Well my Cinekinder, I have some catching up to do Cinewise, as I have just seen 2 fabulous flix, as well as a great musical. In order of appearance they are RENT by JONATHAN LARSON, A SINGLE MAN, directed by TOM FORD and CRAZY HEART written and directed by SCOTT COOPER.
Firstly, to RENT. This is a touring production of the broadway hit and by the time you read this, it's short run is sadly over. It was a fabulous production, with the added bonus of the two broadway stars, ANTHONY RAPP and ADAM PASCAL. It was a very high-energy show, and the cast was terrif. The show is not dated at all, and it holds up very well. I have seen the musical a number of times as well as the movie and this was the best production, I have ever seen.
On to the next. I became aware of A SINGLE MAN, when it premiered at TIFF, in Sept. Since then I have heard nothing but raves for TOM FORD'S direction, and especially for COLIN FIRTH'S much-lauded, bravura perf.
The film is based on a novella by CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD, whose BERLIN STORIES, formed the basis of what became the musical, CABARET. The basic story is of a repressed homosexual teacher (FIRTH), who loses his lover in a car accident and loses his will to live. However, it is the images captured by FORD'S camera, that makes this movie really something special. Considering that this is his first film it is one of the most-assured ones I have ever seen. His visual mastery is nothing short of astonishing. His imagery is by turns menacing, sensual, menacing, lyrical and surreal. As mentioned, FIRTH, gives an astounding performance. It is one of the best films of the year, and FIRTH, will definitely nominated for best actor.
Lastly, but certainly not leastly, is SCOTT COOPER'S CRAZY HEART, which contains a fan-dam-fabulous performance by JEFF BRIDGES. He plays a grizzled c & w, star and seems to be channeling WAYLON JENNINGS. The supporting cast is wonderful as well: MAGGIE GYLLENHALL, COLIN FARRELL and the wonderful ROBERT DUVALL. The soundtrack is fabulous as well, produced by T BONE BURNETT and BRIDGES sings all original tunes. It sorta reminded me of THE WRESTLER, as they are both tales of redemption and this could be the year that BRIDGES, finally gets his Oscar.
Well, Cinehommes et Cinefilles, dats all for now, as you can imagine I am full.
T.T.F.N.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
WOMANIZER! WOMANIZER! WOMANIZER!
Well, Cinefollowers, we seem to be between films at this juncture and so it's time to return once again to the literary world, for a review of a fantastic, new bio, by one of my favourite author's. That would be the story of that ole ex-Lothario himself, WARREN BEATTY. The book is called STAR, by PETER BISKIND.
Years ago, I saw WARREN BEATTY, being interviewed by BABA WAWA and she was giving to him different monikers he had been called over the years, and she asked him to respond, in kind. The last one she lobbed at him was ''womanizer.'' He paused, and hesitated and then he stammered out: ''no.''
Then, there was the time when his sis. SHIRLEY MACLAINE - who was presenting on the Oscars, and BEATTY, was in the audience. She said in front of a gazillion viewers: ''Oh, Warren, imagine what you could accomplish if you were celibate. Reportedly, he did not speak to her again for a year.
Now, as I mentioned, I love PETER BISKIND (one of my favourite books about HOLLYWEIRD, is his EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS, which is about how the great directors of the 70's, had great success and then blew it.
So, what do we learn from BISKIND'S exhaustively researched tome on BEATTY? - alot. For instance didja know that BEATTY, is the only director, who was nominated for 4 Academy Awards, (for HEAVEN CAN WAIT, and REDS, respectively), in 4 different categories, twice. Only ORSON WELLES, comes close to this accomplishment, but he only did it once. He has turned down, more movies than he did. His film output numbers in the twenties, and he only had 3 real hits: BONNIE AND CLYDE, HEAVEN CAN WAIT and SHAMPOO. BEATTY, spent the rest of his time turning down parts and of course, chasing skirt.
