Wednesday 6 January 2016

Alternate Best Actor 1962: Robert Mitchum in Cape Fear

Robert Mitchum did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Max Cady in Cape Fear.

Cape Fear is a very effective thriller about an ex-convict terrorizing a man Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck) and his family, due to Sam having been essential to the man's arrest and conviction.

The man being none other than Max Cady played by Robert Mitchum. Now the last time I covered a performance by Mitchum was for his stellar performance as the Reverend Harry Powell in The Night of the Hunter. In that film Powell was a man with a delusion that he had a higher importance as a servant of God, and Mitchum played him with a fitting stylistic flair. Well here Mitchum plays a man who has no such delusions of a higher importance. Cady is low down scum, and Mitchum plays it as though Cady is well aware of that fact. Mitchum's performance is brilliant though in the way he maneuvers the whole character. In the earliest scenes we get Cady as he stalks Sam and his family though in a way as though he just accidentally has shown up each time. Mitchum has an ease about himself in his work that actually far more off putting. Mitchum's manner is very specific and we see from Sam's view a man carefully watching his family, while anyone else just in a cursory glance wouldn't notice anything wrong at all. Yet at that closer examination, even before we learn anything about Cady, it is clear that there is something very wrong with the man. Again though Mitchum's so good in that he makes something so quietly wrong about him, in just that certain slight smile of his, and those eyes which are relaxed yet constant in their gaze.

Accents are always a tricky thing, as they can sometimes almost cripple a performance, like another guy who took his hand at playing Max Cady sometime down the road. Mitchum's accent here is masterful though in the subtle southern drawl in his voice that adds so much to his character. There's something so terrific about Mitchum's work is that from the start of the film, the whole plan really is in Cady's mind the entire time. In turn Mitchum plays Cady as quite the relaxed fellow, and there is something quite unpleasant about just how relaxed Mitchum is in the role. The reason being that Mitchum does not present as though Cady does not care, but rather his plan of revenge is all that's on his plate in terms of life plans so there's no need to rush things. When at one point Sam tries to buy him off, Cady flatly puts it that would mean Sam's getting off too easy, and this idea is perfectly realized through Mitchum's performance. When Cady just watches Sam, with Sam knowing, or Sam directly tells him to leave him alone, there is such a sick pleasure that Mitchum reflects in his face as he is loving every minute he makes Sam for every minute he believes he suffered in prison. Mitchum shows Cady's will to wait, because for him waiting is half of the fun.

Mitchum's whole performance here is completely spellbinding in a strange way because of just how smooth and elegant he is in playing a man who could be possibly best described as gutter trash. Again Mitchum though only uses this to add to the tension of the film by such a terrible man, though is able to come across as respectable enough though in a most peculiar way. Mitchum does not make it as a facade which is truly remarkable about his work. Instead Mitchum is able to make Cady so comfortable about himself that to be as despicable as he is does not phase him in the least. One of the most chilling scenes in the film actually is when Sam attempts to bribe Cady away. Cady goes about telling Sam something he supposedly lost from his prison time, that being his wife and child. Cady though is not telling this to Sam to garner sympathy or offer even a real reason for his vengeance, but instead simply setting up a story he feels best explains his intent. The story being that he later brutally raped his wife, who remarried, and blackmailed her into inaction. What's so unnerving about the story is how Mitchum manages to be so convincing in portraying the ease in which Cady tells the story. Anger does not even haunt the description, Mitchum instead presents a man content with exactly who he is.

Cady's a diabolical villain in a unique obnoxious sort of way, in that Cady's method of avoiding getting caught before in acting his revenge is to use every law in the book to keep the police's hands tied, and even potentially Sam in legal trouble. Mitchum again is marvelous as he again plays Cady as very self aware, and carries himself in such a smug fashion as he utilizes his abuse of the law to the point that he flaunts it right in Sam's face. One particularly effective scene of this is when Sam spots Cady lurking around his family, and he he physically assaults him, with Mitchum again only exuding such a devious pleasure as he plays the victim to the group of onlookers. A realization from watching his performance eventually comes in that how believable Mitchum makes Cady, and he is genuinely terrifying as it is not difficult to imagine being hounded by such a man. It's genius on Mitchum part in that he realizes this so effortlessly and makes him a ticking time bomb without the certain direct intensity you might expect. The thing is even with all the earlier scenes of Cady being such amoral fiend, and even though it is indeed not a facade, that's not all there is to Cady. In fact as Cady himself might say all that before that was just kids stuff, Mitchum still has something up his sleeve "that you ain't ever gonna forget".

That being when Cady finally makes his moves against Sam, which is not against Sam himself, but rather against Sam's wife and daughter. The animal within the confident man reveals itself and Mitchum is absolutely startling in revealing the primal viciousness in Cady as he goes about his task which includes murdering a man sent to guard the Bowdens. Mitchum reveals a most disturbing determination in Cady as he finds such a vile passion in Cady, even when he attacking Sam's wife while suggesting she sacrifice herself for her daughters sake. Again Mitchum is so chilling though by still keeping a calm in Cady as he makes such horrible suggestions, or even when he terrifies Sam's daughter just by staring at her in such a sick, yet gentle fashion. Mitchum plays the whole sequence as a man basically living out his dream. When Sam comes to stop him, and is ready to kill Cady. Mitchum final blunt deliver of "Go ahead I just don't give a damn" at the prospect of death is only fitting to his Cady. As Mitchum shows that the revenge was all there was to his life, and being denied that, well he might as well as die. This is outstanding work from Robert Mitchum as well as one those cases where the actor manages to make his performance engaging just in itself. Mitchum's performance is never without purpose. He brings the titular fear to the film through his portrayal that proves a villain can be frightening while barely even raising his voice. 

228 comments:

1 – 200 of 228   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

Yes! Another five for Mitchum.
Louis: Ratings and thoughts on Peck and the rest of the cast.

Michael McCarthy said...

Louis, since Coburn's now a 4.5 for Duck, You Sucker, does that mean you've also upped Topol's and Eastwood's ratings? Or have you just not updated the 1971 lead ranking yet?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Louis: Besides the obvious (cast, the fact that it's in color and all), what are the real differences between the 1962 and 1991 versions of Cape Fear?

Robert MacFarlane said...

Saw 45 Years today. Rampling was impressive, but I'm shocked that Courtenay is considered the weaker of the two. I actually thought he was even better.

Anonymous said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: Cady dies in the remake, while in the original, he is sent to prison.

Calvin Law said...

