Someday I hope to make movies of my own. It seems like a daunting, grueling profession but also extremely rewarding. I cannot imagine sitting down in a theater and watching my movie, and my script, come to "reality."
My intense movie-viewing and nerdy study of various filmmakers could certainly influence if I were to ever become a filmmaker myself. Even now, when I think of a plot or visualize a film in my head, certain plot devices and themes that are common among some of my favorites come up in my pointless, delusional, little thoughts. A certain level of influence is good, but obviously you don't want to see a ripoff film. Here's a question, though: Is it possible to make a film with no influence from past works? Is it still possible, in 2009, to totally break ground in filmmaking? Probably not.
So here, in no order, are the top five (yet ever-growing) influences on my future filmmaking career (...if that makes any sense?):
Charlie Kaufman - He's almost hard to be influential because he's basically making his own original genre. But just the intelligence in his scripts is something I dream of replicating. Sometimes it's almost as if he's too smart for all of us. Yet he's not just being mind-beinding; he's creating a heartfelt story that has a message. Not many people have written four perfect screenplays.
Quentin Tarantino - Who isn't influenced by him? There have been numerous knock-offs of his work over the past ten years, but no one can get dialogue so brilliant of a film so cool in its hip style. Pulp Fiction changed movies forever. Yes, he's a little crazy and a total dick, but even that comes across kind of cool in a snobby way. Whatever, the appropriately constant violence in his movies and the trademark non-linear plots are one-of-a-kind.
Ethan and Joel Coen: The characters, plot and even setting reveal the type of movie the Coens wanna make and they follow through. They have basically made their own fascinating little genre of crime, drama, comedy-type vehicles. The best thing about the Coens though, has to be their characters. They're written so well, that in my book, a few of their best characters have become legendary.
Baz Luhrmann - Maybe not influential in the story and plotting area, but certainly in his aesthetic. I'm maybe not as off-the-walls but I think a film can be enhanced so much by, like, colors and ADHD camerawork. A movie can also be killed by that type of thing, but Baz can pull it off.
Billy Wilder - His ability to morph into various genres yet relay a distinguishable style and theme throughout his filmography is just pure talent. His screenplays are almost a little silly, yet so intelligent at the same time, and very few writers have written better dialogue than he. An ode to his talent: his movies remain entertaining after half a century.
Who are your biggest cinematic influences?
Wednesday, May 27
The Kiddo Awards - Day 5 (Majors)
This is when the big hahunas come on out. The biggies:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
~~~
Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire – Messy and beautiful, but most of all, different. A story so optimistic and refreshing, fueled by the amazing setting that sets the stage for a unique cinematic experience. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Dark Knight – Sometimes you sit at the theater and watch a movie. Sometimes, though, you experience one. The Dark Knight blends action, drama, a smart screenplay and a great ensemble to make one of the most unforgettable films of the decade.
Synecdoche, New York – A mind-bending character study that doubles as a parable about life, death, love, work and more death. A breathtaking directorial debut for Kaufman.
Frozen River – The most thrilling movie of the year, backed by an impressive performance from Leo. An extremely emotional and intense film. I cannot wait to see more from Courtney Hunt.
Milk – Avoids being a Conventional Biopic, instead instilling a story of pure hope that is so relevant for the times. Tells an essential American story.
Slumdog Millionaire – Messy and beautiful, but most of all, different. A story so optimistic and refreshing, fueled by the amazing setting that sets the stage for a unique cinematic experience. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Dark Knight – Sometimes you sit at the theater and watch a movie. Sometimes, though, you experience one. The Dark Knight blends action, drama, a smart screenplay and a great ensemble to make one of the most unforgettable films of the decade.
Synecdoche, New York – A mind-bending character study that doubles as a parable about life, death, love, work and more death. A breathtaking directorial debut for Kaufman.
Frozen River – The most thrilling movie of the year, backed by an impressive performance from Leo. An extremely emotional and intense film. I cannot wait to see more from Courtney Hunt.
Milk – Avoids being a Conventional Biopic, instead instilling a story of pure hope that is so relevant for the times. Tells an essential American story.
Bronze
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire
Silver
Synecdoche, New York
Gold
The Dark Knight
Best Director
Chris Nolan, The Dark Knight – Nolan elevated his film from a popcorn flick to an intelligent crime drama that should go down as Nolan’s masterwork.
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York – Brought his vision to the film so effortlessly. Such a story could have gone off the rails, but Kaufman never become self-indulgent or too over-the-top, and kept his film on the right track.
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River – Has a gift for giving you an emotional punch in the gut, while also establishing so much tension and purpose in the story.
Gus Van Sant, Milk – Evoked a very communal and buoyant connection with the film and brought out Penn’s, Franco’s, Brolin’s and Hirsch’s best work to date.
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire – Brought together a technically flawless film while never hitting a wrong note in bringing such a wacky narrative to the screen. Truly epic filmmaking.
Best Director
Chris Nolan, The Dark Knight – Nolan elevated his film from a popcorn flick to an intelligent crime drama that should go down as Nolan’s masterwork.
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York – Brought his vision to the film so effortlessly. Such a story could have gone off the rails, but Kaufman never become self-indulgent or too over-the-top, and kept his film on the right track.
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River – Has a gift for giving you an emotional punch in the gut, while also establishing so much tension and purpose in the story.
Gus Van Sant, Milk – Evoked a very communal and buoyant connection with the film and brought out Penn’s, Franco’s, Brolin’s and Hirsch’s best work to date.
