Author(s): Harry
Location: Columbia
“Manhattan Life Portrait"
A Focus Features Release
Written and directed by: Woody Allen
Music by: John Legend
Cinematography by: Tom Stern
Editing by: John Bloom
Art Direction by: Andrew M. Stearn
Produced by: Charles H. Joffe, Ross Katz and Mike Nichols
Principal Cast:
Mathieu Kassovitz as Rémy Gris
Laura Linney as Harper Ellington
Thomas Haden Church as Lorenz Hans
Scarlett Johansson as Dana Gris
Sebastian Koch as Florian Jentsc
Diane Keaton as Sarah Ellington
Ian McKellen as Oliver Wallace
Tagline: “Actions Cannot Fix the Wrong Things of Life. Feelings Can”
Synopsis: Manhattan is a place of its own. Some of its most enjoyed activities include listening to its jazz music, tasting the delicious food of its restaurants or simply taking a walk in the charismatic Central Park. Even if it is a wonderful place, life in Manhattan is like one of its very long streets. Although you know where you want to drive to, you will never expect when you will run over another person.
After a tiresome day, French detective Rémy Gris arrives to his apartment realizing that his life is tearing apart. His wife left him for another man and Lieutenant Oliver Wallace assigned him a very difficult case that he hasn’t been able to solve. Trying to ignore all of his problems, Rémy lights the chimney of his living room. Suddenly, he notices a picture that they once took him. Rémy begins to closely observe it and then, he begins to think about many things he has done in the last few months. Rémy begins to reflect…
With a life many would desire, Rémy is a successful man. He is married with best-selling author Dana Gris, the daughter of the very famous painter Sarah Ellington. His best friends are the friendly police officer Lorenz Hans and the lonely German film director Florian Jentsc. His idol is Margaret Fitzgerald, a jazz singer. To obtain all that belongs to him, Remy had to discreetly manipulate the persons surrounding him without regretting it.
Because of the holidays, Rémy meets his sister-in-law Harper Ellington, a photographer living in Barcelona who came visit her sister. Harper is a person of good that helps the poor thru her art and who believes in hope. As the days pass, Rémy begins to feel something that he has tried to forget, love. Remy loves Harper and begins a secret affair with her so that he doesn’t loose what he has already got. Meanwhile, his wife Dana learns of this and immediately begins an affair with Lorenz, one of his friends.
On a rather usual morning, Remy gets a call from Lieutenant Oliver Wallace who informs him about a new victim of murder. The corpse was founded in a trash can and the name of the departed woman is Harper Ellington. The lieutenant also assigns him the case. When he hangs up, Remy remembers the moment of the murder. He was the persons who brutally killed Harper in cold blood when he learned that his wife was cheating on him with Lorenz. He also remembers when he throws her to the trash can trying to hide her. Remy must now seek for himself.
After reflecting on all that has happened, Remy remembers that Harper took him the picture and immediately throws it to the flames of his chimney. Then, he begins to slowly drop a little tear from his eyes. Feeling emotionally drained, he begins to cry. For the first time in a long time, Remy feels disgust and regret in all of the things that he has committed. For the first time, Remy feels as fragile and sensitive as a human is.
What the press would say:
Woody Allen’s latest motion picture “Manhattan Life Portrait” is a reflexive film about the sensitivity and regret of humanity. Allen manages to write a smart and heartfelt script with unforgettable characters, very clever dialogues and some thrilling moments of climax that surprise us. Allen’s directing is also impeccable. He manages to create a brilliant atmosphere of Manhattan and some very clear scenes that make us feel a certain emotion. Allen directs an outstanding cast leaded by French actor Mathieu Kassovitz. Mathieu’s portrayal of the cold detective Rémy Gris is believable and heartbreaking. Throughout the film, we do not seen him acting, we see him completely becoming his character. Among the supporting players, the most notable are Laura Linney as a woman of good that ends up having an affair with her sister’s husband, Thomas Haden Church as a friendly police officer who does everything possible to stop Remy from knowing that he’s having an affair with his wife and of Scarlett Johansson as a woman who has an affair with Remy’s best friend after learning about the infidelities of his husband. Completely shot in black and white and with an editing that conducts the drive very well, “Manhattan Life Portrait” is a terrific piece of art about the humanity and emotions we all have inside of us.
Awards:
Best Picture (AMPAS) – Charles H. Joffe, Ross Katz and Mike Nichols
Best Picture Drama (HFPA)
Best Ensemble (SAG)
Best Director – Woody Allen
Best Actor – Mathieu Kassovitz
Best Supporting Actor – Thomas Haden Church
Best Supporting Actress – Laura Linney
Best Supporting Actress – Scarlett Johansson
Best Original Screenplay – Woody Allen
Best Original Score – John Legend
Best Cinematography – Tom Stern
Best Art Direction – Andrew M. Stearn
Best Film Editing – John Bloom
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Newton's Third
Author(s): Jaron
Location: Central Illinois
“Newton's Third"
Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Paul Thomas Anderson & Michael Cunningham
Principal Cast:
19th Century:
Lora: Sharon Warren
The Duke: Albert Finney
Charlotte: Julianne Moore
Tré: Djimon Hounsou
Ellie: Sophie Okonedo
Anthony: Ewan McGregor
The Queen of England: Meryl Streep
20th Century:
Laura: Kate Winslet
The Duke: Tim Curry
Charlotte: Ellen Burstyn
Trevor: John C. Reilly
Eleanor: Helena Bonham Carter
Anthony: Ed Harris
Susan B. Anthony: Meryl Streep
21st Century:
Lara: Nicole Kidman
Darryl “Duke” Diamond: Jack Nicholson
Char: Felicity Huffman
Trey: Bruce Willis
Ella: Jennifer Connelly
Tony: Greg Kinnear
Madam President: Meryl Streep
Tagline: "For every action is an equal and opposite reaction"
Synopsis: Throughout the centuries, epic fights over discrimination have been fought. Newton’s Third blends together these stories through their common theme- one from the 1800’s, one from the 1900’s, and one in the not-too-distant future.