I have to admit my enthusiasm for both performances have somewhat waned. I still think Courtenay is excellent though.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Rampling's just outside my top 5. Courtenay is my #2 to Bateman.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Peck - 4(His role is thankless when compared to Mitchum's, but Peck does very well here with what he has. He internalizes just the straight fury and fear of his character extremely well. He's technically overshadowed by Mitchum, but in the right way. He stands his ground, and the way Mitchum controls certain scenes actually works best for the film)

Bergen & Martin - 3(Both bring the appropriate warmth in their normal scenes with Peck, then shift to a convincing terror in the scenes with Mitchum)

Balsam & Savalas - 3(Both manage to make something out of their limited roles, in that each seems like someone out of the conversations with peck, even though in terms of the plot they are only there to help Peck.)

Michael:

Should have been a 4. Though I thought I had raised Topol to a 4.5 when I lowered Finch.

ruthiehenshallfan99:

Well the cast makes a huge difference for one, particularly Mitchum over De Niro (who I purposefully avoided mentioning when writing this review). Scorsese also goes for a purposefully trashy tone for the remake giving no likable characters, which works for something like Goodfellas but does not work for a straight thriller. He also adds that the daughter actually is somewhat interested in Cady, and adds an ending that gets more absurd the longer it goes on.

Robert:

Having also seen the film I'd agree that people are undervaluing what he did especially within the burden of not being given the perspective.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Yeah, I also think a lot of people overlook the ambiguous nature of his character on just HOW obsessed he is, and how much he really loves Rampling. That scene at the end worked for me not for Rampling's look of despair, but for his (willful?) ignorance to her.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: ratings and thoughts for Rampling?

Robert's thoughts compel me to revisit the film again. I'll watch it on the plane in a few days' time. Courtenay's one of my favourite actors so it wouldn't hurt to reevaluate him.

Calvin Law said...

Robert: are Mara and Blanchett in your top 5, and if so where? (unless you're still rethinking your thoughts on the film).

Robert MacFarlane said...

I want to see Carol again before I make any decisions. Right now I keep switching between Mara, Blanchett, Ridley, and Powley as my Lead Actress win.

Michael McCarthy said...

I gave Courtenay and Rampling both 4.5s, but I'm not sure I can put Courtenay in lead, since there were absolutely no scenes from his perspective.

Anonymous said...

I agree Courtenay was great, but Rampling owned the movie for me. Her final close-up just killed me.

Anonymous said...

So much better than Robert De Niro's awful Max Cady. Mitchum as a actor in general is better than De Niro.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Michael: So what? The crux of the movie is entirely dependent on that relationship.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on 45 Years and ratings & thoughts on Rampling and Courtenay. (I'm happy enough with you saving him though)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Please save Courtenay.

Anonymous said...

@Robert: I really don't want to sound ironic or anything like that, but while I did like Ridley I didn't see in her performance anything that could compete with Blanchett's and Mara's performances in Carol. So I just would like to ask what did you think is so great about her performance, maybe I you noticed something I didn't quite see.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I was taken aback on the second viewing on just how much she adds to the role vs what was written. She has to build a character who's arc is just beginning and manages to navigate through the vague implications of the script to give us a completely clear picture who Rey is despite the mystery. The role is not necessarily the most challenging, but she sure as hell challenges the role.

Anonymous said...

Well I agree with you to a lesser extent. She definitely made the most out of a potentially thin role.

RatedRStar said...

Tom Courtenay is incapable of giving bad performances, we will see him again in the bonus rounds definitely.

RatedRStar said...

This what my 1947 to 1954 bonus reviews spreadsheet looks like so far, feel free to mention any that I may have missed.

http://snag.gy/3JDEe.jpg

RatedRStar said...

This is what I meant to say lol.

Calvin Law said...

Cannot wait till 1951 :)

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: What is that spreadsheet supposed to mean? Your bonus review requests?

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: Which year from each decade, will/should Louis start off with for the bonus rounds.

1920s: Pre-'28
1930s: '32/33
1940s: '44
1950s: '51
1960s: '68
1970s: '71
1980s: '85
1990s: '93
2000s: '05
2010s: '12

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: It's his suggestions for those years. The ones in the top half are Lead and the bottom half's Supporting.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Pre-1928. Can't wait to see him review Chaney.

Luke Higham said...

*Those in the top half

Anonymous said...

Luke: If those are his suggestions, then I have to say most of them are pretty good.

RatedRStar said...

This is Pre 1928 - 1937, no supporting category just yet.

http://snag.gy/L2Q43.jpg

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Can I have all of your suggestions. :)

RatedRStar said...

1939 - 1946

1939 hasnt been filled in yet because alternate hasnt happened yet, also I havent started the other decades but will soon.

http://snag.gy/7Gks5.jpg

Some minor mishaps, I am not sure if Charles Laughton is co lead with March in Wimple, also James Baskett is often praised as the best thing in Song of the South (The Nostalgia Critic certainly liked him)

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Your Fives for 2015.

RatedRStar said...

Luke: Um ask me again before the Oscar noms happen because there are still quite a few films I have yet to see.

Michael McCarthy said...

Robert: I get that, but the plot is never driven by his actions, it's driven by her actions and reactions to him.

Robert MacFarlane said...

90% of her actions are driven by his behavior, though. Cause and effect still makes him co-lead.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Before Tracy was cast as Father Flanagan in Boys Town, Cagney was also considered for the role. Would you have preferred him over Tracy?

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Prepare for blasphemy! Rampling - 4.5(A performance like this when you give it a lower rating suddenly it assumed you did not like the performance. On the contrary I thought her performance was very good and quite moving as she so well internalized her suspicions and general unease regarding her husband's unearthed old flame with that final reaction being quite effective. My favorite moments of her performance might be the happier ones actually, as Rampling, best known for cold characters, brings such a palatable warmth in the moments where she seems to be trying to make Courtenay's Geoff forget)

Luke:

I'll quickly note that my thoughts on new releases will still stay here. The film itself I thought was decent though never extraordinary. Really I'll be honest I thought the film always worked best in the scenes where the two shared the screen. I felt the scenes without Courtenay were often a little too repetitive in nature, and just not engaging enough as a repetition. The scenes with the two together though were often quite compelling though, particular the ending.

Saving Courtenay, who I do believe is lead.

Anonymous:

Flanagan was not a great role to begin with, but I do think Cagney would have offered something a little more interesting.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I agree, the scenes where she's alone are entirely redundant (save for the pivotal slideshow scene and all of its implications).

Luke Higham said...

Louis: If you do plan on reviewing Tremblay, even if he doesn't get nominated, could you review him along with Attah in a single post for the Child performances, which would open up slots to Mendelsohn, Bateman and Courtenay.

And your reaction to the 45 Years Performances, is awfully similar to Riva and Trintignant in Amour.

