Wednesday 29 November 2017

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 2010: Taika Waititi in Boy

Taika Waititi did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Alamein aka "Shogun" in Boy.

Boy is a very funny but also rather poignant coming of age story about...well...a boy (James Rolleston) getting a chance to reunite with his absentee father.

Boy I suppose wasn't quite a surprise in its balance of being both heartwarming and gut busting based upon Taika Waititi's later work as a director in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. What was perhaps a bit more of a surprise though was how this also translates to his work as an actor. Waititi in addition to directing the film plays the boy's father Alamein, which is also the boy's real name. In the opening of the film he is in jail where the boy imagines him as some sort hero even at times when he admits he's in jail. Waititi gives us glimpses of Alamein in fantastical visions of the man which grant us some great physical comedy from Waititi. These are perhaps the most purely comic moments in Waititi's work given he is basically being a human cartoon in them. Each one is a splendid piece of ridiculousness from Waititi. Whether it is performing a Maori dance by way of Michael Jackson's thriller, engaging in a dramatic fight with a gang of bikers, or even escaping prison like ninja by throwing dirt as if it was a ninja star, Waititi is highly entertaining. He properly gives a portrayal that is a little too much in that it so clearly a false image of almost this superhuman hero rather than an actual man. Waititi properly invents the hero for a child's dream being oh so endearing, and easy to be proud of, while being quite funny to us by just how absurd these images are.

We meet Alamein in the flesh a bit later as he surprisingly comes with his friends to visit the boy's home. The boy takes it as Alamein wanting to get to know him and his little brother Rocky. Waititi is brilliant in many ways here in the way he portrays the part of Alamein, or as he prefers to be called Shogun, but I'll still keep calling him Alamein. On one front Waititi does make Alamein a likable charming guy on the surface. He brings certainly an energetic spirit to the role, though carefully downplays this in comparison to those scenes of the fantasy. Waititi creates a more natural charm in these scenes fitting to the type of man Alamein is. Now in this Waititi creates these layers, that are not of facades but rather how this behavior can be seen and interpreted depending on who is watching him. At the most surface point this is just an entertaining performance to watch as Waiti has such a considerable comedic skill. This is in flawless delivery when humor is already within the line though Waiti has a particular great skill of even making technically mundane lines hilarious through unique approach as a performer as well as his perfect timing. Waititi makes this an inherent element within Alamein's charm that makes the initial view of him believable, and even what perhaps the boy's deceased mother had seen in him.

Waititi isn't simply entertaining here, though he certainly is that, but he brings real nuance within even this behavior that offers more than just an entertaining dad, although maybe less in a way. That behavior although can be enjoyable, Waititi uses it to also show the state of Alamein which is basically as a man child right down to his insistence that he and his couple guys, the not so amply named "Crazy Horses, are a proper gang. This extends to his interactions with his kids where Waititi walks such a fine line in his portrayal of this. In that he shows exactly how his kids could believe him to be just a fun dad as he encourages them to help him dig for treasure, even while it is in fact a selfish act of him just trying to find his ill-gotten gains he buried before going to jail. Waititi is fun as Alamein however in this he also conveys just how unabashed he is in choosing to misuse his kids. When he speaks over the phone about how there are so many kids around, or asks his boy not to call him dad rather to call him Shogun, there is a earnestness to the petulance that makes him endearing on the surface. Looking further than that surface though Waititi shows a real problem there showing to us the bad father who really is not performing his duties, even while his sons are tricked, initially anyways, even if it appears he's there just spending a good time with them. Waititi goes even further though with this than just having Alamein be a bad father, even though he is definitely that.

Waititi keeps in mind just how unprepared the man is to be a father, and that earnestness in much of his behavior is never wholly false even if somewhat deceiving. He's often having fun with the kids as though they are just his friends, as Waititi conveys the way the guy can't get his head around being a proper paternal figure to the boys. Waititi finds the complication of this in such authentic fashion. Throughout the film as his behavior becomes worse Waititi shows what happens when such behavior is basically forced to directly deal with reality. Waititi is actually most unsettling when this happens as we see the man acting as a boy in a less positive light, and it isn't easy to watch. Waititi doesn't hold back in this particularly in one scene where he suspects his son has taken his money. Waititi  delivers in bringing a downright scary side to Alamein, that feels entirely cohesive to the rest of the character due to Waititi's deft handle on the role. Waititi brutally shows the truth of what happens to the "fun dad" when there is no fun to be had, and his childishness comes into conflict with his kids. When he yells at the boy Waititi shows the very real danger of the man living as the boy.

