Because of how beautiful Portrait of a Lady on Fire is, I couldn't stay away for too long. My friend and co-host of "Oscar Wild," a podcast about everything Oscars (or lack there of in this case), and I recently discussed everything about this film. And now that our podcast is officially on Apple Podcasts, you can listen to the podcast here.
Post your comments!
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Co-VIDeo Starter Kit
I published a list a few years ago of my Film Starter Pack, a slew of films from a variety of genres that are vital to one's undertaking of film history. While the list does include films from almost one hundred years ago, that doesn't mean it's only a film critic's paradise. Yes, some of the movies are award-winning gems and imperative viewings in understanding how film developed as a medium, but others are just a riotous fun time. And I would start listing all of them here again because each is impressive and worth a rewatch. Consider this a modest update to that list with a mix of films that are sure to cure your quarantine blues.
If you've had enough of this quarantine and are feeling shady and/or isolated:
4. Paris Is Burning (1991): Netflix
Learn the history of Harlem's drag scene in the 80s and 90s and how these safe spaces allowed LGBT people of color to blossom along with voguing, reading, and iconic ballroom moves.
to a desert island- 14. Cast Away (2000): rent or Cinemax
For a feel good moment because we all need one:
16. Faces Places: Kanopy
Agnes Varda's final film before her untimely passing last year. One of the French New Wave's most iconic filmmakers, Varda leads the viewer to find art and happiness in unlikely spaces. Which, by now, is every corner of your apartment!
And if you don't know what Kanopy is, it's a treasury of films provided free via your local library or university that you absolutely must shuffle through!
What films are getting you through these trying times?
For some laughs and a grand sing-along time, "forget about your worries and your strife":
1. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018): rent or Cinemax
On multiple best of the year lists, this prequel-sequel takes you back to the Greek Islands to further the happy-go-lucky story of Sophie and Donna with even more ABBA music. If a fun sing along can't cure your blues, then you're in for a very long quarantine!
2. La La Land (2016): rent
BOPS, courtesy of Pasek and Paul, that will lead you down a rabbit hole of their composing discography, from Dear Evan Hansen (also a great cry and amazing OST with Ben Platt) to The Greatest Showman. The film is also just a fun trip around LA's hot spots including a very non-social distancing, jam-packed 105.
3. Muriel's Wedding (1994): HBO GO
Showcasing an iconic and young Toni Collette, this movie follows Muriel in trying to achieve her dreams of getting married despite all odds. Enjoy dancing and laughing with more ABBA hits and lots of 90's makeup.
If you've had enough of this quarantine and are feeling shady and/or isolated:
4. Paris Is Burning (1991): Netflix
Learn the history of Harlem's drag scene in the 80s and 90s and how these safe spaces allowed LGBT people of color to blossom along with voguing, reading, and iconic ballroom moves.
5. In The Mood For Love (2000): Criterion Channel
The most beautifully crafted film (yes, even more than The Tree of Life) made by the genius Wong Kar-wai, whose entire filmography is flawless, from Happy Together to The Grandmaster and Chungking Express. This gem follows a tender relationship between a man and woman who discover that their partners are engaging in an affair yet try not to follow suit.
If you've already spiraled and need a good cry:
6. About Time (2013): Netflix
Sci-fi and wholesome and a romcom worth pouring your heart over. Its simple message of living every day to its fullest will have you laughing and crying until the very bittersweet end.
Anything Greta Gerwig touches because she's a true gift from the film gods:
7. Lady Bird (2017): Amazon or Kanopy
I'm not sure anyone has ever created such a perfect feature debut as Greta Gerwig has here. This sharp, witty film balances one's search for independence married by familial struggles and high school heartbreak.
I'm not sure anyone has ever created such a perfect feature debut as Greta Gerwig has here. This sharp, witty film balances one's search for independence married by familial struggles and high school heartbreak.
8. Frances Ha (2012): Netflix
My first memory of Noah Baumbach and Greta making a flawless team, he directs her as a struggling NYC dancer with a very strong personality and even bigger dreams. This screenplay, one like you've never seen before, has me coming back time and time again.
My first memory of Noah Baumbach and Greta making a flawless team, he directs her as a struggling NYC dancer with a very strong personality and even bigger dreams. This screenplay, one like you've never seen before, has me coming back time and time again.
9. Little Women (2019): rent
Greta, showing no signs of a sophomore slump, breathes new life into the Marsh family with a compelling screenplay and a sisterhood stronger than any travelling pants.
For some excitement:
10. Run Lola Run (1998): rent or Shudder
A uniquely designed film following Lola as she races against the clock to find $100K that her boyfriend lost. This film won multiple awards in the festival circuit and it's only 80 minutes long!
