Thursday 16 July 2015

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1989: Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Sean Connery did not receive an Oscar nomination, despite being nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, for portraying Henry Jones Sr. in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an excellent adventure film, I actually even prefer it over Raiders, about Indiana Jones searching for the Holy grail.

Sean Connery's casting as Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)'s father seems just about perfect, after all who should raise one iconic action hero other than James Bond perhaps the most iconic of them all. This seems played into by the film where we only get a glimpse of Henry in the film's opening flashback. In the scene we do not see Connery, only hear his voice who quietly commands young Indiana to wait for his attention. After this point we keep hearing many things about Henry, and knowing it is Connery, there is a considerable build up for his appearance which does not come until over forty minutes in. When he finally does appear though, which involves Indiana infiltrating a German castle, we don't quite get what we should have expected. Connery is known best for playing his calm and quite commanding characters like James Bond. Even when Connery grew older he still continued to play these sort of roles, after all his Oscar winning role only two years earlier was a street smart cop there to toughen up that film's hero, his first physical appearance though proves that this will not be the case in this film.

Well Sean Connery actually plays against type here, but like James Caan in Misery it's the sort of playing against type an actor rarely gets credit for. Connery usually plays a man ripe and ready to handle any situation he sees, well that's just not Henry Jones. The film does seem to purposefully set this up as Indiana is dramatically hit by a vase after he comes into his father's prison room. Although as the camera finally shows Connery it seems kind of serious. Well that's all broken once Henry's expression changes and Connery reveals the sort of man Henry is as he looks on with joyous surprise that it is indeed "you Junior", before casually lamenting the broken vase before being relieved that it is nothing but a fake. Henry is not necessarily a meek man, but he's certainly a far cry from his son. Connery, even though he's playing actually very different sort than he so often plays, fits the role like a glove. After the revelation Connery simply is Henry and he could not be more comfortable in the role. He perfectly creates the sort of more retiring manner fit for a man who has spent much of his life examining old books and artifacts in a quest to find a single item.

Connery does more than convince us in this first scene that he's more than suited in the role, but he also gives us the idea of just how entertaining he is going to be in it as well. This becomes particularly evident in his absolutely hilarious reactions in just a few minutes of the screen time. One being when Indiana reveals he brought Henry's important diary right into a Nazi lair, as Connery is great in portraying such exasperation towards his son, then I think this perhaps only topped by his quite comical disbelief after his son has gunned down a group of Nazis who were holding them at gunpoint. It is interesting Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is one of the best sequels of all time, even though it could have easily seemed repetitive of the first one given the similair plot, but it never does. Something that I think helps a considerable amount in this regard is Connery's presence which does bring something brand new to the proceedings. That being that he is with Harrison Ford's Indiana through just about every scene of the second half of the film which offers quite a different dynamic by having these two as a duo together.

Connery is marvelous in every scene as probably one of the funniest comic reliefs in an action film ever, but it's really quite intriguing since Ford himself is also quite funny already in the role. Connery only seems to amplify any thing that Ford does, I especially love the dumb smile both of them give when they accidentally find a secret passage and come face to face with a female Nazi. Connery does distinguish himself well from Ford in the action scenes by basically presenting a novice in the arena of chases and fights. Connery's reaction are always just priceless as Henry is so surprised by so many people trying to kill him, because he states himself it is a new experience for him. There is a certain excitement about all that Connery also exudes that makes every scene all the more fun. Of course it does not even need to be an action scene for Connery's comedic timing to be flawless here. One of the most enjoyable moments has to be his scoff when he figures out the beautiful Nazi is talking to his son, and not him. This really is one of those supporting performances that just seems to go the extra distance since there is never a moment where Connery does not add something.

You know I could go on and on listing every little moment of his performance from his face after accidentally shooting their own plane, to his jubilation at discovering another secret passage just by sitting down, but there's just so many. This performance goes above and beyond all that since he also does create a more in depth relationship between Henry and his son than you might expect given the style of the film. Connery brilliant inserts just these short moments where Henry reveals the stern father, particularly in judgment of Indiana enjoying some of the action a little too much. I must admit Connery somehow works this also into some very humorous deadpan moments. Connery extends it further than that in his type of chemistry with Ford. There is not an excessive connection between the two though there seems to be an understanding of sorts. Connery brings just the right sort of warmth though with a certain distance about it as though he expects Indiana to be knowledgeable enough to know that he cares for him without directly saying it. There short dinner scene is particularly good because in an instance Connery realizes Henry's parenting method, which is not exactly cold, but leaves his son to perhaps do a little too much of his own thinking.

Now given that this is such a funny performance you'd might think it would be only capable of that, but that once again is not the case. The moments where they discuss the quest to find the grail and Connery reveals that considerable passion in Henry fitting for a man who has obsessed for it for his whole life. Connery though is outstanding in the moment where Henry explains the severity of the situation, and Connery brings such dramatic weight to the importance of finding the grail. This conviction in his speech is wonderfully handled, and in his eyes you see what the grail means to Henry. Even the relationship with Indiana, which certainly has a lot of laughs, is not only played for that though. The moment where he reprimands Indiana for blasphemy Connery shows the difference between the two and even a certain disappointment in Indiana's cynicism. Also when in a moment where it seems Indiana has died Connery is heartbreaking as he reveals so well just how much he loves his son. He earns the moment and makes the one a few moments later when he embraces his son who has survived truly poignant. Connery's portrayal of Henry adds so much to the film as he either makes a great scene all the more entertaining, or enliven a dramatic moment all the more. I don't mind saying it. I love this performance it simply is one those perfect examples of what makes a great supporting performance.

272 comments:

1 – 200 of 272   Newer›   Newest»
Calvin Law said...

