“He gives her cunnilingus and in my opinion, not enough.” So says Rooney Mara in the opening of the eight minutes David Fincher showed to lucky crowds in front of select screenings of Straw Dogs tonight. After nearly a year of films that focus on story without paying much attention to the images, Fincher’s palette blooms like distant heat lightning on a desert horizon; it can be no other director. With every film he grows as a visual storyteller. I can say with certainty that I’ve never seen anything like this. Something savage has been unleashed in the star, Rooney Mara. At their finest, Fincher’s films work best when he has a star who can absorb and thrive on the hardcore focus he dishes out. Jesse Eisenberg did it. Jake Gyllenhaal did it. And now Rooney Mara does it.
Her intensity, in fact, could very well earn her an Oscar nomination. After all, hers will be the performance people will talk about as not only unique among the others but the darkest and most uncompromising, as well. Fincher has emphatically given women, at last, a truly self-reliant heroine — someone who doesn’t need to be pretty or polite or nice or likable. What this eight minutes did was affirm two things I already figured: 1) David Fincher wouldn’t waste a single frame but ensure everything we see is thoughtfully composed, beautifully lit, breathtaking in scope. 2) Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross would deliver once again on their symbiotic relationship with Fincher, setting the pace, controlling the tone, pulling us into this world the same way they did on The Social Network.
But the one thing none of us could know until now was whether Rooney Mara could pull it off. In the footage I saw tonight she nails it. She surpasses my own expectations of what she can do with this character. With her fury unleashed its thrilling to see such a kick-ass feminist hero who suffers no fools and takes no prisoners. She probably can’t win for a role like this but believe me, she’s going to be seriously considered. She still has to go up against Glenn Close and possibly Viola Davis, not to mention Meryl Streep, each delivering different variations of the fervent feminist ideal.
The Fincher team players are on board, too, which could be part of the reason these teasing eight minutes leave you begging for more — editors Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter, and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth.
The footage we saw jumps around in the narrative. Some shots feature Daniel Craig stalking the serial killer, jump-cut together with Mara — pierced and fierce – making out with other women. Eventually she and Daniel Craig will pair up to hunt the villain. Densely colored, with the kind of acrid gloom Fincher has mastered throughout his career, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is not aiming for Oscar. For that I’ll be eternally grateful. It’s aiming to be a great film and so far it looks well on its way. It certainly won’t need a gold statue to validate that greatness. As if one ever could.
=====
(original SD clip)
As an American, I am ashamed and surprised to say that the United States is quite hypocritical. Americans like to say that they love freedom and justice, but here are some examples of where American actions conflict with American standards:
1. The US inspected a Soviet Union fighter jet that landed in Japan in 1976, but protested that China should not search an American plane that landed in China in 2001.
http://home.iwichita.com/rh1/hold/av/avhist/mily/spyplane.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1255343.stm
2. The Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights clearly states that people should not be subject to the same offense twice, but sex offenders can be convicted of crimes and then later be required to register as sex offenders and be held for life under indefinite civil commitment laws even after they complete their original sentences. “John TV” shows that embarrass and punish people arrested on prostitution charges also violate the Fifth Amendment guarantee of due process rights.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/12/scotus.sex.offender.law/index.html
http://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/?q=due-process
3. The Sixth Amendment guaranteeing the right to speedy trials is violated by holding prisoners at Guantanamo Bay without charge. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishments and is violated by torturing Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Whether the prisoners are foreigners or not makes no difference because it violates the intent of the Constitution and sends the message to other nations that human rights violations are acceptable. Taking the moral high ground is difficult when you are immoral yourself. If you want to prevent terrorism, give terrorists a trial, improve airline security, and don’t give out visas easily. Torturing suspected terrorists only recruits more terrorists. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
http://www.historiansagainstwar.org/resources/torture/cohn.html
4. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches is violated by the Patriot Act that allows secret warrants.
http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/webster/090419
5. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches and seizures, the Fifth amendment that allows due process, and the Eighth Amendment that forbids excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment are all violated by DUI checkpoints and asset forfeiture laws.
http://detnews.com/article/20091112/METRO/911120388/Police-property-seizures-ensnare-even-the-innocent
6. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches and the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees equal protection of the law is violated by Arizona’s immigration law that requires police to question people who look like illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration would be better stopped by having a strong border and fining employers of illegal immigrants, not by profiling Americans who look like foreigners.
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may062010/arizona-law-rs.php
7. The United States criticizes Iran and North Korea for developing nuclear power, but the US helps the United Arab Emirates, India, and Vietnam develop nuclear technology.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/08/07/us_vietnam_nuke_deal_likely_to_allow_enrichment/
8. The USA supports democracy, but has overthrown democratically elected leaders in Iran and Chile. The US also supports countries that do not have religious freedom and democracy like Saudi Arabia and has supported dictators like Ferdinand Marcos from the Philippines, Ngo Dinh Diem in Vietnam, Suharto in Indonesia, and Saddam Hussein from Iraq.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06353/747165-109.stm
http://www.military-veterans-for-justice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=13
9. The US opposes terrorism, but has supported Osama bin Laden and freed the accused Cuban terrorist Luis Posada Carriles suspected of blowing up a plane in 1976.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/09/15/osama-qna.htm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2007/may/15/theterroristbushisntafter
10. The United States says that it supports free trade, but foreign companies can currently only own 25% of an airline in the US, while American companies can buy 49% of an airline in Europe.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=atMw6Pzh8Ls0
11. The United States criticizes Airbus for receiving European government subsidies while ignoring the fact that Boeing accepted government tax breaks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/business/global/04wto.html
Maybe it is just human nature, but Americans have always looked for an enemy to blame from witches to blacks to Communists. Today people are aghast that the US had Japanese concentration camps and once allowed slavery and segregation. How will people look back on the treatment of sex offenders, Muslims, and illegal immigrants in the USA 60 years from now?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/opinion/05kristof.html
Criminals should be punished, but only in a way that doesn’t violate the Constitution. Even innocent people can be arrested and wrongly convicted.
