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CHICAGO - All Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) ever wanted was what Velma Kelley (Catherine Zeta-Jones) already had - stardom. When they both end up on death row for murder, each hires the best defense lawyer in town - Billy Flynn (Richard Gere). Billy is best known for being Chicago's slickest attorney, and when Roxie's case becomes the most notorious in town, Billy turns her crime of passion into stardom. Velma attempts to attach herself to Roxie's newly found fame, in a desperate attempt at drawing the spotlight back to herself. But when Roxie snubs the former vaudeville diva, she turns the table to try to bring Roxie down to save her own skin. CHICAGO is THE BEST film of the year. This revival of the "classic" musical, puts a unique twist on the word. The film presents it's self as a throw back to the era of GIGI and SOUTH PACIFIC without the "check your brain at the door" unbeleivability of people erupting in into song at sporadic intervals. The music is cleverly reserved by the way in which it's seen through Roxie Hart's desire to imagine all the world as a stage. When I heard they were preparing to adapt this musical into a film, I really thought it would be a bust. But the film makers have been able to keep us grounded in reality, while allowing our imaginations to soak in the pure fantasy of the story. I need not mention the fantastic acting abilities of it's entire cast. Each should be awarded the "go out on a limb and make it work" award. Some of these performers prove that they have more talent than just acting (Catherine Zeta-Jones). While others prove they not only sing, but CAN act. Overall CHICAGO is the feel good musical film that Hollywood would recall from it's golden age. The Oscar is in the bag for CHICAGO. CHICAGO -
GANGS OF NEW YORK - Set against the backdrop of 1863 New York - lower Manhattan, GANGS examines an area of lawlessness, rampant political corruption and great unrest. With the Civil War underway, the country is torn apart and on the brink of chaos. For the inhabitants of Manhattan's notorious Five Points, a war is also raging closer to home. Amsterdam Vallon played by Leonardo Dicaprio is an Irish-American immigrant, who returns to the Five Points after fifteen years. He seeks revenge against William Cutting, a.k.a. Bill the Butcher, the powerful anti-immigrant gang leader who killed Amsterdam's father played superbly by Daniel Day-Lewis. Amsterdam knows the first step toward accomplishing his mission is to infiltrate Bill's inner circle. But he is also drawn to Jenny Everdeane who is portrayed by Cameron Diaz.. Jenny's hidden past unexpectedly complicates his plan. Amsterdam's journey becomes a fight for both personal survival and a place for his people. His struggle reaches a fevered crescendo during the 1863 Civil War Draft Riots - the most explosive episode of urban unrest the American nation had yet seen. GANGS is one of the finest films of the year. Masterfully put together by it's director, Martin Scorsese, the story weaves it's self beautifully into a tapestry of what it might have been like in Manhattan in that era of American history. But the parts of this film that outshine all others are those that have the presence of Daniel Day-Lewis. Coaxed from a nearly 10 year quasi-retirement by Scorsese, Day-Lewis oozes charm and charisma even as the slimy Bill the Butcher. I found myself captivated by his performance and longing for him to return when the film dwelled on scenes absent of his character. How the Hollywood Foreign Press could pass him over for the Best Actor Golden Globe is WAY beyond me. I think, although often found of Jack Nicholson, Oscar would be hard pressed to overlook Day-Lewis in it's respective category. GANGS OF NEW YORK
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ABOUT SCHMIDT - Warren Schmidt played by Jack Nicholson, has arrived at several of life's crossroads all at once. He is retiring from a lifetime of service as an actuary for Woodmen of the World Insurance Company and his only daughter is about to marry a man he dislikes. To top it all off his wife dies suddenly after 42 years of marriage. With no job, no wife, and no family, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery, exploring his roots across Nebraska in a motor home in which he had planned to drive around the country with his late wife. His ultimate destination is Denver, where he hopes to bridge the gulf between himself and his somewhat estranged daughter. But, Warren grows quickly convinced that his new purpose in life is to stop his daughter's marriage. This quirky, dark and sometimes comedic romp is played out nicely thanks almost entirely to it's star. Nicholson is mostly a one man show throughout a great deal of the picture, with supporting cast only making appearances occasionally. Kathy Bates is another pleasant addition to this film. I found my eyes glued to her hypnotic portrayal of Roberta Hertzel, the mother of Schmidt's son-in-law to be. That is until a certain nude Jacuzzi scene in which I wish I HAD averted my eyes. Bates' role is brilliantly acted as the epitome of the common white-trashed middle American stereotype. Both actors would be well deserving of a nomination, but I would stop short of giving either the award. Unfortunately, the acting in the film doesn't outweigh the slow storyline that seems to drag this film down. I found myself hoping for the film to wrap up much sooner than it did, but hey, that's how all films are starting to feel as filmmakers think that if a movie doesn't run at least over two and a half hours, no one will come see it. ABOUT SCHMIDT -
