Fitzgerald, Fincher, Forrest Gump and Best Actor

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most memorable short stories. The protagonist, Benjamin Button, is born an old man and ages in reverse until he becomes a baby and then finally vanishes from the earth.
In a short introduction to the story, Fitzgerald wrote: "This story was inspired by a remark of Mark Twain's to the effect that it was a pity that the best part of life came at the beginning and the worst part at the end."

I'm not sure that I agree with which is the worst part. True, I don't appreciate the aches and pains of growing older. But, taken completely at face value, subtracting the awful and unacceptable fact of life...losing those you love... because...it matters not if you age front ways or backwards...your own survival dooms you to lose those you love. Taking this out of the mix,...I might prefer the aches and pains of my old age to the emptiness and naivete of my young mind. In fact, I am quite sure of it.

And if you were to age backwards, would you lose your experience as well? Would your mind empty, would familiar things become foreign? Would an alzheimers like state be an inevitability?

This is a provocative idea, and I can't wait to see how David Fincher lays it before us in his new film. This isn't Robert Zemekis here. Even though I find Forrest Gump to be a guilty pleasure, let's face it...it's fairly well white-washed, and slick, and in places, really silly. Some comparisons to "Gump" have already been made in expectation of "Benjamin Button". The only comparison I want to make is the Best Picture winner comparison. And I do think "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, as presented to us by Fincher, should and will be a Best Picture contender. I'll save that discussion for a later date, however, because I am here to discuss two more Best Actor nominees. Which brings us to...

Brad Pitt.

When Brad is hot, Brad is hot. Brad may be the closest thing to Newmanesque we have. I think he's under appreciated as an actor, though not as a movie star. Thelma And Louise, Kalifornia, Twelve Monkeys, 7even, Snatch, Babel and...hello...Tyler Durden! 

I think the man is overdue a Best Actor nom, and I think if Hanks scored a win for Forrest Gump, Pitt has to be nominated for Benjamin Button. 

Take a look at the trailer here....then, tell me what you think.

Best Actor...

LIKELY - Brad Pitt - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Now, here's the real reference to Forrest Gump....

Meet "W"

Seriously...I want to yell "run Forrest, run!" at the end of this trailer.

Anyhoo...you already know my political leanings. So, I will get to the point. I didn't expect much from W the movie. I like Oliver Stone...but, this movie was rushed and the idea seemed forced. After seeing the trailer. This looks like a helluva popcorn movie. I think I will laugh my ass off. The timing is actually great, although I know some people are worried about the backlash of this coming out before the election. I think it looks like the comedy of the year. We will be able to laugh at it now, knowing that the man is on his way OUT!

Back to the point....Josh Brolin.  I hope he's getting nominated. He had a great year last year. He's a solid actor. He's paid his dues. He was in Goonies for God's sake! And, I don't think playing George W is as easy as you might think. This does not look to be a Will Ferrell type W. What I see in this trailer is a real man. A three dimensional portrayal of a one dimensional man. Maybe that's not fair to say about W. But I feel certain it is a fair accessment of Brolin.

Bottom line....

Best Actor pick

POSSIBLE - Josh Brolin - W

Stay tuned for supporting roles, Best Picture and Director

Can't stop the music!

Les Misbarack



Couldn't help myself.

Just because...

I fucking love Kate Winslet!

Best Actor

These two guys are locks.  Period.

Now, can you imagine a Best Actress nominee who has behaved in the fashion that these two men have?  They have been surly, drunk, disorderly, loose...man sluts.  One has cheated on, one has beaten a wife.  There are drugs, law suits and mug shots.  Rourke completely smashed his face and rebuilt it into something almost unrecognizable.  

Yet, we will forgive them.  Boys will be boys and all.  An actress, on the other hand, could be ruined by simply dating Rourke.

But, this is about Oscar...and yes....these two are getting nominated.   I just saw the trailer for MILK starring Penn, and I really can't wait to see the film.  Penn smiling?  Penn so wonderfully gay?  Spicolli grew up to be...Harvey Milk!  When was the last time a trailer made you cry? Watch it here...

Rourke's film The Wrestler, is my other most anticipated film.  After the glorious reviews from Venice and Toronto Film Festivals, most touting Rourke's heartbreaking performance, I predict someone will have to carry me out of the theatre in a wheelbarrow.  

Already said this, but one more time....

Lock - Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

and add

Lock - Sean Penn - Milk

The third actor, I believe,  is not only a lock...but the ultimate winner...Frank Langella. Oh,  I do love Frank Langella!
I know what you're thinking, but, this has nothing to do with the remake of Lolita. Or, the remake of And God Created Woman. I have forgiven him for the former and tried to forget the latter entirely. It has something to do with this....


The best Dracula movie....ever. 

Ask me why...I'll be happy to explain my reasons.

But, my love and respect for Langella has, most of all, to do with this.

