Friday 4 September 2020

Alternate Best Actor 1950: Richard Widmark in Night and The City

Richard Widmark did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Harry Fabian in Night and the City.

Night and the City is a brilliant film that follows a street hustler as he attempts to get into wrestling promotion in London. 

Speaking before on John Garfield's work in The Breaking Point as an actor who might've before his time, this perhaps could also be attributed to one Richard Widmark. Perhaps not as much for the work he almost had to settle into as the types for leading men of the time, but for his earliest performances. This as he gave what has to be considered a pioneering performance in terms of portrayals of onscreen psychopaths in Kiss of Death (which I too often forget was his feature film debut), which is far more alike modern villains than those of Golden age of Hollywood. We find that again here in the role of Harry Fabian, who's a character who would fit right into the 70's or modern independent cinema. This as Harry Fabian is neither a good guy or a bad guy in the traditional sense of the time. He's not the hero, nor is the guy who takes the wrong path for a moment, he's something entirely different. Now in this all I can preface is saying this is a brilliant performance by Richard Widmark, and just go from there. That's because it is, and his unique sort of portrayal here, particularly unique for the time, is oddly something you can see from the silent opening scene as we watch Harry run home to his and his girlfriend Mary's (Gene Tierney) home. This while being chased by a pursuer. There's even just something about the way Widmark runs here, something fascinating about it honestly. There's just a sort movement of as though it is a casual affair, even as he is dogged in his movement, this as though it is nothing atypical to Harry to be running from someone. This with a particular moment where he loses his corsage, with Harry taking time to pick it back up and Widmark so gently placing it back in though maintaining that is as important as the man chasing him meaning to do harm. 

We find as Harry outruns his pursuer to return to Mary where Widmark is all charm. The essential thing is even with what we saw a moment ago, Widmark's charm here is wholly genuine in the sheer exuberance he does in every interaction with her and his repeated use of calling her "the duchess" with such loving regard for her. Widmark finding wholly what Mary sees him in an instance. This then we segue towards what is an essential core to Harry as he shows Mary some scheming idea of pills that will increase a car's gas use, supposedly. Widmark is downright amazing in the sheer jubilation as he speaks the idea. This in his eyes of a man seeing a dream in his eyes as he explains the concepts, and you'd think the man has won the lottery. Widmark presenting it as absolutely the dream realized in the moment as this full forced emotion as he throws his whole self within the idea. His eyes glaring with just an amazement just as his voice is this unabashed joy. This though hit with reality when Mary asks about the man who had been chasing him and is still waiting outside. Widmark's shift is great though in the vulnerability he so naturally settles to as he meekly speaks that the man is a "co-investor" in the gas scheme aka someone he owes some money to, which Mary eventually pays for me. Widmark in this introduction revealing really a protagonist that was so rare for the time, in as we meet him he is obviously flawed, but also obviously fascinating. Flawed also not as a villain but flawed as a man. 

We then follow Harry in the day in the life, or perhaps more appropriately a night in the life. There is a spectacular sequence where we follow Harry about town where he appears to be everyone's friend. Widmark's work here is marvelous as he out pours a certain charisma as he takes a moment with seemingly almost everybody. Widmark is affable and energetic in the best of ways. This as he delivers every word as though for that second the person is the most important person in his world, and also you just see him walk with the manner of a man who is simply thriving upon the atmosphere. This walking with the utmost confidence and almost floating through the streets as someone who has become so accomplished with them. We found out though he is largely a hustler who works on commission for a club owner Phil Nosseross (Francis L. Sullivan) and his wife/a potential old flame of Harry's Helen (Googie Withers). We see Harry ply his trade on those who don't know him. This as I love Widmark's performance in these moments. This as he takes the moments in we see in his eyes Harry gauging his mark, then basically reinventing himself for the need. Whether this be just a jovial man about town to some businessmen he sends to Phil's club, or shifting himself to an adoring fan, passionate about wrestling to a seasoned wrestler Gregorius (Stanislaus Zbyszko). Widmark showing the man capitalizing on his "preys" interest this with a man beaming and interested in whatever is needed. Widmark expertly revealing Harry's game, by being so convincing in playing Harry's game. 

That second game, which also makes Harry run afoul of Gregorius son, wrestling promoter/criminal Kristo (Herbert Lom), is what we follow Harry on. This initially as he falters to find funds with most of the same crowd of the criminal underworld. Widmark is incredible with every one of these "sells" this as he settles into that gear of his to the sale, as though this wrestling idea just "can't lose". This believable to any one glancing unknowing of Harry's way, however everyone knowing Harry's sales at this point turn him down. Widmark is great in every turn down showing the man's immediate desperation that wears across his face at the tear down of that sale of confidence. Widmark showing really the fearful young man whose had to fight for everything beneath it all whenever his confidence just isn't enough. Eventually Harry does find the money in Helen who obviously still has feelings for him to some regard. Widmark is great in this scene in showing the somewhat reserved Harry's reactions in the moment in trying to gauge what she is getting at. This in presenting the certain unease of a man's former loss having been left behind by Helen marrying Phil to climb the ladder. Widmark revealing in the hesitations again the man's very real uncertainty behind all that certainty of his. This eventual investment though essentially is the trigger for Harry to go ahead with anything he can to make it all work. This is as we get into the next jump of the story, where you can see some likely great influence on the recent Uncut Gems, as we see a man who seems to believe he can win any race, even if it doesn't matter how many short cuts he takes along the way. 

