The biggest surprise of the year (so far)! I had been hearing good things about The Karate Kid, and I've always liked Taraji P. Henson and Jackie Chan. So this piqued my interest enough that I wanted to see it, but I was still skeptical about a few things. First was the running time; at 2 hours 20 minutes, it's nearly epic-length, something that I don't feel is necessary with family films. Second: Jaden Smith, whose presence at the Oscars a couple of years ago filled me with rage. It seemed that he had inherited his father's charisma, yes, but also the obsession with maintaining that likability no matter what. And that can sometimes be annoying. I wondered, too, if the boy was genuinely talented, or if his famous daddy just insisted that his offspring be a movie star too.
Sure enough, about ten minutes in, I wondered to myself, "Is this kid ever going to change his expression?" To be fair, this was a good question to ask of all the kid actors up to this point, from Blonde Kid Who Disappears After Three Scenes to the love interest. Jaden could do charm, though, as we see in his initial flirtations with classmate Meiying (Wenwen Han), or in his banter with his hot mom (Taraji P. Henson, who proves yet again that she can do no wrong). It seemed my greatest fear was to be realized. This was a processed charmer, courtesy the Will Smith Corporation.
I don't know when it was, exactly, that I suddenly realized the greatness of the film. Was it when Jackie Chan gets the bullies to beat each other up? Was it the field trip to the Forbidden City? Could it have been when Jaden and Meiying flirted in the auditorium as she practiced her violin? I don't know, all I know is that there was a definite moment where I thought, "Actually, this kid's pretty good! Boy's got potential, and seems willing to grow. I get it!" And that soon developed, with the introduction of kung fu lessons with maintenance man Mr. Han (Chan), into a full-on love and admiration for everything about the film and its stars. Smith has to play the role one-dimensionally at the beginning, because his character is merely going through the motions as he tries to navigate this new life in China! And of course he comes alive in his scenes with Meiying, because that's when the character comes alive! Why did I underestimate the scion of the Fresh Prince clan?
So, yeah, the story. Dre and his mother move from Detroit to China after she gets a job transfer. Dre has a hard time fitting in, especially once a school bully, whom I shall from now on refer to as Little Satan (Zhenwei Wang), targets him for a punching bag. Tired of being bullied, Dre enlists the help of Mr. Han to teach him kung fu. He soon learns that kung fu is not about kicking ass, but about "making peace with your enemies". While delivering flying kicks, yes, but the spirituality of the sport is not lost on Dre or the audience. Dre learns respect for his elders, respect for his peers, and respect for his new home as Han trains him to take part in the Kung Fu Tournament that serves as the film's climax. Cool.
So very, very, cool. This is a movie that had the audience applauding, laughing, high-fiving each other across rows, sitting on the edges of their seats, wiping tears from their eyes. The movie just has it all, from capable kid actors (well, except for the "best friend" role that is quickly dropped from the story; worst kid actor ever) to a Dancing Arcade Game scene. Jackie Chan's moving performance as Mr. Han is the best of his Western career (admittedly, I've yet to see his original martial arts films), especially in a touching scene involving his car, June 8, and a message of getting back on your feet.
Those who feared that this would be an East vs. West, USA USA USA film can put those concerns to rest. The Karate Kid is more about an American learning to appreciate a culture different from the one he's used to, learning the language, customs and traditions of his new home. The climactic showdown between Dre and Little Satan is not about East vs. West, but about Good vs. Evil. I won't even tell you whether or not Dre wins. You may think this movie is predictable, but it takes some unexpected turns that make it fairly atypical.
At one point, I turned to my friend and muttered, "David Lean's The Karate Kid." This movie doesn't do things by halves. James Horner's score is his first of note since A Beautiful Mind (Sure, I like Avatar's score, but it mostly sounds like a riff on Titanic's), and it is an epic marvel. Roger Pratt's cinematography is ingenious. Sometimes hand-held, certainly low-key in the home sequences, it naturally gives us that widescreen "whoa" factor when Dre visits the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of the Dragon Well. The night scenes are gorgeous, and the "first kiss" scene is beautifully done, superlatively lit, effectively edited by Joel Negron.
