OT: 2014 Oscar Predictions

[Gracchus]

Yeah, I know the Academy Awards aren't for another month. But since we've been talking a lot about this year's nominees, I'm giving my predictions here for the biggest categories for the 2014 Oscars. Anyone willing to go on record with their own predictions, by all means, chime in.

Best Picture: "American Hustle"
"12 Years a Slave" has been winning in this category at other awards ceremonies, so the conventional wisdom is that it has the momentum. Another reason critics believe this is that the Academy doesn't often give to top award to comedies. But for some reason, I think they'll prefer the ensemble excellence and fun of "American Hustle" allowing it to squeak ahead of "Slave."

This would present them with a problem, though, because ever since they snubbed "The Color Purple," the Academy has been scared to death of appearing racist. Their solution: give an Oscar to one of the black actors from the cast.

Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Seems he's been raking in the awards for "Gravity" and is likely to continue at the Oscars. He probably deserves it too, though I think I'd prefer to see David O. Russell win for "American Hustle."

Best Actor: Matthew McConaghey.
I really think Christian Bale deserves it, but believe McConaghey will take it because he lost a lot of weight for the role and more importantly played a "heroic" AIDS victim. But in fairness, he did do a great job and had a very believable Texas accent unlike most actors' generic southern ones.

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett
Agreement that she's the strong favorite is nearly universal, and the only thing that could possibly derail her is the current Woody Allen controversy. I don't think the Academy will be that gutless or petty this time around. Easy win for Blanchett's virtuoso performance.

Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto
This one grates on me a little bit. Leto really was excellent, but I think he'll win it more to placate the LGBT crowd and for his physical transformation. Personally I'd give it to Barkhad Abdi, the Somalian pirate leader in "Captain Phillips." Don't think that will happen though.

Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o
I think this is where the Academy will bestow their obligatory Black Nominee Oscar. Yes, Nyong'o was genuinely good, but IMO actors in roles like this have a bit of a head start because their scenes are so heavily charged with emotion to begin with. I call these "sweat and scream" performances. The one who really deserves to win is Jennifer Lawrence for being pitch-perfect in "American Hustle" (sorry Whisper, but it's true). :)

Original Screenplay: Writers of "Dallas Buyers Club"
For some reason I just think so, even though "American Hustle" seems like it should have the edge. Woody Allen is up for "Blue Jasmine," but no way in hell they'd give it to him this year even if he weren't outgunned.

Adapted Screenplay: "12 Years a Slave"
The nominees are actually pretty closely matched, but I think "Slave" will take it.

[Court_1]

On Friday, February 7, 2014 5:26:45 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> Best Actor: Matthew McConaghey.

>
> he did do a great job and had a very believable Texas accent unlike most actors' generic southern ones.

Well, I would hope so given the fact that he was born and raised in Texas and that is also where he currently resides! If he can't get a Texas accent straight who can? It is not like it is a big stretch for him you know?

> Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto
>
> This one grates on me a little bit. Leto really was excellent, but I think he'll win it more to placate the LGBT crowd and for his physical transformation.

That is exactly why Leto will probably win the award. I think Dave would really appreciate Leto's role in that film, don't you? ;)

> Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o

We just watched the film Nebraska tonight and while the movie is just average the performance by June Squibb was the standout thing in that movie more so than Bruce Dern's performance imo. I don't think she will win but she was good. I have not seen the other best supporting actress performances yet aside from Jennifer Lawrence's in AH so I can't make a judgement on this category yet.

[Gracchus]

On Saturday, February 8, 2014 1:12:40 PM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:
> On Friday, February 7, 2014 5:26:45 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:
>
>
>
> > Best Actor: Matthew McConaghey.
>
> >
>
> > he did do a great job and had a very believable Texas accent unlike most actors' generic southern ones.
>
>
>
> Well, I would hope so given the fact that he was born and raised in Texas and that is also where he currently resides! If he can't get a Texas accent straight who can? It is not like it is a big stretch for him you know?

Must say, Ross Perot can do a hell of a good Texas accent too. :)

[Ca1houn]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_black_Academy_Award_winners_and_nominees

out of 85 years I don't think the Academy has favor blacks that damn much Gracchus. I don't no about 12 years a slave as I'm not to interested in those movies. All I know is that the director is British and this is the first time a British black man has been nominated.

Also the actors account for the largest voting bloc, and Of the 5,100+ active voters confirmed, 94% were Caucasian, 77% were male, and 54% were found to be over the age of 60. Maybe the Oscar is just a bunch of old liberal junkies?

[Court_1]

On Friday, February 7, 2014 5:26:45 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> Best Picture: "American Hustle"
>
> "12 Years a Slave" has been winning in this category at other awards ceremonies, so the conventional wisdom is that it has the momentum. Another reason critics believe this is that the Academy doesn't often give to top award to comedies. But for some reason, I think they'll prefer the ensemble excellence and fun of "American Hustle" allowing it to squeak ahead of "Slave."

So, I finally watched 12 Years a Slave and all I have to say is "this film is nominated for best picture?" This film offers nothing new on the topic of slavery(yes the story has a slight twist with the main character being free and then being sold into slavery) and the script seems very sparse in areas moving from one beating of a slave to another without really exploring the issue itself or the characters in any depth. Heck the miniseries Roots did a much better job of making one empathize with the main characters involved given the tragic set of circumstances.

It was a "good enough" movie yes, but a great movie or the best picture of the year? NO WAY imo. I would rate it a 6.5 out of 10. However, the Academy may indeed give this film the best picture nod because of political reasons. I hope not. I have not seen Captain Phillips or Philomena but I have seen the rest of the nominated films and so far my vote goes to American Hustle.

> Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o
>
> I think this is where the Academy will bestow their obligatory Black Nominee Oscar. Yes, Nyong'o was genuinely good

I don't even see how Lupita was nominated to be honest. Her performance was a big nothing. What is the big deal? I am truly bewildered about this one. ????

[TT]

10.2.2014 0:15, Court_1 kirjoitti:
> Heck the miniseries Roots did a much better job of making one empathize with the main characters

Yup, 12 years was solid but as you said and I too felt that I'd seen
this shit before.

[Whisper]

Yeah I couldn't even bring myself to watch it. I like to be surprised
in movies & there was no chance of that with this flick. The wife & a
couple friends liked it though.

[ca1houn]

My mom like it court but said she didn't think it was academy award worthy. My said shit they got whip like all the other slave movie and it no roots. I will never know because as I said before not my type of movie

[Gracchus]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 9:30:23 AM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:
> My mom like it court but said she didn't think it was academy award worthy. My said shit they got whip like all the other slave movie and it no roots. I will never know because as I said before not my type of movie

It's been many years since I saw "Roots," but I know it was *much* better. "Roots" had a heart to it, probably because although much of it was necessarily fictional, it was still based on Alex Haley's lineage and actual relatives. "12 Years a Slave" has no such heart.

It's too bad, because the true story of what happened to Solomon Northrup is fascinating. But watching the film, it feels hardly about him--it's more like, "In case you didn't get it before, we're going to show you just how horrible slavery really was."

Here's a link to an interesting article by Orville Lloyd Douglas, a black critic talking about this movie and ones like it.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/12/why-im-not-watching-the-butler-12-years-a-slave

From the start, he really gets to the gist of it:

"I'm convinced these black race films are created for a white, liberal film audience to engender white guilt and make them feel bad about themselves. Regardless of your race, these films are unlikely to teach you anything you don't already know."

[Gracchus]

On Monday, February 10, 2014 5:15:18 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> I don't even see how Lupita was nominated to be honest. Her performance was a big nothing. What is the big deal? I am truly bewildered about this one. ????

That's what I mean by a "sweat and scream" performance. It is easier to portray the agony of someone getting the flesh whipped off her back than to deliver acting with dynamic range and controlled emotional transition. Nevertheless, it's the kind of thing Hollywood loves to give Oscars and Oscar nominations to.

Just to cite a few other examples of acclaimed "sweat and screams": Tom Cruise in "Born of the 4th of July," Farrah Fawcett in "The Burning Bed," and Sharon Stone in "Casino."

[Gracchus]

On Sunday, February 9, 2014 3:49:59 AM UTC+7, Ca1houn wrote:

> out of 85 years I don't think the Academy has favor blacks that damn much Gracchus. I don't no about 12 years a slave as I'm not to interested in those movies. All I know is that the director is British and this is the first time a British black man has been nominated.

I think it's great to see actors of all races get nominated when the nominations are actually earned. I objected here to the nominations for "12 Years a Slave," but also said I thought best supporting actor should go to Barkhad Abdi (a black African) for his performance in "Captain Phillips."

Chiwetel Ejiofor is also an excellent actor, but he's been much better in other films.

[The Iceberg]

agree with Gracchus on Jennifer Lawrence, don't think she'll win it cos she was too young for the part really, BUT her acting was out-standing. Didn't think American Hustle overall was actually that good, liked it, but not amazeballs, liked Slave too, but thought Wolf was best out of all.

[The Iceberg]

what is the big deal about American Hustle? It was over-acted and all over the place, it had 'amusing' bits mixed with serious parts, so you never knew the gist of the film. I don't get what's so good about Christian Bale over-doing a New York Jewish accent, laughing at Bradley Cooper's curly hair and people arguing all the time cos that's it summed up. Jennifer Lawrence and de Niro deserve awards, but considering Lawrence was physically 20 years younger than she was meant to be, well.

I agree about Slave, I liked it a lot, but didn't think it was Oscar territory, certainly not the acting. Captain Phillips was a lot better than both come to thin of it, Gracchus is right, the Somali guy should get an award, if anyone, definitely worth seeing anyways.

[The Iceberg]

Maybe cos I'm English I didn't take that away, it said to me that slavery was terribly bad and illustrated this well, but that there were some decent white guys involved and that's the way it was. It wasn't trying to prove something else, like Django was last year.

[Fednatic]

now we got one black guy enslaving everybody black and white alike !

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:14:03 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> Just to cite a few other examples of acclaimed "sweat and screams": Tom Cruise in "Born of the 4th of July," Farrah Fawcett in "The Burning Bed," and Sharon Stone in "Casino."

