Tuesday 26 May 2020

Alternate Best Actor 2014: Jeremy Renner in Kill the Messenger

Jeremy Renner did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Gary Webb in Kill the Messenger.

Kill the Messenger is an imperfect however somewhat decent procedural about the true story of the fallout after journalist believes he's found connections between the illegal drug trade in American and the CIA.

This film opens as a more traditional procedural, and a better film it is in this point, as we follow a reporter tracking a story brought to him by a drug dealer's girlfriend. This taking the All The President's Men approach effectively early on lead by Jeremy Renner as just the dogged reporter at first. Renner is effective in this just portraying well the sort of lead for this type of film. This isn't ever something that should be hand waved as Renner delivers well the sense of the investigation in his performance. This is as Renner portrays the initial interest with each piece of evidence and importantly the certain sense of invigoration that Webb gets as he begins to discover each new revelation. Renner finding well the sort of reporter's spirit within his performance, portraying more than just being in scenes and instead showing a man actively reacting towards what he is slowly starting to discover. Renner pulls you into these early moments well Webb believes he's finding connections between the drug trade along with the CIA connected Nicaraguan Contras. What Renner does in these early scenes is create the right sort of foundation in crafting Webb as a likable and determined protagonist. This is even with even the slight tension we sense with his wife (Rosemarie DeWitt), however Renner balances well to create a man we see both as something determined to get the story, but we also just get the sense of a man early on within this situation.

The film then first shifts towards the next phase which really becomes the put upon whistle-blower style film, which is less effective overall. Renner though is very good in the early scenes depicting this in just creating the early tensions within his performance. This in particular a scene where men seem to threaten his children by saying they won't threaten them just before he releases the story. Renner's reaction is terrific in catching the sense of Webb sensing the implication and reaction of a mix of horror and anger so effectively. Renner is terrific in the early moments of bringing to life the anxieties as it seems as though there is a looming threat around him from the story. Renner's performance gauges well a sense of determination within the fear early on as well. This portraying the sense of conviction in the man's eyes even within the paranoia of the threat slowly seeping into it. This as we see Webb's article come out which earns some suggestions of initial praise then much attack soon afterwards through its certain alluded to claims and sourcing issues. Renner's performance though is fantastic though in initially finding the sort of ease in reaction towards the initial questions this with just a man thinking it is part of a routine. This though quickly changes to far more than just a few questions as certain elements of his story fall out of place and his sources in particular don't seem to fully support all of his claims. 

This is where the film and Renner actually seem to almost make two separate decisions. The film itself becomes rather repetitive in showing just one thing after another adding up against Webb though with the view that Webb was unquestionably right in every way, except his marriage infidelities. This approach becoming repetitive quickly in terms of the narrative and leads to a somewhat underwhelming film by the end. Renner's performance is the one thing that keeps it afloat though as he seems to suggest a different approach within his own work. This as he doesn't portray Webb as wrong, but he shows that he was perhaps fell into some confirmation bias. This as Renner's work as one thing after another comes after Webb, portrays it as not this just a downtrodden hero. We get this right from the outset where he explains his earlier infidelity to his son. Renner's expression reveals nothing but a sense of quiet anguish over an obvious flaw that runs even deeper in terms of his personal failure. Renner in this scene though shows the very much the humanity within the flaw, though as the film continues I find he manages to subvert a certain expectation. This as it would've been easy enough to portray Webb as a man as just a simple martyr for his beliefs which is honestly the suggested route by the film's approach, however Renner takes it in a far more interesting approach to create a portrait of Webb as an imperfect messenger. 