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire – Brought together a technically flawless film while never hitting a wrong note in bringing such a wacky narrative to the screen. Truly epic filmmaking.
Bronze
Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle
Silver
Charlie Kaufman
Charlie Kaufman
Gold
Christopher Nolan
Best Original Screenplay
Dustin Lance Black, Milk – A very sincere screenplay that portrays Milk and the other characters as real people with real emotions and in the end it all comes together poignantly. Can’t wait for Black’s next script.
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York – So ridiculously ingenious and full of meaning. I’m almost speechless.
Robert D. Siegel, The Wrestler – Siegel’s screenplay creates great characters that fit together so impeccably and could easily have become clichéd and melodramatic, but fortunately never do.
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River – At times so thrilling and intense, that I was actually sweating. Not only that, but the script has beautiful and authentic drama, written impressively.
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky – Again, it’s all in the characters. Leigh creates such unique and truly unforgettable characters. Quite an achievement.
Dustin Lance Black, Milk – A very sincere screenplay that portrays Milk and the other characters as real people with real emotions and in the end it all comes together poignantly. Can’t wait for Black’s next script.
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York – So ridiculously ingenious and full of meaning. I’m almost speechless.
Robert D. Siegel, The Wrestler – Siegel’s screenplay creates great characters that fit together so impeccably and could easily have become clichéd and melodramatic, but fortunately never do.
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River – At times so thrilling and intense, that I was actually sweating. Not only that, but the script has beautiful and authentic drama, written impressively.
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky – Again, it’s all in the characters. Leigh creates such unique and truly unforgettable characters. Quite an achievement.
Bronze
Dustin Lance Black
Silver
Courtney Hunt
Gold
Charlie Kaufman
Best Adapted Screenplay
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire – Beaufoy’s screenplay is brilliant in its way of warping chronology that translates into an incredible pay-off at the end of the film.
Jonathan and Chris Nolan, David S. Goyer, The Dark Knight – An extremely smart screenplay with dialogue better than any other film this year. It’s smart, intense and entertaining.
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt – Brilliant in how it tinkers with the mind of the viewer. Shanley’s script is masterful in the way that it keeps you guessing, while also injecting the movie with thought-provoking moral dilemmas.
David Gordon Green, Snow Angels – Gut-wrenching as hell and so draining by the end. Between this and Frozen River I’m going to need a hell of an anti-perspirant…or some heavy drug. So intense and captivating.
John Ajvide Lindqvist, Let the Right One In – So creative and ingenious, as there is nothing like LTROI this year. It takes its time in developing great characters and a story unlike any other. So many inventive scenes.
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire – Beaufoy’s screenplay is brilliant in its way of warping chronology that translates into an incredible pay-off at the end of the film.
Jonathan and Chris Nolan, David S. Goyer, The Dark Knight – An extremely smart screenplay with dialogue better than any other film this year. It’s smart, intense and entertaining.
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt – Brilliant in how it tinkers with the mind of the viewer. Shanley’s script is masterful in the way that it keeps you guessing, while also injecting the movie with thought-provoking moral dilemmas.
David Gordon Green, Snow Angels – Gut-wrenching as hell and so draining by the end. Between this and Frozen River I’m going to need a hell of an anti-perspirant…or some heavy drug. So intense and captivating.
John Ajvide Lindqvist, Let the Right One In – So creative and ingenious, as there is nothing like LTROI this year. It takes its time in developing great characters and a story unlike any other. So many inventive scenes.
Bronze
Simon Beaufoy
Silver
John Ajvide Lindqvist
Gold
Jon and Chris Nolan and David S. Goyer
(Chris Nolan pictured above)
Tuesday, May 26
Where Has Of Montreal Been All My Life?
You probably know what I mean when you get to that point of listening to music, where you're bored of all the bands you've been obsessing over lately and all your essential bands aren't really exciting you, so you randomly put on a band you're not very familiar with and just listen, to see if you like what you hear. I did that with Of Montreal and the results were extraordinary.
My brother once said this and I feel it's true, and I paraphrase: "When you hear Of Montreal for the first time, you either want all their albums right away or you want the music turned off." He's been to two of their concerts, so he knows what he's talking about.
Anyway, I fall into category one, finding their music so over-the-top, extravagent and addictive. Crazy synths and piano and god knows what are the background to Kevin Barnes' insane falsetto that occupy each song. It's hard to really classify the music as it's so far ranging, but who really cares? The song below, "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" is an epic, poetic masterpiece that you must take the ten minutes to listen to.
My brother once said this and I feel it's true, and I paraphrase: "When you hear Of Montreal for the first time, you either want all their albums right away or you want the music turned off." He's been to two of their concerts, so he knows what he's talking about.
Anyway, I fall into category one, finding their music so over-the-top, extravagent and addictive. Crazy synths and piano and god knows what are the background to Kevin Barnes' insane falsetto that occupy each song. It's hard to really classify the music as it's so far ranging, but who really cares? The song below, "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" is an epic, poetic masterpiece that you must take the ten minutes to listen to.
Monday, May 25
The Kiddo Awards - Day 4 (Extras Part 2)
More fun extras, today touching on:
Tagline of the Year
Trailer of the Year
Poster of the Year
Best Scenes (oodles of spoilers)
Best Ending (even more)
Most Aesthetically Pleasing Film of the Year
~~~
Tagline of the Year
"Why So Serious?" - The Dark Knight
"A Life Misunderestimated" - W.
