Billy Wilder Invited To Our House

A couple months ago it was all about Howard Hawks & Cary Grant in our house.

Recently it's been about Billy Wilder.

Billy Wilder was nominated for 21 Academy Awards and won 6 of those, some for writing, some for directing, and 1 as producer (The Apartment).

So, with our recent Hawk's festival in our household, it only made sense to spend some time with the Wilder/Hawks collaboration with Ball of Fire.

Ball of Fire...talk about a fun romantic comedy from 1941. You seem some of Howard Hawk's over the top scenes, with Wilder's gritty-under belly notions all mashed up into one crazy film.

Ball of Fire stars a hilarious cast of old men writing an encyclopedia who wax and wane on love with no true knowledge (with the exception of the widower), while Gary Cooper resist his instincts to make a pass at Sugarpuss O'Shea (Barbara Stanwyck) who's using him to hide out from the district attorney.

So, as we invite Billy Wilder into our living room, I'm excited to catch up on missed classics and revisit some favorites, but I am certainly glad that I caught this film.

Reel People: Morgan Freeman is Nelson Mandela

The film is Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood. Screenplay by Anthony Peckham, based on the book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation by journalist and author John Carlin.

Nelson Mandela

When Nelson Mandela (born Rolihlahla Mandela) was born in July 18, 1918 his great-grandfather ruled as the king of the Thembu people who resided in South Africa's Cape Province.

Rolihlahla was the first member of his family to attend school. There he received his English name, Nelson, from his teacher, Miss Mdingane.

Nelson's dad died when he was 9 of tuberculosis, and went under the care of a guardian who sent him to a Wesleyan school. Nelson still lived the life of Thembu royalty and was treated well. He was interested in a variety of activities including boxing and running.

Nelson did go on to attend higher education at University College of Fort Hare, University of South Africa, and the University of Witwatersrand. During this time Nelson Mandela began shaping his own political ideologies as well as nurturing life long friendships.

Having received his degree in law, Nelson's friend Oliver Tambo and him, set up a law firm. Mandela and Tambo provided affordable legal advise and counsel to poor blacks without representation.

Nelson also was very active in the African National Congress, especially with the political victories of National Party which supported apartheid in South Africa.

Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, Mandela was arrested and charged with treason along with others who participated in a non-violent protest in 1956. Mandela along with the others were acquitted.

In 1961 Mandela became the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC which was formed in cooperation with the South African Communist Party to fight apartheid. Nelson became more interested in armed struggle as a last resort in a fight against South African policies.

After living on the run for 17 months, Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 after the CIA tipped off the South African government to his whereabouts. Mandela was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment and labor, and was eventually brought to trial with other ANC members in 1963 for their attempts to overthrow the government. By 1964 he and 8 others were sentenced to life in prison.

Mandela remained in prison until 1990, having served 18 of the 27 years at Robben Island Prison off Cape Town. Many believe when Mandela was transferred from Robben Island the intentions were that he was being moved to limit his influence with younger activist who might attend "Mandela University" in the prison.

February 11, 1990 Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison, upon decree of State President F. W. de Clerk. He reversed the decision of banning anti-apartheid organizations and wanted to bring peace within the community of the black majority.

In 1991 in the first meeting of the African National Conference since 1960, Mandela was elected President of the conference (while friend Oliver Tambo was elected the National Chairperson of the ANC).

This was not a time of peace in South Africa, but F. W. de Clerk and Nelson Mandela were devoted to cooperation and negotiation despite violence and assassination of leaders like ANC's Chris Hani.

In 1993 Mandela and de Clerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their negotiations and cooperation.

1994 was the first year for multi-racial elections in South Africa and Nelson Mandela won and was inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa May 10, 1994. Mandela made the National Party's F.W. de Clerk his first deputy.

Mandela had a huge challenge in a disrupted South Africa that was trying to bring together the white and black South Africans. One of those attempts was in getting all South Africans behind the Springboks, the South African national rugby team that was hated by black-South Africans.

Mandela also had a number of challenges, but is particularly marked by his attention to problems AIDS in Africa.

In 1998 was re-married to his 3rd wife on his 80th Birthday. His bride, Graça Machel, was the widow of the former president of Mozambique who had died 12 years earlier in a plane crash.

In 1999, Mandela decided not to run for a second term of office retired from the presidency at the age of 80. His friend Thabo Mbeki succeeded him.

Despite retiring from public office, his involvement in politics and the world continues, despite his age and battles with prostate cancer.

Nelson Mandela is currently 91 years old.

Invictus

Invictus tells the story of Nelson Mandela's early years as president and his role in uniting the country behind the South African National Rugby Team lead by Francois Pienaar, despite the fact that black South Africans did not support this rugby team. The film focuses on 1995 and the Rugby World Cup played in South Africa that year.

