Saturday 10 November 2018

Alternate Best Actor 1987: Martin Short in Innerspace

Martin Short did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Jack Putter in Innerspace.

Innerspace is an enjoyable comedic adventure about a pilot shrunk down into a tiny machine who happens to end up in the body of a random nervous man. The two then work together to try to save each other from corporate espionage.

Martin Short is someone I'd describe as very funny, however his film work is more typically within the frame of limited vaudevillian style turns as cartoonish side characters. Innerspace is a notable departure of sorts, in that he is the comedic foil to are more traditional leading man in Dennis Quaid's test pilot Lt. Tuck Pendleton. Although the film is a comedy, the role actually is a bit more dramatic than one might expect from a quick glance at the synopsis. A part of this comes from Short's performance which is rather well tempered within the film. In that he does not make Jack this over the top figure in the film, in fact one could easily argue Quaid's Tuck is far more overt. Instead Short's performance seeks to make Jack a proper average, well more of a proper average nervous schmoe I suppose. That is in the opening of the film we see Jack just dealing with his life of normal store employee, which is perhaps even more than he can take. Short though is delight though in the role in he allows his natural comedic timing to be evident, but actually plays the anxiety of the character we an earnest conviction. There is a particular hilarious moment early where Jack has his own "man behind Winkies" moment involving a customer with miniature gun, where a nightmare becomes reality. Short's great in this scene as his little breaths, and darting expressions, are so well placed in each moments, yet he is also convincing in showing this poor man having a bit of nervous breakdown.

That is of course are basis for the character with what Short runs with once Jack gets involved with the plot, by being injected with Quaid's micronaut as a last resort. Here we get a most unusual duo between Short, and Quaid as the man in a tiny ship within his body. We have though the two men one hard drinker braggart, and Short's Jack. Short is terrific in finding this effortless balance in the role though in creating comedy within these interactions of fear at his situation, while also making it easy to genuinely empathize with Jack in his predicament. One the initial shock wears off though we get the two's interplay which is simply wonderful. Short is great in creating this slowly growing sense of curiosity in his reactions to Quaid, though always underlined with a proper degree of fear that takes a very long time to let up. They go beyond that though as they even develop a certain level of warmth in their interactions that creates a genuine friendship. These are just small, yet pivotal moments in their performances where they both just bring the right humanity to this bizarre situation. This is of course also is bolstered by Short's realization of the concept through his physical performance. Short is a proper hoot throughout the film in mastery every little awkward physical tic that becomes a series of comical reflections of what is going on Jack's outside as Tuck messes with his insides.

Short's performance is something that helps this film stand out, particularly as he makes such a most unusual lead for an action picture, even one with a great deal of comedy. A lot of this comedy comes with the unlikely hero, which is welcomed though as any typical action scene is a touch different with Short at the center of it. One scene in particular involving a high speed chase with a truck, and a convertible, we get the typical thrills of such a scene though with far more laughs granted by Short presenting a man in the scene who should never be. His scared witless reactions at every point are comic gold and give the action scenes something unique they would probably lack otherwise. Now we also get something surprising though in Short's overall performance that is also far more dynamic that you'd expect. This comes in Short's portrayal of Jack needing to essentially be Tuck to save the day. Short wholly earns the gradual transition of scenes in creating this brewing confidence. He never leans too much one way, and is particularly good in capturing this certain thrill in his eyes as he shows Jack getting caught up in the adventure. This highlight of this idea though is in Jack's relationship with Tuck's former girlfriend as well as investigative reporter Lydia Maxwell (Meg Ryan), that forms a most unusual love triangle. We get some classic Short fits and starts in their initial interactions, however Short is fantastic in creating the growth in a clear affection for his "co-pilot's" love. Short manages to naturally build this to a moment that is the highlight of his performance for me, even though it is a purely dramatic one. That is when Jack insists on wholly taking over the situation and talking to Lydia alone. Short is honestly incredible in the scene in he brings such a sweetness to the romantic moment, and even shows this strength within Jack's modest nature in the moment. Short delivers such an earnest scene that makes this transition to a more confident man natural by showing it to almost reveal itself through the strengths of his former weaknesses. The arc of the character is earned by Short's work which never hand waves it, or just plays it for laughs. He captures so much more with Jack and in turn makes the film so much richer for it. It is a marvelous turn from Short as he creates a more fully realized character by balancing the comedy with a surprising degree of depth within the man's journey. 

50 comments:

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Glad you liked him.
Ratings and thoughts on the cast.

Also could I have your thoughts on these South Park episodes?
'Trapped in the Closet'
'Cartoon Wars' (Part I and II)

RatedRStar said...

Really loved this film and him, I recall Siskel and Ebert thinking he was brilliant as well, its a must watch if anyone hasn't seen it.