Widmark is downright mesmerizing as he brings us right along with him as Harry basically does anything he can to make the wrestling angle work for him. Widmark is exceptional in the way his energy is in this state of constant flow and he so naturally portrays the sort of spiraling action of Harry as he goes through the night trying to make it work. This in so quickly going from moment of being the best confident man in the business to Gregorius, to the slickest con artist as he prods a rival questionable wrestler known as the strangler, through lobbing a series of insults. Widmark is great by showing the way Harry pulls the tricks from his hat, as we get the quick moment of the calmest of supporters of Gregorius, to the most fierce doubter as he delivers random asides in decrying the strangler. This though in just as naturally falling apart to a straight desperation when he has to steal from Mary, or lie to Helen about the nature of forget document he gives her. Widmark in the latter is great in even his reaction his manner is almost as he can't know any better in the moment as he barely even second guesses the trick since it is the only way to continue. In the former though Widmark reveals really the addict for some kind of success beneath it all. This in the straight frustration and single focused manner as he just goes out of his way to find the money. His physical manner focused upon that goal to the point of playing the scene as though Mary is invisible. Widmark though in the end showing what the man gets out of it, in just a marvel of a moment where Harry tells of his success to Phil. The wonderment in Widmark as he describes it, the almost musical maneuvers of him, reveal the jubilation in the man that goes far beyond just enjoying financial success. Widmark in this moment shows that is the essential part of living for him. Unfortunately for him though as series of unfortunate events, some purposeful some accidental, lead to his wrestling game falling apart, and also leaving Kristo putting a 1000 pound bounty on Harry's head. Widmark's performance captures then the desperation of Harry as he tries to run through the night in looking for some escape from his fate. He is as mesmerizing here in so viscerally creating the sense of his state as he avoids one betrayal one bad man after another, Widmark showing Harry still plying his trade however now literally to save his life. This though in showing the natural degradation, physical and mental, of the man as he collapses in one of his last allies. This leading to a great moment of introspection as Widmark reveals again the fearful man beneath it all looking upon his failures, this only amplified when Mary appears, and Widmark hides his head as though Harry is nothing but a scared child. Widmark being so vulnerable in the moment speaking without a bit of bluster as he speaks to Mary without a shield. This until she mentions the 1000 pounds on his head, and Widmark is absolutely heartbreaking as he recalls back to the salesman one more time. This time so aggressively and painfully as the man merges his desperation with the sale now by actually earnestly suggesting Mary make herself rich by selling him to Kristo. I love this performance. This as Widmark gives an absolutely daring turn here. Not shying away from the character's flaws rather embracing them in a way that almost make them seem his virtues. Widmark thriving in realizing the complexity of the role, and crafting this immaculate portrait of the obviously flawed yet always transfixing protagonist that is pioneering.

115 comments:

Shaggy Rogers said...

I find it very difficult for Mifune to lose. But I still hope that Widmark will win the year, be number 1 in the rank.

Mitchell Murray said...

Louis: Not sure if you saw this one the last post, but I used my remaining request for Woody Harrelson in "The Edge of Seventeen".

I mean, Harrelson's done comedy before and after to good effect, but I've rarely seem him so hilariously profane and deadpan. Also, his scenes with Steinfeld are the film's heights for myself.

Mitchell Murray said...

And once again, this seems like another great performance to add to the viewing list.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: The Safdie brothers and Paul Dano for a 2020s version of this film?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Ratings and thoughts on the rest of the cast.

Luke Higham said...

I'm pleased you gave him the Supporting win back. You'll need to change it on the My Wins post as well.

Tim said...

Boy i have a lot of thoughts about Tenet.


Because of all your reviews my expectations actually went down a lot. Because of that i can say i am definitely the most positive on it in here.
(Side Note: dubbed version, so my thoughts on the acting are a bit limited)



Let's start with the story. Everything you have said is true. The movie does not care about his characters, what they stand for or finding a genuine emotional connection. Not even a dead wive this time!
On the other hand, the plot itself i actually liked, as not just the central premise intrigued me a lot, but i actually got continuesly more immersed in it. In the first half i was kind of skeptical, but basically after the midpoint, after the first inversion, i was completely hooked (albeit it only for the spectacle aspects).



The directing was pretty standart Nolan, which is still pretty impressive for me. But i do have some negative thoughts on the fight scenes. The choreography was very creative and interesting for me (and surprisingly brutal!). But on that we had way too many cuts and way too shaky camera work; had wished to see it better.



The Cinematography was also pretty standart Nolan, but became at parts really nice for parts, especially at the exact midpoint. I in general think his movies looked better under Wally Pfister.



The Score is kind of the same, only without any highs. Göransson was obviously told to do a Zimmer-score, and i never thought he ever did a nearly as good job at that, and i could not stop that idea what he himself would have made with that.



The Editing is ..........
especially in the dialogue scenes we just went way too fast with some jarringly needless cuts.




The Sound Design. The actual effects were very good. But the mixing, especially of the music, was simply too loud (kind of helped against talking people behind me though). The dubbing voices actually are put above the other sound tracks, so i definitely understood everything, so i cannot say if there are inaudible lines in the original version.
(Combining the categories goddamn stupid! Great, now I'm mad at that again ...)