"Life Is the Ultimate Work of Art" - Vicky Christina Barcelona
"Intelligence is relative." - Burn After Reading
"Get Carried Away" - Sex in the City
Trailer of the Year
Poster of the Year
Best Scenes (oodles of spoilers)
Best Ending (even more)
Most Aesthetically Pleasing Film of the Year
~~~
Tagline of the Year
"Why So Serious?" - The Dark Knight
"A Life Misunderestimated" - W.
"Life Is the Ultimate Work of Art" - Vicky Christina Barcelona
"Intelligence is relative." - Burn After Reading
"Get Carried Away" - Sex in the City
Bronze
A Life Misunderestimated. W.
Silver
Life Is The Ultimate Work of Art. Vicky Christina Barcelona
Gold
Why So Serious? The Dark Knight
Trailer of the Year
The Dark Knight – We got a glimpse of the dazzling effects and Heath, which got everyone insanely excited. When a movie makes half a billion dollars, the marketing must be doing something right.
Milk – The titles cards and music were all perfect and synced up with the previewed scenes just right.
Eagle Eye – Okay, so the actual film sucked ass, but this trailer set up the pretty cool premise and the action looked good. Luckily, the trailer didn’t give us a preview of the feature’s crappy execution.
Burn After Reading – The music worked and the trailer effectively captured the craziness of the film.
Benjamin Button – The teaser with Arcade Fire’s “My Body Is a Cage” (= amazingness) was simply stunning and showed us many of the film’s impressive visuals. I was nearly moved to tears when I first saw it.
Poster of the Year
Kabluey – Simple but clean and it really fit into the film’s overall look.
The Dark Knight – So original and weird and epic and awesome.
Be Kind Rewind – Okay, a tad messy, but so is the film. Really, a poster needs to capture the essence of the film, and the poster did just that.
Funny Games – Every strand of Watts’ ruffled hair; every cloudy tear that leaves a stream of liquid on her cheeks; every facial blemish, a result of her torture = artistic perfection.
The Bank Job – Simple, yet no less effective.
Kabluey – Simple but clean and it really fit into the film’s overall look.
The Dark Knight – So original and weird and epic and awesome.
Be Kind Rewind – Okay, a tad messy, but so is the film. Really, a poster needs to capture the essence of the film, and the poster did just that.
Funny Games – Every strand of Watts’ ruffled hair; every cloudy tear that leaves a stream of liquid on her cheeks; every facial blemish, a result of her torture = artistic perfection.
The Bank Job – Simple, yet no less effective.
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Best Scene
Joker dressed as a nurse from The Dark Knight
The pile of poop from Slumdog Millionaire
Opening bank heist from The Dark Knight
The last driving lesson from Happy-Go-Lucky
Randy at the Deli counter from The Wrestler
Kym’s speech at rehearsal dinner from Rachel Getting Married
Juan's dinner proposal from Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola’s mucus-filled monologue from Doubt
Driving the Muslim couple from Frozen River
Flamenco Class from Happy-Go-Lucky
Walking between the Twin Towers - at last from Man On Wire
“Could You Open the Blinds?” from Let the Right One In
Walking between the Twin Towers - at last from Man On Wire
“Could You Open the Blinds?” from Let the Right One In
Bronze
TDK's opening bank heist
Silver
"Could You Open The Blinds?" from LTROI
Gold
Joker as a nurse
Best Ending (Major Spoilers!)
Synecdoche, New York – Every time I watch it again on YouTube, it never ceases to amaze me. Finally, minutes before he’ll die, Caden realize what life is all about. “Die.” Damn.
Milk – An air of foreboding doom coats the last fifteen minutes of the film. We see Dan. We see Harvey. He really never did make it to fifty.
The Wrestler – “I’m really here.” Holy shit, if that doesn’t make you cry, you don’t have a heart. Perfectly shot, acted and then Bruce chimes in.
Happy-Go-Lucky – Poppy gets a dose of pessimism and for a minute we think she may go to the glass-half-empty side. But, no, she’s rowing happily. What will break her optimism?!
Let the Right One In – That scene in the pool is simply mind-blowing. Ingenious, and then when Alfreddson has the shot hold on the dead bullies, I basically shrieked with amazement.
Bronze
The Wrestler
Silver
Synecdoche, New York
Gold
Let The Right One In
Most Aesthetically Pleasing Film of the Year
Synecdoche, New York – Art direction, costumes, make-up cinematography. They work together to build a world quite surreal yet on the flip-side, surprisingly realistic and true to life.
Milk – Captures the look of the seventies with flying colors. The look of the film is so consistent and clean throughout.
Benjamin Button – The home-sweet-home-ness is genuine and incredibly well-done. The slight darkness only works to the film’s advantage, creating a unique atmosphere.
The Wrestler – Bleak New JERSEY? Woods in the back of a trailer park. It’s all so raw and dirty. These little true-to-life details aren’t seen enough on film. I call that realism, bitches.
Slumdog Millionaire – A kaleidoscope of colors and images. The grittiness of the Mumbai streets are shot masterfully. Even the subtitles are awesome. A beautiful film to watch.
Bronze
Slumdog Millionaire
Silver
Milk
Gold
Synecdoche, New York
Friday, May 22
The Kiddo Awards - Day 3 (The Extras - Part 1)
These extra categories are a little offbeat, but that makes them all the better, really. Part one (or two), for extras will include the following:
Tom Noonan, Synecdoche, New York – Steals two scenes, where Noonan becomes totally engrossing. He’s funny, heartfelt and totally weird in that span of like seven minutes on screen. He’s also pretty good in Snow Angels.