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your ratings and thoughts on:
William Powell in The Canary Murder Case, The Greene Murder Case and The Great Ziegfeld
Gary Cooper and Walter Huston in The Virginian
Tyrone Power in The Razor's Edge
Clark Gable in San Francisco

Anonymous said...

Seems like I'm the only one who thinks that Rampling stole 45 Years. I actually really liked her scenes alone, particularly the piano scene. She's an easy 5 for me. I also really liked Courtenay who is a 4.5 for me but I don't think he ever came close to the brilliance and the emotional power of Rampling's work.

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Luke: Basically was my reaction to both as well. Hell, I thought Isabelle Huppert was better than Riva. I'll say Amour is a tighter and more haunting film overall, though.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Frankly I don't think she came close to brilliance and emotional power of Courtenay. :)

Luke Higham said...

Robert: I must say, I've grown to like Courtenay's work more in the past couple of days and I really love his Anniversary Speech scene.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

RatedRStar: I am quite happy to see Maurice Chevalier for Love Me Tonight on there! I love that movie!

Anonymous said...

Louis whats your thoughts and ratings on these films?
Road To Morocco
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (47 version)
Snow Trail
The Girl Can't Help It
Johnny Tremain
Warlock
Rio Grande
Oh God!
Harry and Tonto
The Black Dakotas

Anonymous said...

Louis did you like Never On Sunday? what you reckon to that cause I thought it was pretty poor if I am honest????

Robert MacFarlane said...

Just got back from The Revenant. Man oh man did you guys oversell DiCaprio. Granted, I don't blame him for such vague characterization, but Hardy and Poulter were better.

Michael McCarthy said...

I'm mostly in agreement with Robert on this one. I give Leo a solid 4.5, mostly for his physical performance, although I did think he did a solid job with what little character he had to work with.

Anonymous said...

John Smith: You guys! I'm high right now

Robert MacFarlane said...

I wouldn't even go that high. Granted, I thought the film was kind of a mess as well.

Anonymous said...

John Smith: I mean that i am high!!!
(:

Robert MacFarlane said...

I was talking to Micahel. Also, congratulations.

Calvin Law said...

Agree on DiCaprio being oversold. He's not even in my top 10 of the year now. Hardy was definitely the highlight for me, as I said from the start.

Michael McCarthy said...

I figure if I gave Redmayne a high 4/low 4.5 for Theory of Everything I have to do the same for Leo here.

Calvin Law said...

I don't think we all oversold him THAT much though. I mean I did say it was a completely physical performance, with little else to show for it, though I think my thoughts on him would be roughly similar to Michael's. The film did improve for me on re-watch though.

Robert MacFarlane said...

If I still did ratings, I'd average him in at 3.5 tops. He has some good moments, but he's definitely going to win "Most Actor" this year.

Calvin Law said...

Yeah Redmayne in TTOE is a good conparison. Still need to see The Danish Girl.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Redmayne is almost terrible in The Danish Girl.

Calvin Law said...

Why are the three locks this year so lackluster :( (granted I think DiCaprio is MILES ahead of Fassbender).

Calvin Law said...

Actually scratch 'miles'. Need to re-watch Steve Jobs now.

Calvin Law said...

Also just to be clear I'm wholeheartedly rooting for a Damon/DiCaprio win now out of the probable nominees, even though it won't happen. All but given up on the prospective McKellen nod.

Michael McCarthy said...

I thought Redmayne was pretty good in The Danish Girl until a point Robert made about him being more convincing as Einar than as Lili...that kind of defeats the whole purpose of the character.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Because this is the worst year for Best Actor in over a decade in terms of main competition. Unless they move Dano or Keaton to lead, or sneak Jordan in there, it's gonna suck entirely.

Michael McCarthy said...

I'm on the Depp train all the way, though I think Leo's a virtual lock to win. Hopefully if he does win, he'll stop this trend of putting himself through more and more physical peril in each role he takes.

Calvin Law said...

Robert: Reckon Dano will get in? Shame Cusack isn't being campaigned.

Also don't count Jordan out people. Quite tempted actually if I win this prediction to request either him or Segel for a review.

Michael McCarthy said...

I think Segel's being reviewed no matter what. But I'd kinda like to just let Louis decide on who he reviews for the alternates.

Louis Morgan said...

Also saw the Revenant. I'm far more positive on the film itself than Robert, though I don't think it is without flaws. I look forward to being able to discuss DiCaprio in the near future, and hope I'll be able to discuss Hardy even sooner. I'll give more detailed thoughts regarding the film tomorrow, as now I must bid all a goodnight.

Anonymous:

I'll get you those thoughts soon though I believe I've already covered a few of them.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm quite aware that I'm in the minority on finding the film silly, and I don't mind that. Figured this would be the case. Be warned, I have about 50 jokes concerning I plan on releasing over the course of the awards season. Prepare for the snark.

Calvin Law said...

Michael: You know what? Agreed. Let Louis do what Louis chooses. :)

Anonymous said...

Tom Hardy might be out of the race now.

Anonymous said...

Guys, what do you think about Tilda Swinton in Trainwreck? Just saw the movie and loved her, she's in my top 5 supporting actresses of the year.

And regards to the BAFTA, Rampling could still go the Cotillard-way at the oscars, but those nominations confirmed my predictions that Maggie Smith would get in at the oscars. I actually think both could be there if Vikander and Mara are in supporting.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on The Revenant (Plus, The Cinematography) and ratings & thoughts on Poulter, Gleeson and Goodluck.

Calvin: It looks like Hardy's getting two fives this year. :) Del Toro could possibly be back in the race as well.

Michael McCarthy: Your ratings & thoughts on the cast of The Revenant.

Luke Higham said...

Hope Louis sees Macbeth by the end of the month.

Luke Higham said...

These are what I would like to see Louis review for The Alternates.
Lead: If Damon gets nominated.
McKellen
Hardy
Fassbender
Rohrig
Segel
Attah/Tremblay
Courtenay
Mendelsohn
Bateman
Depp

Supporting:
Hardy
Del Toro
Jenkins
Hoult
Cohen
Isaac
Driver
Schoenaerts/Sheen
Goggins/Jackson/Russell
Keaton/Tucci/Schreiber

Luke Higham said...

Louis: It might be a good idea to save Ben Foster's performance in The Program for the Bonus Rounds.

Robert MacFarlane said...

The BAFTA nominations were announced, and... woof.

Luke Higham said...

Robert & Louis: Your thoughts on the BAFTA Nominations.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Already gave my thoughts: Woof.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Lastly, whenever you do see Anomalisa, can I have your thoughts on it and ratings & thoughts on Thewlis, Leigh and Noonan.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: With The Revenant, Hardy's by far my favourite of the cast (The God Is A Squirrel Monologue scene is my favourite acting moment in the film) and DiCaprio's begun to wane for me. Poulter's really good as well. :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

DiCaprio had his moments (finding his dead son was shockingly underplayed), but over all it felt like he was trying to hard to show us just how much acting he's doing, with every grunt and moan, never really building Glass as a character. Granted, the script is working against him in that department, but he never does anything to remedy it for me.

