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?
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