Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Film Trailers: JOE

     Could it be possible that Nicolas Cage can be in a caliber film again? He might do it with David Gordon Green's Joe. This film looks kind of similar to Jeff Nichols Mud. Ex-con or man-on-the-run, meets a young boy (Tye Sheridan in both) who needs guidance or a father-like figure and takes place in the rugged exteriors of the rural South. The film premiered last year at multiple film festivals and received positive notices. Green, who got his Indie cred back with last years decent Prince Avalanche, is returning to his Southern, dramatic roots. Good to hear and see. Cage is one hell of an actor and personality. He has not been in anything decent since Werner Herzog's Bad Lieuteanant: Port of Call - New Orleans. I loved Cage in Leaving Las Vegas and Adaptation, and it appears, from the trailer at least, he's still got it. Tye Sheridan is a star in the making. Rugged, crime, fathers and sons. I am anticipating this one and have high hopes. The film will be released on April, 11th. Enjoy the trailer.


Sunday, January 26, 2014

2014 DGA Awards

    In the three-way battle for Best Director, at least during the awards season, Alfonso Cuarón beat out Steve McQueen and David O. Russell and won the Director's Guild Award last night. Cuarón is starting to look like the favorite going into the Oscars, but I feel like his main competition is still only Steve McQueen. Sorry Russell. It is going to be between those two, even though Martin Scorsese should have it in the bag. This is huge for Cuarón and the Gravity team. It also gives them a bit of a rush going into the Best Picture race at the Oscars. Congrats to Cuarón and it is getting pretty tight for the Oscars.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity

Thursday, January 23, 2014

SHORT TERM 12

Short Term 12

Written & Directed 
by
Destin Cretton


     After missing Destin Cretton's award-winning Short Term 12 at last years South by Southwest Festival and not getting around to seeing it when it was in limited release during last summer, I was bummed. But why had I not seen it yet? The buzz was there. A small little film that contained some powerful writing and directing. I just did not feel the urge to rush out and see it. Then, it came in the mail last week and I sat down one afternoon and watched it. Right time, right place. Maybe? The film wowed me and won me over thoroughly. A film about the human experience and how we affect each other in positive and struggling ways. This is the type of film I cherish. The type of film that has something to say and does so in a touching, powerful way. Short Term 12 is something not to be missed. 
     The film takes a little bit to really get going, but I never once felt I was watching something that was uninteresting or lacking in emotional depth and sophistication. The film revolves around Grace (Brie Larson) and her co-workers at a residential treatment facility for abused and foster teens. She is dating Mason (John Gallagher, Jr.) and the film starts with a rather grotesque telling of an unappealing moment in Mason's life where he followed a resident who left the center. The aids cannot touch the residents, but if they do leave the facility they can follow them. A moment that I am sure Mason wishes would never had happened, and one he will never live down, but it opens the film to moments of humility, comedy and tragedy. Themes that will be covered throughout the entire film.
     Grace is the main focus. Coming from an abusive family, where her father was violent and sexual with her, she understands what a lot of these teens are going through. She relates to the pain and suffering, and wants to help in a way that does not make them feel sorry for themselves, but empowers them to cope with there situations and become stronger human beings. She has experienced the hardened realities of abuse and wants to help. But she does not come without her own demons that still cause much stress and depression in her own life. 
    Mason is passionately in love with Grace. They live together and he cooks Mexican food for her wearing a silly chef's hat. These two almost seem to be made for each other, but do not come from the exact same sides of life. He, coming from foster parents who he deeply cares for and she, coming from an highly unsettling childhood. Mason is a good guy. Period. But as Grace begins to really help a young girl Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever) who has dealt with similar abuses she has gone through, she realizes she has never fully healed, if she ever can, from the atrocities that were inflicted and forced upon her. It causes her deep emotional and physical hesitation in committing her life to Mason after he has proposed, and she has also recently found out she is pregnant. Mason wants her to open up and talk, but Grace feels very introverted about her personal life, while exhibiting immense compassion and discipline when dealing with the teens at the facility. She is fighting for the teens and herself everyday. 
     First time writer-director Destin Cretton has delivered a powerful cornucopia about life and need without presenting it in an expansive package. A tightly told story of pain and friendship. One that shows a fresh new talent that does not cave-in to cliches and narrative potholes, but pushes and expresses the human experience and its limitless boundaries. This film is a powerhouse and contains an intense and wonderful amount of beautiful performances from fascinating new actors.
    I do not know if enough can be said about how absolutely amazing Brie Larson is in this film. She is just an absolute powerhouse and should have easily been in the top five for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Her versatility, tenderness, pain and joy are fully covered with every scene she encompasses. She goes from happy to sad to concerned to depressed. Her range is tested throughout the whole film and she never misses a single note. A great film needs a great performance and Larson, a new talent that is heavily on the rise, is an no doubt knockout in this film. 
     The rest of the supporting cast is phenomenal as well. Gallagher, Jr. brings an almost hippy, casual demeanor to the role of Mason. A man who is willing to help and wait for Grace to open up to him. He is that guy that is sensitive and touches your heart with every word. I cannot forget to mention another standout in the film in the performance of Keith Stanfield. He plays one of the teens named Marcus at the facility and just kicks ass in this film. Wow! Older and does not want to be in there. Walks around with a chip on his shoulder and a past full of hate and hurt. So brilliant and wonderful. A scene where Jayden has had her father not arrive to pick her up on her birthday and she freaks out is so powerful with what Marcus does for her. A scene that will overwhelm you and bring you to tears. Powerful stuff. And Dever is quite a good actress herself, to say the least.
     Short Term 12 just blew me away. A film that slowly builds and grows on you. It has a brutal honesty that I appreciate and one that touches your heart as well. Nothing is corny or self-absorbing. Cretton knows exactly what he is doing with this story and does not fail along the way. Brie Larson is a breakout in the role of Grace and is so powerful throughout the entire film. I am so pleased I finally saw Short Term 12. The film did not disappoint and exceeded all the hype and my soft anticipations. What a film and what talents behind, and in front of the camera. 

