Author(s): Harry
Location: Colombia
“An Actress Named Vivien Leigh"
A Warner Bros. Pictures Release
Directed by Milos Forman
Written by John Logan and James L. White
Produced by Saul Zaentz
Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Pawel Edelman
Costume design by Sandy Powell
Principal Cast:
Kate Beckinsale as Vivien Leigh
Johnny Depp as Laurence Olivier
John C. Reilly as David O. Selznick
Martin Scorsese as George Cukor
David Strathairn as Elia Kazan
Adrien Brody as Kenneth Tynan
Jeff Bridges as Victor Fleming
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Myron Selznick
Featuring special cameo appearances of:
Cate Blanchett as Kim Hunter
Chris Cooper as Herbert Leigh Holman
Leonardo DiCaprio as Marlon Brando
Robert Downey Jr. as Clark Gable
Queen Latifah as Hattie McDaniel
Ryan Phillippe as Leslie Howard
Liv Tyler as Olivia de Havilland
Naomi Watts as Jill Esmond
Tagline: “Her success/Her illness/Her depression/Her Legend"
Synopsis: “Lights, Camera, Action”. The film begins with the shooting of “Fire over England”. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier played the roles of two lovers. As they continued with the shooting, a desperate attraction grew between them and ended with them have an affair. After finding out, Leigh’s husband, the barrister Herbert Leigh Holman and Olivier’s wife, the actress Jill Esmond refused to grant either a divorce. Leigh and Olivier was a happy couple, but Olivier was offered a part in the film “Wuthering Heights” in the States and left Leigh alone in London.
At this time, Hollywood was in the search of an actress that could portray Scarlett O’Hara in David O. Selznick’s production of “Gone With the Wind”. Leigh’s American agent was the London representative of Myron Selznick Agency (Myron was David’s brother). Vivien Leigh wanted the role of Scarlett O'Hara more than anything in the world. Selznick and George Cukor, the director of the film, saw her latest films and after that, she became a serious contender for the role. After various fights, she finally received the role and began shooting alongside Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland and Hattie McDaniel. Sadly, Cukor was dismissed from the film and replaced by Victor Fleming, but Leigh and de Havilland went in secret to ask Cukor for coaching. “Gone With the Wind” brought Leigh immediate attention and fame as well as an Oscar for Best Actress.
Leigh and Olivier continued making various films and plays together, some successful and others terrible. In a New Zealand and Australia theater tour, Leigh was plagued with insomnia. During that, Olivier and Leigh had extremely nasty and violent fights. After the success of the tour, the couple made their first West End appearance together. Leigh’s next role was Blanche Dubois in the Tennessee William’s polemic play “A Streetcar Named Desire”. After 326 performances, Leigh signed for a film version of the play, co-starring Marlon Brando and Kim Hunter. Leigh’s performance in the film was extremely successful and earned her amazing reviews as well as a second Oscar. However, the role tipped her into madness. Leigh and Olivier continued performing together but Leigh had many periods of incoherence. Leigh recovered sufficiently to play “The Sleeping Prince” with Olivier and after other productions, she became pregnant. A few weeks later, she had a miscarriage and entered a stage of terrible depression that lasted for months. Here is where the film takes a tragic end.
What the press would say:
One thing is for sure, “An Actress Named Vivien Leigh” is this year’s awards season biopic delivered in the best writing, directing and acting possible. Milos Forman’s directing is so fascinating and so unique that it’ll probably earn him a fourth Oscar nomination. The screenplay was also delivered in the most realistic way possible. John Logan and James L. White make you suffer and cry with their amazing scenes and strong dialogues. But what really makes this film a sure Oscar contender is its strong cast, destined to be a contender for various awards. The best of the supporting cast is Adrien Brody as the critic and film’s villain Kenneth Tynan, who destroys the main character with his terrible reviews. Johnny Depp is sensational as Laurence Olivier, a role he was born to play and that will earn him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. But ladies and gentlemen, the person you must all applaud the most is Kate Beckinsale in her lifetime and born to play role as the beautiful Vivien Leigh. Not only does she look very much like her, but she also shows us how terrific she can play such a complex and desperate character. She was definitely possessed by the spirit of Vivien Leigh at the shooting of the film. It really is a performance I can see perfectly winning an Oscar. So please, go see this film for its directing, its screenplay and its tremendous cast but most of all, for Beckinsale’s portrayal of a desperate actress.
Awards Potential:
Best Picture – Saul Zaentz
Best Directing – Milos Forman
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Kate Beckinsale
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Johnny Depp
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Adrien Brody
Best Original Screenplay – John Logan and James L. White
Best Original Score – Howard Shore
Best Cinematography – Pawel Edelman
Best Costume design – Sandy Powell
Best Makeup
Monday, August 4, 2008
Alma
Author(s): Al
Location: NY
“Alma"
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Written by: John Logan
Original Score by Jan A. P. Kaczmarek
Principal Cast:
Jonathan Reynolds: Paul Giamatti
William Forester: John C. Reilly
Ellen Breslin: Annette Bening
Sidney Shepard: Djimon Hounsou
Mary Shepard: Tracie Thoms
Jacob Forester: Daryl Sabara
Morris Fitzgerald: L.Q. Jones
Eve Shepard: Keke Palmer
Anne Forester: Julianne Moore
Sam Ratcliff: Clint Eastwood
Lisa Breslin: AnnaSophia Robb
Florence Lang: Joan Cusack
Tagline: “Learn to defy tradition"
Memorable Quote: "These children are our future, Mr. Ratcliff. And if you keep them like this, our future is doomed."