If you care about your freedom, write your elected officials. Governments would love to take away all your freedom if they could. Our freedoms are diminishing, not growing. Stand up, fight for your rights, and protect our freedom now!
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
———–
First they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me, but there was no one left to speak for me.
If only one person is not free, then no one is free.
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
As an American, I am ashamed and surprised to say that the United States is quite hypocritical. Americans like to say that they love freedom and justice, but here are some examples of where American actions conflict with American standards:
1. The US inspected a Soviet Union fighter jet that landed in Japan in 1976, but protested that China should not search an American plane that landed in China in 2001.
http://home.iwichita.com/rh1/hold/av/avhist/mily/spyplane.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1255343.stm
2. The Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights clearly states that people should not be subject to the same offense twice, but sex offenders can be convicted of crimes and then later be required to register as sex offenders and be held for life under indefinite civil commitment laws even after they complete their original sentences. “John TV” shows that embarrass and punish people arrested on prostitution charges also violate the Fifth Amendment guarantee of due process rights.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/12/scotus.sex.offender.law/index.html
http://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/?q=due-process
3. The Sixth Amendment guaranteeing the right to speedy trials is violated by holding prisoners at Guantanamo Bay without charge. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishments and is violated by torturing Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Whether the prisoners are foreigners or not makes no difference because it violates the intent of the Constitution and sends the message to other nations that human rights violations are acceptable. Taking the moral high ground is difficult when you are immoral yourself. If you want to prevent terrorism, give terrorists a trial, improve airline security, and don’t give out visas easily. Torturing suspected terrorists only recruits more terrorists. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
http://www.historiansagainstwar.org/resources/torture/cohn.html
4. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches is violated by the Patriot Act that allows secret warrants.
http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/webster/090419
5. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches and seizures, the Fifth amendment that allows due process, and the Eighth Amendment that forbids excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishment are all violated by DUI checkpoints and asset forfeiture laws.
http://detnews.com/article/20091112/METRO/911120388/Police-property-seizures-ensnare-even-the-innocent
6. The Fourth Amendment protection against illegal searches and the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees equal protection of the law is violated by Arizona’s immigration law that requires police to question people who look like illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration would be better stopped by having a strong border and fining employers of illegal immigrants, not by profiling Americans who look like foreigners.
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may062010/arizona-law-rs.php
7. The United States criticizes Iran and North Korea for developing nuclear power, but the US helps the United Arab Emirates, India, and Vietnam develop nuclear technology.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/08/07/us_vietnam_nuke_deal_likely_to_allow_enrichment/
8. The USA supports democracy, but has overthrown democratically elected leaders in Iran and Chile. The US also supports countries that do not have religious freedom and democracy like Saudi Arabia and has supported dictators like Ferdinand Marcos from the Philippines, Ngo Dinh Diem in Vietnam, Suharto in Indonesia, and Saddam Hussein from Iraq.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06353/747165-109.stm
http://www.military-veterans-for-justice.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=13
9. The US opposes terrorism, but has supported Osama bin Laden and freed the accused Cuban terrorist Luis Posada Carriles suspected of blowing up a plane in 1976.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/09/15/osama-qna.htm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2007/may/15/theterroristbushisntafter
10. The United States says that it supports free trade, but foreign companies can currently only own 25% of an airline in the US, while American companies can buy 49% of an airline in Europe.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=atMw6Pzh8Ls0
11. The United States criticizes Airbus for receiving European government subsidies while ignoring the fact that Boeing accepted government tax breaks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/business/global/04wto.html
Maybe it is just human nature, but Americans have always looked for an enemy to blame from witches to blacks to Communists. Today people are aghast that the US had Japanese concentration camps and once allowed slavery and segregation. How will people look back on the treatment of sex offenders, Muslims, and illegal immigrants in the USA 60 years from now?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/opinion/05kristof.html
Criminals should be punished, but only in a way that doesn’t violate the Constitution. Even innocent people can be arrested and wrongly convicted.
If you care about your freedom, write your elected officials. Governments would love to take away all your freedom if they could. Our freedoms are diminishing, not growing. Stand up, fight for your rights, and protect our freedom now!
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
———–
First they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me, but there was no one left to speak for me.
If only one person is not free, then no one is free.
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
I wasn’t necessarily thrilled when I learned that Fincher’s next film would be another Dragon Tattoo film. That said, it will be a pretty massive shock if his film is NOT significantly better that the Swedish version. It would be a pretty massive regression on his part if he wasn’t able to surpass that standard.
I wasn’t necessarily thrilled when I learned that Fincher’s next film would be another Dragon Tattoo film. That said, it will be a pretty massive shock if his film is NOT significantly better that the Swedish version. It would be a pretty massive regression on his part if he wasn’t able to surpass that standard.