Photo credit by IMDB.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Film Trailers: BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY

     Sam Rockwell and Olivia Wilde. Good combination and I really hope this film plays well. Better Living Through Chemistry from writers/directors Geoff Moore and David Posamentier, revolves around a small-town pharmacist (Rockwell) who gets a jolt of energy when he meets an exciting married woman (Wilde). He starts an affair, gets into drugs and goes on a wild ride. The premise and the trailer set this one up as a funny little film, but will it pay off. Wilde has really made some great choices of late (Drinking Buddies, Her) and looks quite enjoyable here. Rockwell, well,  really cannot do no wrong. The film also stars Ray Liotta and Jane Fonda. The film will be released on March 14th. Enjoy.


Trailer credit by YouTube.

Film Trailers: BAD WORDS

    Jason Bateman's directorial debut Bad Words premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year to very positive reactions. An odd little story of revenge, selfishness and the obsession with winning, the story follows a spelling bee loser who attempts to win another competition as an adult. It appears to be a sarcastic, dark comedy and I am in. Bateman plays the main character and the rest of the cast includes Rachel Harris, Kathryn Hahn and Allison Janey. Looks good to me. The film will be released on March 28th. Enjoy.


Trailer credit by YouTube.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Criterion Collection Releases for April 2014

     Last week, the Criterion Collection announced its releases for April and for me, it will be an education. I have only seen one of the films being released that month, The 400 Blows (1959) by legendary French director François Truffaut. I have heard of all the other films, but have not seen any of them. That is what is great about the Criterion Collection. A film recently discovered or transferred with new technology, getting out to film lovers around the world. As I said, The 400 Blows, which is already on blu-ray, will be updated and released in dual-format. A great film of a young boy and a troubling childhood. Antoine Doinel (the magnificent Jean-Pierre Léaud) became Truffuat's lifelong cinematic obsession. This is one of the foundations of the French New Wave and European Art Cinema, as well as one of the finest films ever made. The film will be released on April 8.
     A film I know I should have already seen, but regretfully have not, is Lars Von Trier's Breaking the Waves (1996). This is the film that made the Danish auteur well known around the world and contains an Oscar-nominated performance from Emily Watson. When Bess' husband is paralyzed on an oil-rig, her spiritual and sex life are turned upside down. A film that revolves around many themes that have become synonymous with the director, mainly, sex and faith. The cast also includes Stellan Skargård and Udo Kier. I have read a lot on this film and  I am really excited to see it, especially on blu-ray. Von Trier is like no other filmmaker and this one will be something interesting. Breaking the Waves will released on April 15.

     Another film from an older Danish director will be coming in April as well. Carl Theodor Dreyer's Master of the House (1925) tells the story of domesticity and the insanity of a tyrannical husband. A film that really focuses on the wife's side of life and is considered one of the first films dealing with  feminism. Dreyer made the legendary The Passion of Joan of Arc (1925) and the highly eerie Vampyr (1932). Having not heard of this film that is a little bit drama, a little bit comedy, and based on Dreyer's quality and name alone, I am very intrigued to check this one out. I also love silent films and what films looked like in the silent era. The feel, the acting and just the overall production and abilities of the filmmakers is fascinating. You get to see how cinema started. This film will be released on April 22.
     Don Siegel's Riot in Cell Block 11 (1954) will be another new film for me to discover. A film centered in a maximum-security penitentiary with intensity and energy to spare. The film examines prisoner's rights and life in jail. The film was also filmed on location at Folsom State Prison and used real guards and inmates. Being only familiar with Siegel's later work with Clint Eastwood on Dirty Harry and this peaks my interest. A good, realist prison drama is always a good thing. It appears to be like some of the good, hard American realism that began in the 1950s. The film will be released on April 22.
     The last film being released is the recently restored Italian road comedy Il sorpasso (1962). This film is a cherished Italian comedy of the 1960s and will be yet another new introduction into film history for myself. Directed by Dino
Risi, the film goes form comedy to tragedy along a road trip in Italy. I know the film has been screening lately so I am looking forward to checking this one out. It will be released on April 29. And, that is all the releases for April. Not the most exciting month, in my opinion, but one that will grow my respect and love of film and film history. Check them out if you get the chance.

Photo credits by The Criterion Collection.

2014 PGA Awards

     And it did not go to American Hustle! Even more surprising is that it was a tie between Gravity and 12 Years a Slave for the 2014 Producers Guild Award for Best Theatrical Released Film. Strange if you ask me. You should never have a tie, but I appreciate the fact that both films are being recognized. The Oscar race is wide open now. I thought that with American Hustle winning the Best Ensemble Cast at the SAGs, winning Best Comedy Motion Picture at the Golden Globes and being very appreciated at some of the Critics awards, that Russell's film would win here and be on its way to Oscar gold. However, now it is easily a three pony race, with American Hustle, Gravity and 12 Years a Slave. 12 Years a Slave is picking up the deserved steam as it won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Motion Picture and Best Picture at the Critics Choice. Only time will tell, but this should lead to highly anticipated and exciting Oscar night. Here is a list of all the film winners from last nights PGAs. Enjoy.

BEST FILM
Gravity & 12 Years a Slave (tie)

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Frozen

BEST DOCUMENTARY
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks


Sunday, January 19, 2014

2014 SAG Winners

     Not too many surprises with the 20th Screen Actors Guild Awards from last night. The only prediction I got wrong, and gladly I might say, was that Lupita Nyong'o beat out Jennifer Lawrence for Best Supporting Actress. Yes!!! That should be how the Oscar goes as well. It is looking like Matthew McConaughey has the Best Actor in the bag, as he won last night again, after previously winning Best Actor Drama at the Golden Globes. Leto and Blanchett are easy locks. The big question is who is going to win Best Picture. American Hustle won Best Ensemble Cast at the SAG's, but I really want 12 Years a Slave or The Wolf of Wall Street to win at the Oscars. More relevant and just flat out better films. Hustle is the frontrunner going in to the Oscars and we will just have to wait and see what happens. Here is a complete list of winners from the 20th Screen Actors Guild Awards. Enjoy.

