Since my last post, I've learned that The Road was delayed until next year because it's still in post-production and not ready for release.
Anyway, I just saw Rachel Getting Married. Anne Hathaway has been getting considerable Oscar buzz for this film over the past few months for playing a recovering drug addict on her way home for her sister's wedding. It was certainly an interesting film, but more I want to discuss the phenomenon of what happens to an actor's career after a role like this. So please consider the complexities of the drug-addict role.
Many actors take on this challenge. Robert Downey Jr. was recognized for his turn as a tragic young drug-addict in Less Than Zero. Jared Leto was similarly praised for pawning his mother's things for drugs in Requiem for a Dream. Now it's Anne Hathaway's turn to gain recognition, praise, probably an Oscar nomination and possibly an Oscar win for battling with her personal demons that stem from her years of drug use.
Watching films like this one can be uncomfortable or thought-provoking or upsetting or even slightly nauseating, but I would never classify them as enjoyable. Take Less Than Zero for instance. I found it quite uncomfortable to watch given the problems that Robert Downey Jr. faced in his real life. Jared Leto's fate in Requiem for a Dream was just one part of the entire ultra-depressing big picture. I found it hard to have any reaction to Rachel Getting Married however, due to the excessive and distracting use of hand-held camerawork. Beware those of you who get motion sick - this film is not for you.
I leave you with some questions to ponder. Why is it that playing a drug-addict gets actors notice? Is there really something harder about playing that role than something like pure evil, say Kevin Spacey in Se7en or Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight? What about a drama actor cast against type in a comedy? A comedy actor cast against type in a drama? (And both of those actors pulling it off well)
Whatever the answers to those questions, Anne Hathaway pulled out a great performance in Rachel Getting Married. Some say that this was the film in which she finally shed her Princess Diaries persona. I disagree - Brokeback Mountain pretty much shredded that image for me. Either way, she's finally getting the recognition that she deserves as a great actress. Oscar gold on its way? We'll see.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Consider: Release Dates
Careful thought and much attention is given to the date that a film is released in theaters. Most often, with the amount of time and money that goes into advertising, once a release date is set, it stays that way. However, if the past three or four days are anything to go by, it should show that nothing is set in stone. So today, consider the uncertainty of release dates.
It has just been announced that three major winter season films have been officially or most likely bumped to some time early next year: The Soloist starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx, Defiance starring Daniel Craig, and The Road starring Viggo Mortensen.
The Soloist was announced first and upsets me the most. I am a huge Robert Downey, Jr. fan and was looking forward to seeing him in a third movie this year, but now it appears we will all have to wait until March to see this particular film. Both actors were being hailed as early possible Oscar contenders, but now neither will be eligible. RDJ still has a chance to be nominated for his supporting role in Tropic Thunder, though, something that Paramount is reported to be pushing for.
Today, I learned that apparently Defiance has been rescheduled to December 31st. This is interesting, as that makes it still eligible for this year's Oscars. Unfortunately, it won't be given a wide release until some time in January, making it impossible to see the film in 2008 unless you live in LA or NYC.
Finally, The Road. It seemed like that was safe even if nothing else was, what with the success of the last adaptation of a Cormac McCarthy novel (last year's Best Picture No Country For Old Men), but even the combination of McCarthy's story and a Lord of the Rings alum (Mortensen) aren't enough to save The Road from the Oscar-less release date of February or March. I should note, however, that there is no definitive report on when the reschedule is or even if it has officially been moved.
What would push studios to move such obvious awards contenders to a time of year where traditionally nothing is remembered by the time the next Oscar season rolls around? Conflicting reports are coming in from all angles: sensitivity over the current financial crisis, crowded Oscar slates, crowded opening weekends, and of course money.
I'm selfish - I think that delaying all of these films is a terrible idea, but I was embittered when I found out that I would have to wait until next July to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Perhaps all three will benefit. Maybe not with Oscar gold, but with critical acclaim and huge box office returns. Only time will tell.
It has just been announced that three major winter season films have been officially or most likely bumped to some time early next year: The Soloist starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx, Defiance starring Daniel Craig, and The Road starring Viggo Mortensen.
The Soloist was announced first and upsets me the most. I am a huge Robert Downey, Jr. fan and was looking forward to seeing him in a third movie this year, but now it appears we will all have to wait until March to see this particular film. Both actors were being hailed as early possible Oscar contenders, but now neither will be eligible. RDJ still has a chance to be nominated for his supporting role in Tropic Thunder, though, something that Paramount is reported to be pushing for.
Today, I learned that apparently Defiance has been rescheduled to December 31st. This is interesting, as that makes it still eligible for this year's Oscars. Unfortunately, it won't be given a wide release until some time in January, making it impossible to see the film in 2008 unless you live in LA or NYC.
Finally, The Road. It seemed like that was safe even if nothing else was, what with the success of the last adaptation of a Cormac McCarthy novel (last year's Best Picture No Country For Old Men), but even the combination of McCarthy's story and a Lord of the Rings alum (Mortensen) aren't enough to save The Road from the Oscar-less release date of February or March. I should note, however, that there is no definitive report on when the reschedule is or even if it has officially been moved.
What would push studios to move such obvious awards contenders to a time of year where traditionally nothing is remembered by the time the next Oscar season rolls around? Conflicting reports are coming in from all angles: sensitivity over the current financial crisis, crowded Oscar slates, crowded opening weekends, and of course money.
I'm selfish - I think that delaying all of these films is a terrible idea, but I was embittered when I found out that I would have to wait until next July to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Perhaps all three will benefit. Maybe not with Oscar gold, but with critical acclaim and huge box office returns. Only time will tell.
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