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS - Picking up right where he left off, Peter Jackson once again delivers a captivating vision into the Middle Earth trilogy. In TOWERS we see Hobbits Frodo and Sam continuing their journey to Mordor, while the rest of the Fellowship find their way to Rohan where they help fight an epic battle against the forces of evil. Brilliantly interweaved is the story of Hobbits Merry and Pippin and their adventure in the Fangorn Forest where they meet the most interesting creatures thus far: the Ents also called the Shepherds of the Trees. TOWERS like its predecessor has stunning visuals, and incredible CGI effects. From the towering tree-like Ents to the towers themselves, the effects prove to be far superior to many films today. The best of those effects is that of the creature Gollum. Coupled with the extremely talented voice of Andy Serkis who should be nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award for his roll as the conflicted former Hobbit. TOWERS is also a much faster paced film then FELLOWSHIP, basically because there is little need for character development. This film is a much more energetic, not to mention a more violent film, but very well choreographed so as to not glorify it's graphic nature. Act two has shaped up to be my favorite of the trilogy so far, but we have to reserve final judgment for after the end of next year when the saga is complete. LORD OF THE RINGS will probably be the overlooked underdog at the Oscars once again this year, but it is a deserved contender for the little gold man once again. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
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GONE WITH THE WIND - Better than you remember, but not as good as advertised. (And yes, I'm well aware its career suicide to say anything like that regarding this film, but be patient and you'll see where I'm going with this.) Based on Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize winning book about a southern belle Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and her torrid romance with scoundrel Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) during the South's tumultuous Civil War torn years. Regarded by many as the pinnacle of Hollywood film making (I agree) and the greatest movie of all time (I don't). David O. Selznick’s production is as astounding as it is bulky. Victor Fleming directs the hell out of this film, but it almost feels too big, too bulky and it sure as hell is too long. The problem is where to trim. Legend has it the original cut was over six hours long. Now it clocks in at just under four, a full 233 minutes of sweeping, immortal movie making, that just goes on and on and on. Who has this kind of time to kill on a film, regardless of how good it is? But for all its ponderous weight, this is the Great-Granddaddy of all epics. No other film in history has continually made history like GONE WITH THE WIND. Noother film is as revered, no other film ever will be. The DVD should be the crown jewel for Warner Brothers. Instead, its yetanother crappy version that could have (and should be) great. Features include thetheatrical trailer, and the movie looks better than it has in years, (Full Frame, but this was before the wide theatre screens of today, so it is still in it’s original aspect ratio) and you do get the trailer, uhh... did I mention the trailer? Best Line: Absoultly positively has to be Rhett, after he’s had his fill of Scarlett. “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Quite possibly the best line ever.
GONE WITH THE WIND Academy Awards - 10. Picture, Director (Fleming), Actress (Leigh), Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel), Screenplay, Cinematography (color), Editing, Art Direction, Thalberg Award (O. Selznick), Honorary Oscar for use of color.
Best Picture Status - Very deserving, and yet... 1939 was a bitch
of a year. The competition was fierce with MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON,
STAGECOACH, WUTHERING HEIGHTS and THE WIZARD OF OZ all nominated for picture
nods. Any one of them might have taken home the statuette if it wasn’t
for this 900lb gorilla. GONE WITH THE WIND was the first picture to
“sweep” the Oscars, Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American
nominated for an award, the first black actress to win one, and the first
invited to the ceremony as a guest. Sidney Howard (screenplay) became the
first postumas Oscar winner, having been run over by a tractor on his farm
shortly before the award
CASABLANCA - It has been called the best Hollywood movie ever made. And it is. Casablanca, located in French occupied Morracco on the tip of Africa. A steadystream of refugees fleeing war torn Europe wind up there, waiting for an exit visa to Lisbin, Spain, and from there, the cross-Atlantic flight to the U.S. But for Czech Resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) there is only one hope: Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) a cycial American who sticks his neck out for no one... Especially Victor’s wife Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), the ex-lover who broke his heart. CASABLANCA succeedes on just about every level, from the story to the acting, to the lighting and cinematography. Every frame of film is classic. With a supporting cast of Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre backing up Bogart and Bergman, what more could you want? Michael Curtiz has crafted the ultimate American movie, full of honor, love and sacrifice. The only description that comes close is: A Perfect Movie. The DVD includes the documentary “You Must Remember This” hosted by Lauren Bacall, the trailer and more, but not much more. Warner Brothers really needs to re-issue this as a bells and whistles filled version. Get today’s filmmakers to talk about the movie. Get critics to explain why it works. Do something with this property! Best Line: Renault to his men, after witnessing Rick shoot a Nazi. “Round up the usuall suspects.” Interesting factoid: Perhaps the best known line from CASABLANCA, “Play it again, Sam.” is never uttered once in the course of the movie. The line is actually “Play it Sam.” but has been mis-quoted for years.