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST: American Hustle
BEST ACTOR: Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST ACTRESS: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
BEST STUNT ENSEMBLE: Lone Survivor
BEST ACTOR TV MOVIE/MINSERIES: Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra
BEST ACTRESS TV MOVIE/MINISERIES: Helen Mirren, Phil Spector
BEST DRAMA SERIES: "Breaking Bad"
BEST ACTOR DRAMA SERIES: Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
BEST ACTRESS DRAMA SERIES: Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"
BEST COMEDY SERIES: "Modern Family"
BEST ACTOR COMEDY SERIES: Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
BEST ACTRESS COMEDY SERIES: Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, "Veep"
BEST STUNT ENSEMBLE TV: "Game of Thrones"
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Rita Moreno

Friday, January 17, 2014

2014 Critics Choice Awards

     Last night, the Critics Choice Awards were handed out and a wonderful, great night for 12 Years a Slave. The film won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Nyong'o) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ridley). McConaughey continues is winning streak with a win for Best Actor and, speaking of winning streaks, Cate Blanchett is unstoppable and will easily win Best Actress at the Oscars. Alfonso Cuarón won Best Director and I believe he is going to win at the Oscars. I do not think this will matter much when the Oscars are determined, but I think things are falling into place. It is between American Hustle and 12 Years a Slave for Best Picture. Here is the complete list of winners at the Critics Choice after the jump!

2014 SAG Predictions

    There are only five categories for film, not including the stunt ensemble, in the Screen Actors Guild Awards. I anticipate this being a love fest for American Hustle. This is strictly an actors award, voted on by fellow actors. I feel whoever wins the Best Ensemble has a good chance of winning at the Oscars. Last year Argo won Best Ensemble and won Best Picture at the Oscars. So hard to pick Best Actor. It is deservedly between Ejiofor and McConaughey. Tough pick. Here are my predictions of who will and should win. The Screen Actors Guild will be handed out on Saturday, January 18th, on TNT & TBS. Enjoy!

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE
  1. 12 Years a Slave
  2. American Hustle
  3. August: Osage County
  4. Dallas Buyers Club
  5. Lee Daniels' The Butler
Will Win: American Hustle
Should Win: 12 Years a Slave

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
  1. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
  3. Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
  4. Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels' The Butler
  5. Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Will Win: Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
Should Win: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
  1. Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
  2. Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
  3. Sandra Bullock, Gravity
  4. Judi Dench, Philomena
  5. Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
Will Win: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Should Win: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
  1. Micahel Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
  3. Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
  4. James Gandolfini, Enough Said
  5. Daniel Brühl, Rush
Will Win: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
Should Win: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
  1. Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
  3. Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
  4. June Squibb, Nebraska
  5. Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels' The Butler
Will Win: Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Should Win: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave

Thursday, January 16, 2014

2014 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

     The 86th Academy Award nominations were announced earlier this morning and there were plenty of snubs and surprises, as to be expected. That does not mean I agree with most of what the Academy as nominated. First off, shame on the Academy for not given more attention to the Coen's Inside Llewyn Davis. A complete embarrassment that that film did not receive a Best Picture, Best Director or Best Original Screenplay nomination. The writing was on the wall from the previous lack of support from the Guilds, but this film is one of the best films of the year. The screenplay absence is really unbelievable. It did receive an obviously deserved Best Cinematography nomination for Bruno Delbonnel and a Best Sound Mixing one too. How can you not give attention for T. Bone Burnett and all the great music in that film. I know some songs were ineligible, but come on! It is not the thriller, genre specific Coen's so the Academy did not like the realism and darkness of it, I guess. Embarrassing and a lack of credibility towards the Academy.
     Another big surprise was that the Academy adored Tom Hanks did not get a Best Actor nomination for his wonderful work in Captain Phillips. Shocking there, but the Best Actor field is so packed that you knew something would happen. Such as Robert Redford, who did not campaign and could care less about the Academy and its politics. He did not get a Best Actor nomination for his stellar work in All Is Lost. Shame there too. Best performance of his career. Kudos to Christian Bale for getting in. He deserves it, but still surprised Hanks and Redford were left out. And speaking of Bale, American Hustle received, along with Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity, the most nominations with ten each. All four main actors received nominations for Hustle. No surprise there. Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave received 9 nominations.
     The good news is that Martin Scorsese's masterful The Wolf of Wall Street received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (DiCaprio), Best Supporting Actor (Hill!!!) and Best Adapted Screenplay. I am glad I was wrong on that one. Surprising that it did not get a nomination for Best Film Editing. What the hell? How do you nominate American Hustle, not edited that well, ahead of The Wolf of Wall Street. Usually the winner of Best Film Editing goes on to win Best Picture, so its chances are limited. Last year, Best Picture winner Argo won Best Film Editing also.
     Meryl Streep got in. No surprise there, but Emma Thompson for Saving Mr. Banks, and that film in general, did not get any love. Oprah Winfrey, who I thought would get the lone attention for Lee Daniels' The Butler, did not get a nomination either. No Daniel Brühl either for Rush. No Best Score nominations for Hans Zimmer in 12 Years a Slave and Alex Ebert in All Is Lost is not right at all. A lot of love for Dallas Buyers Club and Her, and that is fantastic, but I am still steaming over the lack of respect for Inside Llewyn Davis. 
     As for how my predictions went, I did not do too bad. I got all the Best Picture nominations right, but missed one or two in all the rest of the categories. You can view my final predictions from yesterday here. One more thing, it was surprising that the little indies received no attention at all. Nothing for Fruitvale Station, Short Term 12, The Spectacular Now and Frances Ha. It is all about money, box office, politics and campaigning. Hollywood is all about popularity and financial gain. That is not changing. At least there are producers like Megan Ellison (American Hustle & Her) that are helping get quality films produced and released. Here is the complete list of Academy Award nominations and the winners will be announced on March 2nd, on ABC. Enjoy!!!