A uniquely designed film following Lola as she races against the clock to find $100K that her boyfriend lost. This film won multiple awards in the festival circuit and it's only 80 minutes long!
11. The Handmaiden (2016): Amazon
Another Asian genius, Park Chan-wook, known for Oldboy, Lady Vengeance, and Thirst, puts his own spin on this stunning erotic psychological thriller, snubbed from having a worthy discourse similar to Parasite. You will be gasping at every turn as this femme fatale tries to con a noblewoman out of her inheritance. Afterwards, go read 'Pachinko'!
12. Osmosis Jones (2001): rent or Starz
Maybe a bit on the nose, but enjoy this punny navigation of the human body while a white blood cell and a cold pill try to stop a deadly virus from taking over Bill Murray.
12. Osmosis Jones (2001): rent or Starz
Maybe a bit on the nose, but enjoy this punny navigation of the human body while a white blood cell and a cold pill try to stop a deadly virus from taking over Bill Murray.
For trying to escape this planet:
during the apocalypse- 13. Interstellar (2014): FXNOW
A stellar cast (and Hans Zimmer score!) to guide you through black holes, five dimensions, and other worlds in search of a new home amidst a food shortage on Earth. This is another wonder created by Nolan that will have you praying for no Tenet delay this summer.
during the apocalypse- 13. Interstellar (2014): FXNOW
A stellar cast (and Hans Zimmer score!) to guide you through black holes, five dimensions, and other worlds in search of a new home amidst a food shortage on Earth. This is another wonder created by Nolan that will have you praying for no Tenet delay this summer.
to a desert island- 14. Cast Away (2000): rent or Cinemax
In solidarity for Tom Hanks and his precious Vegemite quarantine updates, we all can understand a little too well the friend he made in Wilson all these years and miles ago. I still cringe at that toothache scene.
into a board/video game- 15. Jumanji (1995): rent
A fully-bearded Robin Williams, riotous monkeys, scarily large spiders, an elephant stampede, lots of dice rolling, and much much more. What gave me nightmares years ago still delivers on imagination today. Fun Fact: Jumanji also stars a young Kirsten Dunst who had, the year prior, starred in Gillian Armstrong's adaptation of Little Women (1994).
A fully-bearded Robin Williams, riotous monkeys, scarily large spiders, an elephant stampede, lots of dice rolling, and much much more. What gave me nightmares years ago still delivers on imagination today. Fun Fact: Jumanji also stars a young Kirsten Dunst who had, the year prior, starred in Gillian Armstrong's adaptation of Little Women (1994).
For a feel good moment because we all need one:
16. Faces Places: Kanopy
Agnes Varda's final film before her untimely passing last year. One of the French New Wave's most iconic filmmakers, Varda leads the viewer to find art and happiness in unlikely spaces. Which, by now, is every corner of your apartment!
And if you don't know what Kanopy is, it's a treasury of films provided free via your local library or university that you absolutely must shuffle through!
What films are getting you through these trying times?
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Oscars of the Decade
Here we are, finally settling into 2020 past all of the hoopla of awards season.
On the next installment of our Oscar Wild podcast, we will be discussing Oscars of the Decade. The rules are:
1. All nominees must have received an Oscar nomination in the assigned category in the 2010s.
2. You may pick five nominess for each category and ten for Best Picture.
3. You may pick the same actor multiple times for different roles (i.e. Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born and American Sniper).
Click here to link to the spreadsheet of all nominees categorized by Picture, Director, all Acting categories, Original and Adapted Screenplay, and Cinematography. Winners have been highlighted in yellow but don't let that affect your voting! While it would be fun to do all twenty-four categories, you'll see how difficult and complex breaking down just these few categories becomes. I kept struggling with ranking the films based on category differentiation, my opinions and likes, and how the film has fared over time.
Follow along on our podcast as we debate and share all of our results!
Also, play along with the bracket below of all 88 Best Picture nominees! March Madness is truly in the air with how long this month has felt and how crazy it has been.
On the next installment of our Oscar Wild podcast, we will be discussing Oscars of the Decade. The rules are:
1. All nominees must have received an Oscar nomination in the assigned category in the 2010s.
2. You may pick five nominess for each category and ten for Best Picture.
3. You may pick the same actor multiple times for different roles (i.e. Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born and American Sniper).
Click here to link to the spreadsheet of all nominees categorized by Picture, Director, all Acting categories, Original and Adapted Screenplay, and Cinematography. Winners have been highlighted in yellow but don't let that affect your voting! While it would be fun to do all twenty-four categories, you'll see how difficult and complex breaking down just these few categories becomes. I kept struggling with ranking the films based on category differentiation, my opinions and likes, and how the film has fared over time.
