Saturday 2 December 2017

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 2010: Michael Lonsdale in Of Gods and Men

Michael Lonsdale did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying brother Luc in Of Gods and Men.

Of Gods and Men is a powerful film that depicts the true story of a group of monks deciding whether or not to remain while under threat of fundamentalist terrorists in Algeria.

Veteran french actor Michael Lonsdale portrays one of the monks of the monastery brother Luc who is also the doctor among the group. The film itself takes a reserved approach to its depiction of such a harrowing story as it quietly examines them attempting to continue their lives and duties in their faith even while the barbarians appear to be at the gate. Lonsdale's Luc is perhaps the most modest of the men who are simply trying to mind their faith and help the locals in their small ways. Lonsdale early on offers the presence of a man who has been living this life for a long time. Lonsdale's whole being is one of earnest empathy to those around him, and there is just such an abundance of natural warmth in his work. Lonsdale is particularly remarkable in the way he brings this with such an ease that reflects those years of this state. This is a pleasant state that Lonsdale reveals in brother Luc, as he offers the assurance of a life of fulfilling his duties as to his belief. There is particularly effective scene by Lonsdale early on where he describes the feelings of love to one of the local teenagers and Lonsdale in his gentle delivery and understanding eyes creates such sense of the caring nature of Luc.

Lonsdale's performance as the film continues is one of consistency and grace even while the world seems to crumble around the monastery. Now this is actually what is so notable about Lonsdale is what he does within potential limits of the role which could have been vague with the wrong actor in the part. Lonsdale while having that grace doesn't make brother Luc someone beyond who is which is a loving person. Lonsdale portrays his moments of dealing with his asthma, and the hardship of the danger of attacks as just that a hardship. Lonsdale's reaction depict the way he takes these things into himself but also takes them in stride. Lonsdale importantly always makes it feel wholly genuine with the man Luc is which is in this calm of his very being. Throughout the film though he is perhaps the least troubled by the impending threat on all of them which may result in their deaths. In every discussion Luc is quick to show his support for staying, and unlike the other monks is never truly conflicted by the choice. Lonsdale again doesn't use this as though Luc is detached, but rather aware of his own state of being.

Lonsdale realizes this elegance in his thoughts which is that as an old man with his health issues he knows he doesn't have long on this earth in any circumstances. Londsdale is tremendous in the way he creates this sense of this understanding that creates perhaps somberness of it, but never a sadness. There is rather where there is that calm in his being, that calm of a man who has lived his life the way he believed to be right. As the film continues then Lonsdale in this portrayal of this acceptance of fate is the most comforting presence in the film. Unlike the other men Lonsdale shows this sort of confidence of a man who can see his end, but rather than being fearful of it readies himself for it with a quiet embrace. As much as this is a place of lasting warmth in the film, particularly in the final moments the monks spend together, the impact of Lonsdale goes even further than expected as the story reaches its end. Lonsdale's work becomes incredibly poignant in never creating a unapproachable martyr, but rather creating this portrait of honest goodness. The final shots of the film of him bearing a storm well slowly moving towards his end are haunting showing the real power of Lonsdale's unassuming yet potent work.

64 comments:

Michael McCarthy said...

I thought he and Lambert Wilson were both great in this. What are your rating and thoughts for Wilson? I didn't see him on your lead rankings, even though I'd personally place him in lead.

Anonymous said...

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

Lezlie said...

What are your thoughts on Olivier Rabourdin? I personally liked his storyline of doubt and renewed fate.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your top ten Lee Byung-Hun moments.

Henry W said...

Louis: Your top ten MOST underappreciated actors.

Also, your top five moments of acting in On the Waterfront, Goodfellas and Amadeus.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Do you think Cillian Murphy would make for a great Travis Bickle in a late 2000s Taxi Driver?

Henry W said...

I think Murphy would be great as Bickle.

Do you think Al Pacino is the granddaddy of Oscar Isaac?

John Smith said...

Has anyone seen 'Mad World'? Eric Tsang, Shawn Yue and Elaine Jin give 5 star performances. I hope they get reviewed!

RatedRStar said...

John Smith: I have =D.

RatedRStar said...

John Smith: Since I have 3 requests I have been tempted to suggest one of the performances from the HK film awards of 2016 such as Tsang or Gordon Lam.

RatedRStar said...