My God, and I could follow the action scenes! And it doesn't over-explain things! And there's chemistry and believable/consistent character arcs! The worst part is probably the title, actually, since every character insists on the difference between kung fu and karate. Strange, that. But, hey, whatever: the movie's brilliant! Kudos to director Harald Zwart and his team on creating an epic and sincere, family-friendly, universally delightful cinematic wowser!
Why are you reading this? Take ten dollars out of your wallet and see this movie NOW!
Showing posts with label Taraji P. Henson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taraji P. Henson. Show all posts
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Casting Coup: Goldfinger
James Bond is rarely respected by Oscar. Since 1962, the movies have received eight Academy Award nominations, including three for 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me (the last for 1981's For Your Eyes Only), and only two wins. That last win was in -- wait for it -- 1966, honoring 1965's Thunderball, the FOURTH Bond film. Now, I know many consider the Bond franchise to be "just" action flicks, and even Cubby Broccoli said, the movies weren't "art, just entertainment". But holy shit: 2006's Casino Royale, Telly Savalas in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, all the songs from From Russia with Love to Moonraker, David Arnold's scores since 1997, John Barry's scores from Dr. No to The Man with the Golden Gun, visual effects, sound....
What does make sense, at least, is that first nomination. Remember how huge The Dark Knight was and everyone was clamoring for it to win awards? It was nominated at the PGA, DGA and WGA awards, won two of its six Oscar nominations, and when it became the second highest-grossing movie of all time (not adjusted for inflation), it also became the most successful Batman movie ever. It absolutely defined the year in pop culture for 2008. It wasn't the first Batman movie, but it was the biggest and the best.
Likewise, in 1964, Bond mania reached its peak with the release of Goldfinger. This was the movie that started the merchandising awesomeness of the Bond films, including its relationship with toy car makers Corgi. The Aston Martin DB5, the most popular Bond vehicle of all time, made its debut here, sending sales of the car skyrocketing. In two weeks, it recouped its $3 million budget. It's also the Bond film with the most iconic henchman, most bombastic song, most (believably) action-packed finale...and, of course, the beginnings of absolutely amazing chick names with the introduction of Pussy Galore. Not to make a pun, but it is the gold standard by which other Bond films are judged.
So it was that it became the first Bond film to find itself nominated at the Academy Awards, winning in the sole category where it was honored: Best Effects - Sound Effects. Now, this is interesting, because it's a category that no longer exists. In 1965, they had Best Sound, Best Effects - Sound Effects, and Best Effects - Visual Effects. The category for Best Sound Effects was added the year before, and lasted until 1968. In the 1970s, it was mainly a Special Achievement Award, before becoming Best Sound Effects Editing from 1981 to 1999. Only in the last decade did it become the Best Sound Editing category we know and like well enough. Goldfinger is a deserved winner in this category, too. Just the laser and the hum of Ft. Knox alone are evidence enough. In fact, the entire section within Ft. Knox, where Bond battles Oddjob, is masterful in its sound work.
Now, Bond is a familiar face at the Casting Coups for The Silver Screening Room. This past June, I cast Diamonds Are Forever, Moonraker and Live and Let Die. In addition, I had a master list of the Bond regulars. This included Michael Gambon as M, Claudie Blakley as Moneypenny, Josh Brolin as Felix Leiter and Chiwetel Ejiofor as James Bond. Some would consider it criminal to recast Goldfinger: where can I get another Gert Frobe or Honor Blackman? But the real crime, of course, would be ignoring one of the most iconic films in all of cinema. Wouldn't you agree?
MR. MIDNIGHT
Who is He: The head of a large crime syndicate. Goldfinger brings him and others to plot the invasion of Fort Knox. Midnight pledges his cooperation and men to Goldfinger in exchange for a payment of gold bricks. His loyalty is repaid later when he, like the others, is gassed by Goldfinger. In the movie, that is. In the book, he goes with Goldfinger to help with Operation Grand Slam.
Originally played by:
Bill Nagy (A Countess from Hong Kong, You Only Live Twice)
My Choice:
Keith David (Armageddon, The Princess and the Frog)
A smooth talker with an imposing presence, he could quickly telegraph the power, pride, and gullibility of this brief role. One of my favorite character actors, too.