Follow along on our podcast as we debate and share all of our results!
Also, play along with the bracket below of all 88 Best Picture nominees! March Madness is truly in the air with how long this month has felt and how crazy it has been.
Who is your 2010s Champion?
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Oh, I'm Happily on Fire
To say that Portrait of a Lady on Fire packs a wild, cinematic punch would be doing so in way more words than the characters have to in this film. Céline Sciamma and DP Claire Mathon (also cinematographer for Atlantics and Stranger By The Lake) masterfully use the camera as a tool not only to detail the relationship of Heloise (Adèle Haenel) and Marianne (Noémie Merlant), but also to evoke emotions of a deeper story of love, conflict, desire, loss, and seclusion without heaps of dialogue. Truly, this is how you know you're in the presence of an auteur. There is no need to elaborate on the cinematography outside of the overwhelming viewing experience, for its Queer Palm and Best Screenplay wins at Cannes speak volumes. Each shot is a beautiful painting in itself, reminiscent of Mr. Turner’s portrayal of JMW Turner. The camera finds the perfect angles, light, and movement to capture the poise and purpose in their lives.
The story is told from the perspective of Marianne, a painter who is hired to secretly paint Heloise, the royal daughter of La Comtesse (must be royal with a name like that, right?), who detests the artwork because she knows that upon completion she is to be married off to an Italian aristocrat. What follows is a beautiful tale of forbidden love between two women: a journey that entrances the viewer with each successive shot.
Apart from the camera, music becomes the strokes which define and transform both characters. Since almost no score is used during the film and the music is used so sparingly, it is easy for the viewer to feel the power the music has in these women's lives. Heloise, never having heard an orchestra perform live, is gradually introduced. Marianne first plays for her on the harpsichord early in their introduction, quickly taking your breath away while foreshadowing and echoing “the storm that is brewing.” Later, the three come to a gathering in a scene that powerfully crescendos into the titular (I needed a way to include this word to imagine Beanie Feldstein yelling, re: Lady Bird) inspiration for Marianne. This scene is then edited so fluidly into the next sequence which highlights the growing intimacy between Marianne and Heloise through slight touches during another beach walk.
By the grand finale, both women have matured in their own way. Sciamma smartly reveals in the opening scene of the film, in lieu of plot-based (and less satisfying) suspense, that the women don't have a happy ending. On rewatch, you understand how Marianne has matured and now uses her experiences with Heloise to teach students the beauty and precision in painting. Then in the final moments, in an astounding long take similar to another recent queer masterpiece, you are completely enveloped by Heloise's transformation and her apparent undying love for Marianne, even after all these years.
Sadly, France submitted Les Miserables instead of Portrait for the Academy Award's International Feature category, so it wasn't eligible. And even though there was zero chance of any other film eclipsing Parasite in winning this category, Portrait still deserved to be nominated. Here's to hoping its re-release this week allows it to gain momentum and viewers around the world!
The story is told from the perspective of Marianne, a painter who is hired to secretly paint Heloise, the royal daughter of La Comtesse (must be royal with a name like that, right?), who detests the artwork because she knows that upon completion she is to be married off to an Italian aristocrat. What follows is a beautiful tale of forbidden love between two women: a journey that entrances the viewer with each successive shot.
Apart from the camera, music becomes the strokes which define and transform both characters. Since almost no score is used during the film and the music is used so sparingly, it is easy for the viewer to feel the power the music has in these women's lives. Heloise, never having heard an orchestra perform live, is gradually introduced. Marianne first plays for her on the harpsichord early in their introduction, quickly taking your breath away while foreshadowing and echoing “the storm that is brewing.” Later, the three come to a gathering in a scene that powerfully crescendos into the titular (I needed a way to include this word to imagine Beanie Feldstein yelling, re: Lady Bird) inspiration for Marianne. This scene is then edited so fluidly into the next sequence which highlights the growing intimacy between Marianne and Heloise through slight touches during another beach walk.
Another fascinating and satisfyingly laughable aspect of the film is how grandiosely Sciamma belittles men. Our first image of men is of transporting her to the residence where she is to paint Heloise. They row, they tell her where to go, and they leave. She needs no help in carrying her things up the rocky hillside nor when her canvas falls overboard and she jumps in to save them. The next male to be mentioned is the Milanese man to whom Heloise is to be married. To no surprise, she abhors the idea and the two in love later argue about complacency in the mother’s dated views of marrying her child off to have a better life. I’m with Heloise in that even saying Milanese brings to mind eating a delicious pasta dinner while listening to a beautiful orchestra and I would choose that over marriage any day.
