Do you ever watch only the first half of films you don't like the endings to? Like Titanic, until the iceberg hits, or Romeo and Juliet, until Mercutio dies. I like having that option, to watch the happy parts and pretend the rest never happened.
Blue Valentine doesn't give you that option. Director Derek Cianfrance tells the story of Dean and Cindy using flashbacks to a happier time, in stark comparison to the discontent and loveless life they currently live. It is so very effectively done that I found myself craving scenes from the beginning of their relationship, the good times, so I could get away from the exhaustion of watching their marriage painfully deteriorate. This is, I think, what Cianfrance was going for, because you feel what they feel. You can’t help but fall in love with Dean as he pursues her, romances her (something she is obviously not used to), and saves her from her circumstances. But, it's not all romance and passion. You also feel as claustrophobic as Cindy does with Dean in that tacky hotel room. And you feel as hopeless as Dean feels, in love with a woman who simply outgrew him.
Blue Valentine is a realistic portrait of a failed relationship, everything that’s wrong with simply co-existing and mechanically moving through the motions of marriage. Parts of it were physically hard to watch, to see the same two people show so much affection, then act with such disregard and malice towards each other. It was emotionally heartbreaking and both Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling acted with such intense passion. Michelle plays Cindy with such naivity and vulnerability, while Gosling is stellar, powerful, and well, dreamy. While not typical, Blue Valentine is quite the love story. Well, I guess they’ll always have their song.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Two-Face Richard Harrow, 2010's Best Television Character
After only one season, Boardwalk Empire has already become a fan-favourite, flaunting its gorgeous, intricate set designs, period costumes and colourfully conflicted characters. It ran the risk of becoming just another mob drama (not that I'm complaining) but halfway through the season, we were introduced to a mysterious man donning a tin mask to cover up his half-blown-off, face-disfigurement from the war. Just watch Richard Harrow's (Jack Huston) mannerisms, with quiet, abrupt speech, slurping every couple of words due to the fact that he's, well, missing half his face. It's mesmerizing.
Skillfully portrayed by Jack Huston, who's pretty much Hollywood royalty (his grandfather was John Huston the director, and his aunt is Anjelica Huston). If you kind-of, sort-of, recognize him, it's because he was in Eclipse, so no point in hiding the fact that you saw it now. Even with his small, bit-part as Rosalie's fiancé, and rapist in that movie, he made quite an impression. Atlantic City Mob Boss in the making? We can only hope.
In December the people over at HBO announced that Huston would be a series regular on Boardwalk Empire next season, after making a serious impact in just five episodes. I guess we ain't seen nothin' yet.
Skillfully portrayed by Jack Huston, who's pretty much Hollywood royalty (his grandfather was John Huston the director, and his aunt is Anjelica Huston). If you kind-of, sort-of, recognize him, it's because he was in Eclipse, so no point in hiding the fact that you saw it now. Even with his small, bit-part as Rosalie's fiancé, and rapist in that movie, he made quite an impression. Atlantic City Mob Boss in the making? We can only hope.
In December the people over at HBO announced that Huston would be a series regular on Boardwalk Empire next season, after making a serious impact in just five episodes. I guess we ain't seen nothin' yet.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Meet the Gallaghers, Showtime's 'Shameless' Family
Who doesn't love an underdog? A 'tale as old as time', watching characters overcome the hand they've been dealt is always good TV. For a society that loves to watch people hit rock bottom, and then attempt to build themselves back up (like Britney Spears and the fun-loving train wreck that is Californication's Hank Moody), Shameless is unapologetically just right.
A remake of a British television show of the same name, the first episode opens in blue-collar Chicago, with alcoholic Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) introducing his six children. The main focus is on Fiona (Emmy Rossum), the eldest, who basically runs the household, collecting money to pay the bills, getting the kids off to school on time, and taking care of the youngest, a toddler. She's the rock of the family, has multiple (I counted three) jobs to help scrimp and save while Papa Gallagher signs over his disability checks directly to the bar he frequents.
The true protagonist of the show, Fiona is hardened by her circumstance. All in one episode, she meets and reluctantly falls for a guy, Steve, who seems too good to be true, only slightly jaded by her situation. In her defense, he DOES buy her a shiny, new, washing machine. Not sure how this relationship will turn out, since happy doesn't really last long on cable.
Another thing about cable television, on channels like HBO and Showtime, is that pretty much anything goes. From nudity to swearing, it can be realistic in that we're not really censored in real life, but just because you can swear and be nude all you want, doesn't mean you do. After that first episode, with the raunchiest sex scene I've seen on TV pretty much ever, Shameless runs the risk of having to spend the rest of the season living up to that shock value.
