Wednesday 16 September 2015

Alternate Best Actor 1940: Michael Redgrave in The Stars Look Down

Michael Redgrave did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Davey Fenwick in The Stars Look Down.

The Stars Look Down an effective film depicting the hardships a mining village in England.

Michael Redgrave played Davey who we follow through most the story as the son in a family of mine workers, although he's studying in order to go to university. Redgrave is indeed the lead though the film gives ample time to the community of the miners particularly in the opening scenes where Redgrave's appearances are somewhat sparse. In the few appearances we do see him though Redgrave makes for a likable enough lead, and does well to realize two sides to Davey's character. The first being the somewhat shy and unassuming bookworm type. Redgrave has a particularly meek manner and a very meek voice. Redgrave portrays this quite naturally which is very important for what his character means for the film. Although the miners show their discontent they don't have an exact voice, and this is what Davey intends to be, which might seem odd considering how he usually behaves. Redgrave's approach is an intelligence one that gives a certain arc for his character that might not have been there otherwise.

This is found through his delivery of four key speeches throughout the film. In the first speech, which is particularly impromptu, Redgrave is very good in portraying all the passion in Davey as it is fierce and you really feel the emotions that pour into. At the same time though Redgrave makes it tense and sharp in a way that is not that of a natural speaker. The shyness is there in the speech, even though the speech itself is an extroverted act, Redgrave does well to depict the sort of hesitation and effort required for such a man to do this. At this point Davey goes away to University to where gets into vying for the affection of a young woman with the more outgoing Joe Gowlan (Emlyn Williams), the young woman Jenny being played by Redgrave's The Lady Vanishes co-star Margaret Lockwood. Where Redgrave and Lockwood were quite endearing in Hitchcock's comedic thriller, this relationship is very different. Well of course Redgrave plays an introverted fellow rather than his extroverted outgoing hero in that film, and instead of playing a spunky heroine plays a vapid woman.

During this time we are given his second speech in a college debate which Redgrave begins to give a bit more refinement in his speech, though there is still a certain weakness, and distance reflecting that in the moment Davey is not in the presence of the people he wants to fight for. At the same time the relationship continues and Redgrave and Lockwood once again have chemistry though this time of a different sort. Redgrave depicts Davey's interest in Jenny with all earnestness, and shows him to almost be in fear in his interactions with her as though he is so taken aback that she is bothering to give him the time of day, even though she's really just using him as a game on Joe. Joe rejects the game leaving Davey for Jenny to fall back on who takes her to his home, which she is not particularly found. Lockwood and Redgrave are quite good at striking up the right sort of awkwardness as her thin personality results in constant complaints and strong passive aggressive streak, while Redgrave so well portrays Davey's terrible state of clearly being ruled by infatuation while realizing simply a resigned confusion idea with Davey on what to do with her behavior.

Although his return home does not work for his marriage it brings him to make one more attempt for some sort of reform. This third speech Redgrave earns Davey as finally being in his element with the passion and power of persuasion in his force. There's no hesitation in this case as he makes his speech, it only comes when he pressed on his marital woes, and Redgrave is quite good in how he slightly reduces Davey to his meeker self when reminded of his personal weaknesses. The film's final act actually forced Redgrave to disappear for much of it as it instead focuses on a group of men stuck in a mine, and the efforts to attempt to rescue them. Redgrave isn't even given much to do in between the lines so to speak in these scenes as he's simply off screen much like the early scenes of the film. He's never really given any focus again until right near the end of the film where Davey gives his last "speech", which isn't a speech at all, but rather a rejection of his earlier position as the speaker for the miners. It's a powerful moment as Redgrave shows Davey's grief and apparent final understanding of the world. Although Redgrave's character is often sidelined, he still manages to give a moving and compelling portrait of a man finding his place in life.

145 comments:

GM said...

1. Grant
2. Stewart
3. Robinson
4. Redgrave
5. Olivier

Michael Patison said...

Changing:
1. James Stewart
2. Cary Grant
3. Edward G. Robinson
5. Laurence Olivier
4. Michael Redgrave

Calvin Law said...

1. Stewart
2. Grant
3. Robinson
4. Redgrave
5. Olivier

Calvin Law said...

Glad you liked the film overall, what did you think of Reed's direction? I thought it was a very interesting change of pace for him.

Also with regards to Redgrave, what are your overall thoughts on him as an actor, and is he a possibility for 1951 bonus lead, for The Browning Version :)

JackiBoyz said...

1. James Stewart
2. Cary Grant
3. Edward G. Robinson
4. Laurence Olivier
5. Michael Redgrave

Luke Higham said...

1. Stewart
2. Grant
3. Robinson
4. Redgrave
5. Olivier

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your Female Lead/Supporting Top 5s with ratings and other 4+ performances for 1947, 1948 and 1949.

Anonymous: With the Overall Top 5 Predictions, I predict Brie Larson to come 3rd or 4th for Room.

Anonymous said...

1. Stewart
2. Grant
3. Robinson
4. Redgrave
5. Olivier
Louis, what are your thoughts and ratings for Edward Woods, Mae Clarke and Joan Blondell in The Public Enemy?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Is Magnani still a 4.5 for Rome, Open City.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: I'm going back to a previous comment and giving you my winners for '44 and '45, then I will give my others.