The picture that emerges, from this book is not a pretty one. He is clearly a control-freak, who will run roughshod over anyone to get what he wants. We learn how he dominated, director, HAL ASHBY, ON SHAMPOO, and basically directed the movie himself. He did the same thing to his erst-while co-director, BUCK HENRY, on HEAVEN CAN WAIT. While there is no denying his obvious charm, and talent, he comes off as quite cruel at times and basically, not a very nice man.
I devoured this book, and basically every one who BEATTY, ever knew, worked with, or slept with, are featured in the text. I already knew of his work and collaboration with friends and filmmakers such as, ROBERT TOWNE, ELAINE MAY, JAMES TOBACK and of course, JACK NICHOLSON, JULIE CHRISTIE and DIANE KEATON. But BISKIND, told me so much more about them.
The book, is over 500 pages long and so BISKIND, has obviously done his homework. What emerges is a fully fleshed-out picture of BEATTY, and it is a truly fascinating one.
Until next time..
T.T.F.N.
Years ago, I saw WARREN BEATTY, being interviewed by BABA WAWA and she was giving to him different monikers he had been called over the years, and she asked him to respond, in kind. The last one she lobbed at him was ''womanizer.'' He paused, and hesitated and then he stammered out: ''no.''
Then, there was the time when his sis. SHIRLEY MACLAINE - who was presenting on the Oscars, and BEATTY, was in the audience. She said in front of a gazillion viewers: ''Oh, Warren, imagine what you could accomplish if you were celibate. Reportedly, he did not speak to her again for a year.
Now, as I mentioned, I love PETER BISKIND (one of my favourite books about HOLLYWEIRD, is his EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS, which is about how the great directors of the 70's, had great success and then blew it.
So, what do we learn from BISKIND'S exhaustively researched tome on BEATTY? - alot. For instance didja know that BEATTY, is the only director, who was nominated for 4 Academy Awards, (for HEAVEN CAN WAIT, and REDS, respectively), in 4 different categories, twice. Only ORSON WELLES, comes close to this accomplishment, but he only did it once. He has turned down, more movies than he did. His film output numbers in the twenties, and he only had 3 real hits: BONNIE AND CLYDE, HEAVEN CAN WAIT and SHAMPOO. BEATTY, spent the rest of his time turning down parts and of course, chasing skirt.
The picture that emerges, from this book is not a pretty one. He is clearly a control-freak, who will run roughshod over anyone to get what he wants. We learn how he dominated, director, HAL ASHBY, ON SHAMPOO, and basically directed the movie himself. He did the same thing to his erst-while co-director, BUCK HENRY, on HEAVEN CAN WAIT. While there is no denying his obvious charm, and talent, he comes off as quite cruel at times and basically, not a very nice man.
I devoured this book, and basically every one who BEATTY, ever knew, worked with, or slept with, are featured in the text. I already knew of his work and collaboration with friends and filmmakers such as, ROBERT TOWNE, ELAINE MAY, JAMES TOBACK and of course, JACK NICHOLSON, JULIE CHRISTIE and DIANE KEATON. But BISKIND, told me so much more about them.
The book, is over 500 pages long and so BISKIND, has obviously done his homework. What emerges is a fully fleshed-out picture of BEATTY, and it is a truly fascinating one.
Until next time..
T.T.F.N.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
THAT WAS THE (MOVIE) YEAR THAT WAS
Well, Cinemaniacs, it's time to wrap up the cinematic year 2009, with a bow. Personally, I feel it was an excellent year for film as this column will attest to.
...AND SO WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ADO...
...IT'S TIME FOR...
...THE 2009 CINEY'S...
BEST FILM: INVICTUS
RUNNERS UP: PRECIOUS, A SERIOUS MAN, AVATAR, PUBLIC ENEMIES, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, UP IN THE AIR
BEST ACTOR: MICHAEL STUHLBARG, A SERIOUS MAN
BEST ACTRESS: GABOUREY SIDBE, PRECIOUS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: CHRISTOPH WALTZ (hands down).