BEST PICTURE
  1. American Hustle
  2. Captain Phillips
  3. Dallas Buyers Club
  4. Gravity 
  5. Her
  6. Nebraska
  7. Philomena 
  8. 12 Years a Slave
  9. The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST DIRECTOR
  1. David O. Russell, American Hustle
  2. Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
  3. Alexander Payne, Nebraska
  4. Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ACTOR
  1. Christian Bale, American Hustle
  2. Bruce Dern, Nebraska
  3. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
  4. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST ACTRESS
  1. Amy Adams, American Hustle
  2. Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
  3. Sandra Bullock, Gravity
  4. Judi Dench, Philomena
  5. Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
  1. Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
  2. Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
  3. Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
  5. Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
  1. Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
  2. Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
  3. Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
  5. June Squibb, Nebraska
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
  1. Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
  2. Billy Ray, Captain Phillips
  3. Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope, Philomena
  4. John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
  1. Eric Warren Singer & David O. Russell, American Hustle
  2. Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
  3. Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
  4. Spike Jonze, Her
  5. Bob Nelson, Nebraska
BEST ANIMATED FILM
  1. The Croods
  2. Despicable Me 2
  3. Ernest & Celestine
  4. Frozen
  5. The Wind Rises
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
  1. The Act of Killing
  2. Cutie and the Boxer
  3. Dirty Wars
  4. The Square
  5. 20 Feet from Stardom
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
  1. The Broken Circle Breakdown
  2. The Great Beauty
  3. The Hunt
  4. The Missing Picture
  5. Omar
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
  1. Phillipe LeSourd, The Grandmaster
  2. Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
  3. Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
  4. Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
  5. Roger Deakins, Prisoners
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
  1. Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle
  2. William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster
  3. Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
  4. Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman
  5. Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
  1. Cave Digger
  2. Facing Fear
  3. Karama Has No Walls
  4. The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
  5. Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
BEST FILM EDITING
  1. Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers & Alan Baumgarten, American Hustle
  2. Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
  3. John 'Mac' McMurphy & Martin Pensa, Dallas Buyers Club
  4. Alfonso Cuarón & Marc Sanger, Gravity
  5. Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
  1. Adruitha Lee & Robin Mathews, Dallas Buyers Club
  2. Stephen Prouty, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
  3. Joel Harlow & Gloria Pasqua-Casny, The Lone Ranger
BEST MUSIC - ORIGINAL SCORE
  1. John Williams, The Book Thief
  2. Steven Price, Gravity
  3. William Butler & Owen Pallett, Her
  4. Alexandre Desplat, Philomena
  5. Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks
BEST MUSIC - ORIGINAL SONG
  1. "Alone Yet Not Alone," Alone Yet Not Alone
  2. "Happy," Despicable Me 2
  3. "Let It Go," Frozen
  4. "The Moon Song," Her
  5. "Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
  1. American Hustle
  2. Gravity
  3. The Great Gatsby
  4. Her
  5. 12 Years a Slave
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
  1. Feral
  2. Get a Horse!
  3. Mr. Hublot
  4. Possessions
  5. Room on the Broom
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
  1. Aquel No Era Yo 
  2. Avant Que De Tout Perdre
  3. Helium
  4. Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa?
  5. The Voorman Problem
BEST SOUND EDITING
  1. Steve Boeddeker & Richard Hymns, All Is Lost
  2. Oliver Tarney, Captain Phillips
  3. Glenn Freemantle, Gravity
  4. Brent Burge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  5. Wylie Stateman, Lone Survivor
BEST SOUND MIXING
  1. Captain Phillips
  2. Gravity
  3. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  4. Inside Llewyn Davis
  5. Lone Survivor
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
  1. Gravity
  2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  3. Iron Man 3
  4. The Lone Ranger
  5. Star Trek Into Darkness



Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Final 2014 OSCAR Predictions

     Alright, my last minute Oscar predictions. The Academy Award nominations will be announced tomorrow morning and it is always interesting to see what happens. I believe 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle will lead the way with the most nominations, with Gravity close behind. Those are clearly the three locked-in heavyweights. Captain Phillips should be close as well. There will probably be 9 Best Picture nominees, but who knows with that crazy voting system. I have a bad feeling that one of the purest, funniest and best made films of the year, the Coen brothers Inside Llewyn Davis, is going to be left out of the major categories, with the exception of Best Original Screenplay. Sad and unacceptable if that happens. Philomena is going to steal the thunder from Saving Mr. Banks. Scorsese obviously deserves to be in the Best Director top five, but he is going to be left out. And, if Leonardo DiCaprio gets in the Best Actor race, who gets left out? Is it Redford because he could give a shit less about the awards or the politics that go along with it? It would be a disgrace if he is left out, but it could easily happen. The final spot is between them two. I am probably crazy for leaving Meryl Streep out of the top five, but what the hell. Here we go. Let's see how many I get correct. Remember, this is who I believe the Academy will nominate and not who I would. Enjoy and any opinions are gladly welcome.

BEST PICTURE
  1. 12 Years a Slave
  2. American Hustle
  3. Gravity
  4. Captain Phillips
  5. Nebraska
  6. Her
  7. The Wolf of Wall Street
  8. Dallas Buyers Club
  9. Philomena
  • Inside Llewyn Davis
  • Saving Mr. Banks
  • August: Osage County

BEST DIRECTOR
  1. Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
  3. David O. Russell, American Hustle
  4. Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
  5. Spike Jonze, Her
  • Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
  • Alexander Payne, Nebraska
  • Joel & Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis

BEST ACTOR
  1. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
  3. Bruce Dern, Nebraska
  4. Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
  5. Robert Redford, All Is Lost
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
  • Christian Bale, American Hustle
  • Joaquin Phoenix, Her

BEST ACTRESS
  1. Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
  2. Amy Adams, American Hustle
  3. Judi Dench, Philomena
  4. Sandra Bullock, Gravity
  5. Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
  • Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
  • Brie Larson, Short Term 12
  • Julie Delpy, Before Midnight

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
  1. Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
  2. Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
  3. Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
  4. Daniel Brühl, Rush
  5. Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
  • Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
  • James Gandolfini, Enough Said
  • Tom Hanks, Saving Mr. Banks

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
  1. Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
  3. June Squibb, Nebraska
  4. Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels' The Butler
  5. Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
  • Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale Station
  • Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
  • Scarlett Johansson, Her

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
  1. Spike Jonze, Her
  2. David O. Russell & Eric Singer, American Hustle
  3. Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
  4. Bob Nelson, Nebraska
  5. Joel & Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
  • Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
  • Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, Gravity
  • Kelly Marcel & Sue Smith, Saving Mr. Banks

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
  1. John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street
  3. Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
  4. Billy Ray, Captain Phillips
  5. Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope, Philomena
  • Tracy Letts, August: Osage County
  • Destin Cretton, Short Term 12
  • Peter Berg, Lone Survivor

