Thursday 24 January 2019

Best Supporting Actor 2018: Sam Elliott in A Star is Born

Sam Elliott received his first Oscar nomination for portraying Bobby Maine in A Star is Born.

Sam Elliott has long been a reliable character actor, however ever since his brief though notable appearance in The Big Lebowski, as the stranger/narrator he has received a certain iconic quality within cinema. In that if you want to get someone who just seems to embody some semblance of some sort of western Americana, Elliott is your man. This perhaps partially influenced Bradley Cooper casting Elliott as his brother. This casting you could almost call a bit of wish fulfillment from Cooper, as many would love the idea as Sam Elliott as their brother, even when the math doesn't exactly work out. Although to be fair Elliott being Cooper's brother is merely impractical and unlikely, not impossible, and who doesn't want that man with that iconic of a mustache and voice as their brother? Of course Elliott is currently in sort of another phase of his career, as he's recently being seemingly trying to find roles that allow others to see his acting ability beyond the voice and the mustache, in films like Grandma, and The Hero. One could potentially argue that his part as Bobby Maine, the brother of Cooper's successful though self-destructive rock star Jackson Maine, is a combination of a little of both.

Sam Elliott represents one of the major additions to this fourth version of the film with the inclusion of a brother for Maine. The character does have a slight comparison in the villainous handler in the previous versions, though all the negative qualities of the character has been switched to the Britush agent of this version's titular star, Ally (Lady Gaga). This grants a far personal connection between Jackson, and the man taking care of him, as they are bonded by blood. Now though Elliott sort of made his name as a presence, he is indeed a terrific actor. That's important as Bobby is very sparingly used throughout the film, and honestly given the brother's inclusion I do wish they expanded on the story line a bit. Instead we get sort of a rushed facet of the film where both were the son of a drunk, that Jackson still idolizes, and Bobby continues to take care of Jackson. Elliott though is a force to be reckoned with from his first scene where he reprimands Jackson's self care. Elliott brings the ferocity not of a an angry manager but rather a yet again disappointed older brother dealing with the same nonsense once again. Elliott is direct, and delivers every line with a quick incisiveness that establishes his relationship with Jackson instantly and effectively.

Shortly afterwards we see him in another setting as he takes care of a drunk Jackson. Elliott here bringing a real tenderness in his physical performance showing a clear concern for him, even as he expresses the same type of exasperation over the situation, however now properly tempered by Elliott. Their relationship soon comes to a head, probably too soon in a narrative sense, when Jackson finds out Bobby sold their father's ranch, leading him to violently accost his brother. Elliott plays the scene well, even if it could've used more build up, as he portrays his reaction as this anger tempered by sadness, as explains the worthlessness of the memory of their father while also stating his disdain for Jackson's life choices. Elliott again is terrific in being able to emphasize the love of the brother in his eyes, even while also conveying his delivery the disgust, particularly when Jackson dismisses Bobby's own life. This separates the two, and the film from Elliott for some time. He eventually reappears as a calmer reassuring force to support Jackson as he tries to recover from his demons. Elliott again attunes his performance so well in creating the sense of the relationship as in these scenes we just see the older brother not the manager. Elliott offers the right specific warmth in these moments as he shows Bobby showing his love for his brother, while also still recognition of their past difficulties. The one moment that breaks this is when Jackson recognizes that Bobby was the one he looked up to rather than their father. Elliott's reaction to this is shown only for a few seconds as Bobby is trying to back up his pickup truck to leave Jackson's house, yet it packs quite a punch as Elliott expresses completely how much that declaration meant to him as well as how much he really does care for his brother. Elliott appears only in one more scene, his only major scene interacting with Ally as the two of them reflect upon Jackson's ultimate fate. Elliott's work is again on point as he manages to find the right approach for the scene. In an overarching sense he delivers Bobby's words as comfort towards Ally, and in turn he tries to put up as supportive of a front as he can. Within that though Elliott realizes so naturally these moments of nearly breaking into tears, as he still conveys the love for his brother, though as a man trying to contain it for the sake of Ally. Although I do wish Bobby had been expanded within as a character, with a more gradually paced subplot, this is a strong turn by Sam Elliott as he makes the most of what he has and shows he's much more than a great voice and magnificent mustache.

37 comments:

Emi Grant said...

I was really hoping for a 4.5, but at least you liked him.

Calvin Law said...

Hm surprising. Seems like the film really hasn’t stayed with you, but I suppose that doesn’t mean Cooper won’t get a good rating. I personally agree though I do think he warrants a 4.5. So glad you enjoyed Blindspotting and the two principals (although we’ll disagree over the use of rap).