Yes, that is Blythe Danner.  Danner and Langella were two members of the Williamstown Theatre Company which also included Chris Walken, Diane Weist, Richard Jenkins, Austin Pendleton, Kate Burton, Lindsay Crouse, 

Laila Robbins, 

Edward Hermann and I could go on and on.  The picture is from Chekov's The Seagull.  Langella also starred as Cyrano de Bergerac around this time, and has worked consistently on Broadway and off for 4 decades.  He won a Tony award already for his role in Frost/Nixon.  I believe he will deserve and be given the Oscar for playing the role he originated...Richard Milhous Nixon.

Big time Lock - Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon

He set the bar too high

Too high for the rest of us...that's what George Clooney said about Paul Newman today. How true.

I can't say anything as eloquent as the official statement that was released by his company today.

"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million. While his philanthropic interests and donations were wide-ranging, he was especially committed to the thousands of children with life-threatening conditions served by the Hole in the Wall Camps, which he helped start over 20 years ago. He saw the Camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back, and raise a little hell. Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be.
"We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."



or by his family....“Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee. Devoted husband. Loving father. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist...Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words: 'It’s been a privilege to be here.' He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves us with extraordinary inspiration to draw upon. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy for our family.”

The privilege was ours.

A real American hero

I just heard from an inside source that Paul Newman has died.

Speechless.

5th Actress

This is my take on Nicole Kidman. She may very well get an Oscar nom for Australia. It certainly looks epic, and I have no doubt that she is great in it. Honestly, this is the woman who brought you Dead Calm, The Others, Dogville, Birth, Margot At The Wedding, even Fur. The movies succeed to varying degrees, but Kidman doesn't let you down for a minute.

 

On the other hand, we also have Stepford Wives, Bewitched and The Invasion.

It just seems to me that Kidman has pulled a Tom Cruise. She's jumped the shark. She's dipping her toe in Jacko land.

I am not sure that I can look at her face...her obviously enhanced lips, and her possibly botoxed forehead...for over two hours and still want to give her an Oscar. Will anyone else?

 I feel bad about Nicole.  I like her.  But, I need to make a choice, and since the debate IS going to happen tonight.....I have to commit already.  

So, I am choosing Kate Winslet as number five...BUT holding Kidman in the reserve spot at number six.  

As it stands BEST ACTRESS predictions

Possible - Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road

Possible - Kristen Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long

Likely - Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married

Likely - Angelina Jolie - The Changeling

Likely - Sally Hawkins - Happy Go Lucky

politics...as usual?

Let's face it, I can't get shit done while wondering and worrying about the coming election.  I mean, I really thought it was dire back in 2000 and 2004.  But this new guy...this McCain...wow!  If this guy can't bring about the apocalypse no one can! 

Anyhoo....I found this little Sarah Silverman tidbit online today.  Now, normally, I'm not a huge Sarah fan...Silverman.   But, I know she's on to something here.  Jews should not be voting Republican.  And to think about Jews voting for McCain and Sarah...Palin...well, that just makes me meshuge! 

So, get your Nanas and your Bubbes educated people!  

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

pretend this IS a Disney movie

Here's something that intrigues me about John Mccain...why has he fought so hard to keep POW records sealed?  What is he hiding?  Why did the Viet Cong who imprisoned him call him PW Songbird?  Because he could sing so well?  

I'm just asking.  

And what is going on in this picture.  My old friend who I held captive and tortured for years?  Give me a hug!

It's all very strange.  

Best Actress

The women, so far this year, are more interesting to me then the men.  Perhaps that is the rule rather then the exception, but it has been a few years since I thought so.  

So many great choices this year, and no sign of having to scrape the sides of the bowl to come up with nominees.  Not just anyone can get consideration however.  Remember, it's doubtful anyone is getting nominated without an Oscar campaign, so without it, forget all the great performances in foreign films, small independent films and films that didn't generate good reviews and/or good box office.  

Also, there are certain rules that seem to be unspoken, but existent when it comes to women and Best Actress Oscars.  Most importantly, play nice.  If your character is not sympathetic...good damn luck.  Even Aileen Wornos as played by Charlize Theron was made sympathetic.  Oh please, she had to kill those men, they were all disgusting rapists and perverts!  In reality, Aileen was a tragic figure because she was truly insane, mentally ill, cuckoo.  But, since she lived in Florida, she was executed by a Bush, as they are want to do.  So...where was I?

Given the play nice rule, and given John Patrick Shanley as the movie's director...I am going to call Meryl Streep out for Doubt.  I am not impressed with the trailer, and I see an Agnes Of God type over wroughtness and wrongheadedness.  Is that a word, by the way...wronghe...never mind.

So, my next call will be for Angie.  I watched the Changeling trailer today, and it looks solid.  She isn't one of my favorite actresses, but I like it that she's not afraid to scare people and go to the edge.  Besides all that, she get's put in a nut house and hosed down!  She gets lot's of chances to freak out, AND she's a sympathetic character.  So, I'm gonna say for the third spot on my list...

LIKELY - Angelina Jolie - Changeling

By the way, have the Jolie-Pitts removed traces of Angie's strange vampira past?  I had to search deep to find a pic of Angie with her Oscar, and once I did...the picture looks....sanitized?  Like her make-up has been toned down from the full on freaky Goth I remembered her wearing that night.  Am I crazy?  