1944 Lead

1. Barbara Stanwyck: Double Indemnity
2. Ingrid Bergman: Gaslight
3. Jennifer Jones: Since You Went Away
4. Claudette Colbert: Since You Went Away
5. Judy Garland: Meet Me in St. Louis

Supporting

1. Tallulah Bankhead: Lifeboat
2. Claire Trevor: Murder, My Sweet
3. Josephine Hull: Arsenic and Old Lace
4. Jean Adair: Arsenic and Old Lace
5. Anne Revere: National Velvet or Gene Tierney: Laura

HM: Margaret O'Brien and Mary Astor: Meet Me in St. Louis, Anne Shirley: Murder, My Sweet, Mary Anderson: Lifeboat, Angela Lansbury: Gaslight

1945 lead:

1. Gene Tierney: Leave Her to Heaven
2. Joan Crawford: Mildred Pierce
3. Vivien Leigh: Caesar and Cleopatra
4. Greer Garson: The Valley of Decision
5. Ingrid Bergman: Spellbound

HM: Barbara Stanwyck: Christmas in Connecticut

Supporting:

1. Ann Blyth: Mildred Pierce
2. Flora Robson: Caesar and Cleopatra
3. Gladys Cooper: The Valley of Decision
4. Angela Lansbury: The Picture of Dorian Gray
5. Eve Arden: Mildred Pierce

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke:

1946 Lead

1. Olivia de Havilland: To Each His Own
2. Rita Hayworth: Gilda
3. Josette Day: Beauty and the Beast
4. Lana Turner: The Postman Always Rings Twice
5. Ingrid Bergman: Notorious

HM: Loretta Young: The Stranger, Gene Tierney: The Razor's Edge, Claudette Colbert: Tomorrow is Forever

Supporting

1. Anne Baxter: The Razor's Edge
2. Teresa Wright: The Best Years of Our Lives
3. Donna Reed: The Best Years of Our Lives
4. Ava Gardner: The Killers
5. Lillian Gish: Duel in the Sun

HM: Virginia Mayo and Myrna Loy: The Best Years of Our Lives, Natalie Wood: Tomorrow is Forever, Jane Wyman: The Yearling

1947

1. Gene Tierney: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
2. Rosalind Russell: Mourning Becomes Electra
3. Joan Crawford: Possessed
4. Lana Turner: Green Dolphin Street
5. ???

1. Out of the Past: Jane Greer
2. Dorothy McGuire: Gentleman's Agreement
3. Celeste Holm: Gentleman's Agreement
4. Katina Paxinou: Mourning Becomes Electra
5. Maureen O'Hara: Miracle on 34th Street

1948

1. Olivia de Havilland: The Snake Pit
2. Irene Dunne: I Remember Mama
3. Vivien Leigh: Anna Karenina
4. Moira Shearer: The Red Shoes
5. Barbara Bel Geddes: I Remember Mama

1. Claire Trevor: Key Largo
2. Jean Simmons: Hamlet
3. Jennifer Jones: Portrait of Jennie
4. Lana Turner: The Three Musketeers
5. Viveca Lindfors: Adventures of Don Juan

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke:

1949

1. Olivia de Havilland: The Heiress
2. Katharine Hepburn: Adam's Rib
3. Ann Sothern: A Letter to Three Wives
4. Judy Garland: In the Good Old Summer Time (Place holder for now)
5. Ingrid Bergman: Under Capricorn (place holder)

1. Miriam Hopkins: The Heiress
2. Mercedes McCambridge: All the King's Men
3. Judy Holliday: Adam's Rib
4. Linda Darnell: A Letter to Three Wives
5. Audrey Totter: Tension

Luke and Louis: I am curious to know your winners (Actress/Supporting Actress) for 1940 and 1941.

1940:

1. Vivien Leigh: Waterloo Bridge
2. Joan Fontaine: Rebecca
3. Margaret Sullavan: The Shop Around the Corner
4. Rosalind Russell: His Girl Friday
5. Bette Davis: The Letter

HM (Every HM I have listed is in no real order): Katharine Hepburn: The Philadelphia Story, Greer Garson, Pride and Prejudice, Bette Davis: All This, and Heaven Too, Margaret Sullavan: The Mortal Storm, Jeanette MacDonald: Bittersweet, Irene Dunne: My Favorite Wife

1. Judith Anderson: Rebecca
2. Jane Darwell: The Grapes of Wrath
3. Barbara O'Neil: All This, and Heaven Too
4. Paulette Goddard: The Great Dictator
5. Edna May Oliver: Pride and Prejudice

1941

1. Vivien Leigh: That Hamilton Woman
2. Bette Davis: The Little Foxes
3. Joan Fontaine: Suspicion
4. Barbara Stanwyck: The Lady Eve
5. Irene Dunne: Penny Serenade

HM: Carole Lombard: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Barbara Stanwyck: Ball of Fire

1. Mary Astor: The Maltese Falcon
2. Sara Allgood: How Green Was My Valley
3. Teresa Wright: The Little Foxes
4. Verna Felton: Dumbo
5. Gladys Cooper: That Hamilton Woman

Anonymous said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: Louis' winners for 40 are Joan Fontaine in Rebecca and Jane Darwell in The Grapes of Wrath and for 41, his winners are Joan Fontaine in Suspicion and Mary Astor in The Maltese Falcon. BTW, wow, you really love Vivien Leigh. 4 Oscars including Streetcar, I presume?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Anonymous: She my winner for 39, 40, 41, and 51, and generally places in other years. And yes, she is my favorite actress. Davis, de Havilland, and even Turner generally place well, too.