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I would have given him a 4.5 myself, but I agree with the reservations that prevented you from giving him one. Fingers crossed for Cooper getting his first 5.

Louis: Any rating changes for the rest of the cast?

Matt Mustin said...

I thought for sure you'd give him a 4.5. I've seen the movie twice now and both times I've felt like he had much more screen time than he actually does, because he makes such an impact with what he has.

Also, I have to completely disagree with you about the rapping in the final scene of Blindspotting, as I thought it fit the film perfectly. They used rap very carefully throughout the movie, so the presence of it is always felt, so to me it wasn't a huge leap when they used it for the climax. I also thought the entire film was pretty heavily stylized, so it made perfect sense to me.

Calvin Law said...

Looks like Grant’s the only one in this lineup with a chance at a 4.5 or 5. Certainly hope it’s the latter.

Mitchell Murray said...

He's a 4.5 for me, although I concur with the majority of this review.

Also, and I know Calvin's going to like this, I saw "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" today and found it to be pretty effective. I also really liked Grant who would absolutely be my supporting actor pick. Its a terrific performance that really plays into Grant's devilish smile and infectious energy, but also leaves room for some poignancy towards the end.

My personal ranking for the current category:

1) Grant (4.5)
2) Elliott (4.5)
3) Driver (4)
4) Ali (3.5)
5) Rockwell (3)

joe burns said...

My predictions:

1. Grant
2. Driver
3. Elliot
4. Ali
5. Rockwell

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Shaun Pye in Extras?

Michael McCarthy said...

I totally agree with what Matt said, and I’d also add that since Diggs plays the character as being very introverted it would make sense that it would take something personal like rapping for him to express some of his more intense emotions.

Bryan L. said...

I too just watched Blindspotting and I also think the rapping finale fit the film quite well. It does make sense for Diggs' character, and he does manage to build up to it effectively.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I echo everyone else’s thoughts on Blindspotting’s finale. Would have been trite if they did it straight. Also, I too would probably give Elliot a 4.5. I kind of realized how much he stuck with me in spite of his limited screen time.

Michael McCarthy said...

Elliott’s reaction while backing up his truck made him a comfortable 4.5 for me. I also have a half-brother who is 25 years older than me (not quite the same age difference as Elliott and Cooper, but not too far off) so the age difference didn’t bother me at all.

Bryan L. said...

I'm actually not too sure about Elliott's rating yet, but I'm planning on rewatching the film soon.

I think Elliott could still pass as someone in their early 60s, and Jackson is supposed to be around the same age as Cooper himself, so I didn't have any problem with it.

Although I wonder if it would've made things easier if Bobby was written as an older cousin or something but I digress.

Matt Mustin said...

Bryan L: If they were cousins, their relationship would not at all have the same impact.

Louis Morgan said...

Matt:

I'll just have to disagree with all of you, which is fine. However, there is only one brief moment of rapping in the film before that scene. I think it would have been natural, if they had a couple more rapping moments between them, to build to that moment. Also it is just slightly not realistic in tone, it's not Sorry to Bother You, and even that film more naturally brought "rap" as a centerpiece moment.

Michael:

Again, if we had seen him rap to express himself openly, even in a brief way earlier in the film, not just playing around for a scene, I think the scene would've worked better as a culmination for the character.

Bryan:

Don't really remember him.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Trip A Little Light Fantastic.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: Agree to disagree then on the Blindspotting rap, I'm just glad you liked the film.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: And Can You Imagine That? & A Cover Is Not The Book.

Calvin Law said...

So apparently only Shallow and All the Stars will be performed at the Oscars ceremony. Shame would’ve loved to see a live rendition of When a Cowboy with Nelson and Watson.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Yeah, that's ridiculous. They don't even have a host, they should perform the songs.

Luke Higham said...

Why am I not surprised. AMPAS continue to lose credibility with me, if they have any left.

Luke Higham said...

Though the producers should get most of the blame here.

Bryan L. said...

But they have to make room for all the lame sketches D:

I'm still upset about them showing the technical awards in a brief montage. Shame.

Matt: I understand that. I don't want to harp on it too much though, since I did like the subplot between the two and wish we had gotten more.

RatedRStar said...

Ok this one is disappointing, having only Shallow and All the Stars play is quite disrespectful to the other 3 nominees, its like saying that only the big stars can play.

RatedRStar said...

