Sunday 20 March 2016

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 1939: Lee J. Cobb in Golden Boy

Lee J. Cobb did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Mr. Bonaparte in Golden Boy.

Golden Boy is a film with really that Barton Fink feeling about a young talented violinist Joe Bonaparte (William Holden) who instead tries to become a prize fighter.

Lee J. Cobb plays the father to William Holden's character, an Italian immigrant who obviously is suppose to be a middle aged man despite Cobb only being around 28 at the time the film was made. Cobb is helped by having sort of that Gene Hackman quality where he seemed to be the same age for an extended period of time, however Cobb erasing even the thought of miscasting extends to his performance as well. Cobb carries himself well in the role as he effectively coveys the age of the character in his slow somewhat labored movements. Cobb's rather remarkable in this regard in that he simply makes the age seem part of Mr. Bonaparte and ensures that excessive attention is not brought to this whole aspect of the character. This is notable in that it is just part of Cobb's performance that is taken as a given, and he completely succeeds in being far older than he was. It's quite an achievement that if one was not aware of Cobb's actual age one would not even need to give the casting a second thought. The challenges against Cobb continue though as he plays Mr. Bonaparte who again is an Italian Immigrant, and the character's lines are in somewhat broken English.

Again though Cobb excels in the role as he does not go about playing into possibly becoming a stereotype, as the part could have devolved into. Cobb never overplays the accent, and instead portrays it as something that would come naturally from the character. There's nothing forced about his delivery and Cobb really makes it work. There's an important ease Cobb brings to the part, and again he makes himself a more than appropriate fit for the role. Now the challenges only continue for Cobb really as Mr. Bonaparte has some pivotal moments in the film, but he technically speaking is a largely reactionary role. This turns out to be more than enough for Cobb. This can be in the less dramatic sense when it is a more casual moments with his son and daughter, and Cobb's reactions add so much to these scenes adding this essential history in the interactions. When they play the music in any scene the joy Cobb expresses is simply wonderful, showing the unquestionable love the man has for his family. The sense of family is largely created from Cobb who brings the right ease of familiarity bringing an innate warmth to these scenes, and makes him such a likable presence in the film.

Now Mr. Bonaparte is mostly there to act as the moral conscience to his son, the film even bothers to directly verbalize this at one point. Cobb's performance absolutely works in providing this in a particularly honest way. His interactions with William Holden always carry a genuine tenderness, as Cobb so effectively exudes just how much Mr. Bonaparte cares for his son's moral well being. Cobb's particularly good though with just how internalized he keeps these moments though as his disappointment with his son, is keenly felt yet Cobb keeps in such a quiet way. Cobb though within this unassuming personality so well realizes how Mr. Bonaparte stands out while being modest. The way Joe crumples over his father's scrutiny, which is never direct, yet Cobb makes it so incisive by making Mr. Bonaparte's sadness over his son's mistakes so palatable. Cobb's earns the moral outrage, yet never enforces it, as he just presents it so eloquently through a good man, who can't outright stop his son, yet still cannot ignore his actions. Cobb's face speaks so much in this portrayal, and is so moving throughout the film. This is really exceptional work from Cobb since there were so many ways he could have been tripped up by the character's age, his background, or the possibility that he could have come across as either sanctimonious or just repetitive. That is never the case as Cobb matches every challenge presented to giving a earnest portrait of a father who only wants what is truly best for his son.

194 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed how he was 27/28 years old, yet he was so convincing as an older man.
Louis: What are your thoughts and ratings on Holden and Stanwyck? Also, just another question. In your opinion, who are the ten worst actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood?

Alex Marqués said...

Louis: which would be your top 20 best years for acting (including performances that weren't nominated by the academy)?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: What's your current top 20 actors list.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Would you describe Cobb as a chameleon due to playing older men than his actual age?

Anonymous said...

Has anyone seen the trailer of Genius? It doesn't look very good to me... Firth seems to be decent but as usual a bit too calculated, Law looks hammy as HELL, Linney looks painfully boring. Kidman seems to be actually fine but it seems like the movie will be quite bad.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: RT Score = 30, FUCK THAT.

Anonymous said...

Have no desire to watch Genius.

Anonymous said...

Oh well, plenty of other films that will be great.