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: MO'NIQUE, PRECIOUS
WORST FILM: ANTICHRIST
MOST DISAPPOINTING FILM: NINE
BIGGEST SLEEPER: SHERLOCK HOLMES
There you have it gang, I hope to have lots more stuff for you in 2010 (gulp). Just next month we have SHUTTER ISLAND, to look forward to. So, I promise to keep watching the screens, if you promise to keep watching the blog.
until next time Cinekinder...
T.T.F.N.
...AND SO WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ADO...
...IT'S TIME FOR...
...THE 2009 CINEY'S...
BEST FILM: INVICTUS
RUNNERS UP: PRECIOUS, A SERIOUS MAN, AVATAR, PUBLIC ENEMIES, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, UP IN THE AIR
BEST ACTOR: MICHAEL STUHLBARG, A SERIOUS MAN
BEST ACTRESS: GABOUREY SIDBE, PRECIOUS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: CHRISTOPH WALTZ (hands down).
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: MO'NIQUE, PRECIOUS
WORST FILM: ANTICHRIST
MOST DISAPPOINTING FILM: NINE
BIGGEST SLEEPER: SHERLOCK HOLMES
There you have it gang, I hope to have lots more stuff for you in 2010 (gulp). Just next month we have SHUTTER ISLAND, to look forward to. So, I promise to keep watching the screens, if you promise to keep watching the blog.
until next time Cinekinder...
T.T.F.N.
Monday, January 11, 2010
"PRECIOUS' HOLMES"
Well, Cineflora and fauna, I saw 2 fab films and I thought I'd discuss them for your enjoyment and mine.
The first one was PRECIOUS directed by LEE DANIELS and the second one was SHERLOCK HOLMES, directed by GUY RITCHIE.
I have to admit I was a little leery of seeing PRECIOUS, as I thought it would be a depressopolooza and that's why I avoided it like the plague at TIFF. However, I must report that it wasn't that depressing, but engrossing with breakout acting from MONIQUE and especially from GABOUREY SIDIBE, in the titular role.
SIDIBE, is a revelation as the titular character and her performance is both heart-breaking and life-affirming. The same can't be said of PRECIOUS' mother, who as masterfully played by MONIQUE, has no redeeming qualities at all. It is definitely one of the best films of the year and highly recommended.
On to film numero deux (you didn't know that The Cineman was bi-lingual, eh)? Number 2 is GUY RITCHIE'S SHERLOCK HOLMES, which I didn't think I would like as much as I did.
The film is a delight from beginning to end. The interplay between ROBERT DOWNEY JR'S HOLMES and JUDE LAW'S WATSON is wonderful. It has a great story, fabulous villain, sparkling dialogue and marvelous scenery. It was a real sleeper and a romp to savour.
The production values are sterling, as befits a film produced by JOEL SILVER, (get it)? The d.o.p. is the masterful PHILIPPE ROUSSELOT, and it is a very handsome production with excellent vfx as well.
Next time Cinemigoes, we'll have the year wrap-up of hits and misses.
until then...
T.T.F.N.
The first one was PRECIOUS directed by LEE DANIELS and the second one was SHERLOCK HOLMES, directed by GUY RITCHIE.
I have to admit I was a little leery of seeing PRECIOUS, as I thought it would be a depressopolooza and that's why I avoided it like the plague at TIFF. However, I must report that it wasn't that depressing, but engrossing with breakout acting from MONIQUE and especially from GABOUREY SIDIBE, in the titular role.
SIDIBE, is a revelation as the titular character and her performance is both heart-breaking and life-affirming. The same can't be said of PRECIOUS' mother, who as masterfully played by MONIQUE, has no redeeming qualities at all. It is definitely one of the best films of the year and highly recommended.
On to film numero deux (you didn't know that The Cineman was bi-lingual, eh)? Number 2 is GUY RITCHIE'S SHERLOCK HOLMES, which I didn't think I would like as much as I did.