Notable mention to Joan Cusack, for finally getting the chance to be in something her brother isn't already starring in. She was actually the most interesting character of the premiere, playing an OCD mom who can hardly take her eyes off the Food Network. So much so that she doesn't notice her daughter spending entire tutoring session under the table, showing gratitude to the second-oldest Gallagher child, Lip.
I must admit, I like the dysfunction of it all - the chaos, commotion, and how wrong it is. With compelling, and seriously flawed characters, it makes for a great story, and an enjoyable addition to the Showtime television family. I guess we'll have to wait and see if they can keep it up, or if the need to 'shock' the audience trumps the root of the story they're trying to tell.
Shameless is on Sundays at 10 pm on Showtime (U.S) and Mondays at 8 pm on TMN (Canada).
A remake of a British television show of the same name, the first episode opens in blue-collar Chicago, with alcoholic Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy) introducing his six children. The main focus is on Fiona (Emmy Rossum), the eldest, who basically runs the household, collecting money to pay the bills, getting the kids off to school on time, and taking care of the youngest, a toddler. She's the rock of the family, has multiple (I counted three) jobs to help scrimp and save while Papa Gallagher signs over his disability checks directly to the bar he frequents.
The true protagonist of the show, Fiona is hardened by her circumstance. All in one episode, she meets and reluctantly falls for a guy, Steve, who seems too good to be true, only slightly jaded by her situation. In her defense, he DOES buy her a shiny, new, washing machine. Not sure how this relationship will turn out, since happy doesn't really last long on cable.
Another thing about cable television, on channels like HBO and Showtime, is that pretty much anything goes. From nudity to swearing, it can be realistic in that we're not really censored in real life, but just because you can swear and be nude all you want, doesn't mean you do. After that first episode, with the raunchiest sex scene I've seen on TV pretty much ever, Shameless runs the risk of having to spend the rest of the season living up to that shock value.
Notable mention to Joan Cusack, for finally getting the chance to be in something her brother isn't already starring in. She was actually the most interesting character of the premiere, playing an OCD mom who can hardly take her eyes off the Food Network. So much so that she doesn't notice her daughter spending entire tutoring session under the table, showing gratitude to the second-oldest Gallagher child, Lip.
I must admit, I like the dysfunction of it all - the chaos, commotion, and how wrong it is. With compelling, and seriously flawed characters, it makes for a great story, and an enjoyable addition to the Showtime television family. I guess we'll have to wait and see if they can keep it up, or if the need to 'shock' the audience trumps the root of the story they're trying to tell.
Shameless is on Sundays at 10 pm on Showtime (U.S) and Mondays at 8 pm on TMN (Canada).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Soundtrack to 2010 - Music That Saved My Life
I hate those 'time flies' rants so I won't do one, but I will say that it really is hard to believe it's already 2011.
These are songs that made up the soundtrack to my life over the past year, not necessarily from this year, or from this decade for that matter.
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
When I first heard this song, I must've rushed home and listened to it another five times just to hear every word and every note. I drink it in every time it plays, and seeing them sing it live was enough to turn this into an all-time favourite.
Florence and the Machine - Dog Days
This was THE song of the year. You aren't doing it justice unless it's full blast, so you can hear the fantastic instrumentals, paired with probably one of the most gorgeous rock vocals of the last few years, courtesy of Florence Welch.
Kate Nash - Kiss that Grrrl
Addictive, you WILL be singing along.
Penny and the Quarters - You and Me
If you don't recognize it, it's the song Ryan's character plays for Michelle's character, in Blue Valentine. It's hypnotic - I love it.
Otis Redding - These Arms of Mine
I've loved this song forever, I mean, IT IS Otis. And if you can remember, it's playing in the background when Baby visits Johnny's room in Dirty Dancing.
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
Very few songs have the ability to make you feel like it's the first time you've ever heard it, each time you listen to it. This is one of those songs.
Eminem - Love the Way You Lie
I know, it's so overplayed, but for whatever reason, this is one song I NEVER change the station from. It epitomizes the genius that is Eminem, his passionate and reckless nature, and the crazy we all know is in him. Although it is scary to hear him verbalize the abusive things he's thinking, it's a kind of destructive poetry, even WITH Rihanna on the track. She should just stick to singing other peoples' choruses.
These are songs that made up the soundtrack to my life over the past year, not necessarily from this year, or from this decade for that matter.
