Sony Pictures is attempting to tightly control the publicity surrounding the new Gus Van Sant film, RESTLESS, being filmed in Portland, Oregon right now. An official of Sony forced me to delete some digital photos taken of the project for secrecy reasons last Tuesday. But Sony did offer to provide me with some approved photos in the near future. However, I can report that some very strange and surreal sets are being used in the filming of Restless by directing genius Gus Van Sant.

Sony and Restless Productions(owned by Ron Howard and his daughter) have blocked off several Southeast Portland streets for the last several nights and have moved in some huge crane camera and fog machines. For the last two nights, the streets were filled with fog as extras and cast members filmed amid tight security some very surreal scenes that supposedly take place during Halloween. A former Wild Oats Natural Foods store has been used as a staging area for some wild extras dressed as nuns and other characters as well. Some prop items to be used in the film were purchased from my Clinton Market as well which is included in at least two scenes in the movie.

Director Gus Van Sant is usually pretty security conscious as well, really limiting press access to his projects. Even KOIN TV, the local CBS affiliate was only allowed a very limited photo opportunity of a camera crew to use to air this past week. But likely, once all of the filming wraps up on about December 18, and the film begins to get edited together, some sort of approved movie trailer should be released by Sony and Gus Van Sant.

Restless features the upcoming Australian actress, Mia Wasikowska, who is actually 20, as a 16 year old who is terminally ill and dying of cancer who falls in love with an offbeat boyfriend played by the son of Dennis Hopper, Henry Hopper, who is strangely attracted to death.

The other day, I told the young Australian actress when she was filming at my Clinton Market that I really expect her to become a huge hit in the U.S. She's also featured as "Alice" in Tim Burton's new Disney 3D version of ALICE IN WONDERLAND scheduled for release sometime in 2010. Johnny Depp also stars in the film as well. The twin vehicles of RESTLESS as well as Disney's ALICE IN WONDERLAND such propel Mia Wasikowska into U.S. market stardom. Very likely she will be forever known as "Alice" with the Disney film which could also mean dolls and other toys with her likeness. Her star shines real bright.

With all the buzz about surreal sets and the real offbeat love story, RESTLESS might just be one of the best Gus Van Sant movies ever shot. I can't wait for the Bluray to be available for purchase. I'm definitely buying one. This looks like another great Gus Van Sant classic film. Look for a 2010 release date.