tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post8364744725214739571..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Oscar Predictions? Not Again!NATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-79902121871021327802008-12-08T14:01:00.000-05:002008-12-08T14:01:00.000-05:00hey Janice and Nat, I just reread our blogs and I...hey Janice and Nat,<BR/><BR/> I just reread our blogs and I now think we are all saying somewhat the same thing... we just have it in our minds a little differently..<BR/><BR/> The true fact is that we aLL love Streep ...and that is a good thing and should keep us bonded.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-89902801337725745412008-12-08T12:08:00.000-05:002008-12-08T12:08:00.000-05:00well my definition of "movie star" is more expansi...well my definition of "movie star" is more expansive than who can fill seats. If you use the box office as definition you lose some of the greatest stars of all time.<BR/><BR/>remember that people as epic as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford had "box office poison" labels at one time or another.<BR/><BR/>and if you use the narrow definition of "box office" you completely lose just about every female actress post Kathleen Turner in the mid to late 80s (with the exception of <I>only</I> Jodie, Julia, Sandra and Meg I think) and that is a gross distortion of film history I would say.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-64421000757880596722008-12-08T11:30:00.000-05:002008-12-08T11:30:00.000-05:00//And thank you, Nathaniel, for somewhat backing u...//And thank you, Nathaniel, for somewhat backing up my case.//<BR/><BR/>That's funny, Rick, I was about to thank Nathaniel for backing up MY case/<BR/><BR/>You say po-tay-to, I say po-tah-to...<BR/><BR/>I can see your point (actress vs movie star) but it seemed to me at the time that she was that rarest combination - both movie star AND actress. (She was certainly a household name, her name was, for a time, a box office draw - those things certainly qualify as movie star in my book. I think the notion that there is an either/or does a disservice to those "stars" who actually also happen to be very good actors.)<BR/><BR/>And if you'll note, in my post I wrote //What happened then is debatable - it was reported in the media as "Meryl fatigue", that she was taking every good role, that she was in too many movies,// <BR/><BR/>"It was reported in the media" being the key term here, not "I personally believe/I think she was in too many movies." there's a difference. In any case, the media giveth, the media taketh away (and the sheep go along with what they are told) and then suddenly, the media giveth again as if they had suddenly discovered her existence with "Prada" when she's been working all along. <BR/><BR/>And I disagree with your definition of "movie star". Your definition works very well for the loose term of "celebrity" in the current internet/tabloid age, but I don't think anyone would argue that Will Smith is certainly a movie star, and his life is not filling up gossip columns, at least not very often. He is a "movie star" because people will go to see a film because he is in it, because he puts butts in seats. That was always the bottom line of "movie star", along with a certain intangible "something extra", a "star quality".Janicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08049113750769117163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-3490826214551184282008-12-08T06:36:00.000-05:002008-12-08T06:36:00.000-05:0090's was a lull period for her but for me she gave...90's was a lull period for her but for me she gave her best ever performance that decade in the bidges of madison county,i love her in that film,i watch her and see a real person not meryl streep,i wish eastwood had brought out the same magic in angelina.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-76462226089302691032008-12-07T20:53:00.000-05:002008-12-07T20:53:00.000-05:00Janice: I cannot disagree with you, but you certa...Janice: I cannot disagree with you, but you certainly miss my point... <BR/><BR/> THere is a difference between a movie Star and an actress .. and from right on Steep has always been considered an actress and NOT a movie star.<BR/><BR/>Stars are ones who are in the limelight and gossip columns all the time: Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, etc. Actresses are given to their craft... Streep was playing older characters ( Ironweed ) and such... with or without accents and "use of wigs" early on.<BR/><BR/> If you do your homework, you will also see she was not taking every role available .. she did about 1 picture a year!!!<BR/><BR/>And thank you, Nathaniel, for somewhat backing up my case.