CASABLANCA Academy Awards - 3. Picture, Director (Michael Curitz), Screenplay
Best Picture Status - Very deserving. A Perfect Movie.
BEN-HUR - Set during the time of Christ, Charlton Heston plays Ben-Hur, a well liked and respected man in Judea who’s life is torn apart when a former friend becomes the commander of the Roman Garrison there. He forces Ben-Hur to divulge information on resistance leaders. When Hur refuses, he is imprissoned and sentanced to row in the galleys of an imperial ship. His rise from slave back into a position of respect and power and his quest for vengence against his Roman oppresser culminates in the now infamous chariot race. Boy, they sure don’t make ‘em like this anymore. BEN-HUR is an epic story of revenge and forgiveness, driven by Heston, who deservedly won the Academy Award for best actor. Chuck is THE MAN. There is also a neat bit of camera work involving Christ. As the story moves around Jesus and Ben-Hur keeps encountering him, we sense the power this individual has, even though he is only filmed from behind, and never speaks. Cool. Like most biblical epics, it runs a bit too long, but all is forgiven when the chariot race finally makes it’s appearance. The often immitated but never duplicated scene (watch it and then watch THE PHANOM MENACE’s pod race. Not even Lucas can pull this off) is among the most famous footage in the history of film. Watching the sheer majesty of this sequence and then realizing they did it all live without the help of computers or blue screen is a defining moment for viewers. This is what great film making is all about: Leaving a lasting impression. The DVD includes the documentary “BEN-HUR: The Making Of An Epic”, screen tests, a photo gallery, theatrical trailers, isolated score, and scene specific audio commentary by Charlton Heston, which alone is worth the price of admission. Interesting factoid: There have been three great rumors circulating for years about the chariot race: One, that a red Ferarri is visible parked outside the stadium. Two, that in certain scenes, Heston is sporting a wrist watch. Three, that a man was killed during the filmming. All three are totally false, urban legends handed down for years from the movie industry.
BEN-HUR Academy Awards - 11: Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor (Griffith), Editing, Cinematography (color), Score (drama), Art Direction (color), Costume Design (color), Sound, and Special Effects.
Best Picture Status - Very Deserving. BEN-HUR’s epic achievement
of eleven statuettes would not be matched until 1997’s TITANIC, and
has never been topped.
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA - Early in WWI, T. E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) is a young maladjusted lieutenant in the British Army serving in North Africa. When he manages to get a job as an observer with Prince Feisal, (Alec Guinness) the leader of an Arab tribal army, he is ecstatic. During the course of his observing, he takes matters into his own hands to help Feisal. His adventures become more and more elaborate and daring, and are detailed by a journalist who makes Lawrence famous. Eventually, he becmes a legend. Also staring Anthony Quinn, Claude Rains and Omar Sharif, LAWRENCE OFARAIBIA is many things: a case study of greatness, the events that transpire to make men great, and what happens when great men begin to fall for thier own press clippings. Director David Lean has crafted a beautiful movie, full of sweeping vistas, goregous sunrises and sunsets, and enough pristine desert footage to make Tattooine look like an oasis. His portrait of Lawrence as a larger than life character who has greatness thrust upon him, and takes the bull by the horns is very intimate for an epic, if a bit romantasised. Great acting abounds by everyone in the movie, particuarly O’Toole in his debut role. Again, a bit long and dry in parts, but historical dramas set during war time usually are. It comes with the territory. The 2 disc DVD is truly the crown jewel of Columbia’s catalogue, with a rustic“camel hair” packaging and collectable booklet. Disc one features a pristine widescreen transfer, muliple language subtitles, animated menus, DVD-ROM content, and the feature in it’s entirty, with Overture, Entr’acte and Exit Music. Disc 2 includes The Making of LAWRENCE OF ARIABIA documentary, four featurettes, Newsreel footage of the New York Premiere, a conversation with Steven Spielberg (who is a HUGE fan of the movie), Advertising Campaigns, cast and crew BIOS, theatrical trailers, DVD-ROM content and more.