Synopsis: 1963. Alma is a sleepy little town in the heartland of Arkansas. With upheavals, protests and new ideas developing all over the country during this turbulent period of time, the closed-minded and corrupt mayor Sam Ratcliff helps keep Alma shut off from the changes of this era, and most of the town wants things to stay the way they are. That all changes when a new 7th grade teacher comes to town: Jonathan Reynolds. Reynolds is a closeted homosexual, and has just come back from teaching at Berkeley. After participating in one too many student demonstrations, Reynolds was fired and the town of Alma was happy to take him with barely any background check. Reynolds proceeds to expose the children of Alma to the upheavals and new ideas in the rest of the country. He teaches them ideals of independence, self-confidence, and defiance-none of which their guardians want them to learn. Many of the parents grow angry, and Ratcliff tries to have Reynolds fired, but he lacks a proper reason. Meanwhile, an African-American family moves in, disrupting the racial structure of the town and causing another upset. Another teacher at the school, Florence Lang, is shocked at what she sees going on across the hall and wants Reynolds removed immediately. Drawing upon Reynolds' questionable sexual orientation, she spreads a rumor that Reynolds is molesting a young boy in his class, Jacob Forester. While Reynolds has to fight these vicious allegations with the help of his students, this small, innocent town must deal with change both in Alma and in all of America.
What the press would say:
I just came out of "Alma", and all I can say to describe this movie is that it's just amazing. Famed actor/director Clint Eastwood has put together one of the best ensemble dramas in recent memory, which is big considering the surplus we've had of them. This film will definitely be going for the Oscar, and with the help of a deep, thoughtful screenplay by John Logan, it certainly has a chance. I cannot say enough about the actors in this film. Usually in an ensemble drama, there are a few standouts, but many performances fall flat. That is definitely not the case here. Every actor (including the children) turns in a creditable performance for "Alma". Clint Eastwood is dark and disturbing as the corrupt mayor of Alma (he's always good in his own movies). As a black couple facing extreme prejudice and hate as they move to Alma, Djimon Hounsou and Tracie Thoms both are great, especially Tracie. Another couple of good actors are John C. Reilly and Julianne Moore as the parents of the Forester family. Faced with possible sexual abuse of their son, these two react remarkably, with all the traits of good actors. Their son himself is played also very poignantly by Daryl Sabara, who handles such serious material so well. He isn't a Spy Kid anymore! I also loved Joan Cusack as the concerned but closed-minded and racist teacher, Annette Bening as a struggling single mom trying to raise her daughter well, and veteran actor L.Q. Jones in a small but important role as the earnest and kind owner of a candy shop with secret homophobic violence in his past. But the real standout in this movie is Paul Giamatti, the leading actor. Giamatti has been robbed of awards in the past, but now the Academy cannot avoid his portrayal of an edgy, closeted schoolteacher who opens children's minds to the possibilities and fallacies of the world. However, while Giamatti's character is a catalyst of new values and ideals, his performance at times suggests that he has learned responsibility from the children too. Overall, this is a great, poignant, and thought-provoking film. The studio is waging an aggressive campaign for the following awards:
Best Picture (AMPAS)
Best Picture: Drama (HFPA)
Best Ensemble Cast (SAG)
Best Director: Clint Eastwood
Best Original Screenplay: John Logan
Best Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actor: L.Q. Jones
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actress: Joan Cusack
Best Supporting Actress: Annette Bening
Location: NY
“Alma"
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Written by: John Logan
Original Score by Jan A. P. Kaczmarek
Principal Cast:
Jonathan Reynolds: Paul Giamatti
William Forester: John C. Reilly
Ellen Breslin: Annette Bening
Sidney Shepard: Djimon Hounsou
Mary Shepard: Tracie Thoms
Jacob Forester: Daryl Sabara
Morris Fitzgerald: L.Q. Jones
Eve Shepard: Keke Palmer
Anne Forester: Julianne Moore
Sam Ratcliff: Clint Eastwood
Lisa Breslin: AnnaSophia Robb
Florence Lang: Joan Cusack
Tagline: “Learn to defy tradition"
Memorable Quote: "These children are our future, Mr. Ratcliff. And if you keep them like this, our future is doomed."
Synopsis: 1963. Alma is a sleepy little town in the heartland of Arkansas. With upheavals, protests and new ideas developing all over the country during this turbulent period of time, the closed-minded and corrupt mayor Sam Ratcliff helps keep Alma shut off from the changes of this era, and most of the town wants things to stay the way they are. That all changes when a new 7th grade teacher comes to town: Jonathan Reynolds. Reynolds is a closeted homosexual, and has just come back from teaching at Berkeley. After participating in one too many student demonstrations, Reynolds was fired and the town of Alma was happy to take him with barely any background check. Reynolds proceeds to expose the children of Alma to the upheavals and new ideas in the rest of the country. He teaches them ideals of independence, self-confidence, and defiance-none of which their guardians want them to learn. Many of the parents grow angry, and Ratcliff tries to have Reynolds fired, but he lacks a proper reason. Meanwhile, an African-American family moves in, disrupting the racial structure of the town and causing another upset. Another teacher at the school, Florence Lang, is shocked at what she sees going on across the hall and wants Reynolds removed immediately. Drawing upon Reynolds' questionable sexual orientation, she spreads a rumor that Reynolds is molesting a young boy in his class, Jacob Forester. While Reynolds has to fight these vicious allegations with the help of his students, this small, innocent town must deal with change both in Alma and in all of America.