Anonymous said...

Well, I liked DiCaprio and Hardy equally in the Revenant.

Louis Morgan said...

The other thoughts I will get to soon right now some quick thoughts on the BAFTA nominations.

Picture:

Carol probably has secured itself as replacement, it needed to be this loved. Unfortunately it looks like I could be right and Mad Max looks like it might be going the way of the Dark Knight(My reverse psychology evidently is not working).

Director:

McKay over Miller is disgusting, and unfortunately he could easily be ignored. I'm still predicting DGA will go for him, but that may not be enough.

Actor:

Cranston may be a lock or may be Jake Gyllenhaal. Trumbo love might be waning a bit though since Mirren missed out on her home turf (so to speak).

Actress:

Wow Vikander's the one they pulled the switcheroo for. This actually could cause her to miss out altogether. Rampling now seems very unlikely, Smith probably won't translate.

Supporting Actor:

Wow just between who got recognized by either the Globes, Sag or Bafta there are 9 different candidates. Rylance, Elba and Bale I'd say are now safe. People might second guess Bale, but unlike say Daniel Bruhl his film is loved(for whatever reason). That leaves Ruffalo, Stallone, Dano, Del Toro, Tremblay, Shannon, and I will still say Hardy for the last two spots. It's going to be a bloodbath, and I could potentially see a casualty among the locks just due to the nature of the field. The reason I still include Hardy is if Ruffalo and Del Toro can get in here, then Hardy most certainly could surprise at the Oscars, (even Michael Keaton could for that matter).

Supporting Actress:

Glad to see Leigh make it. I guess Mara's fraud is being absolutely ignored.

Calvin Law said...

Mara's fraud ugh, can they just not admit that she's the best lead performance of the year or at least up there with the best, and not make her a target for accusations of wasting a supporting place.

Calvin Law said...

Miller's omission is shocking.

2 questions Louis:

How certain is Damon for a nomination now? Also do you think Vikander for Ex Machina is likely.

Calvin Law said...

Lastly surprised and pleased by surprising amount of Sicario love.

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: Rating Predictions
Lead:
Paul Dano and John Cusack in Love & Mercy
Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton in Black Mass
Matt Damon in The Martian
Tom Hanks in Bridge Of Spies
Abraham Attah in Beasts Of No Nation
Jason Bateman in The Gift
Jason Segel in The End Of The Tour
Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs and Macbeth
Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes
Michael Caine in Youth
Ben Mendelsohn in Mississippi Grind
Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk
Michael B. Jordan in Creed
Geza Rohrig in Son Of Saul
Jacob Tremblay in Room
Tom Hardy in Legend
Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl
Will Smith in Concussion
Bryan Cranston in Trumbo
Tom Courtenay in 45 Years
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant

Supporting:
Nicholas Hoult in Mad Max: Fury Road
Oscar Isaac in Ex Machina
Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen in Far From The Madding Crowd
Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin in Sicario
Mark Rylance in Bridge Of Spies
Idris Elba in Beasts Of No Nation
Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels in Steve Jobs
Harvey Keitel in Youth
Richard Jenkins in Bone Tomahawk
Sylvester Stallone in Creed
Michael Keaton. Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Stanley Tucci in Spotlight
Michael Shannon in 99 Homes
Emory Cohen in Brooklyn
Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Robert De Niro in Joy
Walton Goggins, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell in The Hateful Eight
Christian Bale and Steve Carell in The Big Short
Tom Hardy in The Revenant

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: No 4 or 4.5s and 4.5 or 5s.

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: It has to be a precise rating.

RatedRStar said...

I am excited about next week so much, I agree, Supporting Actor is a bloodbath =D.

Calvin Law said...

Paul Dano and John Cusack in Love & Mercy: 4.5 for both
Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton in Black Mass: 4.5 for both
Matt Damon in The Martian: 5
Tom Hanks in Bridge Of Spies: 4.5
Abraham Attah in Beasts Of No Nation: 5
Jason Bateman in The Gift: 5
Jason Segel in The End Of The Tour: 5
Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs and Macbeth: 4.5 and 5
Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes: 5
Michael Caine in Youth: 3
Ben Mendelsohn in Mississippi Grind: 4.5
Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk: 5
Michael B. Jordan in Creed: 5
Geza Rohrig in Son Of Saul: 4.5
Jacob Tremblay in Room: 5
Tom Hardy in Legend: 5
Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl: 4
Will Smith in Concussion: 3
Bryan Cranston in Trumbo: 4
Tom Courtenay in 45 Years: 4.5
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant: 4.5

Supporting:
Nicholas Hoult in Mad Max: Fury Road: 5
Oscar Isaac in Ex Machina: 4.5
Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen in Far From The Madding Crowd: 4.5 for both
Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin in Sicario: 5 and 4.5
Mark Rylance in Bridge Of Spies: 5
Idris Elba in Beasts Of No Nation: 5
Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels in Steve Jobs: 3 and 4
Harvey Keitel in Youth: 4
Richard Jenkins in Bone Tomahawk: 5
Sylvester Stallone in Creed: 5
Michael Keaton. Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Stanley Tucci in Spotlight: 4.5, 4, 4, 4.5
Michael Shannon in 99 Homes: 3.5
Emory Cohen in Brooklyn: 5
Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Force Awakens: 4.5
Robert De Niro in Joy: 2
Walton Goggins, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell in The Hateful Eight: 5, 5, and 5
Christian Bale and Steve Carell in The Big Short: 4 and 4.5
Tom Hardy in The Revenant: 5

Calvin Law said...

Actually switch Keaton to a 5, and De Niro to a 2.5.

Anonymous said...