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
  1. Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
  2. Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
  3. Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
  5. Roger Deakins, Prisoners
  • Barry Ackroyd, Captain Phillips
  • Frank G. DeMarco, All Is Lost
  • Anthony Dod Mantle, Rush

BEST FILM EDITING
  1. Alfonso Cuarón & Mark Sanger, Gravity
  2. Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave
  3. Alan Baumgarten, Jay Cassidy & Crispin Struthers, American Hustle
  4. Thelma Schoonmaker, The Wolf of Wall Street
  5. Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
  • Roderick Jaynes (Joel & Ethan Coen), Inside Llewyn Davis
  • Pete Beaudreau, All Is Lost
  • Kevin Tent, Nebraska

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
  1. Stories We Tell
  2. The Act of Killing
  3. 20 Feet from Stardom
  4. Blackfish
  5. The Square
  • Cutie and the Boxer
  • Tim's Vermeer
  • The Armstrong Lie

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
  1. The Hunt   (Denmark)
  2. The Broken Circle Breakdown   (Belgium)
  3. The Great Beauty   (Italy)
  4. The Notebook   (Hungary)
  5. Omar   (Palestine)
  • Two Lives   (Germany)
  • The Grandmaster   (Hong Kong)
  • The Missing Picture   (Cambodia)
  • An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker   (Bosnia & Herzegovina)


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

Inside Llewyn Davis

Written & Directed
by
Joel & Ethan Coen


     I have been highly anticipating the Coen brothers new film Inside Llewyn Davis since its premiere at last years Cannes Film Festival. The positivity coming from critics and cinephiles was intriguing, but it is a Coen brothers film, so it was more jealousy than excitement. I know that a Coen brothers film is an event of special importance. Filmmakers that do it right and do not hawk to the cinematic anemic or Hollywood stereotypes. Sitting in the theatre last weekend, I was overjoyed, satisfied and thoroughly appreciative that I have gotten to see their films and that they continue to never disappoint. Inside Llewyn Davis is a treasure. A piece of gold. And the great thing is, it really is not about much. Just the small things and hard realities of life, with a gracious dose of sardonic wit and dark humor. It is what the Coen's do best, but always a little different and always artfully entertaining.
    As with most of the Coen's films, it focuses on a loser or burnout or an unpopular character that is down on his luck. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is certainly that. The film starts with Llewyn singing at the Gaslight in Greenwich Village during the early 60s. Singing with a bluesy, soulful voice, he and his guitar belt out "Hang Me, Oh Hang Me," a melancholic tune befitting of Llewyn's mood and place in life. Over the past few years he lost his singing partner, of the duo Timlin & Davis, and has struggled to make it as a solo artist. The mood, lighting and smoky look of the Gaslight is an intoxicating setting for our introduction to Llewyn. A man on the outs and after an altercation with a stranger in the alleyway, we witness Llewyn sleeping on couches, chasing and caring for a friends cat and searching for a successful break with his career. Honestly, Bruno Delbonnel, who lensed this film, has nailed the lighting down so well that it was overwhelming at how beautiful, hazy and moody the look this film had. Much like those covers of early Bob Dylan albums with a somewhat faded look.
     The film was inspired by Dave Von Ronk's memoir "The Mayor of MacDougal Street." The pastiche is so accurate and intoxicating. The haircuts, clothing, cars and overall attitudes are exact. The singing, and Oscar Isaac did all of his own singing and playing, is dead on. That sweetness of bluegrass, the achiness of country and the soul of the blues. The songs that Llewyn Davis is singing are just ahead of the time. He is more soulful and personal, where the other music of the folk scene was happy and satisfying. Easy going, but relevant. Llewyn's melancholic journey is one of a human being that is at, or in, the wrong place at the wrong time. A little too soon and not good enough. The thing about the Coen's character developments is that you always witness that life is not full of just winners, but plenty of losers. The one's that do not get the girl at the end or the big promotion. The one's that attempt, but do not succeed. That is the joy, even if that is mean, of their films. A place where not much happens, but what does happen is hilarious and sad, but not without an honest appraisal of probably someone you should not feel sad for.
     One thing I truly admire about the Coen's is their ability to imbue humor without it feeling forced or outside of the story. Moments that just work with the right dialogue, actors and camera work. The comedy, which they are brilliant at writing, fits every nook and crack with that "laughing quietly at myself" satisfaction. Real humor. Just, if you have not seen the film yet, wait until you see the road trip to Chicago, for one example, and you will know what I mean.
     Another thing is, much as with their depression era comedy O Brother, Where Art Thou?, that the music is a smooth, breathing element that seems like an effortless continuation of every scene and important aspect of growing the story. The folk music is just perfect here and working with T. Bone Burnett is a huge plus. Marcus Mumford, from Mumford &Sons, also worked on the music and his earthy, folky sound fits accurately to the time and scene. Not to spoil much of the ending, but the two songs that Llewyn plays, one in Chicago and one with his ill father, are poignant and some of the most powerful stuff the Coen's have ever done.
    Throughout the film Llewyn is a mess. He is mean, ungrateful and has little going for him. He has an agent that wants little to do with him and an ex-girlfriend who hates him with a fiery passion. The ex, Jean (Carey Mulligan) and her husband Jim (Justin Timberlake) are kind, well, at least Jim is, to allow Llewyn to crash on their couch more than a few times over the course of the film, which is roughly about a week. Jean is pregnant and it is Llewyn's baby. She curses him out and berates him continuously. Shouts obscenities at him in public and really sets in the fact that Llewyn does not think much about the future and does not have a plan. Mulligan, even though she does not have many scenes, is fantastic. She has the look and the vitriolic hate down solid and concretely. Thinking of that, most of the supporting actors only have but a few scenes. Oscar Isaac is in every scene of the whole film. The reunion of the Coen's with John Goodman, who plays a drug-addicted jazz musician named Roland, who Llewyn meets when he travels to Chicago to meet with music producer Bud Grossman (F. Murray Abraham) for one last shot at a career, is pure glory and happiness. Goodman is a knockout, as expected, and delivers every line with a grunted physicality that is so funny and right.
     I cannot say enough about how amazing Oscar Isaac is as Llewyn Davis. The mood, the bursts of anger with his sister in Queens and the academic friends on the Upper West Side, and that melancholic self sadness that seeps through every corner of his face is perfect. Isaac, who usually is a supporting character, really is a knockout in the film. Not once did I not believe he was this emotionally and professionally struggling artist who just could not catch a break. Many of the reasons he could not catch break this funk is from his own accord. Isaac is brilliant. So satisfying to see him shine and get the attention he deserves for how talented of an actor he is and playing in the role of his career. And the real singing and playing only adds to the immense appreciation. But that is the thing about the Coen's. They are the best filmmakers at casting the right people for the right roles. Look at A Serious Man with Michael Stuhlbarg, Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski and John Turturro in Barton Fink, just to name a few. Those films would not be the same without those actors in those roles, and the Coen's are true talents at casting the right people.
     The production design, costumes, music and really fantastic, gorgeous cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel, not only precisely capture the 60s folk-music scene of Greenwich Village, but add to the delicate touch that makes Inside Llewyn Davis even more of a perfect film. Delbonnel's lighting during the music scenes with Llewyn are enough to put a smile on any film lover. Also, supporting turns from Adam Driver, Ethan Phillips, Robin Bartlett, Max Casella, Stark Sands and Garret Hedlund really add great humor and depth to this film. And not to mention a cat that is a damn good actor.
     The Coen's never disappoint and if they do, it is not by a lot. Inside Llewyn Davis continues a common theme of losers not making it. Of people that just cannot get over the hump or dig themselves a hole that is almost impossible to get out of. The outsiders trying to get in, but never really succeeding. They also have captured a moment in time with such precision and history. Msic that is excellent and humor that fits so perfectly. The Coen's never fall into Hollywood narrative contraptions and do what they want to do. They are brilliant storytellers and some of the best directors in the history of film. I do not feel like I really know if there was some deeper meaning with Inside Llewyn Davis and frankly, I do not care. This is just a perfect film from perfect directors. Oscar Isaac is absolutely fantastic, delivering lines like a mad genius. They know how to use and gather all the elements together to create something artful and entertaining. They do not make bad films and this one is one of their best, and one of the best of 2013. I am glad we have films like this out there and hope they never stop.