The performances of Tom, Farrah and Sharon in those films were like Bette Davis at her best compared to Lupita's performance in 12 Years a Slave. Rubbish nomination imo. Lawrence and Squibb gave the best performances in the supporting actress category now that I have seen most of the performances. The only performance I have not seen yet is Sally Hawkins' role in Blue Jasmine.

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:55:02 AM UTC-5, The Iceberg wrote:


> what is the big deal about American Hustle? It was over-acted and all over the place, it had 'amusing' bits mixed with serious parts, so you never knew the gist of the film. I don't get what's so good about Christian Bale over-doing a New York Jewish accent, laughing at Bradley Cooper's curly hair and people arguing all the time cos that's it summed up. Jennifer Lawrence and de Niro deserve awards, but considering Lawrence was physically 20 years younger than she was meant to be, well.

I disagree. I liked everything about the movie and thought it was well done. The performances of Bale, Cooper and Adams were great imo. Lawrence's performance was the weakest out of the four but still good. Lawrence's age has NOTHING to do with her performance --i.e. it did not hinder her performance.

De Niro deserves an award for that film? LOL, for what?

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:46:10 AM UTC-5, The Iceberg wrote:

> but thought Wolf was best out of all.

Figures. It was three hours of drugs and orgies. That is your idea of best film of the year? Wolf will not win best film of the year nor does it deserve to win.

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:05:38 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> It's been many years since I saw "Roots," but I know it was *much* better. "12 Years a Slave" has no such heart.

Roots was 50 times better than 12 Years a Slave.

> It's too bad, because the true story of what happened to Solomon Northrup is fascinating. But watching the film, it feels hardly about him--it's more like, "In case you didn't get it before, we're going to show you just how horrible slavery really was."

Exactly. Both the script and the characters had no emotional depth. Probably a combo of the fault of the screenwriter and the director but mostly the director.

[TT]

Ok, now I have seen all best picture nominees except Nebraska and Wolf
of Wall Street... so let's see...

BEST PICTURE:

I have rated 3 films as 8:

-Gravity, I don't think will get BP since its strength is more about
special effects. So maybe it gets one for special effects or
cinematography (if it's nominated for those).

-Philomena, was really touching story and very good film. Still I think
it's a bit too "quiet" film for academy - and the strength is in Dench's
acting mainly. So probably not, but if it does that's great.

-Dallas Buyers Club, made an impact on me. This is my favourite of
nominees this year. However it will most likely get an Oscar for male
lead and supporting actor and the BP will go to 12 Years...

Looked up the BP winners since 2000... there has been couple stinkers
and quite a few so-so films that imo were not at all BP worthy. So I
hope it will not go to another Artist/Departed/HurtLocker this year,
which in my opinion would be American Hustle...

Most probable: 12 years as a slave
My wish: Dallas byers club

My pick: Dallas buyers club

-

LEADING ACTOR:

Matthew McConaughey - there's no other way, he was simply brilliant. And
I'm not talking just body transformation wise, but his whole
character... he really pulled off the macho hick loser to perfection...
and then how his world view changed gradually.

Still haven't seen the film where Bruce Dern is in, Nebraska, sounds
like a good film. Would be a surprise though...


SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Jared Leto from Dallas... Flawless - just ask Dave.

LEADING ACTRESS:
-Meryl Streep, I haven't seen the film she's in but hell no, not again.
-Kate Blanchett, very good performance from her she's apparently heavy
favourite
-Judi Dench, my favourite - and I think she hasn't won this yet.
-Bullock, solid performance as ever and she's nice to look at but...
-Amy Adams, her talent was looking great for a quite ordinary looking
girl, but I think her perky performance is not quite enough for Oscar
against couple heavyweights...

My pick: Judi Dench in Philomena

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
-Sally Hawkins was ok as the sister in Blue Jasmine, but no...
-Jennifer Lawrence was ok in her overrated Britney Spears impression,
but hopefully no...

My pick: Lupita Nyongo from 12 years... she was credible and sexy... I
thought better than the leading negro.


CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Well I've only see Gravity of the nominees so...

VISUAL EFFECTS:
Everyone's pick: Gravity
I don't think Iron Man or Hobbit brought anything new to the table...
Star Trek, I've already forgotten what happened in it...

[TT]

I don't recall Cruise or Stone being any different in those roles than
they normally are... Cruise has always his mannerisms but I think he's
good fit for his roles...

[TT]

11.2.2014 12:58, The Iceberg kirjoitti:
> On Tuesday, 11 February 2014 10:05:38 UTC, Gracchus wrote:
>> On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 9:30:23 AM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:
>>
>>> My mom like it court but said she didn't think it was academy award worthy. My said shit they got whip like all the other slave movie and it no roots. I will never know because as I said before not my type of movie
>>
>>
>>
>> It's been many years since I saw "Roots," but I know it was *much* better. "Roots" had a heart to it, probably because although much of it was necessarily fictional, it was still based on Alex Haley's lineage and actual relatives. "12 Years a Slave" has no such heart.
>>
>>
>>
>> It's too bad, because the true story of what happened to Solomon Northrup is fascinating. But watching the film, it feels hardly about him--it's more like, "In case you didn't get it before, we're going to show you just how horrible slavery really was."
>>
>>
>>
>> Here's a link to an interesting article by Orville Lloyd Douglas, a black critic talking about this movie and ones like it.
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/12/why-im-not-watching-the-butler-12-years-a-slave
>>
>>
>>
>> From the start, he really gets to the gist of it:
>>
>>
>>
>> "I'm convinced these black race films are created for a white, liberal film audience to engender white guilt and make them feel bad about themselves. Regardless of your race, these films are unlikely to teach you anything you don't already know."
>
> Maybe cos I'm English I didn't take that away,

Must be an American thing, this guilt thing... The article Grac posted
was plain ridiculous imo...

[TT]

11.2.2014 12:55, The Iceberg kirjoitti:
> Gracchus is right, the Somali guy should get an award, if anyone, definitely worth seeing anyways.

He should get The Best Somali Actor award.

[guypers]

MM is brilliant in the HBO series True Detective!

[TT]

12.2.2014 0:24, Court_1 kirjoitti:
> The only performance I have not seen yet is Sally Hawkins' role in Blue Jasmine.

I thought it was pretty normal acting performance. Blanchett however was
really great, although the role helped her a lot... but that's how it
goes, better the role fits and raises one up...

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 6:23:48 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> -Philomena, was really touching story and very good film. Still I think
>
> it's a bit too "quiet" film for academy - and the strength is in Dench's
>
> acting mainly. So probably not, but if it does that's great.

I need to see Philomena. Dench is always good.

> -Dallas Buyers Club, made an impact on me. This is my favourite of
>
> nominees this year. However it will most likely get an Oscar for male
>
> lead and supporting actor

Why, what is so great about DBC? Why did it make such an impact on you?

> and the BP will go to 12 Years...

Sadly that is probably true but I hope not! My vote is for American Hustle.

> Matthew McConaughey - there's no other way, he was simply brilliant. And
>
> I'm not talking just body transformation wise, but his whole
>
> character... he really pulled off the macho hick loser to perfection...
>
> and then how his world view changed gradually.

Brilliant? Hardly imo. He was "ok." I kept thinking the role was not a stretch for him because he is basically a hick with a Southern accent from Texas. How did this role vastly stretch his acting ability? He will probably win the award for best actor but I think Bale deserves it more.

> Still haven't seen the film where Bruce Dern is in, Nebraska, sounds
>
> like a good film. Would be a surprise though...

Nebraska is average and Dern is just ok. The standout role in that film is June Squibb's role but neither Dern or Squibb will win imo.

> Jared Leto from Dallas... Flawless - just ask Dave.

He was pretty good.

> -Meryl Streep, I haven't seen the film she's in but hell no, not again.

Streep was excellent in August Osage County. The very best thing about the film hands down. It was an ensemble cast but the other actors were very much in her shadow including Julia Roberts.

> My pick: Lupita Nyongo from 12 years... she was credible and sexy... I
>
> thought better than the leading negro.

I hope not! I don't even think she deserved to be nominated let alone win for best supporting actress! The film is not Oscar worthy, nor is Lupita's performance. Both nominations are a joke imo.

[TT]

...after all 12 years is not even about a black man - it's about a white
black man! :)

[TT]

12.2.2014 2:04, Court_1 kirjoitti:
> I need to see Philomena. Dench is always good.

Take a box of tissues with you. :)

> Why, what is so great about DBC? Why did it make such an impact on you?

Well, thinking about it perhaps Philomena made a bigger impact but
Dallas was mainly about the transformation of MM as a person, pacing was
good, and the story was interesting in different ways. Not to mention
the performances...

I enjoyed it.

> Brilliant? Hardly imo. He was "ok." I kept thinking the role was not a stretch for him because he is basically a hick with a Southern accent from Texas. How did this role vastly stretch his acting ability? He will probably win the award for best actor but I think Bale deserves it more.
>

I think MM deserves it very much. Not only accent and physical
appearance but also the character he played. I totally bought it.

And he was NOTHING like the McConaughey I've seen before. I wouldn't
have thought in million years I'd say that he deserves a leading actor
oscar, I thought he's totally just a pretty face and nothing more - but...

[TT]

12.2.2014 2:29, TT kirjoitti:
> Well, thinking about it perhaps Philomena made a bigger impact but
> Dallas was mainly about the transformation of MM as a person, pacing was
> good, and the story was interesting in different ways. Not to mention
> the performances...
>
> I enjoyed it.

Also... the subject was sort of important, greedy pharmaceutical
companies basically willing to kill people for profit... a true story.
He tried, and did make a difference.

Interestingly, also 12 years and Philomena are based on a true story of
people trying to help themselves and then make a difference. (the slave
became an anti-slavery activist etc).

[Gracchus]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:23:48 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:

> -Gravity, I don't think will get BP since its strength is more about
>
> special effects. So maybe it gets one for special effects or
>
> cinematography (if it's nominated for those).

Cuaron is apparently front-runner for best director. Winning the DGA award cements his status as favorite.

> -Philomena, was really touching story and very good film. Still I think
>
> it's a bit too "quiet" film for academy - and the strength is in Dench's
>
> acting mainly. So probably not, but if it does that's great.

I still haven't seen this one, but Judi is incapable of giving a bad performance it seems.

