Author(s): Al
Location: New York
“Cold Welcome"
Directed by David Fincher
Written by Daniel Futterman
Principal Cast:
Sam Aronson: Jake Gyllenhaal
Anne Aronson: Faye Dunaway
Lisa Mendel: Zooey Deschanel
Benny: John C. Reilly
Walter Finch: Chris Cooper
Allan Holt: Stanley Tucci
Michael Woodworth: Kurt Russell
Nora Mendel: Sally Field
Cara Feldman: Rashida Jones
and
Frank Aronson: Gene Hackman
Tagline: "What happens when you're forced to return to a life you thought you'd left behind?"
Synopsis: Sam Aronson is finally happy with his life. He's got a successful career as a P.I. in New York City, a funny and cute girlfriend Cara, and a good apartment. But one day he gets a fateful call; his mother, telling him that his father Frank, who he had always been on bad terms with, has been murdered. Sam will now have to return to the life he wanted so desperately to leave behind: the sleepy small town in Michigan were he grew up-and always wanted to escape from.
The inept police, headed up by Walter Finch, determines that Frank's probable murderer was Benny, one of Frank's mentally unstable underlings at the store he owned. But Sam suspects otherwise. He decides to return home to try and solve his father's murder. When he returns, he finds his usually calm and understanding mother in a state of dementia and denial. He also comes across his high school sweetheart, Lisa, who stayed in Michigan to care for her sick mother, but occasionally longs for something more. She reluctantly agrees to help him with the case.
While researching his death, Sam finds out more about his father than he ever knew. An obnoxious representative for a big-box store, Allan Holt, had been fighting with Frank for years over trying to buy his land. He also comes across an old college friend of Frank's, Michael Woodworth, who had been financially supporting the family for years but had become irate and constantly threatening Frank to repay him. Sam has suspicions about these two men, and decides to investigate them further. Meanwhile, Sam is reconnecting with his mother and helping her out of her depression.
As he spends more and more time in his sleepy hometown, he discovers things about his family that he never knew, and rekindles his relationship with Lisa. But when he is anonymously threatened over the phone, he wonders if he should stay on the case and avenge the father he barely knew… or return to New York and spend the rest of his live thinking of what could have been.
What the press would say:
At first glance, "Cold Welcome" seems like just another small-town/murder film. It seems formulaic, maybe downright boring. But look beyond its surface and the film isn't about a murder being solved: it's about rediscovering youth, facing a troubled past, and relationships both familial and adversarial. Masterfully directed by David Fincher, who made "Zodiac" dark and interesting, "Cold Welcome" tells the story of a yuppie who returns to his small hometown to solve his father's murder. While the movie does have dark overtones and a melancholy premise, it's really a character drama-about the conflicted Sam and the people who surround him. Fincher directs the film with an almost sepia-tinged feel, weaving an intimate setting around his characters. We never learn anything before Sam does-it's almost as if the film is all through his eyes. As Sam pieces together Frank's murder, we do too. Dan Futterman's script is witty and clever, but the real high point of the film is the acting. Jake Gyllenhaal, the lead, shows depth and range as Sam, a brooding yuppie who does not want to return to the life he left behind. He's showing real capacity here. Faye Dunaway, in a remarkable comeback, works wonders as Sam's earnest mother, shaken by her husband's death. Her eyes convey so many emotions at once, it's almost hard to keep up. Zooey Deschanel, a good actress who doesn't get many good roles, shines as Sam's counterpart. She is visibly hurt by his abandonment and is almost depressing, but she shows glimpses of light beneath her tough exterior that show us Lisa's true colors. Gene Hackman, seen only through flashbacks, does a lot with a limited role. Admittedly, as Sam's dead father, he IS the heart and soul of the movie. Stanley Tucci, Kurt Russell, and Chris Cooper also give great performances in villainous, yet somehow sympathetic roles. John C. Reilly, as the mentally unstable prime suspect, is amazing. He exhibits method acting at its best: completely inhabiting the character and laying himself bare for the camera, Reilly makes every word powerful, every syllable quake, every face filled with meaning. Playing the mentally disabled is hard, but he pulls it off brilliantly.
"Cold Welcome" won't change your life. And it's not the greatest anything. But it's an inherently human, well made picture. And that's all it has to be. Well written and directed, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of conscious thought in their moviegoing experience.
Best Picture-AMPAS
Best Picture (Drama)-HFPA
Best Ensemble-SAG
Best Director-David Fincher
Best Original Screenplay-Dan Futterman
Best Actor-Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor-Gene Hackman
Best Supporting Actor-John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actor-Stanley Tucci
Best Supporting Actress-Faye Dunaway
Best Supporting Actress-Zooey Deschanel
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Diary of a Sociopath
Author(s): Sergio
Location: Spain
“Diary of a Sociopath"
Written and Directed by Alexander Payne
David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, Producers
Music by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
Paul Giamatti (Henry Gray)
Jon Heder (Gus)
Evan Rachel Wood (Morgana)
Tony Collette (Deborah)
Harry Dean Stanton (Deborah’s Husband)
Frances Conroy (Ms. Rose)
Maura Tierney (Mary Jane)
Stanley Tucci (Lawyer)
Tagline: “My name is Henry and I am a sociopath.”
Synopsis: Henry Gray hates everybody in a pathological way. He lives in NY and the only physical person he talks with is his owner Ms Rose. He hates his job as a civil servant and, of course, he hates his colleagues too. He considers this world sucks and he can’t find sense in anything. His only illusion in life is a blog he’s created, in which he writes about how he feels day after day, expressing all his frustration. His dedication to the blog turns an obsession and he cannot wait to be at home, so he dedicates the working hours in the office to write on it and to read the comments. His boss finds out by a spiteful worker and Henry is moved to a department with no internet access.
Henry has to drive to Jacksonville because his sister Deborah is going to get married for the third time and he will be the godfather. Deborah works in an elders’ residence, she is pregnant of twins and asks him for a big favour. Her son Gus is studying his first year in Columbia University and she asks him for bringing Gus with him to the wedding. Henry had avoided seeing his nephew in all this year and he doesn’t like the idea at all, but he has no chance. So he buys a portable computer with Wifi and he picks up his almost unknown nephew.
During the trip, Henry shows himself as a silent and antisocial person meanwhile Gus doesn’t stop talking about everything and that make sick to his uncle. Gus has been a freak all his life but, since he is in the University, he wants to experiment all he can because his hormones are over-excited. To pass the night Henry looks for a motel with internet connection but he doesn’t find any. Henry forces his nephew to have the portable computer switched on to find a wifi zone. Gus thinks his uncle is a pervert. Finally they stay in a motel with no internet and with just one bed for both. Henry decides to sleep in the car after the sounds recital and sample of piercings and tattoos of his nephew.
Henry passes the following day with a great anxiety and neck pain. Gus convinces his uncle to drive and, when Henry gets slept, Gus crashes the car against a van. The van is led by Morgana, a learner driver, and after a great discussion with Henry she takes them to a mechanical workshop. Unexpectedly they have to stay in the village until they arrange the car, so they have to stay in a motel. The wedding is the following day and Deborah warns his brother that they have to be there in time or she will kill them. Gus gets a date with Morgana and hours later Henry receives a call from Gus asking for help. They were having sex in Morgana's car and they get hooked by their genital piercings. Henry can’t believe his own eyes and takes them to the hospital. While the operation, Henry sees the opportunity to get into an administration office where there is a computer with internet. A nurse sees him and calls security. Henry passes the night in prison. In the morning Morgana pays the bail, in gratefulness for his help. The car is not arranged yet and they have to get to the wedding before midday. Gus confesses to his uncle that he and Morgana have married in the hospital’s chapel because they have understood the incident as a sign. Morgana offers her car and the three come rightly in time for the wedding.
During the wedding Henry meets with his first secret love, Mary Jane. He thinks he has the strength to finally say something to her, but now she is married and Henry feels frustrated. Henry hears a conversation in which Mary Jane talks with some friends about a ridiculous blog called "Diary of a Sociopath" she found once by chance. They all laugh about some of the stories she tells. Henry finds a silent support in his sister Deborah, the only one able to understand him. Suddenly Henry receives a call from a lawyer in NY. Ms Rose is dead and she has left all her fortune to him, her money, her building. Henry gets shocked and gets it as a big irony, and like the perfect way to end an unsubstantial cycle in his life.
Henry is in Ms Rose’s burial. She had been like a mother for him and he feels a great unexpected emptiness inside. Gus and Morgana are beside him, they seem happy together. Henry realizes he has to begin his real life for once.
