Thursday 8 January 2015

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1957: Jack Hawkins in The Bridge on the River Kwai

Jack Hawkins did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Major Warden in The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Jack Hawkins was the mainstay of just about every English language epic around the late fifties and early sixties. It may have been even a requirement to have him in your film in fact which would explain why he was the Swedish missionary in Zulu (although I happen to still like him a lot in that role despite the miscasting). This may be one of his most substantial roles in one of these films although he does not appear until the second act after "commander" Shears (William Holden) has escaped the Japanese POW camp and successfully made it to hospital. There he is eventually greeted by Major Warden who runs an elite commando unit. There are three main characters in the Bridge on the River Kwai who are mad, yet not in the usual way. There is Alec Guinness's Colonel Nicholson, Sessue Hayakawa's Colonel Saito, and Hawkins's Major Warden is the third of these insane men. Although the reason they are most unusual is that they all three happen to be proper soldiers at the same time.

Hawkins differs his performance nicely from Guinness's and Hayakawa's work by playing Major Warden as perhaps just a little bit more self aware than the other two. Hawkins brings a bit more of a purposeful humor to his performance, although Guinness does that to although he shows it as an accidental element of just how proper Nicholson does. Warden instead brings just a bit of playfulness almost in how he handles the stiff upper lipped manner of Warden, as though Warden is certainly in on his personal style to a certain degree. He's particularly good at this in the scene where he asks Holden character's about going on a mission to destroy the titular bridge. Hawkins plays the scene as though Warden is playing with Shears the whole time as he portrays the refined concern as Shears reveals he lied about his rank, but then this works perfectly as Hawkins suggests a purposeful joke, for Warden's own amusement only, as he keeps the same reserve as he reveals that Warden has been aware of this the whole time intending to use it basically even as blackmail to ensure Shears's participation in the job.

The madness still is quite evident in Warden though as Hawkins brings such a callousness in the way Warden seems to treat all things. Even though Hawkins makes more amiable than Saito and Nicholson, the way he play with lives is still there. Hawkins actually makes the humor of Warden rather dark in nature, because he keeps his humorous British reserve no matter what he is talking about early on. Whether he is talking about plastic explosives, knifing a man, or potentially getting killed in a parachute run Hawkins is effective by showing the madness in the way Warden treats all of his in such a lighthearted way. Now Hawkins is good in again he differs somewhat from the other mad men, but somewhat suggesting that maybe Warden isn't quite as fervent as others in his views. Hawkins mostly alludes this subtly through his reactions suggesting the awareness in Warden, and this slight fault in the armor is important once Warden goes on with the mission and leads them to destroy the titular bridge.  

Once on the mission Hawkins drops all the humor suggesting that Warden does take the mission very seriously. Hawkins does not drop the sense that Warden does still have that madness as he even views the death of one of the men simply a set back in his game. This cracks suddenly though when Warden is injured and this may not have worked but Hawkins's reaction is perfection. His reaction is both a shattering of his facade of his ease, but also almost a moment clarity as he seems to understand where he has gone wrong. For the rest of the film Hawkins plays the injured Warden as an understandably far more sorrowful yet more empathetic man. It's technically a sudden change of heart but one that Warden succeeds by suggesting some doubt in the man before as well as delivering in the pivotal moment. Just like almost everyone else in the film Hawkins is great in the final scene with every powerful reaction as he shows Warden finally feeling the weight of his "game" full force without his sort of madness to blind him. I won't say Warden reaches the great heights of Hayakawa and Guinness, he still succeeds in giving a rather fascinating portrait of a well refined mad man.

68 comments:

Luke Higham said...

Birdman Ratings
Keaton - 5 (Amazing performance, my number 3 of the year)
Norton - 4.5
Stone - 4 (leaning towards a 4.5)
Galifinakis - 4 (leaning towards a 4.5)
Watts - 3.5 (leaning towards a 4)
Riseborough - 3

Luke Higham said...

Birdman is my second favourite film of the year behind Nightcrawler and I don't think anything is going to take its position with only Into The Woods, A Most Violent Year and Inherent Vice left to watch.