Louis did you ever see Michael Lonsdale in the James Bond film "Moonraker"? because it was a pretty decent villain I thought.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: You should request Lam for now and Tsang after the alternates since Mad World is 2017 and Supporting's becoming increasingly stacked.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Also, We'll need something for that bonus round later on.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on this scene from The Devil and Daniel Webster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXfU2AaJDEQ

RatedRStar said...

Luke: I might do that, not sure yet.

Bryan L. said...

Henry: I see Isaac in a lot of Pacinos roles so I'd say yeah. Isaac could learn from Pacino and avoid roles that start at 11 too, since X-Men:Apocalypse was a bit of a misstep for him.

RatedRStar said...

Louis: One more question, do you remember a couple of years ago, you said a certain actor would be perfect for the lead in a 40s version of Barton Fink and I laughed at it, what are your thoughts on that actor you mentioned? this is because I think it will be him I will suggest next, I have really come around on this mystery actor who has yet to reviewed yet on this blog =D.

Luke Higham said...

RatedRStar: Danny Kaye :)

Bryan L. said...

Henry: To paraphrase Louis when someone asked his thoughts on Oscar Isaac haha

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

1. Breakdown at dawn - I Saw the Devil
2. A bit of joy - A Bittersweet Life
3. "Why?" - A Bittersweet Life
4. Final Confrontation - I Saw the Devil
5. Being Sold Out - A Bittersweet Life
6. Gunshop - A Bittersweet Life
7. A little song - I Saw the Devil
8. Confronting the lovers - A Bittersweet Life
9. Shadowboxing - A Bittersweet Life
10. Can't Stop - I Saw the Devil

Henry W:

I'll give currently working just to make it a bit easier.

Paddy Considine
Glenn Howerton
Matthias Schoenaerts
Ben Foster
Liev Schreiber
Joel Edgerton
Brendan Gleeson
Brian Cox
Guy Pearce
Liam Cunningham

On the Waterfront:

1. Cab Ride
2. Telling Edie the truth
3. Confronting Friendly
4. "That was a crucifixion"
5. Finding Charlie

Goodfellas:

1. Get your shine box
2. Phone booth
3. Funny How?
4. Where's the cocaine?
5. I got a dress for you

Amadeus:

1. Writing the Requiem
2. End of the story
3. "How about this one?"
4. Salieri's plan
5. Finding out who Mozart is

Uhhh possibly.

Bryan L:

Yes.

RatedRStar:

Parts of, I recall he was a decent villain.

Anonymous:

Amazing scene in every element. Dieterle's direction is fantastic in the creation of the atmosphere of the otherworldly barn while still a barn. I especially love the lighting as though there is a fire on the jury and the judge, but there is no fire to be seen. The choices of shots are fantastic whether it is looking down on Stone and the jury particularly Benedict Arnold, the slight skew on Scratch (with such perfect reactions from Huston), against the straight forward look at Arnold as Webster right in the center speaking straight. Arnold's performance being such highlight as he so effectively delivers the brilliantly written words that lists the pains of the past, but with the promise of hope through a different choice.

RatedRStar:

I remember.

Louis Morgan said...


Wilson - 4.5(I thought he was terrific as well though portraying his role as the most active monk in terms of dealing with the outside forces that threaten them. Wilson brings the right controlled calm in his work fitting for a truly devote man of faith, however he underlies it so well by always providing the very real fear, usually just within his eyes as he deals with the terrorists or debates with the other brothers whether or not they should stay. Wilson brings though within the fear though this certain powerful and very poignant conviction of the man's stance to help others while bearing the threat. The passion is quiet yet so very potent in creating the sense of that faith that drives him. He's great in his sort of his scenes that reminded me of Liam Neeson in Schindler's List and Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda where he carefully deals with the violent man. Wilson is remarkable in how persuasive he is in these scenes though in a very unassuming way, he creates such sense of the man's will though in a subtle rather than forceful fashion. My single favorite scene of his though is when they hear the helicopters of the war, and he leads his brothers in the sermon still as Lambert such a comforting warmth in that moment it's a great performance.)