Amen. People need to learn the difference between an adaptation and a remake. The Swedish version was okay but there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Amen. People need to learn the difference between an adaptation and a remake. The Swedish version was okay but there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Not a remake eh, hilarious, I love how people try to justify this kind of stuff as adaptations, are they not both based on the same book? A book I loved and found the swedish version to be pretty faithful to it. So what is Fincher’s version not going to be faithful? Is that how its going to be different? Besides not being in Swedish…
So I am a pretentious film nerd simply because I don’t like remakes? Wow strong words! I guess I should qualify myself as a great lover of movies, I have seen so many wonderful foreign films and most of them have had their american version made later…I just don’t like this practice..that doesn’t make me pretentious, but I will admit to being a film nerd! Thanks fof that Tony…
Not a remake eh, hilarious, I love how people try to justify this kind of stuff as adaptations, are they not both based on the same book? A book I loved and found the swedish version to be pretty faithful to it. So what is Fincher’s version not going to be faithful? Is that how its going to be different? Besides not being in Swedish…
So I am a pretentious film nerd simply because I don’t like remakes? Wow strong words! I guess I should qualify myself as a great lover of movies, I have seen so many wonderful foreign films and most of them have had their american version made later…I just don’t like this practice..that doesn’t make me pretentious, but I will admit to being a film nerd! Thanks fof that Tony…
@Anna
+1
And just because they’re foreign doesn’t make them better either. Too many pretentious film nerds think anything from a foreign country is automatically more artistic. Plus, like you said, this is not a remake. It’s a more faithful adaptation of the book, much like True Grit.
@Anna
+1
And just because they’re foreign doesn’t make them better either. Too many pretentious film nerds think anything from a foreign country is automatically more artistic. Plus, like you said, this is not a remake. It’s a more faithful adaptation of the book, much like True Grit.
Can everyone PLEASE stop referring to this film as a “remake”??? David Fincher did not set out to remake the Swedish trilogy. The books the aforementioned trilogy was based on are his source material.
Also, the Swedish movies are good, but not great and definitely far from perfect. Noomi Rapace was amazing, yes, but she was arguably the best thing about them. Overall, the Swedish films left plenty of room for improvement. Just because they were released first doesn’t mean they’re infallible.
Can everyone PLEASE stop referring to this film as a “remake”??? David Fincher did not set out to remake the Swedish trilogy. The books the aforementioned trilogy was based on are his source material.
Also, the Swedish movies are good, but not great and definitely far from perfect. Noomi Rapace was amazing, yes, but she was arguably the best thing about them. Overall, the Swedish films left plenty of room for improvement. Just because they were released first doesn’t mean they’re infallible.
This remake is not worth the time to waste on. The originals can’t be beat. Hollywood, you have failed once again by taking an already great trilogy and trying to make it American.
This remake is not worth the time to waste on. The originals can’t be beat. Hollywood, you have failed once again by taking an already great trilogy and trying to make it American.
I still think everyone is discounting Kristen Wiig for BRIDESMAIDS. It’s not a definite, but she could very well sneak in there. She’s at LEAST part of the conversation.
I still think everyone is discounting Kristen Wiig for BRIDESMAIDS. It’s not a definite, but she could very well sneak in there. She’s at LEAST part of the conversation.
I’m sure this remake has the potential to be wonderful, Fincher is a great director, and I love Daniel Craig. Yet, I just can’t see it, I love the original so much..gosh after the first 20 minutes my head exploded I couldn’t believe what I was seeing..it was like a dream..Rapace was so amazing, and so I will stand by my foreign film remake embargo.
I’m sure this remake has the potential to be wonderful, Fincher is a great director, and I love Daniel Craig. Yet, I just can’t see it, I love the original so much..gosh after the first 20 minutes my head exploded I couldn’t believe what I was seeing..it was like a dream..Rapace was so amazing, and so I will stand by my foreign film remake embargo.
This makes me laugh because all anyone ever said was that the movie didnt look oscary but now your praising it and saying how much potential it has!
This makes me laugh because all anyone ever said was that the movie didnt look oscary but now your praising it and saying how much potential it has!
it is still just a remake, no matter how good it is it’s just a cash grab
it is still just a remake, no matter how good it is it’s just a cash grab
New trailer for the film:
http://youtu.be/QHqLcEtt368
New trailer for the film:
http://youtu.be/QHqLcEtt368
So, do I think Adepero Oduye has a chance? Based on performance, yes, she does. But, the movie isn’t overly emotive or sentimental, so she has that working against her. Tears are always worth more when they’re empty, to the AMPAS. She has Focus behind her (the only Best Actress contender who does), as well as the rest of the film, and a late December release date. So that’s good.
My more cynical side says that white people like to see white people. And in a year that we have The Help, there may be no room for Pariah, a much superior film. I look forward to being wrong on this. Speaking of which, someone pointed out that Oduye’s Sundance competition Elizabeth Olsen has a whole lot going in her favor, campaign-wise. And everyone and their mother seem to be lining up rank and file behind her Oscar buzz. While her work in Martha is admirable (maybe even better than Oduye), the movie is a hot mess. Jennifer Lawrence had the good fortune of acting in a solid film.
I understand the buzz behind Knightley. However, a lot of the people who buy into the buzz haven’t seen her performance. And, if they did, they probably would change their minds.
As far as Theron, she has been nominated twice and both times for super-baity roles. She doesn’t have that going for her this time. And based on the theory that lightning rarely strikes twice, I doubt the Reitman/Cody affair will bring her into the race. And Reitman seems like kind of a douche who has lost most of his AMPAS good-will.
