Sunday 2 June 2019

Alternate Best Supporting Actor 2013: Joaquin Phoenix in The Immigrant

Joaquin Phoenix did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Bruno Weiss in The Immigrant.

The Immigrant follows the story of a Polish woman coming to America in the 1920's and being tricked into a world of corruption due to her sister being held indefinitely within quarantine on Ellis Island.

Viewing the film again after some time only aggrandized my appreciation of it particularly in terms of the efforts of writer/director James Gray making the film of a begone era. The idea not of a dated filmmaker, but a distinct style and ambition that is greatly appreciated as his films seek to be the great films of that theoretical era. That is the case here that grants a grander scale to an intimate story, however none of that necessary delicacy lost in this chosen lens. Although an essential facet within this approach is through the performances, but most notably through Marion Cotillard's masterful work as the mistreated immigrant Ewa. The most daring Joaquin Phoenix though is essential within the film's vision as the pimp who takes her in. Phoenix, as always, being an actor who very much ingratiates himself within a film's spirit and setting. His intensity being an ideal quality for this character who might've been right for a Montgomery Clift or Marlon Brando. Phoenix's intensity not a crutch though, nor the sole defining feature of any performance of his, and as typical for the great actor this is only part of his realization of the character of Bruno Weiss.

Phoenix's initial, and quite effective, approach to the man is this of the liar. A liar in every respect as we meet him as he offers a "helping hand" by offering Ewa a place to stay and claims there to be means to help her sister when they are incarcerated at Ellis Island. The perspective granted to Bruno, or the lack thereof for the most part, poses a difficult challenge in portraying the essential truth of the character, which I will get to by the end of this review. Phoenix though just on the surface makes Bruno several deceits within this one man. The first being that of a charitable man towards Ewa. I actually rather love the choice in which Phoenix does not bare a great deal of charisma in this regard. Instead the method that Phoenix portrays is rather matter of fact as he delivers suggestions of work for Ewa as a seamstress as pretty thin that would only work on a woman in as desperate straits as her. Phoenix spends little time on the lie and makes it something that Bruno has done many times before, and doesn't spend too much effort on. This fitting to a man that everyone knows is corrupt except the poor woman he plans to exploit.

We get see a bit more of a literal performance however as Bruno shows off Ewa his vaudeville show, that is a grotesque "goods" display, as he shows off his prostitutes to potential costumers. In this we do get a bit of a show from Bruno, which Phoenix rightly makes less than impressive as shows go. This as this rather horrendous desperate act in every call out for each performance as Phoenix doesn't hide the liar that is Bruno in yet another form. This twice over in a way as in part we see the lie to Ewa as Phoenix brings that same weakness as he tries to explain the show with this messy rushed yet hesitant manner towards Ewa. Then in the performance itself Phoenix again is great by showing off the truth of it by making the lie so obvious. In that he does not deliver any sense that Bruno is presenting anything other than what it is. This with his more lustful attitude accentuated playing towards the crowds base desire rather than trying to act as though this is an actual performance of talent. This rather layed out with Phoenix presenting it as though every word from Bruno is that of the lowest form of salesman with a lust in himself for the profit from his vaudeville show.

The most dangerous lie though is where the sheer brilliance within Phoenix's work is most evident. This when he convinces Ewa to sell herself, to a less aggressive John. This with this coaxing now of this gentle supportive man, something that Bruno decidedly not. The greatness of the work in this scene though is the success of this lie is no longer as much in terms of naivety of Ewa, but rather the smallest bit of honesty infused into Bruno through Phoenix's work. What is so incredible here is the way Phoenix makes this the most dastardly of all his lies. This is as Phoenix's gentle words are delivered with a genuine quiet quality of protector, even with the ends being a horrible as they are and still a manipulation. The cause of this change in quality of the lie is shown in a single outstanding reaction by Phoenix as Bruno looks upon the scene. His expression finally is filled with a sympathy for the woman, an obvious love for her in Phoenix's eyes. The problem is that Phoenix shows Bruno use this most honest emotion of his for his cruelest intention, as this actual concern enables his most powerful manipulation to encourage Ewa to sell herself.

