Sunday 15 November 2020

Alternate Best Actor 1994: Xia Yu in In The Heat of the Sun

Xia Yu did not receive an Oscar nomination, despite winning the Volpi Cup, for portraying Ma "Monkey" Xiaojun in In The Heat of the Sun. 

In The Heat of the Sun is an absolutely wonderful, and criminally under seen, coming of age (hidden gem to be sure), directorial debut film, by Jiang Wen. 

The film is said to be semi-autobiographical by actor turned director Jiang Wen, and that can easily be seen in the absolutely brilliant casting of Xia Yu, who bares more than a passing resemblance to Jiang Wen, who narrates the film as "himself". Xia's performance goes far beyond just deft casting however, as Xia is as confident onscreen in his debut as Jiang is in his directorial debut. This as we can sort of move right past the typical pitfalls of the young performer. One doesn't need to worry about any of that. Xia's absolutely just is the part here, as he is so incredibly natural onscreen you don't give it a second thought. Rather he seems instead this perfect representation of the boy that was Jiang Wen. Now because Xia is so confident we can also kind of move past the second potential accusation of my own feelings that this is only a director's film. Not at all. Now Jiang's vision is absolutely remarkable here, Xia is in no way overshadowed by that or the narration of some of the character's feelings. He lives on his own. This from the opening scenes of the film where we meet the seemingly almost orphan like Monkey as he passes his time breaking into homes to hang out and explore, while not actually stealing anything. 

Here's where you see an excellent performance that works within the vision, these being this absolutely fantastic scenes of nostalgic memory. Xia is not merely in them however but is essential in creating the tangible feeling in them. That is Xia expresses the youthful delight as he looks upon every little thing in the home, or the joy as he uses a "borrowed" spy glass to look upon the actions of a disliked school master. Xia's work grants the sense of discovery and the right sense of mischievousness. His portrayal doing more than just representing it, but truly evoking the emotion. Creating within the scene the needed empathy with Monkey, that you too feel the excitement of the game. This can be said of Xia's whole performance that is so very honest and lived in. This as again he simply is Monkey, and each experience we see him go through is all the more tangible through that. When he is hanging out with his friends, who play different games, or even get into little street fights, Xia is never just in a scene. His performance grants the sort of dogged determination one moment to bring "justice" to bullies or another in the rapturous joy of some random truce. His work not being overshadowed, by rather properly accentuating each scene so beautifully as he elevates his work far beyond that of a surrogate. 

What is so notable about his work beyond this though is how much Xia fleshes out who Monkey is. This particularly in representing this sort of cross roads time in the boy, soon to man's, life. Xia has this particularly exceptional way his face can be so many things all at once. This as we have those moments of hanging out with friends or sneaking around someone else's house where there is that mischievousness of youth. All the same though we have also the moments of quiet brokenness of youth that are equally palatable, where Xia almost looks like a different boy. This as we initially understand more of his home life just through an absolutely brilliant monologue by Xia where he speaks as his own father figure. Xia's delivery with the false sort of "older man" kid's voice, but also a real sense of heartbreak in his eyes as each word becomes more brutal in its discipline. This as the more we see of his real relationship with his parents the more dire it appears. In these moments Xia is so moving in just expressing in his reactions that of any boy being mistreated and also ignored by his parents. His eyes shattered in a quiet sort of sadness, and more than anything we see the sense of the escape in his mischievous fantasies away from that world. Xia showing very much the boy that defines Monkey, even as so much of his actions attempt to show a maturation.