That moment when he tells Indy to let go of the Grail never fails to bring heartwarming tears to my eyes. Lovely, lovely work.

Is this Connery's best performance, in your opinion? Also thoughts and ratings on the rest of the cast.

Psifonian said...

Connery vs. Dern: FIGHT.

Anonymous said...

Psifonian: Well, Connery's win is assured. Now, we'll just have to wait for Lancaster and Earl Jones in Field of Dreams. Anyway, Lancaster will probably get a 5 and Earl Jones a 4,5.

Calvin Law said...

I will be overjoyed if he gets a 5, but I'm not sure how likely that'll be. 4.5 would be great though.

Anonymous said...

Liotta will likely get a 4,5 from Louis. He was brilliant.

Michael McCarthy said...

I REALLY hope Liotta gets at least a 4.5.

Calvin Law said...

Also Louis, what are your top 10 films of 1975?

Anonymous said...

Has anyone seen Picnic at Hanging Rock? Because I love it and I think that Rachel Roberts is amazing in it.

moviefilm said...

Louis (and everyone), what are ratings and thoughts of the cast of The Others?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on David O. Russell as a director in general.


I'm very happy, though I had no doubts that you would give Connery a 5.

RatedRStar said...

Yes Picnic at Hanging Rock is one you should see Louis, just for shear atmosphere and creepy factor.

Anonymous said...

@RatedRStar: what would you give to Rachel Roberts? She'd be a 5 for me and my win for the year for supporting - such an enigmatic performance.
@moviefilm: My ratings would be:
Kidman - 5
Flannagan - 4 (bordering on a 4.5, should rewatch her)
Mann - 4
Don't remember the others well enough. What I know is that I loved the movie and Kidman in it.

Psifonian said...

Gentlemen, I give you "The Revenant": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRfj1VCg16Y&feature=youtu.be

Luke Higham said...

Psifonian: Trailer of The Year :)
DiCaprio looks brilliant and Hardy's gonna be Astonishing. Got a slight peek of Gleeson and didn't see Poulter, but I'm sure they're going to be great as well.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Looks like the True Grit remake by way of The New World. I guess I'm in, though DiCaprio's brow seems rather furrowed.

Anonymous said...

Wow, best trailer of the year so far.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: What are your top ten anticipated films for the remainder of 2015.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: His favorite film of 1975 is Jaws.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: 4.5

The Revenant looks amazing, I am calling it right now, Leonardo DiCaprio will win his Oscar, and the world will go mental, and this blog will love it, finally, finally, finally.

RatedRStar said...

2015...hehe is going to plan.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I'm praying that he wins, so I wouldn't have to hear everyone go on about it for another 10 years, even if he gives the best leading performance of the year.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: It sure is.

Anonymous said...

And this is why we can't have nice things with the Oscars. No matter who wins, people are still going to complain.
Actor B should have won over A!
No, C should have won over A!
Silence, the both of you! D was better than B and C and should have won over A!
Oh, shut the hell up! E was better than A, B, C and D!
They'll have no choice but to give DiCaprio the Oscar this year so that people can finally shut up.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Uh, I'm not really sold on DiCaprio yet to be honest.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: The Revenant, Spectre, Macbeth, Legend, Crimson Peak, The Hateful Eight, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mission Impossible V, Bridge Of Spies and Black Mass. :)

Too bad about Queen Of The Desert, Chappie, The Sea Of Trees and Knight Of Cups.

RatedRStar said...

Tom Hardy must get nominated, his start of awards greatness begins.......NOW.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I also think it's extremely presumptuous to declare a film/performance sight-unseen the definitive winner. Calm down guys. Leo's been snubbed before.

Anonymous said...

What do you think of Bryan Cranston's Trumbo? Hopefully, Chastain can get a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Crimson Peak.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Yet to see a trailer for Trumbo, so that I could give an opinion.

Chastain has a shot, but genre fare doesn't fare all that well with the academy.

RatedRStar said...

2015 looks better than 2014 already in every single way, look at all the films of 2015 that have the world wide masses excited, the new Star Wars, the new Bond, a new Tarantino film, Leos Oscar quest beginning again, Johnny Depp returning to glory, a new Spielberg film, Ben Foster hitting the big time, Michael Fassbender returning to Oscars, and a new Del Toro film =D PERFECT.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Both of those aren't likely, to be honest. Academy hasn't gone for a performance in a supernatural horror movie in over a decade. Even if Chastain's great, it's not likely. As for Trumbo, the film has an interesting subject matter, but the director isn't exactly awards pedigree. Honestly it sounds like an Oscar bait poser along the lines of J. Edgar.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: And The Program. :)

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I don't Leo is fishing for an Oscar, he stated in an interview that he doesn't do movies to win Oscars.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, *think.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: But his fans do.

Anonymous said...

Robert: Most Oscar-bait films are biopics anyway and I would expect Trumbo to be nominated for Best Actor and Best Picture. For example, Paul Muni's biographies are Oscar-bait movies. That guy took himself so seriously, he was like the Daniel Day-Lewis of the 30's.

Calvin Law said...

Hm. I dunno, it looks good and all but I'm not 100% sold on DiCaprio yet. At least, insofar as him being the unquestioned winner of this year already. For me I doubt he's going to overcome McKellen.

I didn't really get too much from the trailer overall, though, so I think we'll have to wait and see.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Yes, but Trumbo is competing with about 50 other biopics this year, all of which sound more promising.

Calvin Law said...

Also, saw Ant Man. Whole lot of fun even if it didn't really add up to much, the story's fairly predictable but the action and special effects are fantastic.

