2007: Wrapping Up

Damn. It's been loooooooong week. My computer keeps dropping the bloody internet connection, my flash drive has destroyed all my valuable information: don't trust technology. And I have a test on Wednesday for a class where I'm taught nothing. So yeah, it's all great. But hey, the world goes 'round, and 'round. So here's to wrapping up 2007. I thought it was a good year in film. what of you? Here are my winners in the major categories with the runners up in parentheses.

                  

Costume Design

Atonement [Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; Elizabeth: The Golden Age]

The green dress was hot, hot, hot. But it was the simpler clothes like Briony's white dresses [irony?] and this dress below in particular that seemed very original.

               

Art Direction

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street [Atonement; Hairspray]

Each of these three films had good set design. But Sweeney came out on top. Just a genius production. Well deserved Oscar win.      

                  

Makeup

La Vie En Rose [Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix]

                  

Sound Editing

The Bourne Supremacy [Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; The Assassination of Jesse James]

                  

Special Visual Effects

The Golden Compass [The Bourne Supremacy; Transformers]

       

 I was so psyched when this upset.

           

Cinematography

The Diving Bell & the Butterfly [Atonement, The Assassination of Jesse James]

Sure the shot above is not 'cinematic' much, but even in simple moments...the camera works so well.

                       

Editing

The Diving Bell & the Butterfly [Atonement; There Will Be Blood]

                 

Score

Atonement [The Assassination of Jesse James; The Diving Bell & the Butterfly]

I used to study to Briony's theme. Is that sad?

           

Song

Once “Falling Slowly” [Enchanted “So Close”; Enchanted “That’s How You Know”

              

Adapted Screenplay

Atonement [The Diving Bell & the Butterfly; No Country for Old Men]

I am so biased to Hampton and whatever he does…but still it’s a good script.

                 

Origin al Screenplay

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [Lars & the Real Girl; Enchanted]

- What we got here is good.

- I want more.

- So did Oliver Twist.

Supporting Actress

Romola Garai in Atonement [Marisa Tomei in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead; Cate Blanchett in I’m Not There]

Easy decision for me actually. She carries most of her sequence alone on her shoulders. The conversation with the French solider always tears me up [yes, I am WEAK]. She’s good.

Supporting Actor

Ethan Hawke in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [Casey Afleck in The Assassination of Jesse James; Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton]

I like Ethan Hawke, that much is known. Maybe it was the character that drew me in, but played by someone else I don’t think I’d have liked Hank much. Why doesn’t Hawke get more roles? The man is so emotive!

             

Actress

Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart [Keira Knightley in Atonement; Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]

It was actually a really close call between Keira and Angelina. I kept going back and forth, back and forth and eventually I came out with Angie on top. It’s my favourite performance of hers, as with Keira and I think both ladies deserve to be appreciated for their talent and not only for the aestheticism. And HBC at least deserved the Globe win for Musical/Comedy.

                      

Actor

Brad Pitt in The Assassination of Jesse James [Philip Seymour Hoffman in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead; Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood]

James McAvoy was just behind Day Lewis as the fourth. It was a good group and it wasn’t nepotism that had Pitt at the top of the list. I think there’s a reason he won that Venice Cup and it was well deserved. He was perfectly cast and he delivered well. At least a nod would have been good.

                                       

Director

Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell & the Butterfly; Joe Wright for Atonement; Sidney Lumet for Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead]

See me, thinking that the Golden Globe nod meant something; I thought he had an actual chance despite being a lone director. See where that got me? I can’t pick a winner though. Close my eyes and I’ll pick randomly, it’s Schnabel. Thought today I feel all Wright. But they’re equal.

Picture

 Atonement [The Diving Bell & the Butterfly; Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead]

 I cannot resist this movie. I cannot resist it. It's my number one as you see.

                   

So what are your thoughts? See there wasn’t a sweep…it was good year. Thoughts?

2007: The 72 I Saw

So I saw 72 films of 2007, which is a respectable total. Here’s my rundown of them. In ascending order as per usual. Tell what you think I should see.

                             
F
Blades of Glory [#72]
Why? It’s an honest question. Why would anyone make this? Why would anyone fund it? Why star is this? Why watch it? Why? Why? Why?
                    
Norbit [#71]
Sigh. If this is why he lost the Oscar, thank god it came out. Other than that…ugh.
                 
Wild Hogs [#70]
No comment. I can’t bear it.
             
Fred Claus [#69]
Well, what did you expect? With a name like this… shame on them.
                    
Next [#68]
When Julianne Moore cannot salvage a film you have to wonder just what’s going on. This movie is just bad, bad, bad.
                
D-
300 [#67]
I never got the hype, and I still don’t get the hype. What an embarrassment.
           
Rush Hour 3 [#66]
Sometimes, you just need to know when to stop.
             
D
Transformers [# 65]
What do you think?
                
Stomp the Yard [# 64]
Er. Okay, then.
              
A Perfect Stranger [# 63]
No, Halle. Just…no.
         
D+
I Am Legend [#62]
It was all right.
           
Because I Said So [#61]
Yeah, it was pretty bad. But there were moments. Far and in between of course. But still…moments.
              
C-
Beowulf [#60]
I didn’t appreciate, although it tries. It really did try.
          
Surf’s Up [#59]
Incredibly unfunny.
                   
This Christmas [#58]
What a bland movie this was.
              
The Bucket List [#57]
Morgan and Jack could have done way better.
                          
C
I Know Who Killed Me [#56]
Yeah, I give it a C. What about you?
   
Daddy’s Little Girls [#55]
Predictable.
               
In the Valley of Elah [#54]
Perhaps it’s because I was not culturally involved in the subject, but I didn’t feel moved by this.
                      
I Think I Love My Wife [#53]
I can at least applaud them for trying to make a sensible film.
                       
Stardust [#52]
Well it did have Michelle. Slightly.
              
C+
Music & Lyrics [#51]
Drew and Hugh and usually so good at this genre this was a disappointment.
          