Nonso Anonzi, Happy-Go-Lucky – He was the chiropractor (or something along those lines) and seemed to show pretty good chemistry with Hawkins as she’s in hysterics, finding humor in her back being cracked.
Josh Pais, Synecdoche, New York – He was the doctor who argues with Caden whether or not eyes are apart of the brain. He’s cringe-enducingly awkward and grumpy.
Charlie McDermott, Frozen River – Verges on an actual supporting role, playing Ray Eddy’s son. He’s complex and truly a good kid, cutting a “deal” with his friend to buy his five year-old brother a Hot Wheels set for Christmas.
William Fichtner, The Dark Knight – The bank manager during the first scene of TDK, he’s a brave soul willing to stand up to the Joker. In his few minutes, he contributes a great deal of drama to the scene.
Best Female Cameo Performance
Allison Pill, Milk – Really contributed every time she came into the frame. What struck me the most, was how genuine she came across when Harvey died in the end.
Amy Sedaris, Snow Angels – Like Kate Beckinsale’s character said about Sedaris’ Barb in Snow Angels, “There are good people. Barb is one of them.” And she really comes across that way, as maybe the most likable character of the year.
Caroline Martin, Happy-Go-Lucky – She plays Poppy uptight younger sister who is already married and pregnant. Her characters sense of self-consciousness and uncertainty with her decisions, makes her one of the high-lights of the movie.
Deidre O’Connell, Synecdoche, New York – The lady from the last scene in Synecdoche, with whom Caden sits. She’s, like, a saint. When I’m slowly slipping away, I want to rest my arm on her shoulder.
Anisa George, Rachel Getting Married – The original bridesmaid. One of Kym’s many antagonists, you can sense the disdain she has for Kym so truly.
Body of Work Award
Richard Jenkins – An Oscar-worthy performance (The Visitor), a likeable supporting turn (Burn After Reading), the best part of a pretty shitty movie (Step Brothers). Now we know who Richard Jenkins is.
Robert Downey Jr. – One hell of a comeback. Had The Soloist been released in ’08, he’d have this category, walking away.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman – I was extremely close to giving him a double nomination. He was incredible in Synecdoche and pretty great in Doubt as well.
Josh Brolin – Was a spot away from making my Lead Actor line-up and was a shoe-in (and medalist) for Supporting Actor. Great actor; great year.
Meryl Streep – Continues to break the rules being a plus-50 summer box office hit (and will be again in ’09), while turning in great work in Doubt.
Villain of the Year
Adele Cotard, Synecdoche, New York – From far away in Berlin, she taunts Caden indirectly. She lets his daughter become a prostitute for the sake of art. She is interviewed as saying she only wants to be around joyous people. Most of the crap in Caden’s life is a result of her inner-evil. Played perfectly by Catherine Keener.
The Joker, The Dark Knight – I couldn’t leave him out of this, could I?
Dan White, Milk – SOOO insecure and conflicted. Brolin plays the mannerisms of stiffness and lack of confidence incredibly. The fact of the matter is that he is the polar opposite of Harvey, setting the stage for a great good vs. evil narrative.
Anita Bryant, Milk – I loathed this bitch. God, was she awful. I especially hated when she said something along the lines of that she really likes gay people and that she’s trying to protect them from God. Shut up.
Kym, Rachel Getitng Married – Her self-destruction is so frustrating to watch, yet you realize she has most of it coming, and it’s deserved. Her encounter at the salon with a former mate at rehab made you truly realize that this woman is an attention-whore and her behavior will make her and people around her unhappy forever.
Best Male Cameo
Best Female Cameo
Body of Work Award
Best Character
Best Villain
~~~
Best Male Cameo Performance
Tom Noonan, Synecdoche, New York – Steals two scenes, where Noonan becomes totally engrossing. He’s funny, heartfelt and totally weird in that span of like seven minutes on screen. He’s also pretty good in Snow Angels.
Nonso Anonzi, Happy-Go-Lucky – He was the chiropractor (or something along those lines) and seemed to show pretty good chemistry with Hawkins as she’s in hysterics, finding humor in her back being cracked.
Josh Pais, Synecdoche, New York – He was the doctor who argues with Caden whether or not eyes are apart of the brain. He’s cringe-enducingly awkward and grumpy.
Charlie McDermott, Frozen River – Verges on an actual supporting role, playing Ray Eddy’s son. He’s complex and truly a good kid, cutting a “deal” with his friend to buy his five year-old brother a Hot Wheels set for Christmas.
William Fichtner, The Dark Knight – The bank manager during the first scene of TDK, he’s a brave soul willing to stand up to the Joker. In his few minutes, he contributes a great deal of drama to the scene.
Bronze
William Fichtner, The Dark Knight
Silver
Charlie McDermott, Frozen River
Gold
Tom Noonan, Synecdoche, New York
Best Female Cameo Performance
Allison Pill, Milk – Really contributed every time she came into the frame. What struck me the most, was how genuine she came across when Harvey died in the end.
Amy Sedaris, Snow Angels – Like Kate Beckinsale’s character said about Sedaris’ Barb in Snow Angels, “There are good people. Barb is one of them.” And she really comes across that way, as maybe the most likable character of the year.