What the press would say:
Henry Gray is one of these persons that we would cross in our life and whom we would do the most minimal case. He is a person who passes unnoticed in life and from whom we would move away because of his antipathy. Alexander Payne wrote this script with Paul Giamatti in mind. Payne was not conceiving the film without him. Paul Giamatti plays this role in a magisterial way, providing it of a great realism because initially we hate him and then we go understanding his acts and getting closer. Henry Gray becomes real by Giamatti's wonderful work. But the history doesn’t make sense without the contraposition of his extrovert and crazy nephew Jon Heder and this awkward and absent-minded young woman, with hippy parents, that believes in the signs Evan Rachel Wood. They both play their roles in a passionate and touching way. Tony Collette is perfect, like always, and plays a funny and full of shades character, who is employed at an elders' residence and who always falls in love with very old men.
This is a very entertaining movie and, in occasions, reflexive as well. Flood, satirical, with black humour, irony and sarcasm. With big doses of social critique and without false morality. An atypical movie, praised by the public and the critics. A story, simple in appearance, which turns out to be a thesis about how we relate to the others. You will leave the theatre completely overloaded, full of energy, wanting to live and to fill your life with lots of experiences, no matter how they will be.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Payne
Best Original Screenplay: Alexander Payne
Best Leading Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: Jon Heder
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actress: Tony Collette
Location: Spain
“Diary of a Sociopath"
Written and Directed by Alexander Payne
David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, Producers
Music by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
Paul Giamatti (Henry Gray)
Jon Heder (Gus)
Evan Rachel Wood (Morgana)
Tony Collette (Deborah)
Harry Dean Stanton (Deborah’s Husband)
Frances Conroy (Ms. Rose)
Maura Tierney (Mary Jane)
Stanley Tucci (Lawyer)
Tagline: “My name is Henry and I am a sociopath.”
Synopsis: Henry Gray hates everybody in a pathological way. He lives in NY and the only physical person he talks with is his owner Ms Rose. He hates his job as a civil servant and, of course, he hates his colleagues too. He considers this world sucks and he can’t find sense in anything. His only illusion in life is a blog he’s created, in which he writes about how he feels day after day, expressing all his frustration. His dedication to the blog turns an obsession and he cannot wait to be at home, so he dedicates the working hours in the office to write on it and to read the comments. His boss finds out by a spiteful worker and Henry is moved to a department with no internet access.
Henry has to drive to Jacksonville because his sister Deborah is going to get married for the third time and he will be the godfather. Deborah works in an elders’ residence, she is pregnant of twins and asks him for a big favour. Her son Gus is studying his first year in Columbia University and she asks him for bringing Gus with him to the wedding. Henry had avoided seeing his nephew in all this year and he doesn’t like the idea at all, but he has no chance. So he buys a portable computer with Wifi and he picks up his almost unknown nephew.
During the trip, Henry shows himself as a silent and antisocial person meanwhile Gus doesn’t stop talking about everything and that make sick to his uncle. Gus has been a freak all his life but, since he is in the University, he wants to experiment all he can because his hormones are over-excited. To pass the night Henry looks for a motel with internet connection but he doesn’t find any. Henry forces his nephew to have the portable computer switched on to find a wifi zone. Gus thinks his uncle is a pervert. Finally they stay in a motel with no internet and with just one bed for both. Henry decides to sleep in the car after the sounds recital and sample of piercings and tattoos of his nephew.
Henry passes the following day with a great anxiety and neck pain. Gus convinces his uncle to drive and, when Henry gets slept, Gus crashes the car against a van. The van is led by Morgana, a learner driver, and after a great discussion with Henry she takes them to a mechanical workshop. Unexpectedly they have to stay in the village until they arrange the car, so they have to stay in a motel. The wedding is the following day and Deborah warns his brother that they have to be there in time or she will kill them. Gus gets a date with Morgana and hours later Henry receives a call from Gus asking for help. They were having sex in Morgana's car and they get hooked by their genital piercings. Henry can’t believe his own eyes and takes them to the hospital. While the operation, Henry sees the opportunity to get into an administration office where there is a computer with internet. A nurse sees him and calls security. Henry passes the night in prison. In the morning Morgana pays the bail, in gratefulness for his help. The car is not arranged yet and they have to get to the wedding before midday. Gus confesses to his uncle that he and Morgana have married in the hospital’s chapel because they have understood the incident as a sign. Morgana offers her car and the three come rightly in time for the wedding.
During the wedding Henry meets with his first secret love, Mary Jane. He thinks he has the strength to finally say something to her, but now she is married and Henry feels frustrated. Henry hears a conversation in which Mary Jane talks with some friends about a ridiculous blog called "Diary of a Sociopath" she found once by chance. They all laugh about some of the stories she tells. Henry finds a silent support in his sister Deborah, the only one able to understand him. Suddenly Henry receives a call from a lawyer in NY. Ms Rose is dead and she has left all her fortune to him, her money, her building. Henry gets shocked and gets it as a big irony, and like the perfect way to end an unsubstantial cycle in his life.
Henry is in Ms Rose’s burial. She had been like a mother for him and he feels a great unexpected emptiness inside. Gus and Morgana are beside him, they seem happy together. Henry realizes he has to begin his real life for once.
What the press would say:
Henry Gray is one of these persons that we would cross in our life and whom we would do the most minimal case. He is a person who passes unnoticed in life and from whom we would move away because of his antipathy. Alexander Payne wrote this script with Paul Giamatti in mind. Payne was not conceiving the film without him. Paul Giamatti plays this role in a magisterial way, providing it of a great realism because initially we hate him and then we go understanding his acts and getting closer. Henry Gray becomes real by Giamatti's wonderful work. But the history doesn’t make sense without the contraposition of his extrovert and crazy nephew Jon Heder and this awkward and absent-minded young woman, with hippy parents, that believes in the signs Evan Rachel Wood. They both play their roles in a passionate and touching way. Tony Collette is perfect, like always, and plays a funny and full of shades character, who is employed at an elders' residence and who always falls in love with very old men.
This is a very entertaining movie and, in occasions, reflexive as well. Flood, satirical, with black humour, irony and sarcasm. With big doses of social critique and without false morality. An atypical movie, praised by the public and the critics. A story, simple in appearance, which turns out to be a thesis about how we relate to the others. You will leave the theatre completely overloaded, full of energy, wanting to live and to fill your life with lots of experiences, no matter how they will be.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Payne
Best Original Screenplay: Alexander Payne
Best Leading Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: Jon Heder
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actress: Tony Collette
Dominion
Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh
“Dominion"
Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Renner as Andy Denton
Bruce Willis as Kevin Denton
Wes Bentley as Richard Curtin
Liev Schreiber as Mr. Born
Melanie Griffith as Loretta Curtin
Danny Aiello as Dr. Gordon
Tagline: “Go to sleep, Andy. Wake up, Andy. Kill, Andy, kill”
Synopsis: A quiet diner in the small town of Hudson Wyoming is where Andy Denton placed one hand over the other onto his cold table, focusing on the outline of his fingers, desperately trying to puzzle together the missing pieces of the one thing he could never solve, his life. Years had gone by since Andy could remember any recollection of his days as a child and young adult. With the help from his concerned father Kevin, Andy is in search for his mysterious, missing time frame. Home movies, photographs, none of it made sense to Andy. The only thing Andy knew was the untimely coincidences that have been going on, and his recent problem dealing with his state of mind.
Andy notices certain things that are repeating constantly. The album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd is always playing, seeing cds in which he doesn't remember buying. His random run-ins with his old math teacher Mr. Born. A blood stain that appears on Andys flannel shirt constantly, even after washing it out, it always reappears. At first Andy thought nothing of these occurrences, but this was just the start. Andy's life takes a gigantic shift when Kevin notices odd behaviors with his son. Strange posturing, inappropriate laughter, not blinking. Andy is aware of this, but will refuse to seek help. It was obvious Andy had the symptoms of schizophrenia.
The ultimate symptom would begin a few days later. Andy would begin to hear voices in his head, if he didn't obey the voices commands, a powerful chest pain would occur and Andy would be forced to obey. It finally took the last step, where Andy would be told to kill, he did not know who or how. The symptons get more fierce, the sounds of Pink Floyd, Mr. Born beginning to make house visits to his old student. Eventually leading to Andy beginning his random stages of black outs. When Andy would awake from his black out, a story on the news would indicate that a citizen of the small town had been murdered. This frightens the town knowing there's a killer on the loose.
Meanwhile, Richard Curtin has been experiencing problems of his own. We see Richard accompanied by his mother, Loretta, he sits down with a shrink, although there are no clues as to why he is talking with him. More murders appear and it is when Mr. Born is the latest victim on the news that Andy needs to confess. However, due to overwhelming evidence the police cannot place Andy at the scene of the crime, for any of them. Andy knows he needs to be locked away.