Alex Marqués said...

Has anyone seen Midnight Special?

Anonymous said...

Alex: Nope. Is it any good?

RatedRStar said...

No not yet, curious though.

I am interested to hear that some sources have put Jim Carrey as a contender for True Crimes, obviously wouldnt want to get hopes up but to see Jim Carrey finally get a Oscar nomination would be amazing.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: True Crimes sounds interesting.

Anonymous said...

Would like to see Carrey getting his first Oscar nomination. He was totally snubbed for The Truman Show (He's a 4,5 for me), Man on the Moon and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Alex Marqués said...

I hope it turns out to be good, I hope Carrey is back on his game after many years (Haven't seen I Love You Phillip Morris though).

Anonymous said...

Alex: Haven't seen that film either. Perhaps Louis will review Carrey's performance in the bonus rounds.

Anonymous said...

Has anybody here seen The Virgin Suicides? thoughts on it if anyones seen it?

Calvin Law said...

I think it's a pretty good film. Far from flawless but with some solid performances and definitely the best I've seen from Coppola.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous: Nope, haven't seen The Virgin Suicides.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Have you seen Marie Antoinette by Coppola.

RatedRStar said...

I've seen it too, I liked it mostly, especially the strange atmosphere, I think my problems is that the performances for me aside from Woods, Turner and Dunst are merely adequate and the stylishness is a bit overdone, not to mention the other girls arent really focused on as much as Dunst, the suicide scene (the final one) itself is very effective as it is so low key and casually done like how a real suicide would look if it happened.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Is Suicide Room similar?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: The Virgin Suicides is closer to Picnic at Hanging Rock except Picnic is more mysterious and otherworldly. Suicide Room is less stylish (minus the game scenes) but goes for a more straight forward telling.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I've noticed that you've put Matthau instead of Peck in Mirage. Is Peck any good in the film?

Calvin Law said...

Luke: I have. I don't mind it actually, fairly interesting watch.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I like it quite a bit, though I doubt Louis will feel the same way.

Your ratings for the cast.

Anonymous said...

Luke: You said that Louis will start the bonus rounds with either 2012, 2011 or 1973, right? If so, I would like if he started with 1973.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I don't mind, so long that it's one of those years or 1971 & 2005.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I would like to see the 1973 bonus rounds first because of Woodward, Sutherland and Mitchum. I haven't seen The Devils yet, by the way,

Calvin Law said...

Luke:

Dunst-4
Schwartzman-4
Byrne-3.5
Everyone else: 2.5 to 3

Anonymous said...

*by the way.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Holden - 4(I'll admit young Holden seems so odd to me for some reason, but anyway this is a good performance from him, though I would not say as good as Kirk Douglas in Champion which I think it shares several similarities with. However Holden does well in creating this likable earnestness to the kid making his mistakes understandable, and even when he becomes less likable Holden effectively finds the certain youthful recklessness that fuels this. It's a good solid leading turn, and he's particularly moving at the end. I do think Cobb steals the show the show)

Stanwyck - 4(She gives strong work as per usual for her as she manages to get past the certain restrictions around the part, though she handles those elements well, but what I really liked is the way she always conveys a certain underlying cunning to her character that makes her seem less passive than she might have been)

In terms of the 10 worst I'd really have to see more since the only ones that stand out obviously to me are David Manners (who was always pretty boring), Tyrone Power (then again even he had Witness for the Prosecution), and then say someone like Richard Dix, but then again I've seen very little of him. I suppose others that I really don't care from what I've seen Wallace Beery, Chester Morris, Charles Farrell, John Loder, but then again I still have not seen that much of their work.

Alex:

Give me some time and I'll work out a list.

Luke:

Alec Guinness
Brendan Gleeson
Tatsuya Nakadai
Claude Rains
John Hurt
Daniel Day-Lewis
Gary Oldman
Gene Hackman
James Mason
James Stewart
Tom Courtenay
Raul Julia
Laurence Olivier
Charles Laughton
Tom Hardy
Richard Attenborough
Robert Duvall
Robert Shaw
Toshiro Mifune
James Cagney

Anonymous:

Yes sort of, though think I'd more quickly just call him a really good actor.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Who would you have chosen for Julius Caesar instead of Harrison in Cleopatra (1963)? I'd say that Olivier would have been a great choice and he probably would have been the best thing of the film.