Phoenix makes Bruno's love Ewa a nearly unsaid constant that he seeds within his work, that grants understanding and a greater depth to every act of the man, even as we so often look at him from the outside. This is even within the deceptions that often try to obfuscate this. An example of this is in first two confrontations with his cousin Emil aka Orlando the magician (Jeremy Renner), who too loves Ewa though has no desire this to hide nor does he wish to exploit her. Phoenix then I think finds a fitting approach in the near mental break as he presents a sheer mess of a man when confronting his cousin. It is the most base anger that Phoenix portrays as a mad smear of pathetic desperation, a painful emotion which Phoenix is a master at depicting (no pun intended there). Phoenix's work is earned within creating this idea of Bruno's refusal to accept his own feelings fully, while also still reacting in jealousy due to these feelings resulting in the proper explosion of insanity of a man at war within his mind, never mind the cousin. Phoenix shows again the liar, and the extent that it tears through the man in a most unique way.

Viewing the film again, I will admit freely my great affection for this performance which so matches the tone of the film, while also providing a most unique antagonist of sorts. A character's end that is created through that seed and cultivated within Phoenix's performance in a few pivotal moments before the end of the film. The aforementioned early scene of a reaction, but there is another essential reaction in a scene where Ewa receives confession. This scene already features one of the best acted scenes, no qualifier needed, through Cotillard's work, but Phoenix should not be forgotten in his brief however essential reaction to the words. Phoenix is amazing as his reaction conveys this momentary empathy towards Ewa, just brief, along with a certain sorrow, as he hears her resignation to go to hell, almost sensing his own path as well as his own crimes. This only so brief as Phoenix, without word, naturally portrays Bruno lying to himself as he scoffs towards back to the indifference of a cruel pimp. A bit more nuance of thought is a bit more forced upon when Emil decides to try to take Ewa away from Bruno directly by threatening him with an empty gun. Phoenix is fantastic in the moment in capturing the sheer visceral fear of the gun pressed against the man, but more importantly captures that emotional vulnerability in the moment. He still lies in his own way in claiming he was trying to help her, however the lies fall in Phoenix's delivery with a genuine despair as his words plead his case but his voice confesses the truth. In the end though Bruno is forced to either fully sacrifice Ewa or finally face his earnest feelings to sacrifice for her. This is as Bruno finally does help Ewa find her sister and a chance at living in America not in shame, by also accepting blame for his actions. On my initial viewing, I thought I needed the full perspective of seeing the whole of the work of Phoenix, as the final scene is essential to understanding the entirety of his work, but also fully experiencing its poignancy. Phoenix captures the sheer desperation of Bruno in these moments as he can barely stand and his slurred speech fitting to a man severely beaten due to not giving up Ewa to the police. The emotional state though is where the true power of his work exists, where again Bruno lies though no longer for his own sake. Bruno's confession is finally admitting his love to Ewa while also admitting his full abuse of her. He lies in his final lashing out at Ewa for believing in the good in everyone, while in this moment Bruno has forced out the modicum of goodness in him. Phoenix's work is this exhaustive vulnerability of a man finally tearing this truth out of him that delivers this real heartbreaking sorrow as the goodness of Bruno comes out by finally admitting his evil nature.

62 comments:

Matt Mustin said...

I should watch this again, because I have a feeling if I do he'll improve a lot for me, but I remember him being very good. The film belongs to Cotillard, though.

Mitchell Murray said...

Interesting...most interesting. Well having seen the film myself a few times, albeit quite a long time ago, I'll admit to being rather cold to Phoenix's performance. Reading this review, however, does make me want to revisit the movie to see if my thoughts have changed.

Also, in response to the Ford V Ferrari trailer, I think it looks promising. Damon didn't look all that impressive, but I'll give him the benefit of a doubt in thinking he has better scenes we haven't viewed yet. As for Bale he certainly seems committed, though it is honestly nice to see him back at a healthy weight, with what i "think" is his natural accent.

Emi Grant said...

Having just finished watching the film mere minutes before the review came out, I can't agree enough with everything said. Phoenix makes an incredible impact here along with Cotillard. Though, I might be leaning slightly towards him being co-lead.

As to the Ford V. Ferrari trailer, something I'd like to point out is that we might be seeing more of a charming Christian Bale from what the scenes with his son. I do hope so.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Chernobyl and the cast. I very much like to think Jared Harris will be your Supporting Actor #1 after the finale tonight. :)

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the Ford V. Ferrari trailer.