Now the final portion of the film focuses closely on his relationship with one of the individuals whose house he broke into. This being a young woman Mi Lan (Ning Ling). This presented purposefully as kind of a broken set of memories as really this strained relationship that is one of nostalgic perfection and that of broken hearted memories. We start with the former in their early scenes together where Xia projects more so the boy in the innocent interactions. This with such playful warmth that he brings, that quietly at times projects a certain maturity as the two seem to speak regarding anything of substance. Xia is exceptional in the way he doesn't play the relationship a single way, rather finding the sense of the boyish crush and the complexity within that as it clashes with an attempt at something more. We see this as he brings her into his gang of all boys. Xia's initially fantastic in being so sweet in delivering the invitation with this quiet excitement as though he's got something great for show and tell. This though changing as she does show up and instantly all the boys are obviously quite interested. The sense of the personal connection being tested Xia excels in showing the sort of hidden frustration within Monkey's attempts at posturing in front of her. This as his "show off" moments Xia presents with a certain jealous desperation to keep her interested in only him, even as she strays. Xia's work gradually building this frustration where he also expresses more petulance in the boy almost interfering with the attempt at manhood. This culminating in two scenes. The first being a heartbreaking one where Xia unleashes such a pent up bitterness as he verbally attacks Mi Lan in a thoughtless exercise of jealousy. What I love is that Xia keeps it very much as the failure of Monkey to mature in the moment. This culminating further as he attempts to force himself upon her, and Xia showing a greater regression to that of a crying infant having lost any sense of personal growth. Now a masterstroke I feel is in Jiang's writing and direction that makes both scenes likely are falsehoods of frustrated memories, however Xia is essential in realizing this failure of the past as a broken boy in reflection. Xia work finding this balance in the joys of remembering a nostalgic youth, and also the pain of replaying the failures of the past that can never be rectified.

121 comments:

RatedRStar said...

Crikey he does look like a young Jiang Wen =D.

Calvin Law said...

SO glad you loved the film and liked this performance, I'm actually really surprised by this one. And yes that is one of the most spot on younger version casting choices ever.

Thoughts on Jiang Wen's narration and his directorial choices? I absolutely loved in particular his use of music, the cinematography, everything about his direction really...thinking about it he deserves to make my top 5.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Loved his narration, that was as much A Christmas Story as it was Stand By Me or Goodfellas. This as a blend of sort of kindly remembrance, kind of casual examination of a criminal act, and often comical ramblings on memory. The great type of personable narration in you very much feel Jiang's own story within the words, just as you are seeing it.

His direction is fantastic, and like Darabont for Shawshank, it is hard to believe it is a debut. I mean the ways in which he directs here, other than being so assured, is remarkable in the way he is able evoke so much. That in the cinematography choices it is that of memory, in just how specifically beautiful it is, and so many shots are of this "too perfection" that I love. Now the musical choices are great, and while watching I wondered if he was using "Cavalleria Rusticana" too many times. Then I thought I'm thinking that in a purely clinical way, as every time I thought it worked beautifully, as the noting it as the most pure form of nostalgic memory. Especially loved how it took on different uses though, from the "short circuit" of it early on, or the reversal as he remains underwater at the end. His editing choices I thought were great though in having this real sense of the period in moments of sort of understanding the context, while also spending moments within a scene or an understanding. For example, his montage of the most "splendid" likely fake memory with Mi Lan put you right within the idea of that memory as the older man looking back thought of it rather than the young boy's actual experience. Again, all his choices involving the way memories can lie though was perhaps my favorite aspect of his direction. This as it was never something of a gimmick to me, rather treated it naturally within the experience of what the film represented as this reflection of one's past. So yeah, I was a big fan as well.

Calvin Law said...

I remember thinking at one point that this kind of felt like the sort of atmosphere something like Empire of the Sun should've had at certain points. Very different kinds of narratives but maybe it was the overall visual style which made me feel that way? Agreed on 'Cavalleria Rusticana', I usually do not like the 'overuse' of a specific musical riff but thought the purpose here was great.

Also what are your thoughts on that rainy declaration of love? I thought that was the most powerful and beautiful scene in the film, made all the more powerful because it was most likely fake.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I can definitely see the comparison there to "Empire", and would agree to what that film could've used.

Loved that scene, which might be the apex of the cinematography (which is saying a lot), as it is just so gorgeously rendered, very much the perfect romantic moment right down to seemingly the most appropriate use of "Cavalleria Rusticana", that stands well in stark contrast to the following scene between Monkey and Mi Lan. Two scenes that I think are both false memories of the potential extremes one could imagine, one a pinnacle of a dream, the other a nightmarish nadir.

Matt Mustin said...

I thought Fargo tonight was terrific, although I question whether the black and white was really necessary. More than anything it was just a fantastic showcase for Ben Whishaw.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Ratings and thoughts on anyone else of note.

Calvin Law said...

Fargo episode was indeed great though I hope that's not the last of this particular story strand we'll see (though it may well be I guess). Whishaw was excellent, easy MVP of course and I loved the visual style and the Wizard of Oz-esque vibe.

Luke Higham said...