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99:
My Choices
1940: Fontaine and Darwell
1941: Fontaine/Davis (TIE) and Wright

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: What about the other 4 choices for both (The other nominees)?

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99:
1940:
Lead
Russell
Sullivan
Leigh
???

Supporting
Anderson
Goddard
???

1941:
Lead
De Havilland/Hold Back The Dawn
De Havilland/The Strawberry Blonde
Myrna Loy/Shadow Of The Thin Man

Supporting
Astor
Loy
Lake
Patrick

Anonymous said...

John Smith: I just watched Happy Togheter and i loved it! Could any of you reccomend more Hong Kong movies? I would really appreciate it.

Luke Higham said...

John: Infernal Affairs. :)

Anonymous said...

Louis and guys, what are your ratings for Maggie Smith in both Othello and Room With a View?

And from Hong Kong, look for the other Wong Kar Wai's movies. In The Mood For Love is a masterpiece.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: 3s for both.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Which actors would you like to have seen on stage performing in plays? (That time-travel question again)

RatedRStar said...

John Smith: I could give you an entire list of Hong Kong films lol, seen many many of them, depends what ya after =D.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: The obvious ones, such as Olivier, Gielgud, R. Richardson, McKellen, Scofield, Jacobi, Leigh, Rylance and J. Hurt. I could list others, but I'm going with these for now.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Seen anything new recently.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Reed's direction was terrific as usual as I felt he very effectively created the atmosphere of the mining village, particularly in the final sequences with the trapped men.

I really need to see more of him to have a definite opinion, but I've liked him in every performance I've seen from him. I suppose he's not always the most valuable player, but he usually offers some fine work such as in this, The Hill, and of course The Lady Vanishes.

Very possible for The Browning Version.

Luke:

1947:

Lead:

Rosalind Russell - Mourning Becomes Electra
Deborah Kerr - Black Narcissus
Irene Dunne - Life with Father - 4
Gene Tierney - The Ghost and Mrs. Muir - 3.5
Loretta Young - The Bishop's Wife - 3.5

I've seen parts of Born to Kill, and probably if I saw the whole thing Claire Trevor would be my winner.

Supporting:

Kathleen Byron - Black Narcissus
Kathleen Ryan - Odd Man Out
Hermione Baddeley - Brighton Rock - 4.5
Natalie Wood - Miracle on 34th Street
Jane Greer - Out of the Past

And:

Shelley Winters - A Double Life - 4
Gladys Cooper - The Bishop's Wife - 4
Wanda Hendrix - Ride the Pink Horse - 4

1948:

Lead:

Oliva DeHavilland - The Snake Pit
Jane Wyman - Johnny Belinda
Irene Dunne - I Remember Mama
Moira Shearer - The Red Shoes
Jarmila Novotna - The Search - 4

Supporting:

Claire Trevor - Key Largo
Jean Simmons - Hamlet
Mary Astor - Act of Violence - 4
Kay Walsh - Oliver Twist - 4
Sonia Dresdel - The Fallen Idol - 4

1949:

Lead:

Olivia DeHavilland - The Heiress
Linda Darnell - A Letter to Three Wives - 4
Ann Sothern - A Letter to Three Wives - 3.5
Ann Todd - The Passionate Friend - 3

Supporting:

Mercedes McCambridge - All The King's Men
Joan Greenwood - Kind Hearts and Coronets - 4.5
Margaret Wycherly - White Heat - 4
Miki Sanjo - The Quiet Duel - 4
Celeste Holm - A Letter to Three Wives

Far From the Madding Crowd, and I'll probably be watching Black Mass tomorrow.

Anonymous:

I'd give all three 2.5 as I thought they were all fine, but overshadowed by Cagney, which I felt was the case for the entire cast except for Harlow.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Ratings and thoughts on the Madding Crowd cast?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on the film.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: A part of me is hoping that you'll give Mulligan a 5, as she's one of my favourite actresses.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: Quick change for my 1949 lead actresses. Take out Bergman and put Linda Darnell in 4th. Which means for supporting, Joanne Dru for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon will be 5th. Yeah. I really have not seen a lot of films. I still think she is good. Celeste Holm could place 5th as well. I plan on getting Black Narcissus at some point, and I have a good feeling that Kerr and Byron will place high.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Everyone: Would you consider Shelley Winters a lead or supporting in A Place in the Sun. Personally, I think she is more supporting, but who knows.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

I'll save Schoenaerts and Sheen for the moment.

Mulligan - 5(She was everything I wanted in the character that I thought was missing in Julie Christie's performance. Mulligan captures the fierce passion about her character impeccably well, but never makes it feel something that creates a distance. There is more of an intelligence about Bathsheba that Mulligan exudes within her independent streak. Mulligan manages to make sense of the bad decisions she makes, by realizing a certain stubbornness to except that she has any weaknesses or naivety. Mulligan is able to realize both an honest individual drive, while also showing how in certain aspects that Bathsheba's over does it slightly. Mulligan is wonderful in creating the allure of her character in that she even makes some endearing about even the characters flaws, and never leaves in question why Gabriel and Boldwood would be so swept up with her. Mulligan let's further into understanding Bathesheba realizing a better rounded character than Christie managed. I really liked her here.)

