Tonight my flatmates have much more glamorous things to do, so I'm holding up the watching-tv-alone fort on my own. It's ok, actually; I've got a nice view over the city of Point B, the air is flowing nicely through the flat, and salt and pepper squid in the oven....which I should probably check on.
And now that I've spent fifteen minutes trying to cleanse my eye of the oil/garlic/chilli that spattered with alarming specificity into my eye, I've decided that experimentation in the kitchen is not for me. I wonder if your eyeball can blister...
Anyway. Today I dipped back into some old writing work, and currently am toying with a particular character who seems to be lacking in, well, character. I tend to insert pieces of my own personality into my character, and it seems poor old Lucy displays my boring and safe side. She needs to shake it up a little.
Me: Hey, Lucy. I've been rethinking your character. I don't want you to revert to the stereotypical action girl, but do you think we could try something a little more rounded?
Lucy: You mean, sarcastic and sparkling?
Me: Too 'Elizabeth Bennett'.
Lucy: What about giggly and self-absorbed?
Me: I'm pretty sure that's taken.
Lucy: Can't you try developing a completely ordinary character?
Me: Well, yes, but even ordinary people are more than spectators in their own stories.
Lucy: Rude!
Me: I tell it like it is, babycakes.
Lucy: I hope you're just trying to shock me into new characteristics.
Me: I'll let you know if you start displaying any.
See, now I'm just beating up on a fictional character. This, my friends, is what comes of having too much time on your hands.
Meanwhile, I'm looking for work, in the sense that I spend a lot of time looking at jobs and thinking that I'm never going to get hired to do anything because I'm trained for nothing. Stupid lack of interest in law. So if anyone out there hears of a fabulous position that pays well and comes with compulsory puppy-cuddling, let me know. Maybe I should just go and play with the worms in the garden.
Time for dessert.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
In which I'm never moving again ever.
It was somewhere about halfway between point A and point B where my car decided enough was enough.
I'd left the rest stop about ten minutes ago, and happened to glance at the temperature gauge only to discover that it was quite decisively on "high". In fact, it looked as though it would have gone straight past "high" to "I'm dying, I'm dying, oh god the heat" if there had been room on the gauge. Then the accelerator chimed in with a delightful rattle every time I pressed down. Wondering if I could coast the next 100 or so kilometres to point B and deciding this was probably not an option, I did what any young person of the world would do.
I called my Dad.
Long story short, I got onto the friendly roadside assist people, tried not to think about horror movies, and waited for the tow truck, who took me into the nearest town and dropped me and my car-shaped bundle of overheated pieces at the mechanics. Turns out I'd blown a gasket (ok, the CAR had blown a gasket) which was going to cost more than my car was worth to fix. End result, I am now without a car. Poor Dad had to drive the 200-odd kilometres from point A to come rescue me and my car-load of possessions bound for the new digs in point B.
SUCH a smooth transition.
While I'm still without car, and now aware of how gloriously un-fit I am (never, ever move into a building without a lift. EVER), I'm at least moved-in, and apart from the empty boxes in the corner, the fact that I haven't got any clothes hangers, and that most of my books and dvds and tv have not yet arrived, it's a nice clean room, and it is mine. Hurrah!
Decided not to venture out any more today, as it seems uncommonly unfair to expect it. Of course, I'm not sure what I'll do about dinner. The contents of my cupboard include pasta, tinned fruit, sprinkles (left over from when I was giving a lesson on how to make fairy-bread-men) and various other herbs and spices. Also a box of porridge oats. Hmm. This could be the best, or the worst meal ever eaten...
I've got big ideas.
I'd left the rest stop about ten minutes ago, and happened to glance at the temperature gauge only to discover that it was quite decisively on "high". In fact, it looked as though it would have gone straight past "high" to "I'm dying, I'm dying, oh god the heat" if there had been room on the gauge. Then the accelerator chimed in with a delightful rattle every time I pressed down. Wondering if I could coast the next 100 or so kilometres to point B and deciding this was probably not an option, I did what any young person of the world would do.
I called my Dad.
Long story short, I got onto the friendly roadside assist people, tried not to think about horror movies, and waited for the tow truck, who took me into the nearest town and dropped me and my car-shaped bundle of overheated pieces at the mechanics. Turns out I'd blown a gasket (ok, the CAR had blown a gasket) which was going to cost more than my car was worth to fix. End result, I am now without a car. Poor Dad had to drive the 200-odd kilometres from point A to come rescue me and my car-load of possessions bound for the new digs in point B.
SUCH a smooth transition.
While I'm still without car, and now aware of how gloriously un-fit I am (never, ever move into a building without a lift. EVER), I'm at least moved-in, and apart from the empty boxes in the corner, the fact that I haven't got any clothes hangers, and that most of my books and dvds and tv have not yet arrived, it's a nice clean room, and it is mine. Hurrah!
Decided not to venture out any more today, as it seems uncommonly unfair to expect it. Of course, I'm not sure what I'll do about dinner. The contents of my cupboard include pasta, tinned fruit, sprinkles (left over from when I was giving a lesson on how to make fairy-bread-men) and various other herbs and spices. Also a box of porridge oats. Hmm. This could be the best, or the worst meal ever eaten...
I've got big ideas.
Monday, March 16, 2009
In which I spend a lot of time talking about my dog
Last night I caved and let the dog stay outside. He was there at the back of his kennel looking forlornly out with his great brown eyes. Also it was cold and I was tired, so I let him stay out.
A couple of hours later this was proved to have been rather a colossal mistake, as I awoke to quite a lot of grumpy, incessant and pointless barking. At the back gate. Now my beloved puppy is getting on in years and has limited powers of hearing and sight, so it's quite possible that he was actually barking at the gate. Nevertheless, I was awake, and so to stem the flow of notes from neighbours in the morning, I stomped out to catch the little bugger. Unfortunately the aforementioned lessening of senses in the Little Master prevented him from actually recognising me or my patented stop-your-barking glare, and so instead of trotting guiltily up to admit his wrongdoing, poor little frightened puppy yapped like crazy and ran straight off to the safety of his kennel. Felt rather bad about this so instead of chastising I had to comfort him and carry him inside. Think he was quite glad to be inside after all that.