1. Jackson
2. Oldman
3. Robbins
4. Kingsley
5. Freeman
6. Hawthorne
7. Xia
8. Depp
9. Fiennes
10. Cruise
11. Morrison
12. Carrey
13. Travolta
14. Kaneshiro

Anonymous said...

Is Greenwood considered Supporting for Exotica?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on the first three minutes of this scene from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Terry Crews and Andre Braugher's performances in it?

https://youtu.be/AtWtPOL1x2g

Luke Higham said...

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny bought a Welsh football club. Didn't expect that.

RatedRStar said...

Luke: 2020 eh? wouldn't have thought there would be much profit/business opportunities, what with all these clubs losing money but I might be wrong.

BRAZINTERMA said...

My bets from the 1994 winners:
PICTURE: Pulp Fiction
DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino - Pulp Fiction
ACTOR: Samuel L; Jackson - Pulp Fiction
ACTRESS: Irène Jacob - Three Colours: Red
SUPPORTING ACTOR: Martin Landau - Ed Wood
SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Virna Lisi - Queen Margot
ENSEMBLE: Pulp Fiction
PRODUCTION DESIGN: Interview With the Vampire
SOUND EDITING: Speed
SOUND MIXING: The Shawshank Redemption
SCORE: The Shawshank Redemption
EDITING: Pulp Fiction
VISUAL EFFECTS: Forrest Gump
COSTUME DESIGN: Queen Margot
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Shawshank Redemption
MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Pulp Fiction
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Shawshank Redemption
SONG: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" - The Lion King

And what are your bets on this year's winners?

Luke Higham said...

I'm pretty sure Be Prepared is winning Song.

Michael McCarthy said...

I’d also like to throw in The Lion King as an option for Best Sound Mixing. I think loved the sound mixing in that movie before I knew what that term even meant.

Louis Morgan said...

Thought the Fargo episode was great, and I'll say I thought the black and white was essential in setting the mood for the episode, particularly for the climax involving Rabbi. Whishaw obviously MVP. Also kudos to that quite hidden cameo in plain sight (to the point that I'm not 100% sure it was a cameo).

Luke:

Ning Ling - 4(Thought her performance was wonderful in balancing the idea of the perfect sort of girl of memory and the reality of it. This as she's charming in finding both a sense of warmth but also confidence that creates sort of its own allure as well. Her chemistry is splendid as she conveys moments both of a mutual understanding but also a distance sense of maturity with Xia. She's particularly fantastic in the meltdown scene, in so earnestly portraying her heartbroken reaction at the despicable behavior in front of her. Doing so well in showing both her own personal discomfort and her genuine sense of betrayal towards the actions of her friend.)

Tahmeed:

I have to say that was rather strong scene, as it showed quite clearly the perspective in such a natural way. While also finding some great acting with Braugher accentuating sort of the logical method of achieving gals so sufficiently, against Crews's rather moving plea based on more emotional stakes.

Anonymous:

I felt both Koteas and Greenwood were lead.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Louis: Thoughts on this scene from Community? https://youtu.be/AfdTnpV03p8

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: What cameo? Did I miss something?

Luke Higham said...

I'd love to get your thoughts on alot of Blackadder scenes yet would rather you're going in blind.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: I think he’s referring to the next door neighbour in the hotel who’s a callback to Rabbi’s past.

Louis Morgan said...

Robert:

Pretty funny, always enjoy random extreme intensity from all over a seemingly innocuous subject.

Matt:

I could swear the store owner was Martin Freeman in disguise, although this would be ironic as it would then be the best American accent he's ever done.

Louis Morgan said...

Though on further investigation I guess not...the actor just happens to look exactly like Martin Freeman in disguise, either way it was driving me crazy why he seemed so familiar.

Matt Mustin said...

Ok, yeah, he did look weirdly familiar.

RatedRStar said...

Louis: Got an intriguing question for ya, this might be a long one to think about though to answer so might be best after the next review.

A good political film/TV question, out of all 45 presidents of the USA, could you list the best performer of every president that you have seen? for example Josh Brolin as George Bush in W., Paul Giamatti as John Adams in John Adams etc... Similar to the Les Miserables question I asked you a while back.

RatedRStar said...

I'm asking this because I came across a certain actor playing a certain president and I was quite curious as to how good he was as this particular president.

