IMDB.com is reporting that the Farrelly Brothers are making a movie about the Three Stooges…starring Sean Penn, Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro.
I am having difficulty wrapping my head around this one.
One of old Hollywood’s most overlooked lions and a hero of film noir fans left us this week when Richard Widmark passed away at age 93.
Though he claimed to find the filmmaking process “irritating” towards the end of his life, Widmark appeared in more than 70 films between 1947 and 1991. In that time, he worked alongside directors like Elia Kazan, Jules Dassin and Samuel Fuller, crafting memorable and nuanced characters in mostly supporting roles for decades. His debut as demented murderer Tommy Udo in the film noir masterpiece Kiss of Death earned him his only Oscar nod, though his performance in Judgement at Nuremberg is thought by many to be his finest.
For this fan’s money, though, Widmark’s work doesn’t get any better than his turn as Harry Fabian in Jules Dassin’s classic noir Night and the City, released just before the director was blacklisted in 1952. Featuring an absolutely stellar performance by Widmark as as small time con man running a scam that’s out of his depth, it’s arguably Dassin’s finest work, and one that no cinema buff should miss out on.
One of our customers pointed me to an article written by her son, examining the roles played by Owen Wilson in the films of Wes Anderson. Interesting stuff, although there are too many big words for me (contradistinction? I had no idea that that was a word!).
Check it out here, on the interestingly-named 24 Lies a Second movie site.
Our friend and former co-worker Andrew has just had a significant piece of criticism - the cover feature, no less - published in Cineaste magazine, which you can read about here. Unfortunately the article is not available online, so make an effort to track down the actual publication, either at your local library or periodical vendor (such as The Newsstand, here in Bellingham — hello Stephen!).
Anyway, congrats on the article, Andrew, hopefully it’s the first of many.
Disappointing story — Ledger was one of those actors that had, for me, developed from an afterthought into someone to look forward to.
NYT link.
Need evidential proof that Nicholas Cage is the greatest comedic actor of all-time!? See Next NOW!
Seriously, look at the recent track record; Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, and now this cinematic tour de force. It can only get better from here.
That seemingly constant confused look on his face, it’s no gimmick, he seriously has no idea how he still gets work.
A recent list has been posted featuring one person’s idea of the TOP 100 Living Actors. Keep in mind, this is not the greatest actors of all time, just those still alive and kicking. A blaring scar on this list is that they have to have been nominated for an Oscar at least once in their career. Ouch, that hurts.
A nice part of the list is that he/she notes their “best performances” to those who want to familiarize themselves with what made these actor’s notable. I can’t agree with everything on the list (Cate Blanchett at #13? Really?) and most of it is pretty predictable and/or conventional, but perhaps it will spark some to speak out against it, and promote their own personal favorites?
My own fave?