But, I’m letting my instincts get in the way of me. 🙂
I prefer to think outside the box and juggle around possibilities like Oduye and Kristin Scott Thomas in Sarah’s Key and Berenice Bejo from The Artist. While they both are getting distribution from the TWC and they already have their hands full with The Iron Lady and My Week With Marilyn is concerned (that would be four Best Actress contenders total), they are both bright performances in films that are/will be doing very well.
So, do I think Adepero Oduye has a chance? Based on performance, yes, she does. But, the movie isn’t overly emotive or sentimental, so she has that working against her. Tears are always worth more when they’re empty, to the AMPAS. She has Focus behind her (the only Best Actress contender who does), as well as the rest of the film, and a late December release date. So that’s good.
My more cynical side says that white people like to see white people. And in a year that we have The Help, there may be no room for Pariah, a much superior film. I look forward to being wrong on this. Speaking of which, someone pointed out that Oduye’s Sundance competition Elizabeth Olsen has a whole lot going in her favor, campaign-wise. And everyone and their mother seem to be lining up rank and file behind her Oscar buzz. While her work in Martha is admirable (maybe even better than Oduye), the movie is a hot mess. Jennifer Lawrence had the good fortune of acting in a solid film.
I understand the buzz behind Knightley. However, a lot of the people who buy into the buzz haven’t seen her performance. And, if they did, they probably would change their minds.
As far as Theron, she has been nominated twice and both times for super-baity roles. She doesn’t have that going for her this time. And based on the theory that lightning rarely strikes twice, I doubt the Reitman/Cody affair will bring her into the race. And Reitman seems like kind of a douche who has lost most of his AMPAS good-will.
But, I’m letting my instincts get in the way of me. 🙂
I prefer to think outside the box and juggle around possibilities like Oduye and Kristin Scott Thomas in Sarah’s Key and Berenice Bejo from The Artist. While they both are getting distribution from the TWC and they already have their hands full with The Iron Lady and My Week With Marilyn is concerned (that would be four Best Actress contenders total), they are both bright performances in films that are/will be doing very well.
I don’t think Knightley has a shot at best lead actress. The competition is too tough this year. And besides, A Dangerous Method seems less strong overall than expected, with that somewhat muted response it garnered in Venice. But then again, everybody is vulnerable in this years’ race: Streep and Close are both appearing in films that will probably not garner enthusiastic reviews (and the same can be said for Davis, but does a movie like The Help need good reviews?)
IF that Marilyn movie is any good, Michelle Williams could very well take the statuette, but maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part, rather than a levelheaded analysis:)
I don’t think Knightley has a shot at best lead actress. The competition is too tough this year. And besides, A Dangerous Method seems less strong overall than expected, with that somewhat muted response it garnered in Venice. But then again, everybody is vulnerable in this years’ race: Streep and Close are both appearing in films that will probably not garner enthusiastic reviews (and the same can be said for Davis, but does a movie like The Help need good reviews?)
IF that Marilyn movie is any good, Michelle Williams could very well take the statuette, but maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part, rather than a levelheaded analysis:)
Vince, Vince, Vince, here we go again, indeed 🙂 And our own version of The Hundred Years’ War continues 🙂
I singled out 15 CONTENDERS, I have no idea who will be the top5 or the frontrunner or the surprise 5th etc, I was trying to analyze temporary buzz which could mean nothing considering it’s still September. In my opinion this will be the top15, out of which 10 are clearly not getting nominations. I simply don’t know which 10…
You’re right, Jane Fonda probably won’t be a Best Actress nominee (hence the 15th place) BUT when a beloved veteran delivers a scene-stealing, hilarious, remarkably likeable performance, the Academy tends to listen. No guarantees for sure, but it’s a good start.
Knightley is also a big question mark : will she be lead ? will she be supporting ? will US-critics love the film ? will they hate it ? will the Academy finally embrace Cronenberg ? etc. I just think FOR NOW, she has some undeniable buzz. How far will it take her ? No idea.
Nobody has seen Charlize Theron’s Young Adult, so your guess is as good as mine. At first glance, the story doesn’t look strong/Oscary enough, I’ll give you that. But then again, neither did Juno and it still garnered Ellen Page a Best Actress nomination…and Theron is not only a considerably BETTER actress, she is also a previous winner and THAT should count.
As I said, Olsen is Lawrence/Cornish territory for me : it will come down to the critics’ awards. If they go for it Lawrence-style, she could get in.
I see your point about Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress nominee for a Luc Besson-film ?), I guess it was just wishful thinking from my part. I REALLY wanted her to get in for Crouching TIger.
And thank you for bringing my attention to Adepero Oduye and her film, to be honest, I’ve never heard of it before, now I’m intrigued. And I REALLY hope the lack of buzz has nothing to do with race. Do you think she has a shot at the top5 ?
Vince, Vince, Vince, here we go again, indeed 🙂 And our own version of The Hundred Years’ War continues 🙂
I singled out 15 CONTENDERS, I have no idea who will be the top5 or the frontrunner or the surprise 5th etc, I was trying to analyze temporary buzz which could mean nothing considering it’s still September. In my opinion this will be the top15, out of which 10 are clearly not getting nominations. I simply don’t know which 10…
You’re right, Jane Fonda probably won’t be a Best Actress nominee (hence the 15th place) BUT when a beloved veteran delivers a scene-stealing, hilarious, remarkably likeable performance, the Academy tends to listen. No guarantees for sure, but it’s a good start.