Anonymous:

Naked City - (Notable for the time for its location shooting and in that it is notable in that it crafts a definite style even beyond achieving the documentary effect, which often is an excuse for bad cinematography. Naked City's though goes further to create some more subtle yet very dynamic contrast of light and darkness, and what's particularly remarkable is the framing that purposefully is a little askew at time that leads to some really dynamite shots. The most notable aspect of this element is in the final shots on the suspension bridge shots which are just incredible in creating a real sense of the atmosphere of the city, and specifically the intensity and quite literally the needed sense of height of the sequence. That sequence I'd say is one of the very best shot sequences of the 40's.)

Louis Morgan said...

The Pawnbroker - (It's mostly pretty straight forward work, though refined and certainly well done, for the majority of the film outside of the pawnshop. In those scenes it is an example of non-showy but certainly good cinematography. Inside the pawnshop though is where Boris Kaufman breaks that mold, and it seems he and Sidney Lumet sought amplify the state of Sol at his worst which is in the shop. There the lighting is the most dynamic effectively so in every shadowy creating a sense of the unease, and conflicting states of mind.)

Lezlie:

I actually thought the whole cast acquit themselves quite well in part creating the sense of community between the men, the various personal dynamics between them, and also their personal arcs in very quiet subdued yet still effective ways. This certainly includes Rabourdin who I thought did well to show a more direct fear as related to his doubts, and powerfully realizes a growing comfort in his faith as well as conviction to his path as the film goes on. So much is found in each of the meeting scenes, and Rabourdin found his arc just in such subtle moments that still made a definite impact.

RatedRStar said...

Louis: Your thoughts on him as an actor or in general?

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar:

Haven't seen that much of his work to be honest though from what I've seen he's an enjoyable enough, and certainly very energetic performer.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: seen anything new recently?

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

The Man Who Invented Christmas, certainly nothing special, but I could describe it as mildly charming.

Calvin Law said...

Thoughts and ratings on the cast? Kermode essentially described it as such.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Stevens - 3.5(He pretty much is the film in many ways as he very throws himself into every scene to make something out of every single scene. I will give him credit for trying and somewhat succeeding in this. Stevens has an endearing energy that manages to make even the most ridiculous of setups work somewhat due to his conviction to making the exact tone of the film work. He's not exactly any sort of realistic Charles Dickens, but his performance work as this lightweight yet charming rendition of the man basically as this eccentric who is just occasionally a little charming. In terms of portraying his own reformation for example it is extremely light, however the film itself clearly doesn't want it all that dark so Stevens's approach makes sense. It always makes sense for the film which really isn't trying for greatness, so in turn nor is Stevens's performance.)

Plummer - 3(He basically plays Scrooge as the caricatured version of Scrooge, but that is really his intention as it portrays the idea of the character in the bluntest form. He's not going for the subtly of a Sim or a Scott, or even a Finney for that matter. He's decent though in just being a purely mean old grump.)

Pryce - 3(He's Prycing it up though it works in the same way it does for Stevens's performance. I will say his light approach though leaves his performance as slightly enjoyable and slightly moving. I would say this was probably within the directing still though I think a more poignant performance was possible with the role.)

Sumpter - 2.5(Decent as his own form of a greedy grump in his one scene then an effective enough if lighter Marley, he at least brings a bit of a sense of foreboding though I would not have minded more.)

Clark - 2.5(Liked her chemistry with Stevens however they don't really let her do much in that regard.)

Murphy - 3(Effective in a very Muppets Christmas past certain way in her ghostly scene. In her other scenes she certainly brings the earnestness needed.)

Anonymous said...

Louis thoughts on LAFC awards?

Luke Higham said...

Dafoe could be heading for a clean sweep and The Shape Of Water may have gained back some momentum.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Picture: Can't speak to quality again but Call Me By Your Name, and runner up Florida Projects need these wins to get their best picture nominations. I don't see them converting to Oscar wins though.

Director: Del Toro needed this a great deal, as did Guadagnino though to a lesser extent. Again didn't expect Nolan to play here, as with Oldman the industry awards are where they are probably going to shine.

Actor: Chalamet continues to make a better name for a nomination, though again I expected him to do well with the critics. It would be great if the critics could have boosted Stanton a bit, but they would rather remain predictable. Franco as runner-up isn't surprising either given they gave him the win for Spring Breakers. I still don't think Chalamet is a guarantee as critical darling can miss out a la Albert Brooks, and Sally Hawkins for Happy Go Lucky speaking of...

Actress: Hawkins I'd say needs her film to do well as much as she needs these wins, so this was a good day for her.