GetDonaldSutherlandAnOscar said...

Is Holden still a 4.5 upon re-watch, or has he impressed you even more? I find his performance is the one that grows on me with each repeat viewing; one of the few sane men, but the one who no one likes.

Also, thoughts/ratings on the rest of the cast.

GetDonaldSutherlandAnOscar said...

And having just seen The Seventh Seal:

1. Bjornstrand
2. Lancaster
3. Cobb
4. Ekerot
5. Hawkins

GetDonaldSutherlandAnOscar said...

I'll also be seeing Selma tomorrow, I'll give my thoughts/ratings after that

Michael McCarthy said...

Just saw Selma, here are my cast ratings:

Oyelowo: 5 (I've never been impressed by Oyelowo before but I think he hit all the right notes and then some. He evokes the fierce spirit of Dr. King when he's preaching to his congregations, but he's even more powerful in his quiet reactions. I think my favorite moment of his is when he's leading the march and he slowly decides to turn around out of fear of leading his followers into a trap, I saw every emotion that led him to the decision in his eyes. I also should mention that he does well to portray transition of his arguments with Johnson from very calm and collected to fiery and impatient, all without losing his trademark King eloquence)

Ejogo: 3.5 (A little bit shafted by the writing but she makes the most of this and occasionally uses it to her advantage. When she's on the sidelines, she always gives the impression of wanting to do more for the cause even though she is afraid, and also that she has the slightest doubts in her husband's judgment. Her more theatrical scenes are also well-handled.)

Wilkinson: 4 (Solidly effective turn as Johnson who could've been a nonentity due to his unwillingness to act. Wilkinson though shows the always calculating politician who does want to do what's right, but who wants to do what keeps him out of trouble more. I'd place my bet on him taking the fifth supporting actor slot over Duvall to be honest)

Roth: 2 (Well Wallace was an asshole and Roth certainly plays him as such, there just wasn't much more to the performance than that. Also it always felt a tad overblown)

James: 3 (Brings the right passion to his small, simple role throughout, and his monologue to Dr. King is properly affecting.)

Michael McCarthy said...

1. Gunnar Bjornstrand
2. Burt Lancaster
3. Bengt Ekerot
4. Lee J. Cobb
5. Jack Hawkins

Luke Higham said...

Michael McCarthy: I'm so glad you liked Oyelowo.

Luke Higham said...

Michael McCarthy: Your thoughts on Selma Overall.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Since you're seeing both Selma & American Sniper sometime today, I'm going to ask for your thoughts on both films, with ratings & thoughts on the casts.

RatedRStar said...

Selma was completely snubbed by Bafta lol, on a good note though, plenty of Pride and Nightcrawler love.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar:
Carell placed in supporting over Bill Nighy in Pride, give me a fucking break. The good thing out of this is that Carell may have lost more momentum towards the nomination announcement.

I'm happy for Fiennes although I don't think it will amount to much.

Gyllenhaal is definitely getting nominated now.

With Selma, It wouldn't take a hard guess that they didn't send screeners, just as they did for SAG and PGA. Oyelowo is still getting nominated, no matter what BAFTA says.

RatedRStar said...

Ahh im still not confident about Gyllenhaal yet, I keep getting flashbacks of Tom Hanks and Daniel Bruhl being nominated for every award and then missing out. I want him to be nominated more than any of the other actors.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives what is very very easily the number 1 best performance out of every single actor/actress in the whole year. Its not even close for me.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Ugh, the BAFTA's took a page out of idiot bloggers' books and shoehorned Carell into Supporting.

Luke Higham said...

After having seen all the main Oscar Contenders for Lead, I'm pray hoping for this lineup.
1. Jake Gyllenhaal - 5
2. Michael Keaton - 5
3. David Oyelowo - 5
4. Benedict Cumberbatch - 4.5
5. Eddie Redmayne - 4.5

RatedRStar said...

OMG that lineup would be the best ever, please I hope that is the lineup.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: From your reaction, have you seen Selma yet, if so your thoughts on the film, plus your ratings & thoughts on the cast.

Robert MacFarlane said...