What the press would say:
I just came out of "Alma", and all I can say to describe this movie is that it's just amazing. Famed actor/director Clint Eastwood has put together one of the best ensemble dramas in recent memory, which is big considering the surplus we've had of them. This film will definitely be going for the Oscar, and with the help of a deep, thoughtful screenplay by John Logan, it certainly has a chance. I cannot say enough about the actors in this film. Usually in an ensemble drama, there are a few standouts, but many performances fall flat. That is definitely not the case here. Every actor (including the children) turns in a creditable performance for "Alma". Clint Eastwood is dark and disturbing as the corrupt mayor of Alma (he's always good in his own movies). As a black couple facing extreme prejudice and hate as they move to Alma, Djimon Hounsou and Tracie Thoms both are great, especially Tracie. Another couple of good actors are John C. Reilly and Julianne Moore as the parents of the Forester family. Faced with possible sexual abuse of their son, these two react remarkably, with all the traits of good actors. Their son himself is played also very poignantly by Daryl Sabara, who handles such serious material so well. He isn't a Spy Kid anymore! I also loved Joan Cusack as the concerned but closed-minded and racist teacher, Annette Bening as a struggling single mom trying to raise her daughter well, and veteran actor L.Q. Jones in a small but important role as the earnest and kind owner of a candy shop with secret homophobic violence in his past. But the real standout in this movie is Paul Giamatti, the leading actor. Giamatti has been robbed of awards in the past, but now the Academy cannot avoid his portrayal of an edgy, closeted schoolteacher who opens children's minds to the possibilities and fallacies of the world. However, while Giamatti's character is a catalyst of new values and ideals, his performance at times suggests that he has learned responsibility from the children too. Overall, this is a great, poignant, and thought-provoking film. The studio is waging an aggressive campaign for the following awards:
Best Picture (AMPAS)
Best Picture: Drama (HFPA)
Best Ensemble Cast (SAG)
Best Director: Clint Eastwood
Best Original Screenplay: John Logan
Best Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actor: L.Q. Jones
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actress: Joan Cusack
Best Supporting Actress: Annette Bening
At the Wire
Author(s): Evan
Location: N/A
“At the Wire”
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Produced by Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, and Larry McMurtry
Screenplay by Larry McMurtry
Cinematography by Tom Stern
Art Direction by Jack G. Taylor, Jr.
Score by Clint Eastwood
Principal Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix as Tom Hanson
Renee Zellweger as Jill Hanson
Chris Cooper as Bill Hanson
Sissy Spacek as Janet Hanson
Randy Quaid as Dr. Al Morris
Gary Stevens as Danny Sparrow
Peter Sarsgaard as Nick Townsend
Tagline: "It’s not the finish that counts; it’s how you run the race"
Synopsis: Bill Hanson is a horse racing legend, a two-time winning trainer of the Kentucky Derby. When his son Tom starts his own stable with great success, it looks like the Hanson dynasty has found a charming heir... that is, until Tom enters rehab for a cocaine addiction. A few months after leaving rehab, Tom has lost most of his clients, leaving his family in rough financial times and his father refusing to talk to him. His marriage to his wife Jill is on the rocks and he still faces mindnumbing cravings for his drugs. Then, all of a sudden, Tom starts to win races once again. His comeback story grabs the attention of the media, his marriage is back on track, and he resumes contact with his father. With a star three-year-old colt preparing for the Kentucky Derby, Tom has returned to prominence. But then, one night, Jill catches her husband with a bottle in his stable—one containing a new performance-enhancing steroid. Furious with him, she packs up her children and leaves. Just a few days later, the story breaks; several of Tom’s horses, including his star colt, have tested positive for steroid usage. His friends and the press turn against him while the racing industry launches an investigation into the situation. Tom loses his permit to be a trainer and is now without a job and his family until, upon the urging of his wife, Bill Hanson reluctantly allows his son to return to work for him as an assistant. As Tom struggles to make ends meet, he begins talks with his wife and children to get his life in order if they will just be family once again.
What the press would say:
Clint Eastwood´s new film At the Wire brings to memory 2003´s Seabiscuit but with the third act twist of Eastwood´s own Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby. In the film, Eastwood builds up his protagonist Tom Hanson (Phoenix) as the hero for which everyone cheers—a man returning from adversity to earn money to support his family—, but then tears him down as a cheater, casting him back to the world of failures. Joaquin Phoenix plays Tom, a man torn between fair play and regaining the trust of his wife and father through dark means. Phoenix as Tom is a nuanced work of highs and lows, a spectacular follow-up to his performance of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line that could perhaps earn the actor a well-deserved Oscar. Renee Zellweger does a great turn as Tom´s wife Jill who, aftering discovering her husband´s secret one night, can no longer handle his many problems and leaves him with her two children. Chris Cooper plays Tom´s famous father Bill, deeply upset by his son´s embarassing actions, but who reluctantly allows his son to return to work with him after the urging of his wife Janet (played by Sissy Spacek), who as a mother is the only one who truly understands her son. Randy Quaid and horse racing hall-of-fame member Gary Stevens turn in roles as Tom´s veterinarian and his usual jockey, respectively, who are forced to turn against their friend to keep their own careers. Peter Sarsgaard shines in the role of the sly reporter who releases the story about the steroid usage, relentlessly destroying the credibility of his old friend Tom to get a better story. With its marvelous script by Larry McMurtry (Terms of Endearment, Brokeback Mountain), vivid colors that turn to haunting shades of gray after the steroid story breaks, and a plot turn as suprising as any since 1999´s The Sixth Sense, At the Wire is an unforgettable film that will have audiences questioning what they would do to win the stability of their family.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Clint Eastwood
Best Actor- Joaquin Phoenix
Best Actress- Renee Zellweger
Best Supporting Actor- Chris Cooper, Peter Sarsgaard
Best Supporting Actress- Sissy Spacek
Best Original Screenplay- Larry McMurtry
Best Art Direction- Jack G. Taylor, Jr.
Best Cinematography- Tom Stern
Best Score- Clint Eastwood
Location: N/A
“At the Wire”
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Produced by Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, and Larry McMurtry
Screenplay by Larry McMurtry
Cinematography by Tom Stern
Art Direction by Jack G. Taylor, Jr.