MR. SIMMONS/JUNIUS DU PONT
Who is He: In the film, he is Mr. Simmons; in the novel, he is Junius Du Pont, who met Bond at Casino Royale. In both cases, he is losing card games to Auric Goldfinger, and it is he who introduces 007 to the Golden Gangster. He suspects something dishonest, and asks Bond to investigate.
Originally played by:
Austin Willis (The Mouse That Roared, The Boston Strangler)
My Choice:
Frank Sivero (Goodfellas, The Wedding Singer)
Another reliable character actor. It's a simple role, albeit one that allows for a lot of glad-handing. Sivero can pull off the "buddy, buddy, help me, buddy" aspect of the role. He brings that New York attitude, and that's what Du Pont or Simmons or somebody needs.
MR. SOLO/HELMUT M. SPRINGER
Who is He: One of the gangsters Goldfinger invites to his Kentucky ranch to plan Operation Grand Slam. Solo is the only one who won't go with the plan, so Goldfinger allows him to leave. By way of DEAD! In the book, he has an "accidental" fall down the stairs, and his name is Helmut M. Springer. In the novel, he is shot while riding in the backseat of a car, which is then crushed at a junkyard. Advantage: movie.
Originally played by:
Martin Benson (The King and I, Cleopatra)
My Choice: SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble (Nixon)
Paul Sorvino (Romeo + Juliet, Repo!: The Genetic Opera)
As the only other notable gangster of the story, I wanted someone who already has mob credentials. Sorvino, famous for playing Paul Cicero in Goodfellas, is that guy. Hey, maybe the opera-trained singer can cover the song, too!
COLONEL SMITHERS
Who is He: Representing the Treasury, Smithers suspects that something is afoot with Mr. Goldfinger. He trains Bond on the gold market, preparing him for the mission at hand. He and M together come up with the mission to track Goldfinger.
Originally played by:
Richard Vernon (The Tomb of Ligeia, Evil Under the Sun)
My Choice: BAFTA Award/Hollmann Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Venus)
Leslie Phillips (Millions, Is Anybody There?)
If you know Phillips, there is little need to explain this. If you don't, it's farly simple: older, British, with a voice and demeanor that suggest "retired banker". And Smithers is a money kind of guy.
TILLY MASTERTON
Who is She: Jill's sister. Like Bond, she follows Goldfinger to his hideout. Unlike Bond, her mission is a pure vendetta, avenging the death of her sister at the hands of the billionaire terrorist. Bond considers trying it with her, but Tilly will not have it. Besides, she's more interested in Miss Pussy Galore....
Originally played by:
Tania Mallet
My Choice:
Laura Michelle Kelly ("Marple: Nemesis", Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
With only two film roles, Kelly shows a strong presence. No surprise, since she's theatrically trained. She meets the beauty requirements for a Bond Girl, but she can also hold her own.
JILL MASTERTON
Who is She: Goldfinger's secretary. She watches his games with Du Pont/Simmons through binoculars, informing her boss of his opponent's hand through his earpiece. Bond catches her, stops her, and -- because it's goddamn James Bond -- fucks her for a day. For her betrayal, Goldfinger paints her completely gold. Every inch of her. The paint suffocates her, and she is left on the bed for Bond to see.
Originally played by:
Shirley Eaton (Ten Little Indians, The Blood of Fu Manchu)
My Choice:
Jennifer Ellison (The Phantom of the Opera, The Cottage)
Sometimes, when casting Bond Girls, you just got to think: Does she have experience? Is this part within her range? How large are her two chief assets?
ODDJOB
Who is He: Goldfinger's manservant, a muscled mute with a sharp bowler hat.
Originally played by:
Harold Sakata (Mako: The Jaws of Death, The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington)
My Choice:
Tony Lee ("Lost", Novel Romance)
Lee is perhaps best-known as Sun's "other man" on the show "Lost". Everyone on that show is great, and he's no exception. He's fit, so he can be a physical threat to Bond. I don't think we always need sumo wrestlers or Schwarzenegger types to fight 007; it's more threatening when it's someone your own height and build who is whooping your ass.