Rating predictions
Paul Dano and John Cusack in Love & Mercy: 4,5 for both
Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton in Black Mass: 5/4,5 for Depp, 4,5 for Edgerton
Matt Damon in The Martian: 5
Tom Hanks in Bridge Of Spies: 4,5
Abraham Attah in Beasts Of No Nation: 5
Jason Bateman in The Gift: 4,5
Jason Segel in The End Of The Tour: 4,5/5
Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs and Macbeth: 4 (Steve Jobs)/5 (Macbeth)
Ian McKellen in Mr. Holmes: 5
Michael Caine in Youth: 4
Ben Mendelsohn in Mississippi Grind: 4,5
Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk: 4,5
Michael B. Jordan in Creed: 4,5
Geza Rohrig in Son Of Saul: 4,5
Jacob Tremblay in Room: 5
Tom Hardy in Legend: 5
Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl: 4
Will Smith in Concussion: 3
Bryan Cranston in Trumbo: 4
Tom Courtenay in 45 Years: 4,5
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant: 5

Supporting:
Nicholas Hoult in Mad Max: Fury Road: 5
Oscar Isaac in Ex Machina: 4,5
Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen in Far From The Madding Crowd: 4,5 for both
Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin in Sicario: 5 and 4,5
Mark Rylance in Bridge Of Spies: 5
Idris Elba in Beasts Of No Nation: 5
Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels in Steve Jobs: 3 and 3,5/4
Harvey Keitel in Youth: 4
Richard Jenkins in Bone Tomahawk: 5
Sylvester Stallone in Creed: 4,5
Michael Keaton. Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Stanley Tucci in Spotlight: 5, 4, 4/4,5, 4,5
Michael Shannon in 99 Homes: 3,5
Emory Cohen in Brooklyn: 4,5
Adam Driver in Star Wars: The Force Awakens: 4,5
Robert De Niro in Joy: 2,5
Walton Goggins, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell in The Hateful Eight: 5, 4,5/5, 4,5/5
Christian Bale and Steve Carell in The Big Short: 4 and 4,5
Tom Hardy in The Revenant: 5

Robert MacFarlane said...

Don't a lot of people hate Bale in The Big Short?

Luke Higham said...

Dano - 4.5
Cusack - 4.5
Depp - 5
Edgerton - 4.5
Damon - 5
Hanks - 4.5
Attah - 5
Bateman - 4.5
Segel - 5
Fassbender - Steve Jobs (4) Macbeth (5)
McKellen - 5
Caine - 3
Mendelsohn - 5
Russell - 4.5
Jordan - 4.5
Rohrig - 5
Tremblay - 5
Hardy - 5
Redmayne - 3.5
Smith - 3
Cranston - 4
Courtenay - 5
DiCaprio - 4.5

Supporting:
Hoult - 5
Isaac 4.5
Schoenaerts - 4.5
Sheen - 4.5
Del Toro - 5
Brolin - 4.5
Rylance - 5
Elba - 5
Rogen - 3
Daniels - 4
Keitel - 3.5
Jenkins - 5
Stallone - 5
Keaton - 4.5
Ruffalo - 4
Schreiber - 4.5
Tucci - 4.5
Shannon - 4
Cohen - 5
Driver - 4.5
De Niro - 2.5
Goggins - 5
Jackson - 5
Russell - 4.5
Bale - 4
Carell - 4
Hardy - 5

10 Fives in Supporting and 11 in Lead.

Luke Higham said...

*4.5 for Depp.

RatedRStar said...

Robert: I actually did like Bale in The Big Short, even if he is limited he actually does create a character in a rather short amount of time

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Your thoughts on DiCaprio, Hardy, Poulter and Gleeson in The Revenant.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I'd say it's between Damon and Depp for the last spot, though they both could get in probably at Cranston's loss. Of course there is also the possibility that someone pulls a Bradley Cooper due a late surge for his film. Bridge of Spies is doing very well, so my guess would be Hanks, but I don't think it will happen.

Vikander I have feeling will either be double nominated or not nominated at all. It's a shame they used fraud with her at all(I believe it was because the studio had both her and Mulligan). Then I think she'd being even more secure for Ex Machina. As it is I think I will predict her for both.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I refuse to believe we're getting more than 5 perfect scores this year in lead.

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Looks like I will finally be able to stay up for the Golden Globes this year!

Luke Higham said...

ruthiehenshallfan99: I can't unfortunately. Same with the Oscars. :(

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

You sure you need the snark, I mean it's not like its Braveheart good.

Anonymous:

Powell The Canary Murder Case, The Greene Murder Case - (Both are basically the same. He adds a bit of something, to not much, with his nice sardonic charm)

The Great Ziegfeld - (check 36 lead)

Cooper - 2.5(A mostly bland leading turn from him. Not anything too terrible, but he's not particularly good here either)

Huston - 3.5(The best part of the film as Huston offers some lively energy with his performance in what's otherwise a rather stale film)

Power - 2(Power just has such a blandness in almost all his performances that he rarely distinguishes his performances from one till the next. The same is true here as his troubled to enlighten phases don't really differ all that much. He certainly makes his character come off as very sanctimonious which was not the point.)

Gable (also check 36)

Luke:

Well the film looked outstanding that must be said in terms of both production design and cinematography. The film itself though is too long, something I did not say about the Hateful Eight which is longer. I feel it actually could have been simplified, I don't think the son was needed, being left for dead is a good enough reason for revenge. The spiritual aspect I never felt had the impact needed, and perhaps a more subtle handling of that could have been more powerful. As they are they hurt the pacing and take away some of the urgency of Glass's quest. Hugh Glass in the film is actually more akin to The Man from All is Lost, than some other cinematic survivalists. John Fitzgerald, Bridger and Henry are all given more development. I'll get into more details on what's good or bad about that at a later date since it is directly intertwined with DiCaprio's performance. Now with that I did like it and found there to be some masterful sequences, the opening attack for example. I think it worked best in the confines of the survival/revenge tale, and with a tighter scope I feel it could have been a masterpiece.

Poulter - 4
Gleeson - 4
Goodluck - 3

Robert MacFarlane said...

I actually do agree it worked better as a revenge/survival tale. The best moments in the film were from the adventure sequences. That said, the spiritual aspects were SO hackneyed, and SO nakedly Malick plagiarism that I ended up laughing at some very inappropriate moments.

Michael Patison said...

Louis: Rating and thoughts on Power in Witness for the Prosecution. I completely agree that he is a terribly bland performer, but your ranking of him on the year indicates that you think he's not there. Just for the record I completely agree and would go so far as to nominate him or have him just miss out.

Robert: My response to your BAFTA response: Sit! Stay! Roll over!

But in all seriousness, the BAFTAs gave us pretty much what I think we've all come to expect from the BAFTAs. They (mostly) confirmed who the frontrunners are, for better or for worse, and threw in some out-of-left-field love for British actors (Smith, who should've been getting more anyway, in my opinion; and Walters), while also nominating a highly deserving performance that almost certainly won't get the time of day come nomination day (del Toro, obviously)

Anonymous said...

It seems like some people feel that DiCaprio's performance was overhyped.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: In regards to DiCaprio, I had a strong feeling that Louis wasn't going to be highly favourable towards him, though by his earlier comment, I'm relieved that he's dying to review Hardy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Well, DiCaprio's still a 5 for me.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: He still is a 5 for me, though just not as strong as Hardy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I'm glad as well he's dying to review Hardy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: If Louis is going to just review five performances for the bonus rounds for each year, then I would suggest this performance for 1950: Dana Andrews in Where the Sidewalk Ends (Another Preminger noir with him and Tierney). Of course, I have to request it.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I wouldn't worry too much about the amount for each year, He'll be doing 10 for 2011 and Pre-28.