Temple - 3.5(She actually came off almost exactly as Prunella Ransome did in the 67 version and there's nothing wrong with that. She's appropriately sweet in a simple sort of way that makes her brief screen time properly poignant. Although it ends up being a tad wasted on....)

Sturridge - 1(The black hole of the film, and he hinders it much more than I would like. It almost seems like Vinterberg knew this and perhaps that's why Troy's circus act was removed. He has absolutely no charisma in the role and there is no reason to believe that he would sweep Bathsheba off her feet. Troy is suppose to be double edged, but that does not matter because Sturridge does not bring a single edge. He's no conman and never could be one. In Troy's pivotal scene where he rejects Bathsheba Terence Stamp made his words cut in like knife, Sturridge's don't even have the strength of a plastic spoon. Any scene he's in lag because of him, because he's not Troy, he could never be Troy. I have to say just casting Terence Stamp again would have worked better, and that doesn't make sense.)

Luke:

As for the film I liked it, what can I say the story just works for me for some reason. Vinterberg really does not take that different of an approach from John Schlesinger though. He goes for beauty shots while keeping the emotions certain alive. Luckily he's also quite good at capturing a sunset or a sunrise. It might be a straight forward adaptation, but it was well done. It mostly comes down to the performances I suppose when it comes to the comparison. Two are interesting comparisons, two are easy comparisons. Mulligan trumps Christie but Sturridge does not even come close to Stamp. Unfortunately Troy being a weak character hinders the film quite a bit. As his scenes sit there lifeless, when they should be some of the most lively moments. Luckily the scenes without Troy make up for it enough, but the 67 film does feel much more consistent because of that.

Luke Higham said...

YES YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSSS!. Mulligan's a fucking Five.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I hated Sturridge even more on Re-Watch.

By the way, ratings on Russell, Wood, Greer, Wyman, Dunne and Shearer.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: What did he give Christie? I am really tempted to see both versions, since I am a fan of Christie and hope to be a fan of Mulligan's. I honestly got of on the wrong start with Mulligan in The Great Gatsby. Hopefully, things will get a lot better!

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99:
He gave Christie a 2.5.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Louis: Yeah, I was legitimately baffled by how bad Sturridge was. Hell, I can't even understand if they'd cast him for his looks since Matthias Schoenaerts makes him look like a goober in that department.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: Oh. Well, that doesn't deter me. By the way, if you have seen both adaptations, what were your thoughts and/or ratings on the casts of both Far From the Madding Crowds? And The Great Gatsby (2013)?

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

I really do think Vinterberg might have realized the problem well he was shooting since most of Troy's major scenes in way try to avoid him. His first meeting with Bathsheba is in darkness, often he's shown just at a distance with others talking about him, the fencing scene is extremely short, and his return feels rushed actually because the circus scene is missing (though I think we're all better off not seeing Sturridge's rendition of that). It felt like just the essential moments for Troy were left in, which unfortunately was still too much.

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

Ruthiehenshallfan99:
I'll give you those thoughts for the '67 version at some point, as I badly need a Re-Watch.

I've given my ratings for the 2015 version on an earlier post, though Mulligan's rating has been upgraded to a 5. I really liked her performance on first viewing and loved her a second time. I've loved Mulligan since Doctor Who.

Schoenaerts and Sheen both give great understated turns, especially the latter and they're both 4.5s.

Juno's a 3/3.5 and Sturridge was a 2, but he's down to a 1.

The Great Gatsby
DiCaprio - 4.5 - (I like this performance more than most, but that's fine by me)
Maguire - 3
Mulligan - 3 (I liked her just fine)
Edgerton - 3.5
Clarke - 3
Debicki - 3

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: Honestly, I think the Great Gatsby movie was too much style. But I liked everyone fine. Maybe it was just Mulligan's way of speaking in the role and that threw me off. I agree with most of your ratings. I would give DiCaprio around a 3.5 or a 4 and Maguire about a 2.5. Personally I think Maguire was miscast, but that's just me. He did alright, though.

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99: I agree that Maguire was miscast, though he didn't bother me, which is quite rare. I'm not much of a fan of Luhrmann either, For what they were, I liked Gatsby and Moulin Rouge to a degree, didn't like Australia or Romeo + Juliet. (Zeffirelli's version wipes the floor with it)

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: I don't think Luhrmann would be a director for me. I love musicals, but maybe Moulin Rouge would be too much for me. As for Romeo and Juliet, I think it looks awful. I know people who love it, but it probably would irritate me. I love Franco Zeffirelli's version. It has a gorgeous score and excellent performances (RIP Natasha Parry). Not only do I have to see the Luhrmann version, but the Cukor version as well. It looks interesting. Probably will like it anyways.

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99: If you decide to skip Moulin Rouge, I recommend watching clips of McGregor on Youtube, he's by far the best aspect of it and the first 30 minutes can be really grating.

Luke Higham said...

Goodnight everyone.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Luke: I am watching the initial Come What May scene. An I have watched other scenes as well. He's quite good. I might watch the movie. What were your thoughts on Kidman? A lot of people loved her, but I don't know.

Luke Higham said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99: She was fine, I guess. I'd give her a 2.5.