In the film Francois Pienaar is played by Matt Damon.

Clint Eastwood's film is one of this years highly anticipated films, and could play a significant role in this years Academy Awards.

Will 72 year-old 4-time Oscar nominee (1 time winner) receive another nomination, even a win for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela? You can imagine there is certainly potential for that type of recognition for his portrayal of this Real (Reel) Person?

Celebrity Fragrance Industry & 50 Cent's Power

NPR had a great (and fun and interesting) story about the celebrity scent business.

Brian Reed's story, "Money In A Bottle: The Celebrity Scent Business" is really an interesting look at how wide the business is, not to mention why this is an affordable marketing strategy for the fragrance industry and celebrities.

It's interesting to think of celebrities with their own scents. I think of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jordan when I think of celebrity scents. Taylor's glamour seems to line up with all those diamonds and ruby smells she tied her name to.

But Jordan, I remember thinking "that's disgusting" does it smell like court sweat?

How many celebrities out there have followings big enough to translate into marketable fragrances?

Who wants to splash a little Joe Pesci eu de toilette, Jim Carrey musk, or Tina Fey Ambergris?

Give a listen to the story on the premier of 50 Cent's Power fragrance, I think you will find it an interesting story.

Robert Zemeckis: An IMAX 3D Experience

In the 80s Robert Zemeckis was successful. It was all about the wildly popular stories of the Back to the Future trilogy and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Zemeckis, never prolific, directed a handful of films in the 90s, of those, perhaps his most famous film, was Forrest Gump. The film won Zemeckis an Oscar for directing.

He followed Forrest Gump up with Contact, What Lies Beneath, and Cast Away.

And then over the next ten years it'sbeen all about these CGI animated films (always available in IMAX 3D).

In 2004 it was the animated The Polar Express, also presented in IMAX 3D.

In 2007 it was the less-successful Beowolf, also present in IMAX 3D.

And now 2009 it's A Christmas Carol, again in IMAX 3D.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure when it comes to the full package of DVD sales and TV rights down the road, A Christmas Carol is going to be a financially viable and relatively entertaining film. Goodness knows, people don't seem to get sick of the many, many, many adaptation of the Charles Dicken's classic.

And I respect Zemeckis for evolving with the times, he has found a way to make financially viable films for every decade.

But I must admit, the Robert Zemeckis of this decade, who is fascinated with classic stories told bigger than life in a feature-length format with 3D glasses is not the Zemeckis I admire.

Zemeckis created magic with many of his films, but generally this decade his films have been boring sure-beats. Films without risk, creativity, and the type of uniqueness that makes a truly great fresh and modern classic.

How Flanelle Broke My Heart

I love comments, but not one's like this:

"RC, you really need to clean up your 'crafted' post. The spelling and grammar errors overwhelm. "

-- Flanelle* on my post Reel People: Quinton Aaron is Michael Oher

My wife is editing the post as we speak. I'm hurt.

*Her blog with no content says "Flanelle, like the material," I thought it was spelled flannel?

Steve Martin + Alec Baldwin = Oscar Hosts 82nd Academy Awards

It has been announced that Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin will be hosting the Oscar March 7, 2010.

Martin's hosted previously (2000 & 2002) and we should expect their hosting to be entertaining. Not only have they had the opportunity to set records for hosting SNL (Steve Martin holds the record with 15, Alec Baldwin right behind with 14), but they also presumably have some great chemistry as Meryl Streep's love interest in the upcoming Nancy Myers comedy It's Complicated. Not to mention crashing each others Saturday Night Live episodes, Martin has also appeared on 30 Rock, in his Emmy nominated guest appearance.

In fact, one can expect a little It's Complicated reunion, since Meryl owns the Oscar stage and will surely be at least nominated for Julie & Julia.

I'd have to stay, this seems like a great pairing for hosting the 82nd Academy Awards ceremony.

Intrigued and Curious about Eating Animals

One of the authors I'm always paying attention to is Jonathan Safran Foer.

I love his creativity that has brought us two crazy-entertaining novels Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Foer writes with such a unique voice, perspective, and simplistic absurdity.

Today Foer released a new book and to my surprise it's non-fiction and about vegetarianism, called Eating Animals.

I sure this book is absolutely crazy, but to be honest, I'm a little disappointed that Eating Animals is not fiction.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy non-fiction, but torn about whether this 352 page book is in my reading future.

Docuementaries: Hope & Anger

I would be hard pressed to name another documentary that I enjoy more than 2004's Born Into Brothels.