PUSSY GALORE
Who is She: In the film, she is relegated to Goldfinger's personal pilot. In the novel, and this is much cooler, she is the leader of an all-lesbian gang, the only ones who get away. This could have something to do with the fact that they're all pilots, and therefore can fly out of anywhere. But also, Bond takes a shine to her, and she realizes he's the only male man enough for her. If that makes sense.
Originally played by:
Honor Blackman (Jason and the Argonauts, Bridget Jones's Diary)
My Choice: Academy Award/SAG Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble (Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Taraji P. Henson (Smokin' Aces, Talk to Me)
Sexy and fierce. The woman is undeniably beautiful, but you know she could kill you just as easily as smile. A fantastic actress who can hold her own against any of her screen partners, oftentimes stealing the show without them realizing it. Henson would be a worthy addition to the Bond Girl Sisterhood.
AURIC GOLDFINGER
Who is He: A wealthy businessman, also known as The Richest Man in England. Goldfinger is an expatriate who keeps his wealth as gold bullion, spread across the world. He does not keep anything in banks, nor does he pay taxes. The body of his car is pure gold, which he hides beneath a false exterior, allowing him to smuggle the precious metal across borders. He runs a business that makes metallic furniture, and plans Operation Grand Slam: the destruction, one way or another, of Fort Knox.
Originally played by:
Gert Frobe (The Longest Day, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)
My Choice:
Richard Sammel (Casino Royale, Inglourious Basterds)
His brief appearance in Basterds is notable for his suave, honorable demeanor never failing as he defended evil. He made wickedness look like an obvious course of action. So, he may not be as large as Goldfinger always has been in our minds, but he definitely deserves a big role like this one. He can get the character down, and still be lithe enough to keep up with James Bond. He's the only one for this role.
Yes? No? Maybe so? Sound off in the comments!
What does make sense, at least, is that first nomination. Remember how huge The Dark Knight was and everyone was clamoring for it to win awards? It was nominated at the PGA, DGA and WGA awards, won two of its six Oscar nominations, and when it became the second highest-grossing movie of all time (not adjusted for inflation), it also became the most successful Batman movie ever. It absolutely defined the year in pop culture for 2008. It wasn't the first Batman movie, but it was the biggest and the best.
Likewise, in 1964, Bond mania reached its peak with the release of Goldfinger. This was the movie that started the merchandising awesomeness of the Bond films, including its relationship with toy car makers Corgi. The Aston Martin DB5, the most popular Bond vehicle of all time, made its debut here, sending sales of the car skyrocketing. In two weeks, it recouped its $3 million budget. It's also the Bond film with the most iconic henchman, most bombastic song, most (believably) action-packed finale...and, of course, the beginnings of absolutely amazing chick names with the introduction of Pussy Galore. Not to make a pun, but it is the gold standard by which other Bond films are judged.
So it was that it became the first Bond film to find itself nominated at the Academy Awards, winning in the sole category where it was honored: Best Effects - Sound Effects. Now, this is interesting, because it's a category that no longer exists. In 1965, they had Best Sound, Best Effects - Sound Effects, and Best Effects - Visual Effects. The category for Best Sound Effects was added the year before, and lasted until 1968. In the 1970s, it was mainly a Special Achievement Award, before becoming Best Sound Effects Editing from 1981 to 1999. Only in the last decade did it become the Best Sound Editing category we know and like well enough. Goldfinger is a deserved winner in this category, too. Just the laser and the hum of Ft. Knox alone are evidence enough. In fact, the entire section within Ft. Knox, where Bond battles Oddjob, is masterful in its sound work.
Now, Bond is a familiar face at the Casting Coups for The Silver Screening Room. This past June, I cast Diamonds Are Forever, Moonraker and Live and Let Die. In addition, I had a master list of the Bond regulars. This included Michael Gambon as M, Claudie Blakley as Moneypenny, Josh Brolin as Felix Leiter and Chiwetel Ejiofor as James Bond. Some would consider it criminal to recast Goldfinger: where can I get another Gert Frobe or Honor Blackman? But the real crime, of course, would be ignoring one of the most iconic films in all of cinema. Wouldn't you agree?