Photo credit by IMDB.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Golden Globe Recap

     Well, the big Hollywood, kiss-ass shindig occurred last night and even though I mock its credibility, for the most part, they got it right. I enjoy covering the awards, but at the same time who really is the best, especially in a year with so many quality films. I was a little worried one of the most important films I have seen, 12 Years a Slave, was going to get shut out, but it won Best Picture Drama. No brainer in my book. I loved Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity and he is a fantastic, important director, but I still would have awarded Best Director to Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave. The impact, tenacity and relevancy of that film and the balls to actually make it, and make it so visceral and real would have won over the technical and narrative brilliance of Gravity. Thought David O. Russell would have won for American Hustle, but the winnings were spread around a little bit. But, we know who should have been nominated and won...Martin Scorsese. Enough of that argument for now.
     American Hustle won Best Picture Comedy/Musical, Amy Adams won Best Actress Comedy/Musical and Jennifer Lawrence won Best Supporting Actress. Stars and straight on entertainment won the celebrity obsessed HFPA for the American Hustle camp. I am fine with Adams winning and did like Lawrence in the film, but it is not even a question who should have won Best Supporting Actress. Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave was hands down above and better than everyone else. What she did with that role. Stunning. A little surprise, at least where I thought Hustle would also win, was Best Screenplay, but went with Spike Jonze for Her. Happy with that choice.
     Big night for Dallas Buyers Club gentlemen, with Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor Drama and Jared Leto winning for Best Supporting Actor. No problems with that, especially Leto. One of the best performances all year from any actor. I thought Chiwetel Ejiofor would have won for 12 Years a Slave for Best Actor, but that field is so crowded and full of talent, any of them are deserving. Redford, Ejiofor or McConaughey all deserve it. No surprise with Cate Blanchett winning Best Actress Drama for her riveting performance in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine. And, Leonardo DiCaprio winning for The Wolf of Wall Street was right on and perfect. Best performance of his young, impressive career and the best one with collaborator Martin Scorsese. He was just balls out crazy and relentless in that film.
     That is about here. I ended up at .500 on my predictions. The Globes have little meaning when it comes to the Academy Awards. I do enjoy covering the awards, but I like looking at the history of them and getting aggravated when certain films win or lose based on politics and box office sales. That is the awards season side of the film business. Oscar nominations coming up this Thursday. I will have my last updated predictions on the blog Wednesday night. There will be surprises and snubs. Which films are going to be left out and get in?

Sunday, January 12, 2014

2014 GOLDEN GLOBE WINNERS

Here is an ongoing list, as announced, of the Golden Globe Awards winners. I expect a huge night for American Hustle and I hope 12 Years a Slave in the film categories. Big night for "Breaking Bad" (hopefully) on the TV side, but they always like awarding the new shows and actors. You can check out all the film nominees and my predictions right HERE. Enjoy.

BEST PICTURE DRAMA:  12 Years a Slave
BEST PICTURE COMEDY/MUSICAL:  American Hustle
BEST DIRECTOR:  Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
BEST ACTOR DRAMA:  Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST ACTRESS DRAMA:  Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
BEST ACTOR COMEDY/MUSICAL:  Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ACTRESS COMEDY/MUSICAL:  Amy Adams, American Hustle
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:  Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:  Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
BEST SCREENPLAY:  Spike Jonze, Her
BEST ORIGINAL SONG:  "Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE:  Alex Ebert, All Is Lost
BEST ANIMATED FILM:  Frozen
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:  The Great Beauty
BEST TV SERIES DRAMA:  "Breaking Bad"
BEST TV SERIES COMEDY/MUSICAL: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
BEST MINISERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE:  Behind the Candelabra
BEST ACTOR TV SERIES DRAMA:  Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
BEST ACTRESS TV SERIES DRAMA:  Robin Wright, "House of Cards"
BEST ACTOR TV SERIES COMEDY/MUSICAL:  Andy Samberg, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
BEST ACTRESS TV SERIES COMEDY/MUSICAL:  Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"
BEST ACTOR MINISERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE:  Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra
BEST ACTRESS MINISERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE:  Elisabeth Moss, "Top of the Lake"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR TV SERIES/MINISERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE:  Jon Voight, "Ray Donovan"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS TV SERIES/MINISERIES/MADE FOR TV MOVIE:  Jacqueline Bisset, "Dancing on the Edge"
CECIL B. DEMILLE AWARD: Woody Allen

Friday, January 10, 2014

Golden Globe Predictions

     The HFPA Golden Globes Awards (huge celebrity party) are this upcoming Sunday, so I am going to predict who I think will win and who I believe should win underneath each category. I am predicting a big night for the star-studded American Hustle. They love celebrities at the Globes. These do not have much importance on the Oscars and is nothing more than a big Hollywood part. Oh, did I mention that yet. I am seeing Her and Inside Llewyn Davis this weekend so my "should win'"picks are as of today. I will also be live blogging the winners, TV and Film, Sunday, so check it out at the blog. Here we go.