Rudd: 3.5 (effectively charismatic leading man performance)
Lily: 3 (I'll admit her mere presence alone adds to the film, fairly limited but has nice chemistry with Rudd.)
Douglas: 3.5 (understatedly genial and charming performance with just the right hint of mischief)
Stoll: 3 (good but the writing limits him a bit, I liked how he showed the villain's desire for acknowledgement by Pym)
Cannavale: 3 (limited role too but I liked that the stepfather figure was not a Marco Perella sort but instead a nice but tough guy)
Pena: 4 (MVP, every scene he's in is just a hoot, everything he does and says is just hilarious)
T.I. and Dastmalchian: 3 each (not nearly as funny as Pena but still quite funny)


Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm VERY reluctant to see Ant-Man and give the Marvel Money Machine any extra cash, especially after they fucked over Edgar Wright.

Anonymous said...

Ant-Man looks like it will be a load of fun just like Avengers 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Ehhhh, I could have lived if I skipped those two.

RatedRStar said...

I would like to see Ian McKellen nominated, I just dont think he will win, its the fact that film has been released so early as well, might be forgotten, plus Depp and DiCaprio can play the overdue card as well at this point.

Oh Calvin and Robert lol both Mr Scrooges the pair of you hehe, I think you both just need a hug =D lol.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I just have fairly high standards, I guess.

Calvin Law said...

RatedRStar: I'm feeling more Finney than Sim today, if you get me haha

RatedRStar said...

This is on Leo of course for the Scrooge comment, I really dont feel that interested in Ant Man to be honest lol =D although I take Calvins word for it.

RatedRStar said...

=D oh yes I get you Calvin hehe lol.

Anonymous said...

Louis, what are your thoughts on Cary Grant and Clark Gable as actors? And also, your thoughts on O'Toole and Hepburn in How to Steal a Million?

Anonymous said...

Guys, which actress is your favorite of these three, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, and your thoughts on them?

Robert MacFarlane said...

Blanchett, hands down.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous:
Including their best performance.
1. Watts - Mulholland Drive
2. Blanchett - I'm Not There
3. Kidman - The Others

RatedRStar said...

Blanchett for me as well, one of our finest and most consistently good actresses we have, I do like Watts as well but she seems to pick some really crappy scripts sometimes, Kidman is for me a decent actress.

Anonymous said...

I think Blanchett can get hammy sometimes.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Even when I don't like her, I at least find her interesting.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I thought Blanchett was awful in Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.
At this moment in time, I prefer Tilda Swinton over Blanchett, who I find to be quite alike.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Though, that might change with Carol.

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: I also saw Ant-Man yesterday. I'd say it was about on the same level as Thor and the first Captain America, so pretty easily better than Age of Ultron. I agree with all of your ratings except for Peña and the gang, I'd give them all 2s. I just didn't think they were funny or that interesting.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin & RatedRStar: Predict the number of 5s overall and individually in each category for 2015.
Male Lead - 8
Male Supporting - 6/7
Female Lead - 4
Female Supporting - 2

Luke Higham said...

Calvin & RatedRStar:
Overall - 20/21

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Have you seen any new releases recently.

RatedRStar said...

Luke:
Male Lead - 9
Male Supporting - 6
Female Lead - 5
Female Supporting - 2

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: So we predict their's gonna be at least 20 then.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: And now you're going with 7 for the women. =)

Anonymous said...

Male Lead- 10
Male Supporting- 5
Female Lead- 4
Female Supporting- 2
Overall: 21

Luke Higham said...

I'll go with 9 for Male Lead, which takes the total up to 21/22.

Luke Higham said...

Female Supporting: Marion Cotillard in Macbeth and Jessica Chastain in Crimson Peak or Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hateful Eight.

Male Supporting: Mark Rylance in Bridge Of Spies, Christoph Waltz in Spectre, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Domhnall Gleeson in The Revenant, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell or Bruce Dern in The Hateful Eight.

Female Lead: Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina & Testament Of Youth and Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in Carol.

Male Lead: Leonardo Dicaprio in The Revenant, Ben Foster in The Program, Michael Fassbender in Macbeth, Tom Hardy in Legend, Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes, Johnny Depp in Black Mass, Michael Shannon in Midnight Special, Tom Courtenay in 45 Years and Michael Caine in Youth.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I'll be watching Ant-Man tonight and both Child 44 and Far From The Madding Crowd sometime tomorrow.

Michael McCarthy said...

I will say about the trailer for The Revenant that it looks absolutely beautiful, so I'm looking forward to that.

Having said that, the only performance this year who looks like a 5 to me just from the trailer is Ben Foster in The Program. Although I'm less worried about Hardy in Legend after the second trailer, it kinda looks like most of Hardy's really OTT moments were shown in the first trailer and the rest of his performance as Ronnie won't be quite so extreme.

RatedRStar said...

I will say Ben Fosters is probably the most exciting to me just from the trailer, I still buzz about those last 10 seconds of that trailer, I am really worried already that Foster is the Jake of this year, but he has an advantage since he is playing a real person.

Luke: Vikander might likely not give 3 five star performances lol.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Foster's performance is the one I'm looking forward to the most as well.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully, he can give a great performance in The Program.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Oh I think its guaranteed that Foster will give it his all it just depends on the film backing him up.

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen of Watts to define my thoughts on her, she's very good definitely. I adore Cate Blanchett and I think she's almost always great (Elizabeth, I'm Not There, Blue Jasmine, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Aviator, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou are all terrific work) and I really really like Nicole Kidman as well, she's been bland a few times but most of the time she's able to give fine performances even if in awful movies. She's very versatile and she is also extremely brave and doesn't mind making risky choices, and she was fantastic in To Die For (should have nominated), Eyes Wide Shut (should have been nominated and WON for supporting, she was amazing), The Others, Moulin Rouge, The Hours, Dogville (again snubbed and she was amazing in that), Birth (crappy film but she was great), Rabbit Hole and The Paperboy.

Anonymous said...