If Carell gets nominated in Supporting next Thursday, expect to hear a scream from south Jersey that will destroy the sound barrier. That is the sort of category fraud that makes me want to puke.

Luke Higham said...

If Cumberbatch & Duvall's names aren't called out first respectively, I'm going to rip my fucking hair out.

Haven't seen Inherent Vice yet, but I'm certain Brolin will get reviewed either way.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm kind of hoping Duvall isn't nominated so I don't have to see The Judge.

Luke Higham said...

Koook160: I thought the film was crap too, but Duvall was able to keep me through it anyway. If he does get nominated, he'll probably come 4th or last and would still get a 4.5 from Louis.

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar: It seems Gyllenhaal is pretty safe now even though its always best not to get your hopes to high since a snub always can happen. Bruhl and Hanks are very different from him. Bruhl's film just kept losing momentum until it hit a full stop by time the Oscar nominations came. Hanks purposefully made himself not a number one but promoting Abdi over himself. Nightcrawler keeps doing better than expected along with Gyllenhaal who does not seem like he'd get ousted by people assuming he's going to get in.

Lead actor though still will be tight one though since Carell was still around at BAFTAS, Selma had its whole weird screeners problem, although maybe they just aren't liking it that much, either way see on Oscar nominations morning. Fiennes I'd say is the wild card now, and with the love for Budapest he could upset one of the safe bets.

Carell's nomination here may do him more bad than good though, since his official stance is being lead(and good for him). The race is too tight for him to suffer from category confusion.

Robert: I absolutely agree with you especially since Carell's not trying for category fraud so no one should do it to him. Also for once there are no cases of category fraud this year, despite that nonsense that has been brought up about Arquette.

Louis Morgan said...

GetDonaldSutherlandAnOscar:

I'm about on the same level for, but I've always liked his performance.

Donald - 4(The man required to be the sensible man in every prison of war film from the period if I'm not mistaken. Anyways Donald's good in being one of the few sensible guys, but one who's a bit more caring than Holden's Shears. Donald's reactions contribute greatly here particularly his great disbelief in the last scene as he witnessing the insanity)

Horne - 2.5(The weak link for me as just his deliveries had a certain blandness about them. He's not distractingly bad or anything but he's a big step below those around him)

Morell - 3.5(Kinda a secondary version of Hawkins's performance but different enough that he does not feel repetitive. He's enjoyable in his proper behavior, particularly laughing at Shears's question about parachutes. He's also good though in bringing up the severity of the idea of using the knife when questioning Horne's character)

RatedRStar said...

@Luke: Sorry for taking so long I have just seen Selma, American Sniper, and Foxcatcher for a second time.


Selma is a powerful and compelling film, I like how it showed a great understanding of what happened, and never truly felt like it was pushing morals down my throat, it is an interesting story in general so I was engaged completely.

Oyelowo (5) Some could fault David here by saying that his King is perfect with no flaws, that would be an ignorant way of putting it, David has a truly great presence and power here delivering scene after scene of power, his reactions to peoples deaths, and his frustrations with the vote being denied are all perfectly shown with no overacting in sight, his best scene is the march scene when the law enforcements step aside for the marchers only for Oyelowo to almost panic and see it as a trap, its a brief but amazing moment in a great performance.

Wilkinson (4) On paper this role is very thin and cliche, but Wilkinson is always a good actor and brings a believable presidential quality here, he also has some excellent chemistry with Oyelowo, I like how he wasnt an idiot also and seemed like a smart president trying to do what he thought was fair.

Roth (2.5) Roth is certainly good enough in his speech scenes but his character is just a one note villain and he simply isnt in the film enough to do anymore.

Ejogo (3.5) I feel she is obviously overshadowed but she certainly gives off the dread of what could happen and that she seems afraid to anything more even though she wants to. She stays always good in her scenes with Oyelowo and never trying to one up him in their disagreements and coming togetherness.

The rest of the performances are fine enough but they are just fine, which is fine by me =D.

RatedRStar said...

A Most Violent Year, Wild, Into The Woods and Inherent Vice left to see.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I'm so glad you liked Selma and Oyelowo's Performance, I liked the film even more on second viewing.