Caroline Martin, Happy-Go-Lucky – She plays Poppy uptight younger sister who is already married and pregnant. Her characters sense of self-consciousness and uncertainty with her decisions, makes her one of the high-lights of the movie.
Deidre O’Connell, Synecdoche, New York – The lady from the last scene in Synecdoche, with whom Caden sits. She’s, like, a saint. When I’m slowly slipping away, I want to rest my arm on her shoulder.
Anisa George, Rachel Getting Married – The original bridesmaid. One of Kym’s many antagonists, you can sense the disdain she has for Kym so truly.
Bronze
Caroline Martin, Happy-Go-Lucky
Silver
Amy Sedaris, Snow Angels
Gold
Deidre O'Connell, Synecdoche, New York
Body of Work Award
Richard Jenkins – An Oscar-worthy performance (The Visitor), a likeable supporting turn (Burn After Reading), the best part of a pretty shitty movie (Step Brothers). Now we know who Richard Jenkins is.
Robert Downey Jr. – One hell of a comeback. Had The Soloist been released in ’08, he’d have this category, walking away.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman – I was extremely close to giving him a double nomination. He was incredible in Synecdoche and pretty great in Doubt as well.
Josh Brolin – Was a spot away from making my Lead Actor line-up and was a shoe-in (and medalist) for Supporting Actor. Great actor; great year.
Meryl Streep – Continues to break the rules being a plus-50 summer box office hit (and will be again in ’09), while turning in great work in Doubt.
Bronze
Josh Brolin
Silver
Richard Jenkins
Gold
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Character Award
Harvey Milk, Milk – There wasn’t a "character" I rooted for more this year. Contagiously hopeful and optimistic, while earning bonus points for being totally relevant today.
Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson, The Wrestler – He’s a good guy, yet so self-destructive. His wrestling is a pain he inflicts upon himself. I was so heartbroken when his life began to unravel again at the end of the film.
The Joker, The Dark Knight – Has his eye on the prize (anarchy) the whole film. He comes across as not being layered at all – just a terrorist with catchy lines – but, really, he is the most layered and complex character of the year. God, I could write an essay on him.
Caden Cotard, Synecdoche, New York – A severe hypochondriac. A pessimist. A depressed soul. A narcissist, above all things. Rarely do we see someone this messed up on screen.
Jamal Malik, Slumdog Millionaire – There’s something so refreshing and moving about Malik. Rags to riches is such a done-to-death theme, yet Jamal just embodied so pitch-perfectly, that you couldn’t help but smile.
Harvey Milk, Milk – There wasn’t a "character" I rooted for more this year. Contagiously hopeful and optimistic, while earning bonus points for being totally relevant today.
Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson, The Wrestler – He’s a good guy, yet so self-destructive. His wrestling is a pain he inflicts upon himself. I was so heartbroken when his life began to unravel again at the end of the film.
The Joker, The Dark Knight – Has his eye on the prize (anarchy) the whole film. He comes across as not being layered at all – just a terrorist with catchy lines – but, really, he is the most layered and complex character of the year. God, I could write an essay on him.
Caden Cotard, Synecdoche, New York – A severe hypochondriac. A pessimist. A depressed soul. A narcissist, above all things. Rarely do we see someone this messed up on screen.
Jamal Malik, Slumdog Millionaire – There’s something so refreshing and moving about Malik. Rags to riches is such a done-to-death theme, yet Jamal just embodied so pitch-perfectly, that you couldn’t help but smile.
Bronze
Harvey Milk
Silver
Caden Cotard
Gold
The Joker
Villain of the Year
Adele Cotard, Synecdoche, New York – From far away in Berlin, she taunts Caden indirectly. She lets his daughter become a prostitute for the sake of art. She is interviewed as saying she only wants to be around joyous people. Most of the crap in Caden’s life is a result of her inner-evil. Played perfectly by Catherine Keener.
The Joker, The Dark Knight – I couldn’t leave him out of this, could I?
Dan White, Milk – SOOO insecure and conflicted. Brolin plays the mannerisms of stiffness and lack of confidence incredibly. The fact of the matter is that he is the polar opposite of Harvey, setting the stage for a great good vs. evil narrative.
Anita Bryant, Milk – I loathed this bitch. God, was she awful. I especially hated when she said something along the lines of that she really likes gay people and that she’s trying to protect them from God. Shut up.
Kym, Rachel Getitng Married – Her self-destruction is so frustrating to watch, yet you realize she has most of it coming, and it’s deserved. Her encounter at the salon with a former mate at rehab made you truly realize that this woman is an attention-whore and her behavior will make her and people around her unhappy forever.
Bronze
Dan White
Silver
Anita Bryant
Gold
The Joker
Thursday, May 21
The Culture Kid Tweets
Yeah, I'm finally on Twitter, for some reason. Spontaneously I decided I'd join, and conform, with the masses. Seems like my kinda thing.
So you can follow me here: twitter.com/msteiny1212 and I might put up a link on the sidebar.
Enjoy?
So you can follow me here: twitter.com/msteiny1212 and I might put up a link on the sidebar.
Enjoy?
Wednesday, May 20
The Kiddo Awards - Day 2 (Techs)
Today the huge umbrella of all things technical will be discussed and awarded. The categories include:
Best Costume Design
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Editing
Best Visual FX
Best Makeup
Best Sound Mixing
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
~~~
Best Costume Design
Milk – Glicker should have won an Oscar for his costumes that set the tone for the film’s great aesthetic.
Benjamin Button – More-than-solid period work that looked natural and authentic.