A flashback is shown of 6 years ago in Andys last black out of a time he doesn't remember, he sees himself walking on the side of a dirt road in the middle of the night. A car is creeping by, driving the car is Richard Curtin, intoxicated, and listening to Pink Floyds "The Wall". A blood stain on Richards shirt can be noticed caused from a bitten lip. He loses control and runs down Andy Denton, crushing his chest with the deadly vehicle, while a small cabin owned by Mr. Born can be seen down the road as Mr. Born was relaxing on his porch, witnessing the incident. Richard was Borns prized student at the time and couldn't let justice handle Richard. Andys maker would never be solved.
Andy made himself his own reality, it was apparent to Andy that he was the voice inside of Richard's head, while it was Richards life he was living. While creating such incidents such as his encounter with the police, his reality was inside of the mind of Richard Curtin, making him do wrong doings, seeking his revenge, causing Richard to be haunted by the incident and ultimately leading to Richards suicide.
What the press would say:
If you haven't already heard, M. Night is back, bringing you the prodigious feature we've been waiting for since The Sixth Sense. All is expected in this film from older M. Night films, and then some. We have the main character, confused, tormented, the normal guy with a unique story that we know of, or don't know of. You have the hidden messages, the small, overlooked scenes that uses noises in the background, haunting dialogue that brings out nothing but pure horror to the audience, but Shyamalan brings more to the table in his new masterpiece "Dominion". The way he blends in the tear jerking, beautiful, haunting sounds of Pink Floyd with the intensity of a scene is mind blowing, the music itself only intensifies the thrilling aspect of this film. Curve ball after curve ball is thrown into this deep script and we the audience love every minute of it, trying to solve what's going to happen next. Of course the lead man in this film, Jeremy Renner, can be accounted for giving us his masterful portrayal of a demented Andy Denton. In a scene where Andy breaks out, you can notice Renner is putting all his might into this performance, his facial expressions, body movement, he does everything for a reason, and that reason is to create a disturbing atmosphere for his character. A fair warning to those who haven't seen this film, do NOT look Andy Denton in the eyes, they'll stick with you, trust me. Bruce Willis reminds us again that he can be a subtle actor, as muted and mysterious as other great actors with similar roles. Willis and Renner (sounds like a TV show) easily click and you can watch the father/son relationship slowly disintegrate before our eyes. The pace never stops for "Dominion", your mind is wondering in 20 different places, the anticipation of the next scene causes your nerves to rise. Of course M. Night gives you time to relax and feeds in those quirky, comedic one-liners, but what will be remembered is the true shock value this film provides. You'll have to avoid talks of this film, avoid the friends at school if you want to be spared the authentic ending of "Dominion". This film has the potential to be the best of the year, one the Academy would be fools if they slept on.
FYC:
Best Picture - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Director - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Actor in Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Actor in Supporting Role - Bruce Willis
Best Original Screenplay - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Location: Pittsburgh
“Dominion"
Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Renner as Andy Denton
Bruce Willis as Kevin Denton
Wes Bentley as Richard Curtin
Liev Schreiber as Mr. Born
Melanie Griffith as Loretta Curtin
Danny Aiello as Dr. Gordon
Tagline: “Go to sleep, Andy. Wake up, Andy. Kill, Andy, kill”
Synopsis: A quiet diner in the small town of Hudson Wyoming is where Andy Denton placed one hand over the other onto his cold table, focusing on the outline of his fingers, desperately trying to puzzle together the missing pieces of the one thing he could never solve, his life. Years had gone by since Andy could remember any recollection of his days as a child and young adult. With the help from his concerned father Kevin, Andy is in search for his mysterious, missing time frame. Home movies, photographs, none of it made sense to Andy. The only thing Andy knew was the untimely coincidences that have been going on, and his recent problem dealing with his state of mind.
Andy notices certain things that are repeating constantly. The album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd is always playing, seeing cds in which he doesn't remember buying. His random run-ins with his old math teacher Mr. Born. A blood stain that appears on Andys flannel shirt constantly, even after washing it out, it always reappears. At first Andy thought nothing of these occurrences, but this was just the start. Andy's life takes a gigantic shift when Kevin notices odd behaviors with his son. Strange posturing, inappropriate laughter, not blinking. Andy is aware of this, but will refuse to seek help. It was obvious Andy had the symptoms of schizophrenia.
The ultimate symptom would begin a few days later. Andy would begin to hear voices in his head, if he didn't obey the voices commands, a powerful chest pain would occur and Andy would be forced to obey. It finally took the last step, where Andy would be told to kill, he did not know who or how. The symptons get more fierce, the sounds of Pink Floyd, Mr. Born beginning to make house visits to his old student. Eventually leading to Andy beginning his random stages of black outs. When Andy would awake from his black out, a story on the news would indicate that a citizen of the small town had been murdered. This frightens the town knowing there's a killer on the loose.
Meanwhile, Richard Curtin has been experiencing problems of his own. We see Richard accompanied by his mother, Loretta, he sits down with a shrink, although there are no clues as to why he is talking with him. More murders appear and it is when Mr. Born is the latest victim on the news that Andy needs to confess. However, due to overwhelming evidence the police cannot place Andy at the scene of the crime, for any of them. Andy knows he needs to be locked away.
A flashback is shown of 6 years ago in Andys last black out of a time he doesn't remember, he sees himself walking on the side of a dirt road in the middle of the night. A car is creeping by, driving the car is Richard Curtin, intoxicated, and listening to Pink Floyds "The Wall". A blood stain on Richards shirt can be noticed caused from a bitten lip. He loses control and runs down Andy Denton, crushing his chest with the deadly vehicle, while a small cabin owned by Mr. Born can be seen down the road as Mr. Born was relaxing on his porch, witnessing the incident. Richard was Borns prized student at the time and couldn't let justice handle Richard. Andys maker would never be solved.
Andy made himself his own reality, it was apparent to Andy that he was the voice inside of Richard's head, while it was Richards life he was living. While creating such incidents such as his encounter with the police, his reality was inside of the mind of Richard Curtin, making him do wrong doings, seeking his revenge, causing Richard to be haunted by the incident and ultimately leading to Richards suicide.
What the press would say:
If you haven't already heard, M. Night is back, bringing you the prodigious feature we've been waiting for since The Sixth Sense. All is expected in this film from older M. Night films, and then some. We have the main character, confused, tormented, the normal guy with a unique story that we know of, or don't know of. You have the hidden messages, the small, overlooked scenes that uses noises in the background, haunting dialogue that brings out nothing but pure horror to the audience, but Shyamalan brings more to the table in his new masterpiece "Dominion". The way he blends in the tear jerking, beautiful, haunting sounds of Pink Floyd with the intensity of a scene is mind blowing, the music itself only intensifies the thrilling aspect of this film. Curve ball after curve ball is thrown into this deep script and we the audience love every minute of it, trying to solve what's going to happen next. Of course the lead man in this film, Jeremy Renner, can be accounted for giving us his masterful portrayal of a demented Andy Denton. In a scene where Andy breaks out, you can notice Renner is putting all his might into this performance, his facial expressions, body movement, he does everything for a reason, and that reason is to create a disturbing atmosphere for his character. A fair warning to those who haven't seen this film, do NOT look Andy Denton in the eyes, they'll stick with you, trust me. Bruce Willis reminds us again that he can be a subtle actor, as muted and mysterious as other great actors with similar roles. Willis and Renner (sounds like a TV show) easily click and you can watch the father/son relationship slowly disintegrate before our eyes. The pace never stops for "Dominion", your mind is wondering in 20 different places, the anticipation of the next scene causes your nerves to rise. Of course M. Night gives you time to relax and feeds in those quirky, comedic one-liners, but what will be remembered is the true shock value this film provides. You'll have to avoid talks of this film, avoid the friends at school if you want to be spared the authentic ending of "Dominion". This film has the potential to be the best of the year, one the Academy would be fools if they slept on.
FYC:
Best Picture - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Director - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Actor in Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Actor in Supporting Role - Bruce Willis
Best Original Screenplay - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Drag Queen
Author(s): Iñaki
Location: Spain
“Drag Queen"
Directed by Duncan Tucker
Written by Patrick Marber
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla
Costumes by Sharen Davis
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art direction by Rick Heinrichs
Make-up by Montse Ribé
Musical / Drama
Principal Cast:
Julia Roberts ("Linda" Johnson)
Keira Knightley (Diana Johnson)
Meryl streep (Tina McQueen)
Christian Bale (Adriano Ronconi)
Justin Kirk (Tim Mathews)
Gretchen Mol (Hannah Stuart)
Tagline: "When you are on the stage, you are another person"
Synopsis: In one of the largest casinos of Las Vegas, Linda Johnson is preparing her night show. Her bright green dress shines in front of the mirror where she puts on her false eyelashes. What se didn't expect is that Tina is going to give her a big surprise: her daughter is the corridor and she is looking for her.
