Two very different movies

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 8/25/12, Visual Effects 2006

I’m a believer that if a movie is going to be longer than 2 hours, it should be the next Spartacus or Exodus or My Fair Lady….this is not the case. It has been a long time since I watched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and even then, I’m not sure I really paid attention, so I didn’t remember a lot of things that carried over into Dead Man’s Chest. But, the movie won for Visual Effects, and those were really well done. Bill Nighy as Davy Jones was super, and the crew of the Flying Dutchman was computer-generated and they were fun to watch. I enjoyed the pirate who had the head of a hermit crab, which was occasionally dislodged from his body, and had a mind of its own. I think the first 40 minutes could have been cut out, and it would not have hurt a thing, because once the action started, I enjoyed the movie. But still – at 2 ½ hours, it was way too long.

Taxi to the Dark Side, 8/26/12, Best Documentary Feature 2007

There are documentaries that reinforce your belief in human nature, there are documentaries that make you laugh, and there are documentaries that make you angry. For me, Taxi to the Dark Side is the latter. Dilawar was an Afghan taxi driver who was taken into custody to Bagram prison and died from the beatings he suffered while in captivity. Alex Gibney interviews the men responsible for interrogating Dilawar and takes a broader look at US policies around using torture to get information. Many people are interviewed, including attorneys for the Army and Navy, journalists, politicians, and other footage of Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney and President Bush. It was infuriating watching interviews advocating the torture of men who had not been convicted of anything, who may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, and then to hear that the men on the ground, carrying out the orders were given very little guidance, but received the brunt of the punishment and seem to carry the most guilt. The men at the top, Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush appear to feel no guilt and constructed some kind of policy, rule of law that prevents them from ever being charged with war crimes. This is a documentary well-worth viewing, because to ignore it is unconscionable. Alex Gibney also directed The Smartest Men in the Room about the Enron debacle, also worth watching. 

How do they pick the winners anyway?

Bonnie and Clyde 8/12/12, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography 1967

In its day, the movie was released in 1967, it was known for using the special effect to make gunshots bloody (if you watch old gangster movies, there was a lot of shooting, but not a lot of blood). This was pretty bloody, I actually thought it was directed by Sam Peckinpaugh; it wasn’t, Arthur Penn directed (I just found out he directed one of my favorite movies, Little Big Man with Dustin Hoffman). I’m not a big fan of Warren Beatty, I just never believe him. I really didn’t believe him here. The movie had a certain cartoonish tinge to it in some the scenes, particularly the one with Gene Wilder. That was actually pretty funny. Estelle Parsons won for Best Supporting Actress and I have no idea why. I don’t think she added anything to the movie in terms of her performance, there was no subtlety, no nuance, just a lot of screaming. Beah Richards was nominated for her performance in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and I think she should have won for that; I have not seen the other movies for which the other actresses were nominated.  I can cross it off my list and move on.

The Danish Poet 8/16/12, Best Animated Short 2006

Disclaimer: Liv Ullman could narrate the Oslo phone book and I would listen. She narrated this short and I watched. I may have been too enthralled with listening to her narration and inflections, but I think I missed why this won the award, although, I was only able to watch one of the other nominees(Maestro), and I didn’t think that was Oscar-worthy either, cool animation, but I didn’t care. The Danish Poet is a story of beginnings, serendipity and making the best of a situation. It’s very charming, and shows an interesting perspective of how the different Scandinavian countries view their cultural history.

West Bank Story 8/17/12, Best Live Action Short Film 2006

A Middle Eastern take on the current Arab-Israeli conflict with a humorous touch. Interestingly, the film was made in California. Even though it was a ‘short’ film, there were moments where I thought it went on too long. I kind of liked the premise; comedy and humor have a way of telling a story and delivering a message that can be very effective, and perhaps that’s why it won. I’m not really sure of the criteria for winning, and since there are no other categories (like best actor, best writing, etc.), it seems to be a winner takes all. I was able to watch some of the other nominees, and personally, I think Binta and the Great Idea or The Savior would have been a better selection. Binta and the Great Idea is set in Senegal, and has multiple story lines, and the main story line (the Great Idea) is not revealed until the very last scene. The Savior is a religious satire, and while it pokes fun at Mormons, it also has a little fun at the expense of atheists. The short films were available as a collection on one DVD (some of the animated nominees were missing, but there were several extra shorts included).

