calls her new collection of 13 songs "the easiest record that I've made with my label." But she makes clear that's because the suits bent to her will not the other way around."I think people project on you like the formula that has worked in the past. And then they get to know you," she said. "(Now) they know me better as an artist, they know me better as a person. They know what I'm going to do and what I don't like, and it just really works."Sonically, "Stronger" doesn't tinker much with the formula that has helped Clarkson become the top-selling "Idol" artist ever, blending clean pop-guitar riffs with contemporary dance synths. But there is an undertone of loneliness and sadness coursing throughout, including some downbeat lyrics co-written by Clarkson herself."Hello, is anybody listening? Won't somebody show me that I'm not alone," she sings on "Hello.""If you look at my whole catalogue, there are far more sadder songs than happy," the Texan acknowledges in her Southern drawl. "But that's only because writing is a form of therapy. So obviously the things that you're getting out are the things that you've been going through and struggling with. You want to keep all the happy inside. If I'm going through a hard time, I write it out."In person, Clarkson is bubbly and quick to laugh, sharing that in her time off, she picked up the violin and started learning Italian with Rosetta Stone. "I'm horrible at it so far," she laments lightly.But she never comes close to revealing the subject of "Stronger's" multiple scornful breakup and kiss-off songs. "You don't know a thing about me," she sings on the first single, "Mr. Know It All." And it's true that the 29-year-old retains an enigmatic air, despite her down-to-Earth image.Toby Gad, who co-wrote and produced two songs on "Stronger," had planned on a 10-minute meeting with Clarkson when the two first met, but ended up at a two-hour dinner."She's a very strong survivor, and very organic and very real," he said. "You can connect with her on a very human level."Still, after the dinner and several days of revising lyrics alongside the pop star, he said he doesn't remember if she ever mentioned her own relationships to him.While Clarkson seems to sing almost exclusively about the ups and downs of love, her songs are often deceptively universal. Clarkson says "Mr. Know It All" could apply to her own record label or to the media, and Gad's "The War Is Over" functions as a coda to a romance or to an actual war."That's the underlying theme for her, to vent emotions that we all feel in our relationships," Gad said.And Clarkson will continue to vent as she sees fit."I'm always vocal," she said. "People ask me and I tell them. If I have a problem, I say it. I'm never malicious about it, I just say what happened. And I think a lot of people don't do that. So I think it maybe catches people off guard. But I don't know any other way to be but honest musically or personally. So I guess that just comes through."Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Madonna Booed at London Premiere of 'W.E.'

LONDON - It's not exactly the welcome the superstar Material Girl was hoping for. Madonnawas booed by fans at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of W.E., but managed to shrug off the response, saying that like Wallis Simpson, she too was "misunderstood."our editor recommendsW.E.: Venice Film ReviewMadonna-Directed 'W.E.' Sets December Release DateWeinstein Co. Acquires Madonna's 'W.E.'Madonna's Brother Tells Newspaper: I'm Homeless Fans who had queued for hours in London's Leicester Square for the chance of seeing Madonna jeered and booed her after she only stopped to talk to a handful before entering the theater. Wearing a fitted black three-quarter length dress with a snaking diamante pattern, Madonna did a few red carpet interviews and spoke to some waiting fans before entering the screening. The film, which has already been shown at the Venice Film Festival, has received mixed reviews. The story of Wallis Simpson, who sensationally caused the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1937, is told through the story of a modern character, who becomes increasingly obsessed with the American divorcee who became the Duchess of Windsor. "I do know what it is like to be misunderstood on a global scale," Madonna told Sky Newsas crowds booed around her. The singer said she had made the film because she had become drawn to the nature of the relationship between Simpson and the Duke of Windsor. "I think it's just fascinating to try and understand the nature of their relationship and why a man of that power would give up his throne for her." Asked whether she identified with Wallis Simpson, Madonna said the Duchess had not been able to express herself because of the mores of the times. "She lived at a time when women didn't have the opportunities that they do now. She [Wallis] didn't have the chance to defend herself so I'm taking that opportunity now." Related Topics Madonna International W.E.

