Sunday 11 December 2016

Alternate Best Actor 1951: Trevor Howard in Outcast of the Islands

Trevor Howard did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Peter Willems in Outcast of the Islands.

Outcast of the Islands is a very intriguing character study about a rogue who is given a second chance on trading post/island.

Trevor Howard is an actor I've liked in the past in his roles as either the suave gentlemen, or the fierce gruff type, this is perhaps the most challenging role I've seen him undertake. It is also the first of his leading turns where he's actually the sole and central lead. The film opens with his character Peter Willems acting as a manger for a merchant at a trading post near Singapore. Howard is pretty marvelous to begin with in portraying a man about town. He brings such confidence in Willems as he goes about his life of luxury. Howard gives us a man without really a care in the world as he about his day of smoking, drinking and playing games while casually ignoring his wife and most things around him. Howard is quite a lout though in that he does manage to bring a genuine charm within this behavior and is rather suave. It suggests how Willems earned his position to begin with, as he really is rather smooth to be sure. There seems to be more to this though when an old mentor of sorts arrives, a trading ship Captain, Tom Lingard (Ralph Richardson) who took a liking to Willems when he was younger.

During the arrival of Lingard, Willems announces himself and Howard brings such a genuine pride in Willems as he shows off his finery and states his rather cushy position. Unfortunately this is a short lived joy when Willems is instantly fired when he is accused of having stolen from the very merchant he had been working for. Howard technically seems to pull off the impossible  of sorts as he somehow prevents you from instantly condemning Willems, even though he really should be. Howard to be sure does not hold back in showing the immediate reaction in Willems that reveals the man's petty nature.  Howard brims with this intense bitterness of the man, as for a moment any sense of that charm is lost as he closes down into seemingly a hatred for everyone. Howard is particularly despicable when Willems essentially dismisses his wife as only a burden to him, the venom in Howard is oh so pure, hinting early on the real nature of the man. Something funny happens though after this point, and as everyone seems to ignore his requests for help, Howard kind of wins you over once again.

It is not for becoming a better man truly, as Howard makes Willems a real sad sack, though earnestly so that you do feel sorry for him, even though you shouldn't. For some reason it helps that Howard carefully brings back that glint of a roguish charm that is hard to ignore. Howard is remarkable because as he for some reason gains sympathy from the audience once again, he makes it wholly believable that he'd convince Richardson's Lingard to give him a second chance, because hey why not. There is something truly special in this in that Howard's charisma makes it seem like he has the potential for change, even though Howard has not shown a single sign of real repentance in his performance. It's pretty great as Willems gains Lingard's sympathy by faking a suicide, because after all look at that sorrowful face it looks like he's learned his lesson. Of course though it might seem like sorrow on the outer surface, Howard is honest to his character as if you look any deeper you can see the man is only sorry that he got caught. Nevertheless he is given his chance as Lingard brings him to the more remote trading post, filled with local natives, in order to reform himself by working with Lingard's son-in-law Elmer Almeyer (Robert Morley).

Howard is clever as he does show a change in Willems in this new situation, but hardly for the better. Howard more than anything expresses a general discontent in the man, a tension in his physical manner of a man who simply is somewhere he does not want to be. Howard is careful though in that he still somehow hides just how despicable he truly is, and he tricks you into thinking this might be a story about a man's redemption, it isn't. Willems begins to interact with the natives and Elmer along with his wife (Wendy Hiller), and Howard portrays all of this in a very casual way. That is he never suggests much growth in Willems, finding instead that the man treats the island as an inconvenience most of the time, and essentially interacts mostly to remove his boredom. Willems eventually finds something he believes is worth his interest in the local chief's daughter Aissa (Kerima). A romance does develop though Howard again doesn't give it much depth, and no that's not a criticism. Howard instead stays true to the man Willems is instead by conveying such a distinct lust in Willems throughout the affair, which luckily for Willems Aissa shares the same lust for him.

Howard is fascinating to watch as he conveys  a most unusual reaction once he become more acquainted with the island, which does not lead to good things. Above all Howard conveys a lack of understanding of it, rather always maintaining the sense that Willem's life is more defined with pleasure than anything else. Willems runs into trouble when the chief does not condone his relationship with his daughter, yet Howard shows it never phases Willems. He reunites with her again and again, and Howard still only shows the most surface of interaction even when he ends up critically injuring the chief after the chief attacks him with a knife. There is a frustration that Howard brings, but still never a true revelation. Howard is terrific in portraying the confusion that arrives from a man who never bothers to care to know what his actions truly amount to. After the attack Willems learns nothing, and even decides to stab Lingard in the back by joining up with a rival merchant after Almeyer refuses to give Willems any further help.

