I hope that the Academy will nominate The Wrestler for Best Picture. Nothing else I have seen this year has stuck with me in the same way. Ditto every person I have talked to about this film. I think that it could have enough number ones on the preferential balloting to make a nom. What else are people going to be so in love with to place at Number 1. Slumdog Millionaire....shoe in. Benjamin Button...probably. Frost/Nixon...possibly. The Dark Knight...I hope not.
The way the Academy nominates is by the numbers...literally. Voters pick one choice of "Best" and four back-up votes. So, they have five potential nominees placed much like a beauty pageant. Choice for winner...first runner up, second runner up and etc. One, two, three and etc. So, They count all the number ones first. You have to have at least one number one ordinal to even be nominated. If they get five films with number ones, they don't even count the number twos. If they get less or more, then they add in the number twos. If they still don't have five clear nominees, then on to the number threes. So confusing! But, it is what makes things a little unpredictable!
So....my point is...how many films are going to inspire enough passion to be placed at number one above all others? Because you have to use your number one vote wisely.
Ballots are in the hands of voters even as we speak. If Little Miss Sunshine and Juno were Best Picture nominees...well, The Wrestler shouldn't be allowed to miss.
If you were picking a number one. Only one film for Best Picture...what would you choose?
These are the film nominees. Pretty boring...although Melissa Leo and Richard Jenkins did get a nomination so, someone was paying attention.
But...
Slumdog Millionaire getting an ensemble nomination? This is not a Best Picture category and shouldn't be treated as one. I dunno. First of all, it's not an actor's film to begin with and second...the acting is really...not great. Sorry. It's not.
Also, Doubt. What's up with that. There are like four actors in the movie and they all got separate nominations. Personally, I think the acting is overwrought and over the top, but, even if you thought it was the second coming how many nominations do they need?
I think The Visitor would have been a better choice here. A fine film that has no chance at Best Picture, but did boast a terrific ensemble in a character driven piece of work. Well cast and perfectly executed.
Also, Synecdoche, New York!?!? Great performances from all involved and what an ensemble! Diane Weist, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Philip Hoffman, Michelle Williams...I can't even name them all because it is a movie about rehearsing a play and there are a gazillion actors. Hello?
It is supposed to be about the acting only. That is the thing that should distinguish the SAG awards.
They don't pull it off very well at all.
They still, for the most part, kiss the same asses as every else.
I have no doubt I'll rant more about this later.
The nominees:
THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role RICHARD JENKINS / Walter Vale - “THE VISITOR” (Overture Films) FRANK LANGELLA / Richard Nixon - “FROST/NIXON” (Universal Pictures) SEAN PENN / Harvey Milk - “MILK” (Focus Features) BRAD PITT / Benjamin Button - “THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON” (Paramount Pictures) MICKEY ROURKE / Randy - “THE WRESTLER” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role ANNE HATHAWAY / Kym - “RACHEL GETTING MARRIED” (Sony Pictures Classics) ANGELINA JOLIE / Christine Collins - “CHANGELING” (Universal Pictures) MELISSA LEO / Ray Eddy - “FROZEN RIVER” (Sony Pictures Classics) MERYL STREEP / Sister Aloysius Beauvier - “DOUBT” (Miramax Films) KATE WINSLET / April Wheeler - “REVOLUTIONARY ROAD” (Paramount Vantage)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role JOSH BROLIN / Dan White - “MILK” (Focus Features) ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. / Kirk Lazarus - “TROPIC THUNDER” (Paramount Pictures) PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN / Father Brendan Flynn - “DOUBT” (Miramax Films) HEATH LEDGER / Joker - “THE DARK KNIGHT” (Warner Bros. Pictures) DEV PATEL / Older Jamal - “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role AMY ADAMS / Sister James - “DOUBT” (Miramax Flms) PENÉLOPE CRUZ / Maria Elena - “VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA” (The Weinstein Company) VIOLA DAVIS / Mrs. Miller - “DOUBT” (Miramax Films) TARAJI P. HENSON / Queenie - “THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON” (Paramount Pictures) KATE WINSLET / Hanna Schmitz - “THE READER” (The Weinstein Company)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture DOUBT (Miramax) FROST/NIXON (Universal Pictures) MILK (Focus Features) SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Fox Searchlight Pictures) THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Paramount Pictures)
Seriously...did ya'll see Kanye West on Saturday Night Live last night? I clicked onto the show after his introduction, and I swear to God, I thought it was an Andy Samburg joke.
Then I started thinking, maybe I had somehow infilterated a high school talent show...except, I don't think he would have been allowed to perform at a high school talent show.
My God...this man makes a bizillion dollars a year as...just guessing here... a musician? A singer? An entertainer? What is he exactly? Bring back Ashley Simpson, at least she knew when to cut and run.
Frances McDormand as Elaine Miller in Almost Famous. A no-nonsense mother bear, who would stare down a locomotive for her children...much to their chagrin, I might add. There is no hint of uncertainty in the way she, a single mother, guides her children. A strict, yet progressive, scarily intelligent, take no prisoners, college professor. A mother who drives her 15 year old son to his date with destiny, and, instead of goodbye, merely says..."Don't do drugs."
Good sound practical advice...no explanation needed.