Your Thoughts on American Sniper, rating & thoughts on Bradley Cooper and I'm not sure if your opinion has changed, but your Re-Thoughts on Foxcatcher, as well as ratings & thoughts on Carell, Ruffalo and Tatum.

Lastly, what are your 5s for the year.

Michael McCarthy said...

Luke: it was very very good, even if it didn't quite reach the extraordinary heights the hype would indicate. Nevertheless it was always quite effective on an emotional level without ever becoming treacly or preachy. It didn't romanticize the Civil Rights Movement as many movies of this sort tend to, it just presents a story of regular people doing what they can for what they believe in. It also never pulls its punches, it shows the atrocities committed in that time as nothing more or less than what they were. One of the things I like most about it is that it is the central march comes off less as an incredible triumph of the human spirit and more of a single, albeit important step in a long and ongoing process. Ava DuVernay I the true MVP here.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Big Eyes - (For the first two thirds I was a little confused about how poorly it has been received by some. I thought it was semi-enjoyable if not particularly remarkable. Although I did feel the whole Margaret seeing Big Eyes felt like a woeful attempt at Burton being Burton. Then the third act happened and all became clear. I don't think its even the writing but rather Burton's direction that sinks it so much. He loses all touch as he has no idea whether he should be serious or comedic in any given scene. The scene where Walter was throwing the matches around was horrendous because it was so awkwardly done as it tried to be dramatic yet the intentioned seemed to comedic. This continued in the courtroom scene where all of Adams's speeches where this "inspirational" woman standing up for herself statement yet in the same moment it was Walter being wacky. If this was meant to be a purposeful juxtaposition it failed miserably, and it just comes off as ineffective on both fronts. Really the film should have just stayed a comedy because its Burton for some reason trying to make a inspirational film is what makes the whole film collapse on itself. Maybe if he made the true sequel to Ed Wood, "Tommy Wiseau", Burton could make another great film. Although for the record Ed Wood is his only film I'd consider great anyways)

Adams - 3.5(Her accent work unfortunately is slightly distracting because she's inconsistent. When she's on it does kinda make Margaret stand out a bit but she loses it too often. Aside from that I thought she was at least adequate and charming enough in the role. Thankfully, unlike Waltz although I think it's probably Burton's fault, she at least stays on one tone the whole film so she does not as harmed as much by the awkwardness of the final act)

Huston - 2(He did not have much to do but he did not do it with the little he had)

Polito - 2.5(Added a bit of character to the film since he's such a character)

Ritter - 2.5(Again like Polito she handles her scene well enough but can't make too much of an impact)

Schwartzman - 2.5(Like Polito)

Stamp - 3(Should have been more of him as he offered a nice bit of dead pan humor with his performance. His face when he stops the fork is particularly good.)

I'll save Waltz just to be safe, I mean something strange could happen in supporting actor, although he's completely lead here.

Selma - (As others have stated I don't think it quite matches up with the critical reception, but what you expect with such a reception. I would not put it as a great film as I do have a few reservations. The scenes involving Johnson and Wallace were a little too repetitive. They did serve a purpose but I think simply think they could have been a little more interesting in terms of the writing. Also only King truly gets enough character here, although sometimes one character is enough. All the other protestors could have been almost rolled up into one unfortunately. I mean look to Pride to see how to do that better. Having said that though I do think its a good film. It tells its story well allowing the moments to be moving without having to push them so hard like I'm sure Lee Daniels would have done. DuVernay knows how to get the power out of a scene without making it heavy handed affair. Also I really liked that they made King into a man not some otherworldly figure. They actually bothered to show weaknesses making his moments of strength resonate all the more)

I'll save Wilkinson but again for the same reasons why I'm saving Waltz.

Ejogo - 3.5(She's good in creating the complexity of a relationship. She brings the warmth as she should in her scenes of showing the concern for Martin and her family, but also honestly brings the needed hatred towards Martin in the scene where she confronts him about his affairs)

Robert MacFarlane said...

I can already tell you're praying Waltz doesn't get nominated. Would you believe me if I told you his character was even more cartoonish in real life?