Louis Morgan said...

RatedRStar:

George Washington: David Morse
John Adams: Paul Giamatti
Thomas Jefferson: Spoilers
James Madison: Okieriete Onaodowan
James Monroe: Tony Hale
John Quincy Adams: Anthony Hopkins
Andrew Jackson: N/A
Martin van Buren: Nigel Hawthorne
Taylor, Tyler, Filmore, Hayes, Harrison: Springfield Student Chorus
Polk: N/A
Pierce: N/A
Buchanan: N/A
Abraham Lincoln: Daniel Day-Lewis
Andrew Johnson: N/A
Ulysses S. Grant: Jared Harris
James Garfield: The collective grieving thoughts on English Bob's train.
Chester A. Arthur: School in Die Hard 3
Grover Cleveland: N/A
Benjamin Harrison: N/A
William McKinley: N/A
Theodore Roosevelt Ed Metzger
William Howard Taft: Walter Massey
Woodrow Wilson: Alexander Knox
Warren G. Harding: Jim Carter in future Armando Iannucci biopic.
Calvin Coolidge: N/A
Herbert Hoover: N/A
FDR: Bob Gunton
Harry Truman: Gary Sinise
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Henry Grace
JFK: Bruce Greenwood
LBJ: Bryan Cranston
Richard Nixon: Philip Baker Hall
Gerald Ford: Dick Crockett
Jimmy Carter: David Herman
Ronald Reagan: Bruce Campbell
George H.W. Bush: James Cromwell
Bill Clinton: John Travolta (Yes I know surrogate, but still)
George W. Bush: Josh Brolin
Barack Obama: Jordan Peele
Donald Trump: Johnny Depp

Side Note: There's some real material to mined with both Roosevelts that has been left untouched. Still waiting for the Amazon expedition film for Teddy directed by Werner Herzog.

Calvin Law said...

I haven't seen it yet and apparently it's not a great show, but apparently Brendan Gleeson's Trump is pretty good. Having said that I'm about done with giving that clown any more time in the spotlight.

And you really aren't joking about that Jim Carter uncanny resemblance.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Yeah, I don't need to watch that thing, and I have a really big problem with the fact that they made it when they did.

Mitchell Murray said...

Calvin and Matt: I've said this before, but I do think Gleeson is about as close to a physical match for Trump as you could get. As for his overall performance and the show...eh, I can't really bother myself to watch it, honestly.

Also, to go off of Louis' points:
1) There is definitely a great film that could be made about Teddy Roosevelt; He lived such a storied and fascinating life, and was himself such a unique figure. Not perfect, of course, but still one-of-a-kind is so many ways.
2) I've seen trailers of "The Special Relationship" and Dennis Quaid's vocal imitation of Clinton is surprisingly good.
3) I have to wonder, when it comes to portrayals of Richard Nixon, why so many actors exaggerate his physical mannerisms. Critique his character all you want, as far as I'm concerned, but it's still weird how the likes of Hopkins and Langella played him as so...cartoonish.

Calvin Law said...

I actually like Langella in Frost/Nixon but yeah it's not really a good impersonation at all even. In all honesty Nixon is such a difficult role to pull off.

Mitchell Murray said...

While we're on this point, I recently came across a vanity fair interview with a presidential historian, who went over numerous films and tv shows regarding this topic. The whole video is 47 minutes, so don't feel obliged to watch all of it, but I found it rather revealing myself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlnhnb9phBY

Matt Mustin said...

I still maintain that Langella was a brilliant interpretation of the character as written. Accurate to the real man or no, that wasn't really the point.

Mitchell Murray said...

Calvin: I think Langella's actual performance is perfectly fine; He brings the right sort of presence and thinly veiled insecurity for what the film wants to convey. It's just a shame that his physical imitation of Nixon is so off, because it really brings his work down from potentially very good to just decent.

Mitchell Murray said...

Matt: There a certainly films and performances that can get away with that - "The Social Network" is an excellent example as Eisenberg wasn't really imitating Zuckerberg, was he? I just think it was needed for "Frost/Nixon" given that the film is itself based on those famous interviews, with so much of the focus given to Nixon's image.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I must say, given the reputation of the man, I'm really surprised there hasn't been a Best Actor-winning performance as FDR yet.

Matt Mustin said...