Synecdoche, New York – Messy and just the kind of clothes you’d picture a struggling artist to wear.
The Duchess – No explanation needed, really.
Indiana Jones 4 – Strong all around, especially Blanchett’s weird get-up.
Bronze
Synecdoche, New York
Silver
Benjamin Button
Gold
Milk
Best Cinematography
Milk – So level and clean throughout. Some beautiful little touches throughout the film reminded us why Savides is, like, the man.
Synecdoche, New York – The film’s dark tone and style was exponentially enhanced by the wonderful photography.
The Dark Knight – Innovative and iconic and perfect and whoa.
The Fall - The definition of orgasmic, my friends. Totally stunning to a point where you almost can't look away. An epic achievement.
Let the Right One In – In a few scenes, the cinematography stole the show (that goddamn pool, for instance). Inspired and unforgettable.
Bronze
Milk – So level and clean throughout. Some beautiful little touches throughout the film reminded us why Savides is, like, the man.
Synecdoche, New York – The film’s dark tone and style was exponentially enhanced by the wonderful photography.
The Dark Knight – Innovative and iconic and perfect and whoa.
The Fall - The definition of orgasmic, my friends. Totally stunning to a point where you almost can't look away. An epic achievement.
Let the Right One In – In a few scenes, the cinematography stole the show (that goddamn pool, for instance). Inspired and unforgettable.
Bronze
Let the Right One In
Silver
Milk
Gold
The Fall
Best Art Direction
Synecdoche, New York – It’s all in the details with this art direction. Every set and part of the film’s design is enhanced by the genius of Friedberg’s direction.
Benjamin Button – Nothing short of stunning, as the art direction helps build the incredible atmosphere of the film.
Milk – Dripping with faithfulness to the 1970s and all the unique style of that demographic during that time. It all feels so real.
Indiana Jones 4 – The most fun art direction of the year. Some of the sets, like the mini-town type thing, were achievements.
Let the Right One In – The most atmospheric film of the year owes a ton to the clean art direction. Sweden is weird.
Synecdoche, New York – It’s all in the details with this art direction. Every set and part of the film’s design is enhanced by the genius of Friedberg’s direction.
Benjamin Button – Nothing short of stunning, as the art direction helps build the incredible atmosphere of the film.
Milk – Dripping with faithfulness to the 1970s and all the unique style of that demographic during that time. It all feels so real.
Indiana Jones 4 – The most fun art direction of the year. Some of the sets, like the mini-town type thing, were achievements.
Let the Right One In – The most atmospheric film of the year owes a ton to the clean art direction. Sweden is weird.
Bronze
Milk
Silver
Benjamin Button
Gold
Synecdoche, New York
Best Editing
Frozen River – Sharp cuts make the film all the more exciting.
The Wrestler – Muddled and somewhat chaotic; fits the tone of the film perfectly.
Slumdog Millionaire – Full of life and a great compliment to the film’s flare.
The Dark Knight – One of the first movies in which I noticed the editing – but in a good way. The editing contributed so much to the film.
Milk – The documentary footage so vital to the story was incorporated very well.
Best Editing
Frozen River – Sharp cuts make the film all the more exciting.
The Wrestler – Muddled and somewhat chaotic; fits the tone of the film perfectly.
Slumdog Millionaire – Full of life and a great compliment to the film’s flare.
The Dark Knight – One of the first movies in which I noticed the editing – but in a good way. The editing contributed so much to the film.
Milk – The documentary footage so vital to the story was incorporated very well.
Bronze
Frozen River
Silver
The Wrestler
Gold
The Dark Knight
Best Visual FX
Benjamin Button – Without the infrickincredible scene on the ship, I wouldn’t have even considered nominating this film.
The Dark Knight – Very, very realistic and all of it is clear and coherent.
Indy 4 – Again, fun and visually impressive. Extremely well-done.
Silver
Benjamin Button
Gold
The Dark Knight
Best Make-up
Synecdoche, New York – Gave Samantha Morton a very genuine saggy neck. Yeah.
The Dark Knight – The Joker’s make-up is simply legendary. Two-Face's whole look is a work of art, my friends.
Hellboy – Okay, so I haven’t seen the film, but the previews make the whole the look of the characters appear incredible.
Silver
The Dark Knight
Gold
Synecdoche, New York
Best Sound Mixing
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Silver
Slumdog Millionaire
Gold
The Dark Knight
Best Sound Editing
WALL-E
Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Silver
The Dark Knight
Gold
WALL-E
Best Original Score
Milk – Simple and not overpowering. It’s a rather small movie, so this rather small score fit like a glove.
The Dark Knight – Haunting strings play, what I thought to be, a huge role in this film. Every scene’s tension rose with this score hissing in the background.
Benjamin Button – Musically, the best score of the year, yet almost not used in the film as effectively as it could have been.
Slumdog Millionaire – Exotic and enjoyable. Played a huge part in establishing that hyper air that defined Slumdog.
Burn After Reading - Fits the screwball thriller appropriately. Slick and catchy.
Bronze
Benjamin Button
Silver
The Dark Knight
Gold
Slumdog Millionaire
Best Original Song
Ray’s Echo – Embodies the bleakness, yet shadow of hope that springs at the end of Frozen River. A better song couldn’t have played over the closing credits.
Little Person – Like, the best lyrics ever, plus incredible vocals. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head for weeks. Stunning.
Jai Ho – Maybe the catchiest song of the year, period. Totally infectious instrumentals.