Linda Johnson, played by Julia roberts, is a famous Drag Queen of Las Vegas. She has a spectacular show wher she signs her own songs with bright dresses and high heels. She is the most talented woman of Tim's casino. But her success is very different behind the stage.Linda is a man divorced from his wife, who lives in Seattle. They got divorced twenty years ago because Hannah (played by Gretchen Mol) discovered him in a club singing a song with a sequin dress and a blonde wig. Now, Len Johnson, is knowed as Linda Johnson has a different life full of financial troubles and addictions.
Her best friend, Tina, played by Meryl Streep, is a excentric woman in her fifties who has a better life. She has a main show in the casino which has a lot of audience. She usually leans Linda with her problems but sometimes it isn't enough. Tina is also involved in the drugs world and beacuse of her addiction, Linda is now a drug addict too.
Adriano Ronconi is the stylist of the women and he loves to talk with them. He always wears fashion clothes and when he talks he is always very satiric. He helped Linda to put an end to her drug adicction but Linda couldn't. He is gay and he fell in love with Justin Kirk, the manager of the casino. the problem is that he isn't gay. He is very strict and he doesn't like Linda and Tina but they atract many audience so he mantain the show.
The day of Linda's birthday, she was putting on her bright green dress with the feather boa when Tina entered nerviously in her dressing room. She said to Linda that a young woman was waiting for her in the corridor and she is supposed to be her daughter. Linda didn't understand anything but when she went out to the corridor, a beautiful young woman was waiting her sitted in a bench with a bunch of flowers. Linda knew that her life was going to change.
Diana is a young girl from Seattle who didn't like her mother's boyfriend and after an argument, she decided to find his father in Las Vegas. Linda and Diana, her daughter, played by Keira Knightley, started to talk about everything. Finally, the conversation was an argument about Diana's life. she used to live in Seattle with her mother and her boyfriend. She didn't like him and she finally decided to find her father who is supposed to be in Las Vegas. what she didn't know is that her father is a Drag Queen.
Linda is being helped by Adriano who tried to put and end to her addiction but it is very difficult and she is very weakness so she is finally affected by drugs. It procokes a cancer in her heart and when she went to the hospital, the doctor siad to her that it couldn't be treated.
Diana stayed at Linda's dressing room during the shows and one night she discovered Linda's diary hided under the blue pair of hight heels. In her diary, Linda writes everything about her life. Diana finally understand her father's situation and she tried to help him but it was very dffiicult because her father suffered a heart cancer which couldn't be treated. She feeled her life was getting worst and worst everyday. This caused her a great depression and she tried to comit a suicide but her father stopped her in the last moment. They talk about the reasons of her act and she explained her father everything, included the fact that she knew her illness. Linda said to he that she wanted to tell her the truth but she didn't know how.
Two months later, Linda's state was worse and when she was singing she feeled a great pain in her heart but what she wanted in that moment was finish her song and die gloriously under the night stars and the audience's aplausse.
What the press would say:
"Great, simply great"
The press loves this love story full of great songs singed by the cast.There are espectacular songs with great choreographies, specially the last song, "I would like to be a great star” inged by Julia Roberts whe she is going to die.
Press loves all performances. Julia Roberts fill the entire rol perfectly and she produces a great sensation when she sings. Her role is full of extress, addictions and troubles and they affect you when you see the film. The best part of her role is the last song where her voice create a sad environment which can affect to sensitive people.
Keira is great in this role. Her cruel argument with her father when she arrives Las Vegas is the best part of the film. Sadness and desperation are the feelings that you feel when you see Keira's role. Her song "My own problems" is one of the best parts of the film specially when we see her trying to cut her veins. Keira is a great actress and in this film she shows us her talent brighting in the big screen as any other young actress have nerver done.
Meryl Streep is gorgeous in this difficult role of a woman who has to face her problems with drugs. When she sings she is wonderful and she fill the stage. Her performance is one of the best of the year. Strenght and weakness are mixed in her role and you can see her as a brave woman after an scence where she was crying. she is one of the best actress of all times and she domonstrates it in this film.
And the last aclaimed performance is the stylist one, Christian Bale. His role is very complicated and he has never done anything similar but he is perfect in this role. It fits him. We see another person, you can´t think he could play this role but he really do it wonderfully. Christian Bale is a fantastic stylist and very funny. When he apperas, his accent, his walk, his clothes and his gestures makes you laugh and laugh.
This is one of the best films of all times and it has a wonderful cast with great performances. The director create a world of adicctions and shows which you can't understand until you see this film. Bright dresses, high heels and a lot of make-up transform the cast into other people. This is a film where emotions exploit in the fantastic dialogues of Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) with Gustavo Santaolalla`s music as perfect background of this complicated film about a very difficult life, the life of success and failure.
The film is full of fantastic songs which help you to understand the film and they entertain you too. The cast sing all songs with their own voices and it sounds very special. we have to said that the dancers company which apperars in the film is great and they dance perfectly in each situation. And the work of the costumes and make-up department is great and you can see Julia Roberts as a Man and also as a Drag Queen and you think that she is a real man. In conclusion, all technical categories are filled with professinal people who create a real casino in a studio of Los Angeles.
Categories
Best Picture
Best Director: Duncan Tucker
Best Original Screenplay: Patrick Marber
Best Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Actress: Julia Roberts
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actress: Keira Knightley
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best song (“I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts)
Best Make-up
Best Costumes
Best Art Direction
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Film-Edititing
Best Score
These are the songs of the film (not in order):
"My own song" - Julia Roberts - the beginning of the film
"Welcome to Las Vegas" - Justin Kirk - he opens his casino on a saturday night
"Make Up, Make Up and gloss" - Christian Bale - He prepares the Drags for the show
"You and Me" - Julia and Keira - They argue about their future and... their past
"What are you waitin'" - Tina and Julia - They sing together under the disco ball
"My own problems" - Keira - Keira sings while she is trying to comit a suicide
"I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts - Julia's last song
"This is my PUB!" - Kirk, Meryl and Julia - An argument between Kirk and Tina/Linda
"Mum and Dad" - Keira and Gretchen Mol - The argument between Keira and her mother
"My last days" - Meryl - She realises her situation of addiction
"Bye Mrs Johnson" - All cast except Julia - All cast sings when Julia dies.
"The dressing room" - Julia and Christian - Christian tries to convince her to put an end her addiction
Location: Spain
“Drag Queen"
Directed by Duncan Tucker
Written by Patrick Marber
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla
Costumes by Sharen Davis
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art direction by Rick Heinrichs
Make-up by Montse Ribé
Musical / Drama
Principal Cast:
Julia Roberts ("Linda" Johnson)
Keira Knightley (Diana Johnson)
Meryl streep (Tina McQueen)
Christian Bale (Adriano Ronconi)
Justin Kirk (Tim Mathews)
Gretchen Mol (Hannah Stuart)
Tagline: "When you are on the stage, you are another person"
Synopsis: In one of the largest casinos of Las Vegas, Linda Johnson is preparing her night show. Her bright green dress shines in front of the mirror where she puts on her false eyelashes. What se didn't expect is that Tina is going to give her a big surprise: her daughter is the corridor and she is looking for her.
Linda Johnson, played by Julia roberts, is a famous Drag Queen of Las Vegas. She has a spectacular show wher she signs her own songs with bright dresses and high heels. She is the most talented woman of Tim's casino. But her success is very different behind the stage.Linda is a man divorced from his wife, who lives in Seattle. They got divorced twenty years ago because Hannah (played by Gretchen Mol) discovered him in a club singing a song with a sequin dress and a blonde wig. Now, Len Johnson, is knowed as Linda Johnson has a different life full of financial troubles and addictions.
Her best friend, Tina, played by Meryl Streep, is a excentric woman in her fifties who has a better life. She has a main show in the casino which has a lot of audience. She usually leans Linda with her problems but sometimes it isn't enough. Tina is also involved in the drugs world and beacuse of her addiction, Linda is now a drug addict too.
Adriano Ronconi is the stylist of the women and he loves to talk with them. He always wears fashion clothes and when he talks he is always very satiric. He helped Linda to put an end to her drug adicction but Linda couldn't. He is gay and he fell in love with Justin Kirk, the manager of the casino. the problem is that he isn't gay. He is very strict and he doesn't like Linda and Tina but they atract many audience so he mantain the show.
The day of Linda's birthday, she was putting on her bright green dress with the feather boa when Tina entered nerviously in her dressing room. She said to Linda that a young woman was waiting for her in the corridor and she is supposed to be her daughter. Linda didn't understand anything but when she went out to the corridor, a beautiful young woman was waiting her sitted in a bench with a bunch of flowers. Linda knew that her life was going to change.
Diana is a young girl from Seattle who didn't like her mother's boyfriend and after an argument, she decided to find his father in Las Vegas. Linda and Diana, her daughter, played by Keira Knightley, started to talk about everything. Finally, the conversation was an argument about Diana's life. she used to live in Seattle with her mother and her boyfriend. She didn't like him and she finally decided to find her father who is supposed to be in Las Vegas. what she didn't know is that her father is a Drag Queen.