Willems though decides to misuse the new found position to get back at Almeyer. Howard is pretty amazing in the sequence where he essentially leads a native attack against Almeyer and his storehouse. Howard brings this pettiness about the whole affair, with a hint of madness, all just to get back at the man who had every right to ignore him. Howard shows a sloppiness as well though as he throws himself into the intensity of emotion as Willems once again goes about stealing what he wants without for a moment thinking of the ramifications. Afterwards we see Willems in a luxury of sorts and Howard brings that sense of a certain contentment as he reaps the awards of his misdeeds, yet he keeps that underlying lack of insight as he still interacts with the natives with almost a bizarre hesitation, the hesitation of a man who is unaware of his surroundings. This even includes the chief's daughter, and I love the awkwardness Howard brings whenever Willems is not lusting after her.

The death of the chief though leads Willems to be exiled to a remote location as well, though still with the chief's daughter, but Lingard returns to essentially name Willems his sins before leaving him to rot for his actions. Howard is outstanding in this final sequence as he portrays the madness of Willems broken by his actions, revealing the despicable lout he always had been. Howard not only earned that through the way he established the man but as well his curious descent while being adrift in this land.  Howard gives us a man with nothing left but his pathetic self, and it is extremely visceral depiction of madness. Howard releases all the fear and paranoia of the man who fears his only companion, the chief's daughter, believing she'll seek revenge for his father as he still fails to understand her. Then he's so perfectly raw as he first begs then threatens Lingard for help. Howard is incredible depicting the rogue's end as just a mess. This is a downright brilliant performance by Howard. He makes this unlikable character absolutely captivating even while never compromising his arc that is of a man revealing himself to only be worse given the chance. 

132 comments:

Calvin Law said...

YES. I'm so glad you loved Howard and the film; it really is masterful. Howard is still in my top 30 of all-time and I continually veer between him and Redgrave for my win, and I love that this fully detailed review does such justice to this utterly fascinating wreck of a man.

Thoughts and ratings on the rest of the cast?

Calvin Law said...

Also, can only wish there was more Howard/Richardson on-screen to see.

Anonymous said...

Finally, a 5 for Howard. Hope we see more of him in the bonus rounds.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Also after watching this performance I couldn't help but feel he was VERY influential on Richard Harris.

Richardson - 4(He's good in his other scenes in just projecting an affable yet intelligent man who's wiling to give a man a chance. He's then quite great in his cathartic final scene as he delivers that intense anger that is so incisive while staying properly controlled and gentlemanly.)

Morley - 3.5(Typical Morley but he's enjoyable as usual when playing a fop.)

Hiller - 4(Another testament to her great talent since she does not have an excessive amount of character to work with. In that I don't know if her character says anything meaningful. It is pretty much all in Hiller's performance as she so cleverly conveys her character's attraction to Howard's character. She manages to convey even a little conflict in her as she must side with her husband, and brings such genuine concern at his mistreatment by Willems.)

Kerima - 2.5(She is properly alluring, with a sense of danger about it, but not much more. I would say that was the point of her character though.)

Anonymous said...

He's great indeed. Great review Louis. Btw, I did ask you in the previous post about Kristy McNichol and Joan Hackett's ratings in Only When I Laugh but I think you missed my comment. Would you mind reposting them?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Trevor Howard finally gets his 5! Very happy to see it!

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on the Heart of Ice episode? It's probably the most perfect episode in the series.

Charles H said...

Seems like he'll win the year, My predictions are down the tubes!

Robert MacFarlane said...

Keith Stanfield crashing the stage at the Critics Choice just proved my assertion his casting as L in Death Note was inspired.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your rating and thoughts on Edward Norton in The People vs Larry Flynt.

Anonymous said...

Varun Neermul: Am I the only one here who thinks that Washington was great in "Training Day".

Calvin Law said...

I think he's quite great in it for the most part too. I mean, he goes too broad in some of his opening and his final scene, but largely I find him incredibly effective and chilling as a dirty, dirty cop, and he has some fantastic anti-chemistry with Ethan Hawke. Definitely think he deserved to win.

Calvin Law said...

Also I should note that I've re-watched The Departed (grown to appreciate more on re-watch, and DiCaprio is now my #3 of the year and could possibly overtake Bale), Braveheart (I think I appreciate the technical aspects of it all the more now and Sophie Marceau's performance).

As for new films, Loving was surprisingly heartfelt and I really took to it. I particularly liked the very understated notes it began and ended on. Edgerton and Negga were both very good.

Calvin Law said...

Simon Helberg...really?

Louis Morgan said...

Wow the Globes nominated Simon Helberg for Florence Foster Jenkins. One of their worst nominations ever perhaps.

Anonymous:

2.5 and 3.5 respectively.

Anonymous:

Perfection in terms of the form of essentially a 20 minute story. In that time it delivers such an emotional connection into this villain's story that is pretty astonishing in its accomplishment. I actually love the way that Batman really is the side character, as its Freeze's story. The animation is some of the strongest it ever had in the series, as its underplayed use of music and sound is very effective that helps to create the palatable atmosphere, where you can almost feel the cold. It's such beautiful and poignant story with an unforgettable ending.

