tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post4296922362242899514..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Halfway Mark: Best Performances (Thus Far)NATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-53273589229843222462010-07-14T23:23:07.473-04:002010-07-14T23:23:07.473-04:00Thanks for the heads up on Shutter Island, Nat. I...Thanks for the heads up on Shutter Island, Nat. I do think it deserves more than one viewing for real appreciation of what Scorsese and his crew did. It's fairly layered and some of the best acting -- Mark Ruffalo, cough, cough -- seems on the surface to be little more than window dressing. If so, it's rather wonderful, subtle dressing, as it's very obvious just watching his face what's going on when you have a second go-round. Similarly Kingsley is rather underrated. A very sly performance indeed. Also, Leo has a superb moment of physical acting at the very end when he rises from the porch and walks away. At times, he seems to be channeling the paranoia of Jimmy Stewart in, say, Vertigo. It's actually, if you allow yourself to pull away a bit from the obvious pulpiness -- which isn't just window dressing either, a movie that's rather subtly amusing in the darkest Hitchcock mode. As a bit of disagreement with some here, I'd have to say for me it's one of the best and most interesting things Scorsese's done in quite a long time.Sheila Kingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-46685979370512721862010-07-11T18:27:39.382-04:002010-07-11T18:27:39.382-04:00Best Actress = Jennifer Lawrence, all the way
Bes...Best Actress = Jennifer Lawrence, all the way<br /><br />Best Supporting Actor = John Hawkes or Michael Fassbender <br /><br />Best Actor = Ben Stiller... I'm a one man Oscar campaign for him<br /><br />Was not feeling it with "The Square." <br /><br />And "Mother's standout performance I'm not as impressed as others, although I was hit hard by it.Nick Duvalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00089865009208643645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-49927410549961084682010-07-08T12:20:32.150-04:002010-07-08T12:20:32.150-04:00I follow the Academy rules, so even if I think it&...I follow the Academy rules, so even if I think it's great, I think he's a co-lead (the other being Jack Lemmon) in Glengarry and I can't see a performance switch. And as for Scarface, it's bold and intriguing satire that works on two levels. 1. He's just what he appears (dumb, vulgar and violent drug dealer). 2. He's a performer, acting like this to hide something big. Is Montana asexual? Now some say, "What about the sister." I say, "Does he really act like he wants to have sex with her? Yes, she wants him, but he doesn't have noticeable sexual interest in her or anyone, including a character played by Michelle Pfeiffer." All that can be inferred from killing his loyal thug is he wants her to date, and possibly have sex with, someone decent, which, at this point in the story, doesn't include him.Volvagianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-61316115091131523742010-07-08T11:26:51.921-04:002010-07-08T11:26:51.921-04:00@Nicks -- i really don't think IFC cares about...@Nicks -- i really don't think IFC cares about Oscars at all. They never seem to make an effort even when they have something Oscarable.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77600126537995696862010-07-08T10:31:22.932-04:002010-07-08T10:31:22.932-04:00@Kurtis O: I saw Vincere and really disliked it. ...@Kurtis O: I saw <i>Vincere</i> and really disliked it. Mezzogiorno was okay, but I find her recycling similar forms of Intensity from perf to perf, and the film sometimes pushed her into shamelessness, like when she's weeping while watching <i>The Kid</i>. But, I know a lot of people love the performance, and I do think if IFC had taken a chance on an '09 release, she might easily have taken Mirren's spot last year.NicksFlickPickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04607501848596529493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-91250801027862634442010-07-08T08:18:23.026-04:002010-07-08T08:18:23.026-04:00Josh -- multiple comments are no biggie. it happen...Josh -- multiple comments are no biggie. it happens (internet malfunctions, user error, blogger kinks). i can just delete them.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-40229202605849061642010-07-08T08:16:26.886-04:002010-07-08T08:16:26.886-04:00Drew -- it's simple: I've been to some fes...Drew -- it's simple: I've been to some festivals recently. and very very occasionally (not enough to count on by any stretch) i'll get a DVD of something that's not out.