> -Dallas Buyers Club, made an impact on me. This is my favourite of
>
> nominees this year. However it will most likely get an Oscar for male
>
> lead and supporting actor and the BP will go to 12 Years...

I liked it a lot more than I expected. It definitely blows away "12 Years" in quality.

> Looked up the BP winners since 2000... there has been couple stinkers
>
> and quite a few so-so films that imo were not at all BP worthy. So I
>
> hope it will not go to another Artist/Departed/HurtLocker this year,
>
> which in my opinion would be American Hustle...

I agree with you that "The Departed" and "Hurt Locker" were overrated turkeys. But obviously I don't think "American Hustle" deserves to be served with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

> Still haven't seen the film where Bruce Dern is in, Nebraska, sounds
>
> like a good film. Would be a surprise though...

I've always liked Bruce Dern from back when he was playing snake-in-the-grass Western villains (personal favorites--"The Cowboys" and "Hang 'em High"). And then there was "Silent Running." He's a long shot for Best Actor of course.

> My pick: Judi Dench in Philomena

It would be nice to see her win one, but Bullock is probably the closest contender to Blanchett this year. Blanchett was decidedly superior though, and if she loses this, the winner owes Dylan Farrow a thank you note.

> My pick: Lupita Nyongo from 12 years... she was credible and sexy... I
>
> thought better than the leading negro.

This is the only one of your picks that makes me say, "Huh?" Although I've predicted she *will* win, IMO she is thoroughly undeserving of it for a performance that consisted mostly of screaming and anguished faces.

[Gracchus]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:42:44 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:


> I don't recall Cruise or Stone being any different in those roles than
>
> they normally are... Cruise has always his mannerisms but I think he's
>
> good fit for his roles...

Yeah, they just ratcheted up what they usually do. Neither is capable of doing anything truly different. The critics who liked them in this movies were really responding to emotional content whether they knew it or not.

Cruise is fine for most of the roles he chooses. Usually he's smart enough to stay within safe parameters because he probably knows his limitations. Flashing a fetching grin and knitting the brow can only take an actor so far.

[Gracchus]

It is very much an American thing. Note that even our English "cousin" Iceberg doesn't see it either. But I think the author of the article is missing a crucial piece here. Yes, these films are made for white liberals, but not so much to make them feel bad about themselves. More the opposite. They are invited to identify with a white character who is one of the few (if not the only)non-racist whites in the movie. This way, instead of having their guilt enhanced, the white viewer gets to feel very smug in believing that he/she would have behaved the same way and taken on the big, bad, hood-wearing, cross-burning, noose-wielding racists whether it be in 1850s New Orleans or 1950s Birmingham.

It serves a similar end function to the Magical Negro that represents Whitey's social conscience and is supposed to make us feel that if we can embrace Morgan Freeman's turn as God, then we can't possibly have a racist bone in our lily-white bodies.

American television is permeated with this crap too. You would think from watching shows like "Law and Order" that 95 percent of American judges are black, and most of those being black women. Then when she imperiously dresses down white male attorneys in a courtroom, you're supposed to cheer when they hang their heads sheepishly and mutter, "Yes, your honor."

[TT]

12.2.2014 12:33, Gracchus kirjoitti:
> It is very much an American thing. Note that even our English "cousin" Iceberg doesn't see it either.

Iceberg is your cousin? Cool.

My cousin is a chimpanzee, like for most of us - except Dave, God made
him as his image to spam rst with politics.

> But I think the author of the article is missing a crucial piece here. Yes, these films are made for white liberals, but not so much to make them feel bad about themselves. More the opposite. They are invited to identify with a white character who is one of the few (if not the only)non-racist whites in the movie.

Yes, I bet pretty much every white viewer identifies themselves to the
"good" white... or who knows, why not actually the black protagonist even...

> It serves a similar end function to the Magical Negro that represents Whitey's social conscience and is supposed to make us feel that if we can embrace Morgan Freeman's turn as God, then we can't possibly have a racist bone in our lily-white bodies.
>
> American television is permeated with this crap too. You would think from watching shows like "Law and Order" that 95 percent of American judges are black, and most of those being black women. Then when she imperiously dresses down white male attorneys in a courtroom, you're supposed to cheer when they hang their heads sheepishly and mutter, "Yes, your honor."

Which reminds me of a term I invented in 80's... "pakkoneekeri" - which
roughly translates to "compulsory negro"... meaning that I felt that
American films had to most of the time have at least one black actor in
otherwise white cast... felt a bit forced in some cases.

[TT]

12.2.2014 12:07, Gracchus kirjoitti:
> I agree with you that "The Departed" and "Hurt Locker" were overrated turkeys. But obviously I don't think "American Hustle" deserves to be served with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Let's replace Hustle then with Wolf... which is probably trying as
desperately "being cool" as departed did... you get the idea...

Although, I think Departed and and Hustle have two things in common, the
plot was trying to be cute/smart but was a bit over the top in the end,
I had some difficulty buying turn of events in either of them.

Now of course Departed was just over the top plothol-y. And the ending,
the best word I can come up with is condescending. Just kill everyone
out of the blue... Do they think that the audience is full of idiots?
Maybe they're right. :)

[TT]

12.2.2014 2:04, Court_1 kirjoitti:

> Nebraska is average and Dern is just ok. The standout role in that film is June Squibb's role but neither Dern or Squibb will win imo.

I just watched Nebraska and I very much disagree. I thought the film was
great! Funny, sad and sweet. Quite special film, imo. And rather
different. Really liked the somewhat humorous somewhat cold depiction of
people in middle of nowhere... pretty accurate? Overdone? Plus the
father-son story was damn good.

Got a few giggles every now and then and the punch scene + ending were
brilliant. Why in b&w? ...most probably a stylistic reason and it worked
imo, and perhaps a hint to the father being from b&w era.

And I think Dern's performance is just as much Oscar worthy as any! He
really played the old dementic father perfectly... not only talking
about facial expressions, speech and empty stares - but also his
physical performance, walking, staggering uncertain movements etc.
Everything. Dern was simply perfect, the role couldn't have been played
any better imo. Now of course you will say that he actually is that old,
perhaps but it was still acting.

So actually now I have three favourites and I really can't even decide
which one is the best film of the three!

Dallas buyer's club
Philomena
Nebraska

Unfortunately none of those are likely to get the Best Pic. But one can
always hope... you never know. Maybe academy is already as bored with 12
years hype as we are...

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 7:29:24 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> Well, thinking about it perhaps Philomena made a bigger impact but
>
> Dallas was mainly about the transformation of MM as a person, pacing was
>
> good, and the story was interesting in different ways. Not to mention
>
> the performances...

>

> I think MM deserves it very much. Not only accent and physical
>
> appearance but also the character he played. I totally bought it.
>
>
>
> And he was NOTHING like the McConaughey I've seen before. I wouldn't
>
> have thought in million years I'd say that he deserves a leading actor
>
> oscar, I thought he's totally just a pretty face and nothing more - but...

Matthew M is definitely a cutie. He has a great smile and body. :)

Matthew M has done some good work leading up to this year's Academy Award nomination--i.e. he was in Mud and was supposedly very good in it (I have not seen it yet.)

I may have to try and watch DBC again. The day I saw it in the movie theater I was feeling crappy (I had the beginnings of a cold.) Maybe I will watch it at home where I can relax. I thought the movie was good and Matthew M was good but I did not think either were GREAT GREAT. Given Matthew M will probably win the Academy Award I think I will try and check out his performance again before the awards. Right now it is only between Christian Bale and Matthew M for me. I don't think the other three actors(Leo D, Bruce Dern and Chiwetel E) deserve the award.

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 4:14:02 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> I just watched Nebraska and I very much disagree. I thought the film was
>
> great! Funny, sad and sweet. Quite special film, imo. And rather
>
> different. Really liked the somewhat humorous somewhat cold depiction of
>
> people in middle of nowhere... pretty accurate? Overdone? Plus the
>
> father-son story was damn good.

I thought it was poignant and funny at times. The beginning was very promising and I thought it was going to be great after the first 10 minutes but the problem for me was that it lost some direction after around 40 minutes or so. It became more of the same--i.e. the same aging father with dementia out in the middle of nowhere with his son and they don't understand one another. It became a little repetitive and did not really go anywhere unexpected. They could have gone a little further with the father/son dynamic and made it more touching. The film seemed to stall rather than become more developed.

> Got a few giggles every now and then and the punch scene + ending were
>
> brilliant. Why in b&w? ...most probably a stylistic reason and it worked
>
> imo, and perhaps a hint to the father being from b&w era.

I read an interview with the director and he was asked why he made the film in black and white and he said something like "it seemed like the right think to do." I agree I think the choice of b&w for the film was an interesting one.

> And I think Dern's performance is just as much Oscar worthy as any! He
>
> really played the old dementic father perfectly... not only talking
>
> about facial expressions, speech and empty stares - but also his
>
> physical performance, walking, staggering uncertain movements etc.
>
> Everything. Dern was simply perfect, the role couldn't have been played
>
> any better imo.

He was good but not GREAT imo. For me the better performance was by supporting actress June Squibb.

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 4:14:02 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> So actually now I have three favourites and I really can't even decide
>
> which one is the best film of the three!
>
>
>
> Dallas buyer's club
>
> Philomena
>
> Nebraska
>
>
>
> Unfortunately none of those are likely to get the Best Pic. But one can
>
> always hope... you never know. Maybe academy is already as bored with 12
>
> years hype as we are...

You never know is right. Who knows what kind of back end deals and schmoozing goes on behind the scenes. Depends which movie studios/producers campaign the hardest.

[TT]

12.2.2014 23:54, Court_1 kirjoitti:
> He was good but not GREAT imo. For me the better performance was by supporting actress June Squibb.
>

Squibb had some funny lines which helped. But Dern had the most
difficult role of all nominees imo, had to rely on non-verbal acting
rather than dishing cool lines.

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 5:11:42 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> But Dern had the most
>
> difficult role of all nominees imo, had to rely on non-verbal acting

Meh. His non-verbalization became annoying imo.

[TT]

Just finished watching Wolf... have to agree with you.