Bee Movie [#50]
Not as smart or sharp as it should have been or could have been.
           
The Brave One [#49]
For someone reason I really didn’t get into this.
                    
No Reservations [#48]
It’s trite, but the presence of Catherine, Aaron and Abigail helps, for sure.
                 
The Nanny Diaries [#47]
Scarlett tries and Laura Linney and Paul Giamati are good in flashes.
                
Why Did I Get Married [#46]
It’s the most complete of his films yet, and though he could help falling into some of the same stereotypical crap, it was fine.
                         
Freedom Writers [#45]
Hillary was fine in this, though Patrick Dempsey does nothing for me outside of Seattle Grace Hospital.
          
Ocean’s Thirteen [#44]
Compared to how much the previous two entertained, this was a disappointment.
            
American Gangster [#43]
It’s okay I suppose, but I can’t rate it higher.
               
Evan Almighty [#42]
Steve Carrel’s charm is helpful and Wanda Sykes and Lauren Graham are great supporting actors.
              
The Golden Age [#41]
Guilty pleasure? You bet.
            
PS I Love You [#40]
How I miss Lisa Kudrow.
         
I’m Not There [#39]
Just for their originality, it deserves to be seen; but I don’t love it…or really like it.
              
Across the Universe [#38]
After that horrific middle section nothing can save it. Not even 'Hey Jude'.
                     
B-
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End [#37]
I can’t hate it. I tried, but I can’t.
  
La Vie En Rose [#36]
It’s a nice, little, sometime choppy French film. But did I say it was nice?
              
Michael Clayton [#35]
I don’t think it’s as smart as it thinks it is. Cardinal sin.
      
Knocked Up [#34]
I wasn’t one of those praising this wildly. It’s unrealistic, but it rises above the crap of most films akin.
           
Into the Wild [#33]
I wanted to like it more than I did.
         
Charlie Wilson’s War [#32]
It’s an effective, if understated comedy with a top notch cast.
      
Dan in Real Life [#31]
Very subtle, but good.
   
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix [#30]
Even my damned Rupert Grint couldn’t salvage the children’s performances. Given, he had horrible lines. That being said Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon sometimes, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman do good work. And good grief, Helena Bonham Carter. Yum.
                
Margot at the Wedding [#29]
Though I didn’t love, the originality was pleasing.
                      
Gone Baby Gone [#28]
It’s no Mystic River, but it’s a not bad.
          
Reservation Road [#27]
Talk about being steamrolled. It was not horrible.
            
Shrek the Third [#26]
Yes the films get progressively worse, but it’s not crappy.
               
August Rush [#25]
I feel that Keri Russel and Jonathan Rhys Myers were wasted, though the film is not bad by any means.
       
Catch & Release [#24]
A romantic comedy – Yikes. It’s ultra lite, and very pat in the end but it has a certain charm. Sue me.
              
Zodiac [#23]
It’s good I guess, but I don’t think I got the hype. I should rewatch it.
            
Things We Lost in the Fire [#22]
It gets very slow at times, but it’s a fine film mostly.
               
Juno [#21]
Diablo Cody was not the hero of the film. Ellen and Jennifer making those lines work were the heroes.
           
Once [#20]
Very, very sweet.
               
Lars & the Real Girl [#19]
It seems like such a silly idea and it comes off so…smart?
                     
A Mighty Heart [#18]
It’s a good first feature. I was impressed. What of you?
              
The Bourne Ultimatum [#17]
I’m partial to the first one, but it’s still entertaining without vetoing intelligence.
                       
Sicko [#16]
Why am I sucker for the Clintons and anything they’re in?
   
B
Away From Her [#15]
It got so faulty sometimes, but Pinsent and Christie save the day.
              
Hairspray [#14]
Light and wrought with some bauble like qualities, but it works perfectly.
              
Spider Man 3 [#13]
My number 13. Yes, I liked it.
                      
Ratatouille [#12]
I’m surprised this ended up so high, but yeah it was a nice movie.
              
Enchanted [#11]
So cute…and not in a deprecating way. Just nice, if only James Marsden and Amy Adams ended up together. Patrick Dempsey needed to MOVE!
             
The Assassination of Jesse James [#10]
Technically it’s impressive, and overall it’s a very controlled film.
                      
The Savages [#9]
I hope me and my sisters don’t end up like this. On that not, it was good.
                
B+
Persopilis [#8]
You know I like my traditional animation, and this was a just a good movie [animated, or no]
            
No Country for Old Men [#7]
I won’t deny, it was good. It was very good.
              
There Will Be Blood [#6]
Smartly done.
                 
The Golden Compass [#5]
Did you hate this? Sound off below…but obviously I did. A lot.
                  
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street [#4]
It’s a good film as I’ve mentioned. Not Burton’s best, but the man has some good stuff to top.
                       
A
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [#3]
This could have gotten so heavy handed or annoying, but instead it came off as a very strong, emotional film.
            
The Diving Bell & the Butterfly [#2]
It’s just so great. How could you ignore Oscar? How?
             
A+
Atonement [#1]
…Which brings me to this? Ignored by the guilds….do they hate the Brits? Something’s wrong with these folks. But tell me what you thought of it. Be honest – I can take it.
                             
So there you have. I feel I’m missing something I saw, but yeah, that’s the list. Thoughts?

2007: The Directors

This is always a hard category for me. I know what I like, but is it always well directed. For that matter...what does well directed mean. I'll have to ponder that question someday. Maybe. Here are the good directors of 2007 for me.

                

The Finalists

P. T. Anderson for There Will Be Blood

It’s good to see him finally getting recognised. A period tends to do that.

                

Coen Brothers for No Country for Old Men

Second to Schnabel as far as the actual nominees were concerned. So I couldn’t grudge them their win. Well not much.

                     

Adam Shankman for Hairspray

The silliness is just what the story needed and he handles it well.