Now the acting:

Washington - Like it has been said, not really much to tell about the character, but he actually does a really good job using his charisma to to giude us seemlessly through the movie and making us care for the character (What was his name?) - 3.5/5

Pattinson - This is actually a performance were a rewatch would be necessary, on on what i cought on the first watch i actually genuinely liked him as his role might have become a boring figure only spouting out exposition (which i thought after the trailer) but he actually gave a welcome presence giving the movie more colour - 4/5

Debicki - the most emotional character you will find in here, and she makes the most she can of it, making her feelings for her son seem genuine. She delivers, but i actually think robert might be my MVP - 4/5

Branagh - Now this is the one were i would really like to talk about his actual vocal performance, but from what came through, his facial expressions and his presence were effective, but like it has been said before, far from Alex Sebastian - 3/5
I thought his exit was supposed to me funny? Either way i laughed.

Poesy and Caine are there too









Overall i found it to be really intriguin for me on a plot level with some fascinating ideas and mostly more than watchable craft despite some flaws in some areas. It actually managed to be fascinatingly intriguing for me despite it's lack of character that basically absolutely spellbinded me on it*s spectacle, and actually got a bit (the tiiiiniiiiesssst bit) of an emotional collection at the end.
It entertained me all through, honestly made me leave the theatre with a giant grin on my face and made me want to rewatch it immediately.

7/8 - not the greatest movie ever, but would definitely watch it again, especially since my friend said to have noticed a lot on what was his second viewing now.
But next time i would welcome at least a dead wife again, Mr Nolan.

Tim said...

7/10; don't know why i wrote 8, it very late and i should go to bed

Tim said...

My Nolan ranking (excluding Insomnia and Following)

1)Inception
2)Memento
3)The Dark Knight
4)Prestige
5)Batman Begins
6)Tenet
7)The Dark Knight Rises
8)Interstellar
9)Dunkirk

Michael McCarthy said...

I’m sure I’d notice new things if I saw Tenet again, but then I’d be playing right into Nolan’s hands. He and the film don’t deserve that.

Luke Higham said...

Yeah, I don't intend to re-watch it anytime soon if ever. It just isn't engaging enough for me to consider it.

Michael McCarthy said...

Like it’s clear Nolan intended for people to only fully “get it” after rewatches but in the process he made it impossible to enjoy on first viewing. It honestly feels spiteful of its own audience in that sense.

Luke Higham said...

Michael: Agreed.

Calvin Law said...

I thought Herbert Lom and the writing behind his character in this was really surprising in this. Did not expect to feel that much sympathy for him. Also the influences of it on Uncut Gems are undeniable.

Thoughts on the direction and in particular the wrestling scenes? Those were a pleasant surprise in how engaging they were.

BRAZINTERMA said...

Hey guys (except Louis)!
Tell me your Top 10 Best Supporting Actress, Lead Actress and Director from 1950...

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
10º Agnes Moorehead - Caged
9º Simone Simon - La Ronde
8º Patricia Neal - The Breaking Point
7º Josephine Hull - Harvey
6º Gene Tierney - Night and the City
5º Giulietta Masina - Variety Lights
4º Machiko Kyo - Rashmon
3º Hope Emerson - Caged
2º Maria Casares - Orpheus
1º Celeste Holm - All About Eve

LEAD ACTRESS
10º Judy Holliday - Born Yesterday
9º Barbara Stanwyck - The Furies
8º Peggy Cummins - Gun Crazy
7º Anne Baxter - All About Eve
6º Jennifer Jones - Gone to Earth
5º Gloria Grahame - A Lonely Place
4º Nicole Stephanie - Les Enfants Terribles
3º Eleanor Parker - Caged
2º Bette Davis - All About Eve
1º Gloria Swanson - Sunset Boulevard

DIRECTOR
10º Anthony Mann - Winchester '73
9º Joseph L. Mankiewicz - All About Eve
8º Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell - Gone to Earth
7º Nicholas Ray - In a Lonely Place
6º Jean Cocteau - Orpheus
5º Jules Dassin - Night and The City
4º Max Ophüls - La Ronde
3º John Huston - The Asphalt Jungle
2º Akira Kurosawa - Rashomon
1º Billy Wilder - Sunset Blvd

And what are your Tops?
Comment!

Anonymous said...

Louis thoughts on Kermode's review of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things"?

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

Safdies of course, and I could definitely see Dano working.

Luke:

Tierney - 4(Her performance in the scheme of the film is pretty straight forward, however I think she offers just the right sense of heart in her chemistry Widmark. This in being straight forward in the right way in showing what she gets out of him, even as she also slowly becomes so saddened by his behavior. She offers the right consistent earnest quality within the relationship to be the right sort of connection to Harry's humanity.)

Withers - 4(Properly the opposite of Tierney's character in many ways however I liked how she didn't portray her character in any way truly villainous. This in portraying the very real need within her intention to work with Harry and even the right sort of flirtation sense when it seems she can get something from him. She brings a coldness but not a detached way. Rather she creates sort of the killer edge of what she does to try to advance in her life.)

Marlowe - 3(Preferred him over his work in All About Eve to be sure. I do think, despite the role being relatively straight forward, I do think he avoid potential pitfalls as the "nice guy". This as you take him as earnest in the care for both Mary and Harry's well being. He doesn't overplay it showing that he obviously loves Mary, but also removes any underhanded play in these interactions. Being straight forward about it while also being upfront.)