MR. MIDNIGHT
Who is He: The head of a large crime syndicate. Goldfinger brings him and others to plot the invasion of Fort Knox. Midnight pledges his cooperation and men to Goldfinger in exchange for a payment of gold bricks. His loyalty is repaid later when he, like the others, is gassed by Goldfinger. In the movie, that is. In the book, he goes with Goldfinger to help with Operation Grand Slam.
Originally played by:
Bill Nagy (A Countess from Hong Kong, You Only Live Twice)
My Choice:
Keith David (Armageddon, The Princess and the Frog)
A smooth talker with an imposing presence, he could quickly telegraph the power, pride, and gullibility of this brief role. One of my favorite character actors, too.
MR. SIMMONS/JUNIUS DU PONT
Who is He: In the film, he is Mr. Simmons; in the novel, he is Junius Du Pont, who met Bond at Casino Royale. In both cases, he is losing card games to Auric Goldfinger, and it is he who introduces 007 to the Golden Gangster. He suspects something dishonest, and asks Bond to investigate.
Originally played by:
Austin Willis (The Mouse That Roared, The Boston Strangler)
My Choice:
Frank Sivero (Goodfellas, The Wedding Singer)
Another reliable character actor. It's a simple role, albeit one that allows for a lot of glad-handing. Sivero can pull off the "buddy, buddy, help me, buddy" aspect of the role. He brings that New York attitude, and that's what Du Pont or Simmons or somebody needs.
MR. SOLO/HELMUT M. SPRINGER
Who is He: One of the gangsters Goldfinger invites to his Kentucky ranch to plan Operation Grand Slam. Solo is the only one who won't go with the plan, so Goldfinger allows him to leave. By way of DEAD! In the book, he has an "accidental" fall down the stairs, and his name is Helmut M. Springer. In the novel, he is shot while riding in the backseat of a car, which is then crushed at a junkyard. Advantage: movie.
Originally played by:
Martin Benson (The King and I, Cleopatra)
My Choice: SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble (Nixon)
Paul Sorvino (Romeo + Juliet, Repo!: The Genetic Opera)
As the only other notable gangster of the story, I wanted someone who already has mob credentials. Sorvino, famous for playing Paul Cicero in Goodfellas, is that guy. Hey, maybe the opera-trained singer can cover the song, too!
COLONEL SMITHERS
Who is He: Representing the Treasury, Smithers suspects that something is afoot with Mr. Goldfinger. He trains Bond on the gold market, preparing him for the mission at hand. He and M together come up with the mission to track Goldfinger.
Originally played by:
Richard Vernon (The Tomb of Ligeia, Evil Under the Sun)
My Choice: BAFTA Award/Hollmann Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Venus)
Leslie Phillips (Millions, Is Anybody There?)
If you know Phillips, there is little need to explain this. If you don't, it's farly simple: older, British, with a voice and demeanor that suggest "retired banker". And Smithers is a money kind of guy.
TILLY MASTERTON
Who is She: Jill's sister. Like Bond, she follows Goldfinger to his hideout. Unlike Bond, her mission is a pure vendetta, avenging the death of her sister at the hands of the billionaire terrorist. Bond considers trying it with her, but Tilly will not have it. Besides, she's more interested in Miss Pussy Galore....
Originally played by:
Tania Mallet
My Choice:
Laura Michelle Kelly ("Marple: Nemesis", Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
With only two film roles, Kelly shows a strong presence. No surprise, since she's theatrically trained. She meets the beauty requirements for a Bond Girl, but she can also hold her own.
JILL MASTERTON
Who is She: Goldfinger's secretary. She watches his games with Du Pont/Simmons through binoculars, informing her boss of his opponent's hand through his earpiece. Bond catches her, stops her, and -- because it's goddamn James Bond -- fucks her for a day. For her betrayal, Goldfinger paints her completely gold. Every inch of her. The paint suffocates her, and she is left on the bed for Bond to see.