Elaine is talking to her son William on a pay phone backstage before a rock concert, when the lead guitarist of the band cockily takes the phone from him. Probably thinking he would freak William's mother out a bit, he says hello and introduces himself. The following is the dialogue from that scene.
William: [on the phone with his mother] I'm fine! I'm fine! I'm flying back on Monday Morning. I'll only miss one test. I'll make it up. [Russell listens in, laughing.] Russell: Tell her you're a slave to the groove - you can't help it! William: [covers phone] No. [Russell grabs the phone] Russell: Hi Mom! It's Russell Hammond, I play guitar in Stillwater! It's my fault. How does it feel to be the mother of the future of rock journalism? [pause] Hello? [Silence.) Russell: You've got a great kid -- nothing to worry about! We're taking care of him! And you should come to a show sometime! Join the Circus! Elaine: Listen to me. Your charm does not work on me. I'm onto you. Of course you like him. Russell: [getting serious] Well, yeah. Elaine: He worships you people and that's fine with you, as long as he helps make you rich. Russell: [a nerve is struck] Rich? I don't think so - Elaine: Listen to me. He's a smart, good-hearted, 15 year-old kid, with infinite potential. This is not some apron-wearing mother you're talking to. I know about your Valhalla of Decadence, and I shouldn't have let him go. He is not ready for your world of compromised values, and diminished brain cells that you throw away like confetti. Am I speaking clearly to you? Russell: Yes, ma'am. Elaine: If you break his spirit, harm him in any way, keep him from his chosen profession -- which is law, something you may not value but I do -- you will meet the voice on the other end of this telephone. And it will not be pretty. Do we understand each other? Russell: Uh, yes ma'am. Elaine: I didn't ask for this role, but I'll play it. Now go do your best. "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." Goethe said that. It's not too late for you to be a person of substance, Russell. Get my son home safely. You know, I'm glad we spoke. [Russell is in shock]
This is great writing...but, when you can get Frances McDormand to speak it, well, I imagine that is just like writer heaven.
Stinky Lulu's 3rd Annual Supporting Actress "Class of 2008" blogathon is coming! Join me and countless other bloggers as we make our case for the Supporting Actresses of the year!
On January 4th...come back to The Screen Zone to view my pick for 2008's best. You will be able to follow links to other blogsites to read and discuss their top picks as well. At the end of the day, Stinky herself will crown the winners!
Sounds like fun!
Enjoy this "advertisement" created by Nathanial at the Film Experience!
In the meantime, check out Stinky LuLu's blog. You'll see she really has an eye for the Supporting ladies. Read her take on "actressing on the edges"!
The link is right over there>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Best Picture, Drama Benjamin Button Frost/Nixon The Reader Revolutionary Road Slumdog Millionaire
Best Picture Comedy/Musical Burn After Reading Happy Go Lucky In Bruges Mamma Mia Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Director Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire Stephen Daldry, The Reader David Fincher, Ben Button Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon Sam Mendes, Revolutionary Road
Actor, Drama Leo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon Sean Penn, Milk Brad Pitt, Benjamin Button Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Actress, Drama Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married Angelina Joie, Changeling Meryl Streep, Doubt Kristin Scott Thomas, I’ve Loved you So Long Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Supporting Actor Tom Cruise, Tropic Thunder Robert Downey Jr. Tropic Tunder Ralph Fiennes, The Duchess Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Supporting Actress Amy Adams, Doubt Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona Viola Davis, Doubt Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler Kate Winslet, The Reader
Actor, Comedy Javier Bardem, Vicky Cristina Barcelona Colin Farrel, In Bruges James Franco, Pineapple Express Brendan Gleason, In Bruges Dustin Hoffman Last Chance Harvey
Actress, Comedy Rebecca Hall, Vicky Cristina Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky Frances McDormand, Burn After Reading Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia Emma Thompson, Last Chance Harvey
Foreign Language Film The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany) Everlasting Moments (Sweden) Gomorrah (Italy) I’ve Loved You So Long Waltz with Bashir
Animated Feature Bolt Kung Fu Panda Wall-E
Screenplay Slumdog Millionaire The Reader Frost/Nixon Benjamin Button Doubt
Score Benjamin Button Changeling Defiance Slumdog Millionaire Frost/Nixon
Song Down to Earth, Wall-E Gran Torino I thought I Lost You, Bolt Once in a Lifetime, Cadillac Record The Wrestler, The Wrestler
This has been going around the "blogosphere"...and although I didn't get tagged...I'm going to play anyway!
One favorite film for each letter of the alphabet!
A Across The Universe B Bull Durham C Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon D Die Hard E Empire Of The Sun F Field Of Dreams G The Godfather H His Girl Friday I Irreversible J Jaws K The King And I L Living In Oblivion M My Life As A dog N Ninotchka O On The Waterfront P Punch Drunk Love Q The Queen R Raising Arizona S Sense And Sensibility T The Turning Point U The Upside Of Anger V Vanya On 42nd Street W What's Eating Gilbert Grape X Xx/Xy Y Yentl
*Oy Vey...what was I thinking? Changing Y to Young Frankenstein! Z Zelig
Yentl, I must admit, is more of a guilty pleasure but I couldn't come up with a mo' better choice for Y. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? * List amended!