               

Vincent Paronnaud for Persepolis

It’s rare that I feel an animated film was wonderfully directed. But this is a rare film.

                           

The Nominees

Tim Burton for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

The man has his faults, but he knows how to use what he has to his advantage and he does it here. ‘My Friends’ is one of the best directed musical numbers in the last two decades. And imagine, it’s a song about singing to knives. That’s good direction.

Andrew Dominik for The Assassination of Jesse James

It’s painstakingly directed – in a good way. It’s obvious the effort that went into this, and for that as well as for the execution I applaud him.

Sidney Lumet for Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

I suppose when you compare him to his contemporaries he’s not as refined, but it’s his style. The murky cinematography and the deceptive choppy editing is what makes him as good as he is.

Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell & the Butterfly

Such a cliché it is; but it’s obviously directed with a lot of heat and it’s obvious. It’s a great job from him, the direction is almost like a character alongside all else.

Joe Wright for Atonement

The landscape section is eye candy and you can’t help but get caught up. The scenes at war are poignant especially when juxtaposed with those flashbacks. The hospital is clinical as necessary almost frighteningly so. And Vanessa’s monologue is handled well. But I love those last few imagined moments at the cottage. Maybe it’s just improvisation, but they’re beautiful.

             

There were many good films…but only these nine made a huge impact on me in terms of palpably directing their films. But what do I know?

2007: The Actors

I'm a bit late...but not quite. So it's time for the final acting category...and the results. The Oscar lineup was not exactly bad...but I was no big fan of some [two as a matter of fact]. But it could have been worse.

                

TIER THREE

Mathieu Amalric in The Diving Bell & the Butterfly

I suppose one break out French star was enough for one year. And in retrospect I suppose it was too passive a role for those voters. Still, it was a promising turn from him.

               

Gordon Pinsent in Away From Her

As magnificent as Julie Christie was I couldn’t account for the complete ignoring that he got from everyone. Is it because he's not a big name, and the only old people who get nominated are the ones who've been getting nominated since they were young and popular?

            

Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum

The guy has charisma. It’s undeniable. He essentially carries the film on his shoulders and makes light work of it. Maybe not Oscar worthy, but still good.

       

Tobey MaGuire in Spiderman 3

I know that the Second part of this series is lauded, but really I preferred MaGuire in this one. The premise was a bit ridiculous at times, but above all I really found his performance impressive. Could you remind me why people hate him?

            

Joaquin Phoenix in Reservation Road

It’s no Johnny Cash, but given the faulty script he performs admirably. Now it’s just a questioning of him leaving his music behind to concentrate on the acting he was go good at.

          

TIER TWO

Benicio Del Toro in Things We Lost in the Fire

Virtually ignored by the precursors and undeservedly so. It's not his fault the film was badly promoted.

          

Ryan Gosling in Lars & the Real Girl

It’s better than his Half Nelson performance, but this was a packed year for the actors and he just couldn't make it. That SAG nod was interesting, though.

      

Tom Hanks in Charlie Wilson’s War

Though I’m no fan of his, I like when he does light comedic fare and it’s what he excels at here. It’s an atypical role for this Hollywood’s golden boy and he handles it well.

       

Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild

It should have been the performance where he made his mark on Hollywood…but alas no. strangely enough, McAvoy too was aiming for that. Neither was successful. It’s a fine performance and he obviously has talent. We’ll see how it goes.

      

Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Savages

Really, I believe he was more impressive than Linney; not by much – but still. It’s the dramatic comedy he excels at playing pathetic characters. It’s very well played, with two good performances in this category it’s a wonder they gave him the nod in supporting.

          

THE NOMINEES

 

Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood

We’ve come to except no less from him, and as I said before this performance is one of epic proportions. He’s just outstanding and that’s essentially all that can be said.

           

Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Did he peak too early? Will everything he does be measured against Jack Sparrow? This is not Jack Sparrow, but his nomination [I felt] was deserved. 'Epiphany' is obviously a moment of great acting, but it is the scene before that grabs me – 'Pretty Women'. An unforgotten song and scene, but the delivery of the duet [and 'My Friends'] is haunting in an ethereal way.

          

Philip Seymour Hoffman in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

It’s easy to ignore his performance. We’ve seen him play brash, sensitive, guilty and innocent. The role is obviously a showy one, but that doesn’t diminish his goodness. When he breaks down to Finney towards the end it’s a chilling moment. It’s a great performance from him, as per normal.

        

James McAvoy in Atonement

Whereas Keira dominates the estate portion of the film his low-key romantic hero is unfairly ignored. However as the second half begins he becomes the strongest narrative force and especially in that ‘meeting’ with Briony his line readings are impeccable. It’s an outstanding achievement that would have not have been out of place in the Golden Age of cinema.

             

Brad Pitt in The Assassination of Jesse James

It’s a perfect example of inspired casting. Like with Casey Afleck it would seem that Brad was born to play this role. He has the physicality and the charisma and he does become Jesse James. Despite the lack of love from the American Awards there’s a reason he was a winner at the Venice Film Festival.

            

So, what are your thoughts? Have at it.

2009 in Film

I've still seen only 27 films so far for the year. The most I've done in a year is the massive 72 I watched in 2007 - although that took me fifteen months. But still. I decided that I'm going to even look at the badly reviewed crap [for free of course]. I mean what kind of amateur critic am I if I don't watch everything? I've got to see as much as possible before the end of February 2010 at least.

             

Highly Anxious - Potential Top Ten?

NINE: Right now there is nothing can dissuade my huge anticipation for this. Now it’s only a question of whether or not my effusive [and potentially unwarranted] eagerness will make whatever it turns out to be pale in comparison. Still, I’m staying hopeful.   

THE LOVELY BONES: Word on this has been slight and maybe that’s a good thing. Still, at the moment, it’s one of the ones I’m more anxious for. Even if I didn’t love the cast, Peter Jackson’s presence is enough for me. 

