Golden Globe Nominee Predictions

It's that time of year again kiddies! Where movie stars remind us how awesome they are...AWARD SEASON!!!!  In about five hours, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will announce the Golden Globe Nominations. Here are a couple of my predictions for film nominees.  Check back later for actual nominations.


Best Picture: Drama
 Argo
 Django Unchained
 Lincoln
 Life of Pi
 Zero Dark Thirty

Best Picture: Musical or Comedy

 Hyde Park on Hudson
 Les Miserables
 Magic Mike
 Moonrise Kingdom
 Silver Linings Playbook

Best Director

Ben Affleck - Argo
Kathryn Bigelow -Zero Dark Thirty
Tom Hooper - Les Miserables
David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Steven Spielberg - Lincoln
Quentin Tarantino - Django Unchained


Best Lead Actor - Drama

 Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
 John Hawkes - The Sessions
 Anthony Hopkins - Hitchcock
 Joaquin Phoenix - The Master
 Denzel Washington - Flight
* Ben Affleck - Argo

Best Lead Actress - Drama

Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty
Marion Cotillard - Rust and Bone
Keira Knightley - Anna Karenina
Naomi Watts - The Impossible
Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild
* Helen Mirren - Hitchcock

Best Lead Actor - Musical or Comedy

Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook
Hugh Jackman - Les Miserables
Tommy Lee Jones - Hope Springs
Bill Murray - Hyde Park on Hudson
Christopher Walken - Seven Psychopaths

Best Lead Actress -Musical or Comedy

Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook
Laura Linney - Hyde Park on Hudson
Maggie Smith - Quartet
Meryl Streep - Hope Springs
Barbara Streisand - The Guilt Trip

Best Supporting Actor

Russell Crowe - Les Miserables
Leonardo DiCaprio - Django Unchained
Robert De Niro - Silver Linings Playbook
Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln
Phillip Seymour Hoffman - The Master
* Matthew McConaughey - Magic Mike

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams - The Master
Sally Field - Lincoln
Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
Helen Hunt - The Sessions
Nicole Kidman - The Paperboy

Who do you predict to be nominated?

Girl on "Girls"

Courtesy of HBO: l-r. Marnie (Allison Williams), Hannah (Lena Dunham), Jessa (Jemima Kirke), and Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet)


 

Now that HBO's Girls is half way through its first season, my initial reaction to hate, loathe, and detest Lena Dunham's creation has somewhat passed. My criticism followed the numerous blogs and critical reviews of the lack of diversity, the characters as not relatable, and it's portrayal of 20-something's in New York City as lazy and unmotivated as insulting and inaccurate. However, after several views, Dunham's show seems to portray more than that, but I still have my issues.  Hannah, (Lena Dunham) the aspiring, yet lazy writer who lacks confidence in herself both professionally and personally, Marnie, (Allison Williams) the beautiful girl with the perfect boyfriend whom remains unfulfilled and wishy-washy about her relationship, Jessa (Jemima Kirke) the girl who is the epitome of a free-spirit, and Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) the girl who attempts to navigate through her virginal neuroses.    
 

The show hit its peak for me at episode 4, "Hannah's Diary," with the jaw dropping, scene with Marnie, Hannah, and Charlie (Christopher Abbot). I mean who hasn’t had those, my best friend hates my honesty (albeit diary read out loud by her boyfriend in a public place) moments?  Coupled with that latter scene, was an earlier one of Shoshanna, being rejected in bed because she’s a virgin. Ouch.  Dunham managed to capture the fear of attachment by female virgins to males without being too judgmental. Check one for realism.
 

Now for the diversity issue. Since the show’s premiere, there has been a question of the lack of a multiracial cast.  I admit that was my initial frustration with “Girls” being lauded as the voice of a generation, but representing a specific racial demographic.  However, people arguably never question the greats like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, or Woody Allen on their casting or story choices and for years their movies have been about one particular group.  But, it does not mean that we can’t express our frustration with HBO.  Something I’ll post on later, but I digress.  Though “Girls” is not my favorite show that HBO ripped off the air, “How To Make It In America,” I do hope that Dunham continues to capture the 20-something in New York trying to make it.  Yes, we do get a bit lazy, but I like to believe there is some fight in us.  Though this “girl” cannot necessarily relate to “Girls,” perhaps I won’t completely hate it.

    

Oscar Nomination Predictions 2012



It’s that time of year again for the most beautiful, coveted, shiny naked man to take center stage…Oscar.   Just for fun, here are some of my predictions for the nominations that will be announced, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 8:30AM est/ 5:30 AM pst.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture

George Clooney- The Descendants

Leonardo DiCaprio- J. Edgar

Jean Dujardin – The Artist

Michael Fassbender – Shame

Brad Pitt – Moneyball

Best Actress in a Motion Picture

Glenn Close- Albert Noobs

Viola Davis – The Help

Meryl Streep- The Iron Lady

Tilda Swinton- We Need to Talk About Kevin

Michelle Williams- My Week With Marilyn

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Kenneth Branagh- My Week With Marilyn

Albert Brooks - Drive

Christopher Plummer- Beginners

Viggo Mortensen – A Dangerous Method

Max Von Sydow – Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

*Don’t Count Out: Jonah Hill - Moneyball

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Berenice Bejo - The Artist

Jessica Chastain – The Help

Janet McTeer - Albert Noobs

Octavia Spencer – The Help

Shailene Woodley- The Descendants

*Don’t Count Out: Charlize Theron – Young Adult & Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids

Best Director

Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist

Steve McQueen – Shame

Alexander Payne – The Descendants

Martin Scorsese – Hugo

Steven Spielberg – War Horse

*Don’t Count Out: George Clooney – The Ides of March

Best Picture

The Artist

The Descendants

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Help

Hugo

My Week With Marilyn

War Horse

Best Original Screenplay

50/50

The Artist

Bridesmaids

Midnight In Paris

Young Adult

How to Make It in America: Season 2

PHOTOS BY HBO.COM



Happy Weekend Cinephiles! I hope you’re all excited as I am for the Season 2 premiere of the HBO series, “How to Make It in America.” I was initially apprehensive about watching Season 1, but a friend prompted me to watch (shout out to graenewyork!) and when I finally did, I fell in LOVE! In short, the back drop is NYC where we follow 20 something’s, Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) in particular, on their journey from dreaming to making those dreams happen. The show is fresh, familiar, and has a badass soundtrack. This season introduces new characters and the stakes are even higher for our buddies, Ben and Cam. Anyway, instead of blabbering on, here are five reasons everyone should watch an all-day marathon of Season 1 and start Season 2.

1) The setting: what better place is there to set a show about 20something’s hustling to make their dreams come true than NYC, the city of opportunities. The show is shot here, giving it an air authenticity of everything New York and the lives of this generation of young entrepreneurs. Being a New Yorker it is all so familiar.

2) Characters: Though it doesn’t delve into deep, psychological character study (not supposed to) audiences feel as though Ben and Cam are their best friends. We laugh, root for them, and want to see them succeed. Watching their determination is what makes me write this blog.

3) It’s relatable: The producers have definitely struck a chord with this generation of “go-getters.” Not only do we find jobs, but we also create them and become our own bosses. It’s refreshing to see people in my age bracket honestly ask themselves: what the hell should I do with my life? What do I love? How can I dream big and make it happen?




Photo from wallpaper.net
(l-r. Greenberg, Rasuk, Mescudi, Thomas)













4)     Bryan Greenberg: Greenberg has always been a solid actor, but I really love him as the determined, head strong, self-starting (prompted by best friend Cam) designer.  He plays Ben in a way that represents “everyman” yet there’s an essence of mystery present that audiences want to know more about.  I think in season two there will be a lot more to discover.  Bryan Greenberg displays understated passion in the eyes of Ben. 

5)     Victor Rasuk: Rasuk, who originally grew up on the Lower East Side, is authentic in his portrayal as best friend Cam Calderon to Greenberg’s Ben Epstein.  He provides the hijinks, funny, and raises the stakes for him and Ben to get the ball rolling.  Not to mention he has many of the best lines on the show.  He’s the best friend (and for the ladies, boyfriend) anyone would want to have around to keep things interesting.  He radiates bromance chemistry with Greenberg, not to mention, he’s pretty charming in person. Both he and Greenberg are naturals.

Now go! See if New York City eats its young, or if Ben and Cam conquer. Go and catch up on Season 1 of the show so that you can experience the awesomeness that will ensue on Season 2.   I hope I’ve convinced you all, and remember the Season 2 premiere of “How to Make It in America” airs Sunday, October 2^nd, 10:30PM est, only on HBO. Here's a quick link to the Season 2 Teaser Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCHUd9y5yQs&NR=1

My week being Bored to Death

This Sunday ushers in the second season of HBO’s comedy series Bored to Death, starring: Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson.  A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching the entire first season and I didn’t even become distracted by Jason’s amazing hair! Just in case you missed it, Jason Schwartzman plays writer Jonathan Ames who moonlights as an unlicensed private detective after the break up with his girlfriend (played by Olivia Thirlby).  While solving cases, Jonathan also acts as the confidante to his boss, George (Ted Danson), and best friend Ray (Zach Galifianakis).  The antics of this trio prove to be quirky and absurd in a fun way.  Despite the craziness, you will be rooting for Jonathan and co. to succeed at the end.  Catch the new season of Bored to Death, tonight on HBO at 10:00 pm EST.  Here is the link to the Season Two Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nNRufm0yA




Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis, and Jason Schwartzman
(photo courtesy of tvguide.com)

 

A Quick Introduction

Hello Everyone!

I would like to start off my introducing myself.  My name is Rachel, I’m a Bronx native, and I have recently graduated with degrees in English and Film Studies.  Like everyone else, I love film and television.  My love of coffee came from all-nighters during my undergraduate years.  The first movie that gave me the "itch" for film studies was Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, which I first viewed in my twelfth grade Survey of Film class.  However, my interest in writing and directing became full-fledged during my college Creative Writing, Film Criticism, and Independent Cinema classes.  Those three along with other English and Film classes provided me with my awakening.  Though I may be a little late in the game, I say, better late than never. ;).

 Here's a quick look at the film that provided my "re-awakening."

 A Woman Under the Influence (1974) directed by the pioneer of indie film, and one of my favorite filmmakers, John Cassavetes.

Gena Rowlands (above) as Mabel Longhetti in, A Woman Under The Influence (1974), (photo courtesy of www.criterion.com).

I shared one of the films that captured me.  Are there any films that you find yourself watching repeatedly? Or any that really "got" you?  Also, I'm open to suggestions for improving my blog.  This is my first, so be gentle ;)

This Cassavetes film is one of my favorites because of the story and camera work.  As a viewer, I can’t help but be intrigued by Mabel and even more by those who react to her behavior.  It makes us wonder are the things we see in front of us strange, or do we only  perceive them to be.  Not only is the story captivating, but the acting from Rowlands and Peter Falk (as husband Nick Longhetti), and Cassavetes’ directing is phenomenal.  He definitely crosses the cinematic and cultural codes that audiences are used to seeing.  I would highly recommend this. Enjoy!