In the 19th century, Lora is a woman who is tired of discrimination just because she is a slave. Her master is a highly respected English Duke and his wife, Charlotte, is even crueler than he is. Lora one day stands up for her rights publicly and causes quite a shock throughout the nation. With support from her husband, Tré, and her best friend, Ellie, she is
trying her best to win her own rights. But when Ellie’s secret husband, Anthony, finds out about this situation, he is stuck on where to stand, due to his high-paying job as the Duke’s assistant.
In the 20th century, Laura is a woman who is frustrated with the prejudice men show to her just because she is a woman and has less rights. But the governor of her town, a former Duke is merely treating her as plain as he would every other woman. His own wife Charlotte is even against her, comfy in her position as a hostess. With support from her best friend, Eleanor, and help from her husband Trevor, Laura fights diligently for her rights.
But, Eleanor’s husband Tony is the Sheriff of the town and doesn’t know where to stand in this position.
In the distant 21st century, Lara is a woman who lives in a box and has no money. In this time, class is held in high regard and those who can’t sustain for themselves are treated brutally. Laura invades one of Darryl “Duke” Diamond’s campaigning speeches for president and asks about standing up for those rights. Laura becomes famous overnight and starts a committee to standing up for her rights, with the help of her middle-class friends Ella and her husband Trey. However, Eleanor’s husband, Tony, gets into legal trouble when the government gets suspicious of their illegal participation in Lara’s committee.
Just as all three stories seem will reach no end, The Queen of England, Susan B. Anthony, and the Madam President all step in and have a word to say.
All the stories jump around throughout the film, each one connecting and cutting back and forth in a fluid-like state.
The opening expresses the title of the film: For every action is an equal and opposite reaction, as stated by Sir Isaac Newton in his Third Law of Motion.
What the press would say:
Best Picture of the Year
Best Director: Sam Mendes
Best Original Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson & Michael Cunningham
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sharon Warren
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Ewan McGregor
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Felicity Huffman
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Meryl Streep
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki
Best Editing: Thelma Schoonmaker
Best Original Score: Philip Glass
Location: Central Illinois
“Newton's Third"
Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Paul Thomas Anderson & Michael Cunningham
Principal Cast:
19th Century:
Lora: Sharon Warren
The Duke: Albert Finney
Charlotte: Julianne Moore
Tré: Djimon Hounsou
Ellie: Sophie Okonedo
Anthony: Ewan McGregor
The Queen of England: Meryl Streep
20th Century:
Laura: Kate Winslet
The Duke: Tim Curry
Charlotte: Ellen Burstyn
Trevor: John C. Reilly
Eleanor: Helena Bonham Carter
Anthony: Ed Harris
Susan B. Anthony: Meryl Streep
21st Century:
Lara: Nicole Kidman
Darryl “Duke” Diamond: Jack Nicholson
Char: Felicity Huffman
Trey: Bruce Willis
Ella: Jennifer Connelly
Tony: Greg Kinnear
Madam President: Meryl Streep
Tagline: "For every action is an equal and opposite reaction"
Synopsis: Throughout the centuries, epic fights over discrimination have been fought. Newton’s Third blends together these stories through their common theme- one from the 1800’s, one from the 1900’s, and one in the not-too-distant future.
In the 19th century, Lora is a woman who is tired of discrimination just because she is a slave. Her master is a highly respected English Duke and his wife, Charlotte, is even crueler than he is. Lora one day stands up for her rights publicly and causes quite a shock throughout the nation. With support from her husband, Tré, and her best friend, Ellie, she is
trying her best to win her own rights. But when Ellie’s secret husband, Anthony, finds out about this situation, he is stuck on where to stand, due to his high-paying job as the Duke’s assistant.
In the 20th century, Laura is a woman who is frustrated with the prejudice men show to her just because she is a woman and has less rights. But the governor of her town, a former Duke is merely treating her as plain as he would every other woman. His own wife Charlotte is even against her, comfy in her position as a hostess. With support from her best friend, Eleanor, and help from her husband Trevor, Laura fights diligently for her rights.
But, Eleanor’s husband Tony is the Sheriff of the town and doesn’t know where to stand in this position.
In the distant 21st century, Lara is a woman who lives in a box and has no money. In this time, class is held in high regard and those who can’t sustain for themselves are treated brutally. Laura invades one of Darryl “Duke” Diamond’s campaigning speeches for president and asks about standing up for those rights. Laura becomes famous overnight and starts a committee to standing up for her rights, with the help of her middle-class friends Ella and her husband Trey. However, Eleanor’s husband, Tony, gets into legal trouble when the government gets suspicious of their illegal participation in Lara’s committee.
Just as all three stories seem will reach no end, The Queen of England, Susan B. Anthony, and the Madam President all step in and have a word to say.
All the stories jump around throughout the film, each one connecting and cutting back and forth in a fluid-like state.
The opening expresses the title of the film: For every action is an equal and opposite reaction, as stated by Sir Isaac Newton in his Third Law of Motion.
What the press would say:
Best Picture of the Year
Best Director: Sam Mendes
Best Original Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson & Michael Cunningham
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sharon Warren
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Ewan McGregor
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Felicity Huffman
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Meryl Streep
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki
Best Editing: Thelma Schoonmaker
Best Original Score: Philip Glass
Rivalry At 6 P.M.
Author(s): Patrick D.
Location: Long Island, NY
“Rivalry at 6 P.M."