It was 3 hours of Leo doing drugs and chicks. Completely pointless film.
Wall Street was 10 times better and so was Michael Douglas, that film
had at least a story and a moral to it. Scorsese was just glorifying a
thief who got away with it by ratting his friends. Would have been
better off with couple of those cerebral palsy ludes.

It is done - now I have seen all best picture nominees. I feel like
Jesus on the cross, waiting for Ellen DeGeneres.

[Court_1]

On Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:40:06 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:

> Just finished watching Wolf...

> It was 3 hours of Leo doing drugs and chicks. Completely pointless film.
>
> Wall Street was 10 times better and so was Michael Douglas

I agree, Wall Street was much better than Wolf.

> It is done - now I have seen all best picture nominees.

Good job TT! These Academy Award nominated movies this year are pathetic for the most part. Most of them don't deserve to be nominated and most of the performances are "meh." What a load of political tripe the Academy has become. Just make a movie about AIDS or slavery and you are guaranteed a nomination, no questions asked!

I was trying to think of movies from 2013 that I really enjoyed and I was hard-pressed to come up with many at all. A movie that I really enjoyed was Rush by Ron Howard. It was nominated for some Golden Globes and some other awards but was ignored for the Oscars completely. Say what you will about Ron Howard's movies but the man knows how to tell a story. This was a tight character driven story and you don't have to like Formula One racing to enjoy the film at all( I have never watched a day of racing in my life.) Much better than most of the dud AA nominated films this year.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/


Another underrated movie I enjoyed from 2013 was Stoker. It is a stylish beautifully shot, intriguing taut psychological thriller and the performances by Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska (she is going to be a big star, she can actually act!) were excellent. There are some things that occur that would not occur in reality but if you just go with the film, those things become irrelevant in the grand scheme of things imo.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1682180/

Another 2013 movie that was well done was Byzantium. A modern vampire story about two women (a mother and daughter) but without the cheesiness and gore that most vampire stories are. It was directed by Neil Jordan who directed the film adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire except Byzantium is a better film. Very good storytelling and cinematography.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1531901/

You should check out Rush, Stoker and Byzantium if you get a chance.

Side Effects was a 2013 film that was underrated as well. From the 2013 films I have seen so far, that is pretty much it in terms of what I thought was very good (of course I liked American Hustle a lot too.) A lot of bad or average films in 2013!

[Court_1]

On Friday, February 14, 2014 4:52:11 PM UTC-5, Court_1 wrote:

> Another underrated movie I enjoyed from 2013 was Stoker. It is a stylish beautifully shot, intriguing taut psychological thriller and the performances by Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska (she is going to be a big star, she can actually act!) were excellent. There are some things that occur that would not occur in reality but if you just go with the film, those things become irrelevant in the grand scheme of things imo.
>
>
>
> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1682180/

Forgot to mention that Stoker is a modern version or has strong influences from the classic good Hitchcock film of 1943 Shadow of a Doubt.

[bob]

it's a fairly weak group of movies no doubt.

bob

[bob]

On Tue, 11 Feb 2014 02:05:38 -0800 (PST), Gracchus
<cernu...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 9:30:23 AM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:
>> My mom like it court but said she didn't think it was academy award worthy. My said shit they got whip like all the other slave movie and it no roots. I will never know because as I said before not my type of movie
>
>It's been many years since I saw "Roots," but I know it was *much* better. "Roots" had a heart to it, probably because although much of it was necessarily fictional, it was still based on Alex Haley's lineage and actual relatives. "12 Years a Slave" has no such heart.

roots was a classic miniseries that gripped the country. 12 yrs a
slave - not sure, i didn't bother to see it after reading reviews.

bob

[bob]

ABSOLUTELY! bingo TT.

bob

[bob]

the guilt thing - called "white man's guilt." big thing here with
liberal ameicans (the type who vote like a democrat but live like a
republican).

bob

[bob]

lol.

bob

[bob]

On Wed, 12 Feb 2014 02:14:14 -0800 (PST), Gracchus
<cernu...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:42:44 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:
>
>
>> I don't recall Cruise or Stone being any different in those roles than
>>
>> they normally are... Cruise has always his mannerisms but I think he's
>>
>> good fit for his roles...
>
>Yeah, they just ratcheted up what they usually do. Neither is capable of doing anything truly different.

tom cruise could never do anything close to what christian bale did in
american hustle IMO.

> The critics who liked them in this movies were really responding to emotional content whether they knew it or not.
>Cruise is fine for most of the roles he chooses. Usually he's smart enough to stay within safe parameters because he probably knows his limitations. Flashing a fetching grin and knitting the brow can only take an actor so far.

bob

[bob]

On Tue, 11 Feb 2014 02:55:02 -0800 (PST), The Iceberg
<iceber...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Sunday, 9 February 2014 22:15:18 UTC, Court_1 wrote:
>> On Friday, February 7, 2014 5:26:45 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> > Best Picture: "American Hustle"
>>
>> >
>>
>> > "12 Years a Slave" has been winning in this category at other awards ceremonies, so the conventional wisdom is that it has the momentum. Another reason critics believe this is that the Academy doesn't often give to top award to comedies. But for some reason, I think they'll prefer the ensemble excellence and fun of "American Hustle" allowing it to squeak ahead of "Slave."
>>
>>
>>
>> So, I finally watched 12 Years a Slave and all I have to say is "this film is nominated for best picture?" This film offers nothing new on the topic of slavery(yes the story has a slight twist with the main character being free and then being sold into slavery) and the script seems very sparse in areas moving from one beating of a slave to another without really exploring the issue itself or the characters in any depth. Heck the miniseries Roots did a much better job of making one empathize with the main characters involved given the tragic set of circumstances.
>>
>>
>>
>> It was a "good enough" movie yes, but a great movie or the best picture of the year? NO WAY imo. I would rate it a 6.5 out of 10. However, the Academy may indeed give this film the best picture nod because of political reasons. I hope not. I have not seen Captain Phillips or Philomena but I have seen the rest of the nominated films and so far my vote goes to American Hustle.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o
>>
>> >
>>
>> > I think this is where the Academy will bestow their obligatory Black Nominee Oscar. Yes, Nyong'o was genuinely good
>>
>>
>>
>> I don't even see how Lupita was nominated to be honest. Her performance was a big nothing. What is the big deal? I am truly bewildered about this one. ????
>
>what is the big deal about American Hustle? It was over-acted and all over the place, it had 'amusing' bits mixed with serious parts, so you never knew the gist of the film. I don't get what's so good about Christian Bale over-doing a New York Jewish accent, laughing at Bradley Cooper's curly hair and people arguing all the time cos that's it summed up. Jennifer Lawrence and de Niro deserve awards, but considering Lawrence was physically 20 years younger than she was meant to be, well.

i thought the mexican who played the arab deserved an award. he gets
the "oh shit!" award when de niro speaks a little farsi. :-)

>I agree about Slave, I liked it a lot, but didn't think it was Oscar territory, certainly not the acting. Captain Phillips was a lot better than both come to thin of it, Gracchus is right, the Somali guy should get an award, if anyone, definitely worth seeing anyways.

bob

[bob]

On Wed, 12 Feb 2014 02:07:31 -0800 (PST), Gracchus
<cernu...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:23:48 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:
>
>> -Gravity, I don't think will get BP since its strength is more about
>>
>> special effects. So maybe it gets one for special effects or
>>
>> cinematography (if it's nominated for those).
>
>
>Cuaron is apparently front-runner for best director.

shoo in. and a shame.

> Winning the DGA award cements his status as favorite.

>> -Philomena, was really touching story and very good film. Still I think
>>
>> it's a bit too "quiet" film for academy - and the strength is in Dench's
>>
>> acting mainly. So probably not, but if it does that's great.
>
>I still haven't seen this one, but Judi is incapable of giving a bad performance it seems.
>
>
>
>> -Dallas Buyers Club, made an impact on me. This is my favourite of
>>
>> nominees this year. However it will most likely get an Oscar for male
>>
>> lead and supporting actor and the BP will go to 12 Years...
>
>I liked it a lot more than I expected. It definitely blows away "12 Years" in quality.
>
>
>> Looked up the BP winners since 2000... there has been couple stinkers
>>
>> and quite a few so-so films that imo were not at all BP worthy. So I
>>
>> hope it will not go to another Artist/Departed/HurtLocker this year,
>>
>> which in my opinion would be American Hustle...
>
>I agree with you that "The Departed" and "Hurt Locker" were overrated turkeys. But obviously I don't think "American Hustle" deserves to be served with stuffing and cranberry sauce.
>
>
>> Still haven't seen the film where Bruce Dern is in, Nebraska, sounds
>>
>> like a good film. Would be a surprise though...
>
>I've always liked Bruce Dern from back when he was playing snake-in-the-grass Western villains (personal favorites--"The Cowboys" and "Hang 'em High"). And then there was "Silent Running." He's a long shot for Best Actor of course.
>
>
>> My pick: Judi Dench in Philomena
>
>
>It would be nice to see her win one, but Bullock is probably the closest contender to Blanchett this year. Blanchett was decidedly superior though, and if she loses this, the winner owes Dylan Farrow a thank you note.
>
>
>> My pick: Lupita Nyongo from 12 years... she was credible and sexy... I
>>
>> thought better than the leading negro.
>
>This is the only one of your picks that makes me say, "Huh?" Although I've predicted she *will* win, IMO she is thoroughly undeserving of it for a performance that consisted mostly of screaming and anguished faces.

bob

[ca1houn]

Do Whites feel guilty? I don't think so and don't care. It history it be remembered. I only hate when people fail to realize that it did have an impact on all of America. The Jews don't let anybody forget what happen to them way shouldn't other minority.

Gracchus post about obligatory Black Nominee Oscar was lightweight offensives; basically he or she is implying that these movie were not Academy Awards worthy like Nadal slams TT. lol. I couldn't help it, pretty good Ca1houn. hahahahhahahah anyways it pretty much discredit their achievement. As stated in my first post this "obligatory Black Nominee Oscar" is false the Academy has not really favored Black actor or actress, only like 26 have won in 80+ years and that came mostly from Oscar music.