Linda is being helped by Adriano who tried to put and end to her addiction but it is very difficult and she is very weakness so she is finally affected by drugs. It procokes a cancer in her heart and when she went to the hospital, the doctor siad to her that it couldn't be treated.
Diana stayed at Linda's dressing room during the shows and one night she discovered Linda's diary hided under the blue pair of hight heels. In her diary, Linda writes everything about her life. Diana finally understand her father's situation and she tried to help him but it was very dffiicult because her father suffered a heart cancer which couldn't be treated. She feeled her life was getting worst and worst everyday. This caused her a great depression and she tried to comit a suicide but her father stopped her in the last moment. They talk about the reasons of her act and she explained her father everything, included the fact that she knew her illness. Linda said to he that she wanted to tell her the truth but she didn't know how.
Two months later, Linda's state was worse and when she was singing she feeled a great pain in her heart but what she wanted in that moment was finish her song and die gloriously under the night stars and the audience's aplausse.
What the press would say:
"Great, simply great"
The press loves this love story full of great songs singed by the cast.There are espectacular songs with great choreographies, specially the last song, "I would like to be a great star” inged by Julia Roberts whe she is going to die.
Press loves all performances. Julia Roberts fill the entire rol perfectly and she produces a great sensation when she sings. Her role is full of extress, addictions and troubles and they affect you when you see the film. The best part of her role is the last song where her voice create a sad environment which can affect to sensitive people.
Keira is great in this role. Her cruel argument with her father when she arrives Las Vegas is the best part of the film. Sadness and desperation are the feelings that you feel when you see Keira's role. Her song "My own problems" is one of the best parts of the film specially when we see her trying to cut her veins. Keira is a great actress and in this film she shows us her talent brighting in the big screen as any other young actress have nerver done.
Meryl Streep is gorgeous in this difficult role of a woman who has to face her problems with drugs. When she sings she is wonderful and she fill the stage. Her performance is one of the best of the year. Strenght and weakness are mixed in her role and you can see her as a brave woman after an scence where she was crying. she is one of the best actress of all times and she domonstrates it in this film.
And the last aclaimed performance is the stylist one, Christian Bale. His role is very complicated and he has never done anything similar but he is perfect in this role. It fits him. We see another person, you can´t think he could play this role but he really do it wonderfully. Christian Bale is a fantastic stylist and very funny. When he apperas, his accent, his walk, his clothes and his gestures makes you laugh and laugh.
This is one of the best films of all times and it has a wonderful cast with great performances. The director create a world of adicctions and shows which you can't understand until you see this film. Bright dresses, high heels and a lot of make-up transform the cast into other people. This is a film where emotions exploit in the fantastic dialogues of Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) with Gustavo Santaolalla`s music as perfect background of this complicated film about a very difficult life, the life of success and failure.
The film is full of fantastic songs which help you to understand the film and they entertain you too. The cast sing all songs with their own voices and it sounds very special. we have to said that the dancers company which apperars in the film is great and they dance perfectly in each situation. And the work of the costumes and make-up department is great and you can see Julia Roberts as a Man and also as a Drag Queen and you think that she is a real man. In conclusion, all technical categories are filled with professinal people who create a real casino in a studio of Los Angeles.
Categories
Best Picture
Best Director: Duncan Tucker
Best Original Screenplay: Patrick Marber
Best Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Actress: Julia Roberts
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actress: Keira Knightley
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best song (“I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts)
Best Make-up
Best Costumes
Best Art Direction
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Film-Edititing
Best Score
These are the songs of the film (not in order):
"My own song" - Julia Roberts - the beginning of the film
"Welcome to Las Vegas" - Justin Kirk - he opens his casino on a saturday night
"Make Up, Make Up and gloss" - Christian Bale - He prepares the Drags for the show
"You and Me" - Julia and Keira - They argue about their future and... their past
"What are you waitin'" - Tina and Julia - They sing together under the disco ball
"My own problems" - Keira - Keira sings while she is trying to comit a suicide
"I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts - Julia's last song
"This is my PUB!" - Kirk, Meryl and Julia - An argument between Kirk and Tina/Linda
"Mum and Dad" - Keira and Gretchen Mol - The argument between Keira and her mother
"My last days" - Meryl - She realises her situation of addiction
"Bye Mrs Johnson" - All cast except Julia - All cast sings when Julia dies.
"The dressing room" - Julia and Christian - Christian tries to convince her to put an end her addiction
Fatally Yours
Author(s): D.W. Dillon
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Fatally Yours"
Directed by Robert Towne
Written by Robert Towne and Rian Johnson
Cinematography by Caleb Deschanel
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art Direction by Leslie McDonald
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Produced by Martin Scorsese
Drama / Noir
Principal Cast:
Carey Elwes - Raymond Dash
Connie Nielsen - Claudine Ashfield
Anjelica Huston - Tessa Ashfield
Val Kilmer - Victor Ashfield
James Gandolfini - Mink Malloy
Philip Baker Hall - Lt. Cashman
David Strathairn - Mel J. Cobb
Rachel Griffiths - Felicia Lockhart
Tagline: "Two faced, two-fisted, red-handed, with shades of grey...everyone's a suspect"
Synopsis: Crime doesn't pay. Las Vegas private invistigator Raymond Dash (Carey Elwes) believes otherwise. That thick wad of bills, courtesy of the wealthy Tessa Ashfield (Anjelica Huston) is more than his slacks can handle, and proof-positive where there is a murder, there is a payoff. Apparently, her famous son, Victor Ashfield (Val Kilmer), former Olympic skier, former ladies man, husband to one, father to many, was murdered, cold-blooded in his own bedroom. Put down, like an old Labrador who bit one too many ankles. The fuzz is pushin' for a suicide rap. The vigilant mother wants justice, or at least someone to pay, and at the top of her list lies the widow of her dearly departed son, Claudine Ashfield (Connie Nielsen). A sultry failed actress who had subjected herself to singing for the lounge lizards, until she met Victor. Now reaping the benefits from his bank account, and mourning in grief at his Lake Tahoe mansion, Raymond Dash confronts the widow, their envious maid (Rachel Griffiths), and brute bodyguard Mink Malloy (James Gandolfini) on the events leading up to his death. Maybe Victor fooled around. Maybe he abused his wife. Maybe he put his friends before his family, coming home late every night like some drunken mooch looking for comfort after raising hell with the boys. Goldiggers are a dime a dozen, and she's got a motive that is as plain as day. But Claudine's innocent and romantic clutch might be too much for the lonesome Raymond Dash, as he tries to uncover the affairs amongst the hired help; "The maid and Victor? Claudine and Mink?", the will; "Two wills? One legal, one hand-written...", and the vendetta's; "She was hurt, hurt bad but her violent streak was as big as Victor's cold dead heart." Something's gotta give. Police Lieutenant Cashman (Philip Baker Hall), who just happens to be Claudine's overprotective dear old dad is giving Raymond the unnecessary run-around. And with nosey reporter Mel J. Cobb (David Strathairn) lookin' to write what isn't there, makes Raymond's job that much more difficult. Where there's mystery there is a shocking revelation. One that will sweep this resort town into a frenzy. Everyone has an angle, and Raymond Dash knows them all. It's only a matter of time before he cracks the case, or sink too deep and drown amidst the underbelly of high society and love.
Quotes:
Raymond Dash: "Your son seemed like a real peach."
Tessa Ashfield: "He was a good boy, and that tart couldn't bare his
fame!"
Mel J. Cobb: "What's the scoop, Dash? The dame plug the heartbreaker or what?"
Raymond Dash: "Try or what, maybe you'll catch some readers, ya sap."
Claudine Ashfield: "I've never met anyone like you, Mr. Dash. You've got a lovely ignorance about you."
Raymond Dash: "I think you mean arrogance, but I get that a lot."
Mink Malloy: "I work for me, no one else, especially Cashman! You're barking up the wrong tree, little puppy, so I suggest..."
Raymond Dash: "I'm not barkin' Mink, just sniffin'."
Felicia Lockhart: "He wanted to leave her. Her life, her kid...was cramping his style."
Raymond Dash: "Kinda like the bullet that cramped his aorta."
Raymond Dash: "Your baby girl's sittin' rich up on that mansion and I've got a backer."
Lt. Cashman: "Listen here, toy cop. You're no detective. You'd slit your wrists for a second grader's lunch money."
Raymond Dash: "Yeah, who's wrists would you slit for your daughter's
happiness?"