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
  1. 12 Years a Slave
  2. Captain Phillips
  3. Rush
  4. Philomena
  5. Gravity
Will Win: 12 Years a Slave
Should Win: 12 Years a Slave

BEST MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY/MUSICAL
  1. American Hustle
  2. Her
  3. Inside Llewyn Davis
  4. Nebraska
  5. The Wolf of Wall Street
Will Win: American Hustle
Should Win: The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ACTOR - DRAMA
  1. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
  3. Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
  4. Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
  5. Robert Redford, All Is Lost
Will Win: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Should Win: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave (Redford and McConaughey are so close)

BEST ACTRESS - DRAMA
  1. Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
  2. Sandra Bullock, Gravity
  3. Judi Dench, Philomena
  4. Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
  5. Kate Winslet, Labor Day
Will Win: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Should Win: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

BEST ACTOR - COMEDY/MUSICAL
  1. Bruce Dern, Nebraska
  2. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
  3. Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis
  4. Joaquin Phoenix, Her
  5. Christian Bale, American Hustle
Will Win: Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ACTRESS - COMEDY/MUSICAL
  1. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Enough Said
  2. Julie Delpy, Before Midnight
  3. Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha
  4. Meryl Streep, August: Osage County
  5. Amy Adams, American Hustle
Will Win: Amy Adams, American Hustle
Should Win: Julie Delpy, Before Midnight

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
  1. Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
  2. Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
  3. Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
  5. Daniel Brühl, Rush
Will Win: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
Should Win: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
  1. Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
  2. Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
  3. Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
  5. June Squibb, Nebraska
Will Win: Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Should Win: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave

BEST DIRECTOR
  1. Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
  2. Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
  3. David O. Russell, American Hustle
  4. Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
  5. Alexander Payne, Nebraska
Will Win: David O. Russell, American Hustle
Should Win: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity

BEST SCREENPLAY
  1. John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Eric Singer & David O. Russell, American Hustle
  3. Spike Jonze, Her
  4. Bob Nelson, Nebraska
  5. Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope, Philomena
Will Win: Eric Singer & David O. Russell, American Hustle
Should Win: John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
  1. "Please Mr. Kennedy" Inside Llewyn Davis
  2. "Let It Go" Frozen
  3. "Atlas" The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
  4. "Ordinary Love" Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
  5. "Sweeter Than Fiction" One Chance
Will Win: "Let It Go" Frozen
Should Win: "Please Mr. Kennedy" Inside Llewyn Davis

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
  1. Hans Zimmer, 12 Years a Slave
  2. Steven Price, Gravity
  3. John Williams, The Book Thief
  4. Alex Ebert, All Is Lost
  5. Alex Heffes, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Will Win: Steven Price, Gravity
Should Win: Alex Ebert, All Is Lost

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
  1. Blue is the Warmest Color
  2. The Past 
  3. The Hunt
  4. The Great Beauty
  5. The Wind Rises
Will Win: Blue is the Warmest Color
Should Win: Blue is the Warmest Color

BEST ANIMATED FILM
  1. Frozen
  2. Despicable Me 2
  3. The Croods
Will Win: Frozen
Should Win: Frozen

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

David Fincher's GONE GIRL EW cover


    And this makes me even more excited for this film. Tense, steely, eerie, necrophiliac??? and all mood from one of the best filmmakers and personal favorites of mine. David Fincher, who took this picture for the cover of the new Entertainment Weekly 2014 preview, directing Gone Girl, based on the best selling novel, of the same name, form Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the screenplay. Nothing more. Just a fantastic picture and increases my anticipation for this film. Starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. Enjoy!

Photo credit by EW.

2014 BAFTA Nominations

     
     The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced their film nominations for the 2013 year. The equivalent of the American Academy Awards, they were highly heavy on Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity, giving 11 nominations to the sci-fi thrill ride. David O. Russell's American Hustle and Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave each earned 10 nominations, while Paul Greengrass' Captain Phillips received 9. Nothing too surprising, but no love for Jean-Marc Vallée's Dallas Buyers Club. Did they see it? No nominations for Matthew McConaughey or Jared Leto. Also, really surprised with no nominations for Robert Redford in All Is Lost and none for Spike Jonze's Her, but that probably did not get released in the UK yet. Why not more love for the Coen's Inside Llewyn Davis? BAFTA rules state a film must be released theatrically in the United Kingdom between January 1 and December 31 of 2013. It seems wrong to ignore those three spectacular acting achievements this past year, as well as Her. Respectable love for The Wolf of Wall Street, but no Best Picture...come on! This will be somewhat close to the Oscar nominations, but I have to think McConaughey, Leto and Redford will be nominated, and Her will get plenty of attention...I hope. The awards will be handed out on February 16th in London. Here is a complete list of the nominees. Enjoy!