Luke Higham said...

Congrats to David Lynch for getting an Honorary Oscar. :)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Where would this rank among Phoenix's performances.

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: If I had to guess, probably 2nd.

Bryan L. said...

Louis' wins for 2013 are up now. Ben Foster was able to stave off everyone it seems.

Anonymous said...

@Bryan

Those were posted before Louis started supporting.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

I quite enjoyed the Ford v. Ferrari trailer. Looks like it might just be a lot fun more than anything. I'll admit from hearing about the project I expected more of a rivalry approach, but I'm just fine with it being an entertaining men with an aim type of film a la The Right Stuff or even the World's Fastest Indian. Bale looks appropriately driven and Damon looks fine to me (if not doing anything too notable).

About time when it comes to Lynch. I have to say I wish we could get his speech on Oscar night.

Tahmeed:

#2

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your Top 10 Acting Performances by Directors? (Who are best known for the latter btw)



Yes, you can include Waititi in Boy.

Bryan L. said...

Although that line between writer/director for Taika might get a little blurry soon, if it isn't already...

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

1. David Lynch - Twin Peaks
2. John Huston - Chinatown
3. Taika Waititi - Boy
4. David Lynch - Lucky
5. John Huston - The Other Side of the Wind
6. Peter Bogdonavich - The Other Side of the Wind
7. Martin Scorsese - Taxi Driver
8. Sydney Pollack - Husbands and Wives
9. John Huston - The Cardinal
10. Werner Herzog - Jack Reacher

HM: To Cronenberg in To Die For, and Michael "Can we bring the brewskis" Bay in Mystery Men.

Wouldn't count the likes of Sjöström, von Stroheim, Chaplin, Welles or Cassavettes as they were as known for their acting, at least early on, and not just in minor bit parts.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: HM for Preminger in Stalag 17 as well? And are there any current directors that you think could be decent-at-least at acting?

Like Hitchcock might've been back in the day.

Anonymous said...

Louis, Thoughts on Chernobyl and the cast.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I definitely think Phoenix is taking the year.

Matt Mustin said...

I watched Vice against my better judgement, and it is indeed pretty awful, but I have to admit I thought Christian Bale was pretty fantastic, and honestly, I'd name his final monologue as maybe one of his best acted scenes. It almost leaves the film on a high note, but then of course we're hit with that mid-credits scene that almost made me sick to my stomach.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Sandy's "Robins of love" monologue and the scene where Frank beats up Jeffrey from Blue Velvet.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: If you've seen it, thoughts on Behind The Candelabra and ratings & thoughts on the cast.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on a Django/Zorro crossover.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Could you add Roi-Ha Kim in A Bittersweet Life and Alexander Held in Sophie Scholl to the 2005 Supporting Actor ranking.

You gave both of them 4s.

Bryan L. said...

Luke: Your ranking and ratings for Nolans film?

Calvin Law said...

Mine would be -

1. The Dark Knight (5/5)
2. The Prestige (5/5)
3. Dunkirk (5/5)
4. Memento (5/5)
5. Interstellar (4.5/5)
6. Batman Begins (4.5/5)
7. Inception (4.5/5)
8. The Dark Knight Rises (3.5/5)
9. Insomnia (2.5/5)

Calvin Law said...

Louis: do you think Richard Madden could’ve been great as Sergeant Troy in the Vinterberg FFTMC? I’m really impressed by his work as Robb Stark. For some reason I could see his blend of charisma and intensity work wonders in the role.

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

Knew I was forgetting someone, he'd actually be my #9.

Luke:

Only the achievement that is Chernobyl could've dethroned the greatness that was Barry Season 2. Chernobyl is one of the most stunning depictions of a natural disaster as it works so well as this atmospheric piece of a microcosm apocalypse, made so viscerally potent in its direction that is closer to a horror film than a period piece. This wrapped around with such powerful and compelling narrative that so effectively balances each element of the story. This from the procedural of responding to the crisis, the attempted coverup, the crisis of conscience in those involved, the examination of the human and governmental errors, the explanation of the cause, the effects on so many facets of those involved from those literally at the core of it, to the officials who must respond to it, those who try to hide from it, and those who suffered most of it. It creates this harrowing tapestry that excels in showing the worst of humanity, but also these poignant glimmers of the best of it.