During todays press junket for The Wrestler, Evan Rachel Wood confirmed that she will be playing Mary Jane Watson in Julie Taymor's new Broadway musical "Spiderman".
Last summer, she and Across The Universe co-star Jim Sturgess participated in a workshop for the new musical. Sturgess is still a hold-out for the upcoming musical, but Wood went on to say, they were still trying to snag him in the web.
If Taymor can land both of these up and coming film stars, that would be quite a get.
Don't know about you, but, with Taymor at the helm, this looks to be a ground breaking piece of live theatre, much like The Lion King was back in it's day.
No expense is being spared for this new production, and the budget has reportedly risen to a cool 35 million dollars.
The best of the year list from the New York Film Critics Association:
Best Picture - Milk
Best Director - Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky)
Best Actor - Sean Penn (Milk)
Best Actress - Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)
Best Supporting Actor - Josh Brolin (Milk)
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Best Screenplay - Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married) Best Cinematographer - Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire) Best Foreign Film - 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days Best Animated Film - WALL-E Best First Film - Courtney Hunt (Frozen River) Best Documentary - Man on Wire
May I say, I am getting a bit pissed at Fox Searchlight. What happened with The Wrestler? You bought it in Toronto, fresh off the Best Picture win at the Venice Film Festival. The buzz was booming! Here it is December, and it hasn't even opened. Few people have seen it. How can people be talking about a film if they haven't seen it? The will of the people man! Not just the critics and the elite few. Damn!
Anyhoo....Good for Sally Hawkins. A second Best Actress pic from top critics means...that Oscar nom is looking better and better. Also, Milk has been my top pick since the trailer released, so Yay, happy for it.
Also, Penelope Cruz is looking like she will be the next Woody Allen directed Best Supporting Actress winner. This will be his fifth. Count on it.
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association has chosen Wall-E, an animated film, as Best Picture of the year. The actor in me is having a hard time with this. Yes, it's a good movie...maybe even a great one. But, it's not really "filmmaking", is it?
A lot of people are on the bandwagon hoping that Wall-E gets an Oscar nom in the Best Picture category as well. But, there is already a special category for animated films, and really, doesn't it do that category an injustice to assert that it is less important then Best Picture? Can't we elevate the category, and just except that animation is a completely different process?
Do we really want to make the critics awards and the Oscars a "what was the best time at the movies" category? As opposed to, oh, I don't know, surviving the curve balls, the unforeseen events that can and do shape a picture. When you lose the light, or the actor... when shots go un-shot. When a happy accident occurs, when actors playing off each other "in the moment" create something that wasn't there on paper? When a producer sits through dailies every damn day and has to make financial and artistic calls based on what they see. When a director, a DP, an editor, to name a few have to adjust daily, roll with the punches, and still have the vision to make a great film? With animated films, everything is predetermined. Every emotion, every tilt of the head is calculated. It's amazing, really, but it's not the same thing.
I dunno.
Sally Hawkins in Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky
The L.A. critics did make some interesting choices, and kept the race alive for some. Including Sally Hawkins for Best Actress. Nice choice, and she will be a shoe in for a Globe nom in Comedy. Still rooting for her.
Full list of LAFCA's picks are as listed below:
Picture: “Wall-E” Runner-up: “The Dark Knight”
Director: Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire” Runner-up: Christopher Nolan, “The Dark Knight”
Actor: Sean Penn, “Milk” Runner-up: Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”
This horrible looking piece of Hollywood crap is the one thing standing in the way of Anne Hathaway's Oscar nomination! In my humble opinion, of course. Here's hoping this won't be her Norbit!
I don't believe that Catherine Hardwicke was "fired."
Hardwicke directed the huge box office hit that is Twilight.
Last week Summit Entertainment announced that a sequel, called New Moon, would go forward...with the same cast, and a much larger budget. Word was that Hardwicke was negotiating for a pay day. Most likely it's what her agents wanted, but Catherine is not very materialistic. She's already making more and doing better then her talent level should afford her. My guess is Catherine wasn't after the money. She's after the prestige. She wants the Oscar, man! Now, quite honestly, one Twilight movie will fill her message machine with offers....two Twilight movies, are just two Twilight movies. And considering that the sequel was focused on werewolves...I mean, talk about painting yourself into a corner.
Catherine is moving on. She is already negotiating with Michael London to direct the new Diablo Cody script. ( It's not on IMDB yet, so don't bother. ) Michael produced thirteen, and is the top man at Groundswell, the film company that produced The Visitor as well as Milk. Michael has prestige. He is also a fan of Catherine ever since thirteen, the film that jump started both their careers.
I think it's a smart move. So, maybe you give up a few million dollars, but you're not tied to unbelievable schlock for the rest of your life.
So Catherine...good luck with your quest to become an artist. Just one thing...please don't cast Nikki Reed in the Cody script. Thanks.
So, the National Board of Review announced their year end "Best of" picks yesterday. This is considered the first precursor to Oscar, but, really...I've met a lot of these people...and I don't get it. This group is a bunch of old fogies...nice ones...but, really? Their picks kinda revolve around screenings where the actors, producers and directors have to answer questions, look attractive and kiss ass. Also, a Fall cocktail party where the actors, producers and directors have to attend, look attractive and kiss ass.