This as we see the unraveling of Webb Renner's portrayal is not of righteous indignation. There is a small sense of that in Renner's work, but more so he emphasizes well this personal outrage. An outrage he portrays as properly messy with this sense of  personalized anger. In that his deliveries emphasize hate towards those speaking ill of him, just as he speaks with passion for his work. When it seems like he has found new evidence, particularly the seeming ridiculous scene of a nighttime visitor that confirms all his theories, Renner is excellent in that he speaks these words as ravings. This in showing this desperation to be shown right that in turn it seems like he's wrong. Renner excels by showing a man failing in a certain sense to be his own advocate. This in each proceeding scene this increase of that desperation in his performance. Renner then showing this sense of depression only growing in his eyes just as much as the anger is. Renner doesn't separate the elements of Webb's downfall showing it something unappealing in the grander scheme of things. This suggesting a striking sense of self-destruction even if he had been on the right track at one point. Renner is outstanding in his final scene. This first beginning with a speech as the journalist of the year. Renner doesn't even make this a small triumph, rather showing just a man seething within his despair, speaking most words with a sardonic dismissive quality, while his eyes just reflect the terrible wear of the man from his experience. This is followed by a family talk with who encourage him. This seemingly the film's attempt to leave on a more upbeat note even though the real Webb committed suicide shortly afterwards, noted by the film, though in a way not to discourage conspiracy. Renner again seems to ignore this in showing only the small glint life in the affection for his family, however his face though just bearing the weight of his existence from his ordeal. This with a penetrating sense of depression where Renner essentially states Webb's unfortunate end without needing to say it. This is a terrific performance by Jeremy Renner as he crafts a remarkable protagonist even perhaps beyond the film's intentions. This in finding more complexity and nuance within the central role than was potentially found within the script. This in granting a memorable tragedy in Webb's own story as he believes he's telling his essential truth.

65 comments:

Matt Mustin said...

He's a 5 for me, and it's my favourite performance of his.

Emi Grant said...

Same here. More often than not I just remember "Jeremy Renner in Kill The Messenger" rather than Kill The Messenger as a film itself.

Mitchell Murray said...

Completely agree. I actually find the film quite frustrating, given that it handles Webb's compelling story in such a pedestrian manner, but Renner certainly does his part to elevate it.

Also, in reference to the comments on Tatum's review, I was more interested by Jack swinging a gold club like a drugged out ape, than I was with anything Scrap Iron did in "Million Dollar Baby".

Mitchell Murray said...

*golf club

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the direction, screenplay and editing for The Lighthouse?

Matthew Montada said...

Who do you guys think the MVPs will be in terms of acting performances in Da 5 Bloods and The Trial Of The Chicago 7?
Here are my predictions:

Da 5 Bloods: Delroy Lindo/Chadwick Boseman

The Trial Of The Chicago 7: Sacha Baron Cohen/Yahya Abdul-Manteen

Calvin Law said...

Very powerful performance, although like you I hold off from a 5 due to the film’s limitations. Agree that he’s particularly great in the finale. Also what is it with these biopics trying to make a real-life who commits suicide have an ‘inspiring’ ending? Chernobyl is the only thing I’ve seen where something along those lines works and even that was bleak as hell with just the slightest tinge of optimism.

Anonymous: he’s given his thoughts on the direction I’m 100% sure.

Matthew: Lindo or Majors for Da 5 Bloods, and agreed on Cohen for Chicago 7. Speaking of the latter I’m very interested to see it.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Calvin: I get what you mean about problematic endings. I rewatched The Imitation Game last night, and even though Cumberbatch is still a 5 for me, the tone of the ending did rub me the wrong way.

Matt Mustin said...

OK, so, I didn't get "inspiring" from the ending of this at all, even in the sense that you guys are talking about. It was pretty clearly despairing.

Emi Grant said...

Matthew: Honestly, as an Aaron Sorkin mark, I have to admit I kind of forgot about The Trial of the Chicago 7 with all that has been going on. My pick would be Baron Cohen as well. That said, I'd like to mention that the thought of Eddie Redmayne reciting Sorkinese dialogue does worry me.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: could I have your thoughts on the Flower Power scene in The Producers? Honestly one of those scenes I watch ever so often just for a hearty laugh.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

I feel I covered the directing when speaking on Eggers as a director overall given he's only had two films. The film's screenplay though shows his other abilities as a filmmaker which is rather notable on its own. This as it is the second film he successfully pulled basically his own Shakespearean approach. This in fashioning the archaic English, however so deftly in that you understand it, it feels honest yet there's a certain poetry to it. I mean the hark speech alone, really should've earned the Eggers brothers an Oscar nomination. This in the dialogue though in each film matches both period and character. In that in the Lighthouse it is English from more than a century ago, but also the words that would come from a wickie. Now structurally the film is effective, and improvement over the VVitch, in that Eggers maintains more mystery in his revelations for both the old and the young man. This leaving the sense of discovery for the audience something he did not do in The VVitch which I feel is that film's major flaw. This in naturally however creating also a progression in tensions both personal and environmental as the lighthouse becomes a horror show in more ways than one. This of course expanded upon by the characters, which is important to remark on. This why I love a film like the Lighthouse but hate something like mother. This is as Wake and Winslow exist as man on their own, this with their own stories, needs, wants and emotions. They work on that level, and the level of being symbolic in multiple interpretations possible within Eggers's realization of both men and their interactions. This working as allegorical of greek myth, an examination of sexual repression, just a more emotional examination of guilt and regret, or perhaps something else entirely. Eggers properly allows interpretation without being vague either within his work. Also I just need to remark one of my favorite aspects in the script, is that he manages so much humor within the interactions, that grants the right levity, yet doesn't at all ruin the atmosphere or overarching intention.