Louis Morgan said...

Going for Aaron Taylor-Johnson instead of Shannon though means Nocturnal Animals, Hell or High Water, and maybe Silence might each have two actors in legitimate contention.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I think they'll ultimately go for Shannon at the Oscars. That said, ATJ is my preference.

Anonymous said...

Just realised that Tom Hanks never campaigns for awards anymore, that could put him out for good since Mortensen is campaigning. SAG will be the game changer.

Louis Morgan said...

Did not expect them to love Hacksaw Ridge that much, though they could have done us all a favor then and nominated Hugo Weaving over Helberg.

Mortensen needed that, and interestingly he got into the more difficult category.

Anonymous said...

I am very excited for SAG now =D.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: concerning Hacksaw Ridge, could you imagine Trevor Howard in Hugo Weaving's role? Still haven't seen the film but I feel he could've taken on that sort of character in the 60s or so, with maybe Tom Courtenay as Doss, provided they could both do the accents.

Anonymous said...

Overall thoughts Louis? and what do you reckon that SAG could do?

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I most certainly could see that.

Anonymous:

Motion Picture Drama:

A few important snubs. Sully entirely. If there was a precursor I think that would've gone for it the most I would have guessed the Globes. That's a definite hit especially since Hanks has apparently been campaigning this time.

I don't think this troubles Silence. They may have seen it, but no matter what the film was going to make its real splash later on.

Motion Picture Comedy or Musical:

Snubs matter more than inclusions with the category, and there were no major snubs to name, other than Rules Don't Apply definitely is not happening.

Actor Drama:

Again Mortensen needed it the most and he got it. Garfield best stick to Hacksaw with his campaign, if he does I think he'll get in.

No Keaton, that hurts him, though the film's very late release does leave the possibility for a last minute nomination, probably not though.

Actress Drama:

Nothing missing, good for Adams's chances.

Actress Comedy/Musical:

Beckinsale deserved it over Streep, though Streep's inclusion was of course always going to happen.

Actor Comedy/Musical:

Hey good for Jonah Hill, having recently seen War Dogs that was very much deserved. Again nothing meaningful to the race itself though. Gosling probably will win this, though I could see the other Ryan taking it.

Supporting Actor:

Once again ugh to Helberg.

Supporting Actress:

Very excepted lineup except for Spencer over Monae. It is interesting this year that groups are mixing up the choices from films like that which rarely happens.

Director:

Mad Max needed that as it puts him in the conversation for director, rather than just focusing on the film's picture chances. I don't think Ford will carry over anywhere else, nor should he.

I don't usually care about the television side of things but I will comment that Winona Ryder getting in over Millie Bobby Brown for Stranger Things is ridiculous.

For Sag, considering their behavior last year, expect the unexpected.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on War Dogs & ratings and thoughts on Hill, Teller and Cooper, as well as any other films you've seen lately.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Honestly I probably preferred the film over say the Lord of War which had similair subject matter, because this film could actually maintained a single story. The film is very much Todd Phillips trying to do Wolf of Wall Street with guns, though with a bit more direct morality. It works in that it offers enough entertainment well going through what is a naturally interesting story. Phillips though proves his inexperience in such material as the film plays a lot of copy cat with his stylistic choices particularly the songs used in the film which ended up being kind of unintentionally funny due to how cliched they were. The film moves along well enough though, it never amounts to anything more than a decent imitation, but hey it's a decent imitation.

Hill - 4(Bordering on a 4.5. I thought this was a very strong piece of work by Hill as he actually played with the film's tone in a way that was quite effective. In that he brings the kind of Hillisms you might expect which are enjoyable enough here, yet he actually dishonestly uses them to suggest the character's manipulations of Teller's. There is this sinister undercurrent that Hill quietly reveals in moments that suggests just who the real guy is under the various acts he puts on.)

Teller - 3.5(Going full Cusack here I feel. It's a more than decent average doofus type performance. He has the right comedic energy with Hill, well doing a more than decent job of portraying the slight conflict in the character. He is overshadowed by Hill, but I think he effectively handles his arc from hapless accomplish to bitter former partner.)

Cooper - 3(Cooper's fine in just being the cold calculated arms dealer type. He doesn't make too much of an impact, but his performance certainly works.)

Also saw Kubo and the two Strings.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Rating and thoughts on Mara in Kubo?

Anonymous said...

Today is my birthday, I'm high and i'm drunk and I'm going to watch "Scott Pilgrim Vs The World"

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Varun: Happy birthday, and good for you.

Anonymous said...