Calvin Law said...

Thoroughly enjoyed this film and Short in it.

Saw Wildlife, gonna wait till tonight for Mandy. As for the former I thought it was a decent enough directorial debut from Paul Dano, and the film itself is fine yet never quite hits the emotional watermarks it seems to want to.

Oxenbuld: 3
Mulligan: 4.5/5
Gyllenhaal: 3.5 (he’s definitely supporting)
Camp: 3.5

Louis Morgan said...

Saw the Outlaw King, which doesn't come together, but there were things I liked about it.

Pine - 3(Leaning 3.5)
Taylor-Johnson - 3.5
Pugh - 3.5(Leaning 4)
Howle - 3
Curran - 3
Dillane - 3.5

Tahmeed:

Quaid - 3.5(He perhaps over does sort of the Jack Nicholson impression he occasionally does, however I do like his performance here overall. This is most clearly in his interactions with Short as he brings the right bluster to Short's nervousness. He's good in terms of being the action hero, but only kind of. In that he exudes a certain confidence, yet does it in a way that makes it all a little shakier than the typical lead making him need's Short's Jack, just as Jack needs Tuck even beyond the whole body situation.)

Ryan - 3.5(She's good in importantly having a bit of fun along with the film. Although she really isn't given a lot specific comedic moments there's a comedic energy in her work that really works wonderfully within the scheme of the film. In addition she manages to establish effective chemistry with both Short, and Quaid in a very short order.)

McCarthy - 3(He makes for an enjoyable enough miser here.)

Picardo - 3(He's a decent dose of oddness that is more that doesn't leave too much of an impression, but he's entertaining in his little bits.)

Trapped in the Closet - (The most overrated episode of the series next to Awesome-o in my mind. The whole Tom Cruise side of things is extremely repetitive, as really is even Stan's side. The whole episode is just an excuse for the dramatization of the core beliefs, which is funny, but the episode around it is pretty weak I find.)

Cartoon Wars - (Now this is a proper episode, even if the idea of Cartman's humor being just like Family Guy, not being the most natural or subtle of allusions. However what is done with that gives two very entertaining episodes on multiple levels. Whether it be the fairly accurate, if simplified, representation of Family Guy Jokes, the focus on the style of comedy, and the idea of censorship. The episode excels while doing it within keeping the characters involved in a way that never feels forced, well for South Park anyways, and is one of the better multiple parters of the series.)

Michael McCarthy said...

I would definitely go higher for Pine. It's true that as written Robert the Bruce's characterization is very thin, but I though Pine did so much in between the lines there. Pine gives off this charisma that's sort of the antithesis of Gibson's William Wallace, where it's easy to see why others would follow him because of his core sense of integrity but outside of that he seems a bit out of place as a soldier. In that way he actually reminded me a lot of Jeff Daniels in Gettysburg.

I also straight-up love his performance in the opening shot of the film. During that sparring match his physical performance is fascinating, the way he seamlessly transitions from his lighthearted parries to the more forceful blows of a man who is being deeply and personally insulted, all the while keeping the face of a man who is trying so hard to maintain diplomacy.

Calvin Law said...

I’d go lower for Dillane honestly.

Well Mandy was quite the trip. I’ll need to give some thought to it.

Cage: 4.5
Riseborough: 4.5
Roache: 4.5/5 (would not be surprised to see him end up as a dark horse winner)
Everyone else a collective 3

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: Cage is probably down to a 4 for me by now. Also I agree with you about Dillane it Outlaw King.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Saw Can You Ever Forgive Me? and just absolutely loved it. McCarthy and Grant are both more than worthy of the praise they’re receiving.

Louis Morgan said...

Michael:

My reservations in regards to Pine stem towards the material, which I thought made Robert just a vague leader type, which was odd to me given how well developed he was in Braveheart despite being the supporting role. This was prevalent throughout the roles which I found strange in that the film seemed to aspire a more "realistic" take than Braveheart yet the majority of the characters were far less developed. I will say I would be interested to know what was cut from the festival release, and wonder if that was perhaps the better cut. The one exception to this for me was Edward II, though even his development at times seemed perhaps a little too similar at times to Theon's scenes from Season 2 of Game of Thrones.

Calvin Law said...

See, I liked Cage. Nothing to complain about his performance. But I do find it weird that most seem to be highlighting him in the film when he’s actually probably giving the most ‘safe’ performance. Dillane honestly felt a bit miscast IMO.

Michael: What are your ratings for McCarthy and Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Calvin Law said...

And incidentally, Robert too

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: McCarthy is a 5 and probably my win, Grant Is a very strong 4.5.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Well I will say I think Dillane suffered from the film being so unsure on how to portray Longshanks. As it desperately avoids making him near evil incarnate, so instead it left him too as rather vague. Having said that, I did quite like what Dillane did in his scene pondering death of old age, and his final scenes, that to alluded to a more complex character we never were granted through the screenplay.