The editing is a fantastic work, that although a little more covert, too shares with the cinematography in granting a bit of the old though modernized in a way befitting still that age. This in that the editing often has a pacing of the classic horror film particularly in the focus upon certain shots that is wonderfully done in oozing the atmospheric dread of a given moment. This though with flashes of the new, though never overdone, in moments of brilliance, particularly the glint of the murdered man for example as a thought pattern in Winslow.

Calvin:

I mean there are reasons I love Dick Shawn in the film, and that is one of them. I mean I've always been deeply disturbed by the lack of L.S.D in the musical rendition, particularly since why lose this song. The most violent and angry peace ballad one will hear. This already with the ridiculousness of handing over the flower before dissolving into angry blathering about what is done with that flower for each. Special mention must be given in particular Shawn's dance at the end, and the horrified reaction of his audience.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: don’t watch the Broderick/Lane version. I’m more of a fan of Broderick the actor than most and I think it’s dumpster fire levels bad.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Apparently it was amazing on stage, but then again, stage musicals often don't transfer to film well.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: that’s also very true. I didn’t like the songs in it all though either in itself. Also Will Ferrell is pretty bad in it.

Tim said...

your thoughts on the screenplay and direction of Shakespeare in Love?

Tim said...

Tahmeed
your thoughts on Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho if you have seen them?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Tim: I've seen them both around 5 years ago. However, from what I remember, he was a very good romantic drama lead, and he was especially good in Kal Ho Naa Ho in portraying his character's condition. I'll have to rewatch in order to gauge a rating, but he'd be a 4/4.5 for me in both films.

Tim said...

ah great. You might not know it, but in the early 2000s, those two (along with some other SRKs) were insanely popular in Germany. Kal Ho Na Ho is my Mom's absolute favorite and one of mine too. I have always wanted to go deeper into Bollywood movies, but i never got around to it. Do you have any suggestions where to start?

Also, what do you think about Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna? As it seems that one is not really popular among Bollywood fans, and IMDB sais that Sexy Sam was considered Bachchan's worst role? That always tipped me off, as i honestly really enjoy that film.

Luke Higham said...

I guess Hardy's next up.

Louis: Your top 5 Renner performances.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Tim: I like that film a lot as well, I just guess it's plot generated a lot of controversy at the time, which was unfortunate given that it's not a bad film by any meausure

As for some other Bollywood films that I can recommend (alongside some Bangla films by Satyajit Ray):

The Apu Trilogy
Mahanagar
Salaam Bombay
Mother India
Charulata
Lagaan
3 Idiots
Sholay
Black
Bhardwaj's Shakespeare trilogy (Maqbool/Macbeth, Omkara/Othello, Haider/Hamlet)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
Taare Zameen Par
Rang de Basanti
Sparsh
Ardh Satya

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on Byam's monologue from the 1935 Mutiny on the Bounty? For me, that speech would have been enough to raise Tone to a 3.5 at least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrX-uu3cBqg

Anonymous said...

Louis: Could I have your updated top 10 Tom Courtenay performances? It's also interesting to note that, with his upgrade for The Dresser, he has a 100% 5 star- review record on this blog :)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Would you consider doing a double review of Gandolfini with Hardy, as it is his last performance?

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: I'd second that.

Matt Mustin said...

Tahmeed: Hear, hear!

Bryan L. said...

Tahmeed: Plus, he's almost finished with The Sopranos as well :p

Louis Morgan said...

Tim:

Well start with the direction where John Madden is a workmanlike director, which doesn't mean bad, it just often means it limits the types of films the director is capable with, and also means if the script is not there, his input really won't save it. In turn when at their best, a workman becomes a proper craftsman. This is one of Maddens's better directed efforts. This largely in crafting an aesthetic where the combination of costumes, makeup and production design realize a vivid, slightly though fittingly fantastical Elizabethan England. This further supplemented through the use of score that only accentuates that idea. His cinematic eye is a little less impressive at times, as other than the final shot, there isn't anything too memorable about his choices. He definitely does his job, but just that in that regard. He maneuvers the tone well however finding the right breezy quality for the comedy, amplified a bit by the editing, and adjusts well enough to the slightly dramatic moments. There he borders on more standard melodrama but still not bad. There isn't a next step in his own work but the strength of the screenplay is certainly realized.