[Whisper]

On 2/18/2014 11:51 AM, bob wrote:
> On Wed, 12 Feb 2014 02:14:14 -0800 (PST), Gracchus
> <cernu...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:42:44 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:
>>
>>
>>> I don't recall Cruise or Stone being any different in those roles than
>>>
>>> they normally are... Cruise has always his mannerisms but I think he's
>>>
>>> good fit for his roles...
>>
>> Yeah, they just ratcheted up what they usually do. Neither is capable of doing anything truly different.
>
> tom cruise could never do anything close to what christian bale did in
> american hustle IMO.
>

Correct. Clooney is incapable of playing anyone other than George Clooney.

[Fednatic]

On Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:49:36 +1100, Whisper <beav...@ozemail.net.au>
wrote:

Hey. Great roles if he can get em.

[Court_1]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 5:49:36 AM UTC-5, Whisper wrote:

> Correct. Clooney is incapable of playing anyone other than George Clooney.

Clooney's acting is stiff as a board. He is lucky he is suave. He has made so much money now he can produce and direct films and pick and choose his acting roles.

[bob]

On Mon, 17 Feb 2014 21:52:57 -0800 (PST), ca1houn
<vaget...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>On Monday, February 17, 2014 6:06:31 AM UTC-8, bob wrote:
>> On Tue, 11 Feb 2014 02:05:38 -0800 (PST), Gracchus
>>
>> <cernu...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> >On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 9:30:23 AM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:
>>
>> >> My mom like it court but said she didn't think it was academy award worthy. My said shit they got whip like all the other slave movie and it no roots. I will never know because as I said before not my type of movie
>>
>> >
>>
>> >It's been many years since I saw "Roots," but I know it was *much* better. "Roots" had a heart to it, probably because although much of it was necessarily fictional, it was still based on Alex Haley's lineage and actual relatives. "12 Years a Slave" has no such heart.
>>
>>
>>
>> roots was a classic miniseries that gripped the country. 12 yrs a
>>
>> slave - not sure, i didn't bother to see it after reading reviews.
>>
>>
>>
>> bob
>
>Do Whites feel guilty? I don't think so and don't care.

many do. some should, depending on what they've done in their lives.
and some have no reason to.

>It history it be remembered. I only hate when people fail to realize that it did have an impact on all of America.

of course it did. wrongs were perpetuated for centuries. but you
realize wrongs have been perpetuated for centuries elsewhere too.

> The Jews don't let anybody forget what happen to them way shouldn't other minority.
>Gracchus post about obligatory Black Nominee Oscar was lightweight offensives; basically he or she is implying that these movie were not Academy Awards worthy like Nadal slams TT. lol. I couldn't help it, pretty good Ca1houn. hahahahhahahah anyways it pretty much discredit their achievement. As stated in my first post this "obligatory Black Nominee Oscar" is false the Academy has not really favored Black actor or actress, only like 26 have won in 80+ years and that came mostly from Oscar music.

i don't know about "oscar quotas" and such, if a black many gives the
best performance of the year he should get the oscar, period, and if
not, he's not owed one.

i'm only saying that some whites feel guilty about the wrongs done to
blacks over the centuries, even though they weren't even born at the
time of the major injustices. i prefer to treat everyone on their
merits, black, white, whatever, that's why i have many black friends -
they respect the fact that i respect them on merit alone.

bob

[bob]

On Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:49:36 +1100, Whisper <beav...@ozemail.net.au>
wrote:

my father has repeated that line to me for a decade: george clooney
can only play himself.

bob

[Fednatic]

I think you heard it wrongly bob. Your dad actually said " george
clooney can only play with himself.

[Gracchus]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 12:52:57 PM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:

> Do Whites feel guilty? I don't think so and don't care. It history it be remembered. I only hate when people fail to realize that it did have an impact on all of America. The Jews don't let anybody forget what happen to them way shouldn't other minority.

Yes, slavery should be remembered as well as the institutional racism that continued long after slavery ended. But I think the idea that whites in America should carry a burden of guilt is silly. To be fair, I do believe more of it is perpetuated by white liberals than by blacks. As I see it, I never owned slaves, nor did my ancestors, and I never acted to have a black person denied a job or barred from public or private facilities. Yet I still am susceptible to the social pressure of "white guilt" that is pressed in America.

For example, if I am entering a building, I customarily hold the door open for someone behind me who is also about to enter the building. One day I realized that if the person behind me is black, I am more likely to hold the door longer when that person is a further distance away. I must have developed that habit because I was uncomfortable with the idea that a black person might think I didn't hold the door because they were black. Now all of this was unconscious before I realized it, but it gives just a small idea of how this thinking permeates American culture. The irony is that it continues a cycle of racial prejudice by encouraging a differential white-to-black code of behavior. Even when it benefits the black person this is true, and not a good thing IMO. Our objective as a society should be to reach the point where race is a non-issue for all.

> Gracchus post about obligatory Black Nominee Oscar was lightweight offensives; basically he or she is implying that these movie were not Academy Awards worthy like Nadal slams TT. lol. I couldn't help it, pretty good Ca1houn. hahahahhahahah anyways it pretty much discredit their achievement. As stated in my first post this "obligatory Black Nominee Oscar" is false the Academy has not really favored Black actor or actress, only like 26 have won in 80+ years and that came mostly from Oscar music.

Calhoun, if you think it is offensive, it is because you are taking away the mistaken impression that I'm saying blacks who win Oscars never deserve them. I agree that for many years few blacks were nominated or won. Winners like Hattie McDaniel were extremely rare. However, the Academy began taking heavy criticism after "The Color Purple" won none of the Oscars it was nominated for. Probably this was due to a Hollywood backlash against Spielberg, but because the movie had a black cast and was about black people, we began to see a lot of articles either suggesting the Academy was racist or flat-out accusing them of it. This put them on the defensive, which meant they had to start countering it in the obvious way.

I think Halle Berry's win is a prime example of that. "Monster's Ball" was another shit movie about black-white relations with a totally implausible storyline wherein a rabid white racist suddenly turns over a new leaf. IMO, Berry's overwrought performance did not deserve the award (her acceptance speech was even more embarrassing, but that's a whole other issue).

The Academy is infamous for this kind of knee-jerk behavior and it often has nothing to do with race at all. Bigelow's Best Director win for her overrated movie "The Hurt Locker" is likely the result of pressure to *finally* honor a woman in that category.

[ca1houn]

That make sense Bob really I don't want nor need them to feel guilty. I just don't want it to be forgotten.

[ca1houn]

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 2:43:42 AM UTC-8, Gracchus wrote:
> On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 12:52:57 PM UTC+7, ca1houn wrote:
>
>
>
> > Do Whites feel guilty? I don't think so and don't care. It history it be remembered. I only hate when people fail to realize that it did have an impact on all of America. The Jews don't let anybody forget what happen to them way shouldn't other minority.
>
>
>
> Yes, slavery should be remembered as well as the institutional racism that continued long after slavery ended. But I think the idea that whites in America should carry a burden of guilt is silly. To be fair, I do believe more of it is perpetuated by white liberals than by blacks. As I see it, I never owned slaves, nor did my ancestors, and I never acted to have a black person denied a job or barred from public or private facilities. Yet I still am susceptible to the social pressure of "white guilt" that is pressed in America.

I understand and do agree that it perpetuated more by whites liberals. How do "white guilt" work with respect to Jews or Native Americans because i feel they are given much more empathy.

For example, if I am entering a building, I customarily hold the door open for someone behind me who is also about to enter the building. One day I realized that if the person behind me is black, I am more likely to hold the door longer when that person is a further distance away. I must have developed that habit because I was uncomfortable with the idea that a black person might think I didn't hold the door because they were black. Now all of this was unconscious before I realized it, but it gives just a small idea of how this thinking permeates American culture. The irony is that it continues a cycle of racial prejudice by encouraging a differential white-to-black code of behavior. Even when it benefits the black person this is true, and not a good thing IMO. Our objective as a society should be to reach the point where race is a non-issue for all.

Lol I really hate that let the damn door close i don't want to speed up for the door anyways.

> > Gracchus post about obligatory Black Nominee Oscar was lightweight offensives; basically he or she is implying that these movie were not Academy Awards worthy like Nadal slams TT. lol. I couldn't help it, pretty good Ca1houn. hahahahhahahah anyways it pretty much discredit their achievement. As stated in my first post this "obligatory Black Nominee Oscar" is false the Academy has not really favored Black actor or actress, only like 26 have won in 80+ years and that came mostly from Oscar music.
>
>
>
> Calhoun, if you think it is offensive, it is because you are taking away the mistaken impression that I'm saying blacks who win Oscars never deserve them. I agree that for many years few blacks were nominated or won. Winners like Hattie McDaniel were extremely rare. However, the Academy began taking heavy criticism after "The Color Purple" won none of the Oscars it was nominated for. Probably this was due to a Hollywood backlash against Spielberg, but because the movie had a black cast and was about black people, we began to see a lot of articles either suggesting the Academy was racist or flat-out accusing them of it. This put them on the defensive, which meant they had to start countering it in the obvious way.

Well to be fair blacks were the reason Color Purple didn't win any Oscar. They protested the color purple so much it really hurt them for years after. Irony it a blacks classic and a must see movie now. Evan more then roots. Black ids are much more likely to see that movie over roots.

> I think Halle Berry's win is a prime example of that. "Monster's Ball" was another shit movie about black-white relations with a totally implausible storyline wherein a rabid white racist suddenly turns over a new leaf. IMO, Berry's overwrought performance did not deserve the award (her acceptance speech was even more embarrassing, but that's a whole other issue).

I agree Halle really isn't a great actress, she can't command a movie IMO. I also don't care for Denzel his always the top guy in his movies. I just wish he can play supportive role as well like Leo Dicaprio or more freeman. I don't know about the speech it had never happen before so i give her a pass.

> The Academy is infamous for this kind of knee-jerk behavior and it often has nothing to do with race at all. Bigelow's Best Director win for her overrated movie "The Hurt Locker" is likely the result of pressure to *finally* honor a woman in that category.

To be hones I really don't watch "Black Movie" because it always the same stereotypical unrealistic bullshit.