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA Academy Awards - 7: Picture, Director, Cinematography (color), Score (original), Sound, Art Directon (color), Editing,
Best Picture Status - Deserving. And yet, 1962 was a year of great
films. TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD, THE LONGEST DAY, THE MUSIC MAN, and the remake
of MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (staring Marlon Brando) were all nominated for best
picture, to say nothing of the year’s other releases that included THE
MIRACLE WORKER, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, BIRD MAN
OF ALCATRAZ, LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO
BABY JANE? In the end, the epic nature and visual grandure of LAWRENCE gave
it the lift needed for the win. Who says size doesn’t matter?
THE SOUND OF MUSIC - When Maria (Julie Andrews) leaves the convent
to become the governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp
(Christopher Plummer) she brings warmth and love and music back into their
lives, all missing since the Captain's wife died years before.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC may just be the best-known
movie musical of all time. There's no denying the film's power or
its popularity.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - A serial killer known as Buffalo Bill has kidnapped a senator's daughter. FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodi Foster) must get assistance from captured killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in an effort to rescue the girl. But Hannibal has other ideas. Winner of five academy awards, the film is a modern classic, intense, thrilling, creepy and cool. Foster is brilliant as an uncertain young woman striving to overcome sexual prejudice within her chosen field while achieving more than her "poor white trash" upbringing would ever allow. Hopkins is Lecter. This is his signature roll, and what is most interesting is he is not crazy. He is not insane. Every move, every line, every thought that crosses his mind is calculated and understood by Lecter. If this was a chess match (and in many ways it is) he would be thinking twenty moves ahead, considering ramifications and counter moves. Ever hear of poetry in motion? Hopkins as Lecter is poetry at rest. He is totally at peace with himself, and THAT is what makes him dangerous. There are several DVD versions available, so by the numbers:The first is a movie only version from MGM. The menu sucks, (yeah, that's "menu" as in single, solitary menu) there are no extras and it comes in one of the crappy snapcases. The film is in widescreen so I can't grade it an "F", but don't waste your time here. The second was a lavish Criterion version, which in addition to the standard extras, has commentary by Jodi Foster, Anthony Hopkins (unfortunatly dry and not recorded at the same time) and also includes interviews with real FBI agents and serial killer profiles. The third and newest release is a Special Edition from MGM. It has over 20 minutes of deleted scenes, outtakes, a phone message from Anthony Hopkins and more, but unfortunately, lacks the real stuff from the Criterion release. Maddening. Best Line: Lecter to Starling. "I'm having an old friend for dinner."
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Academy Awards - 5: Picture, Actor (Hopkins), Actress (Foster), Director (Demme), Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Best Picture Status - Deserving. I was shocked when SILENCE took all
5 big awards, the first film to do so since 1975’s ONE FLEW OVER THE
CUCKOO’S NEST but maybe should not have been. It is a great movie. The
only other serious competion would have been Oliver Stone’s JFK and
BEATUY AND THE BEAST, the only animated film to ever be nominated for an
OSCAR.
FORREST GUMP - "Life is like a box of chocolates… You never know what you're gonna get." These immortal words have become a catch phrase to sum up one of the most beloved films of all time. A movie that defined a generation. Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump, a simple man who grows up through five of the more interesting decades in history. His childlike innocence allows us a unique perspective on the events that have shaped this world, as he comes in contact with most of the social forces that did the shaping. An amazing film, FORREST GUMP resonates with so many people for so many reasons. From the birth of rock and roll, to the Vietnam War, from assassinations to Apple computers, there isn't much that Forrest doesn't experience on his journey. And because the audience remembers those events, seeing them through Forrest's eyes somehow crystallizes them into more than just the historical footnotes they have become. Ultimately, these are the events that not only shaped the world, but us as individuals. Robert Zemeckis has crafted a film for the ages. Witness the soundtrack, one of the first to be truly relevant to a film. Normally producers slap a bunch of songs on an album and call it good, but here, every song is important. Every one has a reason for being in the movie, and corresponds to the events transpiring on screen. That's dedication. Costars Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Halley Joel Osment, and Sally Field. Paramount's 2-disc special collector's edition is one of the finest they have assembled thus far. Disc one includes a great widescreen version of the film, and audio commentary by director Robert Zemeckis, producers Steve Starkey and Wendy Finerman, and production designer Rick Carter. Disc two includes trailers, screen tests, the documentary "Through the eyes of Forrest Gump", three featurettes, 11 visual effects sequence breakdowns, a photo gallery and more. FORREST GUMP Film - Academy Awards - 6: Picture, Director (Zemeckis), Actor (Hanks), Editing, Screenplay (Adapted), Visual Effects. Best Picture Status: Questionable. Don't get me wrong I love FORREST GUMP. But I also loved the year's other heavy hitter up for the award, PULP FICTION. Both are great, great movies, but hands down, the best film of 1994 was THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Oscar went with the feel good film, which is fine, but does a disservice to the genuine article.