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
When I first heard this song, I must've rushed home and listened to it another five times just to hear every word and every note. I drink it in every time it plays, and seeing them sing it live was enough to turn this into an all-time favourite.
Florence and the Machine - Dog Days
This was THE song of the year. You aren't doing it justice unless it's full blast, so you can hear the fantastic instrumentals, paired with probably one of the most gorgeous rock vocals of the last few years, courtesy of Florence Welch.
Kate Nash - Kiss that Grrrl
Addictive, you WILL be singing along.
Penny and the Quarters - You and Me
If you don't recognize it, it's the song Ryan's character plays for Michelle's character, in Blue Valentine. It's hypnotic - I love it.
Otis Redding - These Arms of Mine
I've loved this song forever, I mean, IT IS Otis. And if you can remember, it's playing in the background when Baby visits Johnny's room in Dirty Dancing.
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
Very few songs have the ability to make you feel like it's the first time you've ever heard it, each time you listen to it. This is one of those songs.
Eminem - Love the Way You Lie
I know, it's so overplayed, but for whatever reason, this is one song I NEVER change the station from. It epitomizes the genius that is Eminem, his passionate and reckless nature, and the crazy we all know is in him. Although it is scary to hear him verbalize the abusive things he's thinking, it's a kind of destructive poetry, even WITH Rihanna on the track. She should just stick to singing other peoples' choruses.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - But Not for TV
December is the worst for TV junkies like me. While cable shows we all know and love (Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds) have sadly ended for the season, and we await upcoming seasons for other cable shows (Californication, Big Love) AND while network shows have gone on their month-long hiatus (seriously?!, is that necessary), I find myself scrambling to find something to stimulate the visually-obsessed person that I am.
Then again, in a way it's nice to catch up on shows I haven't had the chance to add to my already-jam-packed schedule. And so, the time has come to embrace this holiday season and (re)visit some fantastic TV shows - I suggest you do the same.
Breaking Bad. First things first, I have a ridiculously weird obsession with stories about drugs and addiction. With a really cool premise, kind of like an old-favourite of mine, Weeds, it's one of those 'do what you gotta do to survive' stories about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. To secure his family's future he starts making and dealing meth, and the rest is award-winning history. Bryan Cranston, who stars as the meth-dealing Dad, has won an Emmy for this role three freaking years in a row. If that doesn't make you wanna watch, then I don't know what will.
You can actually watch the entire pilot right from AMCTV.com:
Then again, in a way it's nice to catch up on shows I haven't had the chance to add to my already-jam-packed schedule. And so, the time has come to embrace this holiday season and (re)visit some fantastic TV shows - I suggest you do the same.
Breaking Bad. First things first, I have a ridiculously weird obsession with stories about drugs and addiction. With a really cool premise, kind of like an old-favourite of mine, Weeds, it's one of those 'do what you gotta do to survive' stories about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. To secure his family's future he starts making and dealing meth, and the rest is award-winning history. Bryan Cranston, who stars as the meth-dealing Dad, has won an Emmy for this role three freaking years in a row. If that doesn't make you wanna watch, then I don't know what will.
You can actually watch the entire pilot right from AMCTV.com:
The Walking Dead: I've only heard good things about this show's gruesome depiction of a post-apocalyptic world. It tells the story of the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, following a small group of survivors as they fight, basically, to live.
My So-Called Life. Two words: Jared Leto. Oh, yeah, and Claire Danes was in it too. For any child of the 90s, this is a welcome trip down memory lane. One of the first teen-centered dramas, My So-Called Life dealt with hot-button teen issues (at that time), but in a realistic way. There were no quick-solves, five minutes before credits.
Freaks and Geeks. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about, or see something new from the ridiculously talented artist, James Franco. There could be no better time than now, to go back to where it all started, when James Franco was the eternally-tortured bad boy Daniel Desario, who could steal, melt and break our heart in one episode. It's so unfair this talented cast only got one season, but it just goes to show people don't want to watch the outsiders. Instead, we're force-fed a regurgitated archetype of severely vacuous, popular kids.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife - Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen was kind of awesome. Way ahead of her time, she wrote stories about independent women. Free-thinking, full of spirit and angst-y for their time, her female leads always had something extra, something special. Her most famous, and a personal favourite of mine was Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Best freaking book ever. No joke, this book has ruined the idea of men for me. Every man has been and will always be compared to the brooding Mr. Darcy.