Sullivan - 4(Good sort of style within the some what gluttonous businessman. I like though his manner with Widmark that is combined with a certain suspicion but also interest. Love though his moment of the hysterical laugh as though it is a instinctual reaction to Harry at this point. As the film goes though on I found he really balanced a sense of genuine pathos with the character's distress, along with his more overtly jealous vicious moments. This in portraying well the genuine betrayal in the man even as he goes about a petty revenge.)

Lom - 4(I mean Lom's always good at doing a cold and easy going menace. He really doesn't need to say a thing to sell it, and delivers a force of presence just by existing. I will give him credit though in his performance does go further in his moments with his father. This in presenting, even in his cold style, the subtle honest concern in the man that goes beyond his business concerns. Lom finds the right balance creating a real sense of sympathy for character.)

Zbyszko - 3.5(Good in portraying in a way the innocent victim. Striking up the right contentious relationship with Lom around the man's straight forward earnest passion for wrestling which he represents in the right just blunt way. This though against his final scene where both he and Lom are terrific in developing a real sense of the family of the two.)

Also really liked everyone with just a bit part as well.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Dassin's direction here is great, though I guess I should note I am going by the UK cut, which I watched, though sampling some of the US cut, I think I greatly prefer the former particularly for its more atmospheric use of the score and sound. That is with that being part of what I loved about the film in Dassin's work that really gives a sense of place in the London sort of underworld. Every scene is filled with a feeling for the area, brimming with all sort of different life whether it be a run down dock or filled to the brim wrestling rink. This giving more so the sense of the guy just kind of trying to ride the wave of world. I think in there, there is an essential quality though in allowing us make our own opinion on Harry, and even allowing for the sympathy with any character. This finding the right light touch at times in that regard. Now this is with just some expertly handed moments, whether it be some of the final chases, or the wrestling scene, which filmed beautifully, but also have a lot more grit and far more believable quality to them then was typically true for films of the time.

Anonymous:

Well I'll say that reaction is fair enough, it's not for everyone.

I will say ruminating I'm starting to kind of love the film (though keep in mind I love Synecodche, New York), though I'll say it could perhaps used a little bit of trimming here and there. And I'll admit I do think one must like a certain type of conversation, for example I don't think most will be in for a prolonged conversation on "A Woman Under The Influence" but I was game. One point where I will disagree with Kermode is in the ending change. While I can't speak to how the book ending works, I will say that Kaufman actually did pull an Adaptation, in that he gives the protagonist two Hollywood endings, one literally out of A Beautiful Mind and the other right out of Oklahoma...though he's Judd not Curly.

Matthew Montada said...

Just finished watching I’m Thinking Of Ending Things. Charlie Kaufman, you have made yourself another masterpiece, my friend.

Ratings for cast:
Jessie Buckley - 5
Jesse Plemons - 4.5
Toni Colette - 4
David Thewlis - 3.5

Calvin Law said...

Really liked Mulan. It's probably the first of the live-action remakes to really differentiate itself from the original. Not flawless but I really admired a lot of the changes.

Liu: 3.5
Yen: 3
Lee: 3
An: 3.5
Gong: 3.5
Li: 2.5
Ma: 4

Aidan Pittman said...

Saw Tenet. Oh boy, that was disappointing. By far the worst film I've seen from Nolan.

Washington - 3.5
Pattinson - 3.5
Debicki - 4/4.5
Branagh - 1.5

Anonymous said...

Here's hoping that Collette finally gets that second nomination in 21 years (doubt it... it's Kaufmann and she isn't getting that much buzz but one can hope)

Matt Mustin said...

I haven't seen Tenet, because I'm not going to theatres right now, but outside of that, here's how I'd rank Nolan's films.

1. The Dark Knight
2. Inception
3. Interstellar
4. Memento
5. The Prestige
6. Batman Begins
7. Dunkirk
8. The Dark Knight Rises
9. Insomnia
10. Following

Emi Grant said...

So, I had no internet all day but I was finally able to watch me some Kaufman. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is A LOT to take in. I think even by Kaufman standards, but I mostly loved it. Buckley is goddamn amazing.

Buckley:5
Plemons: 4/4.5
Collete: 3.5
Thewlis: 3.5
Boyd: 3.5/4

Louis: Your thoughts on Abby Quinn? (Tulsey Town Girl #3)

Tim said...

is Charles Durning in Tootsie a 4 or a 4.5?

Lucas Saavedra said...

Tim: he's a 4

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Apparently, Robert Eggers' The Northman is greatly inspired by Hamlet and Bill Skarsgård has left the cast, who I assume was probably playing a version of Laertes. Your thoughts on this and is there anyone you'd like to see in that role. Also what do you think of the cast in general.

Matthew Montada said...

Folks, i will be watching Tenet in less than 3 hours. I will report to you guys with my thoughts on the film and cast (along with cast ratings)

Luke Higham said...

Has anyone seen the first images of Mank, so pleased that it's in black and white and Charles Dance seems to have a very important role too.

Louis: Thoughts on this.

Anonymous said...

Luke, your top Five/Ten Charles Dance performances

Luke Higham said...

1. Game Of Thrones
2. Phantom Of The Opera
3. Alien 3
4. The Crown
5. The Imitation Game

Aidan Pittman said...

Luke: Oh those images look fantastic. Especially love how the black and white looks, just seems very aesthetically pleasing. That trailer can't come soon enough.

Anonymous said...