The film is a delight from beginning to end. The interplay between ROBERT DOWNEY JR'S HOLMES and JUDE LAW'S WATSON is wonderful. It has a great story, fabulous villain, sparkling dialogue and marvelous scenery. It was a real sleeper and a romp to savour.
The production values are sterling, as befits a film produced by JOEL SILVER, (get it)? The d.o.p. is the masterful PHILIPPE ROUSSELOT, and it is a very handsome production with excellent vfx as well.
Next time Cinemigoes, we'll have the year wrap-up of hits and misses.
until then...
T.T.F.N.
Friday, January 1, 2010
RIFFS ON THREE FLICKS
Well, my Cinebuffs, there has been a cornucopia of films out recently and I have a report on 3 of them. They all have their own merits, but one of them is outstanding and happens to be the best movie I saw this year, to date. In order of screening, the films are: IT'S COMPLICATED, directed by NANCY MEYERS. INVICTUS, directed by CLINT EASTWOOD and BROKEN EMBRACES, directed by PEDRO ALMODOVAR.
First things first, NANCY MEYERS' IT'S COMPLICATED, starring the great MERYL STREEP, the hilarious ALEC BALDWIN and the sadly miscast, STEVE MARTIN, is a vast improvement on her last flick, THE HOLIDAY, which was D.O.A. (dreck on arrival).
In this film, STREEP and BALDWIN, play exes who start fooling around and as you may guess, mayhem ensues. It is worth seeing for the fabulous chemistry between la STREEP and Mr. B. The less said about STEVE MARTIN, as STREEP'S erstwhile suitor, the better. It is a recessive role, which does not suit MARTIN well and he only gets to let loose in one hilarious scene, where he and STREEP are stoned.
On the whole the film was ver enjoyable and I have to admit, I laughed quite a bit. STREEP, looks fabulous as framed by d.o.p.. JOHN TOLL, and on the whole, the film is alot of fun, albeit a little disjointed plot-wise and too long.
Now, the second film is something special indeed. It is INVICTUS, directed by CLINT EASTWOOD. As, I look back on the year and compile my 10 best list, I have to look no further than this one for numero uno.
Now, I have to admit I was a little leery of seeing this film, which has alot of rugby in it - not being a huge sports fan - but I have to say upon seeing it that it is a fantastic film. The film takes place and is shot in South Africa, and is about the early days of NELSON MANDELA'S reign as President and his interaction with the rugby team, THE SPRINGBOKS, and especially, their captain FRANCOIS PIENNAR, played by a very-convincing. MATT DAMON. the entire cast acquits themselves well, however, the stand-out performance has to be MORGAN FREEMAN, who becomes NELSON MANDELA.
MANDELA, sees a connection between himself and this ne'er-do-well rugby team (think of the Leafs), He thinks that both he and the team can help unite the country, if they win the WORLD CUP OF RUGBY, which they get to play in, because they're the host country. MANDELA , befriends the team captain and soon all of SOUTH AFRICA is rooting for the team and all their exploits are being documented, as they pull themselves together and become contenders. At the same time, we get to know MANDELA'S security detail which is now integrated and how they interact with him.
The film is at times funny, sad, thrilling and inspirational, but not in that treacly "you'll stand up and cheer" way. We really feel a genuine connection between MANDELA and PIENNAR. It is an outstanding film and highly-recommended.
CLINT EASTWOOD, deserves kudos for his magnificent direction. A word though about the title, however. The title is taken from the famous poem, INVICTUS, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY. This poem provided solace for MANDELA, when he was incarcerated. I have to admit though, it's a terrible title for a movie and makes it sound like a horror film (WHO WILL BE NEXT TO DIE FROM THE VIRUS? WHO WOULD SUCCUMB...TO INVICTUS-IT'S A KILLER)!!!
Last on the list is BROKEN EMBRACES, directed by the great PEDRO ALMODOVAR. His last film was the fabulous VOLVER which like this one, stars his muse, PENELOPE CRUZ. This film is not as good as that one, but it is very good.