Again though Waititi carefully does not simplify this to suddenly make Alamein a terrible person, even though he is, in every single scene. Waititi is actually quite moving in the scene right afterwards in portraying so sincerely his attempt at apology, though still recognizing the problem in this since even the apology doesn't fully recognize the nature of his action. In this though Waititi finds a melancholy around the character as exudes the challenge of the man to connect with them in someway he understands, as well as deal with the loss of his wife. There are times in the fun moments there is a genuine warmth that Waititi brings showing Alamein trying to be an actual father to them. Waititi makes these moments properly awkward though genuine. These moments though he makes that somberness the most palatable suggesting that when he acts as the dad remembering the loss of his wife weighs most strongly on his mind. Waititi is downright heartbreaking in his portrayal of the particularly in the final pseudo reconciliation with his sons at the grave of his wife. I'll admit I was a bit surprised by just how well Waiti proves himself as able as an actor as he is a director in terms of so delicately and effectively balancing these tones. I loved this performance as Waititi within his portrayal is ridiculous, moving, horrible, likable, and funny all in his singular complex realization of the mess of a man Alamein is.

113 comments:

Matt Mustin said...

Yeah, you know, I'm gonna go back to my original prediction of Waititi winning.

Calvin Law said...

Definitely going to check this out now. Love Waititi, what a fella. What are your thoughts on the rest of the cast besides him and Rolleson?

Robert MacFarlane said...

1. Waititi
2. Hammer
3. Kinglsey
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

House - 3.5(Her straightest role in a Waititi collaboration perhaps. Her role is fairly limited for much of the film though she offers the right warmth within her very authoritative character portraying a sense of love even when she's telling the boy to get a job, or saying no to his desire for a free Popsicle. She's wholly great though in her one scene where she confronts Waititi's Alamein, revealing rather effectively the more direct concern for her nephew and distaste for her brother-in-law.)

Eketone-Whitu - 3.5(Has a real natural chemistry with Rolleston and Waititi for that matter in effectively portraying the quieter brother yet still making an impact with his often reactionary performance. He's quite good in realizing a bit of an alternative path from Rolleston while conveying similair emotions in a more modest way.)

The rest of the ensemble is a collective 3 to 3.5. Everyone's pretty good in creating just the general atmosphere of the film, and adding a bit of humor or character for a few minutes or for a few seconds.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

Charles H said...

1. Kingsley
2. Watiti
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Liu Kai Chi

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Would Richard Harris be your pick for Bruce in a 60s version of Filth? Oh and your 90s cast for No Country for Old Men? I think Mortensen could've pulled off Chigurh back then.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Also, I know it may be hard to describe, but could you give your own take as to what the definition of "screen presence" is? I'd like to hear it.

Omar Franini said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

John Smith said...

Louis, your thoughts on the scene when Bobby sees Lauras Picture in episode 5 of Twin Peaks: The Return.

Also your thoughts on the casino scene with Dougie.

John Smith said...

Omg Cera is horrible.He like a little stain, barely noticeable on beautifull carpet.

RatedRStar said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

John Smith said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

JackiBoyz said...

1. Waititi
2. Hammer
3. Kingsley
4. Lonsdale
5. Kai Chi

Luke Higham said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley

Luke Higham said...

Louis: You've put Waititi's review under the wrong label. It's in the Oscar reviews instead of the alternates.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Is Williams a 4.5 or 5 for Blue Valentine and could Cotillard possibly go up for Inception.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Could either Caine, Haley or Carell go up for 2006 Supporting.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Luke: Pretty sure Williams is a 5 for Blue Valentine.

Luke Higham said...