PS stop with the "white Guilt" lol i don't like running to the door if I'm to damn far I'm to damn far. Beside did they even say thank you lol cause I no if they didn't I would be piss. I would have called that all kinds of names in my head

[Harold]

The Academy Awards are a joke -- they are more about politics and repaying favors than anything else. One past lesbian winner supposedly became so through sexual favors bestowed upon powerful women in the industry. I've also heard stories of ballots being given to secretaries, etc. to fill out, instead of the person who it was intended for.

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 5:43:42 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> I think Halle Berry's win is a prime example of that. "Monster's Ball" was another shit movie about black-white relations with a totally implausible storyline wherein a rabid white racist suddenly turns over a new leaf. IMO, Berry's overwrought performance did not deserve the award

Monster's Ball was 5 times better than 12 Years a Slave imo. I actually enjoyed Monster's Ball. Yes, there were implausible elements in the storyline but what movie or tv show does not have parts of implausibility when you think about it? Also, Berry's performance in MB was a lot better than any of the acting performances in 12 Years IMO. 12 Years a Slave is NOT an Oscar nominated worthy film, forget the fact that it will likely win multiple awards because of political correctness or God knows what kind of back end deals have been made.

>The Academy is infamous for this kind of knee-jerk behavior and it often has nothing to do with race at all. Bigelow's Best Director win for her overrated movie "The Hurt Locker" is likely the result of pressure to *finally* honor a woman in that category.

I still have not seen The Hurt Locker.

[bob]

On Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:11:08 -0800 (PST), ca1houn

well i don't want it forgotten, it wouldn't be fair. but we should
"live" past it, whether we remember it or not. all of us.

bob

[bob]

you should. excellent IMO. especially the end.

bob

[bob]

calhoun, the problem with "white guilt" is that it's almost always
practiced by well to do white liberals who wouldn't step within 10
miles of a predominantly black neighborhood. they just drive their
benz to the white mall, buy some vuittons and pretend they'd like to
help black people if they could.

i say screw it, everybody be friends with everybody, no fake BSing
stuff. judge everyone on their merits.

bob

[Gracchus]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 4:44:22 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Monster's Ball was 5 times better than 12 Years a Slave imo. I actually enjoyed Monster's Ball.

When you decide what is 5 times better, 50 times better, etc., I'd love to know your mathematical methodology in arriving at those figures. Why can't a movie ever be 13.77 times better than another? You don't need to round off on our account.

>Yes, there were implausible elements in the storyline but what movie or tv show does not have parts of implausibility when you think about it?

I am not one to go through a movie with a fine-toothed comb, trying to find a minuscule inconsistency so I can say, "Gotcha!" But when the entire plot or pivotal events in reality-based story are implausible, then I must conclude that the writers/filmmakers either aren't very competent or don't respect their audience much. A good drama usually has believable character arc wherein a character changes incrementally in proportion to events of successive scenes. It is tougher to do this effectively, but ultimately far more satisfying to the viewer.

An example of a movie about race that does this well is "In the Heat of the Night." Rod Steiger's character changes just enough by the end of the film that he can respect Virgil Tibbs as a man, and from one growing up in the sheriff's subculture, that change is both enormously significant and of believable magnitude. But in "Monster's Ball," you have a racist caricature who suddenly and radically changes after a single event. IMO, that is garbage (even if you liked "Monster's Ball" 99 and 44/100ths more).

This is a big part of the reason I disliked "A Time to Kill" so much. Here they've got an all-white southern jury judging a black man who engaged in vigilante justice against whites. Matthew McConneghey's lawyer character gives his closing argument trembling with emotion, describing what happened to the Samuel Jackson character's daughter, and then says to them: "...now imagine she's white."

This is all it takes for that jury to acquit Jackson, going against their community, peers, and lifelong conditioning. You're supposed to believe that in the jury room, one juror turns to another saying, "Shee-it, Bubba! I never thunk of that. I mean, what if she WAS white? I say we set that negro free." Far more likely they'd respond to the lawyer's plea with, "Yeah, but she AIN'T white." Sam Jackson would be toast. What they present to us is fucking stupid and insults anyone who's watching it. And Hollywood does this ALL THE TIME.

>Also, Berry's performance in MB was a lot better than any of the acting performances in 12 Years IMO. 12 Years a Slave is NOT an Oscar nominated worthy film, forget the fact that it will likely win multiple awards because of political correctness or God knows what kind of back end deals have been made.

For Berry, caterwauling is as easy as breathing. Sorry, but that performance didn't impress me a bit.

[Gracchus]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 8:00:15 AM UTC+7, bob wrote:

> calhoun, the problem with "white guilt" is that it's almost always
>
> practiced by well to do white liberals who wouldn't step within 10
>
> miles of a predominantly black neighborhood. they just drive their
>
> benz to the white mall, buy some vuittons and pretend they'd like to
>
> help black people if they could.

Precisely.

[Fednatic]

On Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:44:22 -0800 (PST), Court_1
<Olymp...@yahoo.com> wrote:

can i see yours?

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 10:21:40 PM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> When you decide what is 5 times better, 50 times better, etc., I'd love to know your mathematical methodology in arriving at those figures. Why can't a movie ever be 13.77 times better than another? You don't need to round off on our account.
>

> I am not one to go through a movie with a fine-toothed comb, trying to find a minuscule inconsistency so I can say, "Gotcha!" But when the entire plot or pivotal events in reality-based story are implausible, then I must conclude that the writers/filmmakers either aren't very competent or don't respect their audience much. A good drama usually has believable character arc wherein a character changes incrementally in proportion to events of successive scenes. It is tougher to do this effectively, but ultimately far more satisfying to the viewer.
>
>
>
> An example of a movie about race that does this well is "In the Heat of the Night." Rod Steiger's character changes just enough by the end of the film that he can respect Virgil Tibbs as a man, and from one growing up in the sheriff's subculture, that change is both enormously significant and of believable magnitude. But in "Monster's Ball," you have a racist caricature who suddenly and radically changes after a single event. IMO, that is garbage (even if you liked "Monster's Ball" 99 and 44/100ths more).

I have not seen In the Heat of the Night.

I saw Monster's Ball a long time ago and I don't remember details but first of all, the movie is a work of fiction and a good work of fiction imo and secondly and more importantly, it is not so much a movie about interracial relationships as it is about two very flawed individuals who have led miserable lives and who have both experienced recent tragic deaths of loved ones and they turn to each other in a time of need to try and ease their pain. There is nobody else for them to relate to at that moment in time and nobody else who can understand their emotional pain at that moment in time. IMO you are focusing too much on the interracial relationship aspect when the movie is about something much deeper than that.

Again it has been a long time since I have seen the film and details are fuzzy but I do recall enjoying the movie and the performances quite a bit. If a movie can resonate with me on an emotional level, it has done its job and MB did that as I recall. We both agree that different people take different things out of their movie viewing experience and clearly that is the case here. (we would no doubt be giving different reviews on IMDb huh? ;) )

> For Berry, caterwauling is as easy as breathing. Sorry, but that performance didn't impress me a bit.

That is fine, but I disagree with you. I think her performance was good as was Thornton's.

[Court_1]

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 10:21:40 PM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> For Berry, caterwauling is as easy as breathing. Sorry, but that performance didn't impress me a bit.

By the way Gracchus, please give me an example of a performance by an actress in a movie that you think was very good or excellent. I am curious.

[Gracchus]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 11:57:44 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> By the way Gracchus, please give me an example of a performance by an actress in a movie that you think was very good or excellent. I am curious.

Well at the beginning of the thread, I said I admired Cate Blanchett's performance in "Blue Jasmine." But off the top of my head, here are a few more, ranging from old time to more recent.

1. Judith Anderson, "Rebecca"
2. Margaret Hamilton, "The Wizard of Oz"
3. Bette Davis, "All About Eve"
4. Jane Greer, "Out of the Past"
5. Shelley Winters, "A Patch of Blue"
6. Jo van Fleet, "East of Eden"
7. Giulietta Masina, "La Strada" and "Nights of Cabiria"
8. Lillian Gish, "Night of the Hunter"
9. Piper Laurie, "The Hustler"
10. Julie Walters, "Educating Rita"
11. Louise Fletcher, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
12. Ellen Burstyn, "Resurrection"
13. John Plowright, "Avalon"
14. Naomi Watts, "Mulholland Drive"
15. Theresa Russell, "Black Widow"
16. Frances McDormand, "Fargo"
17. Samantha Morton, "Longford"
18. Judi Densch, "Notes on a Scandal"
19. Helen Mirren, "The Queen"
20. Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
21. Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
22. Miranda Richardson, "The Crying Game"

[The Iceberg]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 3:53:40 AM UTC, Fednatic wrote:
> On Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:44:22 -0800 (PST), Court_1
>
> <Olymp...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> >On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 5:43:42 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:
>
> >
>
> >> I think Halle Berry's win is a prime example of that. "Monster's Ball" was another shit movie about black-white relations with a totally implausible storyline wherein a rabid white racist suddenly turns over a new leaf. IMO, Berry's overwrought performance did not deserve the award
>
> >
>
> >Monster's Ball was 5 times better than 12 Years a Slave imo. I actually enjoyed Monster's Ball. Yes, there were implausible elements in the storyline but what movie or tv show does not have parts of implausibility when you think about it? Also, Berry's performance in MB was a lot better than any of the acting performances in 12 Years IMO. 12 Years a Slave is NOT an Oscar nominated worthy film, forget the fact that it will likely win multiple awards because of political correctness or God knows what kind of back end deals have been made.

totally, I liked the film, but it's not an Oscar winning film, it's not good enough. Certainly not when up against Gravity, American Hustle or Wolf.

[Gracchus]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 2:07:07 PM UTC+7, Gracchus wrote:

> 13. John Plowright, "Avalon"

Oops, meant Joan Plowright.

[drew]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 12:52:57 AM UTC-5, ca1houn wrote:
>
>
> Do Whites feel guilty? I don't think so and don't care.

There are things you did and things other people did. If a film reminds us of war atrocities, slavery or pogroms it should only serve to remind people that they should never be proud of their race, country or family. You have nothing to do with it...all you are responsible for is your own behavior.

It history it be remembered. I only hate when people fail to realize that it did have an impact on all of America. The Jews don't let anybody forget what happen to them way shouldn't other minority.