The screenplay is its strongest element though I would love to see Marc Norman's original work since it sounds like Tom Stoppard heavily re-wrote it. Although I almost wonder if Stoppard was in a fix, as he like me, seems most interested in the world of the Globe theater more than the titular romance. Stoppard being a most fitting choice for re-write as the playwright of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. This in that he has so much fun playing with various Shakespeare tropes, largely of his comedies, and a bit of the history. His fleshing out of the "writing the play" and the "putting on the performance" is where the wit lies in the screenplay and the world it creates. This is again to the extent that I ponder why I have so much disinterest in the romance. Well in part that comes from Romeo and Juliet, which has never been a favorite of mine when it comes to the bard, and that is where the romance is essentially fashioned through. Maybe that just isn't as much fun as the romances in Shakespeare's comedies, of course naturally, but I can't help but feel Stoppard was perhaps continuing a required plot point where his heart was really with the life of the Globe theater. My maybe reaching on my part, however I find those aspects wonderful and witty, while the rest is just fine.

Luke:

1. Wind River
2. Kill the Messenger
3. The Hurt Locker
4. The Immigrant
5. American Hustle

Tahmeed:

I mean I'll grant that is Tone's moment within the film, and it is decently performed speech. For me it doesn't quite hit the cathartic pinnacle for me, as Tone borders slightly a little much yet slightly stilted at times. He's good in the moment overall though particularly his sort of emotional exhaustion at the end of it, that is nice subtle bit of performance from him.

Anonymous:

1. Doctor Zhivago
2. The Dresser
3. Billy Liar
4. The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
5. King & Country
6. 45 Years
7. A Dandy in Aspic
8. King Rat
9. The Night of the Generals
10. Quartet

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Are you reviewing Courtenay and Hardy (MMFR) for 2015.

Anonymous said...

Luke, let Louis focus on this round. 2015 Bonus will come when it comes :)

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I know 2015 is going to be awhile but all I'm asking is whether he's reviewing them for that year or for a future backlog.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your updated top twenty Adam Sandler acting moments? (The previous list is in Cagneys' review for Man of a Thousand Faces, although that one has 15)

Mitchell Murray said...

Everyone: What would be your general thoughts on Florence Pugh as an actress? I've seen her be compared to a young Kate Winslet (which I can actually understand in terms of appearance and voice), but she certainly has a poise and screen presence that's all her own.

Lucas Saavedra said...

What are your thoughts on the performances of Ben Stiller, Phillip Baker Hall, Michael McKean, F. Murray Abraham, Catherine O'hara, Bob Odenkirk, Michael J. Fox, David Schwimmer, in Curb Your Enthusiasm, if you have seen them?
Sorry if that's a lot, I'm just curious about what your thoughts on them are.

Aidan Pittman said...

Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon will now be an Apple original film, though Paramount will still distribute it theatrically worldwide. Thoughts from all (don't worry, this has been confirmed this time, lol)?

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: I'll confess I've only seen her work on Midsommar, in which she did pretty well to elevate what's a frustratingly tedious experience. So to keep it short: she's good.

Aidan Pittman said...

Mitchell: I've only seen her in Little Women so far (where she was my Supporting Actress win last year), but from that alone I can tell that she's got a bright career ahead of her. So, as Emi said, she's good.

Mitchell Murray said...

Emi: Dude....you gotta watch her other two films of 2019.

But yah, she was the one thing that kept me invested in that pretentious horror slock.

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: I definitely need to get around to Little Women rather sooner than later and as a wrestling fan, I've always been naturally interested on Fighting With My Family. Also have Lady Macbeth under my "eventually" radar.

I just happen to be more in a "series mood" more than "film mood" out of lately.

Bryan L. said...

Mitchell: I think I can already make a credible Top Five list for her, even without The Little Drummer Girl (haven’t seen).

1. Little Women
2. Lady Macbeth
3. Midsommar
4. Fighting with My Family
5. Outlaw King

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on the two fistful performances by Gian Maria Volante?

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Yes as previously stated, I'll be covering all fives, I will not hold off on any of them. The few remainders from 73 resulted from late upgrades.