Louis, could you fix Ben Johnson's rating for The Last Picture Show on the 71 nominees results page. You said he was 5 but he's still listed as a 4.5.

Louis Morgan said...

Emi Grant:

Quinn - 3(While I feel I can offer a more than decent interpretation of every other scene, I'll say this scene somewhat alludes me still. Having said that Quinn's performance is effective in creating a sense of a curious dread and sense of paranoia in her awkward shyness she brings in her sort of complimentary "insult" and the mention of the "varnish smell".)

Luke:

Those are some fantastic looking images, it will interesting to see what Fincher does with black and white, this is a strong start. It also perhaps eliminates his tendency to go overly dimly lit as I felt was the case in TGWDT and Gone Girl.

How about that Robert Pattinson guy, he seems to do pretty well with Robert Eggers.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the I'm Thinking Of Ending Things cast.

Emi Grant said...

I also just want to say that I had no clue that Quinn was also the actress who played Kristy Esposito on Better Call Saul's Season 4 Finale.

Luke Higham said...

Guys, have you thought about what recommendation you may be choosing for the next pre-Oscars interim period. I'm going ahead with a Mean Streets Re-Watch.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Non Nobis Domine and St. Crispin's Day speech from the Henry V (1989) score.

Anonymous said...

Luke, I'm picking The Remains Of The Days. I'd love to have Hopkins's re-examination alot sooner than later.

Anonymous said...

Luke: True Grit (2010) for me. I think Bridges really needs a re-review. I thought he was superb though Steinfeld is even better. And give Deakins another win damn it. :)

Bryan L. said...

Luke: Probably the same as last year, though I might throw Jarhead (2005) in.

Luke Higham said...

Bryan: Your ratings for the Silverado cast.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your Top Ten Baseball films?

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your top ten scores by first-time composers. Patrick Doyle's Henry V has to be in there.

Matt Mustin said...

I'm Thinking of Ending Things is some kind of weird masterpiece. I loved everything about it, and I especially loved Jessie Buckley's performance (holy crap, I can't wait to see what she does on Fargo).

Buckley-5
Plemons-4.5(Could easily go up on rewatch, there's a lot to think about with him)
Collette-4
Thewlis-4
Boyd-4
Quinn-3.5

Bryan L. said...

Luke: It's been too long......though I might rewatch it soon.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Buckley - (The greatest reality competition turned actor? She's certainly starting to rival Emma Stone in that regard. I mean there is a whole lot to say here and there is no surprise for me personally, as there was just something about her work in Taboo that suggested to me she was one to watch, being such a bright spot in otherwise such a dour show. Although I actually feel she has shown nothing but range so far, this is again however another great show of it. Now from the outset she does a few essentials. One a convincing American accent, but more so a convincing person. I think there was a real danger for instant derailment if we didn't believe "Lucy..or whatever her name is" first and foremost. She's fantastic in setting up the odd state of being both into and out of the relationship. The sense of trying to be affectionate though with the underlying sense of "ending things" just in her that internalized unease she does so well. What this sets up though is she brings an honesty within her character as really kind of a backbone within her performance. We always believe her as a real person, even as things might not be going that way. This in delivering not only the complication of the relationship but in the moment authentic reactions to what she sees. This being both active in the strangeness but also an effective audience surrogate that I really think is almost essential for this type of film. This though isn't to say she isn't without her own flights of fancy, including a Pauline Kael impression, and these moments absolutely dominating in the exchange and switching towards the sort of image of a kind of control. Buckley here wielding style that artfully removes herself from her original role, while also not wholly losing any connection to it as well. Her work maneuvers through every flight of fancy in Kaufman's work, to which there is many, with an ease and grace. Finding her own way to play into a strangeness but also crafting the right anchor within it all.)

Thewlis - (Odd I suppose in that why would an Oklahoma farmer have a British accent, but really in this film it doesn't seem something one should get too hung up on. This as in general, even with the accent, I quite liked the sort of folksy quality he brought to the part anyways. This with the sort of corny manner in the table conversation finding a comedy in just being the younger dad, while also finding the certain pathos in the older dad. Thewlis in those moments actually being quite moving in portraying the broken mind of the man, and effectively all over the place.)

Collette - (She's wonderful and unsurprisingly does this type of role justice. This in bringing the sort of overbearing qualities with the proper sort of eccentricity. This as she is effectively both funny yet also off-putting in portraying the sort of mom's insistence about everything. I'll say though I do think she goes further though in portraying an earnestness within all the insanity that grants a bit more of a moving quality in her work though as we see her in some of the other stages. Collette of course knows how to go big, and that is largely that here, but I like that she's not just grotesque about it.)

Boyd - (The most mysterious performance in more ways than one. I found him though fascinating though in his quite nuanced reactions towards every single moment is on screen. Honestly every second he's onscreen there's something there through his performance, and really found his most direct moment quite moving.)

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: So, about Thewlis' accent...you're right, but it says something about the film and his performance that I didn't even consider that for a second until you brought it up.

Matt Mustin said...

By the way, I think Buckley's probably gonna be unbeatable for me in terms of Best Actress.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Non Nobis Domine - (I mean I can only give the highest praise to Doyle's score there in that you'd the pieces were preexisting hymns, which is quite impressive in itself. This work worthy of being some type of anthem quite honestly with the sweeping pull of the score underlying the powerful vocals, that call upon a nearly ancient era though fashioned in a modern way that is of such potent downright inspiring build through to the end. How Doyle was Oscar snubbed is beyond me.)