Matt Damon to make directorial debut on WB drama

DamonKrasinskiMatt Damon plans to make his feature directorial debut in an untitled, mid-budget drama that he and John Krasinski co-wrote and will star in together for Warner Bros.Project will be set up at Krasinski's Sunday Night Productions banner. Chris Moore will produce.Pic is not the long-rumored "Father Daughter Time," which many speculated when Damon said in June he was considering a directing project with Krasinski in the cast.Instead, project is something Krasinski came up with and developed with author Dave Eggers. Damon would play a salesman who arrives in a small town only to have his whole life called into question.Warner Bros. is yet to greenlight the project, and no individual deals are yet in place, though preliminary plans are to shoot the project on the East Coast in the near future.Sources tell Variety that the budget would be around $12 million. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

The Only Matthew Lillard Interview You'll Ever Need

“Nobody makes a Scooby-Doo 2 and goes, ‘Oh, we’re going to make a…’ And I don’t think Scooby-Doo 2 is a bad movie; I think Scooby-Doo 2 is exactly what it’s supposed to be for exactly the audience. It’s just that people who are tastemakers are like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to deal with the kid who was in that movie.’ Now, I’m the same guy who was in SLC Punk and I’m the same guy who was in Dead Man’s Curve and every other independent movie in the world. […] But, you know, it’s just that thing where it’s like somehow, someway, you get kind of labeled this guy who was in a Freddie Prinze Jr. movie too many. And Freddie Prinze Jr. — it’s not his fault, either — it’s just these are the things that happen.” [Moviefone]

5 LGBT Documentaries to Watch After You Come Out

In continuation of Movieline’s LGBT History Month commemoration, we’re racking up five amazing LGBT documentaries that newly out people of all ages, genders, socioeconomic statuses should see. The short list encompasses political, religious and cultural interpretations of homosexuality, and all are must-see movies featuring proud, self-possessed queers. Let’s review the LGBT documentary past, from rallies to realness. Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community (1984) Greta Schilling’s powerful doc investigates the LGBT world leading up to the revolutionary riot between gay patrons of the Stonewall Inn and police offers in charge of persecuting sexual minorities. Amazing interview subjects abound, and plenty of fascinating subjects are bandied. Hope you’re in no mood to enjoy Ronald Reagan. Eventually, the film won Emmy Awards for Best Historical/Cultural Program and Best Research in 1987. Best moment: One lesbian activist, who frequented Harlem dance balls in the ’20s, opines, “I do more bothering now with straight people than I ever did in my life.” The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) As Harvey Fierstein’s opening narration explains, Harvey Milk was much more than an openly gay official on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; he was a charismatic, funny, and perceptive politician whose ambition and vision far outlasted his tragically short life. The unbelievable story of Milk’s beginnings, rise and eventual assassination alongside Mayor George Moscone at the hands of fellow supervisor Dan White is just as searing today. The definitive LGBT documentary won a much-deserved Academy Award for Best Documentary. You won’t believe it took 30 years after Milk’s death for Gus Van Sant’s 2008 biopic to happen. Best moment: After Milk and Moscone’s deaths, the candle-lit vigil through the streets of San Francisco’s Castro district is almost unbearably moving. Paris is Burning (1990) Jennie Livingston’s unmatched documentary about drag queens in NY City who perform in voguing balls is just as fun, honest and devastating as it was all those years ago. You fall in love with the drag performers — especially Dorian Corey and Pepper LaBeija — and you’re left speechless when you learn the fate of meek, delicate queen Venus Xtravaganza. You’ll also never hear a more loving discussion of Dynasty characters. Best moment: All the drag ball terms the movie defines, including “voguing,” “realness” and “house mother,” not to mention the salty commentary from the drag ball hosts. The Celluloid Closet (1995) Sixteen years after its premiere, The Celluloid Closet’s chronological investigation of gay portrayals (and lack thereof) on the silver screen is a startling view. If the stock characters like the “sissies” of early film — flailing types designed to make other characters look manlier and cooler — don’t intrigue you, you’ll probably still love all the gay innuendos in Hitchcock classics. Plus, Lily Tomlin narrates. Best moment: Gore Vidal explains the gay subtext in his screenplay for Ben-Hur. For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) This fine documentary visits with five religious families coping with the coming-out of a gay family member. Ultimately, it’s a pretty family-positive movie, but it spares no detail when discussing the ramifications of blind faith on LGBT youth. Best moment: Interviews with Chrissy Gephardt, the lesbian daughter of former House Majority/Minority Leader Dick Gephardt — and a helpful skewering of Leviticus.