Anonymous said...

Louis can I have your more detailed thoughts on Outlaw King, and on Pugh and Taylor-Johnson?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

The Outlaw King I found was a film with admirable ambition in terms of David McKenzie's direction that attempts to adhere some new aesthetic within the historical epic genre. I will say in this regard it does not entirely fail with some particularly dynamic battle scenes, featuring the best cinematography I've seen from Barry "shaky cam" Ackroyd, and with a distinct score. It tries to create something new which is always worth something, even when not wholly achieved. Where the film suffers most is its pacing, which again I'd be interested to know what was taken out of the longer cut, and the script. The film just isn't written with a clear intention in regards to what it seeks to tell us about Bruce or even what his struggle should me. This is particularly notable in its inability to create the urgency to his rebellion which one would expect given that there are certainly the elements in the story that should create that. A part of this I feel does come from its inability to decide if it wants to wholly embrace a definite realism, or to frankly make Braveheart 2, either approach I would have been find with, however the film remains in an in-between. Again I don't think the film is a abject failure though, in fact I'd probably recommend watching it even with its faults.

Pugh - (She is just wonderful new actress it seems, also great so far in Little Drummer Girl, and she isn't working with too complicated of a role. She is the supportive wife, though with a streak of independence. She handles this beautifully though to really deliver an impact with her performance even though the character's impact is fairly limited. She manages to bring a real innate strength that avoids being too modern, and also creates a real proper empathy within at least one aspect of Robert's plight.)

Taylor-Johnson - (Although this isn't Braveheart 2, and James Douglas was a real person, he might as well be the continuation of Stephen The Irishman with how he is placed within the film. And I will say, I still would've loved to have see Ben Foster just run with this character. Having said that though Taylor-Johnson still works with the character, who is very much meant to steal scenes. In that he captures best the passionate spirit of the rebellion particularly in the battles scenes, where he throws himself head first into with the violent intensity he brings to every moment of battle. He delivers in the role to the point that I ponder perhaps the film should've been from his perspective.)

Anonymous said...

Louis: So it looks like the script for the Eastern Promises sequel is being used for a different film. Thoughts?

Also, thoughts on these Japanese openings of X-Men TAS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rSw4Xl5qfs

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Well I think that fate would be better for Gladiator 2 then Eastern Promises, as I find a continuation already with Mortensen's Nikolai would hold more weight than simply a story about a mob being run by secret undercover agent. I would say I am glad it is getting made in some way though.

Well those openings are beautifully animated I will say if a bit of false advertisement not only in terms of the Brood making an appearance, but in terms of matching the actual style of the cartoon. I will say though the theme, while fine on its own, also doesn't quite meet the American theme, then again few themes can compare to that.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Calvin: Both would be 5's in my book.

John Smith said...

Louis, have you seen the film Edmond? I has what i consider to be a career best from William H Macy.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thoughts on the scores for The Thing and The Untouchables.

Charles H said...

Louis: Your top 10 performances in superhero films

Charles H said...

As far as Short & Innerspace, i loved this film quite a lot. One of those really enjoyable 80's comedies.

Calvin Law said...

Robert and Michael: God I can’t wait to see it - but have to wait until February.

Calvin Law said...

RIP Douglas Rain

Anonymous said...

Louis: your top 11-20 Robert duvall acting moments

Luke Higham said...

RIP Douglas Rain

Michael McCarthy said...

RIP Stan Lee

Luke Higham said...

RIP Stan Lee

Anonymous said...

R.I.P. Douglas Rain and Stan Lee

Calvin Law said...

Damn. RIP Stan Lee.

RatedRStar said...

RIP Douglas Rain and Stan Lee

Two legends from two incredible universes.

Emi Grant said...

R.I.P Douglas Rain and Stan Lee

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

RIP Stan Lee.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: What's your rating and thoughts on Dennis Christopher in Chariots of Fire?

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: Also, thoughts on the Detective Pikachu trailer?

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

RIP Douglas Rain and Stan Lee

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Nicolas Cage as an actor?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Matt: Seeing Pikachu with Deadpool's voice was surreal as hell, I'll say that much xD.

Luke Higham said...

Guys, What did you think of the Toy Story 4 teasers.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the scene where Bob injures Huph in The Incredibles. One thing I particularly like about the scene is the color palette and lighting. When Bob watches that person getting mugged, you can see the lighting brighten.