Score by Clint Eastwood
Principal Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix as Tom Hanson
Renee Zellweger as Jill Hanson
Chris Cooper as Bill Hanson
Sissy Spacek as Janet Hanson
Randy Quaid as Dr. Al Morris
Gary Stevens as Danny Sparrow
Peter Sarsgaard as Nick Townsend
Tagline: "It’s not the finish that counts; it’s how you run the race"
Synopsis: Bill Hanson is a horse racing legend, a two-time winning trainer of the Kentucky Derby. When his son Tom starts his own stable with great success, it looks like the Hanson dynasty has found a charming heir... that is, until Tom enters rehab for a cocaine addiction. A few months after leaving rehab, Tom has lost most of his clients, leaving his family in rough financial times and his father refusing to talk to him. His marriage to his wife Jill is on the rocks and he still faces mindnumbing cravings for his drugs. Then, all of a sudden, Tom starts to win races once again. His comeback story grabs the attention of the media, his marriage is back on track, and he resumes contact with his father. With a star three-year-old colt preparing for the Kentucky Derby, Tom has returned to prominence. But then, one night, Jill catches her husband with a bottle in his stable—one containing a new performance-enhancing steroid. Furious with him, she packs up her children and leaves. Just a few days later, the story breaks; several of Tom’s horses, including his star colt, have tested positive for steroid usage. His friends and the press turn against him while the racing industry launches an investigation into the situation. Tom loses his permit to be a trainer and is now without a job and his family until, upon the urging of his wife, Bill Hanson reluctantly allows his son to return to work for him as an assistant. As Tom struggles to make ends meet, he begins talks with his wife and children to get his life in order if they will just be family once again.
What the press would say:
Clint Eastwood´s new film At the Wire brings to memory 2003´s Seabiscuit but with the third act twist of Eastwood´s own Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby. In the film, Eastwood builds up his protagonist Tom Hanson (Phoenix) as the hero for which everyone cheers—a man returning from adversity to earn money to support his family—, but then tears him down as a cheater, casting him back to the world of failures. Joaquin Phoenix plays Tom, a man torn between fair play and regaining the trust of his wife and father through dark means. Phoenix as Tom is a nuanced work of highs and lows, a spectacular follow-up to his performance of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line that could perhaps earn the actor a well-deserved Oscar. Renee Zellweger does a great turn as Tom´s wife Jill who, aftering discovering her husband´s secret one night, can no longer handle his many problems and leaves him with her two children. Chris Cooper plays Tom´s famous father Bill, deeply upset by his son´s embarassing actions, but who reluctantly allows his son to return to work with him after the urging of his wife Janet (played by Sissy Spacek), who as a mother is the only one who truly understands her son. Randy Quaid and horse racing hall-of-fame member Gary Stevens turn in roles as Tom´s veterinarian and his usual jockey, respectively, who are forced to turn against their friend to keep their own careers. Peter Sarsgaard shines in the role of the sly reporter who releases the story about the steroid usage, relentlessly destroying the credibility of his old friend Tom to get a better story. With its marvelous script by Larry McMurtry (Terms of Endearment, Brokeback Mountain), vivid colors that turn to haunting shades of gray after the steroid story breaks, and a plot turn as suprising as any since 1999´s The Sixth Sense, At the Wire is an unforgettable film that will have audiences questioning what they would do to win the stability of their family.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Clint Eastwood
Best Actor- Joaquin Phoenix
Best Actress- Renee Zellweger
Best Supporting Actor- Chris Cooper, Peter Sarsgaard
Best Supporting Actress- Sissy Spacek
Best Original Screenplay- Larry McMurtry
Best Art Direction- Jack G. Taylor, Jr.
Best Cinematography- Tom Stern
Best Score- Clint Eastwood
Available Now
Author(s): Zgamer
Location: Eagle, ID
“Available Now”
Distributed by: Warner Independent Pictures
Produced by: Karen Murphy
Directed by: Christopher Guest
Written by: Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy
Principal Cast:
Harry Shearer as Michael Finnegan
Fred Willard as Reggis Newman
Colin Mochrie as Lawrence Porter
Mena Suvari as Betty Goodman
Catherine O’Hara as Alice Robertson
Eugene Levy as Peter Washington
Christopher Guest as Gary Taylor
Tagline: "As probably seen on TV"
Release Date: February 15, 2007
Genre: Comedy
Rating: Pg-13 for sexual references, language, and some partial nudity
Synopsis: It’s the 1950’s. The entertainment industry continues its barrage on the public. Theater is the pinnacle of visual entertainment and radio continues to broadcast its music and advertisements to the public. However, this would all soon change with the invention of a new device that will put all of those mediums in their place. A small wooden box capable of both visual and audio proficiency. A device called the television.
This leads to the dilemma of one Michael Finnegan (Shearer). For many years, Finnegan Advertising has been the leader in radio commercials, providing many catchy jingles and witty banter to great commercials all over the airwaves. Unfortunately, this changed with the arrival of his producer Peter Washington (Levy) to be the bearer of bad news. Finnegan has been hired to produce a new string of commercials for a new entertainment device known as the T.V. However, not only is he not prepared for this new medium of advertising, he has to do it for one of the most unmarketable products out there…liver.
To make matters worse, the boss of the liver company (Willard) and his new T.V. producer (Guest) have caused a bit of a predicament for him. Providing him a shoestring budget and a strange assortment of actors; including a narcissistic former radio news anchor (Mochrie), a no talent beauty (Suvari) and a woman who can sing great but is has an unmarketable face (O’Hara), Finnegan has a week to come up with a new marketing campaign for his new sponsor. Can he make it work?
What the press would say:
Yeah, we’ve all seen the movie about the pressure of those with power and the hell that is the entertainment world. However, no movie so far has been able to show it in such a way like this. Only a director like Guest could blend these negatives with a delicious amount of offbeat humor and a great sense of time in its 50’s setting. Guest and Levy’s script is full of witty dialogue that would catch those without humor off-guard.
One of the best aspects of the film is the cast. As usual, the Guest regulars give great performances, whether in big or small roles. Shearer and Willard in particular do a great job. Shearer, as the lead character, gives us a character to laugh at and to sympathize with his plight, even if it is kind of pathetic. Willard on the other hand single handedly tears at the corporate world as the wittily sarcastic and merciless boss of the worse possible food to try and advertise for. Surprisingly, some of the best performances are given by newcomers to the Guest crew, especially from “Who’s Line Is It Anyways” veteran Colin Mochrie, who is a riot as an obnoxiously funny character who could well be a character in any of the “Weird Newscaster” games from his show.