Louis Morgan said...

Either Olivier or James Mason.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Do you think that Glenn Ford was perfectly cast in Gilda and that he needed to try a little harder? Or who would you have chosen instead of him?

Michael Patison said...

Louis: Rating and thoughts on Beery in Grand Hotel. I'd probably give him a 3 verging on a 3.5. I thought he was good and properly authoritative and self-confident, but didn't much of an impact otherwise (I'm not sure anyone could have done more in that role, though).

I'd also be interested in reading a review of Broadcast News on your Film Thoughts blog sometime soon.

Alex Marqués said...

Louis: Okay, don't worry too much with that if you're busy.

How would you rank your favourite performances by Duvall?

Anonymous said...

Louis: I honestly thought that Edward G. Robinson would be on your list instead of Cagney.

Luke Higham said...

Michael Patison: I've sent you an Email.

Michael Patison said...

I saw it. Thanks so much.

Luke Higham said...

Michael Patison: I promise to give you the full version within the next 3-4 days.

Anonymous said...

Hope Richardson's review comes out today.

Luke Higham said...

Please let it be today.

Calvin Law said...

Hope he gets at least a 4.5 :)

Anonymous said...

Perhaps we will see more Richardson in the bonus rounds with The Sound Barrier (1952) and Long Day's Journey Into Night.

Calvin Law said...

Oh yes please. And more Trevor Howard perhaps :) (Outcast of the Islands, The Heart of the Matter, Charge of the Light Brigade)

Anonymous said...

I hope that Trevor Howard finally gets a 5.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: What other actors do you want to see get a 5/another 5, for me it'd be Donald Sutherland (Don't Look Now), Anthony Quayle, Michael Redgrave, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Mysterious Skin or 50/50).

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I'd like to see those actors get a 5 as well, but I would also like to finally see Boris Karloff getting a 5, and there are two performances of his that Louis might just love.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: Also, any performances by actors Louis usually doesn't think that highly of/think are okay but far from his favourites, you'd like to see in the bonus rounds.

Denzel Washington: Man on Fire
Matt Damon: The Bourne films and The Adjustment Bureau
Richard E. Grant: Withnail and I

Calvin Law said...

Oooh Karloff yes. And Louis did say he might bump one of his currently reviewed performances up too.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Mads Mikkelsen, Edward Woodward (2), Oliver Reed, Russell Crowe (2), Sean Connery (5) and Tatsuya Nakadai (7).

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I don't know how to answer that last question for you, but I'd like to see what Louis would think of Peck in The Bravados (Peck's The Searchers).

Calvin Law said...

Also hoping Charles Bronson gets bumped up to a 5 for Once Upon a Time in the West. He's my win for 1968 and I actually think he dominates every scene from Fonda and Robards (my #1 and #2 in supporting).

Calvin Law said...

Yes I'd like to see Peck get a performance graded over 4 too besides TKAM.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I guess I also want Mitchum to get a 5 for Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison and he probably can get a 5 for The Friends of Eddie Coyle. Mitchum is amazing at doing a Boston accent.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Aside from Mitchum get two more fives for those films, I also want Lancaster to get a 5 for The Leopard. Another performance I'd like to see a 5 is Robinson's performance as Paul Ehrlich.

Calvin Law said...

Is Lancaster dubbed in The Leopard?

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Yes.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: The two Karloff performances I was talking about are The Body Snatcher and The Black Room. I find The Body Snatcher to be the best Karloff/Lugosi film. Karloff is simply enjoying himself in that film and he liked the role because it allowed him to do some real acting without the use of makeup. The Black Room is a film where Karloff plays two twins: the good twin and the evil twin. And he also plays a third character: The evil twin poses as the good twin. Jeremy Irons would so be the perfect choice to play Karloff in a biopic.

Giuseppe Fadda said...

Hi everyone, I've been commenting on this blog for a couple of years but as anonymous. Just wanted to say this is a really great blog and a very enjoyable read.
Louis I wanted to ask you, what are your ratings and thoughts on Mary Astor in Act of Violence and Dodsworth?

RatedRStar said...