Side Note: Don't mind in the least about the lack of Russian accents, all that matters is consistency to me, and since everyone uses their native accents it works completely in my view.

Harris - (With the final episode he might've taken my #1 though I'll have to ponder on it since I did love me some Dorff. Any ways Harris delivers another dynamic turn, as another performer who I just want so much more for, but any way this is great example of his strengths of a performer. A funny thing actually being what makes him so compelling is so different from his father, though they do share a very similar and great voice. Harris though excels in this internalization of the drama, as opposed to his rather extroverted father. This being essential here in creating such a powerful sense of every development within this story. This creating the sense of the man, and then sense of the despair of the faults of others within his reactions through every development. His journey is long a quiet and subtle one, and so powerfully realized. This with such notable moments where he does break out to reveal the more passionate precision of the man's quest to try to convey the gravity of the situation. This while balancing a certain sense of propriety in dealing with the extremely corrupt system he is part of. Those break out moments are stunning moments by Harris, and each one creates such an impact. His greatest scene though may be his very quiet sense of an almost strangely inspiring resignation to his fate in a scene with the KGB. Where he conveys an understanding of his sacrifice, shame yet still with a righteous indignation.)

Louis Morgan said...


Skarsgard - (Actually one can bump him up to my #5 as he tore the rug out from under me with the last episode, as he became surprisingly heartbreaking himself. This in his own portrayal of a different arc. This in starting with the somewhat detached yet egotistical state official who is so confident in his sense of "knowing best" before one thing after another makes him understand that it is not the case. Skarsgard manages to make the transition understandable and quite convincing in so many moments of self-doubt. This building up in his work until his so quiet moment of revealing his internal understanding of himself finally as a "useless man" where Skarsgard's despair is so nuanced yet so striking.)

Watson - (If I had a minor criticism it is they might've spread her composite role into two roles, in that her character does seem "too good to be true" which is the case. Nonetheless Watson is great in offering a real power to her role as the direct contrast to the men as someone who is clearly bent towards a just view of things. This giving such a fierce passion to every moment, while also conveying the real horror of each situation, in her reaction to each bit of inhumanity she finds in the treatment of the disaster. She grants the needed humanity to the composite character and absolutely delivers even if the role is ever so slightly over stuffed.)

Buckley & Keoghan - (Nearly silent roles in a way but deserve each a highlight by their impact in their silence. This creating just these direct and so honest faces of humanity in these situation. Buckley in her heartwrenching portrayal of the loving wife faced with the horrible death of her husband, and Keoghan in a young man thrown into such a randomly traumatizing task. Each just say so much in every moment their faces are on screen in creating such a remarkable sense of their painful journey. Buckley maintaining this soulful humanity at every point even the bitter end, and Keoghan finding that slowly growing detachment towards this existence. Stellar work from both.)

Fares - (Very reminiscent of Louis Wolheim in All Quiet on the Western Front, that in providing the seasoned war vet/mentor in a most unique way. This is as he manages to bring the appropriate roughness of a seasoned man, with this internalized wear that burdens the man even as he seems to walk with ease. This creating the sense just as part of him to the point he can handle it by always being slightly broken in a sense. I love though the warmth he manages to bring even the moments of the most brutal honesty showing this tough love as a man who does care about his soldier, even as he needs him to go through essentially his own process of desensitization.)

Williams - (A downright terrifying performance as he manages to make such terrible cruelty and control something so casual. This in his portrayal of a man so calm and so convincing of his understanding of how to make his corrupt state work. The lack of any major emotional change that Williams portrays is so effectively off-putting as he maintains this calm nearly grandfatherly style even as he dresses down a man and sentences him to purgatory.)

The rest of the cast is uniformly strong.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Classic Lynch contrasts in a way, and why I love his work so much. This being a frankly kind of weird thing in specifying a Robin, that becomes strangely beautiful, made through the small touch in the choice of music amplifying Dern's so wonderfully pure performance (to the point, yeah a 4's too low).