Supporting Actor: Ehhhhh I have to say this is a little tiresome given that I haven't read or heard from anyone that this is an undeniable performance from Willem Dafoe making these wins feel just a little lazy on the groups' parts. I really hate when the groups get sheepish given that it implies there are no other choices for supporting actor this year when there definitely are, and not just Rockwell either.

Supporting Actress: Metcalf seems like a critical favorite who will probably go onto win, same for Dafoe.

Calvin Law said...

Dafoe is fantastic but I'll agree it's not really the powerhouse performance one would expect to be sweeping awards. I do think Franco is more likely to get in over Chalamet.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your rating and thoughts on Christopher Lee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I always felt he was the best part of that film, and even made me care about that subplot in spite of Depp's atrocious performance.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I saw Good Time. I highly recommend everyone watch it. Pattinson definitely deserves a review for it.

Calvin Law said...

I enjoyed Good Time too, and Pattinson would be a very interesting review.

RatedRStar said...

Has anyone here seen Innerspace (1987)?

Calvin Law said...

Louis: your choice for a 1990s and 2000s Brief Encounter cast? For 2010s I've got:

Laura - Sally Hawkins
Alec - Benedict Cumberbatch
Albert - Toby Jones
Myrtle - Julie Walters
Fred - Michael Sheen

Luke Higham said...

Has anyone seen Nicholas Nickleby (2002). Plummer gives one of his very best performances and could be a potential supporting review.

Calvin Law said...

I have, a while ago though. I remember I thought it was a pretty solid adaptation on the whole.

Luke Higham said...

What did you think of Hunnam, Bell, Broadbent and Plummer.

Calvin Law said...

I remember Bell and Plummer being pretty good, Charlie Humdrum being decent, Broadbent I honestly can't remember.

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

Lee - 3(One of the decent aspects of that film that has a bit of fun with playing with his assumed presence as he brings his particular from of menacing gravitas to dealing with candy. He brings though surprisingly though naturally a real warmth in the end that could've been something more substantial if he was work with a better performance.)

Calvin:

90's:

Laura: Lesley Manville
Alec: David Thewlis
Albert: Michael Gambon
Myrtle: Sinead Cusack
Fred: Bill Nighy

2000's:

Laura: Gillian Anderson
Alec: Paul Bettany
Albert: Robbie Coltrane
Myrtle: Imelda Staunton
Fred: Mark Williams

John Smith said...

Im warming up to Jake Gyllenhalls performance In 'Okja'.

Calvin Law said...

John: In a strange way, so am I. I still don't think it's a good, or even serviceable performance, but I appreciate the risk he took in playing the character so over-the-top, he has a few good moments, and in the end as far as bad performances this year goes, he's far from the very worst.

Calvin Law said...

Also, I'd say seeing 'Stronger' has me less worried for him on the whole since he clearly still knows how to deliver a nuanced performance.

Louis Morgan said...

John:

Though that performance didn't work for me, it was the same type of risk he took with Nightcrawler, so next time he takes such a risk I hope it hits. I'm willing to have another Okja from him if it means we get another Nightcrawler.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Do you see Nic Cage playing Lou Bloom in a 90s version of Nightcrawler?

Louis Morgan said...

Yes.

Mitchell Murray said...

For me Gyllenhaal is a very competent and engaging actor. Its only recently, and more specifically after the overwhelming praise of Nightcrawler, that his output has started to dwindle.

Have yet to see Stronger, but my top 5 of him would be something like this:

1) Nightcrawler
2) Prisoners
3) Source Code
4) Brokeback Mountain
5) Donnie Darko

Anonymous said...

Louis: your top 10 jonathan banks and giancarlo esposito acting moments

Calvin Law said...

Mine would be,

1. Nightcrawler
2. Prisoners
3. Brokeback Mountain
4. Donnie Darko
5. Stronger/Source Code

Robert MacFarlane said...

1. Donnie Darko
2. Nightcrawler
3. Prisoners
4. Brokeback Mountain
5. Um, I’m not sure I have a fifth. The Good Girl, I guess?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your thoughts in the following scenes/songs from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:
The Tunnel of Madness
The final confrontation/reveal
'Pure Imagination'
'I've Got a Golden Ticket'
'Cheer up, Charlie'

Robert MacFarlane said...

I hate to admit it since everyone else seems to love it here, but Three Billboards gets worse and worse the more I think about it.

Anonymous said...