So you see the quality of these posts has dwindled somewhat following the Oscars. And while fly swatting and doggy anecdotes may amuse one or two (all this depending on there being more than one person reading this post -- unlikely), it ain't gonna pay the rent, so I'll try to have some more interesting adventures. Maybe I'd better go to Paris or something...
I'm moving to another city on Friday and have not exactly finished packing, in the traditional sense of the world. This is fairly indicative of my personality, and starting to concern me a little. The whole move is concerning me, if truth be told. It's not a different country or anything (more's the pity) but still, I think it's going to be more difficult than I first envisioned. Mostly because I'm not the world's biggest fan of this city ("yet", the more optimistic part of me adds), and so it's going to take a bit of work to feel at home. Nothing to do but jump in and try, I suppose. One-two-three go!
It's approaching my bedtime, and the Little Master has just fallen asleep, so it's the perfect time to carry him to his basket in the laundry. Nighty night.
A couple of hours later this was proved to have been rather a colossal mistake, as I awoke to quite a lot of grumpy, incessant and pointless barking. At the back gate. Now my beloved puppy is getting on in years and has limited powers of hearing and sight, so it's quite possible that he was actually barking at the gate. Nevertheless, I was awake, and so to stem the flow of notes from neighbours in the morning, I stomped out to catch the little bugger. Unfortunately the aforementioned lessening of senses in the Little Master prevented him from actually recognising me or my patented stop-your-barking glare, and so instead of trotting guiltily up to admit his wrongdoing, poor little frightened puppy yapped like crazy and ran straight off to the safety of his kennel. Felt rather bad about this so instead of chastising I had to comfort him and carry him inside. Think he was quite glad to be inside after all that.
So you see the quality of these posts has dwindled somewhat following the Oscars. And while fly swatting and doggy anecdotes may amuse one or two (all this depending on there being more than one person reading this post -- unlikely), it ain't gonna pay the rent, so I'll try to have some more interesting adventures. Maybe I'd better go to Paris or something...
I'm moving to another city on Friday and have not exactly finished packing, in the traditional sense of the world. This is fairly indicative of my personality, and starting to concern me a little. The whole move is concerning me, if truth be told. It's not a different country or anything (more's the pity) but still, I think it's going to be more difficult than I first envisioned. Mostly because I'm not the world's biggest fan of this city ("yet", the more optimistic part of me adds), and so it's going to take a bit of work to feel at home. Nothing to do but jump in and try, I suppose. One-two-three go!
It's approaching my bedtime, and the Little Master has just fallen asleep, so it's the perfect time to carry him to his basket in the laundry. Nighty night.
Friday, March 13, 2009
In which I am the fly killer, feared by all!
Yes, it's true. Mid-air fly-swat, people. Mr Miyagi's got nothing on me. Except he did it with chopsticks. I guess.
So this morning I got up at 5am (or, you know, thereabouts) to drive out and watch the balloon festival. Still pretty dark, but the smell of dutch pancakes was in the air, and someone was doing a fairly bad job of radio commentary. Nevermind, balloons! Right?....Right?
WRONG! Stupid prevailing winds. And where's the challenge if you're going to give up over a little breeze? These balloonists need to toughen up, that's what.
Anyway, I have to do it again tomorrow morning. Ugh.
Ah yes, the Oscars. Remember them? I was on the whole quite pleased with it. Thought Hugh Jackman did a pretty good job of entertaining, and while I was thrown by the fact that Jack "How Long Til We Can Cut to Nicholson" Nicholson was nowhere to be seen, I was mollified by Jackman's "home made" opening number. So:
In which we were pleased:
Danny Boyle. Just awesome. He was so excited.
The Slumdog Millionaire kids on the red carpet - they. Are. Fantastic.
Sean Penn winning (let out the biggest gasp at that point) and his acceptance speech.
Tina Fey and Steve Martin's "religion about aliens that they made up".
Kate Winslet's dad whistling to indicate his position in the audience. Awww.
Heath Ledger's win. YES I CRIED. I'm only human.
Two acceptance speeches in particular: Man On Wire, where the guy DID MAGIC ON STAGE (I mean seriously, more of that, please), and the winner for "The House of Little Cubes" ending his speech with "Domo arigato, Mr Roboto". Hell YES.
In which we could have been more pleased:
Not sure I'm loving the "five actors/actresses present the acting nominees one by one". Takes longer than a clips show, for one thing, and for another, I was really looking forward to Robert Downey's clip.
Also the creative camera movement during the In Memoriam segment. Seriously. Now is not the time, guys.
But on the whole, pretty damn good. Ich bin pleased.
So this morning I got up at 5am (or, you know, thereabouts) to drive out and watch the balloon festival. Still pretty dark, but the smell of dutch pancakes was in the air, and someone was doing a fairly bad job of radio commentary. Nevermind, balloons! Right?....Right?
WRONG! Stupid prevailing winds. And where's the challenge if you're going to give up over a little breeze? These balloonists need to toughen up, that's what.
Anyway, I have to do it again tomorrow morning. Ugh.
Ah yes, the Oscars. Remember them? I was on the whole quite pleased with it. Thought Hugh Jackman did a pretty good job of entertaining, and while I was thrown by the fact that Jack "How Long Til We Can Cut to Nicholson" Nicholson was nowhere to be seen, I was mollified by Jackman's "home made" opening number. So:
In which we were pleased:
Danny Boyle. Just awesome. He was so excited.
The Slumdog Millionaire kids on the red carpet - they. Are. Fantastic.
Sean Penn winning (let out the biggest gasp at that point) and his acceptance speech.
Tina Fey and Steve Martin's "religion about aliens that they made up".
Kate Winslet's dad whistling to indicate his position in the audience. Awww.
Heath Ledger's win. YES I CRIED. I'm only human.
Two acceptance speeches in particular: Man On Wire, where the guy DID MAGIC ON STAGE (I mean seriously, more of that, please), and the winner for "The House of Little Cubes" ending his speech with "Domo arigato, Mr Roboto". Hell YES.
In which we could have been more pleased:
Not sure I'm loving the "five actors/actresses present the acting nominees one by one". Takes longer than a clips show, for one thing, and for another, I was really looking forward to Robert Downey's clip.
Also the creative camera movement during the In Memoriam segment. Seriously. Now is not the time, guys.
But on the whole, pretty damn good. Ich bin pleased.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
In which there are no more sleeps!