Will update my thoughts after i watch it.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Varun: Happy birthday mate, hope you have a blast!
As for the Golden Globes, I'm surprised for Michael Shannon missing out on a nomination. And while I actually liked Simon Helberg's work in the Big Bang Theory (when I used to watch it anyway), nomming him for Florence is ridiculous. Not to mention, how does one recognize Stranger Things without recognizing two of the best performances on it? (Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour's work). I'm glad Mortensen and Garfield got in. In my honest opinion, if SAG lines up, I could see Gosling taking Edgerton's place and we could have our Best Actor Oscar nominees with the rest of the Drama Actor Nominees.
I can't believe Supporting Actor is still such a toss-up.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Mara - 3.5(Effectively cold and creepy. Mara I felt, unlike a few of her co-stars, disappeared into the role, which is what almost always prefer animated films, there are technically a few exceptions to that. Mara's voice though matched the characters wonderfully well.)

Varun:

Happy birthday.

Anonymous said...

Scott Pilgrim Vr The World:

Winsted was my map followed closely by Culkin. The direction was the best aspect and the story was surprisingly sweet.

Charles H said...

Louis, What do you think of Ben Foster not being nominated for a Golden Globe for Hell or High Water?

Louis Morgan said...

Charles:

I don't think it exactly hurts him because supporting actor appears as though it's going to be a wide range of contenders, like last year, especially given Taylor-Johnson's and Helberg's nominations. If he misses Sag then I'll say he's in trouble when it comes to being Oscar nominated.

In terms of a more personal reaction, one might be able to guess, based on my previous responses to Foster's performances, or maybe not.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Rating and thoughts on Edward Norton in The People vs Larry Flynt.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Are you planning on watching Paterson? I'd like to hear your thoughts on Adam Driver as an actor after seeing more of his work, and I know you're definitely going to watch Silence lol.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Who would you have picked for Power and Ameche's roles in In Old Chicago?

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

Norton - 4(A good performance as he plays his role as a suave lawyer, yet without a hint of sleaze, leaving that all to Harrelson. Norton certainly brings essentially the ability of the lawyer in terms of delivering the speech in a clear and concise fashion, with an understated passion. Norton however goes further adding a bit of a humorous bent in his interactions with Harrelson, as he rolls his eyes at his client's antics.)

94dk1:

I will watch it if I am given the chance to.

Anonymous:

James Stewart (Ameche), Henry Fonda (Power)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Looking through some old reviews, I noticed one fascinating fact:
In terms of actors with at least 5 reviews on this blog, Tatsuya Nakadai has a perfect record in terms of ratings of his performances (seven fives from seven reviewed performances). I feel pretty damn ashamed that the only work I've seen of his is in Yojimbo.

Calvin Law said...

Has anyone here seen Memories of Murder? Can't remember who recommended me to do a head-to-head of that and Zodiac but I just re-watched the latter, loved it all the more and am wondering if I can have thoughts on MoM from all (including Louis).

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Memories of Murder is similair to Zodiac in that they both depict long term investigations into an unknown serial killer, and they both develop a certain sense of paranoia that extends beyond just the investigators and into the community regarding that unknown. Although I prefer Zodiac, Memories of Murder is a very strong film as well. It is bit more low key, and actually very funny at times in portraying the investigation which runs down some strange paths in their attempts to find the culprit. It too carries quite the emotional heft as well though, and like Zodiac its ending is quite haunting.

Álex Marqués said...

Memories of Murder is an excellent movie, one of the best of the genre, I particularly love the use of humor in the movie. The direction is absolutely fantastic, and its script is really great as well.

Anonymous said...

Loved Scott Pilgrim. The direction was the best part of the film. The acting was good (Specially Winstead and Culkin... I fell in love with Winstead in this film...) and the story was surprisingly sweet.

Anonymous said...

Memories Of Murder is fascinating into South Korea. I loved the way they used lighting to give commentary about the characters status in the film. The direction was great and I loved the way they use long takes to heighten a certain emotion or to give a comedic effect. The acting was great (With Park Noh Shik, AND Song Kan Ho being my favorites.

Anonymous said...

Louis, are you saving the cast of Memories Of Murder or can you give thoughts and ratings?

I actually preferred Memories of Murder over the Zodiac (By a razor sharp margin)

Anonymous said...

Louis, do you have any fa write film critics?

Anonymous said...

*favorite

Anonymous said...

"The Lights Between Oceans" was boring...

Anonymous said...

Louis, Your top 20 favorite male lead performances?

Bryan L. said...

Anonymous: He actually gave his top 10 or 15 several posts back. I'll look them up for you.

Varun: Disappointing. Seems like a step back for Cianfrance after The Place Beyond the Pines.

Bryan L. said...

From Alternate Best Supporting 2005: Keanu Reeves in Thumbsucker

1. F. Murray Abraham in Amadeus
2. Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia
3. Gene Hackman in The Conversation
4. James Stewart in It’s A Wonderful Life
5. Jeremy Irons in Dead Ringers
6. Richard Farnsworth in The Straight Story
7. Toshiro Mifune in Rashomon
8. Richard Attenborough in 10 Rillington Place
9. Laurence Olivier in the Entertainer
10. Alec Guinness in The Bridge on the River Kwai
11. William Hurt - Kiss of the Spiderwoman
12. Raul Julia - Kiss of the Spiderwoman
13. Takashi Shimura - Ikiru
14. James Stewart - Vertigo
15. Eli Wallach - The Good the Bad and the Ugly

Anonymous said...