Williams was a 4.5 the last time I checked though I'd be happy to see her go up.

Omar Franini said...

Louis: your thoughts on the NYFCC winners?

Luke Higham said...

Omar: Dafoe's a lock to win supporting. Ronan and especially Chalamet got huge boosts for nominations.

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

Baker's win doesn't really mean much at the moment until the critics choice and globe nominations are announced.

And I'm happy with Anderson's screenplay win. :)

Calvin Law said...

Haven't seen some of them, but my thoughts on the awards:

Best Film: Can't wait to see Lady Bird

Best Director: Baker is a very strong choice

Best Actor: We'd better start taking Chalamet seriously, also a great choice

Best Actress: Can't wait to see Lady Bird (in February, gah)

Best Supporting Actor: Dafoe is another great choice

Best Supporting Actress: Need to see Girls Trip

Best First Film: Glad to see Peele once again get some love though this one was most certainly in the bag.

Omar Franini said...

I think Three Billboards will win something from LAFCA, while The Shape of Water has really lost momentum.

Luke Higham said...

I think Nolan could win at LAFCA while NSFC will go with Gerwig or Guadagnino.

Calvin Law said...

Yeah, The Shape of Water has lost lots of momentum. I'll admit that I still really like the film, but it hasn't stuck with me as much as some of the other contenders.

Luke: What do you think Logan's chances at the Oscars are. The NBR Top 10 placement could mean nothing, but deep down I'm hoping something will come of it.

Calvin Law said...

My new predictions:

Best Picture - Hm probably Dunkirk, though both Lady Bird, The Florida Project, and Call Me By Your Name are getting loads of momentum, and hey don't count Three Billboards out yet

Best Director - Nolan

Best Actor - Oldman

Best Actress - I honestly think Ronan could take this

Best Supporting Actor - Dafoe

Best Supporting Actress - Janney or Metcalf

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Probably a few technical nods. I don't see it getting in for Picture or Screenplay unfortunately, though I hope it'll pull a surprise at PGA and WGA.

Omar Franini said...

My predictions

Picture: The Post
Director: Nolan
Actor: Oldman
Actress: Streep or Ronan but i think McDormand and Robbie could still win
Sup. Actor: Dafoe
Sup. Actress: Janney

Luke Higham said...

It's a race between Dunkirk, The Post and maybe Call Me By Your Name.

Luke Higham said...

I hope Ronan wins.

Calvin Law said...

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about The Post for some reason. In which case I think it's a Streep v.s. Ronan race now. I'd say McDormand has a shot but she's won before and I doubt she'll do much campaigning.

Calvin Law said...

Luke: based on the hype, me too. I'm also hoping Nolan wins because seeing him strut up to the stage to Zimmer's tunes would be pretty damn cool (and on that note, if they play 'Tears in the Rain' if Deakins wins).

Calvin Law said...

Also really hoping Franco gets nominated. My dream (realistic) lineup now would be

Oldman
Day-Lewis
Franco
Stanton
Chalamet

Though I wouldn't mind a Gyllenhaal inclusion, and VERY unlikely Kaluuya and Jackman love.

Luke Higham said...

I wouldn't be surprised if Franco got in and I rather hope he does.

Louis Morgan said...

John Smith:

Classic David Lynch brilliance for the Laura's picture scene. The return of her theme is perfection against Ashbrook's performance with his reaction that goes from initially from being wholly heartbreaking to wholly hilarious to heartbreaking to a little bit hilarious again all in the same scene. The same goes for HELLLLLLOOOOOOOOO which is the beginning of such a magnificent comic performance by MacLachlan who does curiosity and miming like no other before him. It is one of the highlights of that great performance. The scene though continues to be hilarious with his precise "Mr. Jackpots" and the only tolerable iteration of Brad Gelman sweating bullets while having to give the money away.

Bryan L.

Yes in regards to Harris.