BRAVEHEART - The story of a Scotsman who
wants nothing more than to live in peace with his bride and how his life
is shattered when the English subjugate his home, murder his wife and trample
on the rights of his countrymen. It becomes a fight for freedom, and William
Wallace (Mel Gibson) is at the center of that fight. BRAVEHEART the experience is something else entirely. There is a bonding that happens during this movie, not on screen, but in the audience. William Wallace is a good man, and most of us, while idolizing him, and fancying ourselves to be him, are sorely reminded of who we really are. Robert the Bruce. Another good man, who has the burdens of responsibility and family laid on him. A man who looses his way, but ultimately finds it again. I saw BRAVEHEART three times in three different theaters, and each time, grown men wept. I was one of them. BRAVEHEART the DVD is a good offering for Paramount, but not a great one. Features include a gorgeous widescreen version, 2 trailers, audio commentary from Gibson (who sounds uncomfortable doing it), and a documentary on the making of the film.
BRAVEHEART Academy Awards - 5: Picture, Director (Gibson), Cinematography, Make Up, Sound Effects Editing.
Best Picture Status - Very deserving. BRAVEHEART was truely the best
film of the year, but it was a strange year for nominees. LEAVING LAS VEGAS
and DEAD MAN WALKING both came out that year, both were nominated in actor,
actress and director categories, but not picture. APOLLO 13 and SENSE AND
SENSABILITY are nominated for picture, but not director. BRAVEHEART has no
actor nominations at all. How weird is this?
TITANIC - For all the roasting this film received upon its release (and still receives to this day) it is a great film, and undeniably the best film of the year. Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) are star crossed lovers from opposite sides of the tracks, who fall in love on the cruise ships fateful maiden voyage. Two hours of romance and historical set up followed by an hour of excitement and awe filled technical accuracy during the sinking. What else would you expect from Jim Cameron? Despite the nay-sayers, TITANIC works on every level, and is a big emotional epic harking back to the good old days of Hollywood, but filled with the magic and miracles of today. The romance between Jack and Rose is halting at first, takes it time to develop, and finally blossoms into love and lust. Winslet is perfect, and even Leo isn't as annoying as usual. You find yourself getting so wrapped up in them, you almost forget what ship they're on, and the inevitable chunk of ice you know is coming. That's true movie brilliance. Its the most expensive movie ever made, but with Cameron, every penny isaccounted for on film, right down the White Star Line logos on the China. Supporting characters Gloria Stewart, Billy Zane, and David Warner are golden, and every TITANIC passenger fit their role to a tee. There is no way this movie could have been accomplished without the elaborate special effects shots and sequences of today. He gives us a grand tour of the ship, puts her through her paces, and just when you believe she is unsinkable, he sinks her with precision and skill most directors simply don't posses. Cameron actually takes us by the hand and explains all the details of the sinking at the beginning of the movie in a very clinical matter. But when the icy waters of the Atlantic start pouring in for real, all you can do is marvel at the sights and sounds of the grand old lady going down. There is no other way to describe it. TITANIC is an experience. Oh, yes, I am afan. Watch Cameron’s other water movie THE ABYSS (but only the special edition with the extra footage) and you see a “dry run” for TITANIC. He's been gearing up for this one for a long time. The DVD features... uh, what features? There's just a trailer on here. Is this ajoke? Has someone at Paramount made a mistake? This is a $600 million dollar box office champ and eleven time Academy Award winner and this is the DVD they give us? Granted it was released in the early days of the format, but this is just inexcusable now. Where's the special edition? Where's the director's cut? Where's the beef? (Sorry, couldn't resist. But I think you get the idea.)