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-47721476492377578602008-12-07T17:25:00.000-05:002008-12-07T17:25:00.000-05:00yes it's true that Streep was a major star back in...yes it's true that Streep was a major star back in the late 70s early 80s. <I>Kramer Vs Kramer, Deer Hunter, Out of Africa</I>... these were all <I>very</I> big hits... even if it's hard now to imagine these types of film being blockbusters. The only downturn in her career was the 90s. It was spotty then. The media is now all obsessed with her prominence as a star but she's really only captured back what was initially hers. Which is really cool given her age.<BR/><BR/>there have been very few careers with as much longevity (1977-2008 and still going strong) but all careers have peaks and valleysNATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-84988747951305612772008-12-07T16:15:00.000-05:002008-12-07T16:15:00.000-05:00i just saw changeling and iagree nat it is jolie w...i just saw changeling and iagree nat it is jolie who lets the fil down she is never in the moment simply acting it,i was impressed with harner as the killer though,supp actor is interesting if you look beyond ledger.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-36012913694099227932008-12-07T14:01:00.000-05:002008-12-07T14:01:00.000-05:00//Jimmy : you've got to come into the real world.....//Jimmy : you've got to come into the real world... Streep has been at this business for over 30 years and is really coming into her own as a STAR these past few years... she spent most of her career doing roles that she was excellent in, but made little or no money... She could have done so much better careerwise, but she chose first to be a mother , then an actress, and now a star and an actress. No other female actress has had a career such as hers. More power to her!!!!//<BR/><BR/>Rick, that's not how I remember it. Growing up in 1970's and '80's I recall that her star began to rise with the general public in the late '70's (Holocost, the Deer Hunter - this after establishing herself on the stage), then in the early '80's she was on the cover of Life and lauded widely - almost worshipped, really, as the best actress of her generation. Sophie's Choice, The French Lieutenant's Woman, etc etc - her films weren't necessarily blockbusters but her name was certainly as widely known amongst the public as Sally Field, Jessica Lange, Debra Winger, etc.<BR/><BR/>What happened then is debatable - it was reported in the media as "Meryl fatigue", that she was taking every good role, that she was in too many movies, her sometimes "theatrical" style (use of wigs and accents to disappear into a role) was considered uncinematic and a subject of derision, and she attempted to broaden her range, or rather the types of roles she was offered by doing big budget Hollywood films, generally with unhappy results (paging Nicole Kidman...) <BR/><BR/>I think there was also the fact that - and this is IMO - that she "Aged" and began to go into "middle age" (or at least she was no longer young) and the industry didn't really know what to do with her at that point because there are few roles for women between "starlet" and "old character actress" (that is changing now, I think, but slowly - there are still more roles for women of a certain age on TV than in the movies). <BR/><BR/>Now she's carved out a "new" niche for herself, and reminded us, like Dame Helen, that older can be sexy and dynamic, and we're all the better for it. So, I love Meryl, but she was a star BEFORE and she is a star again.Janicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08049113750769117163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-19048194451020910122008-12-07T09:20:00.000-05:002008-12-07T09:20:00.000-05:00I certainly didn't hate "Rachel Getting Married," ...I certainly didn't hate "Rachel Getting Married," but I have a hard time summoning up any passion for it either. <BR/><BR/>I was entertained -- if never all that moved -- for 130 minutes, but two months later, I can't remember very much about the film, except for the Winger-bitchslap scene that was (for me) its biggest miscalculation.<BR/><BR/>So if it's divisive, put me in the middle.Guy Lodgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06073912302467109996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-32716806954419829772008-12-07T08:41:00.000-05:002008-12-07T08:41:00.000-05:00I'll know on Jan 22nd if I will bother watching th...I'll know on Jan 22nd if I will bother watching this year's Oscars telecast. Besides being a huge supporter of a movie people don't want to waste time prognosticating on, I do want TDK to do very well. Some films, based on their plot synopsis, just don't interest me personally and the favortism that they are getting are a bit of a turn off. I know Oscars are bought for the most part, but it couldn't be more obvious this year.