Lionsgate Employing Help On Distribution Side

EXCLUSIVE: The initial step to recovery is realizing you've got a problem. Well, Lionsgate continues to be failing regularlyand let’s hope this is actually the initial step on the path to a turnaround. I’ve just learned the studio is getting in former Disney professional Chris LeRoy being an in-house consultantwith the title of Interim Leader of Distribution.You may already know, he was among the last holdovers in the Dick Prepare administration at Wally Disney Galleries where he was EVP and General Sales Director for domestic distribution for nearly ten years. Let’s face the facts: 2011 is a disaster for Lionsgate which must prepare for 2012 when potential blockbusters such as the Hunger Games debut. But just like LeRoy is, he is able to’t make miracles when the product stinks.

'Seediq Bale' leads Horse race

"Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale"BEIJING -- Taiwan's entry for the foreign-language Oscar, "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale," has received more nominations than any other movie in the biggest Chinese-language kudofest, the Golden Horse Film Festival.Wei Te-sheng's $24 million pic, the most expensive film in Taiwan's history, portrays the Wushe Incident, a 1930 uprising by aboriginal Seediq warriors against the Japanese when Taiwan was colonized. It received 11 nominations for the Taiwanese awards, which will be held in Taiwan's Hsinchu City on Nov. 26.The two-parter will face stiff competish from across the Strait of Taiwan. Mainland helmer Jiang Wen's B.O. success "Let the Bullets Fly," which received nine nominations, was China's highest grossing pic last year. Zhang Meng's "The Piano in a Factory" has seven nominations.Other movies lined up in the best feature film category include Ann Hui's "A Simple Life," which will be Hong Kong's foreign-language entry, and Taiwanese helmer Teng Yung-hsing's "Return Ticket."The four and a half hour "Seediq Bale" was also nominated for a Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival this year, where it caused controversy when Taiwan objected to fest organizers designating it as a Chinese co-production and demanded a correction to reflect the film's provenance as the self-ruled island.A total of 161 films will take part in the 48th annual awards, which were founded in 1962 and are generally considered the top awards for Chinese-language films in Asia, attracting interest from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. Films from Mainland China were first permitted to take part during the 1990s. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Arrested Development' Revival Attracts Hulu

Little did we think continued development on bringing "Arrested Development" to the big screen could be so exciting. Last we heard, the developing miniseries and feature film was being eyed by Showtime and Netflix, but it looks like that isn't a done deal yet. Based on a new report, Hulu is also making a grab for the show in what is turning out to be a high profile bidding war. Check out Vulture for more. Check out the rest of today's film news after the jump! Chose Your "Hunger Games" District Poster May the odds be ever in your favor. Lionsgate recently launched a viral marketing campaign for "The Hunger Games" on Facebook that allowed fans to find out which of Panem's 12 districts they are aligned to. Now Collider has posted a series of posters that go along with each of the different districts in the series. Hopefully we'll get to see these emblems represented in the film in some capacity as well. The Coens Head To The Small Screen Deadline has learned that the Coen brothers are the latest big Hollywood directors to turn their attention to the small screen. Fox is working with the "A Serious Man" directors on an hour-long single-camera comedy "HarveKarbo." It will follow the title character as a bad-tempered Los Angeles private investigator who spends his time peering into the sordid lives of the Hollywood elite. "Mr. Ed" To Be Remade "Mr. Ed" is just the latest classic television series to be remade in Hollywood in recent years. The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Fox 2000 is going to remake the '60s sitcom about a talking horse and his klutzy owner. The remake will feature a real horse, but with a CGI-animated talking mouth. Tell us what you thought of today's Dailies in the comments section below or on Twitter!