Well, if you're reading this, I guess you asked for it:
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
It seems like it's pretty much a given here that Slumdog Millionaire will take out the big prize. And I'm pretty damn happy with that. I never saw Milk or The Reader, but I'm still pulling for Slumdog. It's a really touching film, and manages, despite such despair and pain, to leave you feeling really good. I'd be just as happy if Frost/Nixon won, but I'd say the runner up is Milk, and possibly (though not necessarily justifiably) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director
Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry for The Reader
David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant for Milk
It's funny that it's sort of unusual for all the directors whose films have been nominated for Picture to show up here in the Director category. Ususally there's a wildcard, but here I think they've got it right (Batman fans will disagree, and possibly Chris Nolan should have been considered). Frost/Nixon is Howard's most subtle film to date, and it's really elegantly handled. I was really impressed with it. Benjamin Button is capable, and looks gorgeous, but possibly a tad overlong. I think, though, that Mr Boyle is going to get his just desserts for Slumdog. And when you look at the film, it's really hard to argue with that.
Who Should Win: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor
Richard Jenkins for The Visitor
Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn for Milk
Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Oh, Frank Langella. How I wish you would win in this category.
He's amazing as Nixon, and he's certainly paid his dues. Sadly, I don't think he'll get it. I haven't seen The Wrestler, so I can't really comment, but by all accounts Mickey Rourke is the one to beat here. He certainly gives a great acceptance speech, so there's that to look forward to (hands on buzzers, censors!). If it's not Rourke, I think it's Penn's again, although the Academy has never been a fan of his. Pitt has done better (see Burn After Reading), and Richard Jenkins is too much of a wild card.
Who Should Win: Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon
Who Will Win: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Best Actress
Anne Hathaway for Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie for The Changeling
Melissa Leo for Frozen River
Meryl Streep for Doubt
Kate Winslet for The Reader
Speaking of people who have paid their dues. Kate Winslet has been nominated, what, five times now? Give the girl the damn Oscar! It's pretty much Winslet's to lose, although Ms Streep, who gives a powerhouse performance in Doubt, can never really be discounted. And while there's a big to do about whether filmmakers are using the Holocaust to gain awards (seems a pretty dumb thing to say, if you ask me) I still do hope that Kate mentions Ricky Gervais in her speech.
Who Should Win: Kate Winslet for The Reader
Who Will Win: Kate Winslet for The Reader
Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin for Milk
Robert Downey Jr for Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour "Icky Man" Hoffman for Doubt
Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon for Revolutionary Road
This is the one people are calling a lock. It's Ledger's,
they say. And I tell you what, the Academy is facing a riot if it's not. And I do believe that it's not just sentimental. I think he really earned it with this role. Anyone who can look that demented and terrifying in a nurse's uniform knows what they're doing. You watch this tour de force (look at me, being all French) and you really do feel how much of a loss it is that such a talent is gone. Michael Shannon, it has to be said, is in Revolutionary Road for about five minutes, but jayzus, he packs a punch. I'm looking forward to Robert Downey Jr's clip the most, and I'm hoping it's the "you people" scene. As for Mr Ledger, I'm gunning for the pencil scene, not just because of the magic trick, but because I think that was some damn fine acting.
Who Should Win: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams for Doubt
Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis for Doubt
Taraji P. Henson for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler
This one really could be anyone's Oscar. I'm leaning towards Cruz, because I think she's better than her earlier movies (Vanilla Sky, All the Pretty Horses) indicated. Otherwise, it could be Tomei, about whom much has been said (see Rourke's BAFTA speech: "I think she was very brave to take her clothes off...I enjoyed looking at her") -- no no! Of her performance. But there's still a little ill will there in the Academy for her My Cousin Vinny Oscar (legend has it that the presenter, one Jack Palance, may have been a little drunk and read out the wrong name...). I really liked Taraji P. Henson, and Viola Davis (again, about 5 minutes on screen) was powerful, but I'm going with Cruz.
Who Should Win: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Who Will Win: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Original Screenplay
Frozen River
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Milk
Wall*E
I do think it's rough that neither Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky or Colin Farrell for In Bruges got a nomination, despite both of them winning at the Golden Globes. Nevertheless. I'd say it's between In Bruges and Wall*E, but that my just be because I'd love to see Pixar get recognition for bringing intelligent, witty stories back to animation. Possibly the BAFTAs have given In Bruges an edge, and I wouldn't mind if it won, really.
Who Should Win: Wall*E
Who Will Win: In Bruges
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Again, it's kind of open, although I do think that Slumdog deserves all its nominations to be awarded. It feels odd having that much confidence in a movie, but there you go. If it's not Slumdog, I'd really, REALLY like it to be Frost/Nixon, based on the play that both lead actors starred in prior to the film. I just want this film to win something, damnit!
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Cinematography
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Again, I think Slumdog earned this one, but if not, I'd be happy to see it go to Wally Pfister for The Dark Knight. He's won a couple of cinematography awards so far, so it's not that unlikely. (Sorry these are getting short, but I'm running against the clock here!)
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Editing
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
I'm thinking it's one of three: The Dark Knight, Frost/Nixon or Slumdog Millionaire, and I think that the one for which it was most significantly used was Slumdog.
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Art Direction
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Hmmm. Lost of period dramas here, but I think perhaps The Dark Knight's elaborate sets will push it over the line. Possibly not far enough to beat The Duchess, as we all know how much the Academy likes ye olde extravagancee.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Duchess
Best Costume
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
It's all about fantasy and periods. Mostly periods. And while I love the Joker's costume in The Dark Knight, I think it's more likely that either The Duchess or Australia (because you never discount Catherine Martin) will win.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Duchess
Best Makeup
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
Another person you can't ever discount in the artistic
categories is Guillarmo Del Toro's crew. So don't be surprised if there's an upset by Hellboy 2. As it is, I think it'll be Benjamin Button's major win. And when you look at Mr Pitt it's kind of understandable.
Who Should Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Who Will Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original Score
Alexandre Desplat for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
James Newton Howard for Defiance
Danny Elfman for Milk
A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman for WALL*E
I love saying Alexandre Desplat. I'm really, really pulling for Mr Newman, although that probably comes as no surprise. It's probably going to be A. R. Rahman, and that's kind of ok, because I'd like Newman to win it for something really extraordinary.