Louis Morgan said...

I really should just give my thoughts on Waltz, but I'll wait. I do think the biggest problem, that being when Walter is being like some sort of pure evil psychopath, was Burton's fault since it tries to depict those scenes like serious domestic disturbance when the tone probably should have stayed as absurd instead.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Big Eyes was a massive disappointment for me, After The Zero Theorem, Waltz churns out one of the most needlessly over the top performances I've seen in recent memory.

I'm glad you liked Selma and I'm feeling quite confident that you will give Oyelowo a 5 as well.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I've heard rumors Weinsten re-edited the film before release to some extent. Perhaps the scenes were meant to be absurd but the editing was botched.

RatedRStar said...

I am glad that I am not the only one who disliked Big Eyes and Waltz in it.
Anyway my thoughts on American Sniper and the second viewing of Foxcatcher.

American Sniper is a sometimes very effective war drama but I always left thinking it could have been amazing, it has some very good moments but they all come from one person.

Cooper (4.5) Thankfully its 2-1 on Coopers oscar contenders, he is very good at protraying the snipers very laid back outline during combat like its just a normal job, but when he returns home his scenes of post trauma are excellently handled and appropriately sorrowful.

Miller (3) I think she is fine enough in the iconic cliche wife role but I didn't feel she did too much that wasn't done by any other at home wife while husband is at war performance, I will say her reactions to his pain and suffering are handled well enough.

Foxcatcher was a little better this time, I still dont think this film is inchs from perfect, its just ok, I mean I once was inches away from winning an egg and spoon race but I still finished last, my thoughts on the film are still the same in terms of coldness but some of the performances stood out better this time.

Tatum (3.5) Tatums score is the same as before, he is great physically in the role, and his tormented soul does give off a sad sack deep down even though I still wanted more.

Ruffalo (4) I still think there are one or two dull moments here, but his scenes where he attempts to find connection with Tatum are handled well, his concern and even when he doesnt want to leave his current living life as he is settled there is handled well 2, his final scene still isnt too good though as its all Carells, and unfortunately.......

Carell (2) Carell is still just too actory for me, I still havent forgotten how bad he is in his drunk scene, or his final scene, its still a bad performance in my opinion and not deserving over other actors.

RatedRStar said...

Back in 2013, I was fairly quiet about my dissapointment and anger at Daniel Bruhl being snubbed for Rush, I didnt rant about his snub, I am sure Louis and everyone remembers that.

This time, if Carell is nominated over someone else I deem to be deserving, I am going to absolutely snap, the first name I hear when the best actor lineup is announced better start with Cumberbatch and not Carell or, well you just wait, YOU JUST FUCKING WAIT.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I didn't think your opinion on Carell would change, I mean, I gave Carell a low 4 and I still wouldn't want him anywhere near in contention for a nomination or being reviewed otherwise. Also, I might actually consider upping Ruffalo's score, the next time I watch it.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I share your sentiment.

RatedRStar said...

Anyway back to nice things =D, Jack Hawkins, I feel his best work is yet to be reviewed, I feel a lot of actors best work came in 1962 lol, one thing that is quite sad is that Sessue was the only person who lost for the film come oscar night as everyone else won their awards =(

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Lastly you may have missed this, but what are your 5 star performances of 2014 and have you seen any other films in the past 4-5 hours.

RatedRStar said...

Ah sorry Luke =)

Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler (5)
Michael Keaton - Birdman (5)
David Oyelowo - Selma (5)
Tom Hardy - Locke (5)
Brendan Gleeson - Calvary (5)

Other actors that are very close to a 5 are Ralph Fiennes, Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch, Timothy Spall, JK Simmons, Ethan Hawke, Matthew McConaughey Chang Chen, Julianne Moore, Rosamund Pike.

I havent seen any in the last 4-5 hours, but I am going to watch one, Into The Woods, right...............NOW.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I'm about 5 minutes into it and I'm just expecting it to be fine.