Originally played by:
Shirley Eaton (Ten Little Indians, The Blood of Fu Manchu)
My Choice:
Jennifer Ellison (The Phantom of the Opera, The Cottage)
Sometimes, when casting Bond Girls, you just got to think: Does she have experience? Is this part within her range? How large are her two chief assets?
ODDJOB
Who is He: Goldfinger's manservant, a muscled mute with a sharp bowler hat.
Originally played by:
Harold Sakata (Mako: The Jaws of Death, The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington)
My Choice:
Tony Lee ("Lost", Novel Romance)
Lee is perhaps best-known as Sun's "other man" on the show "Lost". Everyone on that show is great, and he's no exception. He's fit, so he can be a physical threat to Bond. I don't think we always need sumo wrestlers or Schwarzenegger types to fight 007; it's more threatening when it's someone your own height and build who is whooping your ass.
PUSSY GALORE
Who is She: In the film, she is relegated to Goldfinger's personal pilot. In the novel, and this is much cooler, she is the leader of an all-lesbian gang, the only ones who get away. This could have something to do with the fact that they're all pilots, and therefore can fly out of anywhere. But also, Bond takes a shine to her, and she realizes he's the only male man enough for her. If that makes sense.
Originally played by:
Honor Blackman (Jason and the Argonauts, Bridget Jones's Diary)
My Choice: Academy Award/SAG Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble (Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Taraji P. Henson (Smokin' Aces, Talk to Me)
Sexy and fierce. The woman is undeniably beautiful, but you know she could kill you just as easily as smile. A fantastic actress who can hold her own against any of her screen partners, oftentimes stealing the show without them realizing it. Henson would be a worthy addition to the Bond Girl Sisterhood.
AURIC GOLDFINGER
Who is He: A wealthy businessman, also known as The Richest Man in England. Goldfinger is an expatriate who keeps his wealth as gold bullion, spread across the world. He does not keep anything in banks, nor does he pay taxes. The body of his car is pure gold, which he hides beneath a false exterior, allowing him to smuggle the precious metal across borders. He runs a business that makes metallic furniture, and plans Operation Grand Slam: the destruction, one way or another, of Fort Knox.
Originally played by:
Gert Frobe (The Longest Day, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)
My Choice:
Richard Sammel (Casino Royale, Inglourious Basterds)
His brief appearance in Basterds is notable for his suave, honorable demeanor never failing as he defended evil. He made wickedness look like an obvious course of action. So, he may not be as large as Goldfinger always has been in our minds, but he definitely deserves a big role like this one. He can get the character down, and still be lithe enough to keep up with James Bond. He's the only one for this role.
Yes? No? Maybe so? Sound off in the comments!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Casting Coup: Ugly Ways
*A relic from the days of Livejournal. The week before this one, I asked readers (mostly friends from high school) to suggest books, plays, etc., for me to cast. Some of them may look familiar. Instead of listening to their suggestions immediately, though, I took advantage of the English class I was in. Because I was into hot-linking back in the day, I found it necessary to use new pics of my own.*
So, I guess I'm getting a little lazy with the Casting Coups lately, since I missed last week's. But here we go with this week's edition.
First of all, thanks for your write-ins, most of you. And Allie and Ben, thanks for the verbal messages. I'll count them.
Lea suggested Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Pippi Longstocking. I worried a bit over the second one, since I didn't know what version of Pippi she was referring to (the new adventures?), until I discovered something awesome. Both of those movies are based on books. Books available in my library. Awesome.
Also, Pippi Longstocking is originally a Swedish character, known as Pippi Långstrump.
Gemma suggested Slaughterhouse-5, Invisible Monsters, Water for Elephants, The Dead Zone, and American Gods. I did Slaughterhouse-5 last night, so it's just a matter of time. Water for Elephants is in the library, and I know I can get The Dead Zone--maybe for October.
Amanda recommended I do more Children's stuff, like Disney. I have a list made up of the ones I'll do. Becca specified Beauty and the Beast. I may get to it, but I can't decide between the Disney film, the Cocteau film, the Villeneuve tale, or the Beaumont tale.
Ben suggested The Pillowman, a play by Martin McDonagh, and Don Quixote, of which there are 6 billion translations. Maybe. Allie suggested The Count of Monte Cristo. Holy shit, people, what's with the tomes?