While this documentary tells about the horrible reality of the lives led by children in the red light district of Calcutta, India, the film is more than just an exposé it is a story of hope about an organization, Kid's With Cameras, which is using creativity and entrepreneurial wisdom to have an impact in the world.

Another documentary that presents an image of hope amidst conflict came out a couple year's earlier was 2001's Promises. This story shows director B.Z. Goldberg having different Jewish and Palestine kids growing up in Jerusalem. Here is a case where the documentary was not just about telling a story, but also making a story and painting a picture of hope and possibility.

When I think about the past decade of documentaries, these two stand out above the Michael Moore films, the many documentaries about Walmart, the enviornment, finances, penguins, fast food, WWII, US Military decisions, religion, health, kids that paint, shopping, and crazy people that hang out with Grizzly Bears or tight-rope walk.

The reason - is because these two films Born into Brothels and Promises present these beautiful pictures of hope and the film camera is a tool for peace and influence.

In this past year, with economic woes and political partisism, world disasters, and unsettled feelings I feel like instead of hope there is anger. There is distrust. There is fear.

Of all emotions to be expressed, anger seems so unsatisfying. I believe that there a huge role for exposing truth through non-fiction work in the press, documentary arts, and in all formats of written words.

Yet, there is a desperate need for hope. Not sugar-coated unicorns and pixie dust, but true stories that inspire and help people think differently about what could be.

In 2007 I wrote a post about "Inspiration Overload." I still believe that there a lot of pull to support different causes as a way of marketing, but I also think that we need more images and stories of hope and I hope instead of docuemtarians limiting themselves to a Michael Moore attack dog style of story telling about injustice, (whether that be this years Capitalism: A Love Story, The Cove, or Food Inc.)

These other stories of injustice and exposing truth are important, but I would also like to see some films this year that show beauty, hope and virtue, and I haven't seen those stories this year. Am I missing something?

Related Post: Somehow Media Can Change the World (February 15, 2006)

(Picture above is "Girl on Roof" from the Born into Brothels press kit & Michael Moore from Capitalism: Love Story)

A Modern Horror Film Soap Box

I admit, I'm a Halloween scrooge.

Last year I complained about dressing up young children and pets and the cruelty that entailed.

This year I would like to complain about Horror films.

Whether it's for the low cost of horror film mixed with the decreasing intelligence of those with disposable income, horror films are a good bet for profitability.

In fact, there's films like this years Paranormal Activity, compared to 1999's Blair Witch Project for it's low budget and incredible theatrical success that spells out P-R-O-F-I-T. And lots of it.

Horror films rarely cross the 100 million domestic gross line, but they don't need to. The cast and corn-syrup blood budget is low.

Horror movies have been around for awhile, but the pure explosion of new horror films being released month after month seems like pure insanity.

Are American teens so numb that they need to find such an extreme emotional experience in films that deal with brutal death, torture, and deep irrational fear?

This years been filled with horror flicks with relative success...My Bloody Valentine 3-D, The Haunting in Connecticut, Friday the 13th, The Final Destination, The Unborn, and Orphan. Not to mention Saw 42 or whatever number they are on. The list could go on.

And so when Halloween comes around people want a scary movie. Hello, there has been scary movies all year long. This is not just a Halloween phenomenon.

So if scary movies were ever intriguing to me, they seem like utter trash now. I have a hard time getting into the excitement behind success of small horror films, because you make a thousand small horror films a few seem like they're going to make it.

You've heard it said it takes 10 compliments to take away 1 mean remark. Well even if you argue for any redemptive moment in any of these films, there is far too many dark and unredemptive images, ideas, and scenes to even begin to justify the one message that some of these films may have.

So if you're watching some modern slasher horror this Halloween, go for it. I might consider something smart not gory, like Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? or Pyscho. But as for me - this year I'm hardly even interested in a horror film, the genre is exploding in all the wrong ways.

(Picture above from 2008 Saw V)

Martin Scorsese 11 Favorite Horror Films

Martin Scorcese has created a list of his top 11 favorite scary movies. This list has been presented by The Daily Beast.

What have you seen? What's missing?

1. The Haunting (1963)

2. Isle of the Dead (1945)

3. The Uninvited (1944)

4. The Entity (1981)

5. Dead of Night (1945)

6. The Changeling (1980)

7. The Shining (1980)

8. The Exorist (1973)

9. Night of the Demon (1957)

10. The Innocents (1961)

11. Psycho (1960)

October Best Supporting Actor Predictions

In conjunction with my humble Oscar predictions for best supporting actress, I now present my best supporting actor predictions.

Unlike the Academy Awards' supporting actress race, somehow, things seem clearer, and while buzz and sentiment can change, their isn't the same types of issues regarding internal competition that make the predictions challenging.