Tahmeed: I mean, they've tried, they just haven't worked out.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I’m actually trying to come up with a hypothetical 2016-2020 cast for the political saga. So far I got this:

Donald Trump: Alfred Molina
Hilary Clinton: Annette Bening
Bernie Sanders: Christopher Lloyd
Mike Pence: Steve Martin
Reince Priebus: Nick Kroll
Stephen Miller: Jeremy Strong (yes, he is like 15 years older, but have you SEEN Miller?)
Ivanka: Annie Murphy
Steve Bannon: Mark Hamill
Jared Kushner: Logan Lerman (call it a hunch, but I feel like he’d make a good shitheel)
Melania: A different actress in every scene with no lines, and absolutely no one notices
Joe Biden: Ed Harris
Jeff Sessions: Leslie Jordan
John Kelly: Terry O’Quinn
John Bolton: Stephen Root

Any suggestions for anyone I haven’t mentioned or alternate picks would be appreciated.

Emi Grant said...

Robert: I know nothing about American politics nor many of those people involved, but Bening and Lloyd are some cool picks, I feel.

Mitchell Murray said...

Robert: I can see Bening and Lloyd, but not so much Molina and Martin.

Also, who would you have as Comey? For simplicities sake, I think we can ease up on finding someone Comey's height (6'8"), because besides Greg Davies and Brad Garrett, your not gonna get too far.

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: Oh my god, Christopher Lloyd as Bernie is inspired.

I would say Vincent Kartheiser for Jared.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Mitchell: He’s given me the biggest headache in terms of casting and I’m open to anyone. I’m also playing loose with heights, Annie Murphy is not nearly as tall as Ivanka.

Matt Mustin said...

Michael Pitt as Eric Trump.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Matt: You know what, he’s a better pick.

Bryan L. said...

I'll chip in

Kellyanne Conway: Nicole Kidman
Anthony Scaramucci: Michael Imperioli
Ben Carson: Clarke Peters
Chris Christie: Jeff Garlin

Mitchell Murray said...

Robert: I was thinking Armie Hammer for some strange reason, but it's not an immediate choice honestly.

Matt: That's almost too good.

Calvin Law said...

Nathan Felder as Pete Buttigieg and Randall Park as Andrew Yang.

Michael McCarthy said...

Zachary Levi as Don Jr.? Also Annie Murphy for Ivanka is *chef’s kiss*

Calvin Law said...

Also how the fuck is Stephen Miller 35 lol.

Bryan L. said...

Any room for John Slattery? You KNOW he'd be part of this.

Matt Mustin said...

Bryan: Slattery for Pence, maybe. Although he has too much charisma.

Calvin Law said...

I don't want to imagine the ego boost Pence would get from being played by someone as handsome as Slattery.

Michael McCarthy said...

He might be overexposed at this point, but I think Mark Rylance would be a great Mike Pence.

(Also fuck Mike Pence)

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I hate to besmirch the poor dude, but I think Richard Jenkins would be a pretty convincing Rudy Giuliani.

Tim said...

"A different actress every scene and no one notices" that's better than anything i could ever come up with




Also, for Louis' list, the school in Die Hard? has nobody ever played Chester Arthur?

RatedRStar said...

A Warren G. Harding film directed by Armando Iannucci would be perfect lol =D it would be so entertaining to watch.

RatedRStar said...

Louis: BTW the president I was thinking of, was Andrew Johnson because he was played by Van Heflin, might be one to check out when you get back to 1942.

Anonymous said...

Luke, your rating predictions for these performances.

Alec Guinness in Cromwell
Ray Winstone in Scum
Nicol Williamson in Excalibur
Tatsuya Nakadai in The Human Condition: A Soldier's Prayer
And Al Pacino in The Merchant Of Venice

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous:
Guinness - 5
Winstone - 4.5
Williamson - 5 (IMO, the greatest portrayal of a sorcerer)
Nakadai - 5
Pacino - 4.5/5

Omar Franini said...

Louis: are you going to put the Small Axe anthology in your acting rankings?

Luke Higham said...

Omar: They're ineligible. Each film is being shown first on BBC One.

Omar Franini said...

Luke: Thank you for the clarification. Since both Mangrove and Lovers Rock were presented at various film festivals like Bad Education and than shown on tv I was wandering if they were elegible.