Ah thanks

Charles H said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Louis: Your cast and director for a 2010's version of Inherit the Wind.

Louis Morgan said...

Varun:

I believe I covered them before.

For written Manohla Dargis. Though for critics, I don't tend to read full reviews until after I've seen a film, well as long as it is a film I intend to see. Also Siskel and Ebert were always entertaining, as is Mark Kermode currently, though I often disagree with their opinions and even their logic sometimes.

Anonymous:

Well a full re-write would also be required, fashioning closer to the actual events which I feel would be more compelling therefore:

Untitled Scopes Trial film directed by Anton Corbijn

Bryan: Kevin Kline
Darrow: Tom Wilkinson
Scopes: Daniel Radcliffe
Mencken: Jeremy Renner

Anonymous said...

Louis: What films do you regret watching?

Luke Higham said...

He'll probably regret Caligula, though he has no choice. :)

Louis: Your favourite Kermode reviews.

Anonymous said...

@Louis: Can you respost your ratings of:
- Joan Allen in The Contender
- Helena Bonham Carter and Anne-Marie Duff in Suffragette
- Bette Davis in The Letter
- Edith Evans in The Nun's Story
- William Holden and Martha Scott in Our Town
- Flora Robson in Caesar and Cleopatra

Bryan L. said...

First batch of reviews are in for Collateral Beauty. Suicide Squad might end up being the better of the two movies that Will Smith starred in this year.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Regret? Trying to watch Battlefield Earth that was a headache I did not need.

Luke:

Angles & Demons
Pirates 3
Film Socialism
Anything with Jason Statham

Anonymous:

They're around, please search for them.

94dk1:

As I expected given the trailers. I was surprised to hear that so many people thought the trailers looked good.

I could not resist the urge to look up the film's twists, and I had a very good laugh after doing so.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I have been cackling all day reading the reactions to it.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: I couldn't resist the urge to look them up either, and my reaction was "Wait, are you serious?" I won't mention it here, but one of them actually does sound a little Coenesque.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Wow, so I guess I was right about Collateral Beauty wasting a good cast and fucking up its story.

Bryan L. said...

Just watched Florence Foster Jenkins. Enjoyable enough. Solid, but not great.

Streep-4

Grant-4

Helberg-2.5 (I didn't hate him entirely. I actually thought that physically, for example, he wasn't half-bad. By which I mean that his facial reactions were quite good when he first discovers how bad Florence is at singing. However, Helberg does overdo it with his voice, and I think just using his normal one would've been better for the movie. Some of his mannerisms work, while the others don't. I could see what he was going for; he just miscalculated the approach somewhat.)

RatedRStar said...

Hahaha I am loving the reaction to Collateral Beauty and we all knew it would be bad. Will Smith desperately trying to get that Oscar, it reminds me of Seven Pounds.

RatedRStar said...

SAG awards soon, I am very excited lol.

Álex Marqués said...

Has anyone seen Paterson? I like what I've seen from Jarmusch, so I'll try to check it out next week.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Finally saw Captain Fantastic. Absolutely loved it, and I can say without hesitation that Viggo Mortensen is now my win for the year.
1. Viggo Mortensen in Captain Fantastic
2. Daniel Radcliffe in Swiss Army Man
3. Robert Downey Jr in Civil War
4. Ben Foster in Hell or High Water
5. Chris Pine in Hell or High Water
6. Jeff Bridges in Hell or High Water
7. Russell Crowe in The Nice Guys
8. Paul Dano in Swiss Army Man
9. Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool
10.Eddie Redmayne in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them/Chris Evans in Civil War

The first 6 are all 5's, the remaining are incredibly strong 4.5's.

Anonymous said...

Jut saw Hick, Redmayne is terrible but there are two scenes where he is amazing.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I've just finished seeing The Straight Story. All I can say is this: thank you, Louis. It has one of the greatest performances I have ever seen, and brilliant, understated direction from one of the best directors out there. The score is also hauntingly beautiful. Each one of Farnsworth's monologues sent chills down my spine, and that final scene with Harry Dean Stanton was just downright amazing.

Álex Marqués said...

I also discovered that one thanks to this blog, it's a great movie.

Louis Morgan said...

Alex and Tahmeed:

I'm glad you both loved it.

Louis Morgan said...

In regards to the SAG noms. Wow La La Land misses I did not see that coming.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts on the rest of the noms Louis?

Louis Morgan said...

Ensemble:

They certainly went for ensembly films. If there is a year to break the, need an SAG Ensemble nom streak to win best picture, I'd say it is this one, but this certainly hurt La La Land's front runner position. I'd say this probably means best picture noms for all except Captain Fantastic, though it could make it in.

Actor:

I think this might be the final five.

