Monthly Archives: October 2012

Paul Thomas Anderson on The Daily Show

Director Paul Thomas Anderson talked with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show last night. In one of the more serious discussions I’ve seen Stewart conduct, he questioned Anderson about his writing process and his ability to get such unique performances … Continue reading

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Some Love for Documentary Shorts

The Academy named its Documentary Shorts shortlist today, kick-starting the narrowing-down portion of the movie year. I thought last year’s winner, Saving Face, was one of the most fascinating films of any kind released into theaters. I wish more people … Continue reading

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Harris Savides (1957-2012)

Working with some of America’s most challenging directors, such as Van Sant, Fincher, and Baumbach, Harris Savides created a diverse palette of provocative images. Defying any one style, what always struck me about Savides’ work was his unique ability to … Continue reading

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A Bond Newbie’s Thoughts on 007: Quantum of Solace

Short Take: It seems strange to call a film with such a complex plot-line, “simple,” but Quantum of Solace felt more like it was running in place than unraveling a deeper purpose. Casino Royale unleashed everything and the kitchen sink, introducing a gritty Bond … Continue reading

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Hitchcock Trailer

Anthony Hopkins looks like he’s having a blast, behind the prosthetic makeup that turns him into a striking doppelgänger for the British master filmmaker. The film looks to have a whimsical tone that will no doubt please crowds in America and … Continue reading

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Previews For All 2013 Foreign Oscar Submissions

Here are the previews for almost all of the 71 Foreign Oscar submissions. A few major international names like Haneke, Shortland, Kaige, To, Taviani Brothers, Hallström, and Mungiu are in the bunch. Otherwise, this year has a tremendous amount of fresh blood … Continue reading

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OSCAR FORECAST: Best Supporting Actor 2013

Best Supporting Actor (10-09-12): Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln Alan Arkin, Argo Dwight Henry, Beasts of the Southern Wild Robert De Niro, The Silver Linings Playbook Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master Best Supporting Actor: With four of the favorites being past … Continue reading

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Homeland, Ep. 202: Beirut is Back

Homeland’s Carrie isn’t a schizophrenic sociopath who threatens the security of those around her or talks to telephone poles. In fact, she’s one of the more grounded mentally unstable characters I’ve ever seen. Yet, the buttoned-up, masculine politics of the CIA … Continue reading

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An “Interesting” Lincoln Enters an Interesting Year for Movies

I’m not sure I necessarily buy the Twitter reaction craze that has swept through Awards seasons in the past few years. Nonetheless, I wonder if I might be wrong about Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln after all. The film screened tonight at … Continue reading

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Record Number of Countries Compete for Foreign Oscar

I will dig up trailers for as many of these films as I can find shortly. Here’s the not very shortlist: Afghanistan, “The Patience Stone,” Atiq Rahimi, director; Albania, “Pharmakon,” Joni Shanaj, director; Algeria, “Zabana!” Said Ould Khelifa, director; Argentina, … Continue reading

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