BRAZINTERMA said...

Hey guys!
Today is Martin Scorsese's birthday. To celebrate your 78 years tell me your TOP10 of the best performances by actors and actresses under the direction of Scorsese:

ACTRESSES
10ºCybill Shepherd - Taxi Driver
9º Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio - The Color of Money
8º Winona Ryder - The Age of Innocence
7º Rosanna Arquette - After Hours
6º Margot Robbie - The Wolf Of Wall Street
5º Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
4º Michelle Pfeiffer - The Age of Innocence
3º Jodie Foster - Taxi Driver
2º Cathy Moriarty - Raging Bull
1º Lorraine Bracco - Goodfellas

ACTORS
10º Issey Ogata - Silence
9º Joe Pesci - Raging Bull
8º Robert De Niro - The Irishman
7º Andrew Garfield - Silence
6º Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street
5º Daniel Day-Lewis - Gangs of New York
4º Al Pacino - The Irishman
3º Joe Pesci - Goodfellas
2º Robert De Niro - Ranging Bull
1º Joe Pesci - The Irishman

Matt Mustin said...

Is Little Odessa 94 or 95?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

My top 20 Scorsese performances (10 was way too difficult)

1. Andrew Garfield- Silence
2. Joe Pesci- Goodfellas
3. Al Pacino- The Irishman
4. Ellen Burstyn- Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
5. Leonardo DiCaprio- The Wolf of Wall Street
6. Joe Pesci- Raging Bull
7. Robert DeNiro- The Irishman
8. Joe Pesci- The Irishman
9. Daniel Day-Lewis- The Age of Innocence
10. Lorraine Bracco- Goodfellas
11. Yosuke Kubozuka- Silence
12. Robert DeNiro- The King of Comedy
13. Jodie Foster- Taxi Driver
14. Daniel Day-Lewis- Gangs of New York
15. Ray Liotta- Goodfellas
16. Leonardo DiCaprio- The Departed
17. Issey Ogata- Silence
18. Liam Neeson- Silence
19. Griffin Dunne- After Hours
20. Robert DeNiro- Raging Bull

Robert MacFarlane said...

1. Joe Pesci in Goodfellas
2. Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York
3. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Departed
4. Robert De Niro in The Irishman
5. Lorraine Bracco in Goodfellas
6. Daniel Day-Lewis in The Age of Innocence
7. Andrew Garfield in Silence
8. Joe Pesci in Raging Bull
9. Joe Pesci in The Irishman
10. Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street


Kind of malleable placements after the first three.

Aidan Pittman said...

Robert: If we waited a couple of decades I could see Paul Walter Hauser pulling off Trump. If we had to do now, though, John Goodman's the best choice I can think of right now.

I fully agree with Tahmeed on Jenkins as Giuliani. I'd love to see that.

And if we're gonna get some senators in the mix, Richard E. Grant as Lindsey Graham, Steve Carell as Ted Cruz and... I can't really think of anyone for Mitch McConnell. Maybe Ian McKellen but I'm not too sure...

Robert MacFarlane said...

Aiden: I strenuously object to ever casting Carell as a political figure ever again. As for McConnell... either Stephen Tobolowsky or Bob Balaban.

Aidan Pittman said...

Robert: That's fair lol, I just felt that he might be able to pull of Cruz's smug attitude well.

Robert MacFarlane said...

We cast Kreacher from Harry Potter as Ted Cruz.

Aidan Pittman said...

Alright, I'm convinced.

Calvin Law said...

1. Joe Pesci, Goodfellas
2. Andrew Garfield, Silence
3. Robert De Niro, Raging Bull
4. Al Pacino, The Irishman
5. Daniel Day-Lewis, The Age of Innocence
6. Ellen Burstyn, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
7. Robert De Niro, The King of Comedy
8. Lorraine Bracco, Goodfellas
9. Yosuke Kubozuka, Silence
10. Robert De Niro, Goodfellas

HM: Issey Ogata, Silence

Calvin Law said...

Also, guys do any of you own pets currently? I'm giving serious thought to owning a dog maybe in the near future (though all depends on various circumstances of course and not rushing into it), just curious.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Calvin: Been trying to get a dog forever, maybe I'll adopt one next year hopefully.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Calvin: Mine is named Elsa. She’s a rescue we’ve had for 6 years now. Mixed breed, we think yellow lab and Jack Russell. Very loyal and loving, but extremely hostile towards new people. Love her to death.


Also, watched Babyteeth, and Ben Mendelsohn absolutely deserves a review. For my money his best performance.

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: I am not at all loving the synopsis I read for that thing.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Matt: The first half is admittedly uncomfortable, but the synopsis fails to do it any justice. It plays out much better than I expected. The ending is devastating.

Calvin Law said...

Same Tahmeed, just never been the right time, and Elsa sounds lovely Robert.

I also really enjoyed Babyteeth, and yeah the ending is terrific. I'm all for a Mendelsohn review, thought the whole cast was excellent to be honest.

Michael McCarthy said...

Calvin: I have a very old yellow lab named Sheena. Until summer 2018 I had a black lab/boarder collie mix named Poochee. Both were wonderful.

Calvin Law said...

I'm glad to hear Michael. It really does seem that labs/lab mixes are great dogs.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: I've got a 14-year-old shih tzu that I love very much.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: I've loved playing with Shih tzus! I hear they can be very challenging to raise in the first place but that they're lovely once the relationship clicks.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: They're perfect if you want a lapdog you can cuddle.

Tim said...

Is there any chance left for an upgrade for the Brokeback Mountain guys?

Luke Higham said...

Tim: I'm sure he's seen it at least 3 times now so I highly doubt it.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on Sally Field and Robin Wright in Forrest Gump? I know they're a 4 and 3.5 respectively.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Would you consider Stephen Lack's performance in Scanners to be the worst leading performance you've ever seen, or would it be Tommy Wiseau?

Emi Grant said...

Calvin: I wish I could own a raccoon. Could settle for a cat in the future. I love cats so fucking much.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Yuji Okumoto in karate kid part 2

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Thoughts on the trailer for Pieces of A Woman?

Luke Higham said...

Thoughts on the One Night In Miami trailer.

Bryan L. said...

Kirby & Labeouf look promising in Pieces of A Woman, but I get a feeling that the film itself might be one where you have to be in the right “mood” to watch it, if that makes sense.


Also...Netflix really is picking everything up, aren’t they?

Luke Higham said...

It's now official, WW84 is heading to HBO Max.

Louis Morgan said...

Tim:

No one that I've seen.

Matt:

94.

Tahmeed:

Field - (Her performance is one where I am a bit baffled with how she wasn't nominated given the love for the film. Field grants a proper rendition of the loving tough mother role. She does it well that's all there is to it, in bringing that sort of innate strength while also portraying just the same innate warmth in her interactions with Hanks. She stands well as just this consistent pillar more than anything, and its wonderful work that stands on its own regardless how one feels about the film.)

Wright - (I'd say it is fair to say I am in general less impressed by Wright as an actress than most seem to be, particularly with some of her later performances. Having said that, in the role that I think most really troubles the film in some ways, she is good in the part. This is as Jenny is a bit much in just cramming in all sorts of dysfunction, allure, counterculture and tragedy all wrapped up into one character that she might as well be bursting at the seems. Having said that, again, Wright is able to portray this stuffing with more than enough conviction, and depending on the scene whatever the character needs. I don't think she quite finds the internal logic for the role, which would've been quite difficult, but she is good.)

Anonymous:

Wiseau easily, as he is the most polar opposite in terms of result against intention. Lack instead is probably the worst performance in a good film.

Anonymous:

Okumoto's performance is a bit much with just how much at an eleven he is at all times, however in a way this kind of works as contrast to Johnny, who wasn't pure evil even before Cobra Kai. Okumoto doesn't have that degree of restraint, however again as sort of "big" as it is, it does work to an extent in making the character work as a villain, albeit over the top.

Bryan:

Well I'll say Netflix may have too many contenders for its own good, as I think it could backfire in the long run. Anyway, Kirby still looks primed for a win, and she looks quite promising here, in what is largely a mood trailer. Still that is some rather palatable, emotional mood from that. Burstyn also seems primed for at least a nomination, and LaBeouf seems still set on the turnaround tour.

Luke:

Well on the first sort of rule of stage adaptation, did it immediately telegraph itself as such, no, which is a good sign. The cast looks promising, even if the trailer largely focuses on Goree, naturally as the biggest of the big personas, who already seems more convincing that Will "bad impression" Smith in the role. Although I expected to be more an acting film, it definitely seems like King's bringing her own vision to it, definitely one I'm looking forward to based on this.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Hey guys, just thought I'd mention it here, that an Economics research paper I wrote is being published at UC Berkeley's academic journal.