Actress:

Ah here are the dumb choices, though I haven't seen Blunt but she will not receive an Oscar nomination for it. Unfortunately Streep plus SAG usually equals to Oscar nom, hopefully not this time. Great for Adams though.

Supporting Actor:

Hedges I think misses Oscars, as SAG loves kids way more than Oscar. Patel all depends on how well Lion does in the end. This was great for Grant though since I'm sure he will get in at BAFTA as well. Michael Shannon I'd say is finished now, Foster as well, beyond an very outside chance.

Supporting Actress:

Could be the final five.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Jesus Blunt's nomination is bad.

Giuseppe Fadda said...

The Girl on the train was pretty bad indeed but Blunt was good in my opinion so I don't mind her nomination. She definitely won't be nominated for the Oscar though.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

My thoughts on the SAG Nominations:
-The love for Captain Fantastic is amazing and quite deserved, although I doubt it'll make into Best Picture.
-Surprised that neither Neeson nor Ogata received nominations for Silence, but that may be due to the lack of people who have seen the film.
-La La Land will still definitely be nommed for Picture, although I guess Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight are the presumed frontrunners now.
-Pity for Ben Foster and Chris Pine :(
-Hugh Grant making it was also pretty great. Now keeping my fingers crossed that a Ruffalo in Spotlight-esque fuck up leading to Helberg getting nommed won't occur.

Anonymous said...

Gonna watch "Amadeus" at art class tomorrow (:

Anonymous said...

Gonna watch "The Straight Story" today.

Anonymous said...

But right now, i'm watching "Bridge of Spies"

RatedRStar said...

Are we all in agreement that the 2016 Best Actor lineup is gonna be the best ever. OMG Viggo Mortensen and Andrew Garfield is pretty fantastic indeed.

Emily Blunt was honestly fine in TGOTT, she isn't going to get nominated but I would actually be ok if Emily Blunt got an Oscar nomination simply because it is a little shocking she has not received one yet.

Louis: I am curious about Silence because Silence will get Oscar nominations won't it, what do you reckon to its snubbing at the Globes and SAG?

RatedRStar said...

Does everybody agree that Silence will get Oscar nominated, at least 6 or 7 nominations?

Anonymous said...

@Louis I dont think this is the end for Liam Neeson or Issey Ogata, I sense that if Silence does get a lot of Oscar Nominations, there is a chance that someone like Dev Patel could get bullied out by the bigger film.

Anonymous said...

I would actually advise against having to high expectations of "Silence"... I got a feeling that it will not be as amazing as I hope.

Charles H said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charles H said...

Sad that Silence is the major snub of the year, Movie deserves more.

Calvin Law said...

Saw Paterson. Lovely film, Driver is excellent, and if you like Jarmusch you'll like this.

Calvin Law said...

Also Driver gives off huge Forest Whitaker in this one.

Bryan L. said...

To be fair, not many people have seen Silence. I think it'll do just fine once Oscar announces his dates to the ball lol.

Boy, what does Ben Foster have to do to get a nomination amIrite?

Everyone, including Louis: Thoughts on Spring Breakers and the cast, or just James Franco? I thought it was heavy-handed and felt kind of Malicky, but since I'm part of the generation the movies making fun of, I still liked the film. I know people who are just like the ones featured in the movie, and I found it relatable in a Way.

RatedRStar said...

Charles: 2013 was the highest rated for Best Actor, if you look at the 5 main contenders (throwing in Edgerton who will probably get a 4.5) it will mean 2016 will be the best, there is no one that can get less than a 4.5 can they.

Bale (3.5)
Ejiofor (5)
Dern (5)
DiCaprio (5)
Matthew (5)

VS

Affleck (5)
Garfield (5)
Mortensen (5)
Gosling (4.5 or 5)
Washington (4, 4.5 or 5)

RatedRStar said...

Denzel Washington is the only person now who can mess up but I think this will be time he does very well, I am 100% percent certain that Affleck, Garfield, Mortensen and Gosling will get a 5, Gosling could get 4.5 but he will still do well.

RatedRStar said...

Charles: Do you reckon that someone wont do well in the Best Actor category?

Álex Marqués said...

94dfk1: I liked Spring Breakers, it was... quite special. I don't find "Malicky" to be something negative as I really like his films, but anyway I think the approach is quite unique and makes many scenes all the more disturbing and surrealistic at times, for example, the "Everytime" scene (which is fantastic). The performances work in tandem with the film, and I'd say Franco's impression of Drexl from True Romance is very entertaining and repulsive at the same time, so kudos to him.

RatedRStar said...

94dfk1: I have never seen Spring Breakers unfortunately lol.

RatedRStar said...

Look maybe I am overreacting in terms of declaring the 2016 lineup as possibly the best, at the very least it will be a good lineup.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Who would you cast for Batman and Joker in a Dark Knight Returns live-action adaptation made today?

Álex Marqués said...

It will probably be a good lineup. After all, more than one of the possible nominees from this year are usually mentioned (or are likely to be mentioned) in lists of favourites, which didn't happen last year in this blog.