Who Should Win: Thomas Newman for WALL*E
Who Will Win: A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Dear Oscar God. If Thomas Newman can't win for Original Score, please let him win for the Song instead. Having said that, the Slumdog songs are so catchy...
Who Should Win: "Down to Earth" from WALL*E
Who Will Win: "Down to Earth" from WALL*E
Best Sound
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (I now hate this movie for its long title)
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL*E
Wanted
I'd say The Dark Knight has a clear shot here.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Dark Knight
Best Sound Editing
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL*E
Wanted
So much has been said about WALL*E's sound, and all of it manufactured in a junkyard, that I think it might FINALLY be Pixar's time for an Oscar here. Yaaay!
Who Should Win: WALL*E
Who Will Win: WALL*E
Best Visual Effects
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (CURSES)
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
This one I think is either Iron Man's or BB's (yeah, I'm not even going to try). Maybe Brad Pitt's transformation from old to cute.
Who Should Win: That Button film.
Who Will Win: That Button film.
Best Animated Film
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL*E
If it's not WALL*E, I really don't know what they think they're doing. Such an adorable film about a really gorgeous character.
Who Should Win: WALL*E
Who Will Win: WALL*E
Best Foreign Language Film
Der Baader Meinhoff Komplex
Entre les Murs
Revanche
Okuribito
Vals Im Bashir
The only one I've heard of, and it's gotten some really high praise.
Who Should Win:Vals Im Bashir
Who Will Win: Vals Im Bashir
Best Documentary, Feature
The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
Encounters at the End of the World
The Garden
Man On Wire
Trouble the Water
One. You don't often hear a lot about documentaries, and this one just won the BAFTA for best British Film. Two. It looks freaking TERRIFYING.
Who Should Win: Man on Wire
Who Will Win: Man on Wire
The Final Inch
Smile Pinki
The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306
No idea. Let's go for Smile Pinki. And that balcony one.
Who Should Win: Smile Pinki
Who Will Win: The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306
Best Short film, Animated
Les Maison en petits cubes
Ubornaya istoriya - lyubovnaya istoriya
Oktapodi
Presto
This Way Up
Presto is AWESOME. Although I do REALLY like the House of the Little Cubes.
Who Should Win: Presto!
Who Will Win: Presto!
Best Short film, Live Action
Auf de Strecke
Manon sur le bitume
New Boy
Grisen
Spielzeugland
Er.....um....
Who Should Win: Auf de Strecke
Who Will Win: New Boy
THAT's IT! Phew! In the nick of time! Good luck everyone!!
Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
It seems like it's pretty much a given here that Slumdog Millionaire will take out the big prize. And I'm pretty damn happy with that. I never saw Milk or The Reader, but I'm still pulling for Slumdog. It's a really touching film, and manages, despite such despair and pain, to leave you feeling really good. I'd be just as happy if Frost/Nixon won, but I'd say the runner up is Milk, and possibly (though not necessarily justifiably) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director
Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry for The Reader
David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant for Milk
It's funny that it's sort of unusual for all the directors whose films have been nominated for Picture to show up here in the Director category. Ususally there's a wildcard, but here I think they've got it right (Batman fans will disagree, and possibly Chris Nolan should have been considered). Frost/Nixon is Howard's most subtle film to date, and it's really elegantly handled. I was really impressed with it. Benjamin Button is capable, and looks gorgeous, but possibly a tad overlong. I think, though, that Mr Boyle is going to get his just desserts for Slumdog. And when you look at the film, it's really hard to argue with that.
Who Should Win: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor
Richard Jenkins for The Visitor
Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn for Milk
Brad Pitt for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Oh, Frank Langella. How I wish you would win in this category.
He's amazing as Nixon, and he's certainly paid his dues. Sadly, I don't think he'll get it. I haven't seen The Wrestler, so I can't really comment, but by all accounts Mickey Rourke is the one to beat here. He certainly gives a great acceptance speech, so there's that to look forward to (hands on buzzers, censors!). If it's not Rourke, I think it's Penn's again, although the Academy has never been a fan of his. Pitt has done better (see Burn After Reading), and Richard Jenkins is too much of a wild card.Who Should Win: Frank Langella for Frost/Nixon
Who Will Win: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Best Actress
Anne Hathaway for Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie for The Changeling
Melissa Leo for Frozen River
Meryl Streep for Doubt
Kate Winslet for The Reader
Speaking of people who have paid their dues. Kate Winslet has been nominated, what, five times now? Give the girl the damn Oscar! It's pretty much Winslet's to lose, although Ms Streep, who gives a powerhouse performance in Doubt, can never really be discounted. And while there's a big to do about whether filmmakers are using the Holocaust to gain awards (seems a pretty dumb thing to say, if you ask me) I still do hope that Kate mentions Ricky Gervais in her speech.
Who Should Win: Kate Winslet for The Reader
Who Will Win: Kate Winslet for The Reader
Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin for Milk
Robert Downey Jr for Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour "Icky Man" Hoffman for Doubt
Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon for Revolutionary Road
This is the one people are calling a lock. It's Ledger's,
they say. And I tell you what, the Academy is facing a riot if it's not. And I do believe that it's not just sentimental. I think he really earned it with this role. Anyone who can look that demented and terrifying in a nurse's uniform knows what they're doing. You watch this tour de force (look at me, being all French) and you really do feel how much of a loss it is that such a talent is gone. Michael Shannon, it has to be said, is in Revolutionary Road for about five minutes, but jayzus, he packs a punch. I'm looking forward to Robert Downey Jr's clip the most, and I'm hoping it's the "you people" scene. As for Mr Ledger, I'm gunning for the pencil scene, not just because of the magic trick, but because I think that was some damn fine acting.
Who Should Win: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams for Doubt
Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis for Doubt
Taraji P. Henson for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler
This one really could be anyone's Oscar. I'm leaning towards Cruz, because I think she's better than her earlier movies (Vanilla Sky, All the Pretty Horses) indicated. Otherwise, it could be Tomei, about whom much has been said (see Rourke's BAFTA speech: "I think she was very brave to take her clothes off...I enjoyed looking at her") -- no no! Of her performance. But there's still a little ill will there in the Academy for her My Cousin Vinny Oscar (legend has it that the presenter, one Jack Palance, may have been a little drunk and read out the wrong name...). I really liked Taraji P. Henson, and Viola Davis (again, about 5 minutes on screen) was powerful, but I'm going with Cruz.