I think there is a big downside to the constant harping about historical injustice. It is history. It's gone and you can't change it. Knowing what has happened is important. For me to blame Germans for the way Jews were treated during the second world war is just wrong. I was born long after the war finished and so were most Germans. Likewise with slavery and mistreatment of blacks. I want to know what happened but I recognize that every group has had a history of being treated poorly and of treating others poorly.

If this serves to rid the world of racial pride or national pride, that is good. Don't hold innocent people responsible for crimes against people you identify with. Don't put yourself into any group or collective...as tempting as it might be. It's got nothing to do with you. Your skin colour is a fact, nothing more. Until we can treat it this way there's no chance for peace.

[drew]

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014 1:11:08 PM UTC-5, ca1houn wrote:
>
> That make sense Bob really I don't want nor need them to feel guilty. I just don't want it to be forgotten.

It far from being forgotten. But as a Western society we're better at concentrating on the recent past than the present and the mistakes we're making right now.

How about the way innocent muslims are being treated? How about the police state that is all around us.

You turn up the heat slowly and few seem to notice that the smell in the room is our own flesh cooking.

We're really good at compensating people for historical mistreatment but piss poor at addressing the mistakes we're making right now.

[ca1houn]

Anything in the millennium I think all the movie listed are before 2000

[bob]

charlize theron usually is; jennifer lawrence, of the younguns,
usually is; meryl streep usually is. audrey hepburn, well..this list
is large.

bob

[Court_1]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 2:07:07 AM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> 1. Judith Anderson, "Rebecca"

Loved Rebecca and Anderson was great as Mrs Danvers! Creepy!

> 2. Margaret Hamilton, "The Wizard of Oz"

That is one most people probably don't think of but it a classic performance in a classic film for sure. I could watch The Wizard of Oz 100 times and never get sick of it.

> 3. Bette Davis, "All About Eve"

Excellent. She was phenomenal in everything pretty much(the best of the best.) I recently saw Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte for the first time with Bette Davis. Good.

> 4. Jane Greer, "Out of the Past"

> 5. Shelley Winters, "A Patch of Blue"
>
> 6. Jo van Fleet, "East of Eden"
>
> 7. Giulietta Masina, "La Strada" and "Nights of Cabiria"
>
> 8. Lillian Gish, "Night of the Hunter"
>
> 9. Piper Laurie, "The Hustler"

> 10. Julie Walters, "Educating Rita"

I have not seen any of above.

> 11. Louise Fletcher, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

Yep, brilliant.

> 12. Ellen Burstyn, "Resurrection"
>
> 13. John Plowright, "Avalon"

I have not seen either of these yet.

> 14. Naomi Watts, "Mulholland Drive"

I am going to have to watch that movie again, I don't recall a thing about it but remember thinking the film was overrated at the time. Watts was very good in 21 Grams.

> 15. Theresa Russell, "Black Widow"

I liked that movie but I never think of Russell for best actress. Kathleen Turner was superb in Body Heat (playing the same type of manipulative character.)

> 16. Frances McDormand, "Fargo"

I can't stand McDormand or that stupid overrated movie Fargo.

> 17. Samantha Morton, "Longford"

Now this made for tv movie I really liked! Excellent performances and riveting story.

> 18. Judi Densch, "Notes on a Scandal"

I read the book which was very good but have not seen the film yet. I must check it out.

> 19. Helen Mirren, "The Queen"

I agree. I liked the Queen and Mirren was excellent.

> 20. Julie Christie, "Away From Her"

I have not seen this film. I saw the film Amour which had a similar theme and it was very good.

> 21. Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"

I have not seen it. Cotillard gets on my nerves a little bit.

> 22. Miranda Richardson, "The Crying Game"

I thought the Crying Game was overrated and I don't even remember Richardson's performance to be honest.

No Meryl Streep in your best actress performances? What about Streep in Sophie's Choice, Kramer vs Kramer, The Deer Hunter, etc. etc. etc? She is at the head of the class in terms of modern day actresses. I don't think anybody tops her.

[TT]

21.2.2014 2:59, Court_1 kirjoitti:
> I thought the Crying Game was overrated and I don't even remember Richardson's performance to be honest.

I don't remember it either. The best "woman" in the film was obviously
Jaye Davidson...

Piper Laurie at The Hustler is a good pick.

I haven't seen All About Eve in million years, if ever... but my
favourite Bette Davis performance is from "What ever happened to baby
jane" - and Crawford is great in it as well.

Streep gets on my nerves a little bit. Never really liked her that much.
Also, Kate Blanchett is a horrible cow landing in a lucky role. There, I
finally said it.

Out of the blue... one of the best performances I have seen was
Streisand in "Nuts"...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093660/reference

....underrated film and performance.

[Court_1]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 8:28:10 PM UTC-5, TT wrote:
> 21.2.2014 2:59, Court_1 kirjoitti:
>
> > I thought the Crying Game was overrated and I don't even remember Richardson's performance to be honest.
>

> I haven't seen All About Eve in million years, if ever... but my
>
> favourite Bette Davis performance is from "What ever happened to baby
>
> jane" - and Crawford is great in it as well.

Yes, Davis was excellent in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte was done soon after Baby Jane in order to capitalize on the success of Baby Jane(same director.) Originally Crawford was supposed to be in Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte but apparently Crawford and Davis did not get along. Here is an interesting piece about it:

http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/145245%7C0/Hush-Hush-Sweet-Charlotte.html

> Streep gets on my nerves a little bit. Never really liked her that much.

She can get on my nerves too but for her sheer body of work and quality acting performances there is no better modern actress. You can't deny her that honor. Watch her in her most recent film August Osage County, her performance is amazing in an otherwise average movie. She IS the movie. All those other stars in the film are nonexistent next to her on screen.

> Also, Kate Blanchett is a horrible cow landing in a lucky role. There, I
>
> finally said it.

It is Cate with a "C" darling. ;) Nah, Cate is very good. Watch her in those Elizabeth movies where she played Queen Elizabeth I. She is one of the best actresses working today. (I still have not seen Blue Jasmine yet.)

>Out of the blue... one of the best performances I have seen was
Streisand in "Nuts"

I think that movie annoyed me. I can't remember why now.

[Gracchus]

On Friday, February 21, 2014 7:59:31 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Loved Rebecca and Anderson was great as Mrs Danvers! Creepy!

I heard somewhere that Hitchcock chose to never show Mrs. Danvers walking. That way it would just seem like she suddenly appeared, which helped to create the creepy, almost supernatural effect.

> > 3. Bette Davis, "All About Eve"

> Excellent. She was phenomenal in everything pretty much(the best of the best.) I recently saw Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte for the first time with Bette Davis. Good.

Yes, Bette Davis was an "old school" actress in the very best sense of the term.

> > 11. Louise Fletcher, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

> Yep, brilliant.

Too bad she didn't do much afterward. But what a great job of playing such a horrible character.

> > 14. Naomi Watts, "Mulholland Drive"

> I am going to have to watch that movie again, I don't recall a thing about it but remember thinking the film was overrated at the time. Watts was very good in 21 Grams.

People tend to either love or hate Lynch's movies. This was the first film I ever saw with Naomi Watts, and I was very impressed. In the sort of dual role she had, I wasn't even sure it was the same actress. And yeah, she was good in "21 Grams" too, but her nipples upstaged her.

> > 16. Frances McDormand, "Fargo"
>
> I can't stand McDormand or that stupid overrated movie Fargo.

People also tend to either love or hate the Coen Brothers movies. I alternate.

> > 17. Samantha Morton, "Longford"

> Now this made for tv movie I really liked! Excellent performances and riveting story.

I'm glad you liked it too. I don't think many people saw it. All of the actors were wonderful, including Andy Serkis who is always good.

> > 20. Julie Christie, "Away From Her"

> I have not seen this film. I saw the film Amour which had a similar theme and it was very good.

I saw "Amour" too and agree that it was good. "Away From Her" is quite different though. I definitely recommend it.

> > 21. Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"

> I have not seen it. Cotillard gets on my nerves a little bit.

I haven't seen her in much. But IMO she did an excellent job as Edith Piaf.

> > 22. Miranda Richardson, "The Crying Game"


> I thought the Crying Game was overrated and I don't even remember Richardson's performance to be honest.

In many ways it was a "flavor of the month" movie. But I liked Richardson the best here, playing an IRA member who pretends to embrace "the cause" but is really just a sadist.

> No Meryl Streep in your best actress performances? What about Streep in Sophie's Choice, Kramer vs Kramer, The Deer Hunter, etc. etc. etc? She is at the head of the class in terms of modern day actresses. I don't think anybody tops her.

Yes, Streep is technically first-rate and consistently good (except in comedies). But for some reason her performances don't tend to move me.

[Gracchus]

On Friday, February 21, 2014 8:28:10 AM UTC+7, TT wrote:

> Piper Laurie at The Hustler is a good pick.

Goddamn I love that movie. I am going to dedicate a post to it soon because the other day I was writing down my thoughts, trying to analyze why I find it so affecting.

> I haven't seen All About Eve in million years, if ever...

I recommend having a look if you haven't seen it. Made in 1950, it really holds up well and is still relevant to today's world and the current entertainment industry. Bette Davis and Anne Baxter are both great, but best of all is George Sanders playing a theater critic who is such a cynical bastard you just have to love him.

[Gracchus]

On Friday, February 21, 2014 9:21:58 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Yes, Davis was excellent in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane. Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte was done soon after Baby Jane in order to capitalize on the success of Baby Jane(same director.) Originally Crawford was supposed to be in Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte but apparently Crawford and Davis did not get along.

Those two were like two female alpha cats (or dogs). No way they were ever going to get along. :)

> It is Cate with a "C" darling. ;) Nah, Cate is very good. Watch her in those Elizabeth movies where she played Queen Elizabeth I. She is one of the best actresses working today. (I still have not seen Blue Jasmine yet.)

Yes, you can give any actor or actress a plum role to play, but they still need to have the acting chops to do it justice at the end of the day. Blanchett has shown she's worthy many times, including Elizabeth I, as you say. She also pulled off playing 1965-era Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There." Not something the average actress could do.