Lynch brilliance again, though on the much much darker side of things. The top of course being Hopper's deranged portrayal of Frank's demented way of violence that is nearly a form of love making, a disturbing love letter Frank. I love though that Hopper isn't just menace, and it is what makes the scene/film so special. In that he's almost ready to cry at any point as he slowly goes about beating Jeffrey. Plus the out of it prostitute just dancing to the song, is just a great bit of Lynch insanity in that indifference to the violent act.

Luke:

Eh? Strange, could work, Foxx can't carry a film as the character though, would need a great Zorro, I would be fine with Banderas returning there.

Calvin:

Actually yes, I think he could've been a fantastic choice there.

Razor said...

Louis: Your #6-10 for Supporting TV Actor and Actress?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: From what you've seen so far, your top 5 Jared Harris performances.

Luke Higham said...

Bryan:

5
1. Dunkirk
2. Memento
3. The Dark Knight
4. The Prestige

4.5
5. Inception
6. Batman Begins

4
7. Interstellar

3
8. Insomnia
9. The Dark Knight Rises

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on the Ad Astra trailer.

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke: Colour me intrigued. Looks like an interesting story, and a decent role for Pitt; Between this and OUATIH he finally seems to be getting back on track, so even if we get the "World War Z" Pitt that will be a nice change.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thoughts on Gemini Man trailer?

Luke Higham said...

Lastly, please do 1963 next.

Emi Grant said...

I'm definitely intrigued by the film's premise now. Plus, visually talking, the film looks great.

Mitchell Murray said...

Anonymous: I asked about that trailer a few weeks ago. Needless to say, I'm not especially excited for it; It seems like a big misfire waiting to happen. Technically ambitious, yes, but there's nothing that implied a particularly original story for myself. Also, what is it with 2019 and wonky CGI for Will Smith? My only hope for the movie, and this is rather sad, is that it will boost Mary Elizabeth Winstead's profile even further, and god willing, get her some more clout for future roles.

On a more positive note, I just watched "Open Range" for the first time. Underrated film, with a great performance from Robert Duvall, and a notably strong turn from Kevin Costner.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could Roberts Blossom go up for Home Alone? I've rewatched that film a fair few times, and I think it's quite admirable what he manages to do in such a short time.

Bryan L. said...

Luke: Thanks. Have you seen Following?

Bryan L. said...

As for Ad Astra, I'm praying we aren't getting bland Pitt here. The effects look stunning though, and I wonder if they might award a space film two years in a row for Visual FX.

Bryan L. said...

Dark Phoenix at 21% on Rotten Tomatoes.

As expected.

Luke Higham said...

Bryan: No, but I'm interested to see what Louis thinks of it whenever he'll cover 1999.

And saw Dark Phoenix. Kinberg's direction is some of the worst I've seen in quite some time.

I'm partly gutted it's over but I'm praying Marvel won't go with a full recast for future films.

Bryan L. said...

Luke: I've seen it, and I think it's a solid debut from one of the best around today. I'd give the film a strong 4.

Ratings for the cast of Dark Phoenix?

Luke Higham said...

Bryan:
Turner - 3
McAvoy - 3
Fassbender - 3
Hoult - 3
Chastain - 2

Peters is hardly used here and led to the greatest disappointment for me personally with the Quicksilver/Magneto storyline being left unresolved. I hope Marvel will rectify this.

Bryan L. said...

Luke: Shame.


Louis: Your thoughts on both part 1 and 2 of "The Trip" from Seinfeld?

Louis Morgan said...

Razor:

S. Actor:

6. Fares Fares - Chernobyl
7. Rory Kinnear - Brexit
8. Henry Winkler - Barry
9. Barry Keoghan - Chenobyl
10. Steven Williams - True Detective

S. Actress:

6. Margaret Qualley - Fosse/Verdon
7. Jessie Giacomazzi - Barry
8. Susan Misner - Fosse/Verdon
9. Carice van Houten - Game of Thrones
10. Maisie Williams - Game of Thrones

Luke:

1. Chernobyl
2. Mad Men (Have not seen the show, but happened to see his Emmy submission)
3. Certain Women
4. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
5. Lincoln

Ad Astra looks ambitious, as to be expected from Gray, though not exactly as I expected it to in terms of the exact approach to the story. Although such ambition could misfire, what was shown here was fairly impressive, also hopeful for Pitt to have a great 2019.