Who Should Win: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Who Will Win: Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Original Screenplay
Frozen River
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Milk
Wall*E
I do think it's rough that neither Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky or Colin Farrell for In Bruges got a nomination, despite both of them winning at the Golden Globes. Nevertheless. I'd say it's between In Bruges and Wall*E, but that my just be because I'd love to see Pixar get recognition for bringing intelligent, witty stories back to animation. Possibly the BAFTAs have given In Bruges an edge, and I wouldn't mind if it won, really.
Who Should Win: Wall*E
Who Will Win: In Bruges
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Doubt
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Again, it's kind of open, although I do think that Slumdog deserves all its nominations to be awarded. It feels odd having that much confidence in a movie, but there you go. If it's not Slumdog, I'd really, REALLY like it to be Frost/Nixon, based on the play that both lead actors starred in prior to the film. I just want this film to win something, damnit!
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Cinematography
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Again, I think Slumdog earned this one, but if not, I'd be happy to see it go to Wally Pfister for The Dark Knight. He's won a couple of cinematography awards so far, so it's not that unlikely. (Sorry these are getting short, but I'm running against the clock here!)
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Editing
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
I'm thinking it's one of three: The Dark Knight, Frost/Nixon or Slumdog Millionaire, and I think that the one for which it was most significantly used was Slumdog.
Who Should Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Art Direction
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Hmmm. Lost of period dramas here, but I think perhaps The Dark Knight's elaborate sets will push it over the line. Possibly not far enough to beat The Duchess, as we all know how much the Academy likes ye olde extravagancee.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Duchess
Best Costume
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
It's all about fantasy and periods. Mostly periods. And while I love the Joker's costume in The Dark Knight, I think it's more likely that either The Duchess or Australia (because you never discount Catherine Martin) will win.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Duchess
Best Makeup
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army
Another person you can't ever discount in the artistic
categories is Guillarmo Del Toro's crew. So don't be surprised if there's an upset by Hellboy 2. As it is, I think it'll be Benjamin Button's major win. And when you look at Mr Pitt it's kind of understandable.
Who Should Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Who Will Win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Original Score
Alexandre Desplat for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
James Newton Howard for Defiance
Danny Elfman for Milk
A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Thomas Newman for WALL*E
I love saying Alexandre Desplat. I'm really, really pulling for Mr Newman, although that probably comes as no surprise. It's probably going to be A. R. Rahman, and that's kind of ok, because I'd like Newman to win it for something really extraordinary.
Who Should Win: Thomas Newman for WALL*E
Who Will Win: A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Original Song
"Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire
"O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire
"Down to Earth" from WALL*EDear Oscar God. If Thomas Newman can't win for Original Score, please let him win for the Song instead. Having said that, the Slumdog songs are so catchy...
Who Should Win: "Down to Earth" from WALL*E
Who Will Win: "Down to Earth" from WALL*E
Best Sound
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (I now hate this movie for its long title)
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL*E
Wanted
I'd say The Dark Knight has a clear shot here.
Who Should Win: The Dark Knight
Who Will Win: The Dark Knight
Best Sound Editing
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL*E
Wanted
So much has been said about WALL*E's sound, and all of it manufactured in a junkyard, that I think it might FINALLY be Pixar's time for an Oscar here. Yaaay!
Who Should Win: WALL*E
Who Will Win: WALL*E
Best Visual Effects
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (CURSES)
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
This one I think is either Iron Man's or BB's (yeah, I'm not even going to try). Maybe Brad Pitt's transformation from old to cute.
Who Should Win: That Button film.
Who Will Win: That Button film.
Best Animated Film
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL*EIf it's not WALL*E, I really don't know what they think they're doing. Such an adorable film about a really gorgeous character.
Who Should Win: WALL*E
Who Will Win: WALL*E
Best Foreign Language Film
Der Baader Meinhoff Komplex
Entre les Murs
Revanche
Okuribito
Vals Im Bashir
The only one I've heard of, and it's gotten some really high praise.
Who Should Win:Vals Im Bashir
Who Will Win: Vals Im Bashir
Best Documentary, Feature
The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
Encounters at the End of the World
The Garden
Man On Wire
Trouble the Water
One. You don't often hear a lot about documentaries, and this one just won the BAFTA for best British Film. Two. It looks freaking TERRIFYING.
Who Should Win: Man on Wire
Who Will Win: Man on Wire
Best Documentary, Short
The Conscience of Nhem EnThe Final Inch
Smile Pinki
The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306
No idea. Let's go for Smile Pinki. And that balcony one.
Who Should Win: Smile Pinki
Who Will Win: The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306
Best Short film, Animated
Les Maison en petits cubes
Ubornaya istoriya - lyubovnaya istoriya
Oktapodi
Presto
This Way Up
Presto is AWESOME. Although I do REALLY like the House of the Little Cubes.
Who Should Win: Presto!
Who Will Win: Presto!
Best Short film, Live Action
Auf de Strecke
Manon sur le bitume
New Boy
Grisen
Spielzeugland
Er.....um....
Who Should Win: Auf de Strecke
Who Will Win: New Boy
THAT's IT! Phew! In the nick of time! Good luck everyone!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
In which the rat symbolises obviousness
Captain's Log: 20 February
Last movie watched: Election
Song currently stuck in head: "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys. Listen to it. Thank me later.
We're down to the penultimate oblog, finishing off the last of the Best Picture winners. Speaking of which, the last awards are those for Best Director and Best Motion Picture. Apparently the latter has changed several times over the years, from Outstanding Picture to Outstanding Motion Picture to Best Picture...ladies and gentlemen, enter the most boring piece of trivia yet. Something that I like, though, is the fact that every so often the Academy discusses new categories to include.
Best Casting (rejected in 1999)
Best Stunt Coordination (rejected in 1999 and 2005)
Best Title Design (rejected in 1999)
Ok, though it says they meet every year it looks as though they only did anything in 1999. Shame. I'd like to see an award for Best Performance by an Inanimate Object (this year's nominees include The Pencil in The Dark Knight, and the Magician's Hat in Presto!). Or Best Performance by a Meal. It'd be great. I do understand the Stunt guys' beef, though, I mean, no one else is lighting themselves on fire or jumping out of windows. Seems the least they could do is give 'em a little gold statue.