My top 5 Watts, Blanchett and Kidman performances:
Watts
1. Mullholland Drive
2. The Impossible
3. Painted Veil
4. King Kong
5. Birdman
Blanchett
1. Elizabeth
2. Blue Jasmine
3. I'm Not There
4. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
5. Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Kidman
1. Dogville
2. The Others
3. The Hours
4. Eyes Wide Shut
5. Rabbit Hole

Anonymous said...

Male Leads (10)
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant
Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes
Ben Foster in The Program
Michael Fassbender in Macbeth and Steve Jobs
Johnny Depp in Black Mass
Michael Caine in Youth
Tom Courtenay in 45 Years
Tom Hardy in Legend
Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies
Male Supporting (5)
Tom Hardy in The Revenant
Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies
Nicholas Hoult in Mad Max: Fury Road
Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell in The Hateful Eight
Female Lead (4)
Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina
Cate Blanchett in Carol
Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn
Jennifer Lawrence in Joy
Female Supporting (2)
Marion Cotillard in Macbeth
Jessica Chastain in Crimson Peak

Anonymous said...

I've seen Youth and really Keitel is just as 5-worthy as Caine is. They're pretty much on the same level. Also, I've read the book of Carol (great book by the way) and Therese is a terrific character, I think Rooney Mara has very fair chances of getting a 5. Also, if she goes supporting it will be one of the worst category frauda ever: she's the true lead of the movie, even more so than Carol (who is definitely leading, but still more of a co-lead and is always seen from Therese's POV) and she is in every single page of the book.

Calvin Law said...

The Assasination of Cate Blanchett by the Coward Rooney Mara. How's that as food for thought? Would definitely pay to watch that.

Luke: My guesses for Louis' 5's:

Hardy (Legend), DiCaprio (The Revenant), McKellen (Mr Holmes), Foster (The Programme), Caine (Youth), Fassbender (Macbeth). Strong 4.5's for Hardy (Mad Max), Courtenay (45 Years), Depp (Black Mass), Fassbender (Jobs)

I'll have a think about the other categories.

Also out of Watts, Kidman, and Blanchett, I think Blanchett is by far the most consistent, Watts has reached the highest heights, Kidman had/has the most 'star power'. My favourite would probably be Blanchett as I've seen her in most and just about liked her in anything I've seen.

Anonymous said...

Who would play Blanchett and Mara, Calvin?

Calvin Law said...

Blanchett and Mara, haha, I meant that they would play Jesse James and Robert Ford respectively in this alternate version of 'The Assasination of Jesse James'

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Other alternative versions of that film, please.

Anonymous said...

Oh, wait! I got one, The Assassination of Bette Davis by the Coward Joan Crawford.

Luke Higham said...

Saw Ant-Man, It was quite fun, despite having lost potential with the departure of Edgar Wright.
Ratings
Rudd - 3.5
Douglas - 3.5
Stoll - 3
Lily - 3
Pena - 3/3.5
Cannavale - 3

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I would say this is his best.

Phoenix – 3.5(I’d actually say this performance showed a certain promise that unfortunately he never was able to capitalize on. That being a think he also possibly had the makings of a more traditional lead, rather than just being the troubled young man, as he really brings a lot of charm and humor in his rendition of Indiana. He might not really look like Ford, but I do think he quite effectively captures the same spirit)

Doody – 3.5(If you think about it this part could have been played far over the top being a German femme fatale. I won’t say she underplays it but she thankfully doesn’t go too far. She’s good in playing up the seductive evil side of her character, but does well to interject a certain underlying regret about the character as well)

Elliot – 3.5(I’m surprised the BAFTAs did not give him the win considering they nominated for his original portrayal in the first film. He gets to do quite a bit more here, and offers some fine support as essentially an academic who’s even less cut out for adventure than Henry. Elliot is quite funny and adds just another bit of fun to the film)

Rhys-Davies – 3.5(He’s a welcome return as well and brings a rather joyous presence to his scenes as well. Again just brings another fun element to the proceedings.)
Glover – 3.5(Always have loved his smug delivery of “Didn't I tell you not to trust anyone, Dr. Jones?”. Glover’s a pretty good villain bringing so much unearned confidence to his snake of a character)

Byrne – 3(For being a sub villain whose character is basically evil Nazi Byrne actually does it quite well, he fulfills the need by having a certain menace, but also does bring just a nice bit of character to a simplistic role.)

Malikyan – 3.5(For a small side character I find Malikyan brings a stronger impact than you would expect. He does a great job in just a couple of seconds of expressing his character’s devotion and belief towards the protection of the grail quite well)

Eddison – 4(Laurence Olivier is that you???? It’s not surprising to learn that apparently Olivier was considered for the role since it appears Spielberg went out to find someone who looks quite a bit like him. Eddison’s very good in the role though as he brings the certain spiritual gravitas needed for the Knight. He actually finds a certain power in the character that remarkably personifies the ideas behind the quest for the grail.)
1975:

1. Jaws
2. Dog Day Afternoon
3. The Man Who Would Be King
4. Three Days of the Condor
5. Nashville
6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
7. Seven Beauties
8. Barry Lyndon
9. Night Moves
10. French Connection II

Luke:

David O. Russell – (I’d say Michael McCarthy view is quite correct in that he’s better off without a story that needs a tight plot, since he seems so unconcerned with them. Of course what Russell apparently said to Christian Bale isn’t quite accurate. He said he cares about characters not plot. I’d argue he seems to care more about behavior than character. He often puts focus on just actions that don’t necessarily mean much of anything. I have to say even the films of his I did like I find he has this tendency, and there is an oddity of his direction and writing that is not really a good thing. There is something weird in the way he’ll make some scenes extremely jokey, in a way that they would be impossible to be taken serious, then he makes other scenes so serious in their intent that you’d think it was a different film altogether.)