I think most of these performance could get in bonus, um I am hoping that Damon doesn't necessarily get in for all of the Bourne movies because I think that would be a stretch too far.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Your 2007 Lead lineup. I'd be surprised if Sam Riley isn't on the list for Control.

RatedRStar said...

Luke: He was on, I am a rock fan so give me some credit lol hehe =D
Riley, Tony Leung, Amalric, Gosling and Markovics... for now.

Louis: I kinda want you to almost put all of the years into a hat and randomly pick one out because it would a neat surprise to see a year that nobody was expecting appear first.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: :)

Anonymous said...

Giuseppe: Hi, welcome to this blog. Mary Astor's performances in Dodsworth and Act of Violence are 4's.

RatedRStar said...

Oh and Hi Giuseppe =D.

Luke Higham said...

Giuseppe: Welcome. :)

Alex Marqués said...

Giuseppe: Welcome, and yes this is a pretty cool blog

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Looking at your 1963-1969 lead spreadsheet, I have to ask you one question: Is Newman good in Hombre?

Giuseppe Fadda said...

Anonymous: Thanks!
Everyone: Thank you all very much, you are very kind!
I know it's kind of lame for me to ask you, but I'd really appreciate if you checked out my blog: I'll review Oscar-nominated performances in every acting category and since I like reading your opinions on this blog I'd love to hear your opinions on the performances I'll review. The first category I'm reviewing is Best Supporting Actress 2015. Feel free to comment whenever you like! Here's the link: http://reviewingperformances.blogspot.it/
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I've been watching some clips of Nightmare Alley (1947) and wow, Power isn't his usual dull self.

RatedRStar said...

I am very curious about Tyrone Power in Nightmare Alley, keep seeing his name appearing Oscar snubs from 47, so I had to put him in my spreadsheet.

RatedRStar said...

And yes Newman is good =D.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Haven't seen the whole film yet, but they say one of the highlights of the film is Joan Blondell.

RatedRStar said...

I do not have a Google Account unfortunately Giuseppe so I dont think I can add anything to the blog but others will so you ll be ok im sure.


John Garfield in Force of Evil is another supposed hidden great performance from a usual just underwhelming actor that gets mentioned a lot too, I cant believe that when Louis reviewed him 1938 I originally had him 2nd in the rankings for his awful performance 'Back when I was your age I did a lot of foolish things, then again I still do a lot of foolish things"

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Another hidden performance from Garfield is his last one, The Breaking Point. People say it's his best.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Are there more performances that you won't omit from your spreadsheets?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Yes lots lol.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I have noticed that you have Mitchum in Track of the Cat for 1954 lead. Many people say that's Wellman's worst film. Have you seen it?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: That lineup has completely changed, Mitchum is no longer on it and no I hadn't seen it.

Anyway off to bed now.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Going to bed so soon? Can you give me updated spreadsheets perhaps tomorrow?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Yes I am tired, and I cant give the full list now because we are so close and keep in mind the lists wont likely be final ones till the year happens, but I can give specific years themselves, im going off now.

Anonymous said...

I'm betting on Richardson getting a 4,5. He's so underrated as an actor.

Anonymous said...

Louis: In your opinion, which actor/actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood seems to divide most people?

Michael McCarthy said...

I thought Richardson was very strong, but I could also definitely see Louis putting him in lead.

Calvin Law said...

I wouldn't mind that. Can definitely see an argument being made in that regard, and he probably wouldn't fare too badly in the rankings if he got a strong 4.5 (which is what I assume you'd give him).

Calvin Law said...

Michael: What did you think of the film overall.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Yes, he's a 4,5 for me.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Ford rarely seems completely comfortable in roles, and that includes that one. I think Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Dana Andrews, Edmond O'Brien or maybe Richard Widmark could have been better.

Michael:

I'd probably give him a three as I did like him well enough there as I felt he brought the right sort of pompousness to the role.

Alex:

1. Apocalypse Now
2. Get Low
3. Tender Mercies
4. The Apostle
5. The Road
6. Falling Down
7. The Great Santini
8. Network
9. A Civil Action
10. To Kill A Mockingbird

Anonymous:

Hmm looking over it I thought I included him. I would include him at I suppose the expense of Brendan Gleeson though it pains me to do so, and that's really the trouble with such a list since not every actor is given the same chances. I believe if say Harry Dean Stanton had been given more substantial roles throughout his career he'd easily be in my top ten of all time.