Bell: Gene Hackman
Llewlyn: Michael Biehn
Chigurh: Viggo Mortensen
Carla Jean: Diane Lane
Carson Wells: Ray Liotta

Screen presence is perhaps the most difficult thing to grasp when comes to film acting. It is something innate to their performances, and I'd describe as something you feel rather than see so to speak simply from them being on screen. Some actors are just charismatic in this way, some are menacing, but there is something there that just stands out though in that intangible way. I will say Tom Hardy in Dunkirk is probably what should be used as a visual aid for the concept, since that is what there is to that performance.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Seen any 2017 films lately.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Williams is a five, we'll see with Cotillard.

Omar:

Can't speak to the quality for the most part.

Picture: Have a feel picture will be all over the place in the precursors based on Lady Bird's win. I don't see it winning because it lacks the "feel important by voting for it" factor. This was a considerable miss for Call Me By Your Name which needed to be an undisputed front runner really to win, and it's not. For a prediction of the winner I'd still default to Dunkirk. I see Lady Bird and Post as the alternatives though. Never bought Three Billboards winning before I saw it, don't buy it after seeing it and loving it either.

Director: Baker's win I don't think will necessarily even translate to a nomination, as this is very much a critics awards film. Nolan for winner's prediction still, who I don't expect will win many critics awards.

Actress: Notable that Ronan has now won twice. Actress can still go any way as I doubt she will sweep to guarantee a win, I still default to Streep.

Actor: I expected Chalamet to win here, and I have a feeling he'll probably win the most critical wins. Oldman will still win the main award a la Stone last year. Chalamet is not a guarantee for a nomination yet though he's making a better case for himself. However we do always need the "I can't believe BLANK wasn't nominated" in January.

Supporting Actress: Haddish I think probably won't be nominated however there is potential due to the empty slots in the category, this helps a great deal. Due to the Ladybird love, I'd say Metcalf is probably going to win.

Supporting Actor: Well Dafoe is on his way to winning now, he's certainly going to be nominated. His performance though is not considered to be a tour de force the way Ali's was last year, so I think Rockwell can upset but he needs to start showing up soon.

Cinematography: The cinematography was one of Mudbound's stronger elements however it was certainly not better than Blade Runner or Dunkirk's.

Screenplay: Looks like Anderson will have a hand to play in the race. This only makes me all the more excited to see the film.

Calvin Law said...

My director predictions are -

Nolan
Speilberg
Guadagnino
Gerwig

And any one of Villeneuve, McDonagh, Baker, and Del Toro. I'm hoping for a very outside chance for Bigelow but they're all but dashed now.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: I'm picking Del Toro for the final slot at the moment though it would be great to see McDonagh get in.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I'd say Nolan and Gerwig are in the strongest position at the moment, I'd include PTA in the alternates as well though I wouldn't predict him yet.

Luke Higham said...

Even if Nolan doesn't win, I'm glad they'll finally rectify the mistakes they've made after The Dark Knight and Inception.

Calvin Law said...

I could definitely see PTA getting in. Though some argue he hasn't had much awards success of late, The Master got some love, Inherent Vice got more love than if the same film had been directed by anyone else.

Calvin Law said...

Luke: I'd love to see Del Toro get in as his direction is the most essential element to the film working. But honestly, any one of my alternates I'd love to see get some love.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Well in regards to PTA winning both the NBR and NYFCC screenplay awards is not a bad start.

RatedRStar said...

Jake Gyllenhaal I can easily see being the January snub, after all he is used to that feeling by now lol.

Luke Higham said...

I'm really amazed on how much better 2010 has become. Had 5 fives beforehand and could end up with 17. Could be the most improved year of these bonus rounds.

Anonymous said...

Louis what are your updated acting predictions?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Prepare for these to be shattered by Sag.

Actor:

Oldman (Winner)
Day-Lewis
Gyllenhaal
Hanks (NBR award is what he needed)
Stanton (No one will stop me from dreaming)

Chalamet and Franco are next up. I'd say Oldman and Day-Lewis are the closest to being locks. Although we need to be weary of a Golden Globe snub for Oldman due to his candid, and quite true, remarks about the Globes.