Anonymous:

Gemini Man looks like another potential train wreck for Smith and I really wish Lee would see that the higher frame rate doesn't work. Young Smith, look awful in terms of CGI, and performance. Old Smith at least looks okay. Hopefully it will be amazing though...not bloody likely.

Tahmeed:

Yes.

Bryan:

Excellent two parter that managed to change up the format a bit to quite the entertaining foray in a change of setting. This from Kramer's "endeavors" as an actor and George's inability to be at all smooth on the Tonight Show. Second part though is the more important one where it manages to keep its comedy even with a serial killer plot line, especially Kramer's tearful "confession", and the excessively intense detective, whose an underrated near one off.

Bryan L. said...

"How'd you know about the guy in the park?"

Anonymous said...

Louis: Present films that would have been perfect for these past cinematographers to shoot them in your opinion?

Jack Cardiff
James Wong Howe
Freddie Young
Gregg Toland
John Alcott
Robert Burks

Bryan L. said...

Anonymous: I'll take a crack at some of those

Howe- The Hateful Eight
Young- Blade Runner: 2049
Alcott- Gravity
Burks- Get Out
Toland- Take Shelter

Anonymous said...

Bryan L: You forgot to mention Cardiff. I'd say he'd be perfect for The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Bryan L. said...

Anonymous: I haven't seen any films that Cardiff lensed, so that's why I omitted him.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: In regards to Jared Harris, I hope you'll see his work in The Crown and The Terror in future. He's brilliant in both, especially the latter.

Same with Mad Men as well.

Michael McCarthy said...

Lane Pryce was low key my favorite character in Mad Men.

Luke Higham said...

My top ten prediction
1. Foster
2. Phoenix
3. Foster
4. Abdi
5. Fassbender
6. McConaughey
7. Franky
8. Harris
9. McConaughey
10. Nighy

Álex Marqués said...

Mad Men is definitely a must-see. Hamm and Moss are fantastic (Kartheiser and Hendricks round up the top 5 with Harris, IMO).

Calvin Law said...

Holy shit you guys weren’t lying about Blackwater. What an episode, and hard to pick out who’s the MVP in the acting department.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Rory McCann is my MVP for that episode.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: Headey for me probably, but McCann was great too. Season 2 was spectacular, balancing the spectacle and the more intimate character moments brilliantly, with every side of the story getting its chance to shine whether it be the tragedy of Winterfell, the larger scale warfare between Lannister and Starks, the introduction of the mythical setting. I even really liked the Robb/Talisa romance which I know some people take issue with.

My top 10 for the first two seasons (I know I did one for Season 1 before but I've made a few changes with more thought)

Season 1 -
1. Maisie Williams
2. Mark Addy
3. Sean Bean
4. Peter Dinklage
5. Michelle Fairley
6. Charles Dance
7. Jason Momoa
8. Lena Headey
9. Conleth Hill
10. Iain Glen

HM - Harry Lloyd, James Cosmo, Peter Vaughan

Season 2
1. Alfie Allen
2. Peter Dinklage
3. Charles Dance
4. Lena Headey
5. Liam Cunningham
6. Conleth Hill
7. Stephen Dillane
8. Maisie Williams
9. Gwendoline Christie
10. Tom Wlaschiha

HM - Rory McCann, Richard Madden, Rose Leslie

Mitchell Murray said...

So this is something I just learned today; Apparently, David Fincher originally wanted Richard E Grant to play Clemens in "Alien 3", but Grant himself declined and we obviously got Charles Dance instead.

Anyone have any thoughts on that? I mean, Clemens was still a forced character quite literally, but I don't know - Although Grant has great charisma, something about Dance's more "enigmatic" screen presence fit the part rather well. Then again, a "Withnail and I" reunion would've certainly been welcomed by myself.

Calvin Law said...

Much as I love Grant in general, I think Dance was a perfect choice for the role.

Anonymous said...

Louis, is Siddiqui's review coming tonight or tomorrow.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Jack Cardiff: The Shape of Water
James Wong Howe: Take Shelter
Freddie Young: Silence
Gregg Toland: Birdman
John Alcott: Phantom Thread
Robert Burks: Nightcrawler