Song for Caden – Similar in greatness to ‘Little Person.’ This song truly embodies the whole story and feeling of Synecdoche.
The Wrestler – Very well-written, and yeah Springsteen can sing pretty well. The song has almost gotten to the point where it’s what you think of when you think of The Wrestler, in general.
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Monday, May 18
The Kiddo Awards - Day 1 (Acting)
It begins. Let's not beat around the bush; today's categories are:
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
~~~
Yep, it's all about the acting today, so first up...
Best Actor
Sean Penn, Milk – The definition of a lived in performance. Never for one moment do we think it’s Sean Penn acting. Without his performance, the film wouldn’t be half as good.
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler – Gets all of the talking-without-saying-anything and pitch-perfect line-readings that are just a clinic on dramatic acting. You can tell much of the “Ram” is Rourke’s creation.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Synecdoche, New York – His performance is all in the subtle details that shape his character of Caden Cotard. I can’t think of anyone who could have undertook such a complex character.
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor – As Roger Ebert said: “Richard Jenkins is an actor who can move his head half an inch and provide the turning point of a film.”
Josh Brolin, W. - He brings more to the table that just an impersonation of the most impersonationable person ever. There's depth in his performance, and without him W. would be far less enjoyable.
Yep, it's all about the acting today, so first up...
Best Actor
Sean Penn, Milk – The definition of a lived in performance. Never for one moment do we think it’s Sean Penn acting. Without his performance, the film wouldn’t be half as good.
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler – Gets all of the talking-without-saying-anything and pitch-perfect line-readings that are just a clinic on dramatic acting. You can tell much of the “Ram” is Rourke’s creation.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Synecdoche, New York – His performance is all in the subtle details that shape his character of Caden Cotard. I can’t think of anyone who could have undertook such a complex character.
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor – As Roger Ebert said: “Richard Jenkins is an actor who can move his head half an inch and provide the turning point of a film.”
Josh Brolin, W. - He brings more to the table that just an impersonation of the most impersonationable person ever. There's depth in his performance, and without him W. would be far less enjoyable.
Bronze
Mickey Rourke
![The Wrestler [Mickey Rourke] Pictures, Images and Photos](http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk119/lint_clouds/Columbine/wrestlermickey600.jpg)
Silver
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Gold
Sean Penn
Best Actress
Melissa Leo, Frozen River – Plays a gruff, burnt-out mom with a warm heart if you get to know her. Leo brings such realism and you can truly sense her character’s urgency.
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky – A testament to her tour de force performance is how goddamn annoying Poppy is. She played the character perfectly and was one of the funniest performers of the year.
Meryl Streep, Doubt – Over-the-top in the best way possible. She get’s the Brooklyn accent and the nun-bitchiness down perfectly and overall, creates an extremely complex woman.
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married – At times hilarious, and always trying to escape the shadow of all that is wrong with her. We cringe with the rest of the family, just watching her.
Cate Blanchett, Benjamin Button – Blanchett gives the film a much-needed heartbeat (I still haven’t gotten over the disappointment…). Everyone on screen with her in the film pales in comparison.
Bronze
Anne Hathaway
![Rachel Getting Married [Anne Hathaway] Pictures, Images and Photos](http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk119/lint_clouds/Columbine/rachelanne600.jpg)
Silver
Meryl Streep
Gold
Melissa Leo
Best Supporting Actress
Samantha Morton, Synecdoche New York – Hazel is the one thing Caden and we, the viewer, hold onto throughout the film. You can sense her feigned perkiness, done so naturally by Morton.
Viola Davis, Doubt – What hasn’t already been said?
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler РAll kinds of incredible as the Stripper With a Heart of Gold. Never becomes clich̩. I cared about her character more than any other this year. Proof of her brilliance.
Hiam Abbass, The Visitor – So subtle and understated. Each time her character enters the frame, the film gets a little bit better.
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona – Off-the-walls and daring as Maria Elena and follows in the footsteps of Dianne Keaton, Mira Sorvino and Dianne Wiest as one of the great, neurotic Woody Allen creations.
Best Supporting Actress
Samantha Morton, Synecdoche New York – Hazel is the one thing Caden and we, the viewer, hold onto throughout the film. You can sense her feigned perkiness, done so naturally by Morton.
Viola Davis, Doubt – What hasn’t already been said?
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler РAll kinds of incredible as the Stripper With a Heart of Gold. Never becomes clich̩. I cared about her character more than any other this year. Proof of her brilliance.
Hiam Abbass, The Visitor – So subtle and understated. Each time her character enters the frame, the film gets a little bit better.
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona – Off-the-walls and daring as Maria Elena and follows in the footsteps of Dianne Keaton, Mira Sorvino and Dianne Wiest as one of the great, neurotic Woody Allen creations.
Bronze
Samantha Morton
Silver
Penelope Cruz
Gold
Marisa Tomei
Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight – Legendary and genius and everything synonymous with those adjectives.
Emile Hirsch, Milk – At first, I thought he was overplaying Cleve (awesome name, by the way) but he started playing his character just right and ended up evoking a very realistic and funny performance.
Josh Brolin, Milk – In some ways, he’s similar to Penn’s performance of Harvey Milk. Both performances get every mannerism down and truly are their characters. Brolin is stunning at the end of the film.
Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky – Tortured and set-in-his-ways, Marsan should somewhat thank Mike Leigh, because Scott is flawlessly written. But Marsan steals a bunch of scenes and at times, runs away with the film.