AN EDUCATION: Further proof of how much it sucks where I am. I haven’t seen this yet, and sure everyone didn’t exactly give it raves. Still, I’m waiting impatiently for this to reach.

BRIGHT STAR: As I am waiting for this.   

AGORA: This is another film I haven’t heard much about since those few words from the Cannes. But from where I am, it looks very promising.  

THE LAST STATION: Although it hasn’t been getting across the board raves, I haven’t heard a negative review and the presence of Mirren alone would make me want to see it; but add it Paul Giamati, James McAvoy and Christopher Plummer and I’m essentially on edge.

AVATAR: Sure I wish 3D would just die already, but it’s James Cameron. Sure, the trailer didn’t exactly have me salivating – but few trailers do. So on that note, I’m waiting.

THE PRINCESS & THE FROG: I like to believe that nothing can combat good, old fashioned 2D animation. Hopefully it’s a return to form, it’s about blessed time.

A SINGLE MAN: It’s a bit silly making Julianne Moore land this in my top ten anticipated films. I can’t say I’m a fan of Colin Firth. But yeah, Julianne’s bit supporting role has this here. I didn’t say I thought logically…

     

Anxiously Awaiting...they could surprise...

THE WHITE RIBBON: I’m sure it’ll be good…but will I love it. Let’s wait and see.

PRECIOUS: I’ve given you an earful [and then some] on this and all things related. But I still want to see this, badly.

A SERIOUS MAN: It’s been getting good reviews and though I can’t say I love the Coens, I’m still there.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: I don’t have any childhood experiences related to the book, so nepotism is out. I have a feeling I’m not going to love it like everyone else. But I’m going in hoping I will. Kind of.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS: Clooney aside, it looks Golden.

      

I'm sure they'll at least be enjoyable...

SHERLOCK HOLMES: Jude Law alone should make this higher on the list. Robert Downey Jr. only extra, but I don’t know. Something’s bugging me…

UP IN THE AIR: Purely Vera Farmiga. Everyone else involved is just of passing importance to me.

NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU: Ethan Hawke is a main part of why I want to see this, it seems interesting and clichéd at the same time…but still.

WHIP IT: Hopefully I’ll see this soon. Hopefully.

THE INFORMANT: It’s another one I should have seen by now. I’ll see how it goes.

CLOUD WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS: Hmmm. I don’t know how it’s so high on my anticipation list actually.

MOON: I’m trusting Univarn here. We’ll see how that goes.

       

I'm being optimistic...

INVICTUS: Not a fan of Eastwood but Freeman and Damon are good. But something tells me don’t get your hopes up. That probably means it’ll win best picture.

BROTHERS: Shouldn’t we be hearing more about this by now?

EVERYBODY’S FINE: I have a feeling this is going to crap. But hey, it’s DeNiro. 

THE ROAD: I just feel as if I won’t like it. But I’ll try to.  

THE FANTASTIC MR FOX: Ugh. Another cartoon.

PIRATE RADIO [The Boat That Rocked]: I should be seeing this in a week. We’ll see how that goes. ANTICHRIST: Okay then Von Trier. Do your worst.   

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: Though The Mad Hatter seemed to love it, I can’t say it’s my type of film. Still…I’m being hopeful.   

COCO AVANT CHANEL: I didn’t like the Lifetime movie. And that had Shirley MacLaine…  

CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY: I’m so over this guy. He’s turning into a pimple that’s overstayed its welcome   

TAKING WOODSTOCK: Hmmm. I’ll see what happens.  

I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF: Something will be redeeming in it. Surely?  

9: Yes, I’m still being hopeful about this.  

AWAY WE GO: Why have I been avoiding this? 

THE BROTHERS BLOOM: Rachel Weisz…why have I not seen you yet?

   

Hmmm. How bad could it be?

ITS COMPLICATED: It’ll never be as great as Something’s Gotta Give. Can it?

CREATION: Should I? Should I not?

ME& ORSON WELLES: Totally nonplussed about this.

THE MESSENGER: Blank.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Another one of these. Sigh.

  

Curiosity may have killed the cat; but... 

BLIND SIDE: Sandra Bullock. There was a time I at least respected you. What was I thinking

MOTHERHOOD: On second though, I just might skip this…

THE INVENTION OF LYING: An unfunny comedy? Count me in. 

ZOMBIELAND: Not my thing. But I’ll acquiesce. Maybe.    

FUNNY PEOPLE: I’ll do it for Leslie Mann.

      

Only For Free. I refuse to pay!

AMELIA: Do I have to

NEW MOON: Do I?

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN: Not bloody likely.

JENNIFER’S BODY: I probably will. But who knows?

     

Groan. In the name of film making...as bad as it may be...

THE STEPFATHER: They’ll drag me, kicking and screaming.

FAME:No.

ALL ABOUT STEVE: NO!

            

Is there anything I'm missing that I should add?

The Supporting Actor Nominees: Favourites

So I’m back to give you a list of some favourite nominees in the acting categories. Third on the list are The Supporting Men. Here are twenty five nominees that I think of when I think of good Supporting Performances…beginning with the ten runners up.

                

25 – Ed Harris in The Hours

24 – Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton

23 – Jeff Bridges in The Last Picture Show

22 – Denholm Elliot in A Room With A View

21 – Clive Owen in Closer

20 – Casey Afleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

19 – Omar Sharrif in Lawrence of Arabia

18 – Montgomery Clift in Judgement at Nuremberg

17 – Maximillain Schell in Julia

16 – Willem DaFoe in Shadow of a Vampire

                                 

15 – Rod Steiger in On the Waterfront

The ‘I coulda been a contender’ scene is always regarded as the Brando showpiece, but we forget to remember that Steiger holds his own in that taxicab. He doesn’t have as much lines but his physical reactions to his brother’s accusations are well done. And that pivotal moment where he lets him out the cab – it’s good stuff and well deserving of the nomination. Sure I wish that Hoffman won the 67 Oscar for The Graduate instead of him [In the Heat of the Night]; but he's a good actor nevertheless.