What the press would say:
Sharply directed by Robert Towne (Tequila Sunrise, Chinatown) who dips his skills once again into a genre that's been under appreciated with the stylishly crafted, "Fatally Yours". A film at it's zenith noir, with a dark sense of a place that is as corrupt as the night is long. Towne, with up-and-coming writer/director Rian Johnson (Brick) devise a story of such depth inside the world of a hard-boiled detective. With utter wit and a trendsetting look to burn a hole through your soul, Cary Elwes dishes the dialogue that would leave even the great Philip Marlowe speechless. His turn as the semi-hard drinkin' private investigator antagonizes the antagonists, belays the heat, and melts the ice queen. Accompanied by the sure fire performances of Rachel Griffiths and Anjelica Huston, to the sultry Connie Nielsen whose raspy-retro noir beauty shakes the trees and makes the tough guy cry. Val Kilmer as the vulnerable millionaire playboy without a clue in the flashback sequences, to Philip Baker Hall's contradicting police lieutenant, "Fatally Yours" fills the screen with memorable performances that'll puzzle your brain with intrigue. Snappy dialogue and uncomfortable confrontations lifts this film from the shadows and into the spotlight of Oscar's red carpet.
Best Picture
Best Director - Robert Towne
Best Actor - Carey Elwes
Best Actress - Connie Nielsen
Best Supporting Actor - Val Kilmer
Best Supporting Actor - Philip Baker Hall
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Griffiths
Best Supporting Actress - Anjelica Huston
Best Original Screenplay - Robert Towne & Rian Johnson
Best Cinematography - Caleb Deschanel (The Passion of the Christ)
Best Editing - Thelma Schoonmaker (The Departed)
Best Art Direction - Leslie McDonald (The Hudsucker Proxy)
Best Score - Elmer Bernstein (The Grifters)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Fatally Yours"
Directed by Robert Towne
Written by Robert Towne and Rian Johnson
Cinematography by Caleb Deschanel
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art Direction by Leslie McDonald
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Produced by Martin Scorsese
Drama / Noir
Principal Cast:
Carey Elwes - Raymond Dash
Connie Nielsen - Claudine Ashfield
Anjelica Huston - Tessa Ashfield
Val Kilmer - Victor Ashfield
James Gandolfini - Mink Malloy
Philip Baker Hall - Lt. Cashman
David Strathairn - Mel J. Cobb
Rachel Griffiths - Felicia Lockhart
Tagline: "Two faced, two-fisted, red-handed, with shades of grey...everyone's a suspect"
Synopsis: Crime doesn't pay. Las Vegas private invistigator Raymond Dash (Carey Elwes) believes otherwise. That thick wad of bills, courtesy of the wealthy Tessa Ashfield (Anjelica Huston) is more than his slacks can handle, and proof-positive where there is a murder, there is a payoff. Apparently, her famous son, Victor Ashfield (Val Kilmer), former Olympic skier, former ladies man, husband to one, father to many, was murdered, cold-blooded in his own bedroom. Put down, like an old Labrador who bit one too many ankles. The fuzz is pushin' for a suicide rap. The vigilant mother wants justice, or at least someone to pay, and at the top of her list lies the widow of her dearly departed son, Claudine Ashfield (Connie Nielsen). A sultry failed actress who had subjected herself to singing for the lounge lizards, until she met Victor. Now reaping the benefits from his bank account, and mourning in grief at his Lake Tahoe mansion, Raymond Dash confronts the widow, their envious maid (Rachel Griffiths), and brute bodyguard Mink Malloy (James Gandolfini) on the events leading up to his death. Maybe Victor fooled around. Maybe he abused his wife. Maybe he put his friends before his family, coming home late every night like some drunken mooch looking for comfort after raising hell with the boys. Goldiggers are a dime a dozen, and she's got a motive that is as plain as day. But Claudine's innocent and romantic clutch might be too much for the lonesome Raymond Dash, as he tries to uncover the affairs amongst the hired help; "The maid and Victor? Claudine and Mink?", the will; "Two wills? One legal, one hand-written...", and the vendetta's; "She was hurt, hurt bad but her violent streak was as big as Victor's cold dead heart." Something's gotta give. Police Lieutenant Cashman (Philip Baker Hall), who just happens to be Claudine's overprotective dear old dad is giving Raymond the unnecessary run-around. And with nosey reporter Mel J. Cobb (David Strathairn) lookin' to write what isn't there, makes Raymond's job that much more difficult. Where there's mystery there is a shocking revelation. One that will sweep this resort town into a frenzy. Everyone has an angle, and Raymond Dash knows them all. It's only a matter of time before he cracks the case, or sink too deep and drown amidst the underbelly of high society and love.
Quotes:
Raymond Dash: "Your son seemed like a real peach."
Tessa Ashfield: "He was a good boy, and that tart couldn't bare his
fame!"
Mel J. Cobb: "What's the scoop, Dash? The dame plug the heartbreaker or what?"
Raymond Dash: "Try or what, maybe you'll catch some readers, ya sap."
Claudine Ashfield: "I've never met anyone like you, Mr. Dash. You've got a lovely ignorance about you."
Raymond Dash: "I think you mean arrogance, but I get that a lot."
Mink Malloy: "I work for me, no one else, especially Cashman! You're barking up the wrong tree, little puppy, so I suggest..."
Raymond Dash: "I'm not barkin' Mink, just sniffin'."
Felicia Lockhart: "He wanted to leave her. Her life, her kid...was cramping his style."
Raymond Dash: "Kinda like the bullet that cramped his aorta."
Raymond Dash: "Your baby girl's sittin' rich up on that mansion and I've got a backer."
Lt. Cashman: "Listen here, toy cop. You're no detective. You'd slit your wrists for a second grader's lunch money."
Raymond Dash: "Yeah, who's wrists would you slit for your daughter's
happiness?"
What the press would say:
Sharply directed by Robert Towne (Tequila Sunrise, Chinatown) who dips his skills once again into a genre that's been under appreciated with the stylishly crafted, "Fatally Yours". A film at it's zenith noir, with a dark sense of a place that is as corrupt as the night is long. Towne, with up-and-coming writer/director Rian Johnson (Brick) devise a story of such depth inside the world of a hard-boiled detective. With utter wit and a trendsetting look to burn a hole through your soul, Cary Elwes dishes the dialogue that would leave even the great Philip Marlowe speechless. His turn as the semi-hard drinkin' private investigator antagonizes the antagonists, belays the heat, and melts the ice queen. Accompanied by the sure fire performances of Rachel Griffiths and Anjelica Huston, to the sultry Connie Nielsen whose raspy-retro noir beauty shakes the trees and makes the tough guy cry. Val Kilmer as the vulnerable millionaire playboy without a clue in the flashback sequences, to Philip Baker Hall's contradicting police lieutenant, "Fatally Yours" fills the screen with memorable performances that'll puzzle your brain with intrigue. Snappy dialogue and uncomfortable confrontations lifts this film from the shadows and into the spotlight of Oscar's red carpet.
Best Picture
Best Director - Robert Towne
Best Actor - Carey Elwes
Best Actress - Connie Nielsen
Best Supporting Actor - Val Kilmer
Best Supporting Actor - Philip Baker Hall
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Griffiths
Best Supporting Actress - Anjelica Huston
Best Original Screenplay - Robert Towne & Rian Johnson
Best Cinematography - Caleb Deschanel (The Passion of the Christ)
Best Editing - Thelma Schoonmaker (The Departed)
Best Art Direction - Leslie McDonald (The Hudsucker Proxy)
Best Score - Elmer Bernstein (The Grifters)
From Here To There
Author(s): Pat
Location: New York
“From Here to There"
Directed By David O. Russell
Written By David Chase and David O. Russell
Based on a True Story
Produced By Paul Haggis, Brad Grey, David Chase
Principal Cast:
William Shatner (Bob Matas)
Florence Henderson (Betty Matas)
Luis Guzman (Douglas Guldeniz)
Naomi Watts (Alice Keats)
Mark Wahlberg (Tom Keats)
William Fitchner (Eddie Pomenville)
Tagline: "3 People. $3,000. 2,500 Miles. That’s all it takes to get from here to there.”
Synopsis: The director of “I Heart Huckabees” David O. Russell and “The Sopranos” creator David Chase come together to create a new on-the-road drama based on actual events. Bob (William Shatner) and Betty (Florence Henderson) Matas have decided that they wish to move away from New York City after being raised there into their mid-70s. They want out of the bustle of the metropolis and plan to make a new home in Arizona, but they come across a problem when neither owns a car and they can’t fly because Betty is afraid that her two cats would die during the travel. As a joke they ask a cabbie named Douglas (Luis Guzman) to drive them the entire 2,500 miles to their new home. Bob and Betty soon grow on the idea and officially request that Douglas take them across the country at a fee of $3,000. He agrees and the trio sets off on a cross-country mission to start a new life. But complications arise from a reporter (Naomi Watts) desperate for a good story and her heroin-addicted husband (Mark Wahlberg), as well as issues from Douglas’ boss (William Fitchner) who finds the endevour to be stupid and wants his driver back. Bob, Betty, and Douglas soon become good friends during the ride and begin to discover new things about their lives and the lives of people they meet along their journey. “From Here To There” is a heartwarming tale about a couple trying to live happily and how their desires affect the people around them.