Everyone: Since we are into 2015, what are your top 5 or 10 most anticipated films. I'll be giving mine later.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Right now I'm looking forward to Todd Haynes's Carol the most. Mostly because I always find Haynes fascinating.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with kook160 about Carol, I'm expecting an outstanding performance by Blanchett. But I also can't wait for Far from the Madding Crowd.

Luke Higham said...
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Luke Higham said...

Has anyone heard that the nominations announcement is going the Globes Route, announcing all 24 of them live.

RatedRStar said...

Into The Woods thoughts:

I am speechless lol haha =D

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Ratings & Thoughts on the cast. I'm still watching it, but Johnny Depp was ungodly awful.

RatedRStar said...

I will do it on the next review =D I should say I liked the film mostly but there are moments in the film where I am going " What da Fuck" lol.

Luke Higham said...

Seen Into The Woods, apart from Depp's 4 minute appearance, I enjoyed the film quite alot.
Ratings
Corden - 4(leaning towards a 4.5)
Blunt - 4 (leaning towards a 4.5)
Streep - 3.5 (leaning towards a 4)
Pine - 3.5 (leaning towards a 4)
Kendrick - 3
Depp - 1 (I'm getting incredibly sick of him now)

Luke Higham said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Luke Higham said...

My Top Ten Most anticipated films of 2015
1. Macbeth
2. The Revenant
3. The Hateful Eight
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
5. Knight of Cups
6. Mad Max Fury Road
7. Spectre
8. Chappie
9. Silence
10. Crimson Peak
Honourable Mentions
Anything else, that Fassbender's in
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2
Midnight Special
Far From The Madding Crowd
Everest & Southpaw

Michael McCarthy said...

I saw Inherent Vice earlier today. Like most of Paul Thomas Anderson's recent work it'll be divisive, but I thought it was great.

Phoenix: 5 (He's actually in my top 5 for the year now)
Brolin: 4.5
Waterston: 4 (Verging on 4.5)
Wilson: 3
Del Toro: 3.5
Witherspoon: 2.5
Short: 3.5
Malone: 3
Roberts: 2.5
Newsom: 2.5

Luke Higham said...

Michael McCarthy: I'm so looking forward to seeing Inherent Vice tomorrow, I've had my worries about Phoenix, since alot of the praise has been going to Brolin, but your rating has given me faith.

Michael McCarthy said...

Again I'm not expecting everyone to like Phoenix as much as I did, but I think his style of acting made for a perfect centerpiece to the film. HE was wildly entertaining but as always he was exceptional at showing the complex history of Doc. Yeah Doc's a weirdo, but Phoenix never makes him a simple drugged up hippie, every move he makes and look he gives is uniquely Doc.

Luke Higham said...

Michael McCarthy: It would not surprise me at all if Louis likes the film alot, since he's yet to dislike anything from Paul Thomas Anderson.

Luke Higham said...

Michael: Also, I pray hope he does like the film and Phoenix's performance, since it gives Lead an even higher possibility of surpassing last year and I currently have 12 5s in Lead at the moment.

mcofra7 said...

1. Bjornstrand
2. Lancaster
3. Cobb
4. Hawkins
5. Ekerot

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

American Sniper - (Eastwood's best film since Letters from Iwo Jima, that might not be saying a lot but remember I do like Gran Torino. Like Torino it might as well be a one man show, I mean when was the last time Eastwood had a good ensemble film? I thought the film worked though even though it only really has one character. Eastwood directs the action scenes in a rather compelling fashion here particularly the sniping scenes. The at home scenes are relatively simple, but I think effective enough. In a way Eastwood almost makes the film about a guy who is the modern day man with no name at war, but just an average guy at home. I have to say I liked it even if the ending is a bit rushed, but understandable considering the circumstances)

I'll save Cooper, but I will say he has redeemed himself after the American Hustle debacle.

Miller - 3(Another supportive wife and a particularly limited one here. I thought she did a good enough job here)

Into the Woods - (I actually thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the film, well except for Depp's scenes. The second half I thought got a little lost though and although I still liked it just fine I don't think the final summation of the characters was as powerful as it could have been)

I'll save Corden.

