UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

'Twilight' in spotlight at No. 1

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- "Twilight," a vampire love story written and directed by women, opened at No. 1 in U.S. theaters, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

"Twilight" tallied an estimated $70.55 million in its first weekend. The screenplay for the romantic horror film, based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, was written by Melissa Rosenberg and directed by Catherine Hardwicke..

Pushed down to No. 2 was "Quantum of Solace," which pulled in another $27.4 million for a two-week total of $109.48 million.

Arriving at No. 3 with $27 million in estimated gate receipts was "Bolt," featuring the voices of John Travolta, the animated movie's top dog, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton and Malcolm McDowell.

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" dropped two spots to No. 4 at $16 million for a three-week total of $137.45 million, while "Role Models also fell two places to No. 5 with $7.23 million.

Next up were "Changeling," $2.64 million; "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," $2.01 million; and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," $1.7 million.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," the story about the son of a Nazi concentration camp commandant who befriends a Jewish boy during World War II, shot up from No. 19 to No. 9 with $1.67 million in ticket sales. The drama, directed by Mark Herman, stars Asa Butterfield and Zac Mattoon O'Brien.

"The Secret Life of Bees" was No. 10 with $1.28 million.

Gone from the Top 10 were "Soul Men," "Saw V" and "The Haunting of Molly Hartley."

McCartney says Lennon conflict was over

LONDON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Singer Paul McCartney says his conflict with fellow Beatles star John Lennon was well over before the British singer was fatally shot.

McCartney said while he and Lennon were at odds beginning in the late 1960s regarding who would handle the Beatles' finances, the two band leaders made peace with one another before Lennon's death in 1980, The Sunday Times of London magazine reported.

"Before John died I got back a good relationship with him. That was very special," McCartney told the magazine. "The arguments we had didn't matter."

McCartney remained unapologetic for his attempts to have his in-laws manage the Beatles following the death of manager Brian Epstein, saying it was the best thing for the band.

"I was placed in the most awkward position I've ever been placed in," he said. "I had to fight three mates to save their legacy, their money, as well as mine, and I did so knowing it would put me in a very dodgy position."

Hollywood divided over Proposition 8

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood industry officials say the U.S. entertainment industry has been in turmoil since California passed Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage.

Film distributor Howard Cohen said the Election Day outcome left Hollywood filled with conflict between those who supported the ban and those who opposed it as a violation of civil rights, the Los Angeles Times said Sunday.

Some of the biggest names at the center of the controversy are Los Angeles Film Festival Director Richard Raddon and Film Independent, the Times said.

Raddon donated $1,500 in support of Proposition 8 and despite criticism by same-sex marriage supporters, Film Independent has defended his position with the festival.

"There is still roiling debate within the organization," Cohen said of the Hollywood conflict. "Is it OK to let this go? There are a lot of gay people who work at Film Independent. The issue has not been closed."

The Times said adding to the controversy are the notable names who are part of the group's board including actors Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and Fox Searchlight President Peter Rice.

Conductor Barenboim aiding Mideast peace

BERLIN, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- German conductor Daniel Barenboim says his participation in the West-Eastern Divan represented his support for peace in the Middle East.

By co-founding the youth orchestra in 1999 with late academic Edward Said, Barenboim said he was trying to bring young musicians of Palestinian, Egyptian and Israeli descent a chance to find a common bond, The New York Times reported Sunday.

"The idea was to give each person a forum to articulate his or her thoughts and beliefs in front of the other," he said. "I grew up in Israel in the '50s, when it was not an occupying power."

In addition to his involvement with the international orchestra, Barenboim is to take part in a series of New York performances and is ready to release a collection of his personal essays, "Music Quickens Times."

But Barenboim insists his multi-pronged efforts merely represent his dedication to music.

"I don't feel I have an abnormal schedule," he told the Times. "What would I have done without the recital yesterday? I would have gotten up at 10 instead of 9:30. I would have played the piano here at home instead of there."