What the press would say:
Acclaimed director David O. Russell takes a look at the value of relationships and growing old in his new film, “From Here to There”. The story is based upon a true story where a NYC couple in their twilight decide to move to Arizona after Bob, the husband, retires from his long-held career. Bob and Betty convince a cabbie named Douglas to drive them the distance in exchange for $3,000 and free room and board along the trip. Along the way the couple and Douglas learn things about themselves they never knew existed and the couple soon come to terms with growing old. Following them are a reporter and drug addict husband, played by Naomi Watts and Mark Wahlberg, on a mission to make an amazing documentary out of the subject. Wahlberg shines as a supportive but uncontrollable heroin lover who makes a mess of the trip with several run-ins with authorities. Watts also gives a good performance as a desperate woman trying to make a difference in the world. The two provide most of the comic relief for the story. Florence Henderson stars as Betty Matas, the woman in the cab who is obsessed with her cats and is somewhat against moving to Arizona. William Shatner shows a new side of his acting by giving a very quiet and restrained performance that also contains an enormous amount of power in his expressions. Luis Guzman is, by far, the best part of the film, as Douglas the cabbie, who has been look down upon by his boss because of his intelligence. Guzman offers little pearls of wisdom that at first glance seem to be stupid reflections on life but are actually well thought out but poorly phrased philosophical statements. Overall, “From Here to There” shows off the abilities of all its actors and causes the audience to contemplate on their remaining time on Earth.
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director-David O. Russell
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Luis Guzman
Best Actor-William Shatner
Best Actress-Florence Henderson
Best Supporting Actor-Mark Wahlberg
Best Supporting Actress-Naomi Watts
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Location: New York
“From Here to There"
Directed By David O. Russell
Written By David Chase and David O. Russell
Based on a True Story
Produced By Paul Haggis, Brad Grey, David Chase
Principal Cast:
William Shatner (Bob Matas)
Florence Henderson (Betty Matas)
Luis Guzman (Douglas Guldeniz)
Naomi Watts (Alice Keats)
Mark Wahlberg (Tom Keats)
William Fitchner (Eddie Pomenville)
Tagline: "3 People. $3,000. 2,500 Miles. That’s all it takes to get from here to there.”
Synopsis: The director of “I Heart Huckabees” David O. Russell and “The Sopranos” creator David Chase come together to create a new on-the-road drama based on actual events. Bob (William Shatner) and Betty (Florence Henderson) Matas have decided that they wish to move away from New York City after being raised there into their mid-70s. They want out of the bustle of the metropolis and plan to make a new home in Arizona, but they come across a problem when neither owns a car and they can’t fly because Betty is afraid that her two cats would die during the travel. As a joke they ask a cabbie named Douglas (Luis Guzman) to drive them the entire 2,500 miles to their new home. Bob and Betty soon grow on the idea and officially request that Douglas take them across the country at a fee of $3,000. He agrees and the trio sets off on a cross-country mission to start a new life. But complications arise from a reporter (Naomi Watts) desperate for a good story and her heroin-addicted husband (Mark Wahlberg), as well as issues from Douglas’ boss (William Fitchner) who finds the endevour to be stupid and wants his driver back. Bob, Betty, and Douglas soon become good friends during the ride and begin to discover new things about their lives and the lives of people they meet along their journey. “From Here To There” is a heartwarming tale about a couple trying to live happily and how their desires affect the people around them.
What the press would say:
Acclaimed director David O. Russell takes a look at the value of relationships and growing old in his new film, “From Here to There”. The story is based upon a true story where a NYC couple in their twilight decide to move to Arizona after Bob, the husband, retires from his long-held career. Bob and Betty convince a cabbie named Douglas to drive them the distance in exchange for $3,000 and free room and board along the trip. Along the way the couple and Douglas learn things about themselves they never knew existed and the couple soon come to terms with growing old. Following them are a reporter and drug addict husband, played by Naomi Watts and Mark Wahlberg, on a mission to make an amazing documentary out of the subject. Wahlberg shines as a supportive but uncontrollable heroin lover who makes a mess of the trip with several run-ins with authorities. Watts also gives a good performance as a desperate woman trying to make a difference in the world. The two provide most of the comic relief for the story. Florence Henderson stars as Betty Matas, the woman in the cab who is obsessed with her cats and is somewhat against moving to Arizona. William Shatner shows a new side of his acting by giving a very quiet and restrained performance that also contains an enormous amount of power in his expressions. Luis Guzman is, by far, the best part of the film, as Douglas the cabbie, who has been look down upon by his boss because of his intelligence. Guzman offers little pearls of wisdom that at first glance seem to be stupid reflections on life but are actually well thought out but poorly phrased philosophical statements. Overall, “From Here to There” shows off the abilities of all its actors and causes the audience to contemplate on their remaining time on Earth.
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director-David O. Russell
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Luis Guzman
Best Actor-William Shatner
Best Actress-Florence Henderson
Best Supporting Actor-Mark Wahlberg
Best Supporting Actress-Naomi Watts
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Ghost Recon
Author(s): Zgamer
Location: Eagle, ID
“Ghost Recon"
Distriuted by: Universal Studios
Produced by: Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Paul Greengrass
Based on the game by Ubisoft Entertainment
Principal Cast:
Kiefer Sutherland as Captain Scott Mitchell (Ghost)
Milo Ventimiglia as Sergeant First Class Joe Ramirez (Ghost)
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Sergeant Marcus Brown (Ghost)
Evangeline Lilly as Sergeant Alicia Diaz (Ghost)
Tom Sizemore as Sergeant Richard Allen (Ghost)
Barry Pepper as Sergeant KC Kirkland (Ghost)
Michael Pena as General Carlos Ontiveros (Rebels)
Ed Harris as General Allen Martin (U.S.)
Louis Gossett Jr. as General Marshall Keating
Chris Cooper as President James Ballantine (U.S.)
Benico Del Toro as President Marcos Ruiz-Pena (Mexico)
Bruce Greenwood as Prime Minister Phillip Jacques (Canada)
Tagline: “The future of war is at our doorstep”
Synopsis: 11:00 PM August 17, 2013. U.S. President James Ballantine arrives at the Mexican Capital Building. He, along with Mexican President Marcos Ruiz-Pena and Canadian Prime Minister Phillip Jacques, are meeting to sign a historic document: The North American Joint Security Agreement. With this, the three countries would be able to unite and crack down against illegal drug trafficking, immigration and funding of terrorist activities in their continent. Though there are powerful figures on each side that are against the document, most notably Mexico’s head General Carlos Ontiveros, the summit commences nonetheless.
12:30 PM. A Black Hawk helicopter’s rotor echoes over the silent streets of Mexico City. Captain Scott Mitchell, one of the army’s most skilled operatives, wipes the sweat from his brow as he looks over the edge to see the city below. Soon, he and his elite “Ghost” team will reach their LZ to complete their new task. The day before, a U.S. Spy Plane carrying an experimental weapon known as “Guardrail IX” was shot down somewhere in Nicaragua. Just today, reports leaked that an unknown arms dealer had recovered the device and is preparing to deliver it to a Mexican rebel organization within the city. This is a serious problem to the U.S., because the device is capable of disrupting all wireless communications at any specified location, which could lead to surprise attacks. As the copter lands, the Ghosts pile out and maneuver nimbly through the city, with only the humming of their up-to-date gadgets and weaponry audible in the silence. This relieves Mitchell at first, since he has high hopes the operation will go smoothly.
12:45 PM. Bullets tear through layers of wall as the Ghosts fall back to an extraction point. They had almost prevented the exchange, but at that exact moment a building exploded on their position. Out of nowhere, heavily armed rebels poured out of the streets and attacked the team. With no other options, Mitchell ordered an immediate retreat. Barely making it to the helicopter, the team is informed on the situation. It turns out that General Ontiveros, exposed as the leader of the rebels, has initiated a coup d’etat against the Mexican government to prevent the new pact, recognizing that the loss of drug trade would harm his cause. In the ensuing battle at the capital building, the Canadian Prime Minister was killed and the U.S. and Mexican President have been captured. With the support of Mexican officials still loyal to their government, U.S. Generals Martin and Keating have ordered troops into Mexico City to stop the rebel threat from spreading.
1:00 PM Mitchell and his team are dropped off at the Mexican Capital Building. News has just broke out that President Ballantine’s bodyguards had brought “The Nuclear Football” with them during the summit. If the rebels have gotten a hold of it, it would mean that they would have control of the detonation codes for the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The rebels now have a war machine capable of causing an international crisis. Worried, Russia and China have warned the U.S. that they have armed their arsenals to retaliate if the worse is to come. General Martin has now put the burden on the Ghosts to enter deep into Mexico City, recover the hostages and weapons and stop Ontiveros. Though not prepared for such an ordeal, the Ghosts stoically enter the war torn city.