John Malkovich, Burn After Reading – The award for most ‘f--ks’ also goes to him. He’s f—king crazy throughout the film and really is one of the great Coen characters.
Bronze
Eddie Marsan
Silver
Josh Brolin
Gold
Heath Ledger
Best Ensemble Cast
Milk – Career work from so many great actors (and an actress) in a movie that feeds off of the spirit the actors bring to the movie.
Synecdoche, New York – No other film this year can say it sports about a dozen great characters and performances. From Weist to Watson, this cast is stunning.
The Dark Knight – Every performance opens up another door in this complex plot, each character effectively helping in telling an incredible story.
Doubt – There are four performances in this film that I wouldn’t have minded winning the Oscar. Consistently great across the board.
Burn After Reading – A film built up in the small characters that work together to string together an awesome film. Like, a thousand very good performance add up to one hell of an ensemble.
Bronze
The Dark Knight
Silver
Milk
Gold
Synecdoche, New York
Sunday, May 17
Thursday, May 14
!The Kiddo Awards!
Yes, I am going to try my hand at an awards event. I know I've been quiet and negligent but that is mainly because I'm assembling The 2009 Kiddo Awards. Like 30 friggin' categories, 150 nominees and a bunch of other shit dedicated to my obessions. It is epic.
So here are the categories and schedule:
Day One
Monday, May 20th ~
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Day Two
Wednesday, May 22nd ~
Costume Design
Cinematography
Art Direction
Editing
Visual FX
Makeup
Sound Mixing
Sound Editing
Original Score
Original Song
Day Three
Friday, May 24th ~
Best Male Cameo
Best Female Cameo
Body of Work Award
Best Character
Best Villain
Day Four
Monday, May 27th ~
Tagline of the Year
Poster of the Year
Trailer of the Year
Best Scenes
Best Ending
Most Aesthetically-Pleasing Film of the Year
Day Five
Wednesday, May 29th ~
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Damn, huh? Stay tuned!
So here are the categories and schedule:
Day One
Monday, May 20th ~
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Day Two
Wednesday, May 22nd ~
Costume Design
Cinematography
Art Direction
Editing
Visual FX
Makeup
Sound Mixing
Sound Editing
Original Score
Original Song
Day Three
Friday, May 24th ~
Best Male Cameo
Best Female Cameo
Body of Work Award
Best Character
Best Villain
Day Four
Monday, May 27th ~
Tagline of the Year
Poster of the Year
Trailer of the Year
Best Scenes
Best Ending
Most Aesthetically-Pleasing Film of the Year
Day Five
Wednesday, May 29th ~
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Damn, huh? Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 5
Ghosts and Vampires
Let The Right One In
A totally unique story of a young, bullied boy who befriends a girl who's a vampire. Heart-stopping displays of vampire legend (ex: vamps burning up due to a speck of sunlight) and moving moments of interaction between two lonely kids ensue. It's about kids and it captures the whole schoolyard "phenomenon" just right. The way the kids act at school in the film is very true to life. Also, the film sets one of the oddest yet most effective atmospheres of the year. Snowy Sweden sets the stage for a very sinister tone that evokes the perfect grounds for a thriller. Yet this film has much more than just peoples' necks being bit to shreds, also telling a very emotional story. Who knew vampires were so sensitive? A-
Ghost Town
This Ricky Gervais-Greg Kinear vehicle was a total flop in the US, and I can see why. First, the story may come across as being inaccessible, though it really isn't. Also, the comedy comes across as slightly old-fashioned in the world of Judd Apatow and Borat. Yet I almost liked the old-fashioned, simplistic feel to it. There's no tension or pressure in the film, just a simple romantic comedy of a misanthropic dentist who sees ghosts. The thing is, it ended up becoming forgettable. The comedy wasn't engaging enough. Really the only laughs come from Gervais, who walks the tightrope of playing an insanely unlikable character. Yet Gervais keeps the character from getting annoying and injects the performance with sarcastic wit. In the end, will I remember the film in a month? Naw. But was it sort of pleasant while I was watching? Yeah, kinda. B-
A totally unique story of a young, bullied boy who befriends a girl who's a vampire. Heart-stopping displays of vampire legend (ex: vamps burning up due to a speck of sunlight) and moving moments of interaction between two lonely kids ensue. It's about kids and it captures the whole schoolyard "phenomenon" just right. The way the kids act at school in the film is very true to life. Also, the film sets one of the oddest yet most effective atmospheres of the year. Snowy Sweden sets the stage for a very sinister tone that evokes the perfect grounds for a thriller. Yet this film has much more than just peoples' necks being bit to shreds, also telling a very emotional story. Who knew vampires were so sensitive? A-
Ghost Town
This Ricky Gervais-Greg Kinear vehicle was a total flop in the US, and I can see why. First, the story may come across as being inaccessible, though it really isn't. Also, the comedy comes across as slightly old-fashioned in the world of Judd Apatow and Borat. Yet I almost liked the old-fashioned, simplistic feel to it. There's no tension or pressure in the film, just a simple romantic comedy of a misanthropic dentist who sees ghosts. The thing is, it ended up becoming forgettable. The comedy wasn't engaging enough. Really the only laughs come from Gervais, who walks the tightrope of playing an insanely unlikable character. Yet Gervais keeps the character from getting annoying and injects the performance with sarcastic wit. In the end, will I remember the film in a month? Naw. But was it sort of pleasant while I was watching? Yeah, kinda. B-
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