<BR/><BR/>So again, we'll see, but otherwise, I'll stand on the sideline reading the Oscar predictions of others.Simonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161772272151067888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-22768974902347087742008-12-07T08:12:00.000-05:002008-12-07T08:12:00.000-05:00I really respect the fact that Roger Ebert seems t...I really respect the fact that Roger Ebert seems to have gotten behind "Rachel Getting Married." Though it looks like he's not doing a traditional top ten this year, he gave the film four stars, loved it and it's definitely the type of film I can see sitting very high on his top ten list. As horrible as this sounds, "Rachel Getting Married" needed more kisses from other male critics in high places.<BR/>But for once, I wish that Ebert would call out a good film like "Rachel Getting Married" AND recognize films like "Slumdog" as good, but not great and rather facile. His choosing of "Juno," "Crash," and "Million Dollar Baby" as best films of their respective years almost underwrites the fact that he's a man of good taste, for the most part.The Pretentious Know it Allhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13279181033628364368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-11060981947292115282008-12-07T05:15:00.000-05:002008-12-07T05:15:00.000-05:00I remember at the start of the year Nathaniel was ...I remember at the start of the year Nathaniel was saying he would find an <B>A</B> grade film if it meant watching way more movies than usual (or something along those lines) and he hasn't found that <B>A</B> grade film, which is a shame. I haven't had one yet, either.<BR/><BR/>I reckon a lot of critics groups will give the prize to <I>Slumdog Millionare</I>.Glenn Dunkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05424659636310160482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-35974411830373825612008-12-07T02:59:00.000-05:002008-12-07T02:59:00.000-05:00the know nothing it must be that a) it's about wom...<B>the know nothing</B> it must be that a) it's about women b) the media is very complicit in keeping the best picture focus on december releases even when they don't thrill people c)it's about women d) it is weirdly divisive. there's a whole swath of critics who hate it which is just <B>so</B> weird since it's <B>so</B> good but like BILL IRWIN said in my podcast 'it's a rorscach'NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-31377830894315055952008-12-07T02:51:00.000-05:002008-12-07T02:51:00.000-05:00The fact that the Academy is poised to severely le...The fact that the Academy is poised to severely let down "Rachel Getting Married" really irks my nerves. It's easily best picture material, and by a director with whom they're already acquainted. What's not clicking here?The Pretentious Know it Allhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13279181033628364368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-23441267514303221312008-12-07T00:39:00.000-05:002008-12-07T00:39:00.000-05:00Jimmy : you've got to come into the real world......Jimmy : you've got to come into the real world... Streep has been at this business for over 30 years and is really coming into her own as a STAR these past few years... she spent most of her career doing roles that she was excellent in, but made little or no money.<BR/> She is NOT taking roles from other actresses... she is being offered the cream of the crop because she has proven herself over the years. She could have done so much better careerwise, but she chose first to be a mother , then an actress, and now a star and an actress. No other female actress has had a career such as hers. More power to her!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-31793013927945847522008-12-06T21:12:00.000-05:002008-12-06T21:12:00.000-05:00I know that I'm still excited about this Oscar sea...I know that I'm still excited about this Oscar season. This is the time of year where all the films that I've waited to see are finally getting released, and I'm hoping for the best. You can't get masterpieces every year. I can't wait for "Doubt", "Frost/Nixon", "Slumdog", "Milk", "Revolutionary Road", "Benjamin Button," and others. I'm ready to start solving this Oscar puzzle now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-54143763979351093752008-12-06T21:07:00.000-05:002008-12-06T21:07:00.000-05:00I thoroughly enjoyed "Doubt." These "tricks" you s...I thoroughly enjoyed "Doubt." These "tricks" you speak of did not bother me. I think it's surely one of the year's best -- a showcase of GREAT acting. If Cherry Jones and the stage version are indeed better, I want my ticket NOW. "Doubt" is one of the few films of 2008 I wanted to see again the second the credits rolled.Kurtis Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07946031309738374597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-54637096365067312442008-12-06T21:00:00.000-05:002008-12-06T21:00:00.000-05:00ha ha it is. the photo is meant to merely represen...ha ha it is. the photo is meant to merely represent some possible oscar nominees in a whole range of categories ;)NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-11293934738150814352008-12-06T20:45:00.000-05:002008-12-06T20:45:00.000-05:00Is that an "Iron Man" poster I see before me?Is that an "Iron Man" poster I see before me?