Almost forgot to include this, but guess what happened in 2003? Finally, the Oscar Went To the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King! Yay! First Fantasy film EVER to win, and I was stoked. I sort of think the first one deserved it most, but I was happy it was being honoured at all. Plot? Come on,
have you not seen it yet? It's the third in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and all hell is breaking loose. The armies of Rohan (hi Rohan!), Gondor and, well, the dead, are bonding together to fight the evil army of Mordor, while several hobbits, an elf, a dwarf, a man and a wizard kick ass in various ways, shapes and forms. Most of all, Frodo, Sam and a brilliantly brought-to-life Gollum destroy the One Ring. If none of this means anything to you, you might as well skip ahead, because it ain't getting any clearer. The effects are amazing, the performances uniformally great, and the script extraordinarily well done. I've spoken to a couple of people involved in this film and they all seem to just love being a part of it, which makes a great deal of difference. The legendary multiple endings were fine with me, I never liked their posters much, because they all ended up being a bit much. They all seemed to have teaser posters, though, which were much simpler and in my opinion more effective. So I've found the teaser poster.
Speaking of things that didn't happen, it's time for the winner* of Best Picture 2005. It's Brokeback Mountain. Now I know what you're saying, popular myth has it that some other movie won, despite the former winning just about EVERY SINGLE OTHER AWARD. But those people are, in the words of Shakespeare, wrongity wrong wrong. It was Brokeback Mountain. The tale of two people who fall in love and are unable to be together. Sure it's usually described as "that gay cowboy movie", but I think the people are right who say that it's really just a love story, and a beautifully-told one, at that. Ang Lee's direction is pretty much pitch perfect, and he makes sure that every shot is important. You just don't see that kind of commitment in many movies these days. It was the first movie I've seen where I was really, REALLY impressed with Heath Ledger's performance -- he's got this angry, jaw-clenching mannerism going through the whole thing, and it's a really great choice. Heh. Apparently he almost broke Jake Gyllenhaal's nose during a kiss. Not too shabby. Jake is also impressive, and incredibly good looking, but that's not the only reason I like this movie. I like it because halfway through you actually are able to see it solely as a love story - it's not about sexuality any more, it's about love and tragedy. And pretty, pretty guys. Ahem.
Apparently the poster was modelled after Titanic's, which is kind of cool.
Right, next it was one of my favourite films of the last few
years, 2006's The Departed. It's been mentioned to me that it's a complete copy of Hong Kong's Infernal Affairs, but I haven't seen that, so too bad. I will say this though, the director of the Hong Kong version says: "Of course I think my version is better. But the Hollywood version is pretty good too." Heh. This is also the movie in which the song mentioned above features prominently. I challenge you to find better lyrics. The plot is this: one police school graduate becomes a member of the State Police. He is also a spy for Boston's biggest crime lord, Jack Nicholson. Oh, er, Frank Costello. Another graduate is chosen by the State Police to become an insider in Costello's gang, working for the cops as a spy. One gets promoted, the other gets sent to jail to make his expulsion from the police force look real. Nice. But it becomes about the subject of identity, and the importance of that. Leonardo DiCaprio is just getting better and better, and Mark Wahlberg kicks ass, although I'm impressed they found a scene to show in his Best Supporting Actor nominee clip that didn't include the 'f' word. Jack Nicholson is insane and Alec Baldwin also has one of the best and most telling lines of the film, during a police bugging of an illegal exchange, about how much he loves the Patriot Act.
"The Simpsons" also did a spoof episode of this film called "The De-Barted", and while I love the movie, I have to admit this was pretty genius, and includes a quote from one Ralph Wiggum at the end that'll make sense to anyone who's seen the movie:
"The rat symbolises obviousness!"
Mr Scorsese, I love you, but... Hee.
And at the end, we come to 2007's winner, No Country for Old Men. For me, it's really a movie that's made by the presence of the lovely (but here not so lovely) Javier Bardem. Sporting one of the most famously worst hairstyles of all kind, he's chilling and quietly violent (does that even make sense?) as the bounty hunter who just won't freaking stop. The petrol station coin-tossing scene is legendary for good reason, and his whole sense of calm is what's so unnerving. The whole film, in fact, has VERY little dialogue, or even sound. It's all about the long silences and the vast expanses of wasteland. How far each character has come, how far there is to go. And this is a film made by the same people who made Burn After Reading. Go figure.
There's only one to go, and that's my incredibly LONG blog on final predictions.
Byee.
"Who the fuck are you?"
"I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy."
--- Anthony Estrella, Mark Wahlberg - The Departed ---
*at least in MY Oscars
Last movie watched: Election
Song currently stuck in head: "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys. Listen to it. Thank me later.
We're down to the penultimate oblog, finishing off the last of the Best Picture winners. Speaking of which, the last awards are those for Best Director and Best Motion Picture. Apparently the latter has changed several times over the years, from Outstanding Picture to Outstanding Motion Picture to Best Picture...ladies and gentlemen, enter the most boring piece of trivia yet. Something that I like, though, is the fact that every so often the Academy discusses new categories to include.
Best Casting (rejected in 1999)
Best Stunt Coordination (rejected in 1999 and 2005)
Best Title Design (rejected in 1999)
Ok, though it says they meet every year it looks as though they only did anything in 1999. Shame. I'd like to see an award for Best Performance by an Inanimate Object (this year's nominees include The Pencil in The Dark Knight, and the Magician's Hat in Presto!). Or Best Performance by a Meal. It'd be great. I do understand the Stunt guys' beef, though, I mean, no one else is lighting themselves on fire or jumping out of windows. Seems the least they could do is give 'em a little gold statue.
Almost forgot to include this, but guess what happened in 2003? Finally, the Oscar Went To the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King! Yay! First Fantasy film EVER to win, and I was stoked. I sort of think the first one deserved it most, but I was happy it was being honoured at all. Plot? Come on,
have you not seen it yet? It's the third in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and all hell is breaking loose. The armies of Rohan (hi Rohan!), Gondor and, well, the dead, are bonding together to fight the evil army of Mordor, while several hobbits, an elf, a dwarf, a man and a wizard kick ass in various ways, shapes and forms. Most of all, Frodo, Sam and a brilliantly brought-to-life Gollum destroy the One Ring. If none of this means anything to you, you might as well skip ahead, because it ain't getting any clearer. The effects are amazing, the performances uniformally great, and the script extraordinarily well done. I've spoken to a couple of people involved in this film and they all seem to just love being a part of it, which makes a great deal of difference. The legendary multiple endings were fine with me, I never liked their posters much, because they all ended up being a bit much. They all seemed to have teaser posters, though, which were much simpler and in my opinion more effective. So I've found the teaser poster.