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-82810210331527908242010-07-08T02:41:23.469-04:002010-07-08T02:41:23.469-04:00Volvagia. As much as i like Pacino and De Palma, I...Volvagia. As much as i like Pacino and De Palma, I am not the biggest fan of Scarface. There is stuff that i think is interesting about it, but i much prefer "Carlito's Way", which i am glad you mentioned because that movie has a huge heart, which is a bit odd for De Palma. I think Pacino shines when he plays real people. I think Tony Montana is a little overboard. I think his performance in "Scent of a Woman" is great. At first one might think he is over the top, but his character is over the top. As the movie progresses his character gets a lot more complex and subtle. Its quite a site too see. I like him in "Heat", but that is a bit over the top too. I like his performance in the other Michael Mann movie, "The Insider". His performance wasn't showy at all, but completely believable. Its the type of performance one might not expect from Pacino. One that benifits the movie than himself. I liked Winter's Bone a lot, but i had a few problems with it. I just can't put my hand on what they actually were. Debra Granik actually came to my class to speak about the film because my teacher is her mentor. It was interesting to hear the stories of how it was made. All the performances were phenomenal. I especially love John Hawkes too. He gave a very complex performance, but not too showy. that is the type of performance i love. It reminded me at times a bit of a Sam Peckinpah film, which is awesome because he is one of my favorite directors, but i wish it went a little bit more in that root. I loved "Shutter Island", but I am biased again because Scorsese is the man that got me into film. The story is a little cliche, but i found the film to be a great metaphor of the 50's. From what i know of that time, i felt like it really captured that time period. It is in my opinion a flawed masterpiece, but i wouldn't put it up their with Scorsese's best, but their hardly any films that i would do that to. I still think he is a master no matter how flawed the screenplay was. Each frame seemed smart and i love Leo's performance along with the others. Its also just a joy to watch a Scorsese movie period because if he didn't direct the film it would be far worse. He gives his movies a special juice that no other director has.Joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-61330283972772274412010-07-08T01:01:02.066-04:002010-07-08T01:01:02.066-04:00The Other Guys looks so stale comedic wise. I can&...The Other Guys looks so stale comedic wise. I can't believe there was a line in there where Ferrell says " he's flying " when I guy is falling off a roof.<br />I think I'm just burned out on Will Ferrell. It's kind of ironic my two favorite films of his are the two dramas he did.No Bad Movieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06953359754737036858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-19747340650124750652010-07-08T00:58:17.592-04:002010-07-08T00:58:17.592-04:00How are you seeing all of these unreleased films? ...How are you seeing all of these unreleased films? Do film bloggers just get free reign on seeing these types of movies before the public now to build buzz? That's kind of fascinating.Drewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-15944385607042033452010-07-07T22:20:58.760-04:002010-07-07T22:20:58.760-04:00volvagia -- i don't believe it for a second bu...volvagia -- i don't believe it for a second but if you turn out to be right i will bow down. I've just watched the Oscars for a very long time and they've never gone anywhere near something like that.<br /><br />but i'm excited to see it!NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-87723023124911028422010-07-07T20:42:00.847-04:002010-07-07T20:42:00.847-04:00The Kids Are Alright just got a savage review in t...The Kids Are Alright just got a savage review in this week's New Yorker (Anthony Lane).brandznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-58399233325227829762010-07-07T20:22:45.066-04:002010-07-07T20:22:45.066-04:00What about Samuel L. Jackson in Mother and Child? ...What about Samuel L. Jackson in Mother and Child? I haven't seen it, but I've heard very nice things about him.cal rothnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-6901443683015948302010-07-07T18:25:19.227-04:002010-07-07T18:25:19.227-04:00JUst saw I Am Love .. thought it was awesome... To...JUst saw I Am Love .. thought it