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-85346690903658865382008-12-06T20:30:00.000-05:002008-12-06T20:30:00.000-05:00Streep's still in. She's been nominated for much, ...Streep's still in. She's been nominated for much, much worse. It's the role, it's the piece, it's the ensemble. I don't think she has much of a chance at winning (though I've said the award is Winslet's for a long time) but I'd bet on a nomination.Haydenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13622435513032131426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-27656413161644108782008-12-06T20:25:00.000-05:002008-12-06T20:25:00.000-05:00streep is toast - mediocre review in "Newsweek." ...streep is toast - mediocre review in "Newsweek." winslet will win BA in "The Reader" - even though it may be somewhat supporting. Kidman won BA for a supporting role. all "doubt" reivews make mentions of streep's attempts to fill cherry jones shoes. streep's gotta quit taking EVERY decent role for gals 50+....share the wealth a little honey. this is now the era of obama.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-60958128232829687102008-12-06T20:19:00.000-05:002008-12-06T20:19:00.000-05:00Despite all the buzz for Benjamin Button, i dont t...Despite all the buzz for Benjamin Button, i dont think it will get any nods in the acting categories. I prefer Leo, Hathaway, Thomas, Winslet and Streep in the best actress. This wont be Jolie's year either. <BR/><BR/>I'm specially rooting for Wall-E in Best Picture and Original Screenplay, and The Dark Knight in Best Picture too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-91174330765661545482008-12-06T19:08:00.000-05:002008-12-06T19:08:00.000-05:00I can't see anything shaking Rachel Getting Marrie...I can't see anything shaking Rachel Getting Married from my top slot. If there were any justice it'd be collecting noms for Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actress (DeWitt), Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Sound Mixing. With more than a few wins scattered about.Haydenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13622435513032131426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-65724397995043133442008-12-06T18:47:00.000-05:002008-12-06T18:47:00.000-05:00Bernardo, I just did a whole post about GG comedy ...Bernardo, I just did a whole post about GG comedy <A HREF="http://carson83.blogspot.com/2008/12/gg-comedymusical-not-pretty-sight.html" REL="nofollow">here</A>.<BR/><BR/><EM>Rachel</EM> is going drama. So is <EM>W</EM>.<BR/><BR/>It IS pretty empty, but it might actually be more interesting as a result. You don't have the usual 2 or so oscar hopefuls in each category, so it's basically wide open. There could be room for some real surprises...<BR/><BR/>I personally think Hawkins will win actress and her film will win picture. Actor's crazy, though. I can't really see anyone winning (Josh Brolin was the frontrunner before he got switched out).<BR/><BR/>My best guess for the actor win is Dustin Hoffman, simply because we haven't seen the film yet, and he has the potential to be great.adam k.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13485604493059621307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-9747445903800822732008-12-06T18:33:00.000-05:002008-12-06T18:33:00.000-05:00I'm also looking at everything like this:MASSIVE C...I'm also looking at everything like this:<BR/><BR/>MASSIVE CONTENDERS<BR/>1. Slumdog Millionaire<BR/>2. Milk<BR/>3. Benjamin Button<BR/><BR/>BIG CONTENDERS (though any of these could end up in the Top 5... their order is constantly changing)<BR/>4. Frost/Nixon<BR/>5. The Reader<BR/>6. Gran Torino<BR/>7. The Dark Knight<BR/>8. Revolutionary Road<BR/>9. Doubt<BR/><BR/>MEDIUM CONTENDERS<BR/>10. The Wrestler<BR/>11. Rachel getting Married<BR/>12. WALL·E<BR/>13. Australia<BR/>14. Defiance<BR/><BR/>SMALL CONTENDERS<BR/>15. Changeling<BR/>16. The Visitor<BR/>17. Vicky Cristina Barcelona<BR/>18. Frozen RiverBernardohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04535653809166347030noreply@blogger.com