Speaking of things that didn't happen, it's time for the winner* of Best Picture 2005. It's Brokeback Mountain. Now I know what you're saying, popular myth has it that some other movie won, despite the former winning just about EVERY SINGLE OTHER AWARD. But those people are, in the words of Shakespeare, wrongity wrong wrong. It was Brokeback Mountain. The tale of two people who fall in love and are unable to be together. Sure it's usually described as "that gay cowboy movie", but I think the people are right who say that it's really just a love story, and a beautifully-told one, at that. Ang Lee's direction is pretty much pitch perfect, and he makes sure that every shot is important. You just don't see that kind of commitment in many movies these days. It was the first movie I've seen where I was really, REALLY impressed with Heath Ledger's performance -- he's got this angry, jaw-clenching mannerism going through the whole thing, and it's a really great choice. Heh. Apparently he almost broke Jake Gyllenhaal's nose during a kiss. Not too shabby. Jake is also impressive, and incredibly good looking, but that's not the only reason I like this movie. I like it because halfway through you actually are able to see it solely as a love story - it's not about sexuality any more, it's about love and tragedy. And pretty, pretty guys. Ahem.Apparently the poster was modelled after Titanic's, which is kind of cool.
Right, next it was one of my favourite films of the last few
years, 2006's The Departed. It's been mentioned to me that it's a complete copy of Hong Kong's Infernal Affairs, but I haven't seen that, so too bad. I will say this though, the director of the Hong Kong version says: "Of course I think my version is better. But the Hollywood version is pretty good too." Heh. This is also the movie in which the song mentioned above features prominently. I challenge you to find better lyrics. The plot is this: one police school graduate becomes a member of the State Police. He is also a spy for Boston's biggest crime lord, Jack Nicholson. Oh, er, Frank Costello. Another graduate is chosen by the State Police to become an insider in Costello's gang, working for the cops as a spy. One gets promoted, the other gets sent to jail to make his expulsion from the police force look real. Nice. But it becomes about the subject of identity, and the importance of that. Leonardo DiCaprio is just getting better and better, and Mark Wahlberg kicks ass, although I'm impressed they found a scene to show in his Best Supporting Actor nominee clip that didn't include the 'f' word. Jack Nicholson is insane and Alec Baldwin also has one of the best and most telling lines of the film, during a police bugging of an illegal exchange, about how much he loves the Patriot Act."The Simpsons" also did a spoof episode of this film called "The De-Barted", and while I love the movie, I have to admit this was pretty genius, and includes a quote from one Ralph Wiggum at the end that'll make sense to anyone who's seen the movie:
"The rat symbolises obviousness!"
Mr Scorsese, I love you, but... Hee.
And at the end, we come to 2007's winner, No Country for Old Men. For me, it's really a movie that's made by the presence of the lovely (but here not so lovely) Javier Bardem. Sporting one of the most famously worst hairstyles of all kind, he's chilling and quietly violent (does that even make sense?) as the bounty hunter who just won't freaking stop. The petrol station coin-tossing scene is legendary for good reason, and his whole sense of calm is what's so unnerving. The whole film, in fact, has VERY little dialogue, or even sound. It's all about the long silences and the vast expanses of wasteland. How far each character has come, how far there is to go. And this is a film made by the same people who made Burn After Reading. Go figure.There's only one to go, and that's my incredibly LONG blog on final predictions.
Byee.
"Who the fuck are you?"
"I'm the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy."
--- Anthony Estrella, Mark Wahlberg - The Departed ---
*at least in MY Oscars
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
In which the Lord of the Rings doesn't win twice
Captain's log: 17 February
Last movie watched: Sleeping With the Enemy (never has tinned food been so creepy)
Song currently stuck in head: An awesome reggae version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door"
Currently plastered, barnacle-like, in front of the heater and thinking healthy, healthy thoughts. All I want to do when I'm feeling like this is drink hot chocolate and sit in front of some source of heat.
But I'm here now, and it's time to talk about the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress. Quite often given not given to the person I think should win, and so shall it be this year, when I'm dying for Frank Langella to pull off a coup for Frost/Nixon, and they'll give it to Mickey Rourke, probably. (He does give a good speech, though, if his BAFTA one is anything to go by.) As for Best Actress, I suspect Winslet will get it for The Reader, which I'm ok with, because I love Kate Winslet, and although I haven't seen this one, she's usually pretty awesome. Also, I kind of want to see if she mentions Ricky Gervais. (See season 1 of extras)
Now it's sort of timely that the first movie up is Gladiator, winner 2000. Timely because here is the best case you're going to come across of the Best Actor award being given to someone who really has done better (see how polite I'm being?). It's Russell Crowe, whose off-screen antics make it difficult to see as a decent actor, but he is. But clearly the Oscars are not consulting me on matters like this, so all I can do is complain on blogs like this. Now what about this movie. It's ok, I guess, but in my opinion it was a pretty thin-on-the-ground year. Although I can't vouch for Quills, since I left part-way through it (let's just say it is not a film to see with your grandmother). Anyway, back to Gladiator. This might explain a lot of what I just don't warm to about this film:
"Nicholson, the third and final screenwriter, says Crowe told him, “Your lines are garbage but I’m the greatest actor in the world, and I can make even garbage sound good.” "
It's Ridley Scott, too, because I've never really felt he was a "heart" director. But for those of you who have missed this one, it's about a Roman general who royally pisses off the crazy son of emperor, and then pays the price by getting captured into slavery and eventually drafted into "working" as a Gladiator in the Colosseum. Battles ensue, with a musical cue which would later become the theme to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Although it never seems to be acknowledged formally. But as they're both done by Hans Zimmer, I suppose he has the right to plagiarise his own stuff.
Crowe (sorry, The Greatest Actor In The World) was back the next year in 2001's A Beautiful Mind.