Anastasia 8/18/12, Best Actress 1956

I read a book on the Anastasia mystery before watching the film, so I had some idea of the historical context, realizing that the film took many liberties with facts (even as they were known at that time). It was a beautifully filmed movie, with wonderful costumes and music (the score was nominated for an Oscar). I was ready to say that film was overacted, but that seems to be typical of films from that time. The movie has an incredible leading cast: Yul Brynner, Ingrid Bergman, and a favorite of mine, Helen Hayes. Ingrid Bergman won for Best Actress; I have not yet seen the other nominated actresses, but I don’t have too many qualms about the win. She certainly embodied the role and the internal conflict that the real Anna Anderson (Koreff in the film) experienced. Helen Hayes is absolutely fabulous as the Dowager Empress, Maria Federovna. She is understated, not overplaying the Russian/Danish accent and letting the action happen around her. I have not seen the other nominated roles for Best Supporting Actress, but Helen Hayes wasn’t even nominated, and that is a total shock. Her role was pivotal to the story (film and real life), and Helen Hayes’ portrayal was wonderful to watch. I don’t know if she is as appreciated today as she should be; perhaps more amongst fans of the theater more than film, but she was a treasure. For kicks, I recommend Candleshoe, a movie from the late 1970s. It is no Oscar winner, but it has a lineup that should make any movie fan salivate: Helen Hayes, David Nive, Jody Foster and Leo McKern (I repeat: this is no Anna Karenina, but it is a fun family film).

The beginning of a compulsion

Several months ago I decided that I was going to watch every Oscar-winning movie (not just the best picture, but EVERY award). If I have watched it, it counts, and i don't have to watch it again (although, i do have the option). I'm not claiming to be Roger Ebert or Gene Siskel or any other wannabe critic. The following are my notes on the movies I'm watching. They may prompt you to watch them, or generate some good discussion. The first entry is from May 2012 through mid-August 2012.

All About Eve 5/26/2012 Best costume design, best writing, best supporting actor, best picture, best director, best sound

A true classic. Great performance by Bette Davis, Celeste Holm and Anne Baxter. I didn’t know what to expect, but it exceeded what I thought it would be. There is some overacting, but there are some nuances too. ‘Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night’ is an often-quoted line, so to hear it in its original context is refreshing.

Apollo 13 6/3/2012 Best film editing, best sound

You feel claustrophobic as the action takes place in the space capsule. Even if you know how it ends, it is still exciting. A reminder of the pioneering spirit of the space program.

Syriana 6/30/2012 Best Supporting Actor

Another movie I avoided because I am not a huge George Clooney fan (meaning I will not watch a movie only for George Clooney, but I have actually seen many of his films). The multiple story lines required more of my attention than I usually pay (multi-tasking is a personal flaw), but it was an entertaining political thriller. Matt Damon’s storyline seemed superfluous to me.

Sideways 7/1/2012 Best Adapted Screenplay

I liked it, I was prepared not to like it, but it’s a nice film, nothing overwhelming or in your face, no special effects, but a good story. I really like Paul Giammati and he rarely disappoints. I don’t drink wine, and maybe if I did, I would have watched this when it was first released. This probably could have been any road trip movie, the wine gave it a sense of place and allowed the main character to be an expert in something.

The Artist 7/4/2012 Best picture, best actor, best director

It was good, it was different, it was an interesting way to do a film. I still think Hugo was the best picture (my sentimental favorite was The Help). It paid homage to cinematic history similar to Hugo, but I didn’t care all that much for the characters.

‘Round Midnight 7/4/2012 Best Music, Original Score

I didn’t know if I would like this film or not, and it took me a little while to get into it, but overall, I really enjoyed it. It’s a somber film, not a lot of laughs, and sometimes the main character, Dale Turner, isn’t very likeable, but I really felt for this tortured soul. He finds a family and life with a great fan in Paris, and seems to understand the love Francis has for him. In the framework of the movie, I found I liked the be-bop/jazz music that was the whole basis for the film. I think my dad would have liked the movie and that made it more special. I haven’t seen ‘The Color of Money’ for which Paul Newman won the Oscar, but I believe that Dexter Gordon should have won it for this role. Highly recommended.

The Fog of War 7/7/2012 Best Documentary Feature

Documentary provides insight into the Kennedy and Johnson administrations and Robert McNamara, who seems to have a reputation as a war monger, but I got the feeling he was very anti-war, seeing it as a last resort. 

Inside Job 7/7/2012 Best Documentary Feature

If you watch this and don’t get angry, you just aren’t paying attention. Being part of the mortgage industry during this collapse/colossal rip off just made it more painful to watch. The fact that nobody was charged with fraud, conspiracy or something is a crime.

Annie Hall 7/14/2012 Best director, best actress, best picture, best original screenplay

You wonder how Woody Allen functions with all of these bizarre thoughts in his head, but it’s because he makes movies like this. The classic ‘Annie Hall’ look is shown only briefly. I enjoyed the movie as part of understanding Allen’s later work. There are some very funny parts in it, and Allen has some great insights into the neuroses of relationships.

Atonement 7/14/2012 Best original score

A beautiful period piece with a surprise ending.