Directed by Marc Forster
Written by Brian Nelson
Principal Cast:
Ray Winstone as Brendan Ward
Ethan Hawke as Edward Robbins
Winona Ryder as Eileen Robbins
Eric Bogosian as Oliver Gilroy
Tim Roth as Michael Greener
Tagline: "Lives are destroyed, friends turn to enemies, ratings go up"
Synopsis: When popular talk radio host Brendan Ward (Winstone) takes the young and charismatic Edward Robbins (Hawke) under his wing, the two become inseperable. Brendan begins to teach Edward the rules of the radio, and even begins to give Edward guest spots on his show. Edward brings in more listeners, and ratings go up. Their friendship is so great, that Edward names Brendan his best man when he gets married to his long-time girlfriend, Eileen (Ryder). But when Edward begins to wear out his welcome on Brendan's show and do things his way, taking Brendan's serious while slightly humorous show and turning it into a "make fun of ________" show, he is fired.
Soon after he is fired, Edward is hired by Oliver Gilroy (Bogosian), and gets his own radio show. The only problem is that he is in the same timeslot as Brendan's show. Edward's show premieres to amazing ratings, which begins to annoy Brendan. Brendan then begins to put pressure on Edward to change his timeslot, but he cannot. He tries to explain to Brendan that he doesn't control the time, his boss does. This is one of the sparks that ignites the powder-keg.
Brendan begins a comical yet personal new skit to his show, which insults Edward and his show. When Edward learns of this, he buys commercial spots to Brendan's show, urging viewers to listen to Edward's. Eventually, the two have a live conversation on the radio, which starts out calm but turns hostile. A day after this conversation, Brendan goes on-air and threatens to rape Edward's wife. Brendan is fired, and takes it upon himself to ruin Edward's career, and life.
What the press would say:
Imagine the conversation scene from Heat between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, now imagine it for two hours and imagine it being one-hundred times more exciting. That's the basic equivalent of "Rivalry at 6 P.M". What starts out as a friendship turns into a dangerous rivalry in this new film by Marc Forster, which proves that he is one of the best directors of his generation. Ray Winstone (Brendan) and Ethan Hawke (Edward) take an already amazing script and add onto it. Ethan is perfect in his role as the cocky yet well-meaning talk radio wanna-be. While Ray gives the preformance of a lifetime as Brendan's complex and psychologically unstable tudor. While the two main preformances fight to steal scenes, that's not to say that the supporting cast is any weaker. Winona Ryder (Eileen, Edward's wife) gives a comeback preformance, filled with intensity and emotion. She also gives one of the more realistic crying scenes I've seen in the past decade. Bravo Ms. Ryder. Other supporting roles come from Eric Bogosian, playing a older version of Barry Champlain, and Tim Roth, playing one of Brendan's good friends. This dialogue-heavy thriller certainly feels more like a action film than a drama, but that's what it is, a blistering drama. There is never a moment where you aren't caught up in the characters actions, and by the end of the film you are emotionally drained, thanks to a ending that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Highly Reccomended.
Best Picture
Best Director: Marc Forster
Best Original Screenplay: Brian Nelson
Best Actor: Ray Winstone
Best Supporting Actor: Ethan Hawke
Best Supporting Actor: Eric Bogosian
Best Supporting Actress: Winona Ryder
Location: Long Island, NY
“Rivalry at 6 P.M."
Directed by Marc Forster
Written by Brian Nelson
Principal Cast:
Ray Winstone as Brendan Ward
Ethan Hawke as Edward Robbins
Winona Ryder as Eileen Robbins
Eric Bogosian as Oliver Gilroy
Tim Roth as Michael Greener
Tagline: "Lives are destroyed, friends turn to enemies, ratings go up"
Synopsis: When popular talk radio host Brendan Ward (Winstone) takes the young and charismatic Edward Robbins (Hawke) under his wing, the two become inseperable. Brendan begins to teach Edward the rules of the radio, and even begins to give Edward guest spots on his show. Edward brings in more listeners, and ratings go up. Their friendship is so great, that Edward names Brendan his best man when he gets married to his long-time girlfriend, Eileen (Ryder). But when Edward begins to wear out his welcome on Brendan's show and do things his way, taking Brendan's serious while slightly humorous show and turning it into a "make fun of ________" show, he is fired.
Soon after he is fired, Edward is hired by Oliver Gilroy (Bogosian), and gets his own radio show. The only problem is that he is in the same timeslot as Brendan's show. Edward's show premieres to amazing ratings, which begins to annoy Brendan. Brendan then begins to put pressure on Edward to change his timeslot, but he cannot. He tries to explain to Brendan that he doesn't control the time, his boss does. This is one of the sparks that ignites the powder-keg.
Brendan begins a comical yet personal new skit to his show, which insults Edward and his show. When Edward learns of this, he buys commercial spots to Brendan's show, urging viewers to listen to Edward's. Eventually, the two have a live conversation on the radio, which starts out calm but turns hostile. A day after this conversation, Brendan goes on-air and threatens to rape Edward's wife. Brendan is fired, and takes it upon himself to ruin Edward's career, and life.
What the press would say:
Imagine the conversation scene from Heat between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, now imagine it for two hours and imagine it being one-hundred times more exciting. That's the basic equivalent of "Rivalry at 6 P.M". What starts out as a friendship turns into a dangerous rivalry in this new film by Marc Forster, which proves that he is one of the best directors of his generation. Ray Winstone (Brendan) and Ethan Hawke (Edward) take an already amazing script and add onto it. Ethan is perfect in his role as the cocky yet well-meaning talk radio wanna-be. While Ray gives the preformance of a lifetime as Brendan's complex and psychologically unstable tudor. While the two main preformances fight to steal scenes, that's not to say that the supporting cast is any weaker. Winona Ryder (Eileen, Edward's wife) gives a comeback preformance, filled with intensity and emotion. She also gives one of the more realistic crying scenes I've seen in the past decade. Bravo Ms. Ryder. Other supporting roles come from Eric Bogosian, playing a older version of Barry Champlain, and Tim Roth, playing one of Brendan's good friends. This dialogue-heavy thriller certainly feels more like a action film than a drama, but that's what it is, a blistering drama. There is never a moment where you aren't caught up in the characters actions, and by the end of the film you are emotionally drained, thanks to a ending that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. Highly Reccomended.