I really think that Jake Gyllenhaal needs Sag and Golden Globe to help him otherwise he will not get nominated at all.

Omar Franini said...

Louis: can i have your ratings and thoughts on Rosamund Pike, Daniel Mays and Geraldine James in Made in Danegham, Dianne Wiest and Miles Teller in Rabbit Hole?

Luke Higham said...

Bryan Singer got fired from Bohemian Rhapsody. Another one bites the dust.

Anonymous said...

Louis: What do you think The Life of Emile Zola needed to be a masterpiece? I'd say Muni needed a little more restrain.

Anonymous said...

*restraint

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

The Tunnel of Madness - (A scene that could only appear in a family film pre-1990's unfortunately. One of the most memorable sequences and I love its placement of fear right after the room of imagination. Its a great bit of madness though the highlight is Wilder's performance which should be the most fear inducing element of the scene. That primal scream at the end of the poem is particularly great, and I love the instant end to the scene.)

The final confrontation/reveal - (The best scene of the film in my view given that Wilder does not hold back in the scene really creating a real pressure and sense of intensity in the test of Charlie. This makes his turn around genuinely heartwarming when it happens and Wilder is as good being cheerful as he is being maniacal.)

'Pure Imagination' - (The set design is dated to be sure, but I think it still works well enough as a candy man. In addition Wilder isn't some amazing singer however I find he carries the song more than fine. Wilder in the scene acting wise is great as always as there is a sense of the spirit of imagination however with that slightly sinister quality that makes his Wonka so interesting. The song itself is a simple yet effective tune. I like the certain eerie melancholy in the intro and outro that prevents it from become too sugary (pun not intended), while still bringing a definite charm.)

'I've Got a Golden Ticket' - (The song work as written to begin as it is just a spirited jaunty little piece that is wonderful as it builds and hastens its tempo throughout the sequence. What really makes the song work though for me is Jack Albertson's performance both physically in portraying the learning to walk again basically, but also just giving the needed joy to every verse.)

'Cheer up, Charlie' - (I love the film but I hate this song and scene. It is long and laborious. It sets the film to a stand still and hammers in a point that just isn't needed. We see that Charlie is sad, making a long sequence, without anything visually happening is just unneeded. The song itself just isn't very good either as it is an overdone ballad that frankly should have been cut from the film.)

Louis Morgan said...

Omar:

Pike - 3.5(More so in her wheelhouse than Barney's Version though she doens't go too ice queen but rather using it well just to suggest the stature of the character. She stands well in contrast against Hawkins and shares the right type of chemistry within the idea of courtesy in their initial scenes. She's very good in her final scene as well in delivering just the right type of understated passion that doesn't feel out of character.)

James - 3.5(I thought she was more than fine in her initial scenes that aren't given too much focus. I thought she was quite effective and affecting though in everyone of her scenes with her husband portraying so well the desperation and anguish that quickly builds from it. In turn she makes her outburst, then later apology, quite natural and rather moving.)

Mays - 3(Felt he really didn't leave any impression for about 90% of the film even lacking any sense of history you'd expect he would share with Hawkins. I did find though he made somewhat up this in his final scenes of portraying such earnestness in his attempted apology.)

Wiest - 3(Eh I thought she kind of fell upon some of her older types of tricks here yet in sort of a broader less effective sort of way for much of the film. I will say though she's pretty good in her final scene though because she pulls back giving a performance closer to her earlier performances.)

Teller - 2(Did not care for his performance here in the slightest and I'm glad I saw after seeing his good performances. This though is just failure of an attempt as he's going for a portrayal of being emotionally closed off in a state of depression over what he has done. This whole act just felt like such a thing, and a potentially moving role become oddly off-putting instead.)

Anonymous:

Well Muni could tone it down just a little bit, but more than anything it should have just focused on the Dreyfuss affair.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: your thought on 'Nightman' and 'Dayman' and what do you think of the idea of Howerton playing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Calvin Law said...

Also I saw Wonder. Honestly it's pretty predictable and soppy, but it works for what it is.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Nightman is perhaps bit too much spidery and rapey for its own good. As much as it reflects the authors intent it gets bogged down by it.

Dayman on the other hand is glorious glam rock at its very much with such a rousing and endearing them. I mean who wouldn't want to be the master of karate and friendship to everyone.

I'd take Howerton in any role honestly including that one.