Anonymous:

There's a version of the Leopard with Lancaster's actual voice, I'd review that version for his performance.

Anonymous said...

Louis: What about Mitchum in Ford's role in Gilda?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

He would have worked as well.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Has it been a long time since you seen The Barefoot Contessa? What are your thoughts and rating on Bogart in that film? You don't have him in the rankings.

Louis Morgan said...

Giuseppe:

Welcome and for those thoughts.

Dodsworth - (She nicely underplays her role her acting as a nice contrast to Ruth Chatterton's almost overwrought performance. In that she brings the right modesty to her character's certain allure for Dodsworth, in that the idea of him pursuing her not only seems reasonable it seems simply right be the end.)

Act of Violence - (Very good work as she really carries herself with the right haggardness showing just how past her prime she is. She conveys the right sort of conflict within this though as she brings some warmth in her interactions with Heflin, but always with the right desperation always suggesting her position in life)

Anonymous:

Wallace Beery maybe for the most divisive.

Anonymous said...

Louis: I thought you'd say John Wayne was the most divisive actor of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Anonymous said...

*is

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

It has been awhile though I recall Bogart being fine in doing his extremely haggard style of performance.

Anonymous:

Maybe so. The thing is I never really hear negative things about specific performances by him, well besides his Oscar win, but rather just the hand wave that all of his performances were unimpressive. An example of that was recently in Trumbo the response to "I didn't know he could be so good" should have been, "have you seen the Searchers?".

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on George Arliss as an actor from seeing his two nominated performances? I think he hasn't aged well as an actor. The biggest compliment I could give him is that he discovered James Cagney and Bette Davis.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: When's the next review gonna be posted.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Very stuffy and does not really play to the camera so to speak, though that's just from those two performances.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Not tonight maybe tomorrow.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Which storyline are you looking forward to the most in GOT: Season 6.

Anonymous said...

Louis: If Inglourious Basterds was made in the 50's, who would be your choice for Aldo Raine? I think that Lancaster or Mitchum would have been fine choices.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

The Wall as the one thing that really got me excited in that trailer was the last scene with Ser Davos, though the continuation of the High Sparrow would be second.

Anonymous:

I'd say Lancaster as I think he could have brought the demented glee needed for the part.

Anonymous said...

Louis: If you were to make a list of worst character actors, would Dean Jagger be on the top 5?

Anonymous said...

Just watched Pursued (1947) with Mitchum. Sadly one of his weakest performances. I guess he was tired after doing Out of the Past and Crossfire. He also appeared in a lot of mediocre movies.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Exactly why did you discontinue your ranking of all the Oscar-nominated performances? I would have loved to see how some performances (like Tom Hardy in the Revenant, and also Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl) would have fared in that list.

Alex Marqués said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxNlG_C-6m8

Is that Sir Lancelot McButt guy from the comment section of that video a second Louis account or something? lol

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Alex: It is not a second Louis account, and I've caught him in the act in two previous videos (Cuba Gooding and Mark Rylance's Oscar wins). He's copy-pasted the rankings to various levels of success (although people actually defended Gooding Jr's performance, surprisingly.)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Ok, this is getting ridiculous now. I've seen the guy plagiarising Louis's rankings and opinions in these following videos in addition to the other two:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERVX_Bg_ZoQ (Timothy Hutton's Oscar win)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhDmNRQgKLM (Dustin Hoffman's first Oscar win)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0vE7pR5gg8 (Al Pacino's Oscar Win)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH5c-WeE07c (Robert DeNiro's win for Raging Bull)

I expect to find even more. And of course, I'm linking Louis's original blog posts so that people don't think that guy is the one giving those opinions.

Luke Higham said...

Does anyone plan on watching Batman Vs. Superman on the weekend.

Calvin Law said...

Nah. I saw High-Rise though which I didn't really take to. Hiddleston and Luke Evans are really good though.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: As a Wheatley fan, I'm really looking forward to High-Rise. Your ratings for Hiddleston and Evans.

Calvin Law said...