They usually make some fine picks...having privately screened all of the films...met the actors and well, you know...the butt polishing. But, they also make some odd ones that can only be based on the latter.
This year...Anne Hathaway was chosen Best Actress. Okay...no complaints. Then they go and put Clint Eastwood as Best Actor. Not only did Clint get chosen Best Actor over Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, Frank Langella and Richard Jenkins...but, the two movies he directed and released this year were also chosen to be in the top ten. Changeling, and Gran Torino. Best of the year. That is a lot of love for Clint. Is he this year's John Wayne?
The Board also chose Josh Brolin for Supporting actor...Penelope Cruz for Supporting Actress...David Fincher...Director. Best Picture was Slumdog Millionaire.
Breakthrough awards went to Dev Patel for Slumdog, and Viola Davis for Doubt.
All of these figure in my predictions, so, I'm pretty happy with them. Also, The Wrestler in the top 10 movies of the year. So, all in all, the Eastwood stuff is my only head scratcher.
Anyhoo...I'll get the entire list up later....the real reason I'm here is to share the word for the day, Friday, December 5th. Margarita.
Personally, I've had a very hard week. I made it through. Tonight, I am going out with the "girls" from work, and we are going to drink Margaritas. I may even have two.
I advise you to do the same. Life is good...except when it sucks.
So, to everyone within the sound of my voice...La Chaim!
I must say...this trailer for Rachel Getting Married almost kept me from seeing the film. Fortunately my curiousity and desire to know for myself whether Anne Hathaway actually deserved an Oscar nomination or not, forced me to the theatre last week. I was pretty blown away.
I don't think there was anyway to cut a trailer that would do the movie justice, because...here's the thing...it's not a sound bite movie. It's not a Kate Hudson movie...it's not a Drew Barrymore movie...it's not even an Anne Hathaway movie. Anyone wandering into this thinking that it was going to be another slick Hollywood movie with tidy family squabbles and tidy romantic endings, had another think coming!
This is a family with a lot of grief on their plate. ( The reason is explained a third of the way through the picture in a perfectly pitched monologue by Hathaway.) We have Kym, who's coming to the wedding fresh from a nine month stint in rehab. It is clear that Kym has been wrestling with self-worth her entire life. Rachel, her sister, is the bride. Rachel was the one the family counted on to be perfect, to have her ducks in a row when everyone else was struggling, and boy does she resent it. Their father, who has so much love for his kids, that he is constantly adjusting and tiptoeing around them, and boy do they resent it. And then there is their mother, who seems to have buried her pain so deep that she is barely human. Perhaps mom has always been this way, but I think not. It seems to me that she is coping in the best way she can.
I have spoken to many people during the week since I saw the film, and I haven't found one who, like me, was sympathetic to Hathaway's "Kym". I am quite shocked at the lack of understanding, or empathy towards her. I personally, was forced to rethink my attitude of choice, and making life choices. It's the whole idea behind The Secret...ask and you shall recieve, make the bold choice and magic will follow, knock and the door...well, you know. I do believe we have the power in the choices we make. If we are strong enough to make them.
There's the rub. What if someone has so much pain, so much self-loathing and fear that choosing isn't even a choice for them? If you don't think you deserve it...if self-destruction seems the only answer? Maybe you don't want to choose well. Most of us have pretty developed survival instincts. We may all, at times, feel like square pegs. We've cried over spilt milk, and felt lonely and trivial. But, imagine multiplying it all by 10 or 20. There is a level of feeling out of place...that must become...unbearable.
I read this in Variety this morning. This is what James Mcavoy had to say about Ann Hathaway and the role of Kym in Rachel Getting Married:
"At her sister's wedding, Kym constantly behaves like the most important person in the room. It would be so easy to dislike Kym, but Anne makes you feel that her character is perhaps in another room -- both mentally and socially, albeit not physically, and therefore her calamitous outburst and limelight stealing seem like an ill-conceived attempt to connect. And in an extended post-wedding party scene, Kym dances with the group. This moved me to tears as I realized that her flailing arms and "look at me" gusto were the result of a self-conscious and forced attempt to fit in. In the end we see her dancing with her eyes closed among a hundred or so people and she is completely alone. That is a lot of empathy and understanding to garner from one shot, but Anne gives a performance so open and raw that I could not help but connect with Kym, even if her family was not able to do so."
Her character is in another room.
Well said.
This film is not always easy. I did lose patience with it a couple of times. In a documentary style of film making, Demme has made you a guest at the wedding. Like most weddings, sometimes you want to run screaming from the room. The toasting always goes on too long....the family is tense and ready to fight at any given moment, the reception is never ending and where the hell did they get all those musicians?
If you can, get out to see this film while it is still in theatres. If I was rating Rachel Getting Married based on the five star system, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.
And, yes, I do think Anne Hathaway deserves that Oscar nomination.
While waiting for the turkey coma to wear off...another fine film came my way via Netflix. The Visitor, by the same people who brought you the The Station Agent.
This is a superb film, a character study with an embedded social message. Richard Jenkins is, once again, fantastic. I feel pretty good about predicting Jenkins for the Oscar nod. He's just so marvelously subtle, and although it's a quiet, non-Oscar baity role, his "artistry", if I may...is obvious. Two snaps up in a circle.