Guest has returned to the public to show why he rules when it comes to offbeat comedy.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture (Karen Murphy)
Best Director (Christopher Guest)
Best Actor (Harry Shearer)
Best Supporting Actor (Fred Willard)
Best Supporting Actor (Colin Mochrie)
Best Original Screenplay (Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy)
Location: Eagle, ID
“Available Now”
Distributed by: Warner Independent Pictures
Produced by: Karen Murphy
Directed by: Christopher Guest
Written by: Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy
Principal Cast:
Harry Shearer as Michael Finnegan
Fred Willard as Reggis Newman
Colin Mochrie as Lawrence Porter
Mena Suvari as Betty Goodman
Catherine O’Hara as Alice Robertson
Eugene Levy as Peter Washington
Christopher Guest as Gary Taylor
Tagline: "As probably seen on TV"
Release Date: February 15, 2007
Genre: Comedy
Rating: Pg-13 for sexual references, language, and some partial nudity
Synopsis: It’s the 1950’s. The entertainment industry continues its barrage on the public. Theater is the pinnacle of visual entertainment and radio continues to broadcast its music and advertisements to the public. However, this would all soon change with the invention of a new device that will put all of those mediums in their place. A small wooden box capable of both visual and audio proficiency. A device called the television.
This leads to the dilemma of one Michael Finnegan (Shearer). For many years, Finnegan Advertising has been the leader in radio commercials, providing many catchy jingles and witty banter to great commercials all over the airwaves. Unfortunately, this changed with the arrival of his producer Peter Washington (Levy) to be the bearer of bad news. Finnegan has been hired to produce a new string of commercials for a new entertainment device known as the T.V. However, not only is he not prepared for this new medium of advertising, he has to do it for one of the most unmarketable products out there…liver.
To make matters worse, the boss of the liver company (Willard) and his new T.V. producer (Guest) have caused a bit of a predicament for him. Providing him a shoestring budget and a strange assortment of actors; including a narcissistic former radio news anchor (Mochrie), a no talent beauty (Suvari) and a woman who can sing great but is has an unmarketable face (O’Hara), Finnegan has a week to come up with a new marketing campaign for his new sponsor. Can he make it work?
What the press would say:
Yeah, we’ve all seen the movie about the pressure of those with power and the hell that is the entertainment world. However, no movie so far has been able to show it in such a way like this. Only a director like Guest could blend these negatives with a delicious amount of offbeat humor and a great sense of time in its 50’s setting. Guest and Levy’s script is full of witty dialogue that would catch those without humor off-guard.
One of the best aspects of the film is the cast. As usual, the Guest regulars give great performances, whether in big or small roles. Shearer and Willard in particular do a great job. Shearer, as the lead character, gives us a character to laugh at and to sympathize with his plight, even if it is kind of pathetic. Willard on the other hand single handedly tears at the corporate world as the wittily sarcastic and merciless boss of the worse possible food to try and advertise for. Surprisingly, some of the best performances are given by newcomers to the Guest crew, especially from “Who’s Line Is It Anyways” veteran Colin Mochrie, who is a riot as an obnoxiously funny character who could well be a character in any of the “Weird Newscaster” games from his show.
Guest has returned to the public to show why he rules when it comes to offbeat comedy.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture (Karen Murphy)
Best Director (Christopher Guest)
Best Actor (Harry Shearer)
Best Supporting Actor (Fred Willard)
Best Supporting Actor (Colin Mochrie)
Best Original Screenplay (Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy)
Beaumont
Author(s): Pat
Location: New York
"Beaumont”
Directed By Sam Mendes
Written By Josh Olson and Robert Rodat
Music By John Williams
Principal Cast:
Heath Ledger (Edward Morton)
Denzel Washington (Ray Jones)
Morgan Freeman (Samuel Biggins)
Sharon Warren (Mary Jones)
Larenz Tate (Marc Gelder)
Laurence Fishburne (Jordan Smith)
Michael Clarke Duncan (Joe Diggsmore)
Wes Bentley (Xavier De Brada)
Lucas Black (Eli Rivera)
Kerry Washington (Ida Harrison)
Kyla Pratt (Lyla Jones)
Irma P. Hall (Olivia Biggins)
Clifton Powell (Q.B. Watkins)
Tyler James Williams (Jeff Smith)
Liv Tyler (Samantha Morton)
Tagline: "In 1957, one man will enter Beaumont and will change it forever”
Synopsis: Set in a fictional town in 1957 Louisiana, “Beaumont” tells the story of a young white man who comes to an impoverished black town with hopes to save them from the onslaught of the KKK. Heath Ledger plays emotionally troubled Edward Morton, a Harvard graduate who has just left his pregnant wife (Liv Tyler) to watch over the town of Beaumont, Louisiana, after reading an article in the papers about the KKK in that area. He hopes to save the town from the evils that it faces while trying to discover what his own purpose in the world is. In Beaumont, he becomes friends with the leader of the community and pastor (Denzel Washington) and his wife (Sharon Warren) while living at the doctor’s (Morgan Freeman) house with the physicians overbearing yet gentle wife of 50 years (Irma P. Hall). In his first week in Beaumont, Edward encounters the local KKK members (Wes Bentley, Lucas Black) who claim that a young man (Larenz Tate) raped a white girl in the next town over. Edward refuses to hand over the accused and soon becomes a target of the fundamentalist group. Quickly after, Edward inadvertantly sparks a battle between white and black, right and wrong, good and evil, that leads Edward to learn more about himself and humanity.
Laurence Fishburne and Michael Clarke Duncan co-star as members of the town who want to use violence to get the KKK to back off. Kerry Washington, Kyla Pratt, Clifton Powell, and Tyler James Williams also appear as various citizens of Beaumont.