And this deleted scene from The Lion King.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl8gDjaHWWA

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke: Enjoyable enough, though I have to say, I never thought I would see Jordan Peele as a chicken.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous:

11. Advising his daughter - Tender Mercies
12. "Blue bonnet" - Open Range
13. Campfire - Apocalypse Now
14. Drunken ramblings - The Great Santini
15. Final prayer - The Apostle
16. Tempering Charley - Open Range
17. Confronting De-Fens - Falling Down
18. Asking for his funeral - Get Low
19. Being interrupted - A Civil Action
20. "I need a good judge" - True Grit

Calvin Law said...

LOVED that Toy Story Key and Peele sketch. Although I’m pretty sure Key was the chicken?

Bryan L. said...

Louis: What are some 2010s film roles that you think Jack Nicholson would've been great for back in his prime? (Though he still gave very good performances in About Schmidt and The Pledge, which was technically past his heyday)

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Lastly, would James Woods be in your Top 20 if he was still landing parts in at-least-decent films post-2000? Seems like he's mainly known nowadays for playing himself on Family Guy and his...takes.

Anonymous said...

Bryan L: He should make another sequel to Videodrome, but instead of being called Videodrome 2, it's called Internetdrome or Twitterdrome.

As for prime Nicholson, maybe Reynolds' role in Mississippi Grind.

Mitchell Murray said...

Calvin: My mistake, as I'm not overly familiar with their sketches to begin with.

Bryan L. said...

Anonymous: I think Nicholson would've been the perfect Jordan Belfort back in the 70s. And that sequel must be directed by Jeremy Saulnier.

Louis Morgan said...

John:

No, I have not.

Anonymous:

The Thing is an amazing score, and that Razzie nomination is unforgivable, as it grants a most unusual combination between a deeply expressive composer like Morricone working in tandem with and restyling himself with the minimalist that is Carpenter. Now one can easily tell when one begins and one takes over, however Morricone taking this atypical approach results in one of the greatest horror scores of all time. We are granted one of his most reserved scores, and it is something to behold. It creates such an unsettling mood with all the hushed tones, yet there is an element that makes it all the more notable given there is some inflicted emotion as to be expected from Morricone. Morricone plays with a minimalism and it is fascinating how he still explores his certain romanticism in it, though twisted to create something so unnerving in his limited electronic instrumentation. The way he can just make the same note repeated something so distinct, and builds upon, lightly for Morricone anyways, yet so powerfully as this one of a kind tapestry of horror.

The Untouchables is in some ways a weird score, that I love, however it is this interesting mix of styles on Morricone's part that fits De Palma's pulpy style. In that you have the lurid staccato pieces, that feel more like almost what Morricone was doing with the Thing, that are these terrific mood pieces that feel right at home in a noir gangster film. This is along with though mixed with classic Morricone romanticism almost as this ideal that represents Ness against the corrupt world of Chicago. This is an extreme juxtaposition but it works extremely well in De Palma's style. Of course it helps with just how beautiful Morricone's tender melodies, and how inspiring his heroic ones are where he uses really the full brunt of the orchestra. He's equally great at more sparing atypical instrumentation that creates such an intense, and proper mood for the world of crime.

Charles:

1. Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
2. Hugh Jackman - Logan
3. Jeffrey Dean Morgan - Watchmen
4. Michelle Pfeiffer - Batman Returns
5. Jackie Earle Haley - Watchmen
6. Patrick Stewart - Logan
7. Gene Hackman - Superman
8. Gary Oldman - The Dark Knight
9. Ryan Reynolds - Deadpool 2
10. Robert Downey Jr. - Captain America: Civil War

Matt:

Christopher - (That placement of his might be me being a bit cruel as he's mostly just kind of there, but his one line of "sir, you have yourself a deal" is one of the most labored deliveries since "These pretzels are making me thirsty".)

I have to say it doesn't appear to be the piece of trash I was expecting. In fact I quite like the effects used for the Pokemon, making them look kind of like this pseduo stop motion. Now having said that the story still looks generic, and Reynolds just sounds out of place. That's a shame as voice acting casting is key, since I think maybe with more of a Ben Whishaw style casting (getting the right voice rather than the right star) could have benefited it, since it doesn't look terrible strangely enough.

Anonymous:

Have I not covered that before.

That deleted scene I think would have given Scar more to do, I can see quite easily why it was deleted, as perhaps we didn't need rapey Scar in a children's film.

Bryan:

Connie Nikas
Chris Mannix
Curtis LaForche (Funny though as I think Shannon would have the same problem as Nicholson if he played Jack Torrance)

Yes, probably in regards to Woods, it's a shame he let himself get in his own way.

Robert MacFarlane said...

My personal choice for Detective Pikachu would have been Andrew Rannells for the sheer novelty of him starting his career as a voice actor for Pokemon and looping back to this. In fact, I'm disappointed they didn't find a role for him.