Bryan:

1. Final game - Uncut Gems
2. "This is how I win" - Uncut Gems
3. After auction breakdown - Uncut Gems
4. Confronting Trumbell - Punch-Drunk Love
5. Asking for another chance - Uncut Gems
6. Trying to get the door open - Uncut Gems
7. Trying to get on the auction - Uncut Gems
8. Full confession - Punch-Drunk Love
9. First seeing the Opal - Uncut Gems
10. School play interlopers - Uncut Gems
11. Meeting Lena - Punch-Drunk Love
12. I disagree - Uncut Gems
13. The auction - Uncut Gems
14. Angry Phone Call - Punch-Drunk Love
15. Club breakdown - Uncut Gems
16. First meeting Kevin - Uncut Gems
17. Seeing Lena after the accident - Punch-Drunk Love
18. Family Breakdown - Punch-Drunk Love
19. Calling the phone sex line - Punch-Drunk Love
20. Meeting Lena in Hawaii - Punch-Drunk Love

Lucas:

I think I've only seen:

Abraham - (He's hilarious in both his performance as the Ayatollah, particularly his "ah" reaction to coming up with a way to kill Rushdie. He's great the rest of the time as "Big Murray" and his wardrobe checking. This in bringing a certain elegance towards his excessive analysis of another's clothing.)

Fox - (A fairly standard put upon celebrity performance within the scheme of Curb, however Fox does do it well as anyone else, particularly that sort of sly glint in his eyes when it seems like he might not be as honest as he claims.)

Aidan:

Well I'm all for Scorsese's film getting the greenlight asap, although the budget of 200 million seems a bit excessive, for reference Silence was 50 million, but I guess we'll see how he uses it. It certainly sounds like an interesting story to be sure, so obviously looking forward to it, a given however given it Scorsese.

Matt Mustin said...

I'm reading the book Killers of the Flower Moon, and it's great, but it's obviously going to be very different.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: I remember that you mentioned once that Mitchum was your favorite actor from the American 1910-1919 crowd. From what you've seen, how would you rank the rest of that group?

Tim said...

Aidan well, shit. i had hoped for a traditional release

Matt Mustin said...

Tim: Once again, it is still getting a theatrical release.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

Well I can really just give thoughts on For A Few Dollars More, as his performance in Fistful feels a bit of a warm up. Not that he isn't good in the first film, he is, this bringing a nice sleazy bravado to his performance, which of course I can only judge in "silent" terms, however even there he's impressive. This in the moments of triumphant he brings such a slimy enjoyment of his unearned murders, such as when he kills the Mexican army or massacring the rivals. Not as memorable as Nakadai in essentially the same role but good. For a Few Dollars More is one of those performances that probably would be an easy five if I could hear his original audio, as he's great with what he has. This in again bringing a similar sort of swagger, particularly that WANTED poster mad face of his. He goes much further though in portraying the sort of demented pathos of the character, particularly the moments of reflection to the flashback where he finds a strange degree of humanity within Indio, even if questionable. He's amazing in the final duel though in portraying the degradation of that slimy confidence as he thinks he's got Mortimer dead to right, before the odd are made even, and his expression of slow realization that he's about to die is brilliantly performed.

Bryan:

Well for a top 10:

1. Robert Mitchum
2. Burt Lancaster
3. Kirk Douglas
4. Karl Malden
5. Orson Welles
6. Ernest Borgnine
7. William Holden
8. Lee J. Cobb
9. Jackie Gleason
10. Art Carney

The old Douglas/Lancaster debate is ongoing however, though seeing a lot of their comparable later work, Lancaster takes it with ease, however comparison of their early work is still more favorable to Douglas.

Anonymous said...

Louis: your top 20 mark hamill acting moments

Anonymous said...

Louis: your thoughts on this clip https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OJBf94enIaU

Tim said...

Matt i meant a more traditional home Video release

Calvin Law said...

Louis: our of (morbid) curiosity, do you think you’ll be checking out The Gentlemen at any point? I know you’re even less of a fan of Ritchie in general, but at the same time I’m somewhat curious to hear your thoughts on it if you ever end up watching it.

Luke Higham said...

Looks like these douchebag fanboys won't stop. They want a 4 hour cut of Revenge Of The Sith and a Director's cut of Josh Trank's Fantastic Four.

Emi Grant said...

Luke: Why can't we get the Venice Film Festival 4 hour cut of The Assassination of Jesse James instead?

Luke Higham said...

Emi: I wouldn't mind seeing that. :)

Mitchell Murray said...