Her classic novel gave birth to an amazing BBC adaptation, with the dreamy and talented Colin Firth playing the misunderstood male lead we all love. Today's Jane Austen's birthday and to celebrate, this weekend I'll probably be cozying up in front of the fire, and watching the six hour BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. If you haven't seen this one yet, you are seriously missing out. It's addictive and the length of it allows much more plot-accuracy and attention to detail than the Keira Knightly version does. As romances go, this tops them all.
A quick shout out to Bridget Jones' Diary, where Colin Firth kind of reprised his role of Mr. Darcy. All you Bridget Jones' fans, if you didn't know that the story was based on Pride and Prejudice, shame on you!
Her classic novel gave birth to an amazing BBC adaptation, with the dreamy and talented Colin Firth playing the misunderstood male lead we all love. Today's Jane Austen's birthday and to celebrate, this weekend I'll probably be cozying up in front of the fire, and watching the six hour BBC Pride and Prejudice mini-series. If you haven't seen this one yet, you are seriously missing out. It's addictive and the length of it allows much more plot-accuracy and attention to detail than the Keira Knightly version does. As romances go, this tops them all.
A quick shout out to Bridget Jones' Diary, where Colin Firth kind of reprised his role of Mr. Darcy. All you Bridget Jones' fans, if you didn't know that the story was based on Pride and Prejudice, shame on you!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Madison Avenue's Mad Men Take Over Twitter
Mad Men may take place in 1960s New York, but its devoted fans are as modern and current as they come. Pretty much every character has their own Twitter account, right down to the very minor ones. And each Twitter feed personifies that character's personality and attitude to a tee. Their lingo and the historical references are all from the 1960s while they play dumb to things we know today. My only question is, how the hell do they actually go on Twitter from 1960s Manhattan?
If you can get around that minor issue, they're probably the best TV characters to follow on Twitter, really personifying (in 140 characters or less!) what their character might be doing when they're not on our televisions.
Continuing to tweet in-between seasons, the characters make sure we haven't forgotten about them. We get insight into what Joan's going through during her pregnancy, how the future Mrs. Don Draper (Megan) is planning her upcoming nuptials, and of course, into the very childish mind of Betty Drap-er-Francis. There are character blogs, too. And, the best part of it is it's all completely fan-generated. If that's true, and this isn't some hidden ploy by AMC, they're succeeding even more than expected at building a genuine relationship with their audience. Talk about dedicated fans.
This probably sounds like a nightmare to all you PR professionals who strive to control what information is released and what's said about your clients but let's face it, we're living in a different world now. Where anyone can set up a blog (like me) and banter on about whatever they want (me again). And isn't my Twitter feed my own personal press-release service? I can promote what I want from it and represent myself however I see fit.
So I say, embrace the change and work together with these creative fans. Free promotion is great for the brand, and for social media marketers such as myself, fan-created content is like living the dream - when the audience itself is driving interaction and engagement with the brand.
If you can get around that minor issue, they're probably the best TV characters to follow on Twitter, really personifying (in 140 characters or less!) what their character might be doing when they're not on our televisions.
Continuing to tweet in-between seasons, the characters make sure we haven't forgotten about them. We get insight into what Joan's going through during her pregnancy, how the future Mrs. Don Draper (Megan) is planning her upcoming nuptials, and of course, into the very childish mind of Betty Drap-er-Francis. There are character blogs, too. And, the best part of it is it's all completely fan-generated. If that's true, and this isn't some hidden ploy by AMC, they're succeeding even more than expected at building a genuine relationship with their audience. Talk about dedicated fans.
This probably sounds like a nightmare to all you PR professionals who strive to control what information is released and what's said about your clients but let's face it, we're living in a different world now. Where anyone can set up a blog (like me) and banter on about whatever they want (me again). And isn't my Twitter feed my own personal press-release service? I can promote what I want from it and represent myself however I see fit.
So I say, embrace the change and work together with these creative fans. Free promotion is great for the brand, and for social media marketers such as myself, fan-created content is like living the dream - when the audience itself is driving interaction and engagement with the brand.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Review: The Fighter Gives Good Vibrations
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| TheFighterMovie.com |
People tend to forget how talented Mark Wahlberg actually is. Not only did he put together the once ground-breaking and hilarious, (now fizzling) Entourage, first to really showcase the bro-mance. But he was also Oscar-nominated in one of the greatest Gangster films ever, The Departed, playing a wise-ass detective and the only man left standing - an amazing accomplishment in a film where everyone else dies. Not to mention, you've officially made it when you get to work with Scorsese on just about anything.