was awesome... To me the movie was and its story were told by the director and all the visuals... the actors were there, but less important... Swinson was great, as always... I do not see your love for Berenson... she did nothing... the lesbian daughter was as good or better.Ricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-23390386972818145452010-07-07T16:42:03.848-04:002010-07-07T16:42:03.848-04:00It's just it has no commercial chance (too sad...It's just it has no commercial chance (too sad) in this current realm, where Scott Pilgrim could actually be a huge blockbuster, drawing everyone with discernment that weekend. It has seven competitors in close proximity, only one of which (All Capsed) seems like it could be classy (Cats & Dogs 2, Charlie St. Cloud, Dinner for Shmucks, The Other Guys, Step Up 3-D, EAT PRAY LOVE and The Expendables.) It looks like Scott Pilgrim is heading into a clearing house and possible Oscar buzz, huh?Volvagianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-24050748025506913042010-07-07T16:19:51.398-04:002010-07-07T16:19:51.398-04:00josh -- we've been having comment problems. it...josh -- we've been having comment problems. it's quite all right. As for Pacino i just don't like his modern performances so i never have reason to talk about him. I do think he's EXCELLENT in Angels in America and The Godfather but his early stuff i need more time with (i barely remember the ones i saw and i didn't see all of them). I also think he's fun in Dick Tracy and good in Donnie Brasco (although i prefer Depp & Heche in that movie)<br /><br />James T -- Wasikowska is the film's secret weapon actually because the entire story arc sort of spins from her tiny shifts of feeling.<br /><br />volvagia -- what's your beef with rabbit hole? You do know that Oscar has a long history of taking award winning plays seriously once they transfer (if the movie is any good or gets any attention that is)<br /><br />no bad -- i do agree that winter's bone is a touch overrated but i still thought it was skilfully deployed enough to keep me riveted throughout even though, like you, i found all of the characters highly undesirable.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-2344707346381810022010-07-07T16:18:06.158-04:002010-07-07T16:18:06.158-04:00My Pacino Noms:
1. The Godfather - Lead (Silver, ...My Pacino Noms:<br /><br />1. The Godfather - Lead (Silver, Brando Gold)<br />2. Serpico - Lead (Bronze, Redford Silver, Martin Sheen Gold)<br />3. The Godfather Part II - Lead (Gold)<br />4. Dog Day Afternoon - Lead (Silver, Gold is Nicholson for The Passenger, even though One Flew is a better film)<br />5. And Justice for All - Lead (5th Wheel if anything because of Sellers, Sheen, Scheider and Hoffman)<br />6. Scarface - Lead (Silver, Gold is Peter Capaldi for Local Hero)<br />7. Glengarry Glen Ross - Lead (Gold)<br />8. Carlito's Way - Lead (Bronze, Neeson is Silver and Bruce Campbell is Gold.)<br />9. Heat - Lead (Bronze, DeNiro is Silver and Spacey (Usual Suspects) is Gold.)<br /><br />That's One More nom than the Academy gave him with Dick Tracy and Scent of a Woman cut, choosing his roles in three superior films instead.Volvagianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-84156795460198162912010-07-07T16:12:18.482-04:002010-07-07T16:12:18.482-04:00Performances I Can't Wait To See! :D
Carey Mul...Performances I Can't Wait To See! :D<br />Carey Mulligan - Never Let Me Go<br />Natalie Portman - Black Swan<br />Frieda Pinto - Miral<br />Julianne Moore and Annette Bening -The Kids Are All Right<br />Anne Hathaway - Love And Other Drugs<br />Rinko Kikuchi - Norweigen Wood <br /><br />Before I make a massive list off performances i'm looking for; i will stop here lol. The reason I have chosen to select these actress though is because I really do love thses actress and find them incredible.<br /><br />Favourite Performance I've Seen From Them! :D<br />Carey Mulligan - An Education<br />Natalie Portman - Leon<br />Frida Pinto - Slumdog Millionnaire<br />Julianna Moore - A Single Man<br />Annette Bening - American Beauty<br />Anne Hathaway - Racheal Getting Married<br />Rinko Kikuchi - Babel<br /><br />1st - Carey Mulligan<br />2nd - Anne Hathaway<br />3rd - Natalie Portman<br />4th - Rinko Kikuchi<br />5th - Julianne Moore<br />6th - Annette Bening<br />7th - Frieda Pinto<br /><br />Now that I have finished lol, other ppl tell me what you think; Do you agree or disagree? If you diagree please give a valid reason :)Brettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-63908565178576342572010-07-07T16:06:00.039-04:002010-07-07T16:06:00.039-04:00I know they are well known, mainstream actors but ...I know they are well known, mainstream actors but both films are actually indie's, and I'll give shout outs to Edward Norton and Michael Douglas. Performances are better than the actual film they are in. I really feel stabd out performances.