TITANIC Academy Awards - 11: Picture, Director (Cameron), Art Direction, Cinematography, Sound, Sound Effects Editing, Original Score (drama), Original Song (My Heart Will Go On), Costumes, Editing, Visual Effects
Best Picture Status - Very Deserving. Not a lot of drama on Oscar
night as TITANIC steamrolled all the competition. The Question was never
what will win? The question was how many? TITANIC’s 11 statuettes tied
it with BEN HUR for most Oscar wins.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE - When Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) needs inspiration for his new comedy (Romeo and Ethel, the Pirates Daughter) he finds it in beautiful Lady Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) who has a love of the theater, and a desire to perform. Their secret affair ignites his inspiration, and her torment as she is promised to marry someone else. A witty, fun, romantic comedy that weaves historical factoids with whimsical fantasy and a healthy dose of the Bard’s best moments, this could have been a disastrous undertaking. But it works beautifully from start to finish in large part to its outstanding cast. Judi Dench, Geoffry Rush, and yes, even Ben Affleck perform with light touches of brilliance. Coming off more as a farcical behind-the-scenes look at the writing of the greatest love story ever told than a true Shakespearean production, it captures the essence of its subject matter while still being accessible to today's audiences. The DVD is from the plano days of the format, with bland, boring menus and only the trailer for a feature. Time for a special edition, guys.
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Academy Awards - 7: Picture, Actress (Paltrow), Supporting Actress
(Dench),
This is a great film, but not the years best.
AMERICAN BEAUTY - Ever have
one of those days? Lester Burnham's (Kevin Spacey) seemingly
ordinary life is unraveling. From his relationships with his wife
(Annette Benning), his daughter (Thora Birch), her best friend (Mena
Suvari), to his meaningless job and typical suburban neighborhood,
everything is falling apart and Lester realizes he's not happy. What
he wants is to return to his youth, or at least the circumstances in his
youth when he was happy. With some help from the odd Pot-seller next
door he begins to sever his ties to the mundane and ordinary. Academy Awards - 5: Picture, Director (Mendez), Actor (Spacey), Cinematography, Screenplay (Adapted). Best Picture Status - Deserving. And yet, should we honor a film whose
plot can be summed up by a plastic bag blowing in the wind?
GLADIATOR - The General who became a slave. The Slave who became a Gladiator. The Gladiator who defied an Empire... Well, the tag lines pretty much says it all. GLADIATOR is an epic movie on the same plane as SPARTACUS and BRAVEHEART. It's big, lavish, well made, and just plain kicks ass. Russell Crowe is phenomenal, as is his supporting cast which includes Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed,Spencer Treat Clark, Dijmon Hounsou, Connie Nelsen and Richard Harris. Director Ridley Scott (ALIEN) delivers the goods as usual. If I have one complaint, there is something missing from GLADIATOR. For awhile, I couldn't put my finger on it, then it finally came to me. Heart. For all it's epic grandure, for all it's sweeping action, GLADIATOR lacks the heart of a film like BRAVEHEART. It feels more like Stanley Kubrick's SPARTACUS. Competent, but almost clinical in it's execution. Maybe I'm not explaining this very well. (And yes, I know it's not fair to compair two different films, but let's be honest, we all do it!) All I can say is that BRAVEHEART moved me by the end of the film. GLADIATOR did not. But for that one small flaw, it is still a must see. The DreamWorks DVD is a 2 disc set that is jam packed with extras, including audio commentary, deleted sceens with commentary, an interview with composer Hans Zimmer, “Treasure Chest”, a montage of extra footage cut to the score, 2 behind the sceens featurettes, a produciton diary by young actor Spencer Treat Clark, a slide show featuring concept art and storyboards, a photo gallery, theatrical trailers and tv spots, cast and crew BIOS, documentaries and more.
GLADIATOR Academy Awards: 5: Picture, Actor (Crowe), Effects (Visual), Sound, Costume Design Best Picture Status - Questionable. GLADIATOR was good, but many feel CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON was the best film of the year (myself included). However, the Academy has a long standing reputation of not awarding top honors to the same film. CROUCHING TIGER took home best forien film, so there was no way it was going to win the top prize too. The fact that Scott did not take home the OSCAR for director says something too. The Oscars®, The 75th Annual Academy Award(s)®, and the Oscar® statuette are registered trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. All rights reserved. Oscar Blitz, is a fan site for the purposes of information and education and should not be seen as a challenge to those forementioned rights. |
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