St. Crispin's Day - (Speaking of inspiring, if not downright chill inducing, the work is just outstanding in every regard. This in the careful build of the intro as the horns seem to almost find their footing within the song as Henry finds his own. This though as they are supplemented by strings as it grows. This as the song really underlines the speech beautifully, by hitting each segment of the song to pull together towards such a potent realization of the spirit of the speech.)

I'll assume you mean first time film composers:

1. There Will Be Blood (Johnny Greenwood)
2. On the Waterfront (Leonard Bernstein)
3. Henry V (Patrick Doyle)
4. Citizen Kane (Bernard Herrmann)
5. City Lights (Charlie Chaplin)
6. Under The Skin (Mica Levi)
7. Blood Simple (Carter Burwell)
8. Suspiria (Thom Yorke)
9. Black Narcissus (Brian Easdale)
10. East of Eden (Leonard Rosenman)

Bryan:

1. The Sandlot
2. Major League
3. Bad News Bears
4. Field of Dreams
5. Bull Durham
6. The Natural
7. A League of Their Own
8. Eight Men Out
9. Fear Strikes Out
10. Bang the Drum Slowly

I should note there isn't any great divide in these rankings, and honestly this could shift all around with ease. This as all these films "I like", there isn't a baseball based masterpiece in my mind.

Matthew Montada said...

Back from watching Tenet. Honestly... i don’t know what to make of it. But if you want my first impressions, it is a technical achievement disguised as a standard, mediocre action-thriller that is not quite as smart as it makes itself out to be (particularly with missed opportunities from a writing and story perspective). I’d probably give it a 7/10 so far, but it could change at any point.

Here are my ratings for my cast:
John David Washington - 3
Robert Pattinson - 3.5
Elizabeth Debicki - 4
Kenneth Branagh - 1.5

Luke Higham said...

Matt: Looking at the current schedule, Only Colman and McDormand will compete with Buckley for the 2020 win.

Luke Higham said...

And maybe Winslet and Ronan in Ammonite.

Emi Grant said...

Matt: Same here about Buckley.

Matt Mustin said...

What's everyone thinking about Plemons' category placement? I think he's definitely lead, myself.

Anonymous said...

Luke:

Well if it's left to Colman, McDormand and Buckley, it'll be a fight between Louis's last three winners.

Louis Morgan said...

Matt: Definitely lead in my view particularly due to the ending.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: That's my reasoning too.

RatedRStar said...

Speaking of wins and stuff, I reckon October should be when we first start talking about the Oscars with the delay an all, what you reckon?

Bryan L. said...

Louis: I figured you were going to mention that, since I too think there hasn’t been a truly great film with the sport front & center. I’d love it if one could transpire some day though.

Matt Mustin said...

Bryan L and Louis: It's weird, because there's so many stories throughout the history of baseball that sound like they should be AMAZING movies, and for some reason that just hasn't happened, I guess.

Calvin Law said...

Field of Dreams is a masterpiece and I will stand by that view.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thewlis' accent kinda bothered me a bit since they don't even attempt to explain it. Could it be that his American accent wasn't very good (which I doubt, it's Thewlis) or was it a director's thing?

Matt Mustin said...

Anonymous: I'm always of the preference that someone not do an accent at all versus doing one badly.

Matt Mustin said...

I'm watching the third season of Fargo and I am totally here for whatever it is David Thewlis is doing with his performance.

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar:

Yeah, I think that's about right, I mean at least we'll have a good sense of what is actually coming out this year.

Bryan:

Agreed, as I love the Americana quality of it and there is great potential in so much of it. I'll say I wished I loved Field of Dreams as much as some do.

Anonymous:

Well I think this is the first time I've seen Thewlis play an American, well if you take it that this takes place in any actual reality of course, though I'll honestly say he's someone who specifically looks English so I can see why. Of course I liked his performance so I really don't mind, and I'll agree with Matt normal accent that is technically inaccurate is far better than a bad accent.

Aidan Pittman said...

Watched I'm Thinking of Ending Things. That was certainly a trip, I think I loved it?

Buckley - 5
Plemons - 5
Collette - 4
Thewlis - 4
Boyd - 4

Bryan L. said...

Calvin: It’s weird, because I’m actually a big fan of the sport myself, yet I’m only at a 4/5 for Field of Dreams.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on the AFI 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains list?

Robert MacFarlane said...

Okay, I came to an epiphany that is going to get a lot of disagreement here, but I may as well share it:

I think Kilmer was a better Batman than Keaton. Let me explain.

Keaton suffered the handicap of essentially being a supporting role in his own damn movies (I would, unironically, move him to supporting on the rankings, Louis). But he’s also an actor who was born to play a member of the Rogue’s Gallery. He would have been a perfect Joker. Kilmer may have been in a highly camp film, but he took Bruce seriously. His take was internalized and psychological. He gets penalized for not matching the tone instead of praised for being for being a far more credible Batman. He gets too much flack.

Anyway, I’m gonna do a catch-up binge tomorrow of a bunch of 2020 movies, so I’ll talk about them when I watch them.

Emi Grant said...

To share my two cents in regards to baseball films, I think I might be the biggest lover of Moneyball on this earth.

Bryan L. said...

(I do get why some people love Field of Dreams though. Forgot to mention that earlier.)

Robert MacFarlane said...