                         

14 – Pete Postlewaite in In the Name of the Father

As I had already stated I am a fan of this film. Playing Daniel Day Lewis’ almost saintly father this role could have come off as a little one not, but Postlewaite is a better actor than that. He wasn’t old enough to be Lewis’ father, but he is able to convincingly portray a man who has had his back permanently bent. He comes out of the film as the most profound character and he’s missed after he leaves the screen but he doesn’t try to overshadow Day Lewis. The true mark of a good supporting player.

                            

13 – Lee J. Cobb in On the Waterfront

What can I say about this? Every scene he has is juicy and showy and he handles it well. From the first time we meet him the charm with a hint of brutality is evident and with the dénouement of the film we realise that the brutality is more than just a hint. It's a startlingly good performance from him and that lost shot of him is  just pathetic. A true journey for his character.

                           

12 – Al Pacino in Dick Tracy

Next to Pfeiffer’s Cat Woman, this is my favourite performance is a Superhero flick. Joe Pesci deserved his Oscar, but it would have been cool to see him win for this atypical role. The role was good on paper, but he just made turned it into something wonderful. The man has the talent, it’s undeniable.

11 – Russ Tamblyn in Peyton Place

Nepotism? Quite possibly. Peyton Place is not a perfect film, and yes it’s quite soap opera like, but it’s enjoyable. And I enjoyed the performance. It’s sad that this represents his only Oscar nomination and he had no chance of winning, but playing this somewhat introverted character Tamblyn does demand a large part of your attention. A great addition and a palpably good performance in a large cast.

                  

10 – James Caan in The Godfather

I particularly enjoyed this performance. Caan really was on to something back then. Sure I always wish he’d have gotten a nod for Thief, and perhaps this was just one of those additional nods Oscar gives to a film that their enamoured with. But it always pleases me to think that he was nominated. Well deserved in my opinion.

                                      

9 – Jack Nicholson in Reds

I believe that this is the BEST Supporting Performance from Jack. Terms of Endearment didn’t call for that much from him, as enjoyable as it was. I believe he deserved this award. In such a large ensemble film he does leave an impression. It’s a perfect example of how talented this man really is. There is a reason that he is so revered in the business.

                         

8 – Benicio Del Toro in 21 Grams

2003 had two smashing supporting turns – Robbins and his. Either would have been worthy. It’s better than his excellent work in Traffic. He comes out as the best of the cast.  This man needs to get more roles, he really is a talented actor.

                         

7 – Ethan Hawke in Training Day

Yes Ethan is one of my favourite actors, and one of the more underrated ones in the business too. It’s category fraud at its worst [best?]. But there was no other way he was going to get nominated. He has that certain quality that you can’t help rooting for and he functions as the audience’s slate for judging Alonzo. He and Washington depend on each other and though it was co-lead it was supporting still.

                           

6 – Ian McKellen in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

How can anyone not love Gandalf? I like to pretend that he won though I have no problem with Broadbent in Iris. Actually I like him in Iris. But how is it that this man doesn’t have an Oscar? Everything the great wizard should be, he’s formidable in the big moments. But in the small parts, as when Frodo takes on the burden of the ring, the look on his face alone is able to tell us much. That’s good acting.

                     

5 – Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List

He plays villainous as well as he plays heroic. It’s just a great performance, there’s no two ways about it. As good as Neeson was Fiennes gives the best performance in the film, and it's probably true that nothing he's done since has been able to be this good. It's a chilling performance and he makes it more than a caricature, which is what it could have been.

                  

4 – Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?

Notice how this is the third nominee from 1993? And who did they give the Oscar to? Tommy Lee Jones! Ugh. Ridiculous. If hard-pressed I’d probably name this as the best thing that he’s done. Only in his teen years the realistic nature of the performance is startling. It doesn’t transcend into showboating or a pity nod. It’s a well deserved nomination, and all things considered I’m a bit surprised that he was even given the nomination.

                          

3 – Al Pacino in The Godfather

What do we have here? Another example of category fraud? Just to clear up, I don’t think Pacino should have won – Joel Grey deserved it. But that goes to show you how good a line-up there was in 1972. It’s the quintessential Pacino performance; and it's only ehanced by the chemistry he shares with the cast - particularly Brando and Keaton.

                      

2 – George Segal in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

He deserved such a better after career and he deserved that Oscar too. He’s assisted two Leading Actresses to Oscars [three in all], shouldn’t he more recognised? He has more to do than the typical supporting player. Nick’s transformation will not always elicit sympathy from us, and he’s not afraid to play the character as a real dick. It’s a good performance.

                                             

1 – Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley

This was so simple. It’s the best thing that Jude has done – and from Anthony Minghella no less. In retrospect it’s strange when you realise that he really didn’t have that many lines or that much screen time. But it just goes to show how great he was. He made a huge impact on the film and in a way the film hinged on his performance and he completely pulls it off.

So there you have it? Who'd make your list? Any surprises on mine?

2007: The Actresses

So here's a look at the Leading Women. It was a good year, kind of. Well it was definitely better than the Supporting Women. And yet Oscar got it ALL wrong...kind of. Here's what I thought of them.

         

TIER THREE

Nikki Blonsky in Hairspray

Perfect blend of silliness and honesty, she was well casted. It’s anyone’s guess if she’ll get another good role but if they had to look at only one teen star that year I don’t see why it couldn’t have been her.

                        

Jennifer Connelly in Reservation Road

I’m no fan of hers, and the movie didn’t allow everything to coalesce well, but she’s in good company here and she does a good job. It’s a good performance and I wish she’d do more of this [like House of Sand and Fog] and less of A Beautiful Mind. A movie that she didn’t help one bit as far as I was concerned.

                

Jennifer Garner in Catch & Release

A silly romantic comedy perhaps, but it works and so does she. She makes some bad decisions, but overall she’s quite charming and at the end of the day this is a good performance. She should do more small comedies like this, because at the end of the day this is where she seems more comfortable. Unless they make an Alias movie, which I wouldn’t be against.