Actress:

Streep (Winner)
Ronan
Stone
McDormand
Robbie

Chastain has not gained any steam really, Krieps could do so, always look out for Judi Dench, and Hawkins needs her film to perform. I think Robbie is the weakest position, even though I know many are doubting Stone's chances I find it hard to believe the Academy would go for the person playing Tonya Harding over the person playing Billie Jean King.

Supporting Actor:

Dafoe (Winner)
Rockwell
Hammer
Rylance
Mendelsohn

Jason Mitchell has the netflix problem, Richard Jenkins is in a similair Hawkins's position with the additional complication of Michael Shannon, Harrelson and Stuhlbarg if they show up will probably be at the expense of their co-stars. Will Poulter's in a bad way, unless he starts sweeping the critics, I think Carell could still make it, but Stone can easily get in without him.

Supporting Actress:

Metcalf (Winner)
Janney
Leo
Manville
Thomas

In terms of nominations this is any one of about 12's game.

Omar Franini said...

Louis: I've seen I, Tonya and both Robbie and Janney's roles are really baity; Robbie has a couple of monologues Oscar worthy.

Anonymous said...

Louis: How come you think Gyllenhaal will be nominated?

Mitchell Murray said...

I will say its an the lead categories are immensely interesting. My concern is primarily in Streep in that its almost a guarantee she'll get in, so I hope her performance is at least better than Florence Foster Jenkins. I also think Robbie, Stone and Ronan would be an interesting bunch considering the oscars generally choose older nominees. And I know its doubtful, but I'm still holding on to Hawkins.

Franco is probably set for a golden globe nod and honestly I'm hoping he goes all the way since he's never attempted anything as trans formative or inspired as he does as Wiseau. Gylleenhaal seems to be finally reigning himself in again so thats nice. Chalamet would be fine too.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: And Rylance.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

He's far from any sort of lock however he has a major snub in Nightcrawler, and can be seen as overdue for a second nomination at this point. Also don't forget he did indeed receive a BAFTA nomination last year. Plus playing an inspirational figure never hurts.

Omar:

I don't doubt their potential.

Luke:

Well they obviously love him considering his win, despite the odds against him. If Dunkirk is a major player his nomination can recognize the ensemble and it is a way the acting branch can show their love for the film. The category is open enough for him to make it in, and it feels as though most are willing to let him be "the" performance from that film.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I'm not sure if I asked this before and although you haven't seen The Crown yet, do you think Jared Harris would've been amazing as Bertie in The King's Speech.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Well given that I find Harris underrated in general, yes.

Calvin Law said...

Louis and everyone: What are your bottom five films of the year so far? For me,

1. Transformers: The Last Knight
2. The Circle
3. The Snowman
4. Valerian
5. The Discovery
HM: Ghost in the Shell

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

1. The Book of Henry
2. The Circle
3. Mother!
4. Death Note
5. The Discovery

Mitchell Murray said...

Considering Lawrence and the cast have been pretty much ignored by the awards talk at this point, what would your grades and thoughts of them be Louis, if you haven't already wrote them down?

Robert MacFarlane said...

Calvin:

1. The Book of Henry
2. Death Note
3. The Snowman
4. The Circle
5. Valerian

Calvin Law said...

Gah. I kind of want to watch Death Note to see how bad it is, but I really should check out the original series first.

Henry W said...

Louis and you guys: What do you think of Manville's chances in Supporting Actress. I've heard people referring to DDL and Oldman as locks for a nod at least, with Chalamet nipping at their heels, and Krieps a dark horse for a nod. Will Manville get in?

Also, what roles in film history would Joaquin Phoenix be appropriate for (judging from his current work)?

Louis Morgan said...

Henry W:

Well I'm predicting her at the moment. I could see supporting actress becoming a situation like supporting actor in 2015 where the Globes/SAG/BAFTAs all have very different lineups. Manville will at least be in the conversation because Day-Lewis will be, and I'd say she'll probably get in at BAFTA. That might give her the late momentum for a nod, but of course we'll see.

For Phoenix:

Travis Bickle
Randle McMurphy
Badass Buddusy (any early Nicholson honestly)
Jett Rink
Private Prewitt
Richard Boyle

Mitchell Murray said...

