"A Cinematic Juggernaut."
Chicago, IL
United States
~Welcome to the OFFICIAL SITE~
FILM/MEDIA & WRITING
NelsonCarvajal.com is the definitive online source perusing the fields and applications of both the visual and literary creative arts.
And to learn more about Nelson himself!
Click Above To Read The Latest Cinema- Related Entries! And Comment On Them!
Latest News
December 2008
Principal photography has begun on "Genitalio," a short comedic project Directed by Joel Sacramento and Scott Feigen of 5 Minute Meter Productions (5minutemeter.com). Nelson is serving as both Casting Director and Producer on this highly anticipated new short film.
Are you on Facebook? Become a fan of the film by clicking here. And while you're at it, become a fan of Nelson as well by following this link!
November 2008
PRE-OSCAR ALERT!
October 2008
This year's Chicago International Film Festival boasted some of the 2008's finest films including "Let The Right One In" and "Tokyo Sonata" (read Nelson's review of "Sonata" here). Still, as always, it was a star crazy event!
Jada Pinkett Smith made her directorial debut with "The Human Contract" a surprisingly effective, if imperfect, character study. It features a smoldering Paz Vega in a role to rival that of Sharon Stone. Pinkett Smith and lead actor Jason Clarke (also to be seen in next year's "Public Enemies") held a Q&A during the gala presentation of the film. Watch a clip of that here.
The opening night selection was "The Brothers Bloom" starring Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo. Below, Writer/Director Rian Johnson (who also made the indie fave "Brick") stops for a photo with Nelson during the after party.
© Photo by Jose Avitia 2008 * * *
Nelson has joined the Chicago New Media Summit:
CHICAGO CONVERGENCE
Late August/Early September 2008
Become a FAN of Nelson on 
July 2008
"Holy Tragedy Batman!"
The review you've been waiting for. 7/16/08
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© Photo by Dustin Friedman 2008
"We Believe: Chicago and its Cubs"
Director John Scheinfeld ("The U.S. vs. John Lennon") examines Chicago's lifelong love of the Cubbies. Nelson is working on the documentary film now so be sure to click on the picture above to sign up for updates!
Update: Click here to visit "We Believe's" IMDb page!
June 2008
6/24/08
Academy Award Winner Kevin Costner stars in this August's political comedy "Swing Vote," but does this movie live up to its curious and surprisingly winning theatrical trailer? Well over a month before its release into theaters, Nelson's casts his critical vote.
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From Left: Jack McBrayer, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel
Former Second City player Jack McBrayer ("Forgetting Sarah Marsall" pictured at the top) was revisiting his improv roots in Old Town Chicago earlier this week. Up above: Alex Gil, McBrayer, and Nelson. 6/3/08
May 2008
Meet The Real Villain Of "The Dark Knight"
Yeah, Ledger's performance looks to be scene-stealing, but there's no getting around it: Harvey Two Face is the real deal in this summer's most anticipated blockbuster. Click above to read more. 5/14/08
April 2008
Dark Knight Viral Marketing
Arguably the most anticipated movie of the summer, Director Chris Nolan's "The Dark Knight" has propelled fans to stay up late, worry, argue and relish in every bit of movie-related material that is given to the bat-hungry public. Is this going to go down as the most successful marketing campaign in Hollywood history? Click above for the inside examination.
4-28-08
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~SPECIAL EARLY REVIEW~
"Iron Man" Directed by Jon Favreau ("Elf," "Zathura")
With almost a month to go before its national release, Nelson was treated to a special screening. Be sure to click on the image above or here to read his review! (Warning: Spoilers Swim...) 4/8/08
March 2008
~ European Union Film Festival Comes To A Close ~
Read Nelson's select review of "London To Brighton" here.
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Filming has wrapped on "Helix" the 90-minute plus independent film that Nelson was a production assistant on! The film, all shot in one take, stars Alexa Vega ("Spy Kids") and Austin O'Brien ("Last Action Hero") and is produced by Windward Entertainment based out of Beverly Hills, California.