Once Again, Goodnight. :)

Psifonian said...

Saw "Black Mass" tonight: https://psifonian.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/black-mass-scott-cooper-2015/

Calvin Law said...

I'd give Debicki MUCH higher a score than you, Luke, but each to his own :)

Louis: Glad you liked the film, and yes you're completely right about both Mulligan and Sturridge. Vinterberg deserves awards attention just by how wonderfully he directed around Mulligan and Schonaerts' performances, and how he managed to avoid/skip over so many of Sturridge's deficiencies even in favour of the film. I will say though it's a bit of a shame Sheen's last scene was a bit shortchanged because of Sturridge.

Calvin Law said...

Psifonian: Beautiful review. Can't wait for your Supporting Actor video :)

Calvin Law said...

Also the more I think about Sturridge's casting the more perplexed I am. Clearly not a matter of sex appeal as Schonearts and Sheen have much more in that department, based on the critical response to the film and also just common sense. Not charm obviously, not talent either, and definitely not star power as he is by far the least well-known of the four leads. The more I think about it almost ANY other young British up and coming actor would've fitted the role better. As Robert mentioned before, Paul Schneider. Or my choice, Dan Stevens. He might've been a bit old for the role, but Cillian Murphy would've been fantastic.

Anonymous said...

Louis: So is Hepburn still your win for 1953? What is your rating for the film overall?

Anonymous said...

Luke: Wood is a 4, I think. Greer and Wyman are 4,5's, I think.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Debicki's actually a 3.5 for me. I gave her the wrong rating, as I was getting really, really tired last night. :)

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

Louis: If you do happen to see Black Mass today, can I have your thoughts on the film and ratings & thoughts on the cast.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Carey Mulligan as an actress overall.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I believe that Depp overshadows everyone else in the cast.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I actually know a few critics who prefer Edgerton.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous & Robert: I expect Depp to be saved for a review, regardless if he's nominated or not and Edgerton to be saved for the moment.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: No matter, who gives the best performance in each category this year, who would you personally vote for.
Lead Actor: DiCaprio
Lead Actress: Mulligan (Even if she only gets a 4.5 for Suffragette, I'm sure that myself and Louis will still be pleased about her winning, as we both gave her a 5 for Far From The Madding Crowd)
Supporting Actor: Rylance
Supporting Actress: Leigh (I agree with Robert that category fraud shouldn't win out, unless the rest of the field are completely average)
Fassbender, Hardy, Mara and Vikander should have more opportunities down the line.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Luke: That's absurd. You haven't even seen the movies and you would vote for the actors anyway? What if DiCaprio totally blows it? Or what if Leigh ends up having a nothing role due to Tarantino's inability to write female characters of note unless they're played by Uma Thurman or Pam Grier?

Luke Higham said...

Robert: My reason for DiCaprio is to shut his fans up. With Leigh, I'm confident that she's gonna give the best actual supporting performance in that category.

Robert MacFarlane said...

First of all, why pay ANY mind to some teenagers on Twitter complaining about Leo being snubbed again? Second, confidence in a performance you know barely any info on is insane. I thought Guy Pearce would be the Best Supporting Actor of 2012 for Lawless months before it was released, and he was atrocious.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I get where you're coming from, but there are actors and actresses, who I do trust in giving great performances and would like to see win. E.g. Mulligan
Don't mind me though, it's only a personal thing. :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: I thought that you would Hardy over Rylance. Or do you think this is the only nomination Rylance will ever have in his career?

Anonymous said...

*pick

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Yes, I don't think he's gonna have much of a career in Film. He prefer's the stage and if counting Television, Rylance would definitely be my winner for Lead.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I can't wait to see Legend tonight. :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: Have fun. By the way, I agree with you that I would also want to see Penn and Clooney delivering truly great performances. I would also like to have seen Gary Cooper having to yell, get angry and cry in a movie, but unfortunately that never happened. But I bet Cooper wouldn't do such a thing, because he would overact.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Thanks. In regards to Penn and Clooney, I wish everyone to be great, as I respect and love acting as a performing art form so much.

I would also like to say that I'm always optimistic on the blog, especially when it comes to upcoming films and performances and do appreciate Robert's comments a great deal. :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: Well, you already told me you're Mr. Positive in this blog. That film I talked you about, Man of The West (1958) has been regarded as a Western version of King Lear.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I would definitely like to see a review for that performance. :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: Will Cooper finally get a 5 from Louis?
Tune in next time, same Louis-time, same Morgan-blog!

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: :)

Calvin Law said...

Everyone: What actors who've yet to get a 5 from Louis, you're hoping for? For me,
Trevor Howard (Outcast of the Islands, The Heart of the Matter, Charge of the Light Brigade)
Michael Redgrave (The Browning Version)
Robert Redford
Johnny Depp (Black Mass)
Charlie Chaplin

Luke Higham said...

Calvin:
Anyone who's British, Irish or European, Doesn't matter who it is. :)

If I had to pick two, they would be Ben Whishaw and Cillian Murphy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I would love to see Chaplin get a 5. I think that he'll only win for the Kid, won't you agree? While I think Louis will like him in Gold Rush, his possible win is Chaney in Phantom of the Opera. Chaney could also get another win in The Hunchback of the Notre Dame (1923).