Best Picture
Best Director: Marc Forster
Best Original Screenplay: Brian Nelson
Best Actor: Ray Winstone
Best Supporting Actor: Ethan Hawke
Best Supporting Actor: Eric Bogosian
Best Supporting Actress: Winona Ryder
Rush
Author(s): Ross
Location: Memphis, TN
“Rush"
Directed by Michael MannWritten by Russell Gewirtz
Original Score by James Newton Howard
Produced by Micahel Mann
Edited by William Goldenberg
Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki
Principal Cast:
Tony Thurman - Russell Crowe
Mike Donnelly - Heath Ledger
Brianne Thurman - Julianne Moore
Brian Hart - Don Cheadle
Insider - Naveen Andrews
Tagline: “N/A”
Synopsis: Mike Donnelly (Heath Ledger) is a photo journalist for a major news magazine. He is on assignment in India to profile their culture. But, disaster strikes when a nuclear reactor under construction leaks. It kills hundreds of workers and many more civilians. Others are infected by high doses of radiation. Donnelly is in Bombay when he gets a call from his insider (Naveen Andrews) informing him of the disaster. The insider happens to be caught in the radiation death zone near the reactor. So, the journalist races to the site of the leak only to discover bodies lying on the ground all around. He snaps off photos of the carnage. He, then catches sight of the body of his insider near a ditch. But, before he could do anything else he hears screams. Stunned but curious, he follows the screams to the back of a warehouse. He sees a scared woman standing up holding her young child in front of what appeared to be a large ditch in the ground. Behind her is what appeared to be members of the Indian military keeping watch over other scared villagers. He snaps off photos of this. But, then in a quick instant, a soldier turns around and executes the woman and her child. They are then pushed into the ditch and another villager is brought before the military.
Donnelly is absolutely disturbed by this butchery. The Indian government is trying to cover-up the reactor leak. India had been under scrutiny of their nuclear energy program and an accident like this would end it all together. He takes more photos, but then suddenly a government security guard stumbles upon the photographer. Making a quick decision before the guard alerted the rest of the military, Mike Donnelly shot the guard with his small pistol. But, the echo of the shot rang out over the complex. The military spots the photographer, and he is forced to make a run for it. He sprints away from the pursuing soldiers. He finds safe haven in a makeshift shelter of tree branches along a river, but is pinned down as the military searches all around him. When clear, he makes a quick cell phone call to his headquarters in New York City. He quickly tries to explain his situation, but the call is cut off and the signal is lost. The military was blocking all signals in or out of the area. But, before the call was cut, he told his editor, Brian Hart, he was in trouble and on the run. Hart is concerned and suspects by the urgency that this had to be something of monumental proportions. Whatever information he was carrying, the editor had to get it back, so he calls upon a bounty hunting mercenary-for-hire named Tony Thurman (Russell Crowe) to find the journalist and extract him safely.
Thurman has been dishonorably discharged by the marines for a crime he didn’t commit. His senior officer was involved in illegal activities and he made Thurman be the fall-man for him. So, for the last many years he has been looked down upon by his family and community. Disillusioned and hungry for a second chance, he finds it in the mission of retrieving Donnelly. Now he has an opportunity to not only redeem himself, but help reveal information that could change the way the world looks at things for a very long time.
What the press would say:
Michael Mann‘s “Rush“ is an extremely powerful film. It is powered by performances that leave you feeling for the characters. Russell Crowe plays Tony Thurman and he is extremely fitting as the man who longs for redemption. You root for him to succeed through the dangers. Heath Ledger plays Mike Donnelly and he is equally up to the task as he tries to evede capture at all costs. He vividly portrays the fear and shock of a man in his situation. Don Cheadle is spot-on as always as the editor of the magazine.
Michael Mann really paints a graphic picture of danger and flaws in society. The executions are raw and make you think about “what if this actually could happen?” He brings in characters that you feel for and a grittiness and intrigue unsurpassed by few. The screenplay is realistic and capture the emotion of the characters as they are in a high-stress battle of their livelihood. Shot by “Children of Men” cinemetographer Emmanuel Lubeazki, the film brings to life ground-level reality of fighting for survival. This movie is handled with care as Mann really intends to send a message instead of providing eye-candy.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture
Best Director- Michael Mann
Best Actor- Russell Crowe
Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger
Best Original Screenplay- Russell Gewirtz
Best Cinemetography- Emmanuel Lubezki
Location: Memphis, TN
“Rush"
Directed by Michael MannWritten by Russell Gewirtz
Original Score by James Newton Howard
Produced by Micahel Mann
Edited by William Goldenberg
Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki
Principal Cast:
Tony Thurman - Russell Crowe
Mike Donnelly - Heath Ledger
Brianne Thurman - Julianne Moore
Brian Hart - Don Cheadle
Insider - Naveen Andrews
Tagline: “N/A”
Synopsis: Mike Donnelly (Heath Ledger) is a photo journalist for a major news magazine. He is on assignment in India to profile their culture. But, disaster strikes when a nuclear reactor under construction leaks. It kills hundreds of workers and many more civilians. Others are infected by high doses of radiation. Donnelly is in Bombay when he gets a call from his insider (Naveen Andrews) informing him of the disaster. The insider happens to be caught in the radiation death zone near the reactor. So, the journalist races to the site of the leak only to discover bodies lying on the ground all around. He snaps off photos of the carnage. He, then catches sight of the body of his insider near a ditch. But, before he could do anything else he hears screams. Stunned but curious, he follows the screams to the back of a warehouse. He sees a scared woman standing up holding her young child in front of what appeared to be a large ditch in the ground. Behind her is what appeared to be members of the Indian military keeping watch over other scared villagers. He snaps off photos of this. But, then in a quick instant, a soldier turns around and executes the woman and her child. They are then pushed into the ditch and another villager is brought before the military.