Calvin Law said...

As much as I want Damon to get a nomination, Mara to be placed in Lead, Carol to win Best Picture, Mad Max to be nominated, Brooklyn to get nominations beyond just Ronan...

Del Toro getting a nomination is all I really am hoping for at this point.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I haven't seen this performance yet, but it would be an interesting one to review: Tyrone Power in Nightmare Alley (1947). It is considered Power's best performance.

Calvin Law said...

Re-watching The Revenant actually bumped Gleeson up the most for me. First time round I found him a bit stiff and unnatural. Second time round I thought he played Henry perfectly.

RatedRStar said...

Luke:

DiCaprio (At first he plays it a little differently as he isn't particularly warm to his son showing more of a cold fatherly type which works quite well with his reaction to his death which is an amazing scene of low key emotion, aside from that DiCaprio is just excellent in showing the hatred and almost clear madness going through him from his hallucinations to his physically destroyed body, ye some people could say he is acting and trying too hard but I dont really no what else he can do, its very physical and he plays it so.

Hardy (He creates this amazing character who on paper is a one note bully type villain, but Hardy does so much more suggesting that Fitzgerald is a completely desperate man who clearly doesn't want to be there, even in his own head he believes he is doing rationally like when he just asks Leo to blink if he wants to die, I think his great scenes are the aftermath as he is basically scared to death, theres so much more to say, amazing work.

Poulter (Poulter is really only there for one thing and that is to basically be the scared good hearted, confused bystander, and he does it very well, although in the second half he is underutilized , the first half is great in his scene with Hardy as he shows the shock and horror at what Hardy might have done, and even when he points the gun at him he shows a great reaction as if he were staring a lion in the face.

Gleeson (Gleeson is given a rather thankless role but I actually think he manages to give some nice dramatic weight showing a good hearted but not quite good enough commanding officer who probably shouldn't be in his position, I particularly like his reaction to Hardys betrayal although his ending is a bit disappointing as if to say, "see ya sucker" lol.

I actually think the Baftas are trying to be cool by saying ye we will vote for mostly the same lineups as everyone else which means we are important, well the Baftas have never been important and either vote British or copy everyone else and what is the point getting Stephen Fry to host yet again, he really isn't that great at that sort of thing.

I should say I love Witness for the Prosecution =D, Power is good actually at being a 50/50 suspect helping the mystery along quite well.

Anonymous: You might not have to suggest Dana Andrews as I am sure it is possible he could make it in normally, I would always suggest that you suggest someone who has very little chance of getting in.

RatedRStar said...

I am excited about the Golden Globes for one reason, Ricky Gervais, please take the piss out of everyone again =D, to be fair I think the winners at the globes are very easy to guess so if you cant watch it at night time or whenever, just record it and watch when you get home since I dont expect any surprises of winners =D.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

I'd be very curious to see how the film plays if you remove all of those scenes.

Michael:

Power - 4(A revelation, as it is actually a different performance from him for once. Maybe he was going to be someone who got better with age, like Gregory Peck, but unfortunately he died soon after the film. He bothers to become emotional here and is very good in bringing that passionate desperation of a man whose life is on the line. He's even a proper charmer in the flashbacks scenes. Then he even manages to pull off his final scene where the truth of his character is revealed.)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Frankly it would have been a great, pulpy thrill ride movie. I think the John Hillcoat/Christian Bale version we almost got would have been a tighter film overall.

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your rating and thoughts on Peck in Macarthur?

Michael McCarthy said...

DiCaprio: 4.5 (Although the more I think about it, the more I want to bump him down. Like Daniel said, he does a very good job early on of setting up a harsh yet caring relationship with his son, which made the goodbye scene incredibly moving. After that though, the only thing he's able to really express is horrible physical pain, which he admittedly shows incredibly well through both his body and his voice. It's clear throughout the film that Glass is motivated by his desire for revenge, but there really aren't a lot of scenes to develop this idea between the numerous scenes of Glass's physical trials.)

Hardy: 5 (Again, really masterful work from Hardy. From his very first scene he shows us the brutish nature of Fitzgerald simply in the way he walks and talks. Hardy plays Fitzgerald as a man capable of sinking to the lowest lows in order to survive, but he goes further than just making him a complete degenerate. In the most subtle of expressions, particularly in his eyes throughout the film, he shows that Fitzgerald's desperation and depravity comes from a deep paranoia that is always with him even when he doesn't seem to be in any immediate danger. His "God is a Squirrel" monologue could easily have just been read with one-note cynicism, but what made it as great as it was is that Hardy plays it as Fitzgerald trying to convince himself of his own strength and skill as a survivor.)

Gleeson: 3 (For the most part fine, although he really could have made more out of his character in his calmer scenes. He has two scenes where he gets to do something interesting, the first of which is actually very moving as he decides he can't just shoot Glass. The second scene I'm referring to is when he assaults Bridges out of anger after finding out that Glass survived, which I do think he kind of overdoes.)

Poulter: 4 (Easily the heart of this film. Coulter does a wonderful job of showing a man who mostly acts out of fear, but whose good nature always manages to shine through. Even though he mostly follows Fitzgerald's orders and doesn't always make the right choices, it's impossible not to feel for him because it's clear that his mistakes come from fear and perhaps mental simplicity rather than any kind of malice.)

Also I had a thought...

The Revenant (1970's, directed by Werner Herzog)

Glass: Max von Sydow
Fitzgerald: Klaus Kinski
Bridger: Eddie Axberg
Captain Henry: Rutger Hauer

Michael McCarthy said...

Also I think people are being really optimistic with the number of 5s there's gonna be in the lead actor category. I only have 6, and I've seen all of the potentials other than Rohrig (who if really like to know if anyone on this blog has seen). I think there are several performances Louis might give a 5 to that I didn't (probably McKellen, possibly Courtenay, Attah and Mendelsohn) but I also think Louis might not give 5s to some of the performances that are in my lineup (Depp, Russell). Overall, I think there'll be about 7 or 8.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Praying for Bateman being a 5.

Anonymous said...

Michael: Kinski as Fitzgerald is just perfect casting.

Luke Higham said...

Michael McCarthy: I don't think Depp will either and love your 70s castings for Glass and Fitzgerald.

I'm hoping for 9 fives in Lead instead of 11.

My biggest hopes are that Supporting has its best year ever period, which is a sure thing at this stage and Fassbender, Hardy & Cotillard go up to 4 fives separately.

GM said...