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I think The Kid's probably his best chance of getting a 5, as reprises don't tend to do as well as the original (feature length) performance, with exceptions like Weaver and Pacino.

I predict two wins for Chaney as well.

Anonymous said...

Luke: In fact there's a lot of great performances from Chaney. The Penalty, The Unknown, Tell It To The Marines, Laugh, Clown, Laugh, Ace of Hearts, Mr. Wu, He Who Gets Slapped, The Unholy Three (silent and talkie versions). Who knows what might have happened to him hadn't he died in 1930? I think he would play both leading and supporting roles in drama and comedy. Chaney was a real trooper for having to play an amputee.

Robert MacFarlane said...

You know, after reading all of the reviews I think Keaton might be our Supporting Actor winner for Spotlight.

Luke Higham said...

Saw Legend, I quite liked it, though Browning's Narration was a major weakness and the tonal shifts were somewhat jarring. Anyway, Hardy's work is the best aspect of the film, he's absolutely magnetic as Reggie and is 5-worthy all on its own. With Ronnie, despite the shifts in tone, his broad style and coming quite close to being a caricature, I found him exceedingly entertaining regardless of that.

Ratings
Hardy - 5
Browning - 2.5 (The narration really hurts her work)
Thewlis - 3
Egerton - 3
Eccleston - 2
Bettany - 3 (Pretty good 4 minute appearance)

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Who's the lead for the film then.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Or is it an ensemble.

Robert MacFarlane said...

No one. They're all being pushed Supporting from what I heard, though some think Keaton is lead. Sounds like a borderline case of Lead/Supporting.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I'd much rather see Keaton nominated over Cooper. That's the one thing that would piss me off this year. From the 2 trailers, Cooper's performance doesn't fill me with much optimism.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Sorry, make that any optimism. :)

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Nor do I want De Niro to get nominated as well.

Luke Higham said...

I might watch Me, Earl and The Dying Girl tomorrow.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Luke: I hear it's completely awful. Michael McCarthy told me it's the worst film he's seen outside of Fantastic Four.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: As much as I'm dreading it, Emotional manipulation an all, I feel like I'm duty-bound to watch anything that creates a stir.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Hardy in Legend really gave a big impression on you, huh?

Louis Morgan said...

I saw Black Mass, and I'll give more detailed thoughts soon.

I'll naturally save Depp, but I will say that's not just because he could be nominated for it. I'll also save Edgerton, who I actually think you easily argue is co-lead with Depp.

Rest of the Cast:

Cumberbatch - 2.5
Johnson - 3
Bacon - 3
Plemons - 3.5
Stoll - 3.5
Sarsgaard - 4
Harbour - 4
Cochrane - 3.5
Nicholson - 3.5
Brown - 3.5

Luke:

Inside Llewyn Davis aside, which is odd in more ways than one, she's a consistently good actress, and has a certain luminous quality that isn't always seen that gives her a classic star quality about her.

Anonymous:

Yes in regards to Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: For me personally, yes, but I really don't expect everyone to love it as much as I. To me it's one of those performances that doesn't suffer from the major weaknesses of a film.

He's got two really outstanding moments as Reggie, that I won't spoil and think his Ronnie (Entertaining as he is) just about overcomes the tonal shifts, though I completely understand if some find it Distracting or Off-Putting.

Luke Higham said...

Depp's getting a Five, I feel.

Louis: You must really have liked Edgerton.

Michael McCarthy said...

Just to clarify, I think Me & Earl & the Dying Girl is worse than Fantastic Four. I published a scathing review after I saw Fantastic Four, but after Me & Earl & the Dying Girl I was actually too offended to write one.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Really, you didn't like her in Inside Llewyn Davis? I thought she was magnificent in that. At first playing it like a bitch, then as the movie goes on you realize she's totally justified acting like that. Then her quiet, somber last scene that both shows she doesn't actually hate Llewyn while alluding to the later revelation. Are you sure you weren't mistaking not liking her bitchy character for her performance?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Ratings for Irene Dunne in I Remember Mama and Moira Shearer in The Red Shoes.

Anonymous said...

Louis: So what are your thoughts on Roman Holiday in general? And what rating would you give it?

Calvin Law said...

Completely agree with Robert. She was actually one of my favourite things about the film, she and Isaac should do more films together as it's clear they have pretty great chemistry. It's Isaac's show, but I find pretty much every supporting players makes their mark prertt vividly.

Calvin Law said...

Also, KNEW Harbour and Sarsgaard were going to be 4's. So many reviews have been praising them, aa have Stoll, and Plemons.

Speaking of this Jesse Plemons, I haven't seen him in anything yet but based off just what I've glanced at in trailers he seems to have quite the unique screen presence.

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: He's chilling as hell on Breaking Bad.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I always found Plemmons to be sort of underrated on Breaking Bad. His approach to Todd was an original take on a familiar character.

Matt Mustin said...

I liked him when he started on Breaking Bad, but I *loved* him in the final episodes. Especially when he threatened Skylar.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Please watch Testament Of Youth soon. :)

Calvin Law said...

I need to start watching Breaking Bad...

Calvin Law said...

Also Louis: thoughts on the supporting cast of Black Mass.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Haven't watched it either. I think I need to start watching it too.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

So I am in a film class I have seen Sunrise (1927) earlier today. Loved it. I also saw city lights last week. There are a lot of movies I saw in my high school. They are The Patriot, Dances with Wolves (though I have seen it before) Glory, All Quiet on the Western Front (70s version), Patton, Mississippi Burning, and Platoon.