Donnelly is absolutely disturbed by this butchery. The Indian government is trying to cover-up the reactor leak. India had been under scrutiny of their nuclear energy program and an accident like this would end it all together. He takes more photos, but then suddenly a government security guard stumbles upon the photographer. Making a quick decision before the guard alerted the rest of the military, Mike Donnelly shot the guard with his small pistol. But, the echo of the shot rang out over the complex. The military spots the photographer, and he is forced to make a run for it. He sprints away from the pursuing soldiers. He finds safe haven in a makeshift shelter of tree branches along a river, but is pinned down as the military searches all around him. When clear, he makes a quick cell phone call to his headquarters in New York City. He quickly tries to explain his situation, but the call is cut off and the signal is lost. The military was blocking all signals in or out of the area. But, before the call was cut, he told his editor, Brian Hart, he was in trouble and on the run. Hart is concerned and suspects by the urgency that this had to be something of monumental proportions. Whatever information he was carrying, the editor had to get it back, so he calls upon a bounty hunting mercenary-for-hire named Tony Thurman (Russell Crowe) to find the journalist and extract him safely.
Thurman has been dishonorably discharged by the marines for a crime he didn’t commit. His senior officer was involved in illegal activities and he made Thurman be the fall-man for him. So, for the last many years he has been looked down upon by his family and community. Disillusioned and hungry for a second chance, he finds it in the mission of retrieving Donnelly. Now he has an opportunity to not only redeem himself, but help reveal information that could change the way the world looks at things for a very long time.
What the press would say:
Michael Mann‘s “Rush“ is an extremely powerful film. It is powered by performances that leave you feeling for the characters. Russell Crowe plays Tony Thurman and he is extremely fitting as the man who longs for redemption. You root for him to succeed through the dangers. Heath Ledger plays Mike Donnelly and he is equally up to the task as he tries to evede capture at all costs. He vividly portrays the fear and shock of a man in his situation. Don Cheadle is spot-on as always as the editor of the magazine.
Michael Mann really paints a graphic picture of danger and flaws in society. The executions are raw and make you think about “what if this actually could happen?” He brings in characters that you feel for and a grittiness and intrigue unsurpassed by few. The screenplay is realistic and capture the emotion of the characters as they are in a high-stress battle of their livelihood. Shot by “Children of Men” cinemetographer Emmanuel Lubeazki, the film brings to life ground-level reality of fighting for survival. This movie is handled with care as Mann really intends to send a message instead of providing eye-candy.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture
Best Director- Michael Mann
Best Actor- Russell Crowe
Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger
Best Original Screenplay- Russell Gewirtz
Best Cinemetography- Emmanuel Lubezki
A Stage of Fools
Author(s): T.D.
Location: Killeen, TX
“A Stage of Fools"
Directed by James L. Brooks
Produced by Laura Ziskin
Written by Mark Andrus
Music by Carly Simon
Comedy
Principal Cast:
Wes Bentley as Jake
Emily Blunt as Chelsea
Steve Carell as Ernest
Billy Crudup as Michael
Claire Danes as Hilary
Paul Dano as Patrick
Embeth Davidtz as Nilana
Will Ferrell as David
Bonnie Hunt as Grace
Beyoncé Knowles as Yolanda
Laura Linney as Madeline
Bill Murray as Raymond
John C. Reilly as Albert Lindsey
Jack Rovello as Tanner
Meg Ryan as Sandra
Chloë Sevigny as Kim
Tagline: "New York City , get ready to meet Broadway’s weirdest cast ever!"
Synopsis: Albert Lindsey (Reilly) is an aspiring director who is trying to make it in New York City ’s busy Broadway business. While eating in a diner he comes across an alcoholic writer named Raymond ( Murray ), and he is also destined to make it in the Broadway business. Albert asks Raymond to write him a script that could make them successful and famous. Raymond agrees, and after two months of planning and writing, Raymond comes up with a play entitled “Hickory Hills,” which tells the life of a dysfunctional neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago . Albert had instantly loved it, and decided to make Raymond’s bitch-on-wheels wife Grace (Hunt) the casting director, and she has no experience at all in this business, and make Raymond’s gay, recent college graduate son Patrick (Dano) to be the fashion designer. As Patrick’s outgoing childhood friend Chelsea (Blunt) was visiting, she was chosen to schedule auditions and take care of public relations.
During the audition process, Grace does an o.k. job at casting the actors and ends up casting unusual and interesting actors. First, she casts Jake (Bentley), an unsuccessful Broadway actor with a drug problem, and his longtime girlfriend Hilary (Danes), a well known Broadway star with an eating disorder that she keeps a secret, as the newly married couple in the neighborhood. Then she casts Kim (Sevigny), a single mother with little acting experience, as the noisy next door neighbor, and then Grace quickly decides to cast her son Tanner (Rovello), a quiet but intelligent young boy, as the son. While this part of the audition was taking place, Albert goes on a search for a theater that was willing to let his play take place there. Luckily he finds the Sanborn Theater, which is run by Sandra (Ryan), an intelligent, single woman who is destined to make her theater known throughout New York City , and by her divorced, loud mouth sister Madeline (Linney). When Albert returns to the audition, he sees Grace casting the rest of the individuals.
She casts Yolanda (Knowles), a beautiful nightclub singer who auditioned for a play instead of a musical but ends up doing the play, as the music-loving best friend of the newly married bride. Then she casts Ernest (Carell), a theater fanatic who lives in the world of acting, as the neighbor with polio, and his mute, South African wife Nilana (Davidtz) was cast as the wife with no voice. Finally, she casts David (Ferrell), a selfish raunchy actor as the gardener, and his moody friend Michael (Crudup) as the store clerk.
After the auditions, Albert begins to have a romantic relationship with Sandra during the rehearsals, and as this is going on, the cast begins to develop friendships, enemies, and even love relationships as well. Also, their personal lives will also be revealed to everyone and their friends do everything they can to help them overcome their problems. In the end, Albert gets the girl of his dreams, the cast becomes united, and they manage to pull off the play and become Broadway’s biggest stars.