What the press would say:
Not for a while has there been a movie that addresses racism during the 1950s and 1960s like Sam Mendes’ “Beaumont”. Set in a fictional town in 1957 Louisiana, this film stars Heath Ledger as a troubled Boston lawyer who decides that he wants to make a difference in the world and decides to battle racism in the Old South, much to the dismay of his wife (Liv Tyler). He soon becomes entralled in the war between white and black in this small town. Standouts in the cast include: Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman as a Beaumont doctor who seems to be the only one willing to get something done, Irma P. Hall as Freeman’s eccentric wife of 50 years, Sharon Warren as the town leader’s devoted wife, Laurence Fishburne as a townsman who uses force to push the KKK away, and Wes Bentley as a creepy hillbilly KKK member who accuses a Beaumont citizen of raping a white girl.
Awards
Best Picture
Best Director-Sam Mendes
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actor-Morgan Freeman
Best Supporting Actor-Laurence Fishburne
Best Supporting Actress-Irma P. Hall
Best Supporting Actress-Sharon Warren
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Location: New York
"Beaumont”
Directed By Sam Mendes
Written By Josh Olson and Robert Rodat
Music By John Williams
Principal Cast:
Heath Ledger (Edward Morton)
Denzel Washington (Ray Jones)
Morgan Freeman (Samuel Biggins)
Sharon Warren (Mary Jones)
Larenz Tate (Marc Gelder)
Laurence Fishburne (Jordan Smith)
Michael Clarke Duncan (Joe Diggsmore)
Wes Bentley (Xavier De Brada)
Lucas Black (Eli Rivera)
Kerry Washington (Ida Harrison)
Kyla Pratt (Lyla Jones)
Irma P. Hall (Olivia Biggins)
Clifton Powell (Q.B. Watkins)
Tyler James Williams (Jeff Smith)
Liv Tyler (Samantha Morton)
Tagline: "In 1957, one man will enter Beaumont and will change it forever”
Synopsis: Set in a fictional town in 1957 Louisiana, “Beaumont” tells the story of a young white man who comes to an impoverished black town with hopes to save them from the onslaught of the KKK. Heath Ledger plays emotionally troubled Edward Morton, a Harvard graduate who has just left his pregnant wife (Liv Tyler) to watch over the town of Beaumont, Louisiana, after reading an article in the papers about the KKK in that area. He hopes to save the town from the evils that it faces while trying to discover what his own purpose in the world is. In Beaumont, he becomes friends with the leader of the community and pastor (Denzel Washington) and his wife (Sharon Warren) while living at the doctor’s (Morgan Freeman) house with the physicians overbearing yet gentle wife of 50 years (Irma P. Hall). In his first week in Beaumont, Edward encounters the local KKK members (Wes Bentley, Lucas Black) who claim that a young man (Larenz Tate) raped a white girl in the next town over. Edward refuses to hand over the accused and soon becomes a target of the fundamentalist group. Quickly after, Edward inadvertantly sparks a battle between white and black, right and wrong, good and evil, that leads Edward to learn more about himself and humanity.
Laurence Fishburne and Michael Clarke Duncan co-star as members of the town who want to use violence to get the KKK to back off. Kerry Washington, Kyla Pratt, Clifton Powell, and Tyler James Williams also appear as various citizens of Beaumont.
What the press would say:
Not for a while has there been a movie that addresses racism during the 1950s and 1960s like Sam Mendes’ “Beaumont”. Set in a fictional town in 1957 Louisiana, this film stars Heath Ledger as a troubled Boston lawyer who decides that he wants to make a difference in the world and decides to battle racism in the Old South, much to the dismay of his wife (Liv Tyler). He soon becomes entralled in the war between white and black in this small town. Standouts in the cast include: Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman as a Beaumont doctor who seems to be the only one willing to get something done, Irma P. Hall as Freeman’s eccentric wife of 50 years, Sharon Warren as the town leader’s devoted wife, Laurence Fishburne as a townsman who uses force to push the KKK away, and Wes Bentley as a creepy hillbilly KKK member who accuses a Beaumont citizen of raping a white girl.
Awards
Best Picture
Best Director-Sam Mendes
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actor-Morgan Freeman
Best Supporting Actor-Laurence Fishburne
Best Supporting Actress-Irma P. Hall
Best Supporting Actress-Sharon Warren
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Brando
Author(s): Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL
"Brando"
Directed by Ron Howard
Written by Akiva Goldsman and Sophia Coppola
Produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Francis Ford Coppola
Music by Thomas Newman
Cinematography by Tom Stern
Makeup by Rick Baker and Ve Niell
Principal Cast:
Mark Ruffalo (Marlon Brando)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Wally Cox)
Adrien Brody (Al Pacino)
F. Murray Abraham (Elia Kazan)
Brandon Routh (Christopher Reeve)
Charlize Theron (Anna Kashfa)
James Gandolfini (Francis Ford Coppola)
Tagline: "He made us an offer we could never rufuse”
Synopsis: Ron Howard directs an A-list cast in this bold biopic about the wild life of Marlon Brando (Ruffalo), one of cinema’s greatest film icons. The film details the shooting of Brando’s many films, such as A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront and The Godfather. The movie also addresses the unsettling rumors of the questionably strong friendship between Brando and long time companion Wally Cox (Gyllenhaal). Also, during the making of his movies, there were many complications. He refused to learn lines and was always a pain to work with, which almost cost him being cast in The Godfather. Directors never wanted to work with him. In his later life, he would up gaining much weight and, once again, being a horror for the crew. Even his wife, played by Charlize Theron, had to lock the refrigerator at night while Brando slowly deteriorated. After a long battle with a combination of illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease and dementia, Brando finally died on July 1, 2004. However, the legacy Brando left behind will never be forgotten.