(Henry) Not sure about Manville really. As for Phoenix, he's a hard one to pin down because of his off kilter screen presence, and how he's succeeded with seemingly opposing characters (The Master and Her, for instance). I would think his style would fit misfits, drug abusers and more erratic types..I'm not sure about a certain role, but I would be interested in seeing him work with Martin McDonagh or Quentin Tarantino.

Henry W said...

Though I will say that DDL and maybe Krieps and Manville will definitely be getting an Oscar nod, don't be too expecting of an SAG nod for any of the cast members of Phantom, they were unable to be seen by many of the SAG members apparently.

Louis Morgan said...

Henry:

Day-Lewis probably will still make SAG, even if the majority haven't seen him, as that was more or less the case for DiCaprio with The Revenant if I'm not mistaken.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Thanks. Tom Hardy's performance in Dunkirk is actually the reason that I asked haha.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Rating and thoughts on Joel McCrea, Fay Wray and Leslie Banks in The Most Dangerous Game.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Same question as Henry, but instead of Phoenix, what past film roles would be a good fit for Christian Bale?

Henry W said...

Bryan: I could see Bale being good in a variety of different roles that require him to test his "chameleon" status. So any of the early De Niro roles would be superb fits for him (but not judging by his subpar impression of De Niro in American Hustle)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your 2010 winners.

Calvin Law said...

Saw Happy End. It has its moments of dark comic genius but I don't think it quite comes together like Haneke's best. Interesting if not entirely satisfying film.

Huppert - 3
Trintignant - 3.5/4
Kassovitz - 2.5
Rogowski - 2
Harduin - 3.5
Verlinden - 2.5
Jones - 3

mcofra7 said...

1. Waititi
2. Kingsley
3. Hammer
4. Kai Chi
5. Lonsdale

Anonymous said...

If I may piggyback on Henry's question about Phoenix (love that question!), what are some past roles that would be appropriate for these actors?

- Michael Fassbender
- Jake Gyllenhall
- Ryan Gosling
- Oscar Isaac

Omar Franini said...

Calvin: i saw Happy End a couple of months ago and i liked both Huppert (4) and Harduin (4,5) more than you, but overall i agree with you, It's not Haneke's best by far. Your thoughts on Trintignant and Harduin? and your thoughts on the karaoke scene?

Calvin Law said...

Omar: Honestly I could go up for Huppert, I thought she was good, just not one of her more interesting roles, maybe Elle spoiled be a bit.

Trintignant - (having given it more thought I think I'm leaning more towards a 4, or at least a very high 3.5, I thought he was remarkably subdued in his portrayal of the cranky old gramps, with just the right amount of pathos. The best part of his performance is of course the darkly morbid man, treading the fine line between being quite funny, but also rather moving, though I'll admit that callback to a previous Haneke kind of made me wish I was watching that film instead)

Harduin - (strong reactionary performance, particularly in her scenes with Trintignant, the only issue I have is that she was a bit too much of a blank slate to begin with, plus I kind of hated the opening motif of Snapchat to convey her inner life. I did think as the film progressed she gave a pretty intriguing and at times rather unsettling portrayal of a child completely at loss with the world around her)

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous:

Fassbender as Addison DeWitt, and Gyllenhaal as Tom Ripley.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: your thoughts on this trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wId8XY6y_HA

And thinking about it, how awesome would a 60s version of the DC Universe with Kurosawa directing, Mifune as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Nakadai as Superman/Clark Kent, Yamazaki as either Lex Luthor or Joker, and Shimura as Gordon?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

McCrea - 3(This not McCrea at his most charismatic from what I've seen it took him a bit to refine his screen presence. He's still makes for a decent leading man here though even though the role lacks any real grit in this adaptation. He still carries the film just fine, but he's overshadowed by Banks as well as there's nothing of note here.)

Wray - 2.5(There's nothing really wrong with her performance but there's nothing to the role. She's love interest in the very strictest of senses, and doesn't go anywhere beyond that.)

Banks - 3.5(As very early villains go he's not half bad. I won't say he quite minds all that could be minded from the Count. Banks is occasionally just little too theatrical. Most of the time though he does succeed in bringing a very early iteration of the suave villain, bringing a real style for the man hunter.)