I just got out to see Rachel Getting Married. If you've been avoiding or ignoring the film for any reason, don't. It's pretty brilliant. I will say more after I've had a chance to digest, but right now, I just want to call my siblings and tell them I love them. Dysfunction and all.
Scene excerpts from Eric Snider's ( www.ericdsnider.com ) version of Twilight...unfortunately rejected by the studio.
Scene 2
BELLA: It's tough being the new kid in school! Especially when everyone is so friendly and helpful and interested in me. Why can't they just leave me alone so I can sit in the corner and cut myself? CLASSMATE: You're awesome, Bella! BELLA: See what I have to put up with? Hey -- who are those hot people over there? CLASSMATE: Those are the Cullens. They avoid direct sunlight, they don't eat food, they sleep in coffins in a graveyard, and holy water burns them. I think they're Canadians. BELLA: They sure are spectacularly gorgeous. CLASSMATE: Yes, they are. BELLA: I mean seriously, those people are BEAUTIFUL. Especially the one who keeps looking at me. Man alive, that guy is stunning. I mean, wow. He is hot buttered seduction on a stick. I'm not interested in him sexually, of course, because sex is dirty, but wow -- LOOK AT HIM! Yee-ikes! Hubba hubba! If you don't mind, I'd like to spend the next 75 pages talking exclusively about how attractive he is, and then bring it up again every paragraph or so for the remaining 400 pages. CLASSMATE: Knock yourself out.
Scene 5
BELLA: Thanks for saving me from that mob of guys who attacked me in the street! It's a good thing you obsessively stalk me while simultaneously insisting you want nothing to do with me. EDWARD: No problem. If anyone's going to tear you limb from limb and gorge themselves on your sweet, delicious, life-giving blood, it's going to be me. BELLA: Aw, you say the nicest things! I'm pretty sure you're a vampire, that I'm in love with you, and that part of you wants to kill me. EDWARD: Don't be silly. It's not just part of me. BELLA: LOL!
What more can I say about Twilight? It did 70 million at the box office this weekend. 70 million. Congratulations to all involved. Really, I'm happy for you. Now, go make a good movie with your new found currency. Okay?
I do wish they wouldn't give so much away in trailers, I kinda feel like they showed me the whole story, except, thank God, the way it ends.
But, what a story it looks to be! This is not just the old Mickey Rourke we are feeling nostalgic for...it's ourselves. All of us older folks, I have a feeling, are going to need a wheelbarrow to get out of the theatre.
After all, we're all Mickey in some respect or another. Who here thinks they've had perfect success with their lives? Who among us doesn't feel like life has slapped them in the face at some time or another? Which one of us has no regrets?
I dunno.. it looks to me that The Wrestler has something that will connect with just about everyone. The low budget production values seem to keep it simple, honest and in your face at the same time.
I'm going to see this soon, come hell or high water. I'm going to want to continue this conversation at that time!
The Wrestler opens December 17 http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thewrestler/
This is what Nathaniel Rogers' over at The Film Experience had to say after his screening of Milk. I am on pins and needles waiting for his full write up of this film, but, it sounds like it's a winner! AND it sounds like Penn may be the front runner in the Best Actor race.
As much as I want to see Mickey Rourke walk away with it...I do believe it is going to be hard for the Academy to forgive and forget his tumble down the cellar stairs into the no-man's land of substance abuse, and self-destruction. If he gets his career back...that's his reward. I hope for the best for him, I really do. He's a damn fine actor, and I think, under all the machismo, a gentle and decent person.
It's funny though, because Penn hasn't exactly been a model citizen. However, one thing Penn always was, even in his darkest time...was professional. He has been able to keep his ship righted, and his shit together. Unlike, say, his tragic brother Chris who died of heart failure with cocaine and codeine in his bloodstream.
But, as for the film itself. Can you imagine how great it would be to see Milk win the Best Picture Oscar? In light of the Proposition 8 debacle? With an Obama White House? It would certainly silence the crowd who deemed the Academy homophobic after Brokeback Mountain failed.
Personally, I'm not sure Brokeback or Crash deserved to win that year. I predicted Crash as the winner just based on their Oscar campaign, and the fact that there were SO many academy members in the film, and SO many actors with Academy members behind them. You just start doing the math, and those numbers start to work.
And then you figure in the homophobia of the Academy, and well, there you have it.
So, I have a stupid question. If this guy is supposed to be a hundred and seven years old....what the hell is he doing in high school? And why the hell is he preying on a 17 year old virgin...vampire or not, that's just wrong! Oh, wait....I think I just answered my own question.
Strong buzz coming in about Stephen Daldry's The Reader. It sounds like Kate Winslet may have been prophesizing on Extras when she said "Holocaust = Oscar".
I am pleased to hear this. Even though I had predicted the Sam Mendes directed Revolutionary Road to win the battle of the Winslet movies. I now feel that Stephen's movie has a stronger chance, not only at Best Picture but of winning that elusive Oscar for Winslet.
I prefer this scenario, as Stephen Daldry is a real mensch. Smarter then hell, funny, humble and generous as the day is long. I like the idea of him coming out on top in the Daldry vs. Mendes "friendly" rivalry.
