golden globes
Diane, I quit taking Ginko Biloba (or balboa?) some time ago with the result that I can't recall the movie very clearly. Not only that, but I'm now confusing it with the Monsters' Ball (both with Billy Bob Thornton, a superb actor). What I remember is what impressed me the most (understandably). The main character, the man who wasn't there, passed through life without engaging it. Life just happened to him, and he bore it passively, ending up swept into the electric chair. He was not a bad or a good man, just an absent and non-responsible man. The film score was mostly, as I recall, a solo piano piece, a Beethoven Sonata, which was very appropriate given that the movie itself had the pace and tone of a quiet sonata. It was a work of poetry. See it and then correct me. JLN
A film noir, black comedy, "The Man Who Wasn't There" is the Cohn Brother's pantheon to the ordinary man and how extraordinary things can happen to them. Link:
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0243133
JLN, your description was enough for me to rent it, then LW's link clinched the deal. Thanks to both of you.
Company this weekend, maybe on Monday.
globe awards
Diane, good. Let me (us) know what you think of it.
I remember thinking: "Shirley McClaine,Helen Mirren,Vanessa Redgrave, this winner is going to be anybady but Uma Thurman." Sure enough, the next words I heard were "Uma Thurman"
Thurman's performance in "Hysterically Blind" was reminiscent of the work in "Pulp Fiction," but she's even more into the character.
I thought it was between her and Vanessa. I'm sure it was close.
Richard Gere's turn as the slick and oily lawyer was more proof he can do comedy -- he and Rene Zellwigger were great in their scenes together.
Hi. I watched the Golden Globes and now I want to see all of the movies nominated.
I'm most anxious to see
Hours. I enjoyed Nicholson's enthusiasm as the winners were presented with their awards. And, I also liked Gene Hackman's acceptance speech, but that's diverting from the subject here. I think the Oscars will be a toss-up between Chicago and Hours.
"Chicago" being a musical, might have an uphilll battle in the Oscars.
Well, perhaps with "Moulin Rouge" last year as a nomination and musicals when they are very well done have fared well with the Academy may shoo it in. Just accomplishing bring a Broadway musical to the screen with this kind of directorial skill (and the director's first film) may be impressive to the Academy voters.
Plus, "Chicago", has a lot more big names than "Moulin Rouge", so that might help the uphill battle, and push it over the top.
I'd put money on The Hours for Best Picture at the Oscars! (although I loved Chicago...)
I have not seen "Chicago," but can't wait 'til it gets to town. The critical popularity of both "Moulin Rouge" and "Chicago" might lead one to hope that perhaps the musical film genre is about to have a renaissance.
Richard Gere's heretofore best work was probably done years ago with his breakout role opposite Diane Keaton in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar." This man has been a "star" for decades, and I'm glad to see him recognized for something on a level higher than cinematic testosterone.
WH,
...Hell of a coincidence. I'm at this minute watching "Final Analysis", with Gere in it, and thinking, "I believe this guy has been under-appreciated all these years, by me and others." On thinking back, I really like him in everything I see him in. My favorite, is "Internal Affairs". He plays a real smooth but nasty guy, in that one.