Robert MacFarlane said...

So am I the only one who didn't really think Garfield was all that great in Hacksaw?

Charles H said...

RatedRStar, Washington will not do too good, It's his same routine, Basically the same to his The Hurricane work. Overly dramatic acting.

Anonymous said...

Robert: Yes, you are.

Charles H said...

My god was Garfield good.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the Dunkirk trailer.

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar:

Remember the Wolf of Wall Street was also was ignored by SAG, and I think Silence has taken even longer to be screened. The Academy has embraced every Scorsese film (non-documentary) since the 2000's except Shutter Island, which was a very early release and a very genre film. I said before Silence was going to makes its splash late no matter what, and I think it will come with the Oscars. I actually have a feeling Andrew Garfield is going to be double nominated at BAFTA. Don't forget a lot of SAG did not line up last year because they were so early, I think that will help again.

94dk1:

Do not care for Spring Breakers in any regard.

Anonymous:

Batman: Mel Gibson
Joker: James Woods

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

RatedRStar: Who knows, it might be the best ever hopefully. We've had perfect scores in the alternate rounds, I guess this time the score might be 23.5 or 24/25, which would be a massive improvement over last year.
Affleck (5)-No doubts about it
Mortensen (5)-Hell, Louis might give him the win out of the nominees if he's nominated.
Garfield-(4.5/5)- Not really sure how he will hold up in rewatch for Louis, but I know it's a very good performance nonetheless.
Gosling-(4.5/5)- This seems like the charismatic leading man turn reminiscent of 40s and 50s romantic comedies and dramas, and judging by the reviews, Gosling is great at it.
Denzel (?)- God knows.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Visually looks amazing. The trailer I felt was put together a little strangely, but from the bits it looks very promising. I especially like that it looks like Mark Rylance and Cillian Murphy might have meaty roles.

Anonymous said...

Louis what would your acting predictions be now? With thoughts please?

Luke Higham said...

I really do hope this breaks the drought for Cillian.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Luke: Me too, he's a terrific actor. Here's to hoping he may get his first 5 and an Oscar nod next year :)

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Actor:

Denzel Washington (Winner)
Casey Affleck
Ryan Gosling
Andrew Garfield - Hacksaw Ridge
Viggo Mortensen

I think this will be our five. The reason being the alternates of Edgerton and Hanks I would say were hurt most by a SAG snub. Loving and Sully's buzz is fading and I actually thought they would have received their boost here if anywhere. Oddly enough if there is a surprise nominee it might be Keaton after all.

Actress:

Emma Stone - La La Land (Winner)
Natalie Portman - Jackie
Annette Bening - 20th Century Women
Meryl Streep - Florence Foster Jenkins
Isabelle Huppert - Elle

Still not convinced they will embrace Arrival beyond the techs, I hope I am wrong. Betting against Steep with a SAG is not a great wager. I'll predict Huppert based upon the previous nominations of Cotillard, and Rampling though she's not on solid footing. The thing is neither is Bening. Negga might make up for her snub her with BAFTA, but again Loving's buzz seems to be fading.

Supporting Actor:

Mahershala Ali - Moonlight (Winner)
Jeff Bridges - Hell or High Water
Hugh Grant - Florence Foster Jenkins
Dev Patel - Lion
Liam Neeson - Silence

Again late splash for Silence, and I heard from someone who has seen Silence that Neeson does have more screentime than a lot of people are making it out to be. I think there is still a chance for a win, where it would be the impact at the beginning of the movie vs the end apparently.

Supporting Actress:

Viola Davis - Fences (Winner)
Michelle Williams - Manchester by the Sea
Naomie Harris - Moonlight
Nicole Kidman - Lion
Octavia Spencer - Hidden Figures

I don't see the upset here, maybe Janelle Monae and Spencer make it at the expense of the lady who is from the film that the Academy embraces less.

Álex Marqués said...

Louis: Why do you think Stone is going to win instead of Portman?

Robert MacFarlane said...

@Alex: Portman's won before. Stone is an "it" girl, and the academy likes to award their actresses young.

Anonymous said...

The SAG voting committee did not see Silence, its snubs are meaningless.

Louis Morgan said...

Alex:

Well this is dependent on La La Land indeed winning best picture, which Oscar trends are meant to be broken (examples like "you can't win without an editing nomination" (Birdman), "you can't win three lead actor Oscars" (Day-Lewis)). It would be a little strange for La La Land to do better with the critics than the Oscars. Looking for the ensemble nominees again they seem to be very acting centric films (two of the films were directed by actors even), at least from what I've heard, and that is the case for Captain Fantastic. Also from what I've heard it is basically cameos around Gosling and Stone, who were both nominated.

What Robert said, also I'm starting to get a little bit of Jean DuJardin vibes where everyone thought previous winner Clooney was the surefire winner against his "lighter" competition in the best picture frontrunner.