Knightley is also a big question mark : will she be lead ? will she be supporting ? will US-critics love the film ? will they hate it ? will the Academy finally embrace Cronenberg ? etc. I just think FOR NOW, she has some undeniable buzz. How far will it take her ? No idea.
Nobody has seen Charlize Theron’s Young Adult, so your guess is as good as mine. At first glance, the story doesn’t look strong/Oscary enough, I’ll give you that. But then again, neither did Juno and it still garnered Ellen Page a Best Actress nomination…and Theron is not only a considerably BETTER actress, she is also a previous winner and THAT should count.
As I said, Olsen is Lawrence/Cornish territory for me : it will come down to the critics’ awards. If they go for it Lawrence-style, she could get in.
I see your point about Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress nominee for a Luc Besson-film ?), I guess it was just wishful thinking from my part. I REALLY wanted her to get in for Crouching TIger.
And thank you for bringing my attention to Adepero Oduye and her film, to be honest, I’ve never heard of it before, now I’m intrigued. And I REALLY hope the lack of buzz has nothing to do with race. Do you think she has a shot at the top5 ?
Sasha, your excitement about this is telling.
Best Actress seems to be the most exciting category this year. Although Viola Davis’s role seems supporting to me, I wouldn’t be surprised — at all — if she competes in the lead category, where she’ll still be a very strong contender and for a variety of reasons.
Sasha, your excitement about this is telling.
Best Actress seems to be the most exciting category this year. Although Viola Davis’s role seems supporting to me, I wouldn’t be surprised — at all — if she competes in the lead category, where she’ll still be a very strong contender and for a variety of reasons.
Sure, Sasha, thanks !
Sure, Sasha, thanks !
Any idea when these 8 minutes will be available online?
Any idea when these 8 minutes will be available online?
The last two are not even movie-movies, they were made back-to-back for television, as you very well may know. The longer version of the first one is interesting, but the sequels (if you can call them that) just suffered from that even.
OT: Let the Right One In’s score (which I absolutely adore) was chosen the 2nd best film music of the decade by Empire magazine. It was not even nominated for an Oscar. I listen to this piece of music every week, it’s that good. Yay, Sweden.
The last two are not even movie-movies, they were made back-to-back for television, as you very well may know. The longer version of the first one is interesting, but the sequels (if you can call them that) just suffered from that even.
OT: Let the Right One In’s score (which I absolutely adore) was chosen the 2nd best film music of the decade by Empire magazine. It was not even nominated for an Oscar. I listen to this piece of music every week, it’s that good. Yay, Sweden.
Oh, Phantom, Phantom, Phantom. Here we go again.
🙂
Is Keira Knightley going to be our Hilary Swank this year?
(And Jane Fonda will not happen, either)
(And though I can’t be 100% sure, I’m pretty certain Charlize Theron ain’t happening)
(And, while I would like to say Elizabeth Olsen ain’t happening, I would be silly at this point to say she absolutely isn’t)
(And forget about Michelle Yeoh)
And, where’s Adepero Oduye? I don’t understand why everyone is ignoring her. I hope it isn’t because she’s black.
http://goo.gl/dYIsO
Oh, Phantom, Phantom, Phantom. Here we go again.
🙂
Is Keira Knightley going to be our Hilary Swank this year?
(And Jane Fonda will not happen, either)
(And though I can’t be 100% sure, I’m pretty certain Charlize Theron ain’t happening)
(And, while I would like to say Elizabeth Olsen ain’t happening, I would be silly at this point to say she absolutely isn’t)
(And forget about Michelle Yeoh)
And, where’s Adepero Oduye? I don’t understand why everyone is ignoring her. I hope it isn’t because she’s black.
http://goo.gl/dYIsO
I have, probably along with Tero, the advantage of actually understanding the dialogue in the original swedish film, and I would argue that actually understanding what is said makes the film less impressive than if you rely solely on subtitles. The acting in dialogue scenes is very uneven, even though I liked the two leads. The movie itself is quite good, better than I expected. The two other movies was less impressive. Fincher should easily be capable of making a better movie, at least technically.
I have, probably along with Tero, the advantage of actually understanding the dialogue in the original swedish film, and I would argue that actually understanding what is said makes the film less impressive than if you rely solely on subtitles. The acting in dialogue scenes is very uneven, even though I liked the two leads. The movie itself is quite good, better than I expected. The two other movies was less impressive. Fincher should easily be capable of making a better movie, at least technically.
I with Sasha on this one: I think Viola Davis is the one to beat! (she is good, alright, I just hope it would be for a far better movie). I’m surprised that Michelle Williams is not considered the frontrunner. I mean, she is playing Marilyn, for God’s sake! Maybe the insiders who have seen it, are not mightily impressed? Otherwise it ought to be more in contention…?
I with Sasha on this one: I think Viola Davis is the one to beat! (she is good, alright, I just hope it would be for a far better movie). I’m surprised that Michelle Williams is not considered the frontrunner. I mean, she is playing Marilyn, for God’s sake! Maybe the insiders who have seen it, are not mightily impressed? Otherwise it ought to be more in contention…?
WOW, considering the festival-circuit is almost over, I must say, the Best Actress race seems ridiculously competitive at the moment.