          

Katherine Heigl in Knocked Up

As I mentioned before, the women in Apatow films don’t fare as well; and sure she seems hated but her performance was good. Although I couldn’t get just what made her attracted to that deadbeat slob, but that was more of the writing and less of her acting’s fault. All in all, it was a good performance.

               

Ellen Page in Juno

She did a good job with this, don’t mistake me. But I’m at a loss to see exactly what makes this one of the greatest teen performances. Would you have given Lindsay Lohan or Lacey Chabert a nomination for Mean Girls? As much as I liked them, neither would I. So exactly what makes Page so worthy? I know I’m opening a can of worms here – but shoot.

                 

TIER TWO

Amy Adams in Enchanted

So appealing she does wonderfully here. From the first shot of her I was sold, she plays it so wonderfully and although I found Dempsey less than deserving of her ebullience this performance is still an absolutely delightful one.

            

Halle Berry in Things We Lost in the Fire

It goes to show that her Oscar win wasn’t a fluke. She does good work when she’s opposite good actors like Del Toro here and Lange in Losing Isaiah. Her performance is very layered and it’s one of the best things she’s done. I know that given a good role and director/cast she can do well. So I’m hoping.

               

Cate Blanchett in The Golden Age

She goes over the top but she’s still entertaining. Very entertaining actually. I didn’t mind this nomination one bit, although it wouldn’t have been on my personal slate. But she tries, even when those around her seem to be walking in their sleep and the script offers virtually nothing for her to work with. That's good acting.

               

Julie Christie in Away From Her

She missed the missed the five by a modicum of an inch. It’s a great performance that she handles effortlessly. She pulls off the less than satisfying end and throughout is just so luminous without seeming like she’s playing it too hard. It’s exceptionally well orchestrated and worthy of the nomination.

           

Laura Linney in The Savages

It’s another performance that wouldn’t have made it into my slot, and I gasped [in a bad way] when I heard Kathy Bates call her name. Who the hell saw this coming? It’s a bit too done-it-all-before for me, but it’s a good performance. The script gives her a good character to work with and she handles it well. It’s good work. But I was still annoyed.

           
THE NOMINEES

Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

It’s more than singing that makes said performance good in a musical; and for that matter I didn’t think her singing was bad. I enjoyed her characterisation of Mrs. Lovett and

          

Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I adore the French. It’s an excellent performance from where I stand and it’s more than just the marring of her beauty that makes it convincing. Lip synching doesn’t diminish the beauty of the performance and as the character descends she is mesmerising. What a performance.

            

Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart

Her performance in this docudrama is chilling and realistic. That one extroverted scene of grief towards the end – so much has been written of it; and deservedly so. It’s a great acting moment, and at the same time the screaming is unlike the usual behaviour of the character, it’s believable at the same time. It’s a pity that after continuous precursor attention the Academy ignored her.

           

Nicole Kidman in Margot at the Wedding

The character is probably a bit too harsh, but she plays it just right. Her annoyed looks always amuse and reaffirm the fact that she does well in comedy. Those moments as she tries to hold on to her son and stop him from growing are both funny and pathetic. With all the good work she’s done, it’s amazing she only has two nominations.

            

Keira Knightley in Atonement

I wonder if she would have gotten any love in the Supporting category. Obviously the Academy was not fond of Atonement, but I believe this to be her best performance. There is a scene when Briony comes downstairs during dinner with a letter. She gets up disturbed, “Give it to me”. She sinks to her chair in relief when she realises to be a different letter. It’s a nice subtle moment. She’s better than she’s given credit for.

                                            

So, only one of the Oscar’s pick made it into my five. What do you think of my other nominees? What do you think of my analysis of the category? Who were you gunning for? I won’t answer, but who do you think is my winner?

PREVIOUSLY

Supporting Actor

Supporting Actress

He Tweets

Against my better judgement, which is not that good to begin with, I'm putting it out there. Follow me on Twitter if you wish. I don't go for social networks of any sort, but Twitter is interesting enough and gives me good information without getting all personal like Facebook. Note: I'm an irregular tweeter twitterer user of the site. But it's still cool. Ish. So follow me. Or not.
               
Okay, back to regular programming.

When In Doubt...LINKS

I was going to write When In Links: Doubt...but then I realised that that made little no sense. Maybe you noticed, or maybe you didn't but I've not been crazily ranting politely commenting on your posts as much. But it's that old ball and chain - the family. You know that saying? Family: can't kill them. Anyhow, that really shouldn't be an excuse [laaaazy] but by the time I'm home I just want to sleep - even though it's my enemy. I'm getting weak, but like a zombie I approach the computer. MUST BLOG, MUST BLOG.  So hope you're enjoying the look back at 2007 Supporting Players. Er, yeah. Still, I've been reading, or trying to at least and you should be reading too because things are there to read. So take a gander.

                           

Univarn continues his TOP 100 with Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon...he also waxes nostalgic...kind of...about reviewing. Yes sir, a review on reviewing.

                                             

Kurt thinks about the worst film this decade. Help him come to a conclusion.Because I could go on for days...[which is longer than some movies took to get their scripts written].

               

So the blogosphere is abuzz with the news of the new Oscar hosts. Since I don't care enough about either men to read all these posts [sorry bloggers] I'll just direct you to them all even though I haven't read them all.

Danny, Nathaniel, RC, Rae, Ryan, Walter, Craig. If I missed you, you know what to do.

                 

The Mad Hatter is worried about what will become of This Is It. I saw he's worried for nothing. What about you?

                      

And then I hit a burnout. That's just four ssues but check out the others in the sidebar: Alex, Twister, Sage, James, Matt, Lolita, Movie Nut, Jude...and yeah everyone else. I CAN'T NAME YOU ALL!

                   

PS. If you know what's up with that loquacious and somewhat schizo introduction can you tell me, cause I have NO idea.