This flick, finds, ALMODOVAR, working very effectively in a HITCHKOCKIAN vein, with its mise en scene and music and is also very good. It is the story of a film director, and touches on themes of love, lust, guilt regret and revenge. To say any more, would ruin, the delicious surprises in store, for the viewer.
So, Cinekinder, Let me wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I'll be back soon, with my 2009 flm wrap-up and the 10 best and worst of the year (you all know the best).
Until then mon amis...
T.T.F.N.
First things first, NANCY MEYERS' IT'S COMPLICATED, starring the great MERYL STREEP, the hilarious ALEC BALDWIN and the sadly miscast, STEVE MARTIN, is a vast improvement on her last flick, THE HOLIDAY, which was D.O.A. (dreck on arrival).
In this film, STREEP and BALDWIN, play exes who start fooling around and as you may guess, mayhem ensues. It is worth seeing for the fabulous chemistry between la STREEP and Mr. B. The less said about STEVE MARTIN, as STREEP'S erstwhile suitor, the better. It is a recessive role, which does not suit MARTIN well and he only gets to let loose in one hilarious scene, where he and STREEP are stoned.
On the whole the film was ver enjoyable and I have to admit, I laughed quite a bit. STREEP, looks fabulous as framed by d.o.p.. JOHN TOLL, and on the whole, the film is alot of fun, albeit a little disjointed plot-wise and too long.
Now, the second film is something special indeed. It is INVICTUS, directed by CLINT EASTWOOD. As, I look back on the year and compile my 10 best list, I have to look no further than this one for numero uno.
Now, I have to admit I was a little leery of seeing this film, which has alot of rugby in it - not being a huge sports fan - but I have to say upon seeing it that it is a fantastic film. The film takes place and is shot in South Africa, and is about the early days of NELSON MANDELA'S reign as President and his interaction with the rugby team, THE SPRINGBOKS, and especially, their captain FRANCOIS PIENNAR, played by a very-convincing. MATT DAMON. the entire cast acquits themselves well, however, the stand-out performance has to be MORGAN FREEMAN, who becomes NELSON MANDELA.
MANDELA, sees a connection between himself and this ne'er-do-well rugby team (think of the Leafs), He thinks that both he and the team can help unite the country, if they win the WORLD CUP OF RUGBY, which they get to play in, because they're the host country. MANDELA , befriends the team captain and soon all of SOUTH AFRICA is rooting for the team and all their exploits are being documented, as they pull themselves together and become contenders. At the same time, we get to know MANDELA'S security detail which is now integrated and how they interact with him.
The film is at times funny, sad, thrilling and inspirational, but not in that treacly "you'll stand up and cheer" way. We really feel a genuine connection between MANDELA and PIENNAR. It is an outstanding film and highly-recommended.
CLINT EASTWOOD, deserves kudos for his magnificent direction. A word though about the title, however. The title is taken from the famous poem, INVICTUS, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY. This poem provided solace for MANDELA, when he was incarcerated. I have to admit though, it's a terrible title for a movie and makes it sound like a horror film (WHO WILL BE NEXT TO DIE FROM THE VIRUS? WHO WOULD SUCCUMB...TO INVICTUS-IT'S A KILLER)!!!
Last on the list is BROKEN EMBRACES, directed by the great PEDRO ALMODOVAR. His last film was the fabulous VOLVER which like this one, stars his muse, PENELOPE CRUZ. This film is not as good as that one, but it is very good.
This flick, finds, ALMODOVAR, working very effectively in a HITCHKOCKIAN vein, with its mise en scene and music and is also very good. It is the story of a film director, and touches on themes of love, lust, guilt regret and revenge. To say any more, would ruin, the delicious surprises in store, for the viewer.
So, Cinekinder, Let me wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I'll be back soon, with my 2009 flm wrap-up and the 10 best and worst of the year (you all know the best).
Until then mon amis...
T.T.F.N.
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