Our third fleeting moment of a man’s presence is finding him eating, tired from travel, and being served by the brave housekeeper, Sophie, who carries more than just the weight of the house on her shoulders. In short, men have their limitations and need cared for; unlike the women who manage the entire estate by themselves. The final appearance of men comes as little more than an unorganized mass of spectators of a room full of portraits. Marianne stands by one of her portraits, notedly of Orpheus and Eurydice’s final glance, and corrects one man in saying it’s hers, not her father’s. I grinned through the penultimate sequence here in which she wades through men, passively chatting with each other, and pushes them aside to “[see] her again a first time.”
Our third fleeting moment of a man’s presence is finding him eating, tired from travel, and being served by the brave housekeeper, Sophie, who carries more than just the weight of the house on her shoulders. In short, men have their limitations and need cared for; unlike the women who manage the entire estate by themselves. The final appearance of men comes as little more than an unorganized mass of spectators of a room full of portraits. Marianne stands by one of her portraits, notedly of Orpheus and Eurydice’s final glance, and corrects one man in saying it’s hers, not her father’s. I grinned through the penultimate sequence here in which she wades through men, passively chatting with each other, and pushes them aside to “[see] her again a first time.”
By the grand finale, both women have matured in their own way. Sciamma smartly reveals in the opening scene of the film, in lieu of plot-based (and less satisfying) suspense, that the women don't have a happy ending. On rewatch, you understand how Marianne has matured and now uses her experiences with Heloise to teach students the beauty and precision in painting. Then in the final moments, in an astounding long take similar to another recent queer masterpiece, you are completely enveloped by Heloise's transformation and her apparent undying love for Marianne, even after all these years.
Sadly, France submitted Les Miserables instead of Portrait for the Academy Award's International Feature category, so it wasn't eligible. And even though there was zero chance of any other film eclipsing Parasite in winning this category, Portrait still deserved to be nominated. Here's to hoping its re-release this week allows it to gain momentum and viewers around the world!
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Oscars Nomination Predictions 2020
It feels like a lifetime ago when I apparently posted my nominations in 2012, albeit a shortlist. So I think this is the first year I've made a thorough, educated list, having seen the vast majority of the likely noms, minus a few including the shorts. Thank God I'm back on the East Coast this time around and don't have to be up at 5:30am (honestly Hollywood, that needs to change), but rest assured my eyes will be peeled Clockwork Orange-style at 8:18am waiting for Issa Rae and John Cho to announce the 24 Oscar nominated categories in two days! Here's my list of predictions and feel free to scrutinize: I didn't spend the last three months rewatching buzz features for nothing! Also, shorts, I love you and I'll go see you in theatres, but I'm not even going to attempt to guess which 15 of you will be nominated. So without further ado, let's do this!
8:18 announcement (not in order):
Actor in a Supporting Role
Hanks
Kang-Ho Song (LET HIM IN!)
Pacino
Pesci
Pitt
Alt:
Hopkins (it is quite a delight to watch him, as Pope, devour a slice of pizza)
Actress in a Supporting Role
Dern
Lopez
Pugh
Robbie (OUATIH, not Bombshell: it matters)
Shuzhen
Just please, not Bates...
Costume Design
Downton Abbey
Jojo Rabbit
Little Women
OUATIH
Rocketman
Film Editing
1917
Irishman
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
Alt:
Uncut Gems
Ford V Ferrari
Original Score
1917
The Farewell
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
Alt:
Jojo Rabbit
Animated Short Film
I'm just sad Coaster didn't make it to the shortlist.
Live Action Short Film
Sound Editing (again, two categories that are usually very similar and unguessable to me)
1917
FvF?
Irishman
OUATIH
Star Wars
Sound Mixing
1917
Avengers
FvF
Rocketman
Uncut Gems
Actor in a Supporting Role
Hanks
Kang-Ho Song (LET HIM IN!)
Pacino
Pesci
Pitt
Alt:
Hopkins (it is quite a delight to watch him, as Pope, devour a slice of pizza)
Actress in a Supporting Role
Dern
Lopez
Pugh
Robbie (OUATIH, not Bombshell: it matters)
Shuzhen
Just please, not Bates...
Costume Design
Downton Abbey
Jojo Rabbit
Little Women
OUATIH
Rocketman
Film Editing
1917
Irishman
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
Alt:
Uncut Gems
Ford V Ferrari
Original Score
1917
The Farewell
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
Alt:
Jojo Rabbit
Animated Short Film
I'm just sad Coaster didn't make it to the shortlist.