Viable contenders who are automatically in the race considering they have already received official raves :
1. Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) – I still think she will win. Her individual work will be praised, so unless the critics will hate the film spectacularly (under50 MC score), it is hers to lose in my opinion.
2. Viola Davis (The Help) – Strong contender but the co-lead thing might hurt her in the long run. On the other hand, if she goes supporting, she will probably win.
3. Tilda Swinton (We need to talk about Kevin) – The Academy owes her big time after Julia and I am Love, so hopefully she will get her long-overdue second nomination this year.
4. Keira Knightley (A Dangerous Method) – She got strong reviews but it would help her a lot if the film became a bp-nominee.
5. Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) – This year’s Lawrence or this year’s Cornish ?
Contenders who did receive raves BUT might have peaked too early :
6. Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia) – She won in Cannes and no buzz ever since, I might be wrong, but for now Olsen seems slightly stronger. Melancholia just simply seems too divisive.
7. Jodie Foster (Carnage) – Her turn is apparently great but probably not “big” enough…we’ll see. She IS “Two-time Academy Award Winner Jodie Foster” after all…
8. Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre) – She received rave reviews for her performace, critics loved the film, as well…IF Focus gives it a proper campaign…IF.
9. Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) – Ditto, although critics were more mixed on the film AND the early release date/genre film combination might be fatal in this case. She needs a few critics awards to get back into the race…
10. Maria Bello (Beautiful Boy) – Just like Rachel Weisz (The Whistleblower), her film is also probably too small and too early for Oscar recognition.
And the (mostly) unseen, potential late-entry frontrunners :
11. Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) – Meryl playing an iconic political figure with the Weinsteins in her corner ? WOW, talk about a strong Oscar-concept…
12. Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) – Another iconic role from The Weinstein Company. As someone said earlier this year, if the Weinsteins could secure a nod for Williams last year when she played a depressing nobody, they will probably get her in this year when she is playing one of the greatest icons of American Cinema.
13. Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) – Might be too edgy/violent for the Academy, but if it is really such a brilliant turn, voters should come around in the end.
14. Charlize Theron (Young Adult) – Reitman’s last two leads (Clooney, Page) got in…and with all due respect, Theron is better than both. The question is : will the material be good enough ?
15. Jane Fonda (Peace, Love and Misunderstanding) – Great early word from Toronto suggests a potential Oscar-comeback but WHERE ? The hippie grandmother sounds like a typical scene-stealing SUPPORTING campaign to me….
What IS interesting that the mostly unseen late entries (11-15) could EASILY replace the current – by the way, FANTASTIC – top5 in the end…especially if Knightley and Davis move to supporting which doesn’t seem likely now (top billing, obvious female leads etc.) BUT could happen if they realize that they could actually WIN supporting and might not even get the nods in the lead category. And as strange as it sounds, I heard whispers that due to the surprisingly limited screentime, even Rooney Mara and Michelle Williams could end up in supporting when all is said and done. Hmm…my dark horse pick is Michelle Yeoh. Well, we’ll see how it goes !
Phantom, nice list – I might put it up on the main page if you don’t mind.
WOW, considering the festival-circuit is almost over, I must say, the Best Actress race seems ridiculously competitive at the moment.
Viable contenders who are automatically in the race considering they have already received official raves :
1. Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) – I still think she will win. Her individual work will be praised, so unless the critics will hate the film spectacularly (under50 MC score), it is hers to lose in my opinion.
2. Viola Davis (The Help) – Strong contender but the co-lead thing might hurt her in the long run. On the other hand, if she goes supporting, she will probably win.
3. Tilda Swinton (We need to talk about Kevin) – The Academy owes her big time after Julia and I am Love, so hopefully she will get her long-overdue second nomination this year.
4. Keira Knightley (A Dangerous Method) – She got strong reviews but it would help her a lot if the film became a bp-nominee.
5. Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) – This year’s Lawrence or this year’s Cornish ?
Contenders who did receive raves BUT might have peaked too early :
6. Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia) – She won in Cannes and no buzz ever since, I might be wrong, but for now Olsen seems slightly stronger. Melancholia just simply seems too divisive.
7. Jodie Foster (Carnage) – Her turn is apparently great but probably not “big” enough…we’ll see. She IS “Two-time Academy Award Winner Jodie Foster” after all…
8. Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre) – She received rave reviews for her performace, critics loved the film, as well…IF Focus gives it a proper campaign…IF.
9. Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) – Ditto, although critics were more mixed on the film AND the early release date/genre film combination might be fatal in this case. She needs a few critics awards to get back into the race…
10. Maria Bello (Beautiful Boy) – Just like Rachel Weisz (The Whistleblower), her film is also probably too small and too early for Oscar recognition.
And the (mostly) unseen, potential late-entry frontrunners :
11. Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) – Meryl playing an iconic political figure with the Weinsteins in her corner ? WOW, talk about a strong Oscar-concept…
12. Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) – Another iconic role from The Weinstein Company. As someone said earlier this year, if the Weinsteins could secure a nod for Williams last year when she played a depressing nobody, they will probably get her in this year when she is playing one of the greatest icons of American Cinema.
13. Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) – Might be too edgy/violent for the Academy, but if it is really such a brilliant turn, voters should come around in the end.
14. Charlize Theron (Young Adult) – Reitman’s last two leads (Clooney, Page) got in…and with all due respect, Theron is better than both. The question is : will the material be good enough ?
15. Jane Fonda (Peace, Love and Misunderstanding) – Great early word from Toronto suggests a potential Oscar-comeback but WHERE ? The hippie grandmother sounds like a typical scene-stealing SUPPORTING campaign to me….