<br /><br />I liked Winter's Bone but didn't feel it's a great as all the praise that been bestowed upon it and Jennifer Lawrence but the film is just filled with so many undesirables, it makes you want to take a shower after. I just kept wanting Ree to give it up and move on. Who cares about these people ? Methhead losers, who only have doing the wrong things on their mind. That's what kept me from fully embracing that film. It's two hours of people I find zero interest in because they aren't interesting. There is no reason to care for them because they don't even care about themself. But I guess I'm in the minority and I say it again, Jennifer Lawrence is very good in it.No Bad Movieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06953359754737036858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-62742941245875017232010-07-07T16:04:32.124-04:002010-07-07T16:04:32.124-04:00Sorry I wrote twice by mistake. I thought my first...Sorry I wrote twice by mistake. I thought my first comment wasn't published.joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-29610391408912144002010-07-07T16:03:40.354-04:002010-07-07T16:03:40.354-04:00Your right. 88 minutes was one of the worst films ...Your right. 88 minutes was one of the worst films I've ever seen and Righteous Kill was crap too, but I do think his television performances deserve attention too. I thought he was spot on as Jack Kevorkian and it wasn't just an imitation. He made the complex and sympathetic. His performance as Roy Cohn was powerful. He delivered the dialogue so well in that film. His performances in the seventies and the nineties are some of the best I've ever seen. Both Michael Corleone and Sonny from Dog Day Afternoon are two of my favorite performances ever. I also think his performance in Donnie Brasco is vastly underrated. I can't believe he wasn't nominated that year.Joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-32622281131337964932010-07-07T15:58:03.827-04:002010-07-07T15:58:03.827-04:00Thats true. 88 minutes was one of the worst movies...Thats true. 88 minutes was one of the worst movies ive ever seen and righteous kill was crap too, but his performances in the seventies and the nineties are phenomenal. But he was great in Merchant of Venice, which was theatrically released. I do think his performances in his television roles deserve notice too. His Jack Kevorkian in my opinion was spot on and wasn't just an impersonation. He made the character very complex. His performance as Roy Cohn was phenomenal. Being a jew, Al Pacino was spot on with the dialogue in angels in america. He delivered it so well. I really believed he was a jew. But i think he disserves a retrospective because a lot of people forget how good he was and can be. Both Michael Corleone from The Godfather and Sonny from Dog Day Afternoon were two of the best most complicated performances ive ever seen. I also think his performance in Donnie Brasco is vastly underrated. But that is only my opinion.Joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-81274609597323420382010-07-07T15:44:14.966-04:002010-07-07T15:44:14.966-04:00He doesn't talk about Al Pacino because he has...He doesn't talk about Al Pacino because he hasn't been in a good theatrical release for 11 years now. That hampers the interest needed for a chat.Volvagianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77962161020941721752010-07-07T14:45:42.872-04:002010-07-07T14:45:42.872-04:00My favorite performance of the year was from a mad...My favorite performance of the year was from a made for tv movie. That was Al Pacino as Jack Kevorkian. It was his best performance since Roy Cohn in Angels in America. Though i am a little biased because Pacino is my all time favorite actor. What is your opinion on him Nathaniel. I'm interested because i never hear you talk about him.Joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-88705518402548565862010-07-07T13:53:56.932-04:002010-07-07T13:53:56.932-04:00Ahem. Excuse me, I brought up Giovanna Mezzogiorno...Ahem. Excuse me, I brought up Giovanna Mezzogiorno in "Vincere" and nobody batted an eye. Has anyone seen this movie? I can't believe she's not even in the discussion.Kurtis Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07946031309738374597noreply@blogger.com