Daldry and Mendes were the toasts of London's West End, and even though I always suspected that Stephen had more respect amongst the actors, Mendes won an Oscar...American Beauty...1999...and had also skipped off to broadway and won a Tony for the Cabaret revival.
Not that Stephen is any stranger to awards....I slept in his guest room amongst too many Olivier Awards to count, and spun the cameo on his Tony Award. Critics Awards fall out of his closets! He has been nominated for an Oscar for both of his long form films. Billy Elliot, and The Hours. And I say, let's make it three for three.
Stephen takes his time and doesn't need to work on project after project...so, when he pulls one out of his hat...it should be magical. Look for him to have a huge year with The Reader as well as Billy Elliot on Broadway. A Tony and an Oscar? It's possible.
And isn't that a big damn picture! Why don't I know how to size photos?
Okay, we're talking Oscar predictions.
Usually, by now, I have seen almost everything, and am pretty damn sure who and what are getting nominated.
But, I haven't received a single screener, and I have missed every single screening I had planned to attend. Just busy? Just apathetic? I think the election so wore me out, that I just couldn't muster the energy. No time for Oscar! What?! Who am I? I haven't seen ANYTHING!
Anyhoo....I am still hoping to get caught up with my viewing in time for a re-vamp come December, but for the time being...here is what I've picked for the top 6 categories.
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Milk The Reader Revolutionary Road Slumdog Millionaire reserve Australia
BEST DIRECTOR David Fincher - Benjamin Button Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire Stephen Daldry - The Reader Sam Mendes - Revolutionary Road Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler or Jonathan Demme - Rachel Getting Married
BEST ACTOR Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler Sean Penn - Milk Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon Richard Jenkins - The Visitor Leonardo Di Caprio - Revolutionary Road falling away Josh Brolin - W Brad Pitt - Benjamin Button
BEST ACTRESS Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road Kristen Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long Sally Hawkins - Happy Go Lucky Ann Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married Meryl Streep - Doubt falling out Angelina Jolie - Changeling
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Jamie Bell - Defiance James Franco - Milk Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
falling away
Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire
Liev Schreiber - Defiance
falling out
Robert Downey Jr. - The Soloist..not releasing until 2009
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Viola Davis - Doubt Taraji P. Henson - Benjamin Button Marisa Tomei or Evan Rachel Wood ( depending on who gets the best campaign) - The Wrestler Rosemary Dewitt - Rachel Getting Married Penelope Cruz - Vickey Christina Barcelona falling away Misty Upham - Frozen River Samantha Morton - Synecdoche, New York
I'm sticking to these...for now. I'd love to hear from any of ya'll who have seen some of these films. What did you love? Who floated your boat like no other? What prospect makes you shiver with antici....pation?
I realize disappearing for days at a time is probably NOT the best way to keep readers. It's not my fault, really. Life just keeps throwing me rotten grapefruits. I know there's a reason. I KNOW there's a reason. I just....what is it?
So, this morning, my son who works in a factory...yes, a fucking factory...got word that their hours were being cut to 36 hours a week at least until the first of the year. The man has a family. One of his kids is disabled and social security STILL hasn't sent any money. His car died, and no one will give him any credit. He's tried to get a better job, but he got caught shoplifting a bottle of chocolate milk when he was young...so, he can't be trusted. I keep playing the lotto, but someone didn't get the memo about letting me win!
Now, what all this means is that I am in no mood for whiney actors. I went to my supposedly non-gossip, internet news source this morning and got an earful.
First of all...Jen Aniston...what, everyone else can complain except the person who really got screwed over? I'm not crying over her lot in life, but, she's not the one who was cheating...so, Brad, shut up...let her talk if she wants, she deserves at least that.
Also, in world news today....Angelina Jolie has announced that she will retire from acting. Didn't she threaten to do this back when they adopted the third child? Or was he the fourth child...I can't keep up. My feeling is...big deal, who cares, get on with it then and shut up already. She already has a gazillion dollars. Why would I miss her? I certainly won't miss hearing about how tired she is raising six kids. You're a millionaire...get a nanny. Get two. What? She already has four!? Really? Fuck you.
Then there's this nugget...Nikki Reed signs autographs with Kristen Stewart. Here's Kristen thinking "please get me away from this stupid bitch." I like Kristen Stewart. I'm happy for her and obviously Twilight wil be a huge boost to her career. Good for her...she's worked hard for it, and she seems like a decent girl, with a decent amount of talent. Nikki Reed on the other hand is a total poser. For starters, girl didn't write thirteen. Really, she didn't. Reed wouldn't exist without Catherine Hardwicke, who is about the only person who wants this girl to have a career. If Catherine hadn't Directed Twilight, Reed probably would have faded away...now we're stuck with her. Sorry if I sound rude, but this girl is a backstabber. There's not a lot I find more unforgivable then betraying people's trust. So, fuck off Nikki Reed.
In other Twilight news, Robert Pattinson meets fan-atics. 6 months ago, I asked my exec-producers to consider Pattinson for our film project. They weren't sure, because, you know, he wasn't a name. But, we sent him a script, and he was into it! Still, you know, the director wasn't sure if he was right for it...so, they waited...and didn't make an offer. Now, Pattinson is the hottest thing since toast. Yesterday he was signing autographs when a crying teenage girl asked him to bite her. He's like...Paul Mccartney. Now, EVERYONE wants to sign this kid. What do you think...any chance I'm getting this guy for my movie now? Think he'll work for under 2 million after Twilight opens? We might as well try and get Zac Efron. Fuck.