2007: Supporting Actress

The supporting women were good, though some gave great supporting performances in less than stellar films – they each had something to offer though. It was a nice group.

                     

TIER ONE

Jennifer Garner in Juno

It’s one of the better performances she has given. The treatment of her story grated at times, but surprisingly she was able to hold her own and even rise above the material in some instances. It was impressive, and taking note of the Juno love that everyone was under it’s surprising she didn’t pick up traction.

                   

Catherine Keener in Into the Wild

To be honest, I would not have minded if she had knocked Ruby Dee off the list, although it would have been her third shot at having no chance of winning. Like Mark Ruffalo [but perhaps better] she’s a great supporting actress and with her limited screen time she gave quite a lot to the film. It’s a good performance from her which would have picked up in a weaker year [2005, 2003, 2008]

                         

Michelle Pfeiffer in Hairspray

Her Velma Von Tussle was a delight. It’s a pity they couldn’t have used her more, or at least stuck to the more positive [and believable] Broadway ending, but she’s good nevertheless. She’s perfectly comical in 'Ms. Baltimore Crabs' and sizzles in her reprise of 'Big, Blonde & Beautiful'. It was great seeing her sing again, even if it was in such small doses.

               

Julia Roberts in Charlie Wilson’s War

I did not dislike this performance as others were wont to, and the Golden Globe nod was a pleasant surprise. The accent maybe is what turned most off, but her performance was more than that. She did a good job playing this interesting role. I think audiences missed the point that this movie was at the end of the day a comedy.

               

Vanessa Redgrave in Atonement

It would have been cool to see her pull a Howards End [although it was not as good] but as mentioned earlier, this was a good year for the women. She lends so much to those last few minutes and a lesser performance could have completely broken the film. But she’s an exceptional actress, so all’s well.

                    

TIER TWO

Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton

I know they are many on the internet who adore this performance, and I liked it in its way. She definitely elevated the role and did a good job with what she was given; and not once did I feel angry that she won. It’s a good performance, not my favourite but still good.

                   

Nicole Kidman in The Golden Compass

I really hope they do the sequel to this. She takes the stock villain and turns it into something beautiful and terrible [not unlike Tilda in Narnia] and she was lucky to have such good costars and overall a good movie. She made her mark on Hollywood in a somewhat similar character in To Die For, so it was nice seeing her return to known territory.

               

Leslie Mann in Knocked Up

Like so many of the women here she turned her role into something wonderful. I remain convinced that Apatow doesn’t know what to do with women. Her role is shrewish and often one note, but she pulls it off., all the while making us like her. It leaves you wondering what she can do if she ever gets presented with something better. Someone needs to give her a slick comedy role [Woody Allen, or James L. Brooks if he goes back to his heyday]

                         

Jennifer Jason Leigh in Margot at the Wedding

It’s not difficult to see why the performance [and the film] didn’t catch on with the voters but she did stellar work here. She and Kidman went toe to toe and she even made Jack Black seem like a promising performer. Even Winslet making a valiant attempt couldn’t do as much.

             

Imelda Staunton in Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix

She turned Umbridge into more than just the comical stock villain she could have been. The casting was inspired and her line readings and sinister smile were on point. The showdown with Maggie Smith was a perfect [if short] orchestration of British talent. It was a trifle of a character exceptionally played.

            

The Nominees

Cate Blanchett in I’m Not There

Such a subtle performance this was. Much has been said about that last irreverent look she gives the camera, which I love. She plays her part well. She’s not supposed to be playing THE Bob Dylan. Her character is Jude, just a vignette of what Dylan really is and she does what she’s asked for and plays it wonderfully.

                         

Romola Garai in Atonement

There’s a scene when Briony leaves Cecilia’s apartment and goes into the train as the ominous score begins and we focus on her face. I love that part of the movie. Romola Garai has some really expressive eyes and that’s what helps her along this performance. Interestingly enough both Redgrave and Ronan also have these communicative eyes and it’s another brilliant observation about this movie’s casting.

              

Saoirse Ronan in Atonement

It’s not the interrogation scene that strikes me; it’s the less remembered scenes like her first scene with Cecilia, or that scene at the dinner table. She is not faultless but she has some great sensibilities that Joe Wright is able to capture. It’s a great performance, child or otherwise.

              

Amy Ryan in Gone Baby Gone

Along with a well played cameo in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead she did stellar work in this. What a woman she was, you could see the wheels turning in her head after every line she said. She’s not that popular, so the deglam points probably weren’t coming from all angles, but she really plays this role with raw emotion and she plays it well. Well deserved nomination.

                

Marisa Tomei in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

She begins the movie in a less than admirable position, but she handles the performance well. She’s such a vacuous woman and it’s that last scene where we truly see how silly she is. But Marisa is smart enough not to her make her overbearing or comical. It’s just all very sad. It’s arguably the best thing that’s she’s done yet.

                                  

So come on - rail me for not loving Tilda enough. Tell me what you think of me having two Atonement ladies. Is this really Marisa at her best? What did you think of Amy? Sound off below.

2007: Supporting Actors

This was the weakest category. There were only a few outstanding ones and then there were some valiant efforts. In the third tier here are the five men that tried to elevate their material. [Alphabetical Order]

                      

TIER THREE                   

Joe Anderson in Across the Universe

It was hard for anyone to really come out as a realistic character but at the end of the day, his ‘Hey, Jude’ is the most touching of the numbers. His war sequence too, though a little superfluous was well acted. But is he going to continue in this vein?

                      
Christian Bale in I’m Not There

Univarn tweeted the other day about the apparent demise of his career. He’s done some good work – Little Women, American Psycho, The Prestige but I’m waiting for that one tour-de-force role. I know he has the potential.

                        

James Franco in Spiderman 3

Sure it wasn’t going to win any Oscars and it wasn’t his greatest performance or anything. However it was quite good and those final scenes really were done well. I’m not sure I understand the hate for this movie.