OKAY, now for today.
I'm in a Southern Women in Literature class, and we recently finished the fifth and last book of the semester. It was not a short story collection, like The Golden Apples and The Old Order. It was not a sprawling epic, like The Devil's Dream. No, it's a present-day family drama with only five characters. Awesome.
Long story short: Mudear's dead. Her three daughters come down for the funeral. During the night, they and their father reflect on the woman Mudear was, and how they all pretty much feared her. She was not the best of mothers, and no one's turned out well. Let's get to it.
ERNEST "POPPA" LOVEJOY
Who is He: Ernest is first seen as a husband who does not know how to deal with his wife's death. Understandable, right? We gradually learn that Ernest was kind of a prick to Mudear throughout their marriage, and that's pretty much why she "changed". He ordered her around, made silent demands, and cheated on her. Now, this man who put work first finds himself alone. And free.
My Choice: He's one of my favorites, and I feel that he does not get enough acclaim. Respect, yes, but why has he not been Oscar-nominated? Or Hollmann-nominated, for that matter?
Danny Glover (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Color Purple)
ANNIE RUTH LOVEJOY
Who is She: The youngest of the Lovejoy girls. Annie Ruth is a newscaster in California, having moved there from Virginia after her nervous breakdown. See, Annie Ruth is a little crazy. She's more outspoken than the other two about her feelings for Mudear, and even goes down to the funeral home to yell at the corpse. Which is odd, but, you know, the South. Oh, also, she sees cats that aren't there.
My Choice: Again, no noms ever? A solid actress who can play younger than she is. She's also fine, which works for the more sexually open Annie Ruth.
Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow, Smokin' Aces)
EMILY LOVEJOY
Who is She: A historian who works in Atlanta, Emily has some issues of her own. It's not just that she's a pothead. It's not just that she sits out in the rain, fantasizing about throwing herself in the lake. It's not just that she was married to a man suffering from PTS, nor is it the fact that she had a secret abortion with Annie Ruth at her side. I think it's the combination. It is mentioned that she, too, suffers from PTS, but instead of Vietnam, it's Mudear.
My Choice: She's actually a year or two younger than Taraji, but they look like sisters. Besides, everyone knows how much I love this woman.
Hollmann Award Nominee Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog)
BETTY LOVEJOY
Who is She: The oldest and most together of the girls, she runs a chain of beauty shops in Mulberry. She is the only one who remembers the sweet Mudear of the past. As the oldest, she's the one taking care of Mudear and Poppa most of the time, and even lives nearby. She has male trouble, though: the man her own age thinks she should do all the cooking and cleaning, while the other man in her life is nineteen years old.
My Choice: Another actress that doesn't get enough love. Indeed, her character doesn't even have a name in her most recent flick. She's been on Boston Legal and Lost, though.
April Grace (Magnolia, I Am Legend)
ESTHER "MUDEAR" LOVEJOY
Who is She: God Almighty. In her mind, at least. She was a cheerful wife, until one day, she decided to no longer be taken for granted. Then she stopped cooking for and feeding the family, declaring herself independent. She works on her garden at night. She gets her own inter-chapters, narrated in the first person. Also, she's dead. Mudear is not the perfect mother, nor is she selfless, but she certainly looks out for her girls.
My Choice: She's like my go-to girl for old black women.
Academy Award Nominee Ruby Dee (American Gangster, Do the Right Thing)
For those of you who read the book, I hope this was satisfying. For the rest, I hope it's piqued your interest. It really is a good book.
So, I guess I'm getting a little lazy with the Casting Coups lately, since I missed last week's. But here we go with this week's edition.
First of all, thanks for your write-ins, most of you. And Allie and Ben, thanks for the verbal messages. I'll count them.
Lea suggested Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Pippi Longstocking. I worried a bit over the second one, since I didn't know what version of Pippi she was referring to (the new adventures?), until I discovered something awesome. Both of those movies are based on books. Books available in my library. Awesome.
Also, Pippi Longstocking is originally a Swedish character, known as Pippi Långstrump.