Louis Morgan said...

Black Mass is not a great mobster film but it is a good one. Scott Cooper gives his most assured work as a director as he creates the world of Whitey Bulger in lurid detail. There is a distinct lack of glamour of his approach focusing closely on the brutality, that's used in a particularly effective way as sudden bursts of violence. Its focus on his relationship with the F.B.I works well in giving us a bloody slice of Bulger's life. I like that it managed to give an understanding of the legend, and why someone like Edgerton's character would be fooled by, while subverting it by never shying from the real brutality of such a man. There is definitely even larger of a story there, but the story it focuses on is a well told one.

Cumberbatch - (He's not given that much to do, but I also feel he seems just a little out of place. Guy Pearce, the original actor cast, likely would have been more comfortable in the part. His accent in the film feels the least natural out the cast, he does not quite fit in, and he's not able to realize the politician's charisma well enough. He never seems like Whitey's brother. It's not a bad performance, but it feels like a step down from the majority of the cast)

Johnson - (She's just fine in most of her scenes, but most importantly though does deliver the needed emotional heft in her final scene with Depp)

Bacon - (Basically Stoll's performance but he makes less of an impact. He's good still within the limitations of his part)

Plemons - (What I really liked about the ensemble is that you genuinely feel the majority of the people in the film have lives past when they're off screen. Plemons in just a few scenes, many times slight reactionary moments, presents an actually rounded henchmen where we see get a bead on his motivation, as well as his peculiar sort of code)

Stoll - (Bacon gives the build up, but Stoll is the one that brings it home, through just realizing in his performance the powerful and well earned outrage towards the incessant hand waving towards Bulger's abhorrent crimes)

Sarsgaard - 4(In time I could be tempted to go higher as he's a pretty brilliant few scenes wonders. Sargaard is so effectively broken in the role so well depicting just a complete mess of a man coked out while being already a bit off, and just scared out of his wits. It's a marvelous display of a man essentially falling off the thread that he was barely hanging on to begin with)

Louis Morgan said...

Harbour - (Harbour does some strong work here as again I think it there was potential for his character to seem to vague, or just a plot point. Harbour though, again just a lot in between the lines, manages his own arc in depicting the way Edgerton's character's enthusiasm for Bulger seems to leave a mark on that, only for to gradually have his crisis of conscience when he realizes just the sort of man Bulger is)

Cochrane - (Again what I like so much is that this is just not a forgettable henchmen. We also really understand his relationship with Bulger, and there are points where he is surprisingly moving by realizing the moments were he feels his boss has gone too far though can only stand there and watch anyways)

Nicholson - 3.5(She's good in her scenes in just conveying the quiet unease of her character that slowly grows the longer she sees her husband spend time with Bulger. She's terrific in a single scene where Bulger decides to give her a special visit, that very rightly acts as the last straw, and Nicholson realizes the emotional devastation of the moment)

Brown - 3.5(He's very good in just creating such casual yet oh so chilling calm about his character's violent acts)

Robert:

Robert? You're not using that one are you? I've liked plenty of performances even if I hated the character. My main problem with Mulligan's performance, and even the Coen brother's writing was that a style for the character was not chosen. In parts it seemed like she was going to be a classic, extreme style Coen character, but then other scenes she would not be that way at all. It was not dependent on apparent mood or situation either. It felt random, though not with the intent that she had a random moodiness either. It pains me to feel this way too because I love the film and usually like Mulligan.

Luke:

4 each.

Anonymous:

Roman Holiday is a delightful romantic comedy with the two leads having splendid chemistry. It seems to purposefully avoid anything too important, which is fine, because it is just fun to spend time with Hepburn and Peck going around while getting into various situations. Though it does have its ending which rejects the notion of the usual romantic comedies, and is quite effective in doing so. I'd give it a 4 maybe 4.5.

Robert MacFarlane said...

How is it random? Two of her scenes involve her berating and pushing away Llewyn for being an asshole (we later find this to be justified) and then quiet when she ends up sleeping with Daxter to get Llewyn a job. That's why she's not being bitchy in that scene. It's a logical progression.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

I kind of want to see Black Mass. I feel like the standard for mob movies is simply too high for it to truly stand out in the evergrowing crowd.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Well I should also note I did not find her take on being excessively acerbic all that awe inspiring itself.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I got the feeling on revisit that it was mostly an act anyway. She's pissed with him, but obviously doesn't hate him. The only time we see the real "her" is her last scene with him.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Well I've only seen it once. I probably should rectify that.

Robert MacFarlane said...

When you do, feel free to make Isaac your win that year. That would be lovely.

Calvin Law said...

Oh, yes please. Nothing against McAvpy, but Filth really doesn't hold too strongly on re-watches...

Michael McCarthy said...

I just saw Black Mass too, and I honestly think Depp brought a lot more nuance to Bulger than the script did.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

I lost none of my love for McAvoy on re-watch so I'm afraid that seems unlikely, as much as I love Isaac's performance as well.

Anonymous said...

Louis: So uh, what are your ratings for Angels With Dirty Faces, White Heat, Public Enemy, The Gunfighter, The Ox-Bow Incident and The Searchers?