[grif]

On 11/02/2014 10:55, The Iceberg wrote:

> what is the big deal about American Hustle? It was over-acted and all over the place, it had 'amusing' bits mixed with serious parts, so you never knew the gist of the film. I don't get what's so good about Christian Bale over-doing a New York Jewish accent, laughing at Bradley Cooper's curly hair and people arguing all the time cos that's it summed up. Jennifer Lawrence and de Niro deserve awards, but considering Lawrence was physically 20 years younger than she was meant to be, well.
>

The trailers featured a lot Jennifer Lawrence's character so I thought
she was one of the main characters, but it turned out it was more of a
supporting role. It was still a humorous portrayal. Amy Adams was better
in this film than Lawrence I thought. Less ostentatious and quietly
convincing. You could see some of the desperation in her come through.
Bale was just superb. I've heard he can be a right dick
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0auwpvAU2YA), but he's a fine actor.

[Gracchus]

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:55:02 PM UTC+7, The Iceberg wrote:

> Jennifer Lawrence and de Niro deserve awards, but considering Lawrence was physically 20 years younger than she was meant to be, well.

I asked Whisper this before, and no response. So I have the same question for you...

Jennifer Lawrence is 23 years old. What is your basis for assuming that her character is supposed to be in her 40s or anywhere close to it? If they specified this in the movie or script, then fine...just show me where.

Bale is 40, but that means nothing. Maybe the wife was supposed to be 10-15 years younger, and he married her when she was a teenager. In the movie the two have a young son, so it stands to reason that the wife isn't so old.

As our old friend RuPEDski used to say, "Think! THINK!!"

[TT]

22.2.2014 0:17, grif kirjoitti:
> atious and quietly convincing. You could see some of the desperation in
> her come through. Bale was just superb. I've heard he can be a right
> dick (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0auwpvAU2YA

Woah... chill down dude. :)

--
"This is not about Federer, this is about how good Nadal is."
- Darren Cahill

[Court_1]

On Thursday, February 20, 2014 10:46:00 PM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:

> > > 14. Naomi Watts, "Mulholland Drive"
>
>
>
> > I am going to have to watch that movie again, I don't recall a thing about it but remember thinking the film was overrated at the time. Watts was very good in 21 Grams.
>
>
>
> People tend to either love or hate Lynch's movies. This was the first film I ever saw with Naomi Watts, and I was very impressed. In the sort of dual role she had, I wasn't even sure it was the same actress. And yeah, she was good in "21 Grams" too, but her nipples upstaged her.

Lynch should probably be in a mental institution. What WAS that movie Blue Velvet? What a waste of time that movie was. I admit I did like Lynch's tv series Twin Peaks for a while.

Re Naomi Watts, she flashes her breasts in EVERY film she does. If you see Naomi's name in the beginning credits, you know you are going to see her breasts in the film at some point. She must have a "breast clause" in her contracts.

> > > 16. Frances McDormand, "Fargo"
>
> >
>
> > I can't stand McDormand or that stupid overrated movie Fargo.
>
>
>
> People also tend to either love or hate the Coen Brothers movies. I alternate.

I alternate my opinion with respect to their films as well. I didn't like Fargo but I did like No Country For Old Men for example.

> > > 22. Miranda Richardson, "The Crying Game"

> > No Meryl Streep in your best actress performances? What about Streep in Sophie's Choice, Kramer vs Kramer, The Deer Hunter, etc. etc. etc? She is at the head of the class in terms of modern day actresses. I don't think anybody tops her.
>
>
>
> Yes, Streep is technically first-rate and consistently good (except in comedies). But for some reason her performances don't tend to move me.

Some of the comedies she has been in have simply been bad movies(i.e. She-Devil, Death Becomes Her), it is not that she can't do comedy well. The film It's Complicated with Streep and Alec Baldwin is an example of a well-done comedy and both Streep and Baldwin did a good job.

Love Streep, hate her or fall somewhere in between, one has to acknowledge that she is the very best actress working today. Others like Judi Dench and Helen Mirren who are great, are still slightly below Streep. Streep is at the very top of the food chain.

[TT]

21.2.2014 5:55, Gracchus kirjoitti:
> Goddamn I love that movie. I am going to dedicate a post to it soon because the other day I was writing down my thoughts, trying to analyze why I find it so affecting.

Maybe because it's damn perfect film.

The only thing I have thought is missing would be a memorable tune. Jazz
was sort of fitting though.

It does fit Hero's journey pretty well with Fast Eddie...

[TT]

21.2.2014 6:02, Gracchus kirjoitti:
> She also pulled off playing 1965-era Bob Dylan in "I'm Not There."

She pulled off playing Bob Dylan? Wow - that's good! :)

[Court_1]

On Friday, February 21, 2014 5:17:16 PM UTC-5, grif wrote:

> The trailers featured a lot Jennifer Lawrence's character so I thought
>
> she was one of the main characters, but it turned out it was more of a
>
> supporting role. It was still a humorous portrayal. Amy Adams was better
>
> in this film than Lawrence I thought. Less ostentatious and quietly
>
> convincing. You could see some of the desperation in her come through.

Yes, I think Amy Adams was better than Lawrence in this movie but the Academy Award for supporting actress will probably come down to a choice between Lawrence and Lupita Nyong'o and in that case, I hope Lawrence wins it by process of elimination (I have a feeling they will give the award undeservingly to Lupita Nyong'o however.)

> Bale was just superb. I've heard he can be a right dick
>
> (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0auwpvAU2YA), but he's a fine actor.

Yes, I have seen this Bale tirade before. Not the nicest guy if this is a good example of his character. He was probably strung out on something during this tirade. In any case, thankfully I don't have to be married to him and can just enjoy his acting performances. He was excellent in American Hustle.

[Whisper]

Lawrence looks about 18 though.

[Whisper]

On 2/22/2014 11:29 AM, Court_1 wrote:
> On Thursday, February 20, 2014 10:46:00 PM UTC-5, Gracchus wrote:
>
>>>> 14. Naomi Watts, "Mulholland Drive"
>>
>>
>>
>>> I am going to have to watch that movie again, I don't recall a thing about it but remember thinking the film was overrated at the time. Watts was very good in 21 Grams.
>>
>>
>>
>> People tend to either love or hate Lynch's movies. This was the first film I ever saw with Naomi Watts, and I was very impressed. In the sort of dual role she had, I wasn't even sure it was the same actress. And yeah, she was good in "21 Grams" too, but her nipples upstaged her.
>
> Lynch should probably be in a mental institution. What WAS that movie Blue Velvet? What a waste of time that movie was. I admit I did like Lynch's tv series Twin Peaks for a while.

I think the haunting music made that show seem better than what it was.

[Whisper]

Yes, it's the 1st time I've liked him in anything. He's put the work in
& has transformed into a very good actor. He's the best of the males
I've seen this past year, but admittedly I haven't bothered to watch a
few of the other leading contenders.

My wife has seen all the movies & thinks MM should win. She saw
Nebraska today & loved it, though preferred Philomena.

[Court_1]

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 5:05:18 AM UTC-5, Whisper wrote:

> Yes, it's the 1st time I've liked him in anything. He's put the work in
>
> & has transformed into a very good actor. He's the best of the males
>
> I've seen this past year, but admittedly I haven't bothered to watch a
>
> few of the other leading contenders.

Bale was good in American Psycho. I have not seen many of the films Bale has been in because he has made some strange film choices imo--i.e. films that I have not had much interest in watching.

[Fednatic]

wanna watch it wif me followed by some legover and chips?

[Gracchus]

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 7:29:01 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Lynch should probably be in a mental institution. What WAS that movie Blue Velvet? What a waste of time that movie was. I admit I did like Lynch's tv series Twin Peaks for a while.

I like "Blue Velvet" a lot. Surprised you feel that way if you liked "Twin Peaks," because BV really wasn't any more arcane. On the other hand, Lynch films like "Lost Highway" and "Inland Empire" are incomprehensible to me. I have no clue what the hell he was trying to do.

But I do think the guy is 100% original, and I'd rather watch even one of his messes than the kind of paint-by-numbers Hollywood pap turned out by Ron Howard or Rob Reiner types.

> > People also tend to either love or hate the Coen Brothers movies. I alternate.
>
>
>
> I alternate my opinion with respect to their films as well. I didn't like Fargo but I did like No Country For Old Men for example.

I think "No Country For Old Men" was the Coen Brothers trying to do what Lynch did with "The Straight Story"--trying to show that they can do a good mainstream film if they want to. My favorite Coen Brothers films are "Barton Fink" and "The Big Lebowski." Not a fan of ones like "Blood Simple" or "Miller's Crossing," and I really hate "Raising Arizona," a film many people find hilarious.

> Love Streep, hate her or fall somewhere in between, one has to acknowledge that she is the very best actress working today. Others like Judi Dench and Helen Mirren who are great, are still slightly below Streep. Streep is at the very top of the food chain.

A nicely written paragraph, but uh---no, one absolutely does NOT have to acknowledge that. There is no "food chain" in acting, and there is no GOAT. Ask 20 different critics their opinion on any "best," and you're as likely to get as many opinions. Personally I prefer the Brits you mentioned and a number of others above any American actress working today.

[Gracchus]

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 7:53:47 AM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Yes, I think Amy Adams was better than Lawrence in this movie but the Academy Award for supporting actress will probably come down to a choice between Lawrence and Lupita Nyong'o and in that case, I hope Lawrence wins it by process of elimination (I have a feeling they will give the award undeservingly to Lupita Nyong'o however.)

Yes, I think the only way Lawrence wins it is maybe if "12 Years" wins best picture. It does seem to have "momentum" in its favor at the moment.

[Gracchus]

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 4:57:39 PM UTC+7, Whisper wrote:

> I think the haunting music made that show seem better than what it was.

That's kind of like saying the cinematography made a show seem better than it was. The music was an integral part of the TP experience, as it is with many movies and shows. Change or remove it, and of course the experience is different too.

[Gracchus]

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 6:54:24 PM UTC+7, Court_1 wrote:

> Bale was good in American Psycho. I have not seen many of the films Bale has been in because he has made some strange film choices imo--i.e. films that I have not had much interest in watching.

He seems very versatile and is willing to do risk going way out his comfort zone, which I think is admirable. Batman is probably effortless for him, but yeah, he was good in "American Psycho," "The Prestige," "The Fighter," etc.