1. The Revenant (the trailer convinced me, hope I’m not let down)
2. Spectre
3. Silence (I’m willing it to come out this year)
4. Macbeth
5. Legend
6. The Program
7. Mr. Holmes
8. The Hateful Eight
9. Black Mass
10. Star Wars

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Your brow would be furrowed to if you were almost eaten by a bear. I would not say DiCaprio is a definite winner, but I would predict him as such at the moment. There are many things in his favor, it is a part that will test his abilities, and if he succeeds it could be his best performance yet. The academy loves Inarritu so I would be terribly surprised for him to not at least be nominated. I mean even if the film is not unanimously praised there is a good chance the academy will still embrace it. DiCaprio’s recent misses, J. Edgar and Revolutionary Road, have come from films that had not been particularly well received and basically their steam ran out just before the Oscars. The love of Inarritu could fight against that but anyways if the trailer is anything to go by the film will do well with critics, so DiCaprio should have no trouble. Winning is harder, but there is not a clear obvious man to defeat him at the moment especially with Demolition getting pushed back. Caine has two already. McKellen does not seem to quite have the passion (Calvin aside). Foster’s role seems perfect for a welcome to club nomination only. Redmayne would have to be psychotically good to double up, and his film would need to be absolutely loved. Depp is a bit of a wild card, but I don’t feel that’s quite the character they’d give the win to in the leading category if you know what I mean. DiCaprio has one other boon and that’s the Revenant’s own position. To double up on Picture and director seem unlikely, but if the film is embraced DiCaprio would seem like the perfect way to reward it with a major win.

Anonymous:
Grant – (One of the all-time great charmers to be sure. He also has excellent comedic timing, and an energy all his own. In a romantic comedy he pretty much always delivered, in fact he pretty much always delivered in anything that required a light touch. Now in his dramatic work I think he could be more hit or miss. He certainly never seemed as comfortable in those roles. He could be good in those roles, but it was less of a certainty)

Gable – (Also one of the all-time charmers to be sure, he managed to still light up the screen even when he was haggard by age. Gable also had such an ease in comic roles, as he is the ultimate example of a Hollywood leading for a reason. Gable excelled in roles within his range, which was larger than some give him credit for, like It Happened One Night and Gone With the Wind. He was always had a great presence even in some of his weaker performances.)

I could swear I covered O’Toole and Hepburn.

Anonymous:

1. Watts
2. Blanchett
3. Kidman

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I'm glad that you're anticipating Macbeth.

Calvin Law said...

So true Louis. Come awards season I may be the lone voice for McKellen. If so, so be it. To the end.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: You know what, I'm gonna support McKellen all the way as well. Out of the three veterans, I think McKellen's gonna have the best performance by year's end. =)

Anonymous said...

Louis, who would be your picks for directing these premakes?
1940's version
Fargo
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Pulp Fiction
Inglourious Basterds
Barton Fink
1950's version
Goodfellas
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
No Country For Old Men
L.A. Confidential
Inception

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: As much as I can't stand the DiCaprio obsession (I like him alot as an actor but his fans annoy the crap out of me), I'm willing to put up with it a while longer for a McKellen win.

Matt Mustin said...

So, I watched the trailer for The Revenant and yeah, it looks incredible. The cinematography in particular looks gorgeous.

Calvin Law said...

I like DiCaprio well enough as an actor and actually would've given him the win for Wolf of Wall Street out of the actual nominees (he wouldn't beat Isaac though). However it does irk me whenever people mindlessly bash those who won the Oscar over his noms.

Tommy Lee Jones, fair enough, DiCaprio gave the much better performance.

Aviator, okay Foxx should not have won, but in my opinion Cheadle who had far less support deserved far more of it.

2006, I know people who call Whittaker's win one of the 'worst' in film history, when in fact it was quite deserving. DiCaprio was good in Blood Diamond and great in The Departed but still...

Although to be fair we all have our own actor/actress obsessions. Mine being, McKellen/Courtenay's Oscars, and of course ol Donald Sutherland, Deborsj Kerr never winning an Oscar, etc.

Robert MacFarlane said...

DiCaprio is giant mixed bag. Love him when he lightens up (Catch Me if You Can, Django Unchained, Wolf of Wall Street) and think he's completely perfect in The Departed, but sometimes he just sort of tries too hard. Like he wants to impress just a little too much. So yes, my skepticism of him here is more based on how his ultra-serious performances don't connect with me as much. I'm praying it's a Departed scenario.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: You preferred DiCaprio over McConaughey? Fair enough. To be honest, I preferred DiCaprio in The Departed over Whittaker in LKOS, after his Oscar win, hasn't done anything that great since.

Calvin Law said...

Wiser words have never been spoken Robert.

What are some other actors who we prefer when they 'lighten up'?

Anonymous said...

In all honesty, if I were an actor, I don't I would like winning an Oscar. It could ruin my career. On DiCaprio, I honestly love the guy's work.

Anonymous said...

*think, sorry about that.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: Yup McConaughey is my #4

Isaac
Dicaprio
Ejiofor
McConaughey
Hanks

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Calvin: I like Mark Wahlberg in comedic roles a lot, actually.

Matt Mustin said...

I actually agree with Robert, I like Mark Wahlberg much more as a comedic actor.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: There's another thing which also bothers me. When an actor wins an Oscar for a lesser-known performance over a more well-known performance, people will complain, claiming that the Oscar-win performance of the actor (less known role) is bad simply because it beat the much more iconic performance.
That's the case with 1942 and 1974.
People state that Lukas' win was bad just because he defeated Bogart. Same with Art Carney who beat Pacino and Nicholson.

Anonymous said...

Oops, I meant 1943, sorry about that.

