Is Plummer locked and loaded?
Supporting Actor
In the wake of openings of films such as Beginners and Drive, critics sang the praises of veteran actors Christopher Plummer and Albert Brooks respectively. Plummer’s film, the story of man dying of terminal cancer and coming out as a homosexual to his son was among one of the most endearing performances of the first half of 2011. Brooks’ performance, a ruthless mobster tangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, was one of the more surprising works seen in his career. Supporting Actor has had a wonderful history of rewarding veteran actors in their near last minutes of greatness. James Coburn collected his long overdue Oscar before his death for his gritty work in Affliction (1997). AMPAS has also jumped at the opportunity for Morgan Freeman as the likable “Scrap” in Million Dollar Baby (2004) and Alan Arkin as the hilarious “Grandpa Edwin” in Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Both performances not unanimously agreed upon as the best works by either actor but sentiment of gratitude for an impressive career kicks in and Oscar acts.
Read more on Oscar Circuit: “…get out of the kitchen.” Part II…
 A few days ago I was lucky enough to be invited to participate in the press junket for ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ in a Manhattan hotel suite. It was an interesting event, and I came away with a few observations. I won’t see the flick for another week or so, so I can’t comment on its quality, but the one thing that the other writers in the hotel suite kept coming back to was how complex it was. That’s not to say that it’s a bad quality, but I wonder how that might affect its Oscar chances. The other main source of conversation was Gary Oldman and how good he was. A lot of writers commented on the subdued nature of the performance as opposed to how vibrant he often is in his best roles. Could that be the recipe to get him his first nod? Perhaps, but that’s still to be seen. Focus Features seems to be high on the film, going all out to make interviews and such available for the press. That’s not always something that accompanies an Oscar hopeful, but it certainly never hurts. What follows are some thoughts on my roundtables with Oldman (who spoke a little about ‘The Dark Knight Rises’), director Tomas Alfredson, co-writer Peter Straughan, and co-star Colin Firth. I was originally going to just put up the recordings, but that didn’t pan out (cursed technology), so I’m going with more of an article format to salvage things…
Read more on Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy…Oscar?…
 As the season heats up with the New York Film Critics and the National Board of Review set to announce their winners next week, Oscar Predictions are becoming no longer a guessing game; it’s simply who will be nominated and who won’t be. In this edition of Oscar Circuit, I’ll be breaking down each major category individually and analyzing the race thus far.
Motion Picture
The question still remains, how many films will make the cut for Best Picture? Are any of our films in “locked” territory yet? Despising the word immensely, Michel Hazanavicius’ The Artist as well as Alexander Payne’s The Descendants walks that fine line of assurance. It’s been nearly unanimously agreed that the Oscar can likely come down to those two films with an outside threat of Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. The word is still out on Stephen Daldry’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Both of which can be serious game changers if received with warm receptions. The top three films predicted in this race are the three to beat as of now, don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Tate Taylor’s The Help has been regarded by many as a near assured fit for a Best Picture nomination. With its massive box office numbers and terrific performances by one of the year’s best ensembles, it definitely shows those types of qualities of a nominee. Since its opening, the film has definitely acquired its detractors who aren’t as enthusiastic about the film as others. Some may think that the film could be shut out all together with exception of Viola Davis. Could a backlash be in the works?
Read more on Oscar Circuit: “If You Can’t Stand the Heat…” Part I…
 What more can be said about the works of Martin Scorsese? He’s a master, undeniably. To just go over his works film by film would not do justice to his skill. Faced with the opening of ‘Hugo’ this week, one must find a way to talk about Scorsese while still making it a worthwhile read. For me, I think it means talking a bit about the best of Marty. His best works, my favorites…the ones that really make you look at him and stand in awe. I’ve got a top 10 list to share, much like the one Robert did for David Cronenberg. Consider this mostly David Cronenberg week, but with some Martin Scorsese thrown in for good measure. Let’s think of it as top notch filmmaker week. Well anyway, here we go with what I consider to be Scorsese’s 10 best works. Keep in mind that this list is likely very different than yours would be, so at the end of this, a good discussion in the comments section is sure to follow!
Read more on Top Ten Martin Scorsese Films…
 Acting is supposed to be a replication of life.
We know its pretend, we know its play acting but we give over our suspension of disbelief as we enter the cinema making a bargain with the filmmakers and actors that if they convince us for the next two to three hours that what is happening is realistic, we will go with them on this journey.
Real, meaning authentic, as though the characters on the screen were experiencing what they were going through for the very first time. At least that was what I was taught while studying the Method in the early eighties, and teaching the art ever since. I gave up on acting, being terrible but my professors believed I had some talent as a director and acting coach so that is where I focused my energies. Before I fulfilled a dream to become a film critic I was a stage director, writing reviews just for me while directing more than fofrty four plays. Among them were the American classics, Agnes of God, The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, Picnic, and several others including modern classics such as The Shadow Box and Bent. Acting was everything in those plays, the audiences’ connection to the piece, so every ounce of my work was spent making sure the actors were comfortable in a good place to create. Loyal readers will know that I watch first the acting when I watch a film, as that is the connection to the picture.
Read more on Olivier — Hugely Over Appreciated…
For the first time ever, I’ll be starting off my preview of the week’s new films with the limited releases. Not because there’s anything lacking about the wide releases. Far from it, this Thanksgiving weekend is yielding several amazing-looking films both mainstream and indie. No, I’m only switching things around to keep up the theme of David Cronenberg Week. So y’all can guess by now that I’ll first be analyzing…
A Dangerous Method, based on Christopher Hampton’s play The Talking Cure, centers on the professional relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud as well as the complicating presence of the beautiful, intelligent but deeply troubled Sabina Spielrein. The film has been enjoying mostly positive reviews, with its performances, dialogue and production values being singled out for particular praise. Nevertheless, it’s clear that there is a hint of disappointment in its critical evaluations, as many (including yours truly) had initially pegged it as “the” film; the one that would finally catapult the legendary David Cronenberg to an Academy Award nomination for Best Director after a long, distinguished career ignored by the staid organization. While it’s still possible, competition from the likes of The Descendants, The Artist and War Horse required A Dangerous Method to garner more effusive “best of the year!” acclaim to stand a fighting chance considering its subject matter. Even if he personally doesn’t make it, one should still look for it in other categories. Keira Knightley, despite giving a divisive performance with a questionable accent, is showy enough and has been gushed over by quite a few critics, so she is at least on the radar. Viggo Mortensen has been cited as one of the most purely entertaining parts of the film, and Michael Fassbender could get a consolation nomination if his more acclaimed work in Shame proves too transgressive for the Academy to embrace (think Dennis Hopper). It could also get possible nods for its screenplay, art direction and costumes. Read more on Holiday Openings (November 23-27)…
Categories: Weekend Openings Tags: a dangerous method, arthur christmas, Berenice Bejo, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, best picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, biopics, David Cronenberg Week, Hugo, jean dujardin, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Fassbender, Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn, Oscar hopefuls, Rampart, the artist, The Muppets, Tomboy, viggo mortensen, Weekend Openings, Woody Harrelson
Tonight a winner was… given a ball! A mirror ball that is! After 10 weeks of dancing it was finally time to declare a champion of Dancing with the Stars.
Tonight the stars were allowed to perform one of their favorite dances from the season. Afterwards one of the stars was sent home. After receiving a perfect score for her Tango, Ricki Lake was eliminated leaving her in 3rd place.
Read more on Dancing with the Stars: The Champion…
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