Streep - 3.5(The funny thing is I think she might be a little more toned down here than as some of her performances as real people. Streep's over the top take though works for the role of the witch and here I thought she went just far enough without eating scenery alive. I did not love her here (as I thought other cast members were more entertaining), but I thought her performance served the film just fine)

Blunt - 4(I thought she was rather endearing here as she brought a real sense of fun into the material that was very much needed. Also, unlike some others, her comic timing here is quite good. Also when there are a few dramatic turns I thought she matched them rather nicely without compromising the rest of her work. Along with all that her singing is entertaining well always bringing the emotional quality needed for the songs)

Kendrick - 2.5(She's sings and really acts alright I guess here. She just does not bring anything extra to the part to make Cinderella really standout)

Pine - 4(Alright he's pretty good here. I like how he plays the part physically as Captain Kirk (William Shatner's Captain Kirk) with I believe the voice of Richard Harris in Camelot. That's a great combination and Pine is very entertaining in playing up just how vapid the Prince)

Ullman - 2.5(She's humorous enough but does not get enough to do)

Depp - 1(My my why is he here. He's not entertaining and playing up the pervert angle seemed like a strange thing to do. Also, apparently Depp worked with the costume designer, that should never happen again)

Crawford - 2.5(I was not surprised to learn that the part is played by an older actress usually and that probably would have been a good idea to alleviate the unpleasantness of her main scene. Other than that this is a case of deadpan going wrong because Crawford just does not have the timing or delivery down)

Huttlestone - 2(I found him quite insufferable here)

Mauzy - 2.5(I think her whole plot could have been scrapped since she barely plays a part in it. She's not bad but failed to make me think they should have included the character the film)

Magnussen - 3(He's good but Pine's better)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Corden's a 4.5 for me now.

Another performance saved for Lead, you're really gonna need a break after this. If you don't do 11 or 12 alternate reviews, I'll be annoyed.

On Cooper, He sure fucking did redeem himself.

Louis Morgan said...

I should note I consider Corden supporting. He the closest to being lead, but I feel it's really an ensemble piece.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I consider him supporting as well, I actually meant Cooper.

Matt Mustin said...

Just for the record, I thought Cooper had already redeemed himself with Guardians of the Galaxy, even though it's just a voice role.

Michael McCarthy said...

I won't say I thought Depp was good, but I find it strange how people are complaining about how creepy/rapey he was. That's the entire point of the Wolf, that subplot is an allegory for sexual predators. My huge problem with the performance was that he tried to play up the humor, like he was winking at the audience, instead of taking the theme of his role seriously.

Matt Mustin said...

Michael: Yes, but in the play it wasn't a young girl playing the part. Also, I'm very serious here, I think the fact that it was Johnny Depp makes it much creepier by default.

Louis Morgan said...

Michael: I understand that was the point, but since it was an actual little girl its suddenly The Woodsman in the middle of a musical which does not seem right at all.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your top ten lead actress & supporting actress performances of the year.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I consider Corden and Blunt leads myself, but okay. I more or less agree on the film and main points on the performances. I assume Corden was also your favorite since you're saving him. Honestly, I like him the more I think about him.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Michael: If anything, I think it's the opposite. compare to Robert Westenberg's over-the-top exuberance in the role to Depp's weirdly joyless delivery and singing. Depp played up the creepiness while Westenberg downplayed the creepiness and played up the absurdity.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

1. Essie Davis - The Babadook
2. Marion Cotillard - Two Days One Night
3. Jessica Chastain - The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby
4. Julianne Moore - Still Alice
5. Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
6. Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
7. Kristen Wiig - The Skeleton Twins
8. Emily Blunt - Edge of Tomorrow
9. Rose Leslie - Honeymoon
10. Amy Adams - Big Eyes

1. Rene Russo - Nightcrawler
2. Emily Blunt - Into the Woods
3. Jessica Chastain - Interstellar
4. Imelda Staunton - Pride
5. Eva Green - Sin City 2
6. Carrie Coon - Gone Girl
7. Carmen Eyogo - Selma
8. Kelly Reilly - Calvary
9. Dorothy Atkinson - Mr. Turner
10. Melissa McCarthy - St. Vincent