What IS interesting that the mostly unseen late entries (11-15) could EASILY replace the current – by the way, FANTASTIC – top5 in the end…especially if Knightley and Davis move to supporting which doesn’t seem likely now (top billing, obvious female leads etc.) BUT could happen if they realize that they could actually WIN supporting and might not even get the nods in the lead category. And as strange as it sounds, I heard whispers that due to the surprisingly limited screentime, even Rooney Mara and Michelle Williams could end up in supporting when all is said and done. Hmm…my dark horse pick is Michelle Yeoh. Well, we’ll see how it goes !
Phantom, nice list – I might put it up on the main page if you don’t mind.
I am expecting Fincher to top the Swedish movie in almost every aspect. Not the spoken language, of course. That will be a big problem around here.
I wonder what the Swedish movie could have been if they had the budget to take 50 takes from each shot. Scandinavian pictures often have to get things done in just a few takes. Kaurismäki is known for shooting everything in ONE take, Le Havre being an exception, then he took TWO takes. In Hollywood, this would be considered foolish, but it’s a budget thing. Our movies generally cost 2-5 million in USD. TGwtDT is an exception, that cost 13M in American dollars, that is one of the most expensive productions ever made around here, and they surely didn’t expect it to make over 100M worldwide. It is the most successful Nordic picture ever. In comparison, Let the Right One In has made 11M worldwide. Less than what TGwtDT cost.
This for non-English language pictures. People like Lars von Trier get higher budgets, cause the films are aimed worldwide to begin with.
I am expecting Fincher to top the Swedish movie in almost every aspect. Not the spoken language, of course. That will be a big problem around here.
I wonder what the Swedish movie could have been if they had the budget to take 50 takes from each shot. Scandinavian pictures often have to get things done in just a few takes. Kaurismäki is known for shooting everything in ONE take, Le Havre being an exception, then he took TWO takes. In Hollywood, this would be considered foolish, but it’s a budget thing. Our movies generally cost 2-5 million in USD. TGwtDT is an exception, that cost 13M in American dollars, that is one of the most expensive productions ever made around here, and they surely didn’t expect it to make over 100M worldwide. It is the most successful Nordic picture ever. In comparison, Let the Right One In has made 11M worldwide. Less than what TGwtDT cost.
This for non-English language pictures. People like Lars von Trier get higher budgets, cause the films are aimed worldwide to begin with.
Yeah, Eastwood tends to work with unsalvageable bad scripts, for a start. And you are spot on with Contagion. It is kind of pointless as a film, but the way Soderbergh just goes with it, is kind of masterful. Fincher, of course, has reached a technical skill that is astounding in and of itself. I hope he doesn’t get caught up in a sort of nihilistic, anti-humane “style over substance” schtick, though. TSN was a masterstroke, but I cannot see where Fincher can go with Dragon Tatoo, except making it even more graphic. And really, what’s the point (besides the technical achievement in doing so)?
Yeah, Eastwood tends to work with unsalvageable bad scripts, for a start. And you are spot on with Contagion. It is kind of pointless as a film, but the way Soderbergh just goes with it, is kind of masterful. Fincher, of course, has reached a technical skill that is astounding in and of itself. I hope he doesn’t get caught up in a sort of nihilistic, anti-humane “style over substance” schtick, though. TSN was a masterstroke, but I cannot see where Fincher can go with Dragon Tatoo, except making it even more graphic. And really, what’s the point (besides the technical achievement in doing so)?
julian, what I mean is that you sometime get the feeling that even though the movie as a whole isn’t working very well or doesn’t add up the some of its parts, you still admire the choices the director made or where he chose to go with it.
Like Contagion, that is not a great movie, it is a good movie, but the direction is better than good, it is kinda superb. And the thing that I came away with is that it was impressively directed. I thought even Hereafter was made with Eastwood’s usual skill but it wasn’t a very good movie.
Fincher is such a superb technician, that simply on a technical level his film will never disappoint. But there are many others things that can.
julian, what I mean is that you sometime get the feeling that even though the movie as a whole isn’t working very well or doesn’t add up the some of its parts, you still admire the choices the director made or where he chose to go with it.
Like Contagion, that is not a great movie, it is a good movie, but the direction is better than good, it is kinda superb. And the thing that I came away with is that it was impressively directed. I thought even Hereafter was made with Eastwood’s usual skill but it wasn’t a very good movie.
Fincher is such a superb technician, that simply on a technical level his film will never disappoint. But there are many others things that can.
No, I think I get your point…but do you care to clarify?
No, I think I get your point…but do you care to clarify?
So, red wine, if a movie isn’t good it is still good film-making, huh?;)
So, red wine, if a movie isn’t good it is still good film-making, huh?;)
Great article. Just wanted to let you know you misspelled “heroine.” Not to be pedantic…just trying to help.
Great article. Just wanted to let you know you misspelled “heroine.” Not to be pedantic…just trying to help.
THanks. I’m lame. This is why I can’t live a day without Ryan.
Great article. Just wanted to let you know you misspelled “heroine.” Not to be pedantic…just trying to help.
Great article. Just wanted to let you know you misspelled “heroine.” Not to be pedantic…just trying to help.
THanks. I’m lame. This is why I can’t live a day without Ryan.