Next up...and number four...is not Kate Winslet.  Oooo, how I hate to say that, and I hope that my mind will be changed once the film arrives.  Revolutionary Road, I'm just not feeling it.  Nobody wants me to be wrong more then me.  Kate is my favorite actress ever and I know she's brilliant in the film without having to see it. I just feel a backlash against it.  I don't know why...just gut? I haven't forgotten about The Reader...just waiting...maybe she'll be the fifth spot after all?

That being said, I am going to go with Kristen Scott Thomas getting the love here.  I know!  I am not all that comfortable jumping on this train either...but, I'm gonna...for now...say...

POSSIBLE - Kristin Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long

 Oy, even Kristin is worried about my choice!

So, I have one more spot and then the Best Actress chart begins.

Next up...who will challenge Mickey Rourke for the Best Actor trophy?  Coming soon...

First Oscar Musings...Toronto

I have not seen The Wrestler yet.  I have friends in high places however, and I will say this...I have not heard a single negative word about Mickey Rourke's performance in the film.  So far, he has been humble in his press and truly seems to have turned his abusive and self-destructive ways around.  If he can continue this, and not fall off the wagon, I believe he is a lock for a Best Actor nomination.

I believe he has been forgiven, or at least forgiven enough, to get the votes needed to secure this.  If Eddie Murphy, who is generally disliked in this town, can get a nom...Mickey can and will.  

LOCK - Rourke - Best Actor - The Wrestler

The other buzz worthy star seems to be Anne Hathaway.  I will admit, I have a hard time picturing her pulling off this role with no seams.  Will I be wishing Emily Blunt had played the part instead?  That remains to be seen...but, for now...I believe she is getting that nomination for Best Actress.

LIKELY - Anne Hathaway - Best Actress- Rachel Getting Married

I'm also continuing to dig Sally Hawkins chances in the Best Actress category....again...sight unseen.  But, she has kept the buzz going from Berlin to Toronto, and it is a Mike Leigh film after all!

LIKELY - Sally Hawkins - Best Actress - Happy Go Lucky

Juno...really?

I know...how far behind the times am I.  I have to admit, after the crazed reaction to Little Miss Sunshine, a film I found mildly funny, cute, and wildly over rated, I was not anxious to throw myself into another quirky little indie that could.  But, eventually, it came up on my Netflix queue, and with no ado, I watched it.

So, I guess once again, I am in the minority on this one.  All these Oscar noms and an Oscar, for the last 15 minutes of an okay film with too much over the top dialogue, an irritating central character, and point and shoot direction?

Personally, I think Ellen Page was 100 times better in Hard Candy, a film not very apt to capture the imagination of the movie going mainstream.  

 I'm left struggling with the Best Actress Oscar nomination.  The performance came down, really,  to those last 15 minutes.  Much like Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider, she was seemingly nominated for two or three scenes in a movie where she was in every scene. The talking point was  that she made the quirky dialogue work, but I beg to disagree.  Page seemed a tad forced and/or uncomfortable (not entirely her fault...I mean really a pipe?) right up until the movie took a turn for the more serious.  That would be the basement scene with Jason Bateman. ( BTW Bateman, along with the rest of the supporting cast, were the real stars of this movie.  And how perfect was Michael Cera? ) After that point...the basement scene...then, yeah, bravo for Page.  But, what about that?  Do we forget and forgive all flaws as long as the movie has a feel good teary eyed ending?    

To be sure, I am now doubly pissed off that Evan Rachel Wood was snubbed for her turn in thirteen.  Surely her last 15 minutes should have earned her the same respect?  There was no cutting away the camera in thirteen either.  Wood was kicking it for the whole movie...the whole movie, not the last sprint to the finish.  If you haven't seen thirteen, rent it for Hunter and Wood's ferocious performances.  Was Wood's character too unsympathetic?  Too real? Maybe.

 So, yes,  I'm bitter....what can I say.  I feel the same about Ellen's performance in Hard Candy...that was some real shit going on there.  Can you imagine that connecting with the heartland?  Or the Academy members? Me neither.  If you haven't seen Hard Candy, rent it.  Two characters, basically, and one setting, basically, and the director keeps you on the edge of your seat and always questioning the possible outcome.

And by the way, did anyone see or read The Savages?  Now, that was a great script.  But, not so easy to digest, and certainly a lot more uncomfortable then Juno.  

Well, they gave Jennifer Hudson an Oscar for singing a song... in the same style of the Broadway actress who originated it, I might add.  Okay, I did add.  But, seriously, wasn't she asleep at the wheel for much of that movie?  

Anyway, I digress. 

 I won't go into some of the offensive dialogue either, except to say, I adopted a child from China and they don't "shoot those babies out in t-shirt guns".  It is a long involved and difficult process.  China is too strict for Angelina even, as they don't allow you to pick one out based one whatever her criteria might be.

But that is not why I didn't like Juno.  I promise.  And if it's any consolation to die hard fans, at no point in the movie did I want to slit my wrists.  Now that movie really was "Lost In Translation"...but that's another story.