Bryan L:

Joe Orton
Little Malcolm
Sergeant Howie
Sgt. Williams (The Hill)
Thomas Becket

Anonymous:

Michael Fassbender:

T.E. Lawrence
Milo Tindle
Johnny McQueen

Jake Gyllenhall:

Hazel Motes
Sidney Falco
Nick Chevotarevich

Ryan Gosling:

Fast Eddie Felson
Johnny Hooker
John Singer (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter)

Oscar Isaac:

Michael Corleone (of course)
Captain Willard
Antonio Salieri

Luke:

Director:

Director: David Fincher - The Social Network
Production Design: Inception
Sound Editing: Inception
Sound Mixing: Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Score: The Social Network
Editing: The Social Network
Visual Effects: Inception
Costume Design: Let the Bullets Fly
Cinematography: Valhalla Rising
Makeup and Hairstyling: Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network
Original Screenplay: Animal Kingdom

Calvin:

Madness, although I have admit rather intriguing madness. And yes that would be amazing.

Michael McCarthy said...

Kingsley is still my favorite, but I could get behind a Watiti win. I'm actually really liking this lineup the more I think about it, Hammer and Lonsdale are still 4.5s for me but I could honestly buy a 5 for either of them.

Calvin Law said...

Louis and everyone: your current rankings of the MCU films, and top 10 best performances (obviously leaving out Keaton for Louis)? For me,

1. Guardians of the Galaxy
2. Captain America: Civil War
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (top 3 pretty interchangeable)
4. Thor Ragnarok
5. Iron Man
6. The Avengers
7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
8. Doctor Strange
9. Iron Man 3
10. Spider-Man: Homecoming
11. Captain America: The First Avenger
12. Ant-Man
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
14. Thor
15. The Incredible Hulk
16. Iron Man 2
17. Thor: The Dark World

(and with each actor limited to their best performance as the character)

1. Robert Downey Jr. - Captain America: Civil War
2. Dave Bautista - Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Michael Keaton - Spider-Man Homecoming
4. Chadwick Boseman - Captain America: Civil War
5. Chris Evans - Captain America: Civil War
6. Paul Rudd - Ant-Man
7. Tom Hiddleston - Thor
9. Benedict Cumberbatch - Doctor Strange
10. Chris Hemsworth - Thor Ragnarok

Calvin Law said...

Omar: Oh yeah, almost forgot. The karaoke scene is one of the scenes I really did not like. Starts off kind of funny but I found it incessantly grating after a while.

Michael McCarthy said...

Is Downey no longer a 5 for Iron Man?

Calvin Law said...

Are Pratt and Bridges 4's now? Also interesting that only one of them holds up on re-watch. For me Winter Soldier was the one which improved on re-watch.

Calvin Law said...

Michael: he was always a 4.5 I think. I'm more surprised by the absence of Goldblum/Thompson, Bruhl/Stan.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Yes, but I forgot about the Goldblum, he'd by number 8 actually.

Also in terms of my comment on Dr. Strange that doesn't mean I liked the others less, some I liked just as much as the first time.

Michael McCarthy said...

Sorry I meant to ask "Is Downey no longer a 4.5 for Iron Man," because he's not on Louis's ranking.

Robert MacFarlane said...

1. Winter Soldier
2. Ragnarok
3. Iron Man
4. Iron Man 3
5. Civil War
6. Guardians 1
7. Dr. Strange
8. Avengers
9. Homecoming
10. Thor
11. Age of Ultron
12. Ant-Man
13. Guardians 2
14. Iron Man 2
15. Thor: Dark World

Haven’t seen First Avenger or Hulk. Not sure I could do performances.

Louis Morgan said...

Michael:

I was going by Calvin's rules for his list.

Louis Morgan said...

Re-post to fix the errors.