Are there any great sports movies that weren’t boxing?

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: I wouldn't say Keaton is supporting in the first film, but I can go with you on Returns, but I like to pretend that movie doesn't exist at all to begin with.

Bryan L. said...

Robert: The Hustler (Billiards is considered a sport isn’t it?)

Michael McCarthy said...

There’s also Chariots of Fire I suppose.

Anonymous said...

Kind of out of the blue, but anyone here seen Muriel's Wedding? Just saw it on Hulu today and I was surprised how good it was (esp. Collette)

Bryan L. said...

Oh almost forgot...I saw Tenet.

*Sigh* I can't back you up on this one Nolan...

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: I have. It’s wonderful. In my top 10 for 1994 and Collette and Griffiths are my wins.

Anonymous said...

Calvin: hope Louis does 1994 soon so he can see it. Collette is definitely a "5" for me, and my win for 94. I think I would give Griffiths a 4 or 4.5 though.

Calvin Law said...

On the note of boxing films, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki is one that needs to be seen more. Kind of impossible to watch though nowadays.

As for non-boxing great sports films I have the following:

Hoop Dreams (greatest documentary ever imo)
White Men Can't Jump
Rush (I know I'm probably alone in considering it a near-masterpiece)
Senna
Shaolin Soccer

I guess some of them are more 'fun' than 'great' but I'd still say they're must-sees.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: I honestly thought both were equally great. Really liked the whole ensemble to be honest.

Louis: your thoughts on the opening credits scene of Raging Bull, and Zimmer's score for Rush?

Emi Grant said...

Calvin: I've seen that one gif from Shaolin Soccer, and honestly I've been doing myself a disservice in not pursuing it.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Lagaan is a terrific sports film in my opinion.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: I'm pretty sure 94 will be coming after 31 and 44.

Anonymous said...

@Luke Higham thanks.

Anonymous said...

Luke, who do you see being reviewed for 1931.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: For Supporting, Boris Karloff in The Criminal Code and with Lead, Edward G. Robinson in Five Star Final and perhaps someone else.

Louis Morgan said...

What I'd consider very good to great non-documentary sports films (that aren't boxing):

Chariots of Fire
Foxcatcher
I, Tonya
The Hustler
Breaking Away
White Men Can't Jump
The Damned United

HM to sports adjacent films like the above Night and The City and Uncut Gems.

Anonymous:

I mean by nature a list that will feel even more arbitrary, as what is the exact basis? Hard to say, but I always take these somewhat as what are some impactful memorable heroes and villains. This as it doesn't get off the beaten path much.

On the hero side it definitely covers the bases of the action heroes, the inspirational heroes, the sort of crusader types, the rebellious hero and of course the famous heroes beyond film. Although it isn't my personal list, I can see the sense of almost every choice.

On the villain side some equally fine choices, and a few more inspired choices I'd say in there (J.J. Hunsecker). While kind of covering the villains of different types well. Can't complain even if again probably wouldn't be my exact list.

Robert:

Well I will say Kilmer is in a completely different movie, frankly a better one. For Keaton's placement, I'll say it is hard to argue for him as lead in Returns honestly, looking at both his screentime and what is that Batman even does. He honestly is a bit like Inspector Clouseau in the first Pink Panther. I'll say, even as he is consistently sidelined by the Jacker, it devotes enough to his own story, seemingly must to Burton's chagrin, even in short scenes to make him still lead.

Calvin:

The opening of Raging Bull is one of sheer beauty. Now mechanically you can say within the film it sets up some idea of glory for Jake, before the first scene where he meet the brutish man. It grants us the aspiration though in the opening through the marvelous cinematography of the moment and unforgettable use of music that creates the sense of a pure dream.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

To be perfectly honest it is not a score I remember from having watched the film, at least not since watching it in 2013. Listening back to it, it sounds a lot like the soundtrack to a racing game. That actually isn't a criticism however, this as Zimmer certainly puts the acceleration in the track, always loving his syncopation to be sure. Listening to it again, it still didn't stand out as something extraordinary for Zimmer (though I'll admit there's a high standard to achieve on that one), it certain is effectively atmospheric and really energetic work.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Thoughts on Kilmer's Batman voice? Whenever I hear it, I always wonder if Kilmer heard Kevin Conroy's take since at times he reminds me of Conroy.

Mitchell Murray said...

So, I just watched "Born on the Fourth of July" for the first time, which is decidedly not one of my favourite Oliver Stone films. Mostly, I just found the movie overwrought and overlong, and that there was a stylistic/emotional disconnect to what should've been provoking material.

Cruise - 2.5
Sedgwick - 2.5
Dafoe - 3
Whaley - 3
Kava - 2.5
Barry - 2.5

Razor said...

Louis: Your top 15 Richard Widmark acting moments and your thoughts on James Newton Howard as a composer?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

It's a fine darkly attuned voice, completely at odds with all the lines that he has "I'll get drive thru" "Chicks Dig the Car"...poor Kilmer if only Batman begins had been ten years earlier.