                             

James Marsden in Enchanted

He turned an incredibly silly role into something surprisingly interesting. It’s anyone’s guess when he’s going to take off as a star. He’s in the same boat with James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Collin Farrel.

                      

Timothy Olyphant in Catch & Release

He was given the most underwritten of the roles and he manages to pull it off quite. After his good work on Deadwood shouldn’t he have a better career by now?

                               
TIER TWO

Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson’s War

It was good to see him nominated, even though it was his weakest of the year. He does well with these outrageous characters and his line readings were quite effective.

                                      

Paul Rudd in Knocked Up

He brought his somewhat endearing charm to this emasculated character. His chemistry with Leslie Mann is good and he manages to bring some realism to some of Apatow’s more silly shenanigans.

                              

Mark Ruffalo in Reservation Road

The film received quite a lukewarm reception, it’s a bit underrated and his performance at least deserved to turn up at a few of the precursors. He really showcases some good chops in the last part of the film.

                              

Mark Ruffalo in Zodiac

He gave two valiant performances that year and he was ignored. He’s the perfect supporting actor; he’s constantly been turning up here and there with good performances. Hopefully next year Scorsese can work some magic on him in Shutter Island.

                   

Max Von Sydow in The Diving Bell & the Butterfly

It seemed like the ideal way to honour a fading star, like they did with Hal Holbrook in the same category, but apparently they were not as enamoured with the film as the should have been. Or maybe it was just the subtitles.

         
The Nominees

Casey Afleck in The Assassination of Jesse James

Before there was Tom Ripley there was Robert Ford. The parallels between the two stories struck me in retrospect. Casey Afleck really excelled in this performance and gave added some incredible nuances to the role. No one could have done it better.

                     

Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men

What a scary son of a bitch he was. I never found Javier Bardem to be chilling in any way, and I wouldn’t have pegged him to pull this role off with such aplomb. It’s more than just the hair; he’s just terrifying with every word and with every moment. It’s a good performance.

                                    

Albert Finney in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

I am convinced that Award ceremonies don’t like Albert Finney as much as they pretend to. Sure they gave a nomination no one saw coming [but was deserved] for Erin Brockovich; but they ignored him for Big Fish and for this. Well they ignored anything to do with this movie, and that was just wrong.

                      

Ethan Hawke in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Ethan’s Hank was a very complex and tortured character. His last few scenes are so incredibly well acted as the horror he feels is communicated without words. He makes some outstanding acting decisions and gives what is probably his greatest performance.

                         

Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton

It was the performance that I appreciated most in this dodgy film. It’s not as subtle [and perhaps not as good] as his excellent turn in In the Bedroom, but it would have been cool to see him pull off an upset. As far as I’m concerned he saved the film.

                             

So what are your thoughts on my Supporting Actor profile? Who would you have added or excluded from the fifteen? And what are your thoughts on the five nominees?

Looking Back at 2007

Well I’m going back in time to 2007. As I did with 2008 I’m going to be posting my thoughts on each of main categories with those I found outstanding and my pick of nominees in alphabetical order. At the end of the week [hopefully] I’ll post who the winners and runners up were in each of the reviewed categories and in the artistic and technical categories. So here’s to a look at 2007. I vividly remembered the morning of the nominations. I played truant from school to hear Kathy Bates whisper sweet nothings in my ears – and the world – the nominees. It was a great year for film, but still Oscar was a little off. I remember gasping at the snubs, the inclusions and just the general state of the nominees. But you’ll see what I think in due time. I’ll be looking at the Supporting Categories later today and tomorrow.

                                                      

So tell me. Did you hear the nominations with the rest of the world? Did you get it on the internet later? Did you care?

The Robe

The Robe is a film that is thoroughly religious. Perhaps it was even more religious than the religious adaptations that the era was wrought with at the time. I suppose, it was a bit of an irony to have Richard Burton star in such a thoroughly religious film since he does have a reputation as something of a heel. But, all things being relative, who isn’t? If played in chronological order, it would suffice as a sequel to the life of Christ. Burton plays Marcellus, a Roman soldier, one of those who nailed Jesus to the Cross. While dividing up his belongings Marcellus happens to get the eponymous robe, which spirals his life out of control.

                             

If you haven’t seen this movie, what’s your excuse? Along with King of Kings, Ben Hur, Home Alone, The Ten Commandments, Miracle On 34th Street and Jesus Christ Superstar [don't ask why] this movie is inescapable come Christmas and Easter Time. I suppose it wouldn’t be up your alley if you’re an agnostic or something akin, but all in the name of film making, eh? Richard Burton and Jean Simmons are the core of the film. Simmons’ plays Diana, a Roman young woman in love with Marcellus who eventually follows him in his quest for a new religious awakening. It probably is not too demanding a role of Simmons, all she has to do is look pretty and be the object of Burton’s affection. And well, she pulls it off. Doh.

                  

Technically the film is a triumph. As with so many of these religious epics it calls for luminous sets, beautiful costumes, pretty cinematography and it’s all pulled of so well. But it’s those dark moments at the crucifixion that seem so well made; the dark tone is palpable and almost chilling. And the entire film itself is particularly well made.

                               

I wonder what the response of the film audiences was at that time to Richard’s histrionic. Yeah, I love the guy, and I call it histrionics. But it won’t have been the same if he played underplayed it. It’s not that kind of movie. For some reason despite the obviously serious intention of the film, I can’t help thinking that Richard’s just having fun playing this role, and really it shows.

               

The film is easily unsubtle; in fact there isn’t a subtle bone in its body. The ending has Burton and Simmons ascending the stairs of heaven, literally. But still it’s not un-enjoyable; it’s almost campy sometimes – especially when portraying Caligula. I have a strange affection for this; it’s obviously rooted in Burton who’s just outstanding anyway you put it. But it’s more than that. Sure it’s a little cut and dry when it all comes down to it, but it’s a nice little film or epic. Depending on which way you look at it. And it’s my #99.