Luke:

I'd give Hiddleston a 4.5 and Evans a 4. Everyone else was in the range of 2.5 to 3. I like Wheatley too and I think this was a well-done film, it just felt like something was missing. A re-watch might be in due order. It never reaches anything near the heights of something like Kill List, though.

Do you reckon Jean-Louis Trintignant and Klaus Kinski are in contention for 1968 Lead for 'The Great Silence'?

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Yes, My only suggestions for '68 Lead are McDowell and Price, but I'd like to see more reviews for Trintignant and especially Kinski.

Anonymous said...

I wonder what Louis will think of Cagney's performance as Chaney in Man of a Thousand Faces. The film has numerous innacuracies and Cagney is too old (58 at the time) to play Chaney.

Calvin Law said...

I've seen that. I thought he was pretty good, would give him a 4.5.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I think I'd give him a strong 4. I found him even better in Shake Hands With The Devil and The Gallant Hours.

RatedRStar said...

Tahmeed Chowdhury : OMG I noticed that too on one of these Oscar winner videos, wow what a horrible dick, I noticed it said 1 month ago, so I wonder if he is still on this blog.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: And he was also great in Ceiling Zero, The Bride Came C.O.D, 13 Rue Madeleine.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

RatedRStar: People like him absolutely disgust me. There is no excuse for plagiarism.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Cagney has a great energy though, even as he got older, he could still tap dance perfectly =D.

Calvin Law: Kinski could get in, 1968 is looking pretty stacked as neither of them were in my lineup, but Kinski might sneak in my lineup but I am really struggling who I would take out now, I can not take out Tony Curtis for The Boston Strangler. same with Price, McDowell or Howard, Curtis looks like a really brutal performance. I really dont trust Jean Louis enough to say that he would be more worthy than any of the others.

RatedRStar said...

Burt Lancaster for The Swimmer is also in my lineup, wow I dont know who I could take out from those 5 I have.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I think your 1968 lineup is perfect. I don't think there's no need to take out any of those 5. Lancaster was pretty buff for 55.

RatedRStar said...

Calvin, Luke and Anonymous: Could have 6 nominees maybe? with 5 for predictions.

Calvin Law said...

RatedRStar: Nah your 5 look great, just another film Louis should check out though because it's quite fantastic. Lancaster is interesting because many have said it's his best performance, as for Curtis, it's a pretty good performance in a problematic film so definitely go for that interesting to examine.

Calvin Law said...

Who's everyone's win for 1968 Best Actor, mine's Charles Bronson for Once Upon a Time in the West.

RatedRStar: If you're referring to Trevor Howard in Charge of the Light Brigade he's very much supporting as is everyone else besides maybe David Hemnnings. Definitely worthy of a supporting slot though.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: My Top 6 for 1968 Lead are Fonda, O'Toole, Bronson, Albertson, McDowell and Price.

RatedRStar said...

Calvin: In which case, Kinskis going in lol, Howard will definitely be put in supporting then, 1968 supporting is very strong also as it is one of the only years where not a single nominee has changed, I wonder who I would change????

I would say Henry Fonda from the same film =D, I do have a big soft spot for the Emo haired Alan Bates in The Fixer as well who actually lost his 5th place position to Bronson on this blog but I still liked Bronson a lot.

Calvin Law said...

Ah gosh sorry RatedRStar. To be honest I can see why the BAFTAs nominated Howard in Best Actor because he has a lot of screentime but not that much focus.

Oh Bates is great in The Fixer, though his best performance was in Some Kind of Loving. Who are your 1968 supporting noms?

Calvin Law said...

Luke: Mine are

1. Bronson
2. Kinski
3. O'Toole
4. McDowell
5. Bates

RatedRStar said...

Calvin Law: Haha dont be sorry lol =D I dont mind changing nominees especially if they are in the wrong category, yes the fact the Howard was top billed and that he got Bafta nominated had me convinced he was lead lol.

For the bonus rounds? at the moment
Ian Holm - The Bofors Gun
Robert Helpmann - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Ossie Davis - The Scalphunters
Oskar Werner - The Shoes Of The Fisherman
Tom Courtenay - A Dandy In Aspic

Calvin Law said...