February 2008
Two-time Golden Globe Nominee Will Ferrell took a quick break from his FunnyorDie College Comedy Tour to stop by downtown Chicago to promote his upcoming comedy "Semi-Pro." Up above he takes a quick photo op with Nelson, and admits that Queen Latifah is not in the film: "We couldn't get her."
We're gonna vote funny on that one.
January 2008
Nelson's new additional workplace as an A.V. Club Intern at the Downtown Chicago office.
UPDATE: Nelson completed his internship at the end of May 2008
FROM THE 2007 COLLECTION
MUSIC, MADNESS & MELANCHOLY:
A Great Year For Movies
Nelson reflects on the year 2007 and its films, proposing that it has been the best year in the cinema since 1999.
Dewey Cox (Academy Award Nominee John C. Reilly) time traveled from the year 1967 to Wrigleyville's Cubby Bear Bar on Thursday December 6, 2007 to perform in front of a packed Chicago crowd. Nelson and company were caught at the show, where it was revealed that Nelson and Mr. Reilly spoke briefly before the show about P.T. Anderson's films (including "Blood"). Nelson got his "Boogie Nights" DVD signed by the talented actor right before he transformed into his hard, wild stage persona!
On Monday November 5th, actor Vince Vaughn and other power players of this holiday season's "Fred Claus" graced Chicagoans with their presence at the Red Carpet Premiere in downtown. In the photo below Nelson takes a photo with actor and Vaughn-regular, John Michael Higgins ("Best In Show").
October 17th marked the end of this year's Chicago Film Festival. Nelson and company were caught at the after party held at the Sidney Yates Gallery. Above he is pictured with Academy Award Nominee Laura Linney and below he is seen with Tamara Jenkins, the director of "The Savages."
Nelson attended the Chicago Film Festival premiere of Anthony Hopkins' (pictured above) new directorial film, "Slipstream" on October 14th at the Music Box Theatre.
Nelson was seen attending the opening night of this year's festival at the Chicago Theatre. Above he shares a moment with his colleague Alex Gil (left) and acclaimed Director Marc Forster (center), whose film "The Kite Runner" was the opening selection.
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Select Photos by NelsonCarvajal.com
*unless otherwise noted
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Funny Video!
Scroll to the bottom of the A.V. Club page and watch the last two videos...
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OTHER NEWS
Nelson interviews musical groups at:
COHEED AND CAMBRIA
11-20-2008
NASHVILLE PUSSY
11-6-2008
DEERHOOF
10-28-2008
Some of Nelson's blog entries and other feature writings can be found at:
11-24-2008
5-5-2008
4-15-2008
3-5-2008
2-26-2008
2-4-2008
2-4-08
*NEW*
Nelson can be seen in a background cameo in 2008's gangster flick "Chicago Overcoat."
-TV Rundown-
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Updated 3/9/2008
Tube Worthy:
"Breaking Bad"
Probably the best show on TV right now. Cranston is a revelation. See it now.
Update: Season has ended
iPod Worthy:
"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"
Pure guilty pleasure. It's as simple as that. The acting is bad, the writing is forgettable, but if you're a commuter, this is the loudest show to watch on your iPod while riding the train. Plus Summer Glau says her favorite actress is Juliette Binoche. Go figure.
Update: Season has ended
DVD Season-Purchase Worthy:
"The Wire"
THE COMPLETE SERIES
Start at the beginning. After you're done with the series, join the rest of the confused world in trying to figure out how this show never received its proper due--in accolades anyway (cough, lack of Emmy wins).
"The Best TV Show Ever"
-NelsonCarvajal.com
FROM 2007 ARCHIVES:
Oscar-winning Director Robert Redford appeared at the Green Carpet Premiere of "Lions For Lambs" on Thursday November 8, 2007 in downtown Chicago. The event was in participation with the NRDC - Natural Resources Defense Council.
Just click above to see the entire spread of Red Carpet photos from Chicago's star-studded event!
See All Pics From The Closing Night Festival Selection of" The Savages" At The Harris Theatre
Visit This Link To View All Photos From The Festival Premiere of "Slipstream" With Sir Anthony Hopkins!
Click Here To View All Photos From The Opening Night Of This Year's Chicago Film Festval!
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Pensive.
"To Be Great Is To Be Misunderstood."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Chicago, IL
United States