RatedRStar said...

I will be happy if Ian McKellen gets nominated, but lets face it, if he does get nominated, he wont get another one I dont think.

I tend to take the Oscars perhaps a bit too seriously I mean I have mentioned that I get quite seriously depressed (very bad) just from actors who never won.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I personally thought, it was his last hurrah in a lead role.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I'll admit that I'd probably get more satisfaction from a 5 star review for one of my favourite actors than any oscar win.

Calvin Law said...

Imagine if the actors Louis reviews were reading this blog haha

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: There's no need to get depressed over something like an award show, RatedRStar. In the end, it's all subjective. You have your personal Oscars. You can give Claude Rains two or three Oscars, even if you liked Coburn, Russell and Mitchell. We all have our personal Oscars. It's just an award show, that's all.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: DDL could possibly be pissed if he knew that Louis took two of his Oscars and gave them to Phoenix and Affleck.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I'm sure you mentioned Clooney once before, yet he'd still wouldn't give a shit.

JackiBoyz said...

RatedRStar: Any examples of wins/losses that made you feel like that =(

Luke: I always think that this is Ians final hurrah as well, unfortunately I could say the same about Michael Caine and Tom Courtenay as well.

Calvin Law: I reckon one or two might have lol ya never know.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Nah, DDL voted for Phoenix in 2012.

RatedRStar said...

I am sorry it is probably silly of me of course, I cant help it ive been clinically like it for such a long time, um Jack I guess just the obvious and I did enjoy Coburn, Russell and Mitchell. Its basically just the obvious ones like Rains, Burton, heck even Sal Mineo since his career died after Exodus, but theres quite a number of them.

I see this also being the final hurrah for Ian, Tom and Michael =(.

RatedRStar said...

That is one reason why 2015 will be so memorable, the fact that it really could be the final chance to see three legends like Tom, Ian and Michael for possibly the last time at the Oscars will be very sad and certainly will make me depressed when I think about it.

RatedRStar said...

Erm I hope people understand why it affects me so much, the Oscars, there aint much in my life besides film so.

Calvin Law said...

We understand RatedRStar :)

Calvin Law said...

Shallow Grave is on telly righr now, boy is McGregor good in it.

JackiBoyz said...

RatedRStar: Yes we do understand, I am sure there is more to your life than just the Oscars though, what about gaming and friends as such?

Michael McCarthy said...

Anonymous: Actually I'm pretty sure Day-Lewis said himself he thought Phoenix was excellent in The Master, he even gave him a shoutout at the SAGs where he wasn't nominated.

I've been thinking about DiCaprio's work a lot lately, and the more I think about it the less I like his work in The Aviator. It's all just so actory...he's gone down to a 3.5 for me. I also only give him a 4 for Catch Me If You Can, but I never liked that film as much a most of the world did.

I should also say I just saw Mr. Holmes. It was clearly a vehicle for McKellen more than anything else but as far as films like that go it wasn't bad at all, and managed to be quite engaging in the last half hour or so.

McKellen-4.5 (For the first two thirds of the film many aspects of his performance seem very...performed. This is one of the better examples of that kind of performance though, and his more reflective, emotional moments toward the end as well as the scene in the flashback were he solves the case elevate him to a 4.5 for me.)

JackiBoyz said...

RatedRStar: Work as well, career and stuff.

Anonymous said...

Imagine if film critics read this blog...what would they think at some of Louis' thoughts and choices?

Calvin Law said...

Glad you liked him Michael :)

RatedRStar said...

I think some critics would hate his opinion, since most critics seem to have the old opinion of a film with 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes is always good and never bad, while a film with 35 percent on RT is always bad.


JackiBoyz: No to all of 3 of those I am afraid.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Who's the best film critic in the world. Professional and Non-Professional.

Professional - Mark Kermode
Non-Professional - Louis Morgan

Anonymous said...

Luke: Some critics are very pretentious to me, such as Mick LaSalle and Pete Hammond. LaSalle believes that his choices for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor...etc, are the true ones, while Hammond thinks it's stupid for someone to like O'Toole's Lawrence over Peck's Atticus. Oh, and WatchMojo is also pretentious. They don't even bother to say it's their opinion.

Anonymous said...

prefer, that's what I meant.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I'll let you give an answer to the question as well.

RatedRStar said...

Louis Morgan for both of those as he clearly is a professional lol.

RatedRStar said...

WatchMojo really are terrible, its like they are reading from a script, I never once believed that they are knowledgable on the topics they do.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Right now my favorite critic is Nathan Rabin, whom I'm also Facebook friends with.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Really? you dont have anyone at all?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: No, not enough to save me in the future lol

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Fair enough I understand lol

RatedRStar said...

Mark Kermode is certainly a good and very funny critic, but sometimes I just think he gets it a bit wrong on some films, like when he said people would remember Boyhood 20 years from now but not Birdman.

Robert MacFarlane said...

People probably will remember Boyhood, whether you like it or not.

Anonymous said...

Birdman and Boyhood are likely to be remembered together.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Exactly. Love them or hate them, both will have legacies for better or worse.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: WatchMojo has some really, really terrible lists.

Robert MacFarlane said...

WatchMojo is bullshit. So is Beyond the Trailer.

Anonymous said...

Film critics would gasp at the fact that Louis isn't a big fan of Tracy, Cooper, Peck (was he that popular with his critics?), Meryl Streep and Brando.

Anonymous said...

Oops, I made a mistake. Even though, he had a terrible reputation with the critics.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I think they'd take more umbrage with Sean Penn than anyone else. He has some real defenders.

Louis Morgan said...

To all that last hurrah stuff, don't forget about Christopher Plummer. First nomination for the Last Station he was already in his eighties then he won two years later. Never count someone out.