What the press would say:
A triumph is what the critics are saying. Ron Howard applies a masterful touch as director. He can create big, glamorous scenes of Hollywood life as well as the gentle, quite moments of the everyday. His sense as a filmmaker explode and every frame is fussed with his genius. Akiva Goldsman and Sophia Coppola provide a great screenplay filled with emotion and energy of all the characters and create a true human interest story. While there are great supporting players, like Charlize Theron as the anguished wife who fears for her husband’s life and Jake Gyllenhaal as the longtime friend who might just be involved in a homosexual affair with the celebrity, it is Mark Ruffalo’s brilliant performance that is note worthy. Working with a dialogue coach and watching Brando’s old films for many months, Ruffalo has perfected Brando’s persona. Still, he is more than just imitating. He still creates a magnificent character through great acting. Brando was not a happy figure and the discontent and anguish that existed in him Ruffalo plays out perfectly. Technical points are also achieved for a hauntingly beautiful score by Thomas Newman, breathtaking cinematography by Clinft Eastwood’s regular cameraman Tom Stern and a very convincing makeup process by the master Rick Baker for turning Ruffalo into Brando’s later years. The campaign consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Ron Howard
Best Actor: Mark Ruffalo
Best Supporting Actress: Charlize Theron
Best Original Screenplay: Sophia Coppola and Akiva Goldsman
Best Cinematogrpahy
Best Original Score
Best Makeup
Location: Chicago, IL
"Brando"
Directed by Ron Howard
Written by Akiva Goldsman and Sophia Coppola
Produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Francis Ford Coppola
Music by Thomas Newman
Cinematography by Tom Stern
Makeup by Rick Baker and Ve Niell
Principal Cast:
Mark Ruffalo (Marlon Brando)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Wally Cox)
Adrien Brody (Al Pacino)
F. Murray Abraham (Elia Kazan)
Brandon Routh (Christopher Reeve)
Charlize Theron (Anna Kashfa)
James Gandolfini (Francis Ford Coppola)
Tagline: "He made us an offer we could never rufuse”
Synopsis: Ron Howard directs an A-list cast in this bold biopic about the wild life of Marlon Brando (Ruffalo), one of cinema’s greatest film icons. The film details the shooting of Brando’s many films, such as A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront and The Godfather. The movie also addresses the unsettling rumors of the questionably strong friendship between Brando and long time companion Wally Cox (Gyllenhaal). Also, during the making of his movies, there were many complications. He refused to learn lines and was always a pain to work with, which almost cost him being cast in The Godfather. Directors never wanted to work with him. In his later life, he would up gaining much weight and, once again, being a horror for the crew. Even his wife, played by Charlize Theron, had to lock the refrigerator at night while Brando slowly deteriorated. After a long battle with a combination of illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease and dementia, Brando finally died on July 1, 2004. However, the legacy Brando left behind will never be forgotten.
What the press would say:
A triumph is what the critics are saying. Ron Howard applies a masterful touch as director. He can create big, glamorous scenes of Hollywood life as well as the gentle, quite moments of the everyday. His sense as a filmmaker explode and every frame is fussed with his genius. Akiva Goldsman and Sophia Coppola provide a great screenplay filled with emotion and energy of all the characters and create a true human interest story. While there are great supporting players, like Charlize Theron as the anguished wife who fears for her husband’s life and Jake Gyllenhaal as the longtime friend who might just be involved in a homosexual affair with the celebrity, it is Mark Ruffalo’s brilliant performance that is note worthy. Working with a dialogue coach and watching Brando’s old films for many months, Ruffalo has perfected Brando’s persona. Still, he is more than just imitating. He still creates a magnificent character through great acting. Brando was not a happy figure and the discontent and anguish that existed in him Ruffalo plays out perfectly. Technical points are also achieved for a hauntingly beautiful score by Thomas Newman, breathtaking cinematography by Clinft Eastwood’s regular cameraman Tom Stern and a very convincing makeup process by the master Rick Baker for turning Ruffalo into Brando’s later years. The campaign consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Ron Howard
Best Actor: Mark Ruffalo
Best Supporting Actress: Charlize Theron
Best Original Screenplay: Sophia Coppola and Akiva Goldsman
Best Cinematogrpahy
Best Original Score
Best Makeup
Cannon
Author(s): Dpac
Location: Appleton
“Cannon"
Directed by Bennett Miller
Produced by Chris Cooper and William Vince
Screenplay by Dan Futterman
Music by Danny Elfman
Principal Cast:
Bishop James Cannon Jr. - Alan Alda
Al Smith - Chris Cooper
Senator Carter Glass - Peter O'Toole
Bishop's Secretary - Catherine Keener
Miss Lura Virginia Bennet- Sally Field
Tagline: “He plunged from the heights as America's moral mentor to obscurity as one of
America's fallen angels"
Synopsis: Born in Maryland, U.S.A, in 1864, James Connor Jr. was the son of James and Lydia Connor. He completed his education by 1888 and married Miss Lura Virginia Bennet in the same year.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s "Bishop Cannon" became a household word in much of America. Methodist bishop James Cannon, Jr., was probably the most influential southern churchman between the Civil War and World War II and certainly the most controversial. A paradoxical figure, he seemed as comfortable in the secular world of business and public affairs as in the church, and critics condemned him as an exemplar of the materialistic values of the 1920s.
He then plunged into politics to protect prohibition and went on to become the most powerful leader of the temperance movement. He also gained popularity in leading the revolt against Al Smith in the presidential election of 1928 which sparked a feud between the two.
He was celebrated by his followers but at the same time he was denounced by critics for his anti-Catholicism and nativism. Political enemies arose and accused him of stock gambling, adultery long before his wife's death, hoarding, conspiracy and embezzling campaign funds, especially Senator Carter Glass. The next few years of his life were hell for him but it created sensational headlines for the newspapers.