Razor:

Widmark:

1. Final idea - Night and the City
2. Playing the drums - Night and the City
3. Wheelchair - Kiss of Death
4. Walking through the street - Night and the City
5. Real wrestling fan - Night and the City
6. Tempting the strangler - Night and the City
7. Coming to Phil with an idea - Night and the City
8. Opening - Night and the City
9. Hearing Helen's offer - Night and the City
10. Shooting with Glee - Kiss of Death
11. Dinner Talk - Kiss of Death
12. Facing off against Kristo - Night and the City
13. Getting rid of a stoolie - The Street With No Name
14. Meeting in jail - Kiss of Death
15. Film narration - Judgment at Nuremberg

James Newton Howard's work, which is frequently limited by way of both score use, or in collaboration. His work has within it a unique sound that almost seems like somewhat of an in-between towards the melodic of a Williams and the more atmospheric of a Zimmer. This as there is a distinctly emotional quality within his best work that carries within it a certain spirit, while also playing more so within less of an overtly "catchy" quality, however one that can be deeply moving. His best work is distinctive in the potency of this quality that feels towards a classical quality. This of course I refer to his best work, which I think requires the right filmmaker to use him, as otherwise his work can be more forgettable generalized atmospheric. However his work with Malick and Nolan, quite stunning.

Calvin Law said...

Surprised there's nothing from Pickup on South Street there. Although I guess Thelma Ritter does kind of overshadow everyone in that.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

More of an indicator of how much I love him here and Kiss of Death than anything against him there.

Aidan Pittman said...

Super late to the party, but I finally watched Da 5 Bloods. I liked it overall, although I can't help but feel that its emotional impact felt muted at times. Still mostly effective, though, and Lindo kills it.

Lindo - 5
Majors - 4
Peters - 4
Whitlock - 3.5
Lewis - 3
Thierry - 3
Hauser - 3
Pääkkönen - 2.5
Reno - 2
Boseman - 4

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Based on Paranoia Agent, how intrigued are you by Satoshi Kon's filmography?

Anonymous said...

Louis: What are your thoughts on Reno in Da 5 Bloods?

Mitchell Murray said...

So I watched "Saturday Night Fever" for the first time this morning. Overall, I would say its an enjoyable and interesting film, specifically as an example of the Italian-American influence found in mid to late 70s cinema. The music and dance sequences are very energetic, and the story is surprisingly well thought all things considered. I wouldn't say I loved the film, but I most certainly liked it.

Travolta - 4.5 (His best performance by a clear margin)
Gorney - 4
Shakar - 3.5
Miller - 3

ruthiehenshallfan99 said...

Watched "A Man Called Peter" today. It's a wonderful little movie that I would love to watch again on a later date.

Richard Todd: 4/4.5
Jean Peters: 4
Marjorie Rambeau: 3.5/4
Les Tremayne: 3/3.5
Billy Chapin: 1/1.5 (thankfully he wasn't in it much)

Aidan Pittman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Aidan Pittman said...

Louis: What are your top 10 least favorite Oscar nominations for original score?

Calvin Law said...

Louis: thoughts and rating for Angela McEwan in Nebraska? I think she adds a lot to the film especially with her final reaction shot.

Anonymous said...

Luke, in your opinion, which actors have the most surprisingly low 5 tally.

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: Based on sheer talent, hype, the preconceptions that I once had whenever I first came on the blog and whether Louis has seen most if not all of their filmographies.

Richard Burton - 2
Marlon Brando - 2
Christian Bale - 2
Cate Blanchett - 1
Denzel Washington - 1
Meryl Streep - 1
Dustin Hoffman - 1

Mitchell Murray said...

On a more random note, I just introduced myself to the first season of "Naruto". I must say, while I thought it was fine overall, there must be some improvement in the subsequent seasons for people to love the show so much. Specifically, I have issues with a few repeated scenes and some rather laborious pacing (Did we really need to spend 4 episodes on the same bridge?).

Luke Higham said...

Mitchell: I have to ask, which Anime shows did you watch in your childhood/teenage years and ranked from best to worst.

Mitchell Murray said...

Luke: None, if I'm being honest. I just never got into them at that age like my elementary/high school peers. That's part of the reason I wanted to check out "Naruto" now, along with several others.

Just to name a few:

Mob Psycho 100
The Last Airbender
Yu Yu Hakusho
Dragonball (A Perennial favourite, I'm sure)
One Punch Man
My Hero Academia

Mitchell Murray said...

That being said, I can already understand why people like Kakashi so much.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Mitchell: I love all the shows you've mentioned, except Yu Yu Hakusho (which I haven't seen yet, but I'm meaning to). As for Naruto, I liked the original show a lot as a kid, but I never could finish it due to the abundance of filler episodes in the later seasons.

Mitchell Murray said...

Tahmeed: Admittedly, I've heard of many of those shows because of the youtube series "Death Battle", wherein they try to settle versus matches between fictional characters (Ex. Roshi Vs Jiraiya, Mob Vs Tatsumaki, or more recently Zuko Vs Shoto Totoroki).

As such, while I'm familiar with a lot of the major plot points in each show, I still want to watch them out on their own merits.

Tim said...

has anybody seen the new The Take video on The Social Network? I usually like that channel a lot, but this time they blatantly misunderstood everything the movie is about, even though they still mention Zorkin-quotes that explain just that in the very video

Mitchell Murray said...

Also, I'm now two episodes into "The Last Airbender" and already enjoying it.

Louis Morgan said...

Aidan:

A full ten is difficult only in that after a bit, it is less bad scores, and more of forgettable ones that don't stand out in memory because of that. Although here some I don't like: Round Midnight (Since one like two pieces are even original), Rise of Skywalker (How it wasn't disqualified is beyond me), War Horse (Williams's worst tendencies realized in a single score).