1940's version

Fargo - Alfred Hitchcock

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - John Huston

Pulp Fiction - Carol Reed

Inglourious Basterds - Billy Wilder

Barton Fink - William Dieterle

1950's version

Goodfellas - Orson Welles

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - David Lean

No Country For Old Men - Charles Laughton

L.A. Confidential - John Huston

Inception - Stanley Kubrick

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I did say in a leading role, not on the whole. Who knows, McKellen might get nominated in Supporting again, which I highly doubt.

Anonymous said...

Your casting for Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, L.A. Confidential and Inception in those respective years. And also, what are your thoughts and rating for Paul Muni in Juarez?

Michael McCarthy said...

For some reason, I think I'd like to see a Franklin J Schaffner diected Pulp Fiction.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see an Avatar directed in the 50's.

Louis Morgan said...

Pulp Fiction (1940's takes place in England):

Vincent - James Mason
Jules - Trevor Howard
Mia - Joan Greenwood
Butch - Robert Ryan
The Wolf - Roger Livesey
Pumpkin - Kirk Douglas
Honey Bunny - Shelley Winters
Fabienne - Alida Valli
Wallace - Boris Karloff
Marvin - Elisha Cook Jr.
Captain Koons - William Powell

Goodfellas (1950's):

Paulie - Orson Welles
Henry - William Holden
Jimmy - Lee J. Cobb
Tommy - Ernest Borgnine
Karen - Lauren Bacall
Spider - Elisha Cook Jr.

L.A. Confidential (1950's):

Jack Vincennes - James Stewart
Bud White - Burt Lancaster
Ed Exley - Kirk Douglas
Dudley Smith - Barry Fitzgerald
Sid Hudgens - Walter Matthau
Lynn Bracken - Ava Gardner
Lana Turner - Lana Turner

Inception (1950's):

Cobb - Kirk Douglas
Arthur - Steve McQueen
Ariadne - Lee Remick
Mr. Saito - Sessue Hayakawa
Eames - Sidney Poitier
Mal - Eleanor Parker
Fischer - Stephen Boyd
Fischer's father - Clifton Webb
Yusuf - Timothy Carey

Muni - 3(The film to be far more concerned with Brian Aherne as Maximilian than the titular character. That seems a little strange actually, but I suppose it makes sense since it leaves Juarez as just a man of quiet dignity. I actually felt Muni kept himself in control here though and felt his mannerisms actually worked here. He does not have too much to work with, but I felt he succeeded in making Juarez have the understated command he should have. I do think Aherne overshadowed him, but I'd say Muni was good here)

Anonymous said...

And who would be the cast and director of an American version of Pulp Fiction in the 40's? Plus, could you repost the ratings for O'Toole and Hepburn in How to Steal A Million?

Calvin Law said...

Trevor Howard as Jules :D

Calvin Law said...

Hitchcock's Fargo (1940s)
Marge: Tallulah Bankhead
Jerry: Joseph Cotten
Carl: Elisha Cook Jr.
Gaer: Boris Karloff

RatedRStar said...

Louis: It is possible that one might get another nomination maybe 2 if one of them gets in this year but definitely not all 3 of them, although it would be great it just wont happen lol.

RatedRStar said...

Tom Courtenay sadly because he isn't as big as Ian or Michael is the one I eventually see having the words, "Tom Courtenay recieved his second and final nomination for playing Norman the titular character in The Dresser" Well it is always nice to have your final nomination be a worthy one.

RatedRStar said...

Robert will hate me for this but I wouldnt mind if Courtenay for example might sneak to the weaker supporting category Terence Stamp style, at least he ll get nominated possibly but he is lead so aw well lol.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Random question: What's everyone's current musical obsession? What bands or artists are you into at the moment?

Calvin Law said...

I think, it's always been Courtenay's own choice to go under the limelight. He could've gone the Michael Caine or Albert Finney route into Hollywood but in a way I'm glad he didn't, I know many of the older generations who found much joy watching hin perform onstage in 1970s, clearly he loved and still does love the stage. Nothing against Caine or Finney though as I've never felt any of them selling out, they've always given their all even in their lesser films. He's been a perfectly nominated actor, both performances incredibly deserving.

McKellen is different story I don't think he's often seen as overdue because simply put he's only really been a prominent screen presence post-1995, he'd always been a theatrical legend but his film stardom came quite late.

Also if Courtenay gets nominated supporting it'll be like extreme horrendous category fraud RatedRStar lol :) Despite my love for Courtenay and my friend's love for the film 45 Years even we can't support that haha.

Calvin Law said...

Robert: My music tastes are usually in line with my film tastes. Right now I've been putting Gabriel's Oboe in The Mission, and the theme from Gettysburg, on constant repeat. I should note that I don't really care much for The Mission as a film but boy that Morricone score though.

Anonymous said...

2013 and 2014 were such great years that the Academy should have nominated 10 actors. I really hope they could do that in this year.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: They should have nominated Courtenay in 1962, 1963 and 1964.

Luke Higham said...

Robert:
Bands/Artists: Queen, Muse, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, 30 Seconds To Mars, The Dubliners, David Bowie and Roy Orbison.

Film: I've listened to the The Omen 'Suite' for the past 5 days now and every once in awhile, I listen to the soundtracks of The Lord Of The Rings and Gladiator.

Classical: I usually listen to Georg Frideric Handel and on occasion, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Elgar, Purcell and Tchaikovsky.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Right now I'm really into CHVRCHES and Of Monsters and Men, plus anyone who's Facebook friends with me can attest to my ongoing celebrity crush on Ellie Goulding.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: I agree, I meant that he deserved each nomination he got but he also deserved more. I would give him the win for 1962, possibly 1963, 1965 and 1983.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Agreed, though for me, the alternates, would be rendered a bit pointless.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I like Goulding and Adele as well and of today's male artists, my favourite's probably Sam Smith.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I've had an ongoing crush on Shakira, since I was 8.