Gemma suggested Slaughterhouse-5, Invisible Monsters, Water for Elephants, The Dead Zone, and American Gods. I did Slaughterhouse-5 last night, so it's just a matter of time. Water for Elephants is in the library, and I know I can get The Dead Zone--maybe for October.
Amanda recommended I do more Children's stuff, like Disney. I have a list made up of the ones I'll do. Becca specified Beauty and the Beast. I may get to it, but I can't decide between the Disney film, the Cocteau film, the Villeneuve tale, or the Beaumont tale.
Ben suggested The Pillowman, a play by Martin McDonagh, and Don Quixote, of which there are 6 billion translations. Maybe. Allie suggested The Count of Monte Cristo. Holy shit, people, what's with the tomes?
OKAY, now for today.
I'm in a Southern Women in Literature class, and we recently finished the fifth and last book of the semester. It was not a short story collection, like The Golden Apples and The Old Order. It was not a sprawling epic, like The Devil's Dream. No, it's a present-day family drama with only five characters. Awesome.
Long story short: Mudear's dead. Her three daughters come down for the funeral. During the night, they and their father reflect on the woman Mudear was, and how they all pretty much feared her. She was not the best of mothers, and no one's turned out well. Let's get to it.
ERNEST "POPPA" LOVEJOY
Who is He: Ernest is first seen as a husband who does not know how to deal with his wife's death. Understandable, right? We gradually learn that Ernest was kind of a prick to Mudear throughout their marriage, and that's pretty much why she "changed". He ordered her around, made silent demands, and cheated on her. Now, this man who put work first finds himself alone. And free.
My Choice: He's one of my favorites, and I feel that he does not get enough acclaim. Respect, yes, but why has he not been Oscar-nominated? Or Hollmann-nominated, for that matter?
Danny Glover (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Color Purple)
ANNIE RUTH LOVEJOY
Who is She: The youngest of the Lovejoy girls. Annie Ruth is a newscaster in California, having moved there from Virginia after her nervous breakdown. See, Annie Ruth is a little crazy. She's more outspoken than the other two about her feelings for Mudear, and even goes down to the funeral home to yell at the corpse. Which is odd, but, you know, the South. Oh, also, she sees cats that aren't there.
My Choice: Again, no noms ever? A solid actress who can play younger than she is. She's also fine, which works for the more sexually open Annie Ruth.
Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow, Smokin' Aces)
EMILY LOVEJOY
Who is She: A historian who works in Atlanta, Emily has some issues of her own. It's not just that she's a pothead. It's not just that she sits out in the rain, fantasizing about throwing herself in the lake. It's not just that she was married to a man suffering from PTS, nor is it the fact that she had a secret abortion with Annie Ruth at her side. I think it's the combination. It is mentioned that she, too, suffers from PTS, but instead of Vietnam, it's Mudear.
My Choice: She's actually a year or two younger than Taraji, but they look like sisters. Besides, everyone knows how much I love this woman.
Hollmann Award Nominee Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog)
BETTY LOVEJOY
Who is She: The oldest and most together of the girls, she runs a chain of beauty shops in Mulberry. She is the only one who remembers the sweet Mudear of the past. As the oldest, she's the one taking care of Mudear and Poppa most of the time, and even lives nearby. She has male trouble, though: the man her own age thinks she should do all the cooking and cleaning, while the other man in her life is nineteen years old.
My Choice: Another actress that doesn't get enough love. Indeed, her character doesn't even have a name in her most recent flick. She's been on Boston Legal and Lost, though.
April Grace (Magnolia, I Am Legend)
ESTHER "MUDEAR" LOVEJOY
Who is She: God Almighty. In her mind, at least. She was a cheerful wife, until one day, she decided to no longer be taken for granted. Then she stopped cooking for and feeding the family, declaring herself independent. She works on her garden at night. She gets her own inter-chapters, narrated in the first person. Also, she's dead. Mudear is not the perfect mother, nor is she selfless, but she certainly looks out for her girls.
My Choice: She's like my go-to girl for old black women.
Academy Award Nominee Ruby Dee (American Gangster, Do the Right Thing)
For those of you who read the book, I hope this was satisfying. For the rest, I hope it's piqued your interest. It really is a good book.
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