Live Action Short Film
Sound Editing (again, two categories that are usually very similar and unguessable to me)
1917
FvF?
Irishman
OUATIH
Star Wars
Sound Mixing
1917
Avengers
FvF
Rocketman
Uncut Gems
Alt:
Star Wars
8:30 announcement (not in order):
Actor in a Leading Role
Banderas
DiCaprio
Driver
Phoenix
Sandler
Alt:
Egerton (*loud sigh at Globes win likely pushing Sandler out*)
Actress in a Leading Role
Awkwafina
Johannson
Nyong'o (a likely upset like Collette for Hereditary but here's to hoping!)
Theron
Zellweger
Alt:
Ronan
Animated Feature Film
Frozen II
HTTYD: THW
I Lost My Body
Missing Link
Toy Story 4
8:30 announcement (not in order):
Actor in a Leading Role
Banderas
DiCaprio
Driver
Phoenix
Sandler
Alt:
Egerton (*loud sigh at Globes win likely pushing Sandler out*)
Actress in a Leading Role
Awkwafina
Johannson
Nyong'o (a likely upset like Collette for Hereditary but here's to hoping!)
Theron
Zellweger
Alt:
Ronan
Animated Feature Film
Frozen II
HTTYD: THW
I Lost My Body
Missing Link
Toy Story 4
Alt:
Klaus
Weathering With You
Cinematography
1917
Irishman
Joker
Parasite
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (SO DESERVED but since it wasn't submitted by France for International Film, is it even eligble here?)
Documentary Feature
American Factory
Apollo 11
For Sama
Honeyland (double nominated here and for International Feature, it'll show up in one of them)
The Cave
Midnight Family
Cinematography
1917
Irishman
Joker
Parasite
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (SO DESERVED but since it wasn't submitted by France for International Film, is it even eligble here?)
Documentary Feature
American Factory
Apollo 11
For Sama
Honeyland (double nominated here and for International Feature, it'll show up in one of them)
The Cave
Midnight Family
Biggest Little Farm
Documentary Short Subject
International Feature Film
Atlantics
Beanpole
Les Miserables
Pain & Glory
Parasite
Makeup and Hairstyling
1917
Bombshell
Joker
Judy
Rocketman
Production Design
1917
Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
OUATIH
Parasite
Visual Effects
1917
Avengers: Endgame
Irishman
Lion King
Star Wars
Documentary Short Subject
International Feature Film
Atlantics
Beanpole
Les Miserables
Pain & Glory
Parasite
Makeup and Hairstyling
1917
Bombshell
Joker
Judy
Rocketman
Production Design
1917
Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
OUATIH
Parasite
Visual Effects
1917
Avengers: Endgame
Irishman
Lion King
Star Wars
Alt:
Cats
Adapted Screenplay
ABDITN
Irishman
Jojo
Little Women
The Two Popes
Original Screenplay
Knives Out
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
The Farewell
Original Song
Glasgow (Wild Rose)
I'm Gonna Love Me Again (Rocketman)
Into The Unknown (Frozen II)
Spirit (Lion King)
Stand Up (Harriet)
A Glass of Soju (Parasite)
Directing
Bong
Mendes
Scorsese
Tarantino
Wang
Cats
Adapted Screenplay
ABDITN
Irishman
Jojo
Little Women
The Two Popes
Original Screenplay
Knives Out
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
The Farewell
Original Song
Glasgow (Wild Rose)
I'm Gonna Love Me Again (Rocketman)
Into The Unknown (Frozen II)
Spirit (Lion King)
Stand Up (Harriet)
A Glass of Soju (Parasite)
Directing
Bong
Mendes
Scorsese
Tarantino
Wang
Alt:
Baumbach
Gerwig
Phillips
Best Picture
1917
Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
The Farewell
Uncut Gems (PLEASE)
Top Nominations
1917 10
Irishman 10
OUATIH 10
Parasite 8
Marriage Story 7
The Farewell 6
Joker 5
Little Women 5
Rocketman 4
Jojo Rabbit 3
Uncut Gems 3
How do we feel? Do you agree? Will you be up with me on Monday, January 13th at 8:18am ET? I hope so!
Gerwig
Phillips
Best Picture
1917
Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
OUATIH
Parasite
The Farewell
Uncut Gems (PLEASE)
Top Nominations
1917 10
Irishman 10
OUATIH 10
Parasite 8
Marriage Story 7
The Farewell 6
Joker 5
Little Women 5
Rocketman 4
Jojo Rabbit 3
Uncut Gems 3
How do we feel? Do you agree? Will you be up with me on Monday, January 13th at 8:18am ET? I hope so!
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