So I've watched "Hart's War" all the way through now, and it's honestly a decent enough film. It still has its problems in that the script doesn't pull off everything it tries to do - mostly notably the ending - but the cast certainly helps in alleviating that.

Farrell - 4
Willis - 3.5/4
Lure - 4 (Definitely recommending him for a review, as he gives a far more interesting performance than what was honestly required.)
Howard - 3.5
Roache - 3

Mitchell Murray said...

Also, I just learned that Adam Driver recently did a musical with Marion Cotillard. The film is called "Annette" and its by the director of "Holy Motors".

Anyone have any thoughts?

Luke Higham said...

Mitchell: I had heard about it and it's a very promising project but it'll most likely be 2021.

Calvin Law said...

Super excited, Carax is a genius and I love the pairing of Cotillard and Driver.

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: I’ve actually seen The Gentlemen. It’s not essential viewing by any means, but I actually quite liked Charlie Hunnam’s performance.

Calvin Law said...

Michael: Really? I thought he was pretty bad but then again I disliked pretty much all the cast, besides Farrell and Grant.

Calvin Law said...

RIP Anthony James

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: It’s probably the most I’ve liked a Hunnam performance honestly, it was easily the most grounded approach in the cast and I appreciated the quiet exasperation he brought to his scenes. I agree Farrell was good too, though I thought Grant was really obnoxious after a while.

Calvin Law said...

I guess I just found it annoying to have to root for him and McConaughey’s characters. The whole film left a bad taste in my mouth but to be fair, I would agree that he was more grounded and in a better film with better characterisations, I would’ve liked him more. I can definitely see that on Grant.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

1. What Joker did to Robin - Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
2. Final Scene with Leia - The Last Jedi
3. "See you around kid" - The Last Jedi
4. Concentration Camp - The Big Red One
5. Charlie Confronts Joker - Joker's Favor
6. "A Jedi, Like my father before me" - Return of the Jedi
7. "DON"T TOUCH ME OLD MAN...I don't know here you've been" - Mask of the Phantasm
8. Rage defeat of Vader - Return of the Jedi
9. Insane Asylum - The Big Red One
10. The Truth - The Last Jedi
11. Final Fight - Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
12. THE revelation - Empire Strikes Back
13. Seeing Vader's Face - Return of Jedi
14. Obi-Wan's Spirit - Return of the Jedi
15. Batman's funeral - The Man Who Killed Batman
16. Not Believing - Empire Strikes Back
17. "Death" of Obi-wan - Star Wars
18. Ending - Brigsby Bear
19. Two cents - Joker's Favor
20. The Outside world - Brigsby Bear

Anonymous:

I would say actually that ending is probably onto something, rather than the pointless "Sacrifice" of the alternate ending, but I think it is hurt by the CGI creatures which takes a bit from the idea of the "humanity" of the creatures.

Calvin:

I mean it's probably going to be the most thin year since the early 40's, so I'll probably watch it eventually.

Luke:

Well we saw Trank's "Director's cut" of Capone, was that enough horror for all. There are compromised visions of artists, but there's also hacks who get fired.

Mitchell:

Love the cast, and quite liked Lovers on the Bridge and Holy Motors. The musical moments of both films shined in particular, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. My only potential reservation is it's Carax's first fully English film, which is always a tough transition, hope he does it though.

John Smith said...

-Black Friday
-Raman Raghav 2.0
-Gully Boy
-Udaan
-Aakrosh
-Raakh
-Ugly
-1947 Earth
-Swades
-Dil Se...
-Paar
-Lootera
-Anand
-Agneepath (Original)
-Junoon
-Piku
-Oye Lucky Oye
-Dev.D
-Rockstar
-Wake Up Aid
-Zakhm
-Bandut Queen
-Masoom
-Sadma
-Iqbal
-Vaastav
-Munna bhai series
-Kabhie Kabhie
-Lamhe
-Deewar
-Kagaz Ke Phool
-Pyaasa
-Neerja
-A Death In The Gunj
-Dehli Belly
-Finding Fanny
-Saaransh
- Finding Fanny
-Saaransh
-Udta Punjab
-Kaminey
-Aks
-Satya
-Shool
-Tumbad
-Guru
-Parinda
-Virasat
-Hera Pheri
-Shahid
-Photograph
-Company
-Ek Doctor Ki Maut
-Mirch Masala
-Moonson Wedding
-Manto
-Andhadun
-Paan Sing Tomar