BEST FILM
  1. American Hustle
  2. Captain Phillips
  3. Gravity
  4.  Philomena
  5. 12 Years a Slave
BEST BRITISH FILM
  1. Gravity
  2. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
  3. Philomena
  4. Rush 
  5. Saving Mr. Banks
  6. The Selfish Giant
BEST DIRECTOR
  1. David O. Russell, American Hustle
  2. Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
  3. Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
  4. Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ACTOR
  1. Christian Bale, American Hustle
  2. Bruce Dern, Nebraska
  3. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
  4. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips
BEST ACTRESS
  1. Amy Adams, American Hustle
  2. Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
  3. Sandra Bullock, Gravity
  4. Judi Dench, Philomena
  5. Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
  1. Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
  2. Daniel Brühl, Rush
  3. Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
  4. Matt Damon, Behind the Candelabra
  5. Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
  1. Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
  2. Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
  3. Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
  4. Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
  5. Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels' The Butler
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
  1. Eric Singer & David O. Russell, American Hustle
  2. Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
  3. Alfonso Cuarón & Carlos Cuarón, Gravity
  4. Joel & Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
  5. Bob Nelson, Nebraska
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
  1. Richard LaGravenese, Behind the Candelabra
  2. Billy Ray, Captain Phillips
  3. Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope, Philomena
  4. John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
  1. Blue is the Warmest Color
  2. The Great Beauty
  3. The Act of Killing
  4. Wadjda
  5. Metro Manila
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
  1. The Act of Killing
  2. The Armstrong Lie
  3. Blackfish
  4. Tim's Vermeer
  5. We Steal Secrets: The Story WikiLeaks
BEST ANIMATED FILM
  1. Despicable Me 2
  2. Frozen
  3. Monsters University
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
  1. Barry Ackroyd, Captain Phillips
  2. Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
  3. Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
  4. Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
  5. Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years a Slave
BEST FILM EDITING
  1. Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
  2. Alfonso Cuarón & Mark Sanger, Gravity 
  3. Daniel P. Hanley, Rush
  4. Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave
  5. Thelma Schoonmaker, The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
  1. American Hustle
  2. Behind the Candelabra
  3. Gravity
  4. The Great Gatsby
  5. 12 Years a Slave
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
  1. American Hustle
  2. Behind the Candelabra
  3. The Great Gatsby
  4. The Invisible Woman
  5. Saving Mr. Banks
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIR
  1. American Hustle
  2. Behind the Canelabra
  3. The Great Gatsby
  4. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  5. Lee Daniels' The Butler
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC
  1. John Williams, The Book Thief
  2. Henry Jackman, Captain Phillips
  3. Steven Price, Gravity
  4. Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks
  5. Hans Zimmer, 12 Years a Slave
BEST SOUND
  1. All Is Lost
  2. Captain Phillips
  3. Gravity 
  4. Inside Llewyn Davis
  5. Rush
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
  1. Gravity
  2. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  3. Iron Man 3
  4. Pacific Rim
  5. Star Trek Into the Darkness
BEST DEBUT BY BRITISH DIRECTOR, WRITER OR PRODUCERS
  1. Colin Caberry & Glenn Patterson, Good Vibrations -- writers
  2. Kelly Marcel, Saving Mr. Banks -- writer
  3. Kieran Evans, Kelly + Victor -- writer/director
  4. Paul Wright & Polly Stokes, For Those in Peril -- writer/director & producer
  5. Scott Graham, Shell -- writer/director
BEST BRITISH ANIMATED SHORT
  1. Everything I Can See from Her
  2. I Am Tom Moody
  3. Sleep With the Fishes
BEST BRITISH SHORT
  1. Island Queen
  2. Keeping Up with the Joneses
  3. Orbit Ever After
  4. Room 8
  5. Sea View
RISING STAR AWARD
  1. Dane DeHaan
  2. George Mackay
  3. Lupita Nyong'o
  4. Will Poulter
  5. Léa Seydoux
Photo credit by IMDB.



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

2014 Directors Guild of America Nominations

    

     For the most part, the Directors Guild of America got it right. I actually respect all five of their picks, especially in a year where there are so many gifted, talented directors delivering amazing work. But, the nomination of Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street) is fantastic and badass. Yes!!! The best film of the year, so far, and just a lights out piece of work from the master. I thoroughly agree with Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) and Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) being nominees. They have been the two locks since late August and deservedly so. Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) made one of his best films this year and I feel that David O. Russell (American Hustle), as great a director as he is, directed a very mediocre, entertaining softball of a film this year. He does get some wonderful performances out of the film, but it is nowhere near as good as The Fighter or Silver Linings Playbook. My feelings are very mixed on American Hustle, but after another viewing I might have a different opinion. I would have probably switched Greengrass, really love his film though, and definitely Russell out for Spike Jonze (Her) and the Coen brothers (Inside Llewyn Davis), but that is just me. You also had great films from Alexander Payne (Nebraska), Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club), Richard Linklater (Before Midnight), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), Woody Allen (Blue Jasmine), Abdellatif Kechiche (Blue is the Warmest Color), Jeff Nichols (Mud) and J.C. Chandor (All Is Lost). The DGA awards will be handed out on January 25th. Here is a list of the five nominees.

  • Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
  • Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips
  • Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
  • David O. Russell, American Hustle
  • Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street
Photo credit by DGA.

Monday, January 6, 2014

National Society of Film Critics: Coen's INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    

     Justice is served. After getting snubbed by the Producers Guild and the Writers Guild, the Coen brothers 60s period, folk music set film Inside Llewyn Davis got major kudos with the National Society of Film Critics awards. The film won Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography. It lost Best Screenplay to the wonderful Before Midnight. That is cool with me. I love the Coen brothers and they are the best filmmakers next to Martin Scorsese. Scorsese is are greatest living filmmaker and still knows how to get things done, but the Coen's are right there next to him and are about as perfect as it gets. Here is a list of all the winners and runners-up for the National Society of Film Critics awards. Enjoy!

BEST PICTURE
Inside Llewyn Davis
Runners-up: American Hustle; 12 Years a SlaveHer

BEST DIRECTOR
Joel & Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
Runners-up: Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity; Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

BEST ACTOR
Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis
Runners-up: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave; Robert Redford, All Is Lost

BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Runners-up: Adèle Exarchopoulos, Blue is the Warmest Color; Julie Delpy, Before Midnight

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
James Franco, Spring Breakers
Runners-up: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club; Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Runners-up: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave; Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine, Léa Seydoux, Blue is the Warmest Color

BEST SCREENPLAY
Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
Runners-up: Joel & Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis; Eric Singer & David O. Russell, American Hustle

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Blue is the Warmest Color
Runners-up: A Touch of Sin; The Great Beauty

BEST NONFICTION FILM
The Act of Killing & At Berkeley (tie)
Runner-up: Leviathan

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Runners-up: Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity; Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska