Saturday 8 May 2021

Alternate Best Actor 1980: Anthony Quinn in Lion of the Desert

Anthony Quinn did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Omar al-Mukhtar in Lion of the Desert. 

Lion of the Desert is one of only twoish (ish because he really made three films, but two were the same film in a different language with different actors) films by Moustapha Akkad, a man otherwise known only really for being an executive producer of the Halloween franchise. So a classic "huh?" Hollywood story to be sure. Made all the more confusing given this film is a  good, though not great (needed more detail to the supporting characters like a greater Arab war film), epic about Libyan struggle against fascist Italy.

Anthony Quinn stars here in a role that is actually familiar, in some ways, to another turn by Quinn in that other epic, the greater, Lawrence of Arabia. Although both films have Quinn playing Arab leaders attempting to take care of his people. The comparisons stop there though as in "Arabia" he played a loud boisterous and vibrant man, here he plays a quiet dignified one. This as we see him his first scene attending to the people listening to a religious sermon. Quinn speaks in the moment of the man's own views with a quiet grace and care for each word. There is a gentleness within Quinn's delivery and he immediately grants you a sense of his al-Mukhtar as a caring and generous leader. Quinn always has a powerful presence as an actor, and dominating one to be sure, however here he uses that initially more passively. This creating just a sense of the presence of the man but defined by an ease among his people. He is not trying to dominant them he is trying to be with them. This is our starting point as the Italian fascists, with the campaign lead by General Rodolfo Graziani (Oliver Reed), attempt to take over Libya with al-Mukhtaras the man seeming to stand in his way. 
 
Quinn has a great scene once the campaign starts where he uncovers the massacre of his people. Quinn's reaction is deeply affecting here as there is so much empathy within his expression. It is a beautifully tender work in the moment as you feel the weight of the deaths upon his brow and you see that there is nothing more personal than the loss of his people. As he expresses the nature of such brutality, Quinn creates the sense of such a powerful humanity that defines the man. In battle Quinn is interesting in that he doesn't portray some sort of ferocity. There is instead a certain sense of weight within the battle on the man, and a care even then. This in showing the man very much caring more of the meaning of the fight, then at all caring about any glory within the fight. Quinn suggesting a man whose leadership in battle is due to a sense of duty than anything at all personal. This is emphasized so well by an early scene where he attends a failed negotiation with the Italians. Quinn speaking with quiet strength in setting his stakes within the moment. His raising of his vice something so naturally earned as attached to the passion for the rights of his people. 

The negotiation scene is wholly wonderful for Quinn, as he uses every reaction so well. This as there is hearing every word with a careful consideration, and always that sense of a moral sense of what every suggestion is attached to. When he speaks of Graziani, figuring out the Italians plot to delay him, Quinn's delivery is great because he approaches it with a quiet certainty and dismissiveness towards the questionable men he was speaking to. Quinn's screentime is relatively limited, for a leading performance, because the film gives keen focus to the battle scenes, but everyone of his scenes punctuates the film with a necessary power. A later moment is another terrific one where al-Mukhtar explains his position to his fellow Arabs who have surrendered. Quinn's resolute passion is remarkable by how low key yet potent it is. This in his explanation of the betrayal of the surrender given the force they are facing. Quinn once again finding the power in the certainty of the man's words and in his delivery finding a man who earnestly knows the righteousness of his fight therefore cannot be easily deterred even by the true hardships that result from his resolution. 

I think the key to Quinn's performance here actually is how he doesn't try to make al-Mukhtar any sort of supreme leader or some truly extraordinary man in this war. He rather expresses him as a man caring for his people and always burdened by the war he is taking on. In the later war scenes, as the situation gets more dire, he doesn't depict it with a calm resolve. There is the sense in Quinn's eyes of every loss, and the real anxiety of the situation. He doesn't show the man weakening truly, but still shows the effort al-Mukhtar needs to make to continue his fight at every point. Just the brief moments of a real sadness at seeing the death of his men are truly moving as again Quinn presents the innate decency of the cause in such an honest approach. Quinn's performance accentuates a kind of directness that works particularly well for the role given we don't dive too deeply beyond a certain point here. We get more so the generalizations than some of the more detailed specifics within the characters, something that again made Lawrence a great film. Quinn's work though does make up for this limitation to a degree by creating the right nuance within the depiction of a man standing up for what he believes to the very end. This as even with his final confrontation with Graziani, Quinn, who certainly never hesitates to go big when he sees fit, takes a simple yet effective approach. This in creating a dignified portrait of al-Mukhtar as a leader who states his position, and lives with it. His ease with it, being an expression of  the man wholly seeing his stance as an absolute truth.

256 comments:

1 – 200 of 256   Newer›   Newest»
Lucas Saavedra said...

Louis: your ratings and thoughts on the rest of the cast?

Ira said...

What is your top 15 Emma Thompson acting moments?

Anonymous said...

How would you rate Sigourney Weaver and Patricia Arquette in Holes?

Ytrewq Wertyq said...

Louis,your thoughts on John Leguizamo as an actor? From what I've seen so far he's more of an annoyance than a legit performer in your book.

Anonymous said...

Can I recommend a review of Jack Nicholson in The King of Marvin Gardens? :)

Mitchell Murray said...

Unknown: There both minor roles, to be sure, but even there I would say Weaver still brings more of a presence and enjoyment than Arquette.

That said, I imagine many of us watched the film at an age when we wouldn't have recognized either performer.

Shaggy Rogers said...

Louis: To celebrate Mother's Day say your Top 10 of the worst and best performances of actresses playing mother characters

Anonymous said...

Shaggy: Wasn't Mother's day two months ago?

Luke Higham said...

Anonymous: It depends on the country. UK have it in March and the US have it in May.

Anonymous said...

Luke: Ok thanks.

Tim said...

your '90s, '00s and '10s Cast And Director for When Harry Met Sally?

Mitchell Murray said...

To add to Luke's comment, it's the second Sunday of May here in Canada.

Tim: An obvious choice, perhaps, but Emma Stone for 2010's Sally.

Tim said...

Mitchell: I was thinking about that too, with Ryan Gosling as Harry :)

Mitchell Murray said...

Also, on a different note, I'm currently deciding between watching the first season of "Attack on Titan", or continuing with "Yu Yu Hakusho" (Start of Dark Tournament Arc). Once one or another has been completed, I will let you guys know.

Louis Morgan said...

Lucas:

Saving Reed for the moment, who I do deem supporting a la Plummer in Waterloo, in that while we get his side consistently, the focus on him is never to the point that he is the focal point as a true secondary perspective like Warren Oates in Barquero.

Papas - 3.5(Her performance is basically a series of reaction shots, but to her credit she does leave an impression even within that strong limitation.)

Steiger - 3(Hammy and over the top as usual post-In the Heat of the Night but...I think that works for Mussolini particularly within the context of the film here where he's just there to give a loud self-aggrandizing speech or two.)

Gielgud - 3(Offers his reliable presence as usual, in a rather limited role.)

Ira:

1. Finally - Much Ado About Nothing
2. The Book - The Remains of the Day
3. Arguing with Benedict - Much Ado About Nothing
4. Pledging Love - Carrington
5. Making fun of Stevens - The Remains of the Day
6. The fountain - Much Ado About Nothing
7. Secret - Howard's End
8. Despair - Carrington
9. Final meeting with Stevens - The Remains the Day
10. Not to be shown to the defense - In the Name of the Father
11. Speaking with Don Pedro - Much Ado About Nothing
12. Crying - The Remains of the Day
13. Argument over songs - Saving Mr. Banks
14. Indiscretion - Howard's End
15.Edward's Return - Sense and Sensibility

Ytrewq:

Leguizamo I think is more frequently cast to get the John Leguizamo type more so than to play a real character. In turn he does over act a lot in that sense of bringing his presence, and bringing WAY too much of it. I actually don't think he's bereft of talent. He actual can do some emotional nuance (Casualties of War/Summer of Sam) and his presence can work when a bit tempered (John Wick)). I can even like him going over the top in the right circumstance (Spawn). Not that I would say he's amazing in any of those films, he can be good. Frequently though he brings just way too much of what he has, and becomes just a ham.

Anonymous:

Sure, it has been suggested before.

Shaggy:

Best(though not the best mothers necessarily):

Vivien Leigh - Gone with the Wind
Ingrid Bergman - Autumn Sonata
Faye Dunaway - Chinatown
Geraldine Page - Trip to the Bountiful
Katherine Hepburn - The Lion in Winter
Live Ullman - The Emigrants/The New Land
Holly Hunter - The Piano
Nastassja Kinski - Paris, Texas
Isabella Rosselini - Blue Velvet
Angela Lansbury - The Manchurian Candidate

Tim:

90's directed by Harold Ramis:

Harry: Tom Hanks
Sally: Renee Zellweger
Marie: Laura Dern
Jess: Alan Ruck

00's directed by Sharon Maguire:

Harry: Robert Downey Jr.
Sally: Rachel McAdams
Marie: Lizzy Caplan
Jess: Steve Zahn

I'll accept your guys choices for the 10's.

Tim said...

What brought the idea to me was that i was just watching another comedy from the late 80s. Broadcast News, and i gotta say: It. Is. Great!
The biggest advantage it has over other Romcoms with more ... let's say extreme characterisations (like The Wedding Crashers) is that althrough i genuinely had no idea how it was going to end.
The only problem would be the thing with the 2 cameras in Hurt's report; i would have liked that to just be alluded to, but i can see past that, as i don't know if casual moviegoers would have understood that.


Hurt - 4.5
Brooks - 5
Hunter - 5
Nicholson - 3
Cusack - 3

Mitchell Murray said...

Tim: Any casting ideas for a 2010's version of the film? Aaron Eckhart could be a good choice for Tom, I think.

Luke Higham said...

I guess Reed is getting a 4 then. Being saved for the moment is good never great.

Glenn said...

Louis, in regards to 2010 supporting, could Mendelsohn go above Hammer.

Tim said...

Mitchell:
For Tom Eckhart would be ideal, but i could also see Nokolaj Costa-Waldau or Patrick Wilson pulling it
For Jane i can actually see many that would work, but spontaneously i would pick either Anne Hathaway or Amanda Seyfried.
The thing with Aaron is, watching him is both hilarious and kind of sad (so for 2000s, definitely MAtthew Perry) which i don't see that many actors nailing, but i think Jason Segal might deliver

Bryan L. said...

Mitchell: Chris Evans as Tom, I accept no others.

For Jane, you can’t go wrong with any of the Stone/Lawrence/Larson crowd.

Michael Patison said...

Broadcast News is a favorite of mine. All 3 leads are 5s for me. I think part of what made Hunter so great in the role what that it was one of her first 2 starring roles. She's so raw and unpracticed and genuine that it pulls you even more deeply into the character.

Ira said...

Have you given your thoughts on the cast of Steel Magnolias?

Louis Morgan said...

Glenn:

Probably not.

Ira:

I haven't seen it.

Anonymous said...

How would you rank the actors who got 2 acting Oscar nominations in the same year from most deserved to least deserved?

Louis Morgan said...

Unknown:

1. Scarlett Johansson
2. Sigourney Weaver
3. Barry Fitzgerald (though his is the dumbest)
4. Emma Thompson
5. Holly Hunter
6. Al Pacino
7. Fay Bainter
8. Julianne Moore
9. Teresa Wright
10. Jamie Foxx

Haven't seen Frances and Elizabeth The Golden Age, so I left off Blanchett and Lange.

Aidan Pittman said...

Louis: What are your Top 10 favorite and least favorite Production Design Oscar winners?

Anonymous said...

How would you rate Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl?

I'm honestly really surprised she didn't win the Oscar for that especially after winning two golden globes.

Louis Morgan said...

Unknown:

A film I need to re-watch to give a proper rating still, but I recall her being the best part. Honestly I think she probably lost because of the 2 globes wins, given it probably created the thought that she could win in either category making the overall love for her being spread out.

Aidan:

https://actoroscar.blogspot.com/2018/08/alternate-best-supporting-actor-1948.html

Anonymous said...

How would you rank the actresses listed on AFI 100 stars list?

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

1. Greta Garbo
2. Barbara Stanwyck
3. Vivien Leigh
4. Lillian Gish
5. Sophia Loren
6. Ingrid Bergman
7. Claudette Colbert
8. Audrey Hepburn
9. Katherine Hepburn
10. Bette Davis
11. Marlene Dietrich
12. Elizabeth Taylor
13. Ava Gardner
14. Joan Crawford
15. Jean Harlow
16. Rita Hayworth
17. Lauren Bacall
18. Judy Garland
19. Marilyn Monroe
20. Grace Kelly
21. Ginger Rogers
22. Carole Lombard
23. Shirley Temple
24. Mary Pickford

I don't think I've seen a single Mae West film.

RatedRStar said...

I clearly haven't been keeping up with news since this happened on 1st May.

RIP Olympia Dukakis.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on the Venom 2 trailer.

Emi Grant said...

Louis: I don't remember if anyone has ever asked you this before, but do you have any thoughts (or interest, lol) on Aronofsky's upcoming The Whale?

Anonymous said...

Who would you put in your own AFI Top 25 actresses list ?

Aidan Pittman said...

Looks like the Golden Globes are done for now. NBC just pulled the plug on their 2022 show.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Good riddance. The HFPA is hands down, the worst awards organization.

Luke Higham said...

Can't say I'll miss them.

Calvin Law said...

They’re done for this year but I have a suspicion they’re going to make a ‘comeback’ next year. Hopefully not.

Calvin Law said...

Gonna be making my first trip to the cinema in over a year today, so excited.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Honestly looks like a sequel to the first film, which is again a generic throwback comic book movie that I thought we were past. Although at least Harrelson's hair looks a lot better now.

Emi Grant:

Hadn't heard about it, like the cast, but so what. I can't stand Aronofsky most of the time, and the plot could go very wrong very easily, therefore I have very little faith. I hope it's great though for the sake of a Brendan Fraser comeback.

Unknown:

I mean their list was a fine list in terms of just more generalized lasting cultural impact, rather than specifically acting talent, though I certainly would've put the sisters de Havilland/Fontaine over Lombard, Pickford, Harlow, Temple or Rogers.

Aidan:

Good, though I think they'll weasel their way back through an announcement of guidelines and new members.

Mitchell Murray said...

So, on the note of random first viewings, I just watched 2015's "Grandma" tonight. I found it to be quite good in that despite it's comedic leanings, the premise was handled with a certain straightforward quality. The story is one that could've been exceedingly simple/overwrought in the wrong hands, but I thought the film found the earnesty and bluntness within a number of delicate issues.

Tomlin - 4.5
Garner - 4
Elliott - 4
Harden - 3.5
Greer - 3.5

Anonymous said...

Has anyone here watched Mrs. America? I just finished it and I really enjoyed it.

Ira said...

Do you prefer Emma Thompson in Much Ado About Nothing or The Remains of the Day? And would you give her a five for The Remains of the Day?

Anonymous said...

Have you listened to the Kiss of the Spider Woman musical?

Anonymous said...

Idk if it's just ne but it feels like Green Book winning BP was such a long time ago and that the Oscars have changed so much. The way Original Screenplay went from Green Book to Parasite and Promising Young Woman is just *chef's kiss*.

That being said, I will definitely regret saying this when they give Original Screenplay to Canterbury Glass or Don't Look Up next year lol

Emi Grant said...

Louis: Thoughts on the Green Knight trailer?

Calvin Law said...

The Green Knight looks so fucking good. On the other hand, Stillwater looks absolutely dire.

Anonymous: I have a feeling this might be the year David O'Russell finally gets held accountable for his shitty behaviour, so I could see Canterbury Glass completely flunking at the Oscars. Of course, I do feel like I could be proven wrong...

Calvin Law said...

Also, watched Minari for the first time in cinemas and have to say the cinematic experience really enhances everything. I'm going to try and rewatch as many of the 2020 awards contenders in the cinemas right now as several are still showing where I'm at (Another Round, Promising Young Woman, Nomadland, The Father).

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: How would you rank the 25 actors on the AFI list?

Matthew Montada said...

To say that I’m excited for The Green Knight would be an understatement. It looks amazing! I especially hope it gets recognized for Best Cinematography.

Calvin Law said...

I've rewatched that trailer so many times now. I think I love everything about it, and Patel looks extremely promising. I don't think any of us could've predicted this kind of career trajectory from him.

Mitchell Murray said...

"Green Knight" looks very intriguing, to say the least, and Patel has certainly come a long way in terms of projecting intensity and screen presence. All the power to him, I say.

Additional question for everyone here: What would be your thoughts on the following rock songs/covers?

Enemy Inside (Part 2) - Egypt Central
So Far Away - Staind
Iron - Within Temptation
Gangster's Paradise - "Like A Storm" Version

Mitchell Murray said...

Also, on a different note, I just started "Attack on Titan" this morning and I can't believe it's taken me this long; It definitely has one of the best opening episodes of the Anime's I've seen.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Mitchell: That pilot episode sure is something. I really need to watch seasons 2-4 of it.

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: You can't just drop an Egypt Central song like that on me, my guy. EC is the second rock band/artist I ever became a fan of, so anything between their debut and White Rabbit hits my nostalgia button H A R D.

Anyway...

- Enemy Inside Pt. 2 (Maybe I'm just more fan of the other stuff in White Rabbit, but I always overlooked this one. Pretty alright and about par with their sound but the breakdown does make it stand out on its own. 11 year old would have been blown away by it.)

- So Far Away - Staind (A solid song. I guess Staind has never really done much for me oddly enough. Might just be a Creed/Alter Bridge case of just wanting a different vocalist and direction. Who knows?)

- Iron - Within Temptation (Really dug that opening riff, and I do like lots of WT's symphonic almost Power Metal-ish elements. I guess it makes sense its from a concept album. The spoken words might be a bit too much for some but I didn't mind it. Not something I'd always be in the mood to listen to, but still something I can like.)

- Gangster's Paradise (Not to keen on the vocals throughout the verses, but it's an alright rendition of a popular song I never really listened to that much. Also decisively not a fan of the core-ish elements in the breakdown and outro, but I'm just not a fan of core subgenres in general. Still, solid stuff.)

Mitchell Murray said...

Emi: It's cool to meet another EC fan (LOVE White Rabbit), and I can also get behind your thoughts on the other tracks. I've said this before, but something else to note about "Iron" is that along with Everlove's "I'm Dangerous", it seems to be one of the more popular songs for youtube AMVs/GMVs.

Also, another random question for everyone here: What would be your thoughts on this animated fight sequence? The accuracy of the winner has been heavily debated, but I still find the animation and music to be rather cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k_ZaNzDCgw

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Do you think Leslie Howard's snub for Gone with the Wind is a little baffling? I get that he was considered a leading actor, but given that the Academy nominated DeHavilland, the film's success overall, and his pedigree as a previous nominee, I've found his omission tough to wrap my head around.

Calvin Law said...

RIP Norman Lloyd

Louis Morgan said...

Ira:

I answered that very question not long ago.

Unknown:

No.

Emi Grant:

I won't be watching the second trailer, as I was "in" after the first (which I've watched many many times), so following my usual rules, next thing I want to see is the film.

Following Calvin's side note though, Still-water does look quite bad.

Tahmeed:

No, only because he was considered a star and stars just weren't nominated in supporting even if they were supporting. This honestly took a long time to go away, to the point there was supposedly controversy for Garland and Clift's noms for Judgment at Nuremberg because they were stars nominated in the "lesser" category...I'm glad that has gone away even if it has perhaps contributed to category fraud.

1. Laurence Olivier
2. James Stewart
3. Robert Mitchum
4. Edward G. Robinson
5. James Cagney
6. Burt Lancaster
7. Kirk Douglas
8. Charlie Chaplin
9. Humphrey Bogart
10. Marlon Brando
11. Clark Gable
12. Orson Welles
13. William Holden
14. John Wayne
15. Sidney Poitier
16. Cary Grant
17. James Dean
18. Henry Fonda
19. Spencer Tracy
20. Gregory Peck
21. Buster Keaton
22. Fred Astaire
23. The Marx Brothers
24. Gary Cooper
25. Gene Kelly

Louis Morgan said...

R.I.P Norman Lloyd, at 106 that was a life lived.

Aidan Pittman said...

R.I.P. Norman Lloyd

Emi Grant said...

Louis I must have missed the first trailer. I didn't realize this was the second, but it definitely left a strong impression on me.

R.I.P. Norman Lloyd

Anonymous said...

How you rank the Jane Austen adaptations you've seen and the stories in general?

Calvin Law said...

Unknown: This would be my ranking for the films I've seen,

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
2. Sense and Sensibility
3. Emma (2020)
4. Bridget Jones' Diary
5. Clueless
6. Love & Friendship
7. Emma (1996)
8. Pride and Prejudice (1940)

As for her books,

1. Sense and Sensibility
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Persuasion
4. Mansfield Park
5. Emma
6. Northanger Abbey

Louis Morgan said...

Unknown:

1. Sense and Sensibility
2. Pride and Prejudice (2005, would be my #1 if I liked Knightley's performance more)
3. Emma (2020)
4. Bridget Jones's Diary
5. Pride and Prejudice (1940)
6. Love & Friendship
7. Mansfield Park
8. Emma (1996)

Books:

1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Sense and Sensibility
4. Emma
5. Mansfield Park
6. Northhanger Abbey

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on Mansfield Park and the cast.

Anonymous said...

Your thoughts on Emma Thompson's screenplay and the adaptation in general?

Also your thoughts on Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma?

Bryan L. said...

Unknown: You can find his thoughts on Paltrow as Emma here

(actoroscar.blogspot.com/2020/03/alternate-best-supporting-actor-1996.html)

Anonymous said...

Who would you have casted in Erin Brockovich

Calvin Law said...

I have to say, John Boyega being campaigned in Supporting in almost every awards show is the most annoying thing, since he is not only the lead, there is no other co-lead to Red White and Blue.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: I think they're counting Small Axe altogether as one show, which makes it an ensemble.

Calvin Law said...

Matt: Yep, that's been noted to me, still feels absolutely bizarre to me.

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: Oh, it is, it's ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Louis: If Clift was in that AFI list, where would you rank him.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on the opening sequence to the Netflix anime "Beastars"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgo9dJB_icw&ab_channel=TOHOanimation%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

Tim said...

your thoughts on the cinematography of Foxcatcher?

Anonymous said...

Louis: Where would Yuh-jung Youn's work in Minari rank among your favourite turns by Korean performers? Could you give your updated top 15?

John Smith said...

Random thought: I got a feeling that De Niro might give career best performance in killers of the flower moon. I have read a book and I got a feel he could pull the charachter off. Its a dream role for sure.

Louis: I recently read the novel 'Night'and I consider the novel unadaptable. Amazing read but not light novel i any way. Do you have a top 10 list of books you would consider unadaptable for screen?

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

John: If there's a Mikkelsen-Vinterberg collaboration in the same year, I'm calling it, De Niro gives the greatest performance of all time.

Matt Mustin said...

John: I don't know about career best (this is De Niro we're talking about) but it could be a juicy role for sure.

Mitchell Murray said...

Everyone (Especially Tahmeed, since I believe he's seen the series): What would be your thoughts on the "Bargain day" and "Listen, spoiled brat" scenes from the first season of "One Punch Man"?

I find both moments to be pretty funny in their own way; The former makes great use of Saitama's overpowered nature, while the latter cements the running joke of Genos losing most of the fights he starts.

Related Side Note: While I enjoy the match up, "Death Battle" choosing War Machine as Genos' opponent is hilariously one sided in retrospect.

Calvin Law said...

I’m most looking forward to Lily Gladstone for Killers of the Flower Moon if I’m honest.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Mitchell: Yeah those scenes are hilarious, especially Saitama's subversive internal monologue when most Shonen heroes would try to amp themselves up during a fight, but he cares about something else entirely.

As for the second scene, I think it's safe to say that Genos is the greatest butt monkey in all of anime, in that the result is always the same, but you're just wondering how it's going to happen.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

I'm having serious deja vu, as I watched the film during the return to 99, and I could swear I gave my thoughts somewhere. 

Unknown:

Any screenplay for a classic novel has a few different challenges. The structure, more or less, is typically there, and most of the "essentials" as well. It then becomes the question of what should be changed and what should be excised. Emma Thompson's screenplay admirably takes on this challenge. This by limiting some extra material, to refine itself to a features runtime, and with some careful expansions. This is largely finding a bit more sympathy and depth to some of the male characters, but also creates a bit more inherent conflict through the idea of being overly sensible. This creates a bit more of a remarkable dynamic between the older sisters than is evident in the novel. It brings forth the merits of the novel effectively while also making essentially some revisions that enliven the material rather than detract from the original text. 

I'll say that I'm not exactly a mark for Jane Austen, I for whatever reason prefer period pieces with a bit more suffering, having said that I like the film. Ang Lee at his best is very much a William Wyler, in that his voice doesn't carry over from film to film, rather he finds a voice befitting each film. That is the case here as you'd think he was an on call period piece maker with his comfort with the material. It's straightforward in some regards, despite the aforementioned changes, however works within the virtues of the source, and the slight alterations. This in creating the right richness of setting, humor within playing off the societal norms, and enough emotional depth in the examination of the characters and their relationships. 

Anonymous:

Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock or Diane Lane.

Anonymous:

#9 and he REALLY should've been on the list.

Tahmeed:

You had me at stop motion. As usual I have no idea what's going on, but found that weirdness quite fascinating in every regard of its insanity.

Tim:

Greig Fraser is a very muted cinematographer in general, and this style of his is ideal for Foxcatcher rather somber story. His focus on a naturalistic lighting, and the realization of Miller's choice of the often distant shots, creates this intriguing kind of alienation. This as the palette itself sort of forbids any kind of romantic notions, even while framing some theoretically beautiful shots. It is wonderfully done in creating striking images that are stark, but never ugly.

John Smith:

I'll say I disregard the notion. This as I do believe you can adapt anything, just some things may require far more adapting than others. Perhaps it won't be faithful at all, but one can adapt it. Night for example, I think you could adapt, however you'd probably have to focus on a more limited amount of Wiesel's experience (perhaps a day in the life in his experience for example), and perhaps you'd have to grant it a framing device or something to make the experience "bearable".

Anonymous:

1. Choi Min-sik - I Saw the Devil
2. Yoon Jeong-hee - Poetry
3. Lee Byung-hun - A Bittersweet Life
4. Choi Min-sik - Oldboy
5. Song Kang-ho - Parasite
6. Lee Young-ae - Sympathy for Lady Vengeance
7. Lee Byung-hun - I Saw the Devil
8. Youn Yuh-jung - Minari
9. Cho Yeo-jeong - Parasite
10. Steven Yeun - Burning
11. Yoo Ji-tae - Oldboy
12. Han Ye-ri - Minari
13. Steven Yeun - Minari
14. Song Kang-ho - A Taxi Driver
15. Choi Woo-Shik - Parasite

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I've looked for it with a google search and there's no reference at all. All I could find was having it on the films to watch list that year.

Louis Morgan said...

Well I don't have much to say anyways, O'Connor gives a nice spirited turn, if not overly substantial, I'd give her a 3.5. Everyone else is pretty forgettable.

Matt Mustin said...

A movie adaptation of Night wouldn't be too far removed from something like The Pianist, I don't think.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: on a somewhat related note, have you seen Resnais' Night and Fog?

Matt Mustin said...

Calvin: I don't know if I can, to be honest.

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

I have a long time ago, not one I wish to revisit for, I think, obvious reasons.

Calvin Law said...

Yep. Not an easy watch is it.

Matt: Don't blame you at all.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Isabelle Huppert were apparently all in the running for Ada in The Piano. How do you think they'd have fared? I doubt anyone would've been as great as Hunter but can imagine them all as great choices still.

Aidan Pittman said...

Louis: What are your Top 20 performances in film adaptations of plays?

John Smith said...

Night really is an amazing novel. It feels like a deposition from a victim who doesnt want to be a victim but it was something forced upon him. I can't imagine how survivors felt like after their expirences in camps. During that time the term ptsd was probably not known. Fuck.

Louis and everyone else have you seen the documentary Shoah? It's probably the most important doc of all time in my eyes.

Anonymous said...

Louis: Because you ranked Chaplin ahead of Brando and some other actors with a few 5's, would you say he's confirmed to go up for The Great Dictator.

Matt Mustin said...

Anonymous: I think that's a peaks and valleys thing. Chaplin was very consistent in how good he was, Brando was very much not.

Mitchell Murray said...

So I just finished the first season of "Attack on Titan" this afternoon, and unsurprisingly, its a terrific series. I would summarize my thoughts by saying it has everything I've come to expect/want in quality Anime: An interesting premise, well written characters, exciting action, solid music and at least one memorable OP (The first one, obviously). And while I'm moving onto other shows in the near future, I'm still invested and curious to see how the rest of the story plays out.

Tim said...

your 80s cast and director for Argo?

Anonymous said...

Mitchell: Season 1 is actually widely considered to be the lowest point of AOT, as that was when it was closest to a generic shonen. Since you thought it was great, you're going to really love everything that comes later.

Mitchell Murray said...

Anonymous: Duly noted, though I find that idea funny as I would easily classify the show as an upper tier Shounen. That said, the "Shounen" label itself is so broad that I could place it within it's own subcategory, separate from more traditional examples IE the big three.

Bryan L. said...

Tim: He gave that retrocast here (actoroscar.blogspot.com/2016/09/alternate-best-actor-1960-pierre.html?m=0)

Tim said...

Bryan: thanks

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Your ranking of Dickensian adaptations, and your ranking of the Dickens novels you've read?

HTT said...

Question for Golden Tessa Awards 1958:

Is Kim Novak lead or supporting in Vertigo?

Anonymous said...

HTT: I say Novak is supporting to Stewart.

Calvin Law said...

Just watched the first episode of The Underground Railroad, definitely very compelling so far.

Mitchell Murray said...

Question for everyone here: What are some shows/movies that you have a "love-hate" view of? As in, media that you have undeniable problems with, yet can't fully bring yourself to adore or detest.

That's where I'm kind of at with "RWBY" right now. I just finished Volume 3 this morning, and I do have some major criticisms; The facial animations can be stiff at times, the voice acting can be hit or miss, and it really isn't doing anything story/theme wise that hasn't been done before. All that being said, however, the show has entertaining aspects (especially the fights and music), and I can see the appeal of it blending Anime inspired visuals through a more Westernized tone and structure. It's weird, but I'm almost feeling obligated to see it through to the end, despite my genuine problems with it's quality.

Emi Grant said...

Mitchell: I don't know if it counts, but I'm currently having a complicated relationship with Lee Chang-Dong's films. In that I want to unabashedly love most of them and see the masterpieces that everyone talks about, but there are always frustrations present with all of his films that keep me from doing so, and it annoys me considerably. I'm one re-watch of Burning and Poetry away from feeling like that with his entire filmography.

Also, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance frustrates me in a similar way, but exponentially worse.

Emi Grant said...

Related question, does what does everyone think of the potential line-up for the bonus round of 2000? Would another request be too much? 'Cause I'm considering one, but I'm also not desperate for it to happen.

Luke Higham said...

Emi: That depends on the category, Supporting has 5 requests right now whereas Lead has 2. Honestly, I would like it to come next from that decade because I don't fancy a 10 lineup for Supporting.

Aside from the 2 Lead requests, I only really want Denis Lavant in Beau Travail and Sol Kyung-Gu in Peppermint Candy.

Emi Grant said...

Naturally, it's Sol Kyung-Gu who I have in mind.

Luke Higham said...

Emi: Then go ahead with it. I don't think anyone will complain.

Emi Grant said...

Well, I'm using one of my two requests for it. Sol Kyung-Gu in Peppermint Candy Lead 2000. Hope you like the film, Louis.

Thanks, Luke

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I'm not sure if you saw it when first posted but Razor used up a request for Michel Serrault in Garde à Vue (The Inquisitor) for 1981 Lead Actor.

Mitchell Murray said...

Emi: Yah, I've been in your shoes before, where I also want to like something as much as everyone else, but just can't bring myself to do so. I find it to be a strangely bittersweet feeling, especially when the particular fanbase is impassioned or frankly toxic.

8000S said...

Louis: Even though he was great as Vincennes, how do you think Plummer would have fared as Dudley Smith?

Anonymous said...

Louis: Your top 20 Mads Mikkelsen acting moments.

Matt Mustin said...

8000S: Wouldn't have worked at all. The impact of that character comes from the fact that at that point,NOBODY would have expected James Cromwell would be the villain. The same cannot be said of Spacey.

Luke Higham said...

Guys be careful, deceptive site messages are coming up when accessing blogger.

Anonymous said...

The Northman is only going to be released in April 2022. Guess some of Taylor-Joy and Dafoe's steam for this year is gone

Luke Higham said...

I'm really disappointed.

Robert MacFarlane said...

I actually just watched High Fidelity, and I think I’m going to argue for a Cusack review. Easily the best of Cusack at his Cusackiest.

Luke Higham said...

Cusack was my 5th choice so I wouldn't argue with that.

Tim said...

your Top 10 undeservingly called "pretty boy" Actors? I have seen a lot of Actors (some of my favorites) being called subpar because many women mainly watch their films for their physical attributes. (I'll be the first to admit that that does in fact happen sadly, but it szill frustrates me a lot)
E. G. Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper; Jude Law, Ethan Hawke ...


*for clarification: many women (i have noticed) watch their films mainly for that reason, many men undeservingly call them talentless for that

Mitchell Murray said...

Tim: Not sure if Hawke was ever in that category, to be frank, but I agree with all your other examples.

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: I'll take your word for it, but I generally can't stand Cusack.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Matt: It was a really pleasant surprise, honestly. I guess it helped him playing an asshole.

Matt Mustin said...

Robert: He's acknowledged as an asshole then, because that's how he always comes across, regardless.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Matt: The character is referred to at, multiple times (including himself), as an asshole.

8000S said...

Matt: I actually meant Plummer, not really Spacey.

Matt Mustin said...

800S: OK, see, that's why we need to stop this joke, because it gets confusing when you do that.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Plummer wouldn't have worked because he played too many villains at point.

Calvin Law said...

Cusack is great in High Fidelity. As someone who's a huge fan of the novel he captured the character brilliantly, despite the film being entirely converted to an American setting (usually really hate when films do this but funnily enough this one really does work).

Anonymous said...

Louis, if Silence was released in early 2017 instead, do you think Garfield could have gotten a second consecutive Oscar nomination?

Louis Morgan said...

Calvin:

Leigh I think is best when the role is "louder" almost quite literally, though maybe. Weaver and Huppert definitely, but I doubt anyone would've bested Hunter there.

John Smith:

I have not.

Aidan:

Here's 10, 20 was giving me a headache. Also stuck to play's first only, so no Cuckoos Nest for example. Also I may have missed performances just by the sheer number of plays to films there have been.

1. F. Murray Abraham - Amadeus
2. Anthony Hopkins - The Father
3. Michael Redgrave - The Browning Version
4. Vivien Leigh - A Streetcar Named Desire
5. Katherine Hepburn - The Lion in Winter
6. Laurence Olivier - Sleuth
7. Paul Scofield - A Man For All Seasons
8. Laurence Olivier - Richard III
9. Robert Ryan - The Iceman Cometh
10. Orson Welles - Chimes at Midnight

Anonymous:

Consistency as always. Chaplin is high as he was always good from what I've seen, and his later work also showed a range you could argue was lacking, or at least not shown, by his other counterparts like Keaton. Bogart is lower because he has those occasional just dull performances, though I think his range was actually perhaps underrated in a certain sense. Brando I always struggle with ranking because his best work showed he was an all timer, however the majority of his work isn't good because he didn't care most of the time.

Tahmeed:

Films:

1. Scrooge (1951)
2. A Christmas Carol (1984)
3. Scrooged
4. The Personal History of David Copperfield
5. Scrooge (1970)
6. Oliver Twist (1948)
7. Oliver!
8. Great Expectations (1946)
9. Nicholas Nickleby (2002)
10. Little Dorrit (1987)
11. David Copperfield (1935)
12. The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1935)
13. An American Carol
14. David Copperfield (1999)
15. David Copperfield (2000)
16. A Christmas Carol (1935)
17. A Christmas Carol (1999)
18. A Christmas Carol (1938)
19. Ebenezer
20. A Christmas Carol (1997)

Novels:

1. Bleak House
2. Oliver Twist
3. David Copperfield
4. Great Expectations
5. Little Dorrit
6. Nicholas Nickleby
7. The Pickwick Papers
8. A Tale of Two Cities
9. The Old Curiosity Shop

8000's:

As others have noted, Plummer would've been far easier to suspect the whole time, Cromwell was PERFECTLY cast.

Tim:

Uhh.. only Gosling who almost came out of the gate with strong dramatic work. Here's the thing, some of them kind of earned that rep initial, like Brad Pitt's early roles for example or Channing Tatum's,

Anonymous:

Maybe. I think Silence would've struggled no matter what just by the nature of the film, however if it had more a slow momentum style trajectory he might've been able to get in over Washington.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Your thoughts on 14-20 from the Dickens film list and have you ever seen the Bleak House Series.

Luke Higham said...

And were there any performances of note from any of them.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

David Copperfields - (Recall both being fine, but recall little more than that.)

A Christmas Carol 35(Not bad, though creaky early adaptation.

A Christmas Carol 99(Feels like a lame rehash of the far superior Scott version, made worse by Stewart's oddball turn, that I'll give credit he dares for a new approach, unfortunately none of his gambles pay off nor seem sensible)

A Christmas Carol 38(Very lame, very studio feeling version of the story.)

Ebenezer - (Honestly thought I had made this up in my head, that being a Jack Palance western Scrooge. I honestly don't remember it other than one absurdly specific moment. Honestly could be better than I'm thinking, but don't really have much motivation to check.)

A Christmas Carol 97(Bad songs, odd animation, just a terrible version)

I have not, though I should.

Tim said...

*vietnam flashbacks to the '97 version

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Always forget that Christmas Carol is a novella by definition. Would I be correct in assuming that it'd be your #1 favourite Dickensian work if it was included with the other novels?

Louis Morgan said...

Tahmeed:

Yes indeed.

Speaking of, forgot Muppets which would be #5, Zemeckis which would be below Ebenezer and Knight's version which would be below the Copperfields.

Tim said...

am i the only one here who kind of can get sometjing out of the Zemeckis-version?

Louis Morgan said...

Also watched Those Who Wish Me Dead, which is a less entertaining variation on Cliffhanger (in more ways than one strangely), other than Medina Senghore's character that is. Overall though it's too serious to be just dumb fun and too dumb to be a serious thriller.

And the first two episodes of The Underground Railroad, which I'll just say at the moment it has to be one of the most beautifully shot television shows of all time.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Thoughts on the cast.

Louis Morgan said...

Luke:

Jolie - (I wouldn't say she's exactly wholly convincing in the casting department, however she wholly commits herself to trying to deliver the emotional heft in the part, as generic as it is....and it's super generic. This part has been done better elsewhere, but she does a fine limited rendition of it. This as even the central relationship feels pretty thin and frankly rushed. This to the point we don't really sense much connection in part because we're are done by time it gets going. Jolie's game to try to make it work, but the writing doesn't really let her go beyond a pretty surface, if technically decent, rendition of an overly worn arc.)

Little - (I thought he honestly was pretty bad more often than not. This in making a rather unlikable punk, and doesn't even do that though in a way that is convincing. He's better than that horrendous kid in Gloria, with a very similar plot, but he's not that far off....which is a very bad thing.)

Hoult & Gillen - (I expect the latter to be super generic and not particularly inspired but the former in a supporting role? I was surprised. Honestly though, given Hoult's other recent character style work, I think it comes down to the writing where almost every line their characters have are purely expository and they might as well be playing robots. I mean would it have killed them to have just a hint of character beyond the plot? Maybe make them engaging antagonists, rather than just the most generic of henchmen? I'd say though Sheridan probably held Hoult back for the sake of "realism" as there is a moment near the end where we might've gotten some more from Hoult, but he honestly seemed to be holding himself back.)

Bernthal & Senghore - (Yeah I'm not sure why the film wasn't about them. Bernthal brings some nice earnest heart, and Senghore steals the whole film as her pregnant unexpected badass. She sells the most out of every second of screentime and is just wonderful honestly. She brings heart, depth and conviction. It really is a remarkable turn, particularly given her part is supposedly the b-story, for me, she made herself the a-story despite having less time and focus to do so.)

Anonymous said...

Louis, ratings for the cast.

Matt Mustin said...

Louis: What made you move Barry Pepper over to lead for Three Burials? I agree with that placement 100%, but I'm just curious what the deciding factor was for you?

Louis Morgan said...

Jolie - 3
Little - 1.5
Hoult - 2.5
Gillen - 2.5
Bernthal - 3.5
Senghore - 4

Louis Morgan said...

Matt:

Due to the fact that we get plenty of his perspective throughout, particularly in his scenes before he becomes Jones's "traveling companion".

Calvin Law said...

Louis: Agreed on The Underground Railroad, the cinematography in it is staggering. I just finished episode 3 and it takes it to a whole other level there.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Sitting in a theater about to watch The Dark Knight. First time in one in over a year.

Bryan L. said...

Louis: Your cast & director for...

1950s Less Than Zero
1960s La La Land
2010s Unfaithfully Yours

Michael Patison said...

Luke: I love love love the 2005 Bleak House. Haven't seen the 80s version with Rigg.

Tim said...

is the next Review coming up today?

Anonymous said...

What would you say is the top 10 Broadway musical to film adaptions?

Matt Mustin said...

Anonymous: The thing that's weird about that is that when you really think about it, there actually aren't that many great ones.

Anonymous said...

Matt: I think the problem is they choose musicals that work better on stage to be made into movies like Into the Woods or Cats.

Marcus said...

Louis: Could I have your top 20 Mads Mikkelsen and Matthias Schoenaertes acting moments?

Louis Morgan said...

Bryan:

Less Than Zero 1950's directed by Robert Rossen:

Clay: John Cassavetes
Blair: Lee Remick
Julian: James Dean
Rip: Martin Landau

La La Land 1960's directed by Robert Wise:

Sebastian: Jerry Orbach
Mia: Natalie Wood
Keith: Harry Belafonte

2010's Unfaithfully Yours directed by Wes Anderson:

Sir Alfred: Benedict Cumberbatch
Daphne: Emily Blunt
August Henshler: Oscar Isaac
Hugo: Bob Balaban
Detective Sweeney: Bill Murray
House Detective: Owen Wilson

Tim:

No, blame Barry Jenkins.

Anonymous:

1. Cabaret
2. Jesus Christ Superstar
3. Fiddler on the Roof
4. Grease
5. Bye Bye Birdie
6. Oliver!
7. The Sound of Music
8. Sweeney Todd
9. Cabin in the Sky
10. Brigadoon

Note: Little Shop of Horrors didn't premiere on Broadway until after the film.

Tim said...

don't exactly see what Barry Jenkins has to do with that, but ok ...

Razor said...

Tim: The Underground Railroad obviously. Just came out on Amazon Prime a few days ago.

Anonymous said...

What is your top 10 actresses you haven't given a five yet?

Louis Morgan said...

Marcus:

Mikkelsen:

1. The Church - The Hunt
2. The Dance - Another Round
3. Supermarket - The Hunt
4. Fallout with wife - Another Round
5. Trying to go back to the school - The Hunt
6. Ending - The Hunt
7. Painful torture - Casino Royale
8. Execution - A Royal Affair
9. Final words - Flame & Citron
10. Argument with Lover - Open Hearts
11. Different leaders lecture - Another Round
12. Dinner - Another Round
13. Girlfriend's failing loyalty - The Hunt
14. Fight - Open Hearts
15. Encouragement to be better - A Royal Affair
16. First time drunk at school - Another Round
17. Casualties - Flame & Citron
18. Hanging out - Another Round
19. Breakdown - Green Street Butchers
20. Crazy - Pusher

Schoenaerts:

1. Jacky fails to find the words - Bullhead
2. Saving Sam - Rust and Bone
3. Nightclub - Bullhead
4. Sad end - Bullhead
5. "I Killed Richie Wheeling" - The Drop
6. First meeting Lucia - Bullhead
7. Finally coming together - Far From the Madding Crowd
8. Fight with Sister - Rust and Bone
9. Threatening Bob - The Drop
10. Outburst - The Mustang
11. Working with cattle - Bullhead
12. Speaking with Boldwood - Far From the Madding Crowd
13. First Meeting - Rust and Bone
14. Threat - Bullhead
15. Threatening Nadia - The Drop
16. Chastising Bathsheba - Far From the Madding Crowd
17. Apology - The Mustang
18. Seeing his old friend - Bullhead
19. Some understanding - Rust and Bone
20. Loss - Far From the Madding Crowd

Unknown:

Excluding also who gave equivalent television work.

Catherine Deneuve
Eva Green
Diane Keaton
Elsa Lanchester
Myrna Loy
Kelly McDonald
Amanda Plummer
Charlotte Rampling
Lily Tomlin
Kathleen Turner

Mitchell Murray said...

Random note here, but I re-watched "In the Line of Fire" tonight after first seeing it a few years back. It is, for all intents and purposes, a well made 90's thriller; Nothing truly exceptional, per say, but certainly a fine tuned and effective example of the genre.

Also, since "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" is still fresh in my mind, I can offer my incomplete 1993 supporting ranking (Minus Postlethwaite as I have yet to watch "In the Name of the Father").

1) Fiennes - 5
2) Malkovich - 4
3) DiCaprio - 4
4) Jones - 3.5

Anonymous said...

What would you say is 11-20 on that list of actresses?

Anonymous said...

What would you say is the top 15 most charming actresses?

Calvin Law said...

It's a close call so far but I think Joel Egerton could be giving a career-best turn in The Underground Railroad.

John Smith said...

Louis, have you finishen maniac and season 2 of succesion?

John Smith said...

Louis, forget the maniac question. Funderar the thoughts i wanted on your tom hanks review of catch me if you can

Anonymous said...

Louis: Would you consider Peck in TKAM to be one of the most perfect cases of casting ever?

Mitchell Murray said...

So as per usual, "Death Battle" just released it's latest episode today - Po Vs Iron Fist. And I must say, beyond the winner or fight, my inner child has been very entertained.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zv66N5-Hq0

Their next match up is also more unconventional than one might expect - Steven Universe Vs Star Butterfly.

Anonymous said...

Is anybody here watching Mare of Easttown? Winslet is giving career-best work in it. The latest episode was amazing, and so is the series (so far at least).

Anonymous said...

Anonymous: Robert watched it and said that Winslet gave her best performance since Eternal Sunshine.

Calvin Law said...

Anonymous: I just started on it too and really like it, Winslet is fantastic. Actress in Limited Series is going to be so competitive from what I’ve seen thus far.

Louis Morgan said...

Anonymous:

1. Audrey Hepburn
2. Emma Thompson
3. Irene Dunne
4. Myrna Loy
5. Olivia Colman
6. Giulietta Masina
7. Sophia Loren
8. Teresa Wright
9. Paulette Goddard
10. Rosalind Russell
11. Olivia De Havilland
12. Emma Stone
13. Liv Ullmann
14. Elsa Lanchester
15. Marisa Tomei

Calvin:

At episode 6, and he is GREAT.

John Smith:

I'll admit I loved season 2 of Succession so much, I've been purposefully spacing it out to savor every episode, though I'm getting closer.

Anonymous:

He's certainly up there.

Calvin Law said...

Louis: Episode 6 should DEFINITELY be his submission episode. I’m also glad they’re running him lead, because he is lead.

Anonymous said...

Are there any actors or actresses you think are talented but don't have any innate charm or screen presence?

Calvin Law said...

Unknown: Casey Affleck is definitely the first name that comes to mind for me.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Not sure if any actor can be successful without at least some form of screen presence, but yeah, Affleck and Christian Bale are great actors who aren't traditionally charming.

Louis Morgan said...

Unknown:

Lacking charm, traditional charm, isn't that uncommon for someone who is still a talented actor, I can't think of one who truly lacks even a sliver of a base presence though.

Matt Mustin said...

If you have no presence on screen, the performance is a failure. You need *something* to draw the audience in.

HTT said...

Louis:

Would you put Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow in lead or supporting for Grand Hotel?

Tim said...

your thoughts on the execution sequence from Dead Man Walking?

Lucas Saavedra said...

Louis: in an older comment you said these were present film roles fitting for Gary Cooper. Could you tell me your reasonns for that, if you can?
Howard (Lucky)
Paterson
Richard Loving

It is from this comment section:
https://actoroscar.blogspot.com/2018/06/alternate-best-supporting-actor-1991.html?m=1

HTT said...

Tim:

I know this question wasn't for me, but I thought it was very well done. It features some powerful editing choices in my opinion. Susan Saradon and Sean Penn were great.

Matt Mustin said...

RIP Charles Grodin.

Luke Higham said...

RIP Charles Grodin

Tim said...

R.I.P. Charles Grodin

Anonymous said...

RIP Charles Grodin.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Louis: Could I have your thoughts on this cover of an all time great song from 10 Things I Hate About You?

https://youtu.be/S7N6kB11GpE

HTT said...

RIP Charles Grodin.

Anonymous said...

What are your top 10 performances by actresses where they do drunk scenes well?

Aidan Pittman said...

R.I.P. Charles Grodin

Tim said...

Tahmeed: still doesn't beat Christopher Walken ;)

Louis Morgan said...

HTT:

Everyone is supporting in that film.

Tim:

It's a great scene within the film by the performances of Sarandon, Penn but really everyone in the room creates the reality of it. I think Robbins's restraint in the scene, by just calmly showing the process every step is essential. This as he lets the emotions just come from the reactions, the interactions between Penn and Sarandon, without overselling the drama of the death, or the emotion of it.

Lucas:

Well Cooper was a limited actor, however he had something that the right material/director could bring out. Lucky I think is ideal just for his brand of manner really and Ball of Fire showed he could do comedy. Paterson honestly due to just the way he speaks, and for some reason I think a "hang out" film with Cooper would work. With Richard Loving, Cooper embodies that understated manner befitting the man.

Tahmeed:

On my list of the best Ledger moments for a reason. Everything he does in the scene is absolutely wonderful, and one of those sweeping romantic gestures that works because Ledger makes it work every charming step of the way.

















RIP the underrated Charles Grodin

Maciej said...

RIP Charles Grodin

RatedRStar said...

RIP Charles Grodin

Robert MacFarlane said...

RIP Charles Grodin

So uh, the trailer for Dear Evan Hansen dropped. Like 90% sure this is this year's Hillbilly Elegy in terms of awards success, but mostly I'm unnerved by how much Ben Platt looks like Todd from Community.

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

Having watched a less-than-legal recording of Evan Hansen on Youtube, Platt did act and sing his heart out ("Waving through a Window" is a terrific song I listen to regularly). Just never thought the musical itself would translate well to the screen.

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