See it...The Visitor

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.

Rachel, Rachel

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.

Rejected Twilight screenplay

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?

The Wrestler weighs in

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/

Unapologetically gay!

"Unapologetically GAY. Penn's best in 13 years."

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. 

Milk opens December 5th

Doesn't high school suck?

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.

A Tony and an Oscar?

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.

Oscar predictions pre-Thanksgiving

Wow...isn't that a pretty man!

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?

Marge Gunderson asks the tough questions

The "F" word post

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.

Just because...

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.

Mr.President...elect

Congratulations to us all.

Predictions...not Oscar!

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.

Gotta go get my bottle of bubbly!

Tomorrow...back to the movies!

Sadness...

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.

The one I've been looking for?

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE opens November 12th

Studs Terkel 1912-2008

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. "

Rest in peace Studs.