Also starring a barely recognizable Christian Bale and Amy Adams, The Fighter is an intense and uplifting (based on a true) story about Micky “The Irish” Ward and his rise from ‘stepping stone’ boxer to his World Championship win. It's about an underdog overcoming physical and emotional obstacles (including probably the craziest, most dysfunctional family ever seen on film) to do what he loves. But really, at the root of it all was the relationship between two brothers, one always in the shadow of the other. And it's pretty good, too, with a scrappy and gritty feel reminiscent of Rocky.
Christian Bale's performance as big brother Dicky Eklund is jaw-dropping. He's pretty much guaranteed himself an Oscar nomination, for his convincing portrayal of a crack-addicted, washed-up boxer not ready or willing to come to terms with his disappointing life. It's kind of a sad reality that athletes must face once they pass their prime. Many turn to drugs to chase that high from winning, or to mask the disappointment they feel from losing.
We get a hard look at the tough lives of the working class, blue-collar residents of Lowell, Massachusetts and I can see some getting angry with their harsh depiction. At times, you don't know whether it's appropriate to laugh, because parts are actually quite funny (in a sad way), but a crack-head jumping out of a window shouldn't really be funny.
The film opens December 10th. Go see it.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Michelle Williams - Putting the 'Blue' in Blue Valentine
Just found this clip of a scene from Blue Valentine. How is it even possible that Ryan Gosling can be so dreamy?! Just answer him, Michelle, seriously! He's willing to jump off a bridge for you so if you don't want him, please, let me have him.
Get ready to swoon on December 31st, when Blue Valentine is finally released, although, I'm not sure what kind of a reception a New Year's Eve release is going to get. Plus, the whole NC-17 rating is causing quite a stir. At least it'll keep the kiddies out of the theatre.
Get ready to swoon on December 31st, when Blue Valentine is finally released, although, I'm not sure what kind of a reception a New Year's Eve release is going to get. Plus, the whole NC-17 rating is causing quite a stir. At least it'll keep the kiddies out of the theatre.
I love - love - love the one-sheets.
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| Vulture Blog |
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| BlueValentineMovie.com |
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| OnlineMoviesHut.com |
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Over Your Dead Body - Only 3 Episodes Left for Dexter to Chase - Jordan
It's hard to believe there are only a few episodes left for this season of Dexter. It feels like just yesterday we expected to join the growing Morgan brood on a trip to Disneyland only to find (SPOILER ALERT!!!) our beloved Rita dead in the bathtub. I know that's not very sentimental, but we've now had almost an entire season to get used to this sad truth. That, and the fact that Julie Benz is now on ABC's No Ordinary Family, so we know she's not actually dead.
I have a major beef with cable television channels for making ridiculously short seasons filled with ridiculously long breaks in between. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that at least with cable, the seasons are scattered, so just when I start to get stir crazy come January (going through serious Dexter-withdrawal), Californication and Big Love will be starting up again to stir up controversy and drama in my TV-life.
This may not be the popular opinion for people who favour the hard-edged Dexter, but this season, I've really grown to love the single dad he portrays, trying to find the balance between his dark passenger and the fact that he has actually started recognizing his emotions. I love the way he handled Astor's inconvenient return to Miami last week - he acted like he actually cared about protecting her from her friend's abusive step-daddy. He always had Rita and the kids around to balance out his demons. And, with the fear that baby Harrison (seriously, can he get any cuter?!) may end up following in Daddy's demonic footsteps, he may need Astor and Cody around to add a dash of humanity to his complicated mix.
A (too short) preview of next week episode that just leaves me asking, "is it Sunday yet?"
I have a major beef with cable television channels for making ridiculously short seasons filled with ridiculously long breaks in between. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that at least with cable, the seasons are scattered, so just when I start to get stir crazy come January (going through serious Dexter-withdrawal), Californication and Big Love will be starting up again to stir up controversy and drama in my TV-life.
This may not be the popular opinion for people who favour the hard-edged Dexter, but this season, I've really grown to love the single dad he portrays, trying to find the balance between his dark passenger and the fact that he has actually started recognizing his emotions. I love the way he handled Astor's inconvenient return to Miami last week - he acted like he actually cared about protecting her from her friend's abusive step-daddy. He always had Rita and the kids around to balance out his demons. And, with the fear that baby Harrison (seriously, can he get any cuter?!) may end up following in Daddy's demonic footsteps, he may need Astor and Cody around to add a dash of humanity to his complicated mix.
A (too short) preview of next week episode that just leaves me asking, "is it Sunday yet?"
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