RatedRStar said...

I feel there is a Idris Elba/Daniel Bruhl somewhere in that Best Supporting Actor lineup, someone who always gets most of the main award nominations but then misses out, at this moment I feel that if Lion/Hell Or High Water loses momentum that would allow Liam Neeson to Tom Hardy his way into the lineup. Basically the bigger film (The Revenant) bullying the little film (Beasts Of No Nation)

RatedRStar said...

I feel quite confident at the moment in saying Emma Stone will win, I only see La La Land continuing momentum but I am not sure Jackie will.

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar:

I could see Dev Patel missing, even though I am not predicting it, since SAG and BAFTA nominated him for Slumdog Millionaire (as ridiculous as that was), yet he still missed despite being in the best picture winner.

Calvin Law said...

Seeing Rogue One tomorrow. Incredibly psyched.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on Bryan Cranston in All The Way, if you've seen it?

Anonymous said...

Louis, now when Westworld has ended... could you give your ratings and thoughts on the cast and your thought on the show itself?

Luke Higham said...

Varun:
Ah all I will say is that I loved the season entirely and look forward very much to the second season. I don't really want to spoil anything else to anyone who might want to watch the show eventually though, as so much fun is in the discovery of its various secrets. Unfortunately that also extends to the cast which so much of their performances connect to those secrets. Best I can offer is a cast ranking.

1. Jeffrey Wright
2. Anthony Hopkins
3. Evan Rachel Wood
4. Jimmi Simpson
5. Thandie Newton
6. Ed Harris
7. Louis Herthum
8. Sidse Babett Knudsen
9. Clifton Collins Jr.
10. James Marsden
11. Angela Sarafyan
12. Shannon Woodward
13. Rodrigo Santoro
14. Ptolemy Slocum
15. Ingrid Bolso Berdal
16. Luke Hemsworth
17. Leonard Nam
18. Ben Barnes
19. Simon Quaterman
20. Tessa Thompson

Luke Higham said...

Louis: With your ten most anticipated films of 2017, can I have your reasons/thoughts on why you're looking forward to them.

Anonymous said...

Oh, thanks Luke (:

Anonymous said...

But Louis, what ranking would you give Newton in Westworld, since you were not a fan of her work in "Crash".

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I really want to know your reasons for The Snowman.

Alfredson (TTSS) + Fassbender. :)

Louis Morgan said...

Matt:

I have it's very much like his work in Trumbo. It's very over the top, though I'd say he has a better excuse this time in that Johnson was even more over the top than Trumbo was, so you really have to be a little flamboyant with LBJ no matter what. Despite some fairly impressive makeup I thought his performance went in and out of becoming Johnson. There were times where he really had him, and those are pretty remarkable. The rest though felt like just Cranston going broad, which again is technically the right choice, but he wasn't always entirely effective within the approach. I'd classify it as a good performance, but never quite took the step to greatness for me.

Varun:

I don't give ratings to television performances, but I'll say the top 8 are all excellent performances.

Luke:

1. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Martin McDonagh, I do not need to say more.)
2. Dunkirk (Rylance, Hardy and Murphy, you already have my attention. Nolan taking on such a story might make him pull back on his excesses found in Interstellar and Rises. It's such a different type of story for him, so I'm very much intrigued.)
3. PTA/DDL film (The most ambitious director with the most ambitious actor, how can't I anticipate it?)
4. Baby Driver (I'll admit the star gives me pause since Wright faltered with casting the last time he went outside of Pegg as his lead, but nevertheless it's Wright so I have to look forward to it.)
5. Blade Runner 2049 (Deakins with Villeneuve, doing sci-fi? I'm in for the visuals alone, even though I never thought the film needed a sequel.)
6. The Snowman (Alfredson's followup to Tinker Tailor, finally after 6 years? of course I want to see it.)
7. Logan (The trailer, that's why)
8. John Wick 2 (Because it's the sequel to John Wick, the idea of more of the world of the Continental, and more of those actions scenes is more than enough.)
9. Alien Covenant (Honestly because of the poster, it looks like they might actually make the Alien scary again.)
10. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (The reason I chose this over Thor and Spider-man is because I feel it probably has the lowest chance for failure. All I want is more fun with the characters from the first one, it looks like we're going to get that. Thor on the other hand, I fear they might limit Taika Waititi's style, and Spider-man I fear they're going to waste Michael Keaton.)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Of the most hyped films of next year (Not necessarily your top ten), which 5 do you think are most likely to fail.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Well I don't really like saying something will fail, since I prefer all films to succeed but based on track records:

1. Pirates 5
2. The Dark Tower (It's written by Akivas Goldsman)
3. Justice League
4. The Mummy
5. Valerian (Could be Jupiter Ascending 2 or it could be The Fifth Element)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Wow, the original scores of Manchester by the Sea, Arrival and Silence have all been disqualified by the Academy for competition.
RIP Alan Thicke.

Charles H said...
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