If Mara gets nominated (while Rapace got overlooked) it only confirms what we already knew: the Oscars are a rotten business…having said that; I rely on Fincher to deliver the goods. He is so insanely talented and committed to his craft. Making a new version of TGWTDT (less than two years after the already capable Swedish/Danish production) borders on the downright opportunistic, though.
If Mara gets nominated (while Rapace got overlooked) it only confirms what we already knew: the Oscars are a rotten business…having said that; I rely on Fincher to deliver the goods. He is so insanely talented and committed to his craft. Making a new version of TGWTDT (less than two years after the already capable Swedish/Danish production) borders on the downright opportunistic, though.
Sounds like a well made sleazefest. I believe Fincher is at his best with material that requires him to be clinical and removed. That is why Benjamin Button was a failure and Social Network lacked a human quotient. I think Zodiac by some distance is his best film.
But still looking forward to Dragon Tattoo. There’s an innate pleasure to be had in good film-making even if the movie isn’t very good.
Sounds like a well made sleazefest. I believe Fincher is at his best with material that requires him to be clinical and removed. That is why Benjamin Button was a failure and Social Network lacked a human quotient. I think Zodiac by some distance is his best film.
But still looking forward to Dragon Tattoo. There’s an innate pleasure to be had in good film-making even if the movie isn’t very good.
Certainly be interesting if it could though I think we already have one genre picture(Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) that might fulfill that request. Can’t wait. As always, just care to see if its a great movie. No compromises on Fincher’s part. Yes, votes….this is what Fincher was doing and shooting rather than kissing ass for the gold. He was working creatively.
Certainly be interesting if it could though I think we already have one genre picture(Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) that might fulfill that request. Can’t wait. As always, just care to see if its a great movie. No compromises on Fincher’s part. Yes, votes….this is what Fincher was doing and shooting rather than kissing ass for the gold. He was working creatively.
Very excited for this one! I wonder how it will stack up to the Swedish version we just saw a year ago. It will be very curious if the Academy nominates Mara when Rapace was ignored. I can’t imagine anyone topping what Rapace did, but if Mara does, then she should not only be nominated, but win. It would be that incredible.
Very excited for this one! I wonder how it will stack up to the Swedish version we just saw a year ago. It will be very curious if the Academy nominates Mara when Rapace was ignored. I can’t imagine anyone topping what Rapace did, but if Mara does, then she should not only be nominated, but win. It would be that incredible.
I can’t see how you could have possibly seen “social network” and not be excited for this film. Fincher seems to be at the height of his powers right now and that’s saying something.
I can’t see how you could have possibly seen “social network” and not be excited for this film. Fincher seems to be at the height of his powers right now and that’s saying something.
I’ve read the book, I’ve seen the Swedish film; I really couldn’t care less about this film
I’ve read the book, I’ve seen the Swedish film; I really couldn’t care less about this film
This is very good news. I’m guessing this is more Academy friendly than TSN… a story they can follow/already know, a freaky/sexy young heroine, a testosteroney male lead and topical right wing villians.
This is very good news. I’m guessing this is more Academy friendly than TSN… a story they can follow/already know, a freaky/sexy young heroine, a testosteroney male lead and topical right wing villians.
Only in so much as, from what I’ve seen, Mara may be the best Fincher lead ever. We’ll have to wait and see but it’s really hard not to salivate over this director’s work because he brings his A game. So many of them don’t – they hold back because they’re afraid of offending this person or that person but Fincher goes for it. That’s why, to me, he’s up there with the best. But whether they go for it or not is beside the point, I guess that’s how I’m training myself to think about movies this year within the context of the race.
This is very good news. I’m guessing this is more Academy friendly than TSN… a story they can follow/already know, a freaky/sexy young heroine, a testosteroney male lead and topical right wing villians.
This is very good news. I’m guessing this is more Academy friendly than TSN… a story they can follow/already know, a freaky/sexy young heroine, a testosteroney male lead and topical right wing villians.
Only in so much as, from what I’ve seen, Mara may be the best Fincher lead ever. We’ll have to wait and see but it’s really hard not to salivate over this director’s work because he brings his A game. So many of them don’t – they hold back because they’re afraid of offending this person or that person but Fincher goes for it. That’s why, to me, he’s up there with the best. But whether they go for it or not is beside the point, I guess that’s how I’m training myself to think about movies this year within the context of the race.
Jake Gyllenhaal was pretty OK in that movie, but I thought the 3 other leads were much more impressive. Glad to hear about Mara. Though, yeah, I hope quality-wise it’s more Eisenberg/Ruffalo/Edwards than Gyllenhaal.
Jake Gyllenhaal was pretty OK in that movie, but I thought the 3 other leads were much more impressive. Glad to hear about Mara. Though, yeah, I hope quality-wise it’s more Eisenberg/Ruffalo/Edwards than Gyllenhaal.
Because The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is “not aiming for Ocar” is a reason why it will be a big Oscar player. I think Fincher can take Directing, easily. Reminds me of The Departed and how it was Marty’s anti-Oscar/just for audiences movie. Not to say Fincher is on Scorsese’s level but you get my point…
Because The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is “not aiming for Ocar” is a reason why it will be a big Oscar player. I think Fincher can take Directing, easily. Reminds me of The Departed and how it was Marty’s anti-Oscar/just for audiences movie. Not to say Fincher is on Scorsese’s level but you get my point…
I simply cannot wait to see this film.
David Fincher is just ridiculously talented
We’re lucky to have him
I simply cannot wait to see this film.
David Fincher is just ridiculously talented
We’re lucky to have him