RatedRStar said...

Rock and Metal, um thats about it really =D theres hundreds of them I like lol.

Anonymous said...

I'd wish that after 1959, Louis would review 1962.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: No, No, No, I want '76 after '59. At the current rate, I can't wait an extra month and a half, till reading his review on Peck in The Omen.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I don't expect Louis to like Peck that much, but that's just my opinion.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I requested Peck, just so that Louis could see the film. The one performance I really want to get Louis's rating & thoughts on is Whitelaw's.

moviefilm said...

Louis you haven't answred my last two questions. Could you do so, please? Can I request Douglas in Behind the Candelabra? What are your ratingts and thoughts on the cast of The Others? Thank you.

Luke Higham said...

Moviefilm: He hasn't seen the Others.

Anonymous said...

What are your thoughts on Charles Bronson, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Steve McQueen as actors, Louis?

Michael McCarthy said...

As a music major with essentially a theater minor, I mostly listen to musical theater and classical. Right now I'm in the middle of my second love affair with The Last 5 Years. I've always liked classic rock though, like Bon Jovi, The Doors, Queen (duh) and Guns N' Roses. I'm also starting to get into Mumford and Sons and Regina Spektor.

Robert MacFarlane said...

In terms of classic rock I'm VERY big on Queen and The Who.

RatedRStar said...

Yes Classic rock would be part of my love as well.

Anonymous said...

I don't really have a favorite music band or genre. I rarely listen to songs. The music I listen is from movie soundtracks.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I listen mostly to Classical Music.

RatedRStar said...

I certainly do like Classical Music also, but I never remember what the song was called lol usually because it is used in film like I love the theme used in Shame.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Shame - Unravelling

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Love that composition as well, even if it's somewhat influenced by Journey To The Line.

RatedRStar said...

Luke: Thank you for that x


Another reason I am looking forward to the 2015 oscar lineup is that there are many actors that I like which could get recognized, I mean I saw the trailer for Youth and it does look interesting, it would be nice to see Harvey Keitel get a nomination possibly, it would be pathetic if frankly Bugsy was his only nomination. That is why I am loving 2015 more than 14, like there is so many good actors up for contention this year, whereas last year there were r few we hoped wouldnt get recognised.


Am I being too optimistic perhaps this year? I would like 2015 to be the year that rivals 1939 and 1962 as the greatest ever =D, I would like to see the greatest film lineup in my life time, however short it maybe =D.


RatedRStar said...

=D it would be nice though, to have the greatest lineup ever in our lifetimes.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: For 2015 to equal 1962 (Won't be too optimistic, in regards to 1939) Star Wars, The Revenant, Spectre, Legend, The Program and Macbeth need to meet or better yet exceed my expectations.

RatedRStar said...

Please 2015 please be good =(

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Potentially, I think the nominees for supporting actor could be the best of all time. The Academy are bound to fuck up the lead lineup, there's always gonna be 1 or 2 mistakes.
Hardy - 5
Rylance - 5
Waltz - 5 (The Academy love him, so I wouldn't rule him out)
Jackson - 5
Del Toro - 4.5

Anonymous said...

Luke: Keitel in Youth could also be a 5. I'd love to see Keitel nominated, he's such an underrated actor.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: We'll see.

Luke Higham said...

With my last comment, I meant field of nominees, nothing's gonna touch Landau in Ed Wood.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I won't get myself into a tantrum over the nominations next January, since having lower expectations over the amount of fives in the Male Lead category, so Louis will be able to review all of them anyway.

I think Nicholas Hoult is definitely getting reviewed next year, as Michael McCarthy's bound to request him.

Anonymous said...

What do you mean by: No one's gonna touch Landau in Ed Wood?

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I meant Louis's all time favourite Supporting Nominee and Winner.
I'd like to see Hardy or even Rylance make the top ten, but we'll see.

RatedRStar said...

Luke: I promise I wont do what I did in 2014 with Foxcatcher and the others, I would just love to see a year where it is all good =(.

Martin Landau was truly legendary, in a wonderful film, but someday it is possible he will be topped, just maybe not in our lifetime.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Do you think Joy is gonna be any good.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I get it now. But still, his favorite supporting performance is Robert Shaw in Jaws. I'm surprised that Shaw wasn't even nominated that year. He easily trumps Cazale, Burns, Von Sydow and Meredith.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Yep.

Anonymous said...

To me, the best film that was never made was Kubrick's Napoleon.

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

Anonymous: I agree with you 100%

Louis: Interestingly enough, I would like to know your choice of actor to play Napoleon under Kubrick's direction and your choice of actor and director, if it were to be made today with the same script and a few modifications.

I know Spielberg's trying to green-light Napoleon as a Mini-series in the vein of John Adams while also being directed by Baz Luhrmann, but I would like to read your views on that also.

I personally prefer if it was made as a 3-Part Epic.

Anonymous said...

Some other great films that were never made were Kaleidoscope by Hitchcock and 900 Days by Sergio Leone (he unfortunately died before production).

RatedRStar said...

Luke: I am sorry for my David O Russell comments especially Michael McCarthy and everyone else, I do not hate any man, I liked Silver Linings Playbook after all it was my second favorite film of 2012, Joy looks fine from the trailer that I saw, I hope that Jennifer, Bradley and De Niro do well, I dont wish to hate anymore =(

I would like to see Napoleon as a film, purely because we haven't had a definitive version, the 1937 version with Boyer tried with Boyer doing him proud but it didn't quite work as a film, the 1927 version was good for its time and certainly was great as a human portrait of Napoleon, but I am sure thre best is yet to come =(.

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