Oh wait actually

1. Bronson
2. Arkin
3. O'Toole
4. Kinski
5. McDowell

I mean I'm not even 100% whether Kinski's lead either so don't change anything yet RatedRStar haha

Calvin Law said...

Davis (who definitely needs a review since he's already gotten 2 Louis Morganominations) Courtenay and Helpmann are inspired choices. Need to see the other two.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: What rating do you predict for Helpmann.

Anonymous said...

My top 5 are:
1. O'Toole
2. Bronson
3. Kinski
4. McDowell
5. Albertson
Lancaster is 6#.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Is good ol' Kirk good in Gunfight at the OK Corral?

RatedRStar said...

Calvin Law: He kinda looks Co Lead perhaps lol? I do have Bates in 62 bonus, in fact Alan Bates appears quite a few times on the sheet.

Luke: 3.5 I would say, it is a small role but he is memorable and creepy as fuck lol.

Oskar Werner will likely be the casulty because Oskar Werner will appear requeted twice on the bonus rounds anyway so lol he has been recognised every time he was possible to, because either me or Jack requested him at every change because we think he is awesome and he looks like Nick from Duran Duran =D.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Kirk Douglas playing Doc Holiday, whats not to like, he is typically intense and cool as always =D.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: What about his buddy Burt? Is he also good?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Yes he is good also, they have terrific chemistry I liked Douglas just a little more though.

RatedRStar said...

I am not usually a fan of double nominations unless they are both 5 star worthy or are a must like with Withnail and Rosencrantz, purely because it means Louis could miss a film completely whereas if 5 people from 5 different films are recognised it means Louis sees 5 films and doesnt miss as many performances.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Can you give me some of the updated spreadsheets? Not all of them.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Which?

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: 87-94

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Probably those covering the 30's, 40's and 50's.

RatedRStar said...

I will give just a few, I like to keep the rest hidden for now since the bonus rounds start soon.

1930 - 1937
http://snag.gy/9iTq1.jpg

1939 - 1946
http://snag.gy/uGlHZ.jpg

1987 - 1994
http://snag.gy/vg6g4.jpg

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: Thanks. Some lineups aren't still completed, are they?

RatedRStar said...

Correct, 1992 I need to spend a lot of time finding for Supporting.

Anonymous said...

Louis what are your ratings and thoughts on Agnes Moorehead in Johnny Belinda, Cara Williams in The Defiant Ones and Marlene Dietrich in Morocco?

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I know you won't reveal the late 40's, early and late 50's spreadsheets, but I just want to know something: Is the 1947 lead lineup completed?

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Yes it is, its not final of course but for now, yes its done.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I know that Cagney, Bogart and Power are there, but what about the other two? I bet Welles is there for The Lady From Shanghai.

RatedRStar said...

Anonymous: Well out of the 4 people that you mentioned, 3 people are in it.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: So, who are the other two after all?

RatedRStar said...

One is a cockney who I um mention quite often =D, and the other was in the foreign language film Oscar winner of 1948 but was released in 47 first.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I get it, it's Rains and Fresnay.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: So, are Douglas and Andrews in your updated 1950 lead lineup.

Michael Patison said...

Louis: Will you be doing 1927 as part of the bonus rounds (or not at all)? I really want to see what Lon Chaney would get from you for The Unknown.

RatedRStar: I remember mentioning Courtenay in A Dandy in Aspic would be interesting a while ago and then you watched him and really liked him. What're your rating and thoughts on him?

Luke Higham said...

Michael Patison: There's gonna be a Pre-1928 Bonus Round.

Anonymous said...

RatedRStar: I'll suggest Vincent Price in Dragonwyck to complete the lead lineup of 1946.

Anonymous said...

Finally watched Deadpool. Found it enjoyable despite its flaws.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Your rating for Reynolds.

Anonymous said...

Luke: A 4,5. Perfectly cast as Deadpool.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I have to admit I never thought much of Reynolds as an actor before watching Mississippi Grind and Deadpool. Probably because I watched his bland performance in Green Lantern.

Louis Morgan said...

Louis:

I might have covered them before I'll check.

Tahmeed:

I found that the long list became a bit unwieldy, though I found building by year upon year was not ideal in the first place. I could attempt another one from scratch though. Also I want to thank you and Alex for calling out that plagiarist, if they are by any chance reading this I would implore them to stop what they are doing.