This movie takes a comprehensive look on the long and controversial career of one of the most fascinating figures in twentieth-century American history, as a churchman, reformer, and politician. And that man's name is Bishop James Cannon Jr.
What the press would say:
Today the memory of Bishop James Cannon Jr. is dim, but in the 1920's many considered him as the most powerful cleric in America. He was so powerful that even his long time foe Henry Louis Mencken said, "Congress was his [Bishop Cannon's] troop of boy scouts and Presidents trembled whenever his name was mentioned...." But that power of his was short-lived and Cannon witnessed the rapid erosion of all his power, reputation and influence. And this movie is about that man, Bishop Cannon and shows us his life from birth to death and also shows us how deep his fall from his pinnacle of glory to the ground was.
The team that brought you the Oscar-winning movie Capote brings you another biopic about Bishop James Cannon Jr. The man behind the camera, Bennett Miller does an amazing job directing one of the best movies this year that has an equally good screenplay by Dan Futterman. The supporting performances in 'Cannon' are, well, magnificent. Chris Cooper's (Adaptation) performance as presidential candidate Al Smith is worth a nomination. Sally Field is magnificent as the very faithful wife of the Bishop who doesn't live long enough to find out that her husband cheated on her. But special attention should be given to the subtle performance of Peter O'Toole (Venus) as Senator Carter who is set on destroying Bishop Cannon's career. The scenes where they confront each other and accuse each other are simply, in one word, perfect! If Peter O'Toole isn't nominated, I will never forgive the Academy. But the whole show lays in Alan Alda's (Aviator) performance. He undertakes the complex role of Bishop Cannon, with such intelligence. He shines in the role that I bet, was made just for him. Playing a man of such power is difficult and who would've thought Alan Alda could do it? It was a very good move by the casting directors and Alan will be surely rewarded for this performance come Oscar time. Catherine Keener rounds up the perfect cast. Cannon is that kind of movie which the Academy will not resist and am sure will go on to win a handful of Oscars....
Possible Nominations-
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor - Alan Alda
Best Supporting Actor - Peter O'Toole and Chris Cooper
Best Supporting Actress - Sally Field
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing
Best Song – ‘Fall’ by Annie Lennox
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Location: Appleton
“Cannon"
Directed by Bennett Miller
Produced by Chris Cooper and William Vince
Screenplay by Dan Futterman
Music by Danny Elfman
Principal Cast:
Bishop James Cannon Jr. - Alan Alda
Al Smith - Chris Cooper
Senator Carter Glass - Peter O'Toole
Bishop's Secretary - Catherine Keener
Miss Lura Virginia Bennet- Sally Field
Tagline: “He plunged from the heights as America's moral mentor to obscurity as one of
America's fallen angels"
Synopsis: Born in Maryland, U.S.A, in 1864, James Connor Jr. was the son of James and Lydia Connor. He completed his education by 1888 and married Miss Lura Virginia Bennet in the same year.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s "Bishop Cannon" became a household word in much of America. Methodist bishop James Cannon, Jr., was probably the most influential southern churchman between the Civil War and World War II and certainly the most controversial. A paradoxical figure, he seemed as comfortable in the secular world of business and public affairs as in the church, and critics condemned him as an exemplar of the materialistic values of the 1920s.
He then plunged into politics to protect prohibition and went on to become the most powerful leader of the temperance movement. He also gained popularity in leading the revolt against Al Smith in the presidential election of 1928 which sparked a feud between the two.
He was celebrated by his followers but at the same time he was denounced by critics for his anti-Catholicism and nativism. Political enemies arose and accused him of stock gambling, adultery long before his wife's death, hoarding, conspiracy and embezzling campaign funds, especially Senator Carter Glass. The next few years of his life were hell for him but it created sensational headlines for the newspapers.
This movie takes a comprehensive look on the long and controversial career of one of the most fascinating figures in twentieth-century American history, as a churchman, reformer, and politician. And that man's name is Bishop James Cannon Jr.
What the press would say:
Today the memory of Bishop James Cannon Jr. is dim, but in the 1920's many considered him as the most powerful cleric in America. He was so powerful that even his long time foe Henry Louis Mencken said, "Congress was his [Bishop Cannon's] troop of boy scouts and Presidents trembled whenever his name was mentioned...." But that power of his was short-lived and Cannon witnessed the rapid erosion of all his power, reputation and influence. And this movie is about that man, Bishop Cannon and shows us his life from birth to death and also shows us how deep his fall from his pinnacle of glory to the ground was.
The team that brought you the Oscar-winning movie Capote brings you another biopic about Bishop James Cannon Jr. The man behind the camera, Bennett Miller does an amazing job directing one of the best movies this year that has an equally good screenplay by Dan Futterman. The supporting performances in 'Cannon' are, well, magnificent. Chris Cooper's (Adaptation) performance as presidential candidate Al Smith is worth a nomination. Sally Field is magnificent as the very faithful wife of the Bishop who doesn't live long enough to find out that her husband cheated on her. But special attention should be given to the subtle performance of Peter O'Toole (Venus) as Senator Carter who is set on destroying Bishop Cannon's career. The scenes where they confront each other and accuse each other are simply, in one word, perfect! If Peter O'Toole isn't nominated, I will never forgive the Academy. But the whole show lays in Alan Alda's (Aviator) performance. He undertakes the complex role of Bishop Cannon, with such intelligence. He shines in the role that I bet, was made just for him. Playing a man of such power is difficult and who would've thought Alan Alda could do it? It was a very good move by the casting directors and Alan will be surely rewarded for this performance come Oscar time. Catherine Keener rounds up the perfect cast. Cannon is that kind of movie which the Academy will not resist and am sure will go on to win a handful of Oscars....
Possible Nominations-
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor - Alan Alda
Best Supporting Actor - Peter O'Toole and Chris Cooper
Best Supporting Actress - Sally Field
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing
Best Song – ‘Fall’ by Annie Lennox
Best Editing
Best Original Score
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