What the press would say:
Imagine this situation. A near future where the weapons of war are better, the enemies are numerous and the threat of nuclear destruction is more possible than ever. Now imagine that this danger was so close that it was just south of your country’s border. This is the setting for Ghost Recon, Paul Greengrass’s fantastic integration of gritty political thrillers with the tense action of video games. However, it is simply more than an adaptation of some popular video game. It is a movie with a distinct identity that brings forth an important message that we are not immune from the wars and conflicts of the world. They can occur right at our doorstep.
Who could be a better choice to tell the story of the Ghost’s 72-hour excursion into Mexico than the talented Greengrass? Hot off the acclaim of his compelling 9/11 drama United 93, he has decided to work on a more commercial commodity, yet still bring a brooding sense of political intrigue and tension into our cinemas. In order to put the audience in the middle of the action yet keep an international feel to the situation, Greengrass uses fluid handheld style of cinematography to ensure that you are never to distant or close to the combat. You are in the moment at all times. And what a place to be in the moment, as Greengrass brings the luscious scenery of war torn Mexico City to life through a beautifully gritty color palette. Combining all of this with smart pacing, an amazing sound design, tight editing and some incredibly realistic gunfights to boost, Greengrass creates an amazing portrait of modern warfare.
Though the film is mostly Greengrass’s baby, the actors all play their parts well. Sutherland is an ideal Capt. Mitchell, with a commanding voice and figure that perfectly embodies the soldier of the future. His team of Ghosts, fitted with actors with just enough star power to not overwhelm the feeling of realism, give us a new reason why we should cheer for our troops all over the world. Even Michael Pena as the rebellious General Ontiveros keeps our attention as a compelling yet sympathetic villain, who throughout the movie feels his actions are justified for the purpose of benefiting his country. All the performances are finely tuned to help give a face to the suspense and tension the film oozes.
Though the academy may feel reluctant to vote a video game adaptation for an Oscar, I argue that idea with the fact that this does not feel like a video game movie at all. There is no overproduction, bad acting and unbelievable situations here to critique. This is an honest to goodness Tom Clancy political war thriller, and it’s here to stay.
Award Possibilities
Best Picture (Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy)
Best Director (Paul Greengrass)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Greengrass)
Best Cinematography (Slawomir Idziak)
Best Art Direction
Best Editing (Richard Pearson and Christopher Rouse)
Best Sound Design
Best Sound Editing
Location: Eagle, ID
“Ghost Recon"
Distriuted by: Universal Studios
Produced by: Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Paul Greengrass
Based on the game by Ubisoft Entertainment
Principal Cast:
Kiefer Sutherland as Captain Scott Mitchell (Ghost)
Milo Ventimiglia as Sergeant First Class Joe Ramirez (Ghost)
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Sergeant Marcus Brown (Ghost)
Evangeline Lilly as Sergeant Alicia Diaz (Ghost)
Tom Sizemore as Sergeant Richard Allen (Ghost)
Barry Pepper as Sergeant KC Kirkland (Ghost)
Michael Pena as General Carlos Ontiveros (Rebels)
Ed Harris as General Allen Martin (U.S.)
Louis Gossett Jr. as General Marshall Keating
Chris Cooper as President James Ballantine (U.S.)
Benico Del Toro as President Marcos Ruiz-Pena (Mexico)
Bruce Greenwood as Prime Minister Phillip Jacques (Canada)
Tagline: “The future of war is at our doorstep”
Synopsis: 11:00 PM August 17, 2013. U.S. President James Ballantine arrives at the Mexican Capital Building. He, along with Mexican President Marcos Ruiz-Pena and Canadian Prime Minister Phillip Jacques, are meeting to sign a historic document: The North American Joint Security Agreement. With this, the three countries would be able to unite and crack down against illegal drug trafficking, immigration and funding of terrorist activities in their continent. Though there are powerful figures on each side that are against the document, most notably Mexico’s head General Carlos Ontiveros, the summit commences nonetheless.
12:30 PM. A Black Hawk helicopter’s rotor echoes over the silent streets of Mexico City. Captain Scott Mitchell, one of the army’s most skilled operatives, wipes the sweat from his brow as he looks over the edge to see the city below. Soon, he and his elite “Ghost” team will reach their LZ to complete their new task. The day before, a U.S. Spy Plane carrying an experimental weapon known as “Guardrail IX” was shot down somewhere in Nicaragua. Just today, reports leaked that an unknown arms dealer had recovered the device and is preparing to deliver it to a Mexican rebel organization within the city. This is a serious problem to the U.S., because the device is capable of disrupting all wireless communications at any specified location, which could lead to surprise attacks. As the copter lands, the Ghosts pile out and maneuver nimbly through the city, with only the humming of their up-to-date gadgets and weaponry audible in the silence. This relieves Mitchell at first, since he has high hopes the operation will go smoothly.
12:45 PM. Bullets tear through layers of wall as the Ghosts fall back to an extraction point. They had almost prevented the exchange, but at that exact moment a building exploded on their position. Out of nowhere, heavily armed rebels poured out of the streets and attacked the team. With no other options, Mitchell ordered an immediate retreat. Barely making it to the helicopter, the team is informed on the situation. It turns out that General Ontiveros, exposed as the leader of the rebels, has initiated a coup d’etat against the Mexican government to prevent the new pact, recognizing that the loss of drug trade would harm his cause. In the ensuing battle at the capital building, the Canadian Prime Minister was killed and the U.S. and Mexican President have been captured. With the support of Mexican officials still loyal to their government, U.S. Generals Martin and Keating have ordered troops into Mexico City to stop the rebel threat from spreading.
1:00 PM Mitchell and his team are dropped off at the Mexican Capital Building. News has just broke out that President Ballantine’s bodyguards had brought “The Nuclear Football” with them during the summit. If the rebels have gotten a hold of it, it would mean that they would have control of the detonation codes for the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The rebels now have a war machine capable of causing an international crisis. Worried, Russia and China have warned the U.S. that they have armed their arsenals to retaliate if the worse is to come. General Martin has now put the burden on the Ghosts to enter deep into Mexico City, recover the hostages and weapons and stop Ontiveros. Though not prepared for such an ordeal, the Ghosts stoically enter the war torn city.
What the press would say:
Imagine this situation. A near future where the weapons of war are better, the enemies are numerous and the threat of nuclear destruction is more possible than ever. Now imagine that this danger was so close that it was just south of your country’s border. This is the setting for Ghost Recon, Paul Greengrass’s fantastic integration of gritty political thrillers with the tense action of video games. However, it is simply more than an adaptation of some popular video game. It is a movie with a distinct identity that brings forth an important message that we are not immune from the wars and conflicts of the world. They can occur right at our doorstep.
Who could be a better choice to tell the story of the Ghost’s 72-hour excursion into Mexico than the talented Greengrass? Hot off the acclaim of his compelling 9/11 drama United 93, he has decided to work on a more commercial commodity, yet still bring a brooding sense of political intrigue and tension into our cinemas. In order to put the audience in the middle of the action yet keep an international feel to the situation, Greengrass uses fluid handheld style of cinematography to ensure that you are never to distant or close to the combat. You are in the moment at all times. And what a place to be in the moment, as Greengrass brings the luscious scenery of war torn Mexico City to life through a beautifully gritty color palette. Combining all of this with smart pacing, an amazing sound design, tight editing and some incredibly realistic gunfights to boost, Greengrass creates an amazing portrait of modern warfare.
Though the film is mostly Greengrass’s baby, the actors all play their parts well. Sutherland is an ideal Capt. Mitchell, with a commanding voice and figure that perfectly embodies the soldier of the future. His team of Ghosts, fitted with actors with just enough star power to not overwhelm the feeling of realism, give us a new reason why we should cheer for our troops all over the world. Even Michael Pena as the rebellious General Ontiveros keeps our attention as a compelling yet sympathetic villain, who throughout the movie feels his actions are justified for the purpose of benefiting his country. All the performances are finely tuned to help give a face to the suspense and tension the film oozes.
Though the academy may feel reluctant to vote a video game adaptation for an Oscar, I argue that idea with the fact that this does not feel like a video game movie at all. There is no overproduction, bad acting and unbelievable situations here to critique. This is an honest to goodness Tom Clancy political war thriller, and it’s here to stay.
Award Possibilities
Best Picture (Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy)
Best Director (Paul Greengrass)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Greengrass)
Best Cinematography (Slawomir Idziak)
Best Art Direction
Best Editing (Richard Pearson and Christopher Rouse)
Best Sound Design
Best Sound Editing
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