Louis: I know it's been a long time, but I have a request to do: Per Oscarsson in Hunger (66 lead).

Anonymous said...

I like Leo but he is seriously being overpraised in The Revenant. All I kept thinking was how much better someone like Viggo Mortensen would have been in the role of Hugh Glass, That often the case with Leo, he gives good sold performances that get elevated to greatness.

Michael McCarthy said...

I actually kind of agree with that. I don't think Leo should be higher than a 4 for Catch Me If You Can or (especially) The Aviator.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Mortensen would've been perfect. :)

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: Your top ten film scenes of 2015.

Calvin Law said...

1. 'You're a Creed': Creed
2. The lunch scene: Carol
3. The love scene: Carol
4. The dinner scene: Sicario
5. Meeting on the bench: Mr Holmes
6. Watney messages his crew members: The Martian
7. Poe and Finn's escape: The Force Awakens
8. 'Witness me': Mad Max
9. First meeting Tony: Brooklyn
10. The ending: Carol

There were many scenes that stood out for me as being excellent in Ex Machina, and The End of the Tour too, but I think it was more of an overarching link between the scenes that stuck with me for those.

Calvin Law said...

Actually push the ending of Carol up to #6.

Robert MacFarlane said...


Top of my head, unranked:

"Witness me" from Mad Max: Fury Road
"Fuck Tha Police" from Straight Otta Compton
Recording Pet Sounds in Love and Mercy
The lightsaber duel in The Force Awakens
The opera house sequence in Rogue Nation
The climb up the stairs at the end of Creed
Terese and Carol meet for the first time in Carol
The opening scene of It Follows
The dance in Ex Machina
Brian D'Arcy James realizing the priests live down the street in Spotlight

ReplyDelete

Luke Higham said...

The Revenant
Opening Attack
Bear Attack
God Is A Squirrel

The Martian
Watney performing surgery on his Abdomen

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Finn/Rey Vs. Kylo Ren
??? Death

Mad Max: Fury Road
'Witness Me'

Carol
Those that Calvin mentioned.

The Hateful Eight
Jackson/Dern Scene

Sicario
Dinner Scene

Beasts Of No Nation
Agu's Final Scene

Luke Higham said...

And the Standing Man Monologue from Bridge Of Spies.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

In regards to Peck in MacArthur, As I've said before its been a very long time since I've seen the film, but I recall him being good.

Luke:

Here's a nice list of extreme variety.

1. The Sandstorm
2. Final Drive to the Citadel
3. "Witness Me"
4. Canyon Attack
5. Max's Escape Attempt
6. The Ending
7. Max Meets Furiosa
8. "A Baby Brother Who was Perfect in Everyway"
9. Furiousa Learns of the Green Place
10. The Bullet Farmer's Last Stand

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Are you seeing Anomalisa tonight.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Don't know about my top 10 favorite scenes of the year, but if I had to include two, they would be the bear attack scene and the God is a Squirrel monologue from The Revenant.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

I've seen it.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on it and ratings & thoughts on Thewlis, Leigh and Noonan.

Is there anything else you've seen in the past couple of days.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

I'm afraid I was not enthralled with it and with a film like this you have to be. I honestly feel it would have worked better as a short, because as it is I felt it just dragged given how little there actually was in terms of plot and even dialogue. All that was left was merely the visual action which again I was not enthralled by. It left me only able to do decipher its intent which I felt was pretty simple this case. That being he either the literal idea that suffers from the faceless problem actually, or more likely it is the representation of his crisis as seeing everything in life the same. Anomalisa being the anomaly, of course she's just an imagination in his head since she was the sex doll the entire time.

Thewlis - 2.5(Felt his voice was a bit dry here. It failed to bring me into his character than that in an emotional fashion and I never felt he seemed intertwined with the visual onscreen which is very problematic for a vocal performance. Very much heard Thewlis himself, which was a problem)

Leigh - 4(Her vocal work on the other hand properly became one with her character. She personified an alluring vulnerability incredibly well, and manages to make it striking in the way it needed to be against the vocal performance of the man below.)

Noonan - 4(I could potentially go higher for him as I thought what he did was just perfect for the role of everyone else. Noonan managed to everyone yet with an odd individuality about each, even though he does not change voices.)

Also saw the Lobster.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on The Lobster and ratings & thoughts on the cast.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

The Lobster is a film where I really enjoyed the first half's off beat humor and style in the hotel. Once he meets the loners though I felt it just started to turn its wheel since suddenly he had to deal with a whole new set of bizarre rules, and I finally just found it became a tiresome story by the end.

Farrell - 4(Farrell's performance worked quite well as I found he managed to give an emotionally honest performance while still meeting the film's very specific demands in tone. He played on the surface David in a fitting somewhat off beat way as he dealt with all the weird rules he had to follow, yet he always conveyed internally David's actual heartbreak and yearning)

Weisz - 3(I might have liked her more, but she came in just came in at the wrong part of the film for me. I suppose she was doing a similair thing to Farrell, but left me colder, though once again she was in the wrong part of the film)

Colman - 3(Played her role with a nice odd courteous with a certain strangely placed intensity)

Jensen - 3(She was actually fairly moving in just finding that one note of such an extreme, and unfortunately off putting desperation)

Papoulia - 3(Also a nice bit of one note work in her case that of such ridiculous cold detachment)

Reilly - 3.5(I liked his performance because he actually played it as though he was a guy from the real world who stumbled into the film's world, as he was hilariously out of his element the entire time)

Seydoux - 2.5(She basically did the exact same thing as Colman, but I preferred Colman's take)

Whishaw - 3.5(Finally given something do to. Whishaw was rather entertaining in depicting such a kinda low key smarmy quality within a false charm, as a guy willing to do what it takes to get his partner.)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Can you give me a list of films that you intend to see by the time you finish the alternate reviews.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: *2015

Louis Morgan said...

I don't have an exact list. I intend to see Son of Saul, Macbeth, The Program if I am able. I'll certainly take recommendations.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: In that case, The Diary Of A Teenage Girl, Cinderella, Spy, Straight Outta Compton and Child 44 (Just for Hardy).

I'd recommend doing Alternate Supporting before Lead, just so you'll be able to get around to Rohrig, Fassbender and Foster.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Have you decided on a rating for Maguire in Pawn Sacrifice.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Other films to watch include Maggie (Apparently contains Schwarzenegger's best performance), It Follows and Trainwreck.

Robert MacFarlane said...

It Follows is pretty cool. Especially the cinematography and score, both of which would be my wins for the year.

Anonymous said...

Saw The Program and Pawn Sacrifice. The former was just bad while Pawn Sacrifice was much better, but not exceptional.