Luke Higham said...

Tahmeed: Congrats. :)

Bryan L. said...

Tahmeed: Cheers! :)

Emi Grant said...

Tahmeed: That's awesome, man. Congratulations.

RatedRStar said...

Tahmeed: Well done, whenever I hear of someone that is doing Economics I automatically know "that guys smart" lol =D.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Thanks guys <3

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

Congrats.

Lucas Saavedra said...

Louis: what are your ratings and thoughts on Gary Sinise in Truman and Marlon Wayans in On the Rocks?

Louis Morgan said...

Lucas:

I don't remember Truman particularly well, haven't seen it since the 90's, but I recall preferring him to Whitmore.

Wayans's performance is one of a purposeful distance. This as the other characters who just think things about him, and we see him as the most average of man. Wayans is fine with this, as limited as it is. He's more than decent in his only real scene though in portraying the quiet distress in the character. Not great work still, but entirely decent.

Calvin Law said...

Very belated but congratulations, Tahmeed!

Louis: do you have any actors/actresses in mind who are not known stage/Shakespearean actors, but you'd love to see do Shakespeare on film?

Bryan L. said...

Calvin: Saoirse Ronan HAS to tackle a Shakespeare role one day.

Calvin Law said...

Agreed. I think she would be a pitch perfect Viola in Twelfth Night. Here are some other ideas from me -

Glenn Howerton (Bottom the Weaver, Iago)
Daniel Kaluuya (Hamlet, Aaron the Moor)
Emma Stone (Katherina, Edgar)
Issey Ogata (Prospero, Claudius)
Dev Patel (Henry V, Benedick)
Naomie Harris (Lady Macbeth, Beatrice)

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Ohhhh a Glenn Howerton Iago would be cool as hell.

Anonymous said...

Louis: When it came to casting The Robe, the producers originally wanted Olivier to play Marcellus, Janet Leigh to play Diana and Lancaster to play Demetrius. Thoughts?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis and Calvin: Thank you! :)

Robert MacFarlane said...

So. Meryl Streep raps in The Prom.

Society could have avoided this unfortunate turn of events if everyone just had watched Community instead of Glee during the 2009-2012 time slot wars.

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: It's generous to call that "rapping."

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Tahmeed!

Robert MacFarlane said...

Oh yeah, congratulations Tahmeed. Sorry for not saying it yesterday.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Your ratings for the cast of Vera Drake.

Calvin Law said...

Luke:

Staunton: 5
Davis: 4 (could go up)
Mays: 4
Kelly: 3.5
Voe: 3
Marsan: 4
Scarborough: 3.5
Hawkins: 3.5
Wight: 3.5

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Is Davis definitely Supporting because he's in my lineup for that year.

Calvin Law said...

I would say so yes, him and the rest of the family all have scenes of their own in the first half but in the second it definitely becomes the Staunton show

Calvin Law said...

Highly recommend everyone check out Mangrove, might be my favourite Steve McQueen feature yet (though obviously I'll watch the other features in the series). Whole cast is fantastic.

Luke Higham said...

Calvin: Red, White and Blue is my most anticipated feature from Small Axe.

Tim said...

I'm late to the game, but Congratulations, Tahmeed!

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Willem Dafoe (Richard III)
Ben Foster (Hamlet)
Choi Min-sik (Falstaff)
Billy Bob Thornton (Brutus)
Mickey Rourke (Coriolanus)

"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor, because he's an IDIOT IDIOT. How dare he deny a god, A golden God. I am untethered and my rage knows no bounds!"

Side Note: Would love to see a Shakespearean It's Always Sunny.

Hamlet/Unconvincing Romeo: Mac
Iago/Richard III: Dennis
Cordelia/Lady Macbeth: Dee
A less insightful fool: Charlie
King Lear/Claudius/Duncan: Frank

Anonymous:

Well that would've been far greater star power to be sure, particularly in regards to Demetrius, and equal regarding Leigh. Olivier would've been an upgrade to Burton there, who was nearly at his most hammy. Lancaster definitely would've made a bigger impact than Mature.