Michael:

1927 will be part of the bonus reviews.

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on the cinematography of Sweet Smell of Success?

Michael Patison said...

Louis: So I guess Richardson's review will have to wait till tomorrow?

Giuseppe Fadda said...

Louis have you seen Tale of Tales or do you intend to? Because it's a very good, visually stunning movie featuring some strong performances (particularly Toby Jones and Bebe Cave).

Anonymous said...

Giuseppe: I don't think he has seen the film yet.

Anonymous said...

So Batman V Superman has a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes...

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I'm still seeing it, someone has to.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I'm glad that Jeremy Irons is taking good roles again and Alfred is a great character.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: By some accounts, he's the best of the cast, which I'm satisfied with and to some extent I'm looking forward to Gadot's brief appearance as Wonder Woman and Affleck's Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I hope he does get some strong lead roles again.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I'm seeing it later tonight. Though judging by Walter Chaw's Pulitzer-level review of it, it will be ROUGH.

Luke Higham said...

Robert: Can I have your thoughts on the film and cast later on today or tomorrow.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Assuming I survive, sure.

Anonymous said...

Luke: I hope as well. He's better suited to that than secondary roles.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Are we getting the very last alternate review today.

Calvin Law said...

I'm honoured to have my request as the last alternate review :)

Anonymous said...

Calvin: So have you seen Shake Hands With The Devil (1959), starring Cagney? Like I said yesterday he was great in that film.

Anonymous said...

R.I.P. Garry Shandling

Anonymous said...

I guess all we have to do now is be patient.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: I have though need to re-watch it. Cagney was very good from what I remember and also Michael Redgrave was good in a small role.

Saw Eddie the Eagle. Honestly? Just a run-of-the-mill feelgood sports biopic. But it's enjoyable, heartfelt, quite funny and bolstered by two very endearing performances.

Egerton: 4 (could go higher. Though I could see how some might hate the mannered appearance and way he plays Eddie I thought it worked incredibly well in making him a kooky, likable and hilarious figure while compelling you to root for him).

Jackman: 4 (after the disaster that was Chappie glad to see him utilising his charisma in an altogether more appealing way. Simple mentor role but he does it very well)

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Eddie the Eagle sounds interesting.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I expect Peck to get a strong 4 for his performance in The Bravados.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Just got out of Batman v. Superman.


I hate movies.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: Hopefully.

Robert: Not even entertainingly bad? (I've heard it's just upsettingly ill-informed)

Anonymous said...

Calvin: I guess I'm starting to warm up more to Peck. And he seemed like such a nice guy to meet.

Anonymous said...

*have met

Calvin Law said...

Oh so true, I think he gets a lot of undeserved hate for being 'stoic' in his style.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: Well there were some bland performances from him here and there, but he eventually got better and when he got a good role he ran with it. While Jimmy Stewart would have been great as Atticus, I don't think anyone could have done better than Peck in the role.

Robert MacFarlane said...

You asked what I thought of the cast. Here, in a nutshell:

Cavill - Barely given anything to do, seems bored most of it.

Affleck - Pretty good, but technically wasted in the most sociopathic and cruel version of any live action Batman.

Eisenberg - I was so wrong, he's unwatchable. Granted, Luthor is bafflingly written, but his approach isn't even fun. Part of me actually believes he was purposely bad so he could get fired.

Adams - How the fuck did Zack Snyder convince her to do that bath scene?

Hunter - Parking tickets don't pay themselves, I guess.

Irons - He seems to hate being in it just as much as I hated watching it. Smart approach.

Michael Shannon's dead corpse - The MVP.

Gadot - Actually not bad, hoping Wonder Woman gets a better film.

Fishburne - He seemed to belong to a much better film about journalism. I want to see that film.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

I don't believe I'd include Dean Jagger in a worst of all time list simply because I did like him well enough in X the Unknown and Bad Day At Black Rock.

Giuseppe:

I have not seen it but I've been meaning to get around to it.

Anonymous:

Its cinematography is excellent as he creates so much atmosphere within the light and shadows of the city. It creates this sense of liveliness yet there is a hollow quality all the same. It's terrific work and really just the lighting around Lancaster's lenses alone deserved some sort of award.