Calvin Law said...

Speaking of Angels with Dirty Faces, what are your thoughts on the film itself? I find it's one of those that grows on you more and more each time.

Louis Morgan said...

Michael:

I think Bulger could have been potentially just been a freak show character but Depp.....wait I'm giving too much away now.

Anonymous:

I might do something a bit more official with ratings for the film themselves so hold on that just for now.

Calvin:

Oh I love Angels With Dirty Faces. It's certainly a very crime movie and hits those points well with its villains and shoot outs. But what I love is what's around it. Rocky being the mentor to the boys is great stuff and how the relationship treads between comic to serious, charming to scary is marvelous. And of course its all about the friendship between priest and gangster which is done so well, which eventually ends the film in such a surprisingly heartbreaking fashion.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Wait, what do you mean by something about more official?

Calvin Law said...

It's one of my favourite movies of the 30s; actually, probably my #1.

I should also mention I saw, Gone With the Wind, finally, tonight. It certainly is a spectacle, and though I don't think it's completely flawless it is a pretty fantastic epic, and I think my Best Picture win for 1939.

Leigh: 5 (magnificent, I finally see what everyone was talking about, she's so far above everyone else for 1939 Female Lead and I love my #2 Bette Davis. Although she's not quite my favourite all-time leading female performance as Celia Johnson is still quite comfortably perched on the top)

Gable: 4.5/5 (don't quite love this performance as some seem to and he would only just make my 1939 top 5 behind Donat, Stewart, Laughton, Cagney, nevertheless he is very iconic and strong as Rhett Butler)

De Havilland: 5 (a beautifully nuanced performance, never feels dull despite the very nature of the role, particularly love her scenes with Leigh)

Howard: 4 (bit limited and doesn't bother with an accent but I thought he delivered his little speeches quite brilliantly, and his real-life wartime heroics just added that extra bit of poignancy)

McDaniel: 4.5/5 (fantastic portrayal of a stereotype role, as she handles it with such humour and dramatic heft)

Mitchell: 4 (good if a bit brief, portrayal of a loving father, and a descent into madness)

Calvin Law said...

Also my revised 1939 award choices

Picture: Gone With the Wind
Director: Victor Fleming (Gone With the Wind)
Actor: Robert Donat (Goodbye, Mr Chips)
Actress: Vivien Leigh (Gone With the Wind)
Supporting Actor: Claude Rains (Mr Smith Goes to Washington)
Supporting Actress: Olivia de Havilland (Gone With the Wind)

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Are you back home yet. :)

Anonymous said...

Louis: So when's the next review coming?

RatedRStar said...

1939 =D =D =D =D =D get goosebumps thinking about that.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: I do too, but I personally am looking forward more to 2012 again and hope that Mikkelsen gets his first five.

Anonymous said...

Luke & RatedRStar: To be honest, I've always been more of a fan of 1962 than a 1939 one.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I'm looking forward to both years equally, though I still expect '39 to come last.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I think Louis will only review 5 of each category in 1939, and 10 for each in 1962. Are there any more worthy performances of 1939 to be reviewed, in terms of supporting?

Anonymous said...

Luke:...and lead, of course.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: 10 for '62 Supporting is obvious, since you have the Lawrence Of Arabia supporting cast.

With '39, I expect 5 for both, but in terms of films, it's considered the best year in cinematic history.

But we'll see, I honestly don't mind which year comes last.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Whenever you see any 2015 films, can you tell us straight away. :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Saw Black Mass today. I must say I VERY much disagree with you on Sarsgaard, Louis. Found him to be an obvious weak link.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Calvin: Very glad you liked Gone with the Wind! I love the movie myself!

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Robert are you sure you weren't just negatively reacting to the character?


Sorry but I had to do it once.

Anonymous said...

Ruthiehenshallfan99: I'll give my ratings for Gone With The Wind.
Gable- 5
Leigh- 5
De Havilland- 4,5
Howard- 4,5
McDaniel- 4,5
Mitchell- 4
While I'm at it, I'll give my choices for 1939.
BP: Gone With The Wind
BD: Victor Fleming (Gone With The Wind)
BA: Clark Gable (Gone With The Wind) (Laughton, Stewart and Olivier are 5's for me, while Donat, Fonda and Cagney are 4,5's)
BA: Vivien Leigh (Gone With The Wind)
BSA: Claude Rains (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington)/Thomas Mitchell (Stagecoach) (TIE)
BSA: Hattie McDaniel (Gone With The Wind)

Anonymous said...

Louis: I know that you don't care much for Burton's Batman movies, but I think you should know that Batman actually killed criminals in his early comics.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Louis: Fair enough.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Anonymous: I'll give all of mine as well

Leigh: 5
Gable: 5
de Havilland: 5
Howard 4.5 or 5
McDaniel: 5
Mitchell: 4.5 or 5
Love most of the cast as well.

BP: Gone with the Wind
BA: Clark Gable (Gone with the Wind)
BA: Vivien Leigh (Gone with the Wind)
BSA: Claude Rains (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)
BSA: Hattie McDaniel/ Olivia de Havilland (Gone with the Wind)
BD: Victor Fleming (Gone with the Wind) (Also need to give credit to George Cukor and Sam Wood)

Anonymous said...

Louis: Ratings and thoughts on Bogart.