What the press would say:
John C. Reilly leads an all-star cast as Albert Lindsey in this wonderful and heart-warming comedy. Both Bonnie Hunt and Meg Ryan delivered wonderful lead performances, and the supporting cast collectively were amazing. Expect this to be at the Oscars come May because this is a film that you don’t want to miss!
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director – James L. Brooks
Best Actor in a Leading Role – John C. Reilly
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Bonnie Hunt & Meg Ryan
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Bill Murray, Paul Dano, & Steve Carell
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Claire Danes, Laura Linney, & Embeth Davidtz
Best Original Screenplay – Mark Andrus
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score – Carly Simon
Location: Killeen, TX
“A Stage of Fools"
Directed by James L. Brooks
Produced by Laura Ziskin
Written by Mark Andrus
Music by Carly Simon
Comedy
Principal Cast:
Wes Bentley as Jake
Emily Blunt as Chelsea
Steve Carell as Ernest
Billy Crudup as Michael
Claire Danes as Hilary
Paul Dano as Patrick
Embeth Davidtz as Nilana
Will Ferrell as David
Bonnie Hunt as Grace
Beyoncé Knowles as Yolanda
Laura Linney as Madeline
Bill Murray as Raymond
John C. Reilly as Albert Lindsey
Jack Rovello as Tanner
Meg Ryan as Sandra
Chloë Sevigny as Kim
Tagline: "New York City , get ready to meet Broadway’s weirdest cast ever!"
Synopsis: Albert Lindsey (Reilly) is an aspiring director who is trying to make it in New York City ’s busy Broadway business. While eating in a diner he comes across an alcoholic writer named Raymond ( Murray ), and he is also destined to make it in the Broadway business. Albert asks Raymond to write him a script that could make them successful and famous. Raymond agrees, and after two months of planning and writing, Raymond comes up with a play entitled “Hickory Hills,” which tells the life of a dysfunctional neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago . Albert had instantly loved it, and decided to make Raymond’s bitch-on-wheels wife Grace (Hunt) the casting director, and she has no experience at all in this business, and make Raymond’s gay, recent college graduate son Patrick (Dano) to be the fashion designer. As Patrick’s outgoing childhood friend Chelsea (Blunt) was visiting, she was chosen to schedule auditions and take care of public relations.
During the audition process, Grace does an o.k. job at casting the actors and ends up casting unusual and interesting actors. First, she casts Jake (Bentley), an unsuccessful Broadway actor with a drug problem, and his longtime girlfriend Hilary (Danes), a well known Broadway star with an eating disorder that she keeps a secret, as the newly married couple in the neighborhood. Then she casts Kim (Sevigny), a single mother with little acting experience, as the noisy next door neighbor, and then Grace quickly decides to cast her son Tanner (Rovello), a quiet but intelligent young boy, as the son. While this part of the audition was taking place, Albert goes on a search for a theater that was willing to let his play take place there. Luckily he finds the Sanborn Theater, which is run by Sandra (Ryan), an intelligent, single woman who is destined to make her theater known throughout New York City , and by her divorced, loud mouth sister Madeline (Linney). When Albert returns to the audition, he sees Grace casting the rest of the individuals.
She casts Yolanda (Knowles), a beautiful nightclub singer who auditioned for a play instead of a musical but ends up doing the play, as the music-loving best friend of the newly married bride. Then she casts Ernest (Carell), a theater fanatic who lives in the world of acting, as the neighbor with polio, and his mute, South African wife Nilana (Davidtz) was cast as the wife with no voice. Finally, she casts David (Ferrell), a selfish raunchy actor as the gardener, and his moody friend Michael (Crudup) as the store clerk.
After the auditions, Albert begins to have a romantic relationship with Sandra during the rehearsals, and as this is going on, the cast begins to develop friendships, enemies, and even love relationships as well. Also, their personal lives will also be revealed to everyone and their friends do everything they can to help them overcome their problems. In the end, Albert gets the girl of his dreams, the cast becomes united, and they manage to pull off the play and become Broadway’s biggest stars.
What the press would say:
John C. Reilly leads an all-star cast as Albert Lindsey in this wonderful and heart-warming comedy. Both Bonnie Hunt and Meg Ryan delivered wonderful lead performances, and the supporting cast collectively were amazing. Expect this to be at the Oscars come May because this is a film that you don’t want to miss!
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director – James L. Brooks
Best Actor in a Leading Role – John C. Reilly
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Bonnie Hunt & Meg Ryan
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Bill Murray, Paul Dano, & Steve Carell
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Claire Danes, Laura Linney, & Embeth Davidtz
Best Original Screenplay – Mark Andrus
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score – Carly Simon
Suburban Hymns
Author(s): Adam
Location: Texas
“Suburban Hymns"
Directed by Richard LinklaterWritten by Richard Linklater
Produced by John Sloss & Richard LinklaterOriginal Music by Jon Brion
Principal Cast:
JASON SCHWARTZMAN as Keith Mare
ZOOEY DESCHANEL as Claire Stanford
ADAM BRODY as Cliff Boland
EMILE HIRSCH as Peter Calley
DANIEL FRANZESE as Eddie Altmond
SCOTT CAAN as Kevin Mare
JOE PANTOLIANO as Sullivan Mare
DIANE KEATON as Analise Mare
Tagline: "Welcome to the suburbs, where life truly is a movie"
Synopsis: Keith Mare is a 21 year old film fanatic. He lives in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, a city he calls a "corporate-dominated conservative hellhole." Originally from upstate New York, he and his family moved to Texas when he was a young boy. His objective in life is to save up for film school and leave the dead end town he lives in. When he isnt working at Community Records, a small independently owned CD/DVD shop, he spends his time with his three closest friends. Cliff, a 24 year-old elementary school teacher who shares Keith's love for movies, Jacob, a 21 year old avid guitar player who is a fanatic of rock n roll music and smoking marijuana, and Eddie a 22 year old community college student and comic book geek who knows everything about superheroes. They avidly spend their free time sitting around a table having intellectual discussions revolving around many different films, music, televison and people they know in suburbia. Keith also has an interesting family, his father Sullivan, is an independent businessman who dreamed of being a filmmaker in his young days and his mother Analise, is a bank employee. Keith's brother Kevin is a warehouse employee who was once a star athelete in high school and had a college football scholarship, but lost it all after a knee injury. Kevin is frequently angry at the world and has a minor problem with drinking. Given these circumstances, he remains close with Keith. Keith's relationship with his parents is very down the middle. His mother understands him and they share a common bond, his father loves him dearly, but they don't share many words. They mainly keep to themselves. Keith also had a good relationship with Claire, his closest female friend. They share a love for many things, especially the films of Quentin Tarantino. they frequently discuss his films and quiz each other on them. Keith has strong feelings for Claire, but is afraid to admit them to her. He fears she will not feel the same way and the unmutual feelings will cause their friendship to drift. Claire has also just been accepted to film school in Austin, three hours away. Keith has only one goal at this point in his life, make enough money to move to California and get accepted to film school over there. He has grown tired suburban Texas. He is tired of the conservatives that dominate the area and the judgemental religious folk who occupy the neighborhoods. He years to leave and make it in the film industry. He thinks he may have found the key to his success as a filmmaker through a script he is writing, a semi-autobiographical screenplay titled "Suburban Hymns."