My Predicted 5

1. Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones

2. Christopher Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

3. Alfred Molina, An Education

4. Christopher Plummer, The Last Station

5. Matt Damon, Invictus

The Next Tier

6. Anthony Mackie, The Hurt Locker

7. Robert Duvall, The Road

8. Kodi Smit-McPee, The Road

9. Peter Sargaard, An Education (lead?)

10. Alec Baldwin, It's Complicated

3rd Tier

11. Jeff Bridges, The Men Who Stare at Goats

12. Richard Kind, A Serious Man

13. Paul Schneider, Bright Star

14. Tobey Maguire, Brothers

15. Stanley Tucci, Julie & Julia

(Pictured above Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones; Anthony Mackie, The Hurt Locker; Jeff Bridges, The Men Who Stare at Goats)

Most Recent Predictions: Best Supporting Actress (10/25/09); Best Actress (9/19/09); Best Actor ( 9/17/09)

October Best Supporting Actress Predictions

I've been reluctant to post any supporting actress nominations, so we're here in October and I present to you my first round of Oscar predictions in this category. My reluctance comes primarily from the internal competition discussed earlier this month.

My Predicted 5

1. Mo'Nique, Precious Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire

2. Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air

3. Julianne Moore, A Single Man

4. Susan Sarandon, The Lovely Bones

5. Judi Dench, Nine

The Next Tier

6. Vera Farmiga, Up in The Air

7. Marion Cotillard, Nine (could go lead)

8. Penelope Cruz, Nine

9. Mariah Carey, Precious Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire

10. Rachel Weisz, The Lovely Bones

3rd Tier

11. Marion Cotillard, Public Enemies

12. Emma Thompson, An Education

13. Sophie Loren, Nine

14. Sigorney Weaver, Avatar

15. Sari Lennick, A Serious Man

(pictured, Mo'Nique in Precious, Vera Farmiga in Up in The Air, and Marion Cotillard in Public Enemies)

Most Recent Predictions: Best Actress (9/19/09); Best Actor ( 9/17/09)

Similar Name, Not the Same: A Single/Serious Man

In connection with the "Similar Name, Not the Same" series...

I present...

A Single Man & A Serious Man

A Single Man: Fashion designer Tom Ford directorial debut is a book adaptation about a gay British college professor (Colin Firth) who after the death of his partner tries to go through a typical day in Los Angeles. The films technical staff involves many of the artist between the sets and props of AMC's Mad Men.

A Serious Man: The Coen Brothers is the black comedy set in 1967 Minnesota about a Jewish family, primarily Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) a physics professor who's life is falling part and who is having a spiritual crisis of belief.

Common Theme: Both films take place in a similar era, both focusing on professors who feel isolated as they experience loss. Both will likely receive critical praise and awards attention, and both have relatively boring and generic titles.

Not the same: LA vs. Minnesota and gay vs. straight. Not to mention both films will undoubtably have a very strong style judging from reviews and previews, but those styles and artistry have their own flavors.

Other movies in the Similar Name, Not the Same Series:
* Avatar & Avatar the Last Airbender
* 9 & Nine
* Up & Up in the Air

Anna Paquin: Reinventing Herself

In my recent post on teen films I discussed how I think teens have a better chance of establishing strong careers by performing in teen oriented films over prestige films.

One of the actresses who I think has done an incredible job at sticking in the Hollywood game after a childhood success story is Anna Paquin.

Anna Paquin became the second youngest person to win an Oscar at the age of 11 for her role in the Piano.

Now, Paquin has not yet returned to the Oscar stage as a nominee or winner since then, but her career is certainly alive and well.

She has done a variety of films, television and feature, that would be considered prestige films, such as Almost Famous, The Squid and the Whale and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

Yet, while these films, among others certainly are respectable, I think part of the reason that Anna Paquin is continually considered for a variety of parts like these, is because she has taken moves and opportunities to secure some star power with teen oriented roles like the film She's All That and the X-Men franchise.

By playing teen roles, I think she took herself from the world of "young Oscar winner" to "teen star" paving the way for her to edge her way into non-teen roles that are still age appropriate, including her most recent turn in the popular role of Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood, for which she has won the Golden Globe and Satellite Award.

I hardly think Anna Paquin's film success ends with her HBO series, rather I think her acting ability, along with ability to redefine her filmography at each step of her own age suggest to me that she is a very talented and adaptable actress.

Now if only, Haley Joel Osment could land himself a role on 90210 or a teen oriented film he might be able to bring some luster back to his career that really kicked off in full swing with his Oscar nominated role in The Sixth Sense.