Ratings for The Program:
Foster: 4,5
O'Dowd: 2,5
Pace: 2
Piemons: 3
Menochet: 1,5 (RatedRStar was right, he was just awful.)
Hoffman: 2
Ratings for Pawn Sacrifice
Maguire: 4,5
Schreiber: 3,5
Sarsgaard: 3,5
Stuhlbarg: 2,5

Anonymous said...

Luke: What are your predictions for the Golden Globes?

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous:
Film:
Motion Picture Drama: Spotlight
Motion Picture M or C: The Big Short
Actor Drama: DiCaprio
Actress Drama: Larson
Actor M or C: Damon
Actress M or C: Lawrence
Supporting Actor: Rylance/Stallone
Supporting Actress: Leigh
Director: Miller
Screenplay: Tarantino
Original Score: Morricone
Original Song: One Kind Of Love from Love & Mercy
Animated Feature: Inside Out
Foreign Language: Son Of Saul

And 2 Wins for Wolf Hall.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Your thoughts on Foster in The Program.

Anonymous said...

Luke: The Program is a very poorly made film in terms of writing and directing, but Foster's performance makes up for that. He makes Armstrong more of a character than how he was originally written. He gives Armstrong a sense of guilt and desperation on what he's doing, but also shows arrogance and creepiness. He is particularly great in the mirror scene before the conference. Foster deserved a much better film with a better director and a better script.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: For the Alternates, which do you want to come first, Lead or Supporting.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Alternate Lead.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I just hope Louis sees Macbeth by then.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Have you already seen Macbeth?

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: No, but I really want Fassbender to get reviewed and Macbeth's bound to be my cup of tea.

Anonymous said...

Luke: This is maybe the last time I'll ever talk about metalman091 here on this blog. I don't see him ever getting anywhere near this blog. His chances of ever being here are zero. If he did, he would be complaining over Louis' opinions on Peck, Cooper and Tracy.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: No chance in Hell. :)

Actually, he most definitely will review Fassbender on word of mouth alone, so I am not gonna worry about it. I predict that he'll be reviewed 9th out of the running order and Louis will move on to Supporting and come back to Rohrig afterwards.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Metalman can say whatever the hell he wants about Guinness being cold and unemotional, but I bet that many people who worked with these two actors had more positive things to say about Guinness than Harrison.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I would like to see Vikander getting an Oscar nomination for Supporting for Ex-Machina. Like Moore, who had a double nomination in 2003 with The Hours and Far From Heaven.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: From my personal opinion, I really hope she does for Ex Machina, though if anyone deserves to be double nominated, it's Hardy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: It would be nice to see Hardy getting double nominated, but he's gotten much more hype for The Revenant than for Legend, who received some mixed reviews. So his chances of ever getting double nominated are low.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: It's such a shame. You know when I didn't mind Hardy not being nominated for The Revenant, well I've completely changed my tune and want his review ASAP.

Anonymous said...

Luke: It's quite sad that Keaton won't likely get a second Oscar nomination. But, oh well, as long as he chooses good projects, I'll be happy.

Anonymous said...

Luke: So you want to see Louis review Alternate Supporting just for Hardy's performance in The Revenant?

Anonymous said...

*review Alternate Supporting first

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

Anonymous: I wanted Alternate Supporting first, in case Louis doesn't get to see Fassbender and Rohrig in time, but I'm not worried now.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I'm really, really looking forward to Alternate Supporting in general. :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: Me as well.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Fun fact: Which actor is mostly praised for his work in stage, but only got one Tony nomination?

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Olivier :)

Anonymous said...

Luke: It's kinda surprising that he only got one Tony nomination during his lifetime, you'd expect some 8 nominations or something like that. He'd be proud of Rylance.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: When are you gonna post Werner's review.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your Female Lead/Supporting Top 5s with Ratings and other 4+ performances for 1962.

Luke Higham said...

Everyone: Which reviews in particular are you looking forward to for 2015, Official and Alternate.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I'm looking forward to the alternate reviews the most.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Anything particular. e.g. DiCaprio in The Revenant

Anonymous said...

Luke: The ones who are likely to get fives.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Luke: Bateman and Courtenay for lead. Cohen, Driver, Hoult, and Sheen in Supporting.

Luke Higham said...

Apart from the likely fives, Mendelsohn, Bateman and DiCaprio in Lead and Driver, Tucci, Isaac, Schoenaerts and Sheen in Supporting.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Mendelsohn too. I also would like Reynolds to be upgraded, I thought he was just as great.

Michael McCarthy said...

Segel. I wanna know if Louis liked him for the same reasons I did. Although I'm also looking forward to his review of The Hateful Eight cast.

Louis Morgan said...

I should make one more note on the Revenant, in that like Bridge of Spies, my initial thoughts actually make it sound like I'm far more negative towards the film than I actually am.

Luke:

Werner and the results will be before Thursday morning I promise.

Actress:

Geraldine Page - Sweet Bird of Youth
Anne Bancroft - The Miracle Worker - 5
Patty Duke - The Miracle Worker - 5
Lee Remick - The Days of Wine and Roses - 5
Bette Davis - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane - 4.5

And:

Joan Crawford - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane - 4

Supporting Actress:

Angela Lansbury - The Manchurian Candidate
Shelley Winters - Lolita
Susannah York - Freud - 4
Sue Lyon - Lolita
Avis Bunnage - The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Anonymous said...

Louis: Marvin was the first choice to play Holden's role in The Wild Bunch, but he turned it down to make Paint Your Wagon. How do you think he would have fared into the role?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

He probably would have been great as well.

Anonymous said...

Louis: For two versions of Cop Land (40's and 60's), who would be your choices for cast and director?

Louis Morgan said...

Cop Land 40's directed by William Wyler:

Sheriff Heflin: Fredric March
Lt. Donlan: Warner Baxter
Officer Figgis: Ralph Bellamy
Lt. Tilden: Edward G. Robinson
Officer Rucker: Dan Duryea
Officer Babitch: Darren McGavin

60's directed by John Frankenheimer:

Sheriff Heflin: Kirk Douglas
Lt. Donlan: Jack Palance
Officer Figgis: William Windom
Lt. Tilden: Burt Lancaster
Officer Rucker: Earl Holliman
Officer Babitch: James Caan

Robert MacFarlane said...

Oh dear, it looks like I'll be on an island once again, destination "Revenant was hilarious". Oh well, it looks like I'm just a curmudgeon this Oscar season.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Just one final question. In the 1930's version of Cop Land, who would be the cast and director for you?

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Do you plan on seeing The Hollow Crown. (Henry VI Parts I, II & III and Richard III)

Calvin Law said...

Luke: Definitely, although the cast overall doesn't have me as stoked as the previous ones did.

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