What the press would say:
"A genuine look at life in the suburbs. Richard Linklater has captured the mood of suburban Texas with geniuine characters that come from the heart."
"Jason Schwartzman has proven himself as an actor. He captures the character of Keith Mare with pure heart. You beleive that this person is real and not just a character played by an actor."
"Daniel Franzese and Joe Pantoliano shine in their supporting roles. Let the oscar race begin!"
"Funny and real, a great comedic drama with clever dialogue, smart script and fantastic performances. Richard Linklater could be on his way to holding a statue."
FYC
BEST PICTURE- John Sloss, Richard Linklater
BEST DIRECTOR- Richard Linklater
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY- Richard Linklater
BEST ACTOR- Jason Schwartzman
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Joe Pantoliano
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Daniel Franzese
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Scott Caan
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Zooey Deschanel
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Diane Keton
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE- Jon Brion
Location: Texas
“Suburban Hymns"
Directed by Richard LinklaterWritten by Richard Linklater
Produced by John Sloss & Richard LinklaterOriginal Music by Jon Brion
Principal Cast:
JASON SCHWARTZMAN as Keith Mare
ZOOEY DESCHANEL as Claire Stanford
ADAM BRODY as Cliff Boland
EMILE HIRSCH as Peter Calley
DANIEL FRANZESE as Eddie Altmond
SCOTT CAAN as Kevin Mare
JOE PANTOLIANO as Sullivan Mare
DIANE KEATON as Analise Mare
Tagline: "Welcome to the suburbs, where life truly is a movie"
Synopsis: Keith Mare is a 21 year old film fanatic. He lives in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, a city he calls a "corporate-dominated conservative hellhole." Originally from upstate New York, he and his family moved to Texas when he was a young boy. His objective in life is to save up for film school and leave the dead end town he lives in. When he isnt working at Community Records, a small independently owned CD/DVD shop, he spends his time with his three closest friends. Cliff, a 24 year-old elementary school teacher who shares Keith's love for movies, Jacob, a 21 year old avid guitar player who is a fanatic of rock n roll music and smoking marijuana, and Eddie a 22 year old community college student and comic book geek who knows everything about superheroes. They avidly spend their free time sitting around a table having intellectual discussions revolving around many different films, music, televison and people they know in suburbia. Keith also has an interesting family, his father Sullivan, is an independent businessman who dreamed of being a filmmaker in his young days and his mother Analise, is a bank employee. Keith's brother Kevin is a warehouse employee who was once a star athelete in high school and had a college football scholarship, but lost it all after a knee injury. Kevin is frequently angry at the world and has a minor problem with drinking. Given these circumstances, he remains close with Keith. Keith's relationship with his parents is very down the middle. His mother understands him and they share a common bond, his father loves him dearly, but they don't share many words. They mainly keep to themselves. Keith also had a good relationship with Claire, his closest female friend. They share a love for many things, especially the films of Quentin Tarantino. they frequently discuss his films and quiz each other on them. Keith has strong feelings for Claire, but is afraid to admit them to her. He fears she will not feel the same way and the unmutual feelings will cause their friendship to drift. Claire has also just been accepted to film school in Austin, three hours away. Keith has only one goal at this point in his life, make enough money to move to California and get accepted to film school over there. He has grown tired suburban Texas. He is tired of the conservatives that dominate the area and the judgemental religious folk who occupy the neighborhoods. He years to leave and make it in the film industry. He thinks he may have found the key to his success as a filmmaker through a script he is writing, a semi-autobiographical screenplay titled "Suburban Hymns."
What the press would say:
"A genuine look at life in the suburbs. Richard Linklater has captured the mood of suburban Texas with geniuine characters that come from the heart."
"Jason Schwartzman has proven himself as an actor. He captures the character of Keith Mare with pure heart. You beleive that this person is real and not just a character played by an actor."
"Daniel Franzese and Joe Pantoliano shine in their supporting roles. Let the oscar race begin!"
"Funny and real, a great comedic drama with clever dialogue, smart script and fantastic performances. Richard Linklater could be on his way to holding a statue."
