programme We don’t mind telling you we’re more than a little excited about the names already being announced for 2011. Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe and National Ballet of China are just two of the highlights in a programme that promises only the finest artists from China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. (AM) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, 12 Aug–4 Sep.
BOOKS The world’s finest flock to Charlotte Square Year on year it seems the Edinburgh International Book Festival just gets stronger and stronger, last year launching a serious of new initiatives, beyond a programme that regularly boasts a treasure trove of politicians, award-winning authors and international stars. (AM) ■ Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 13–29 Aug.
FESTIVAL Theatre festival which defies expectation Arches Live! has become a place to see and be seen for arts lovers, thrusting as it does an impressive two fingers to our expectations about what the arts can achieve. Enjoy. (AM) ■ Arches, Glasgow, Sep, date tbc.
VISUAL ART Ayrshire gallery to host new work by influential US video artist The largest contemporary gallery space in Scotland south of Glasgow and Edinburgh will showcase work by American visual artist, Bill Viola. Viola uses sound, electronics, time-based new media technology to look at the human condition. (LM) ■ Artist Rooms, Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, 3 Sep–24 Dec.
MUSIC Beach Boy front man ‘gets around’ to a venue near you Reverence, please, for a pop music genius: the Beach Boys’ legendary songbird Brian Wilson comes to Glasgow with the songbook of George Gershwin under his wing. Wilson’s latest album, Reimagines Gershwin, saw him complete some unfinished works of the late composer to great acclaim, and now he’s set to play them live. (NM) ■ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 11 Sep.
FESTIVAL Glasgay! returns for its 18th year Glasgow’s annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender arts festival always offers a unique combination of notable international names with emerging artists from the UK. Covering theatre, visual art, music, comedy, dance, film, clubbing and literature, it is a must for anybody interested in a celebration of contemporary queer culture. (LM) ■ Various venues, Glasgow, 21 Oct–12 Nov.
VISUAL ART National Portrait Gallery reopens Having closed its door in 2009 to make room for a major redevelopment of the space, the Portrait Gallery finally re-opens. Happy days. (AM) ■ 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, October, date tbc.
FILM Stieg Larsson gets US facelift Few hardcore fans of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were chuffed to hear Hollywood were to capitalise on the success of its art house success on the silver screen. We say, keep the faith. See page 17. ■ On general release from 21 Dec.
PREVIEW OF THE YEAR
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO: 5 REASONS TO SEE THE REMAKE
Fight Club and The Social Network director David Fincher returns with the American remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo at the end of 2011, starring Rooney Mara (pictured). Here are five reasons to expect great things
1 DANIEL CRAIG With the new James Bond film on hold because of the financial shortfalls at MGM, we haven’t seen enough of this fine actor on our screens of late. As the non-violent, measured and cautious reporter/sleuth Mikael Blomkvist he’ll get to stretch his considerable talents.
2 STEVE ZAILLIAN Adapting the late Swedish writer
Stieg Larsson’s much loved crime thriller and Nikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg’s excellent screenplay for the 2009 Swedish film version would be an intimidating prospect for all but the best. When it comes to big budget long-winded American movie projects, screenwriter Zaillian is the best – he was the man who wrote Schindler’s List and Hannibal.
3 ROONEY MARA Bets have been on for which young American film actress would get the crucial role of Lisbeth Salander. With reports that Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson were in the running the film looked like it may sink under the weight of celebrity endorsement. Then relative unknown Mara came out of nowhere and made everything OK again. You probably saw her lovely face in The Social Network playing Erica Albright. She’s otherworldly enough to carry this off.
4 STELLAN SKARSGÅRD A Swedish tale needs a few
token Swedes and there’s none better than Skarsgård, especially when he gets to play aristocrat/posh boy Martin Vanger.
5 DAVID FINCHER Fincher is a hot talent right now. The Social Network was a critical and popular phenomenon and was a distillation of all Fincher’s greatest talents for storytelling and social comment. This will be one remake worth checking out. (Paul Dale)
6–20 Jan 2011 THE LIST 19
Fighters already confirmed for this year – but the jewel in T in the Park’s festival crown is its platform for local talent. The home-grown T Break stage offers an ear- opening experience for fans, and a career boost for artists. (NM) ■ Balado, 8–10 Jul.
FILM Harry casts his final spell Is it just us or has this been a long time coming? JK Rowling’s final instalment of the Harry Potter franchise hits the big screen in The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. The end begins . . . (AM) ■ On general release, 15 Jul.
MUSIC Legendary heavy metallers kick off Creators of the greatest heavy metal pop song of all time (it is ‘Can I Play With Madness’, like you had to ask), Iron Maiden must be worshipped for their jousting axe-mastery, their lyrical prophecies, and their notorious horror mascot, Eddie – all eight-plus hellish feet of him. A spectacle is guaranteed. (NM) ■ SECC, Glasgow, 20 Jul.
FESTIVAL New director brings a dash of colour to already blooming festival The Edinburgh Art Festival welcomes everyone from Scotland’s finest to some of the world’s interesting artists. And this year we’re more chuffed still as Jupiter Artland’s Robert Wilson comes on board. (AM) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, August, dates tbc.
FESTIVAL Greatest show on earth rolls into town The Fringe takes over the city boasting thousands of comedians, actors, magicians and so much more. Not for nothing is this one of the world’s finest playgrounds come August. (AM) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, 5–29 Aug.
FESTIVAL Asia comes to Edinburgh for EIF’s 2011