And one more thing before I go...Mickey Rourke has been forced to apologize for calling Perez Hilton a faggot. People, Perez Hilton IS a faggot. Mickey was defending the honor of his Wrestler co-ctar, when he mentioned he would like to break "that faggot's" legs, or something to that effect. I, for one, was on Mickey's side. If you know me, you know I consider the F word to be the equivalent of a racial slur. So...you really have to be a toad to earn it. Hilton is a toad. He regularly calls women whores, sluts and cunts. He outs gay actors and entertainers who do not want to be outed. He isn't funny. He is cruel. He has been elevated to celebrity status for picking on people. He is a disgusting opportunist. Fuck Perez Hilton. Thumbs up Mickey Rourke.
How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.
It won't be long now. After today, I will get on with my life. I predict, if all goes as it should, a big win for Barack Obama.
I think he will win all the Kerry states plus...Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, New Mexico and Ohio.
All he really HAS to do is win the Kerry states plus Virginia.
However...there are already reports of broken machines and no paper ballots at inner city precincts in Virginia as well as one machine in predominately African-American precincts in Florida. Why am I still reading stories about 75 year old black women waiting in line for 4 1/2 hours because there is only ONE machine?
I waited in line for 10 minutes in my Valley suburban precinct with 10 voting stations. No ID was asked for, or checked. In and out and on to Starbucks for my free coffee. Easy.
Didn't the Supreme Court base their Bush/Gore decision on some voting fairness bullshit? Equal Protection? Like if there are different standards for counting votes? I dunno, I think it sounds like the same thing to me.
Barack Obama and his sister have released this statement:
"It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
"Her impact on all of us..." ALL of us. Her grandson's presidency will define the future of all Americans, and impact people all over the world. I hope she knew.
Getting the chance today...look up some video on Studs Terkel.
Read a few pages about him.
Buy one of his books.
Or just in the spirit of Studs...open an arguement with someone...talk to everyone you see. Write a letter to a politician...move some ideas from your head to the outside world. Become an activist for one day!
I'll leave you a couple of quotes to get you started.
"We use the word 'hope' perhaps more often than any other word in the vocabulary: 'I hope it's a nice day.' 'Hopefully, you're doing well.' 'So how are things going along? Pretty good. Going to be good tomorrow? Hope so.' "
"We are the most powerful nation in the world, but we're not the only nation in the world. We are not the only people in the world. We are an important people, the wealthiest, the most powerful and, to a great extent, generous. But we are part of the world. "
I've been trying to feel sorry for myself all day. I was planning to throw myself a huge pity party. Yesterday, as I was gathering steam for the upcoming event, I mentioned to a young man I work with how sad I am.
What with the holidays coming up, knowing my children weren't coming to visit. I told him I had been thinking back on all the holidays I spent as a kid without half my family. Thinking about my last marriage that ended eleven years ago...the hurt my kids endured because of their volitile parents. Splitting them up like property as in The Parent Trap. You get one, I get one. Stupid choices made while trying to be fair. Eleven years later wondering how I could have done it differently. How I might have spared my children? I have no answer.
Anyhoo....this young man I was bemoaning my life to, just happened to be from El Salvador. Yes, that El Salvador. He said he felt terrible to see a mother sad. He then went on to tell me that he couldn't see his own mother even though he desperately wanted to.
You see, Juan grew up during the war in El Salvador. He told me stories of walking with his mother and being told to ignore the dead bodies in the street. Of not having electricity, and hearing the soldiers come around to houses in the middle of the night to claim teenage boys for the army. He didn't even want to tell me about things that happened to the teenage girls. He didn't want me to hear it.
When Juan was 15, his mother put his things in a paper bag and sent him away. To save his life. See, they lived in fear of the men coming in the night and taking him away to kill and possibly be killed himself. At 15, and not knowing a soul, he traveled to Guatemala...then to Mexico and finally to the United States. He said many people helped him, out of the kindness of their hearts. Today he has a young family and works hard to take care of them as well as to send money back to his mother who stayed behind.
Well...you can imagine the damper this story put on my pity party. Needless to say, I canceled the caterers.
So, now....I need a good movie. I want something that may break your heart, but reminds you of the triumph of the will. The elasticity of the human spirit. You know, the ability to bounce back and go forward with your head high? It's corny, I know.
So, help me out...what would be your top moments in film, that were heartbreaking, yet, brought out the survivor in you? That showed strength and courage in the face of ....well, of life.
In other words, if you were going to sit in your flannel pajamas, and eat a quart of Cherry Garcia ice cream...what movie scenes would you want to be watching?
The moment that Scout sees Boo Radley hiding behind the bedroom door in To Kill A Mockingbird. "Hey Boo".
Shirley Mclaine slapping her little Grandson while his mother lies dying in the hospital in Terms Of Endearment. "I just can't have you criticizing your mother around me."
Spencer Tracy's last monologue in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. "The only thing that matters is what they feel and how much they feel it."
Anna reading the letter from the King as he lies dying of a broken heart.
Gilbert Grape deciding his mother's death was not going to be a sideshow.