FYC
BEST PICTURE- John Sloss, Richard Linklater
BEST DIRECTOR- Richard Linklater
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY- Richard Linklater
BEST ACTOR- Jason Schwartzman
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Joe Pantoliano
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Daniel Franzese
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Scott Caan
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Zooey Deschanel
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Diane Keton
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE- Jon Brion
Supernova
Author(s): Brian
Location: Arizona
“Supernova"
Written and Directed by Patty Jenkins
Music by Philip Glass
Produced by Edward Saxon and Butch Hartman
Principal Cast:
Laura Linney (Brynn Hartman)
Alec Baldwin (Phil Hartman)
Catherine Keener (Gretchen Lewis)
Allison Janney (Lisa Strain)
Wes Bentley (Butch Hartman)
Tagline: “A Woman Without Sanity. A World Without Mercy”
Synopsis: Brynn Hartman always wanted to be a star. She had done some stage work, been in a movie or two and had a couple of guest-spots on some TV shows. When she marries comedy star Phil Hartman, her career, for the most part, dies. She becomes a typical housewife whose main duty is to raise the kids and attend social events with her famous husband. And that is what quietly sends her over the edge. Without anyone knowing it, including herself, Brynn begins to obsess over her husband. She spies on him at work, questions people about his faithfulness and eventually uses her children as resources. Her condition worsens. She begins to think that everyone is turning on her and becomes convinced that Phil is cheating on her with his ex-wives Lisa and Gretchen. Although her family does notice these changes, they choose that they are not serious enough to warrant making an issue. The majority of the film is simply about Brynn and Phil’s relationship and how it changes with added media coverage and, of course, Brynn’s insanity. In the end, Brynn, as we know, kills her husband and herself on May 28, 1998 in their home, right in front of the kids. This film is a lesson in history, mental health and relationships that no one should miss.
What the press would say:
No one was expecting Phil Hartman to die. And yet, on May 28, 1998, the world stood in shock. But what was really happening? Well, Patty Jenkins’ new film “Supernova” asks—and answers—that question, from the perception of his wife. It also answers the question of “who will win Best Actress at the Oscars this year?” Laura Linney stars as Brynn Hartman, the wife of the comic legend. This is one of the greatest performances in the history of film. Linney is somehow able to find a human in the notorious murderess. Without her performance, the film would be bleak and depressing, but it is instead fascinating and even a little inspiring. Because there are other aspects of the film I would like to talk about, I will leave it at this: Laura Linney should and will win the Oscar for “Supernova.” Critics across America, including myself, agree.
While Linney is the best part of the film, she is certainly not the only redeeming quality of it. Alec Baldwin plays Phil Hartman to perfection. In an interview, he told talk show host Jay Leno that he spent nearly two months researching Hartman, and every second of research is evident. He plays Hartman so convincingly, the viewer feels as though they are reliving his gruesome murder. Of course, this whole ensemble is remarkable. Allison Janney, Catherine Keener and Wes Bentley are great as well, and I would be campaigning for them if their roles weren’t so small.
Overall, I cannot recommend “Supernova” enough. It has the best script and direction of the year, Baldwin is mesmerizing and, as anyone who has ever read a review of the film before knows, contains an absolutely flawless performance by Laura Linney.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director (Patty Jenkins)
Best Actress (Laura Linney)
Best Supporting Actor (Alec Baldwin)
Best Original Screenplay (Patty Jenkins)
Best Film Editing
Location: Arizona
“Supernova"
Written and Directed by Patty Jenkins
Music by Philip Glass
Produced by Edward Saxon and Butch Hartman
Principal Cast:
Laura Linney (Brynn Hartman)
Alec Baldwin (Phil Hartman)
Catherine Keener (Gretchen Lewis)
Allison Janney (Lisa Strain)
Wes Bentley (Butch Hartman)
Tagline: “A Woman Without Sanity. A World Without Mercy”
Synopsis: Brynn Hartman always wanted to be a star. She had done some stage work, been in a movie or two and had a couple of guest-spots on some TV shows. When she marries comedy star Phil Hartman, her career, for the most part, dies. She becomes a typical housewife whose main duty is to raise the kids and attend social events with her famous husband. And that is what quietly sends her over the edge. Without anyone knowing it, including herself, Brynn begins to obsess over her husband. She spies on him at work, questions people about his faithfulness and eventually uses her children as resources. Her condition worsens. She begins to think that everyone is turning on her and becomes convinced that Phil is cheating on her with his ex-wives Lisa and Gretchen. Although her family does notice these changes, they choose that they are not serious enough to warrant making an issue. The majority of the film is simply about Brynn and Phil’s relationship and how it changes with added media coverage and, of course, Brynn’s insanity. In the end, Brynn, as we know, kills her husband and herself on May 28, 1998 in their home, right in front of the kids. This film is a lesson in history, mental health and relationships that no one should miss.
What the press would say:
No one was expecting Phil Hartman to die. And yet, on May 28, 1998, the world stood in shock. But what was really happening? Well, Patty Jenkins’ new film “Supernova” asks—and answers—that question, from the perception of his wife. It also answers the question of “who will win Best Actress at the Oscars this year?” Laura Linney stars as Brynn Hartman, the wife of the comic legend. This is one of the greatest performances in the history of film. Linney is somehow able to find a human in the notorious murderess. Without her performance, the film would be bleak and depressing, but it is instead fascinating and even a little inspiring. Because there are other aspects of the film I would like to talk about, I will leave it at this: Laura Linney should and will win the Oscar for “Supernova.” Critics across America, including myself, agree.
While Linney is the best part of the film, she is certainly not the only redeeming quality of it. Alec Baldwin plays Phil Hartman to perfection. In an interview, he told talk show host Jay Leno that he spent nearly two months researching Hartman, and every second of research is evident. He plays Hartman so convincingly, the viewer feels as though they are reliving his gruesome murder. Of course, this whole ensemble is remarkable. Allison Janney, Catherine Keener and Wes Bentley are great as well, and I would be campaigning for them if their roles weren’t so small.
Overall, I cannot recommend “Supernova” enough. It has the best script and direction of the year, Baldwin is mesmerizing and, as anyone who has ever read a review of the film before knows, contains an absolutely flawless performance by Laura Linney.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director (Patty Jenkins)
Best Actress (Laura Linney)
Best Supporting Actor (Alec Baldwin)
Best Original Screenplay (Patty Jenkins)
Best Film Editing
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