Calvin:

1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Captain America Civil War
4. Thor Ragnarok
5. Dr. Strange (The only mcu movie I liked more on re-watch)
6. Iron Man
7. The Avengers
*Gap*
8. Spider-man: Homecoming
9. Iron Man 3
*Gap*
10. Thor the Dark World
11. Thor
12. Captain America: The First Avenger
13. Ant-Man
14. Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2
15. The Incredible Hulk
16. Avengers: Age of Ultron
17. Iron Man 2

1. Robert Downey Jr. - Captain America: Civil War
2. Benedict Cumberbatch - Dr. Strange
3. Chris Evans - Captain America: Civil War
4. Dave Bautista - Guardians of the Galaxy
5. Tom Hiddleston - Thor
6. Tilda Swinton - Dr. Strange
7. Michael Rooker - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
8. Jeff Goldblum - Thor Ragnarok
9. Chris Hemsworth - Thor Ragnarok
10. Chris Pratt - Guardians of the Galaxy

Anonymous said...

Louis: What ratings would you give to all of the MCU movies?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

1-7 - 4.5
8-9 - 3.5
10-15 - 2.5
16-17 - 2

Bryan L. said...

I'll give my ranking of the movies

1. Captain America: Civil War
2. Iron Man
3. Thor: Ragnarok
4. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
5. Dr. Strange
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
7. The Avengers
8. Ant-Man
9. Guardians of the Galaxy
10. The Incredible Hulk
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron
12. Iron Man 3
13. Captain America 1
14. Thor
15. GotG Vol. 2
16. Iron Man 2
17. Thor: The Dark World

Robert MacFarlane said...

Has anyone else seen Happy Death Day? Because the more I think about it, the more I like Jessica Rothe's performance in it.

Mitchell Murray said...

Speaking of Marvel, has anyone seen the Infinity War trailer?

RatedRStar said...

Robert: I have seen it and ranked it on Letterboxd, quite liked it actually, you know its a good murder mystery when you guess who it is and get it wrong yet the actual killer reason and reveal still make sense.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Really hope Hammer's going to be reviewed next.

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: I don't really mind who comes next though I guess it's Hammer or Lonsdale.

Omar Franini said...

Just saw Darkest Hour, a solid biopic with (of course) a terrific performance from Oldman.
Oldman: 5
Scott-Thomas: 3
Mendelsohn: 3
James: 2,5
Dillane: 3

And The Florida Project, which i loved.
Prince: 5
Dafoe: 4,5
Vinaite: 4/4,5
Cotto and Rivera: 3,5

Calvin Law said...

Omar: press screening? I'm glad you loved The Florida Project too.

Omar Franini said...

Calvin: no, it was a special screening at the Turin Film Festival and it was open to audience.
The Florida Project might be my #1 of the year so far with I, Tonya.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I saw Three Billboards. I... mostly liked it.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the cinematography of The Naked City and The Pawnbroker.

Calvin Law said...

Robert: what were your reservations?

Robert MacFarlane said...

Calvin: A lot of script issues. Too many of Mildred lines feel like "zingers" manufactured to pander to the audience. The film never actually addresses the issues she talks about. Didn't really buy Dixon's drastic arc in spite of Rockwell selling it well.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Also, the camera alternates between impeccable and AWFUL. Dixon's attack on the advertising agency is the single worst-shot scene of the year. I also thought the score was Manchester by the Sea levels of ruinous.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Also, what the fuck was Cornish even doing there? Did she step in at the last minute for someone else? Prepare to see her on my Worst Supporting Actress ballot.

Calvin Law said...

Hm. Can understand your points about the script though I thought those aspects worked really well, disagree about that advertising agency scene and especially the score (thought it was peak Burwell, though the highlight for me was use of existing music). Kind of envy you if you think that's a terribly cinematographered scene, I still have Transformers 5 PTSD.

I can agree on Cornish, though, I don't nearly dislike her as most seem to have, but I thought she kind of fulfilled her role.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I cannot fathom finding that score anything other than Hallmark movie-levels of grating.

Michael McCarthy said...

I'm not sure where I'd put Cornish. I thought she was pretty awkward in her first few scenes, genuinely great in one scene in the middle, and awful in her confrontation scene with Mildred. I stand by loving the rest unconditionally though.

Michael McCarthy said...

The rest of the film that is.