Those are five of the best.
I'd really like to hear your suggestions. I have the box of kleenex ready to go.
Ya'll...Clint Eastwood is not a good actor. I said it. You want a piece of me? Clint getting an Oscar for his acting is hard to swallow. Clint is a helluva great movie star and director. From what I know of him, he's also a great father and family man. I know he's been all over the map with his wives and girlfriends and kids...but, hey, they all play nice together. It is one big extended family that Clint is the center of. Good for him.
But, thinking about him knocking some other deserving actor off the list, well it gets my goat. I feel the same way about George Clooney, but hell, they already gave him an acting Oscar...so, go figure.
Anyhoo....after watching this Grand Torino trailer, I am inclined to believe that the Clint worshipping Academy may very well nominate him this time. He could even win. If John Wayne can get an Oscar over Peter O'Toole's performance in Lion In Winter, anything is possible!
I will admit, he doesn't look as stiff in this as he has in the past. But, is playing an angry, grouchy old Republican really such a stretch? There's something very John McCain about Clint these days.
This film doesn't look too revelatory to me, but, I'll let you judge for yourself.
These are my gut pre-Halloween choices. I know that I have picked three directors whose films I didn't include in Best Picture. Well, that's probably not going to happen. So, I will be making changes....most likely in every category...but, for now, for those of you who care...
BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire David Fincher - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Christopher Nolan - The Dark Knight Jonathan Demme - Rachel Getting Married reserve - Baz Luhrman - Australia
"The passion and pathos of legendary poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) is told through the lives of two extraordinary women. Vera Phillips (Keira Knightley) and Dylan were each other's first loves who feel the thunderbolt once more when they unexpectedly meet in London ten years later. Caitlin (Sienna Miller) is his adventurous wife, wily at using her beauty and always up for a bit of fun."
This actually looks quite good. To think that Lindsay Lohan was just days away from starring with Keira Knightly, when the insurance company refused to insure her! Thank you Jesus, because she would have been a disaster!
Sienna Miller has been getting quite a bad girl reputation herself lately. But, as long as she isn't driving down the PCH whacked out of her mind, behaving like a spoiled Diva or showing up hours late for work covered in spray tan...then it's forgivable...because she has the big T. Sienna Miller has Talent.
Keira Knightly, although somewhat of a bore, looks to have some big T as well.
And look at those eyebrows! I'm just, so there...Edge Of Love...coming soon.
I absolutely adore Ron Howard. He is one of my most favorite people I ever met.
I was on a set with him for three months. I watched him closely. I listened to him intently. I tried to osmose any and all things I could from the legend that is Ron Howard.
The thing people always want to know about Ron...is this, Is he Richie Cunningham or Opie?
Truthfully...neither. Ron is incredibly decent...like Richie. And incredibly curious...like Opie...but, he is his own man, make no mistake.
He's smart...very smart....I mean very, very smart...though, not necessarily the smartest guy on THIS set. "First..ask Ron. If Ron doesn't know, then Tommy Lee will. " (That's another story.)
Street wise smart. Savvy. And intuitive.
Ron is nice and genuinely polite...but he is not naive or sweet in a white bread way. And he is funny! He has a rather sardonic sense of humor actually. He's a quick wit. He's one of those people that you want to hang out with, have a drink with, or have Thanksgiving dinner with.
I also think he is a talented Director. I mean, Splash is a great movie. And Parenthood is one of my all time favorites.
So, what's been up with him lately? Why can't he seem to make a good movie anymore? Why don't I think that Frost/Nixon is getting a Best Picture nom?
Because, in my opinion, one of the only weaknesses about Ron I could see, is that he is too trusting and loyal to the people around him. He keeps too many of the same people in the same jobs, and they have way too much job security for their talent level. They screw him over with their good intentions. He needs to let the whole kit and kaboodle go, and hire people who don't rely on him for their careers! People who are as smart or smarter then he is. Someone to tell him the truth. No director is an island man!
And tell me, how many scripts does Akiva Goldsman have to murder before someone stops him?
Just to clarify....I am not talking Brian Grazer...he's the only one that should stick around. Everyone else....beat it.
But...this isn't really about Frost/Nixon. I don't think it's getting nominated and I don't think Ron is.
What this is about is this video.
What this is about is saying, watch this video.
And also, thanks Ron...you do rock. Whatever hair you're wearing.
Why do we continue to buy tickets to see ourselves portayed in the worst stereotypical ways imaginable?
Because you know, women will go and see this. Women are the target audience for this.
Bride Wars will make 70,000,000 at the box office , which will mean that in another year there will be another wanna-be-a-Bride movie that portrays women as shallow and stupid. Salivating over catching a bouquet at a wedding, hyperventilating over the diamond ring in the Tiffany box, and ultimately turning into Bridezilla, and steamrolling anyone who gets in their way. The grooms are interchangeable...sorry men...women don't really care who you are. You're the Ken doll.
I saw last years version of this movie on an airplane. 27 Dresses...a movie that portrayed Katherine Heigl as the perpetual bridesmaid. A slightly nerdy and lonely woman in love with a man who didn't notice her.
Katherine Heigl. Right. So, if Katherine Heigl feels worthless without the ring and the wedding...the rest of us are surely fucked...and I don't mean literally.