There's a lot I like about this film, but I would've given the award to one of two others: Gosford Park, or Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Yeah, I said it! But the movie. It's about mathematician John Nash, who developed highly influential works in game theory. It's about his descent into mental illness, and his struggle to re-enter the world of mathematics. It's about his wife and how she stood by him. (This, incidentally, is pretty fictitious, since they divorced in 1963, but remained friends from 1970 onwards.) It's a nice take on the theme of courage and love, and Ron Howard has always seemed to me to be a person interested in theme and heart than harsh reality. As for trivia, there are a lot of things I could comment on here. Like the fact that Paul Bettany (who I actually quite like) was cast solely due to his performance in A Knight's Tale. I'm sorry, but formation boy-band dancing in vaguely medieval dress is not what I call a great feat of artistry. The best things about this film are the lead performances, from Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Connelly won the Supporting Actress Oscar, Crowe, who shouldn't have won the year before, lost this year to Denzel Washington. Swings and roundabouts.
The year 2002, Lord of the Rings Doesn't Win Again. I can let this go a little easier, I suppose, because Chicago, 2002's winner, is a lot of fun. Renee Zellweger and her disappearing eyes notwithstanding (seriously: look at her in Jerry Maguire and then look at her now). And I've got nothing against giving awards to films that are fun. It's certainly the polar opposite of The Pianist. So what's it about? It's based on the musical, about two murderesses trying to play the publicity game to get themselves out of a death sentence. Catherine Zeta-Jones's performance is best described by the words "brassy" and "awesome", and she and Richard Gere (who knew he could sing and dance?) steal the show, and Gere's tap-dance is my favourite part of it. Unless it's the touching rendition of "Mr Cellophane" by John C. Reilly. It's got so much vigour and so many great sets and ideas for choreography. It's just really good fun.
Oh yes, boys and girls. Today's lesson is: "Fun is good."
Only a couple more oblogs to go!
"They'd love you a lot more if you were hanged. You know why? Because it would sell more papers. That's Chicago."
--- Richard Gere - Chicago ---
Last movie watched: Sleeping With the Enemy (never has tinned food been so creepy)
Song currently stuck in head: An awesome reggae version of "Knocking on Heaven's Door"
Currently plastered, barnacle-like, in front of the heater and thinking healthy, healthy thoughts. All I want to do when I'm feeling like this is drink hot chocolate and sit in front of some source of heat.
But I'm here now, and it's time to talk about the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress. Quite often given not given to the person I think should win, and so shall it be this year, when I'm dying for Frank Langella to pull off a coup for Frost/Nixon, and they'll give it to Mickey Rourke, probably. (He does give a good speech, though, if his BAFTA one is anything to go by.) As for Best Actress, I suspect Winslet will get it for The Reader, which I'm ok with, because I love Kate Winslet, and although I haven't seen this one, she's usually pretty awesome. Also, I kind of want to see if she mentions Ricky Gervais. (See season 1 of extras)
Now it's sort of timely that the first movie up is Gladiator, winner 2000. Timely because here is the best case you're going to come across of the Best Actor award being given to someone who really has done better (see how polite I'm being?). It's Russell Crowe, whose off-screen antics make it difficult to see as a decent actor, but he is. But clearly the Oscars are not consulting me on matters like this, so all I can do is complain on blogs like this. Now what about this movie. It's ok, I guess, but in my opinion it was a pretty thin-on-the-ground year. Although I can't vouch for Quills, since I left part-way through it (let's just say it is not a film to see with your grandmother). Anyway, back to Gladiator. This might explain a lot of what I just don't warm to about this film:
"Nicholson, the third and final screenwriter, says Crowe told him, “Your lines are garbage but I’m the greatest actor in the world, and I can make even garbage sound good.” "
It's Ridley Scott, too, because I've never really felt he was a "heart" director. But for those of you who have missed this one, it's about a Roman general who royally pisses off the crazy son of emperor, and then pays the price by getting captured into slavery and eventually drafted into "working" as a Gladiator in the Colosseum. Battles ensue, with a musical cue which would later become the theme to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Although it never seems to be acknowledged formally. But as they're both done by Hans Zimmer, I suppose he has the right to plagiarise his own stuff.
Crowe (sorry, The Greatest Actor In The World) was back the next year in 2001's A Beautiful Mind.
There's a lot I like about this film, but I would've given the award to one of two others: Gosford Park, or Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Yeah, I said it! But the movie. It's about mathematician John Nash, who developed highly influential works in game theory. It's about his descent into mental illness, and his struggle to re-enter the world of mathematics. It's about his wife and how she stood by him. (This, incidentally, is pretty fictitious, since they divorced in 1963, but remained friends from 1970 onwards.) It's a nice take on the theme of courage and love, and Ron Howard has always seemed to me to be a person interested in theme and heart than harsh reality. As for trivia, there are a lot of things I could comment on here. Like the fact that Paul Bettany (who I actually quite like) was cast solely due to his performance in A Knight's Tale. I'm sorry, but formation boy-band dancing in vaguely medieval dress is not what I call a great feat of artistry. The best things about this film are the lead performances, from Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Connelly won the Supporting Actress Oscar, Crowe, who shouldn't have won the year before, lost this year to Denzel Washington. Swings and roundabouts.
The year 2002, Lord of the Rings Doesn't Win Again. I can let this go a little easier, I suppose, because Chicago, 2002's winner, is a lot of fun. Renee Zellweger and her disappearing eyes notwithstanding (seriously: look at her in Jerry Maguire and then look at her now). And I've got nothing against giving awards to films that are fun. It's certainly the polar opposite of The Pianist. So what's it about? It's based on the musical, about two murderesses trying to play the publicity game to get themselves out of a death sentence. Catherine Zeta-Jones's performance is best described by the words "brassy" and "awesome", and she and Richard Gere (who knew he could sing and dance?) steal the show, and Gere's tap-dance is my favourite part of it. Unless it's the touching rendition of "Mr Cellophane" by John C. Reilly. It's got so much vigour and so many great sets and ideas for choreography. It's just really good fun.Oh yes, boys and girls. Today's lesson is: "Fun is good."
Only a couple more oblogs to go!
"They'd love you a lot more if you were hanged. You know why? Because it would sell more papers. That's Chicago."
--- Richard Gere - Chicago ---
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