For some reason I have a feeling that Willem Dafoe has a chance of winning the official best actor lineup, I just have that feeling that it will connect quite strongly with Louis.

Bryan L. said...

RatedRStar: You might be on to something there, since I think Cooper would've been the only 5 from the lineup if Washington had gotten nominated instead of Dafoe. He (Dafoe) definitely makes this year's Best Actor lineup more interesting.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the following IASIP episodes?

Mac is a Serial Killer
The Gang Recycles their Trash
Thunder Gun Express

Luke Higham said...

Louis: See any other 2018 films lately.

Charles H said...

Considering A Star is Born hasn't stayed with Louis much i would not be shocked if Dafoe will be his choice.

Calvin Law said...

I saw Destroyer. I really didn't like the storytelling structure and the subplot with Nicole Kidman's onscreen daughter was a bit of a waste of time. Having said that, there were scenes in it I found incredibly effective, especially the actual undercover scenes, that's kind of frustrating in a way because it honestly feels like a great film could've been made out of it.

Kidman - I'll need to have a think, there's scenes, mostly in the 'present', where I found her really 'off', and scenes where she'd be close to a 5.
Stan - 3.5 (underused but pretty great within those limits)
Maslany - 3.5 (like Stan, limited but great within that)
Kebbell - 2.5 (okay)
Whitford - 2.5 (okay)
McNairy - 2 (utterly wasted)
Pettyjohn - 2.5 (I will grant one scene is kind of moving but honestly her subplot was a bit of a waste of time)
Jordan - 2 (better than he was in Wind River but still not great)

Calvin Law said...

Also holy fuck as anyone else seen that new Ted Bundy film trailer. The tone they seem to be going for is AWFUL.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Yep, very inappropriate, can't say I'll watch it. Had they gone the opposite direction, maybe.

Bryan L. said...

Hhmmm, it looks like it's going for a tone that is VERY hard to pull off. And even if they did, I don't know if it's the right tone to begin with.

Charles H said...

It looks like a romance comedy. Weird and difficult tone for the subject matter that i doubt will work.

Bryan L. said...

Christopher Nolan's next film to be released on July 2020.

Matt Mustin said...

Saw If Beale Steet Could Talk. Didn't work for me. It is spectacularly well-made, the cinematography and score in particular are gorgeous, but I was left completely cold by the central relationship.

Layne/James-3(They're not bad, but as I say, I was left cold, and honestly they're mostly tools for Jenkins' overall vision.)
King-4.5
Parris-2.5
Domingo-3.5
Beach-3
Henry-3.5(Sorry)
Rios-4
Ellis-1.5
Pascal-3
Franco-2.5

Louis Morgan said...

Bundy looks like garbage.

The Academy decision is garbage. Either perform them all or none of them, it's extremely disrespectful to the other nominees to go "eh you're not famous enough". Also, I too wanted to actually see a live performance of "WCTHSFW".

Luke:

Trip a Little Light Fantastic - (If it was edited just a bit it would be one of my favorite scenes of the year, as it is such an enjoyable sequence, it then gets a little too big for itself, especially the O'Leary speak moment, that should have been cut, along with the corresponding Streep scene. I will say the song is greater as a sequence than perhaps as a song. The song though is terrific piece in its introduction sequence that has such a fun upbeat endearing quality, that builds so wonderfully well, and climaxes perfectly, though it then keeps going. Still a good song to be sure)

Can You Imagine That? - (I actually really like this song as it has a bit of fun with the lyrics, which is a bit more Shermansesque of course. It is just a wonderfully spirited song though bringing so much fun, and is a highlight honestly of Blunt's performance. It in particularly has quite a bit of fun with the instrumentation, that it is so nicely spirited that supplements Blunt's performance beautifully. It's a trifle, to be sure, but in the right way.)

A Simple Favor, which I'll give my thoughts on in the next post, as I have many...not that I even hated or even entirely disliked the film.

Bryan:

Mac is a Serial Killer - (Been awhile since I've seen this one, however the clown stalking is hard to forget a moment of true hilarity. Plus you get the beginnings of Dennis's psychopathic revelations.)

The Gang Recycles their Trash - (An absolutely hilarious episode of meta self-reflectiveness, that manages to pull it off without going off the rails. I especially love the moment of Dennis checking in on what Mac and Charlie plan to do, before they do it.)

Thunder Gun Express - (Hilarious episode that just has great beats for everyone, especially Dennis and his rather questionable tapes. Also a classic moment via Frank's ill-fated boat ride tour.)