Days of Wine and Roses 7/14/2012 Best original song

Another movie that is cited in cultural references. I was expecting sugar-coating of alcoholism, but there was a sense of realism, a sense of despair as the characters succumbed to the siren of alcohol. Jack Lemmon was incredible and Lee Remick was beautifully tragic. I did not expect the movie to end the way it did, and I was ‘pleased’ that wasn’t tied up nicely in a bow.

The Defiant Ones 7/20/2012 Best Cinematography – B&W, Best Screenplay

I love Sidney Poitier, and have seen most of his landmark films. Finally watched this one and enjoyed it. Sometimes Tony Curtis annoys me, I can’t tell if it’s overacting or something else. I didn’t believe him as a Southern prisoner with his fake southern accent, but I got past that and just enjoyed the story. Some of it was predictable, you just knew they were going to develop some of kind of bond. There were some twists that kept it interesting, and I was rooting for them to make it to the train.

Star Trek (2009) 7/21/2012 Best Makeup

I have never watched any of the Star Trek movies all of the way through, and I only watched this because it was on the Oscar’s list. It wasn’t horrible, and there were some good effects and action. An interesting twist on the origin story of the Starship Enterprise and the relationship between Kirk and Spock. The villain, Nero, was horribly overacted and the change between speaking colloquial/familiar English and formal English was annoying. I found out it was Eric Bana after watching the movie and I thought, oh that makes sense I didn’t like him. Leonard Nimoy was a great touch and I liked the scenes with him the most, even though the time traveling stuff hurts my head.

The African Queen 7/21/2012 Best Actor

Good action sequences, going down the rapids, the fly scene (guaranteed to make you itch and swat at imaginary bugs), the unforgettable leeches scene – I remember watching the movie with my dad and him explaining the leeches. I’m glad I finally watched the whole movie, and now I don’t have to fixate on them anymore. I had to suspend disbelief to believe that a prim missionary (Katharine Hepburn) could fall for a guy like Charlie Allnutt. But, then you kind of do and just go with it. It is almost just a two person play except for the first 10 minutes with Rose’s missionary brother and the German soldiers at the end of the movie. The movie still holds up all these years later.

Inception 7/22/2012 Best Cinematography, Best Sound editing, Best sound mixing, best visual effects

My head hurts. You have to pay attention to this movie and even if you do that, you may want to watch it twice (and I think I will). Interesting concept about dreams and manipulating them, and going into a dream within a dream. The effects were stunning and keep you watching, but it is the story that is really interesting. I originally avoided this movie like the plague, not sure why, probably because I didn’t want my head to hurt, but it’s on the list, so, I watched it and am really glad I did. Just saw Christopher Nolan’s Dark Night Rises, so it was col to see Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Leavitt-Gordon so soon after that. The irony (probably planned?) was the constant playing of Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, Je ne regret rien’; Cotillard played Piaf and won an Oscar.

East of Eden 7/22/2012 Best supporting actress

James Dean’s movie debut; another movie that is always referred to in cultural references, so I was glad to finally watch it. I wasn’t mesmerized by Dean’s performance although I was definitely interested in it, especially when I learned most of his performance was improvised. Jo Van Fleet, who played Aron and Cal’s mother, won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. I would have liked to have seen more of her in the movie, I really liked her and thought she had a story to tell (Van Fleet played Arletta in ‘Cool Hand Luke’ another brilliant movie). I rated the movie 4 stars on Netflix and highly recommend it.

Babel 7/28/2012 Best original score

You have to give the movie time to unfold and for the pieces to come together. I wasn’t all that interested in the storyline with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, even though it contains the movie’s pivotal event. The Afghani family story humanized a group of people that have been in the American conscious or subconscious for over 10 years. The plotline involving the housekeeper/nanny, Amelia, was very intense and took a turn that I didn’t quite expect. The actress who played Amelia was outstanding; she lost out to Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls, but I think any of the nominees for this year would have been worthy recipients. I don’t think this was the greatest movie I have seen, but it certainly makes you think about how one small event can have huge ripple effects.

Almost Famous 8/11/12 Best original screenplay

I really liked the music from the movie, pulling from a great selection from the early 1970s. It was a nice coming of age story. I thought the whole story line of the relationship between William and his mother was annoying (and I love Frances McDormand, so that’s not it); it seemed more of a distraction than anything. Billy Crudup was good as the lead guitarist who seemingly didn’t want to buy into the hype of being a popular band. Personally, I liked that there was a scene set in Swingo’s which was a famous rock and roll hotel in Cleveland. Kate Hudson was enchanting as Penny Lane.  There’s a scene in the movie where the band starts to sing along to ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John. That may be one of my favorites. It seemed improvised, which I suppose was the point. It was a nice behind the scenes look at the music papers and magazines of that time (although it wasn’t too detailed). It was a good movie that really didn’t make me think too hard.