“Forgotten Hollywood”- 21st Century 50 Fav Films (#16, #15)…

August 31st, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Let me provide the next chapter of my favorite cinema over the last two decades. The biggest surprise when compiling this list? A personal interest in films made by the talented Sam Rockwell. He is the one actor appearing in four of my entries: Jojo Rabbit, Richard Jewell, Frost / Nixon and a bit of celluloid I chose as #16 on my countdown. Rockwell has a knack for blending into his work and becomes almost unrecognizable as a character. This makes him a consummate professional.

====================

~ #16 – THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (2017) 

“`My longest titled film might also be considered the one with the fewest manners. Political correctness is ignored in most satire and Three Billboards is not an exception to the rule. Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell are feisty as they challenge civil rights, victim’s rights, disease and disability, and even the MeToo movement.

“`While traveling through the Southern Midwest in 1998, writer Martin McDonagh came across accusatory billboards about an unsolved crime alleging the murder of a woman in Vidor, Texas. These billboards highlighted the incompetence of the police work. This incident, combined with his desire to create strong female characters, inspired him to write Three Billboards.

“`McDormand took inspiration for her character from John Wayne; and Rockwell responded by drawing parallels from Lee Marvin, Wayne’s co-star in  The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Both took home Oscars for their efforts. Harrelson captured a nomination for his work and the film received attention for Best Picture, Best Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

“`Advocacy groups across the globe have been inspired by the mural-like qualities of asking more from people of authority while protesting for immigrant rights, gun safety, and against domestic and political violence. McDormand and McDonagh have responded positively to the protests. Three Billboards truly reflect signs of our times.

   

~ #15 – THE IMITATION GAME (2014)

“`Alan Turing was a main contributor who cracked the Nazi enigma code that helped defeat Hitler. In the process, he was single-handedly responsible for the origins of the mechanized computer system. He is widely considered as the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. His tale was recounted in the motion picture The Imitation Game.

“`Based on the 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, the movie title is based on a question the mathematician ponders: Can machines think?  Benedict Cumberbatch plays Turing. Kiera Knightly, Matthew Goode, Charles Dance, and Allen Leach offer dependable support. Nominated for eight Oscars, it won for Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Production Design, and accolades for Cumberbatch and Knightly.

“`Turing was arrested in 1952 in Britain for homosexual acts, considered lewd at the time. The British court system ordered chemical castration, which he accepted to avoid prison. However, he committed suicide two years later and his theories would take decades to decipher.

“`Queen Elizabeth II granted Turing a posthumous pardon. Following the Royal Pardon granted in 2013, filmmakers released the first promotional photograph of Cumberbatch as Turing. Matt Damon, Michael Douglas, Jessica Alba, Stephen Fry and Bryan Cranston, among others, joined a petition demanding pardons for victims of anti-gay laws. In 2017, the Alan Turing Law in the United Kingdom retroactively pardoned thousands convicted of so-called homosexual acts.  He championed LGBTQ rights, and for purposes of this discussion,  he laid the groundwork for the creation of the modern computer.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- He Had Spunk…

August 29th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Ed Asner was an actor known for his gruff parts on his many television and movie appearances. He is well remembered for playing a newsroom editor on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant. Asner became the first actor to win two Emmys for portraying the same character in both a comedy and a drama. He had a stint as the Screen Actors Guild president in the 1980s.

“`After military service,  Asner helped found the Playwrights Theatre Company in Chicago, but left for New York City in the mid-1950s. His first Broadway role was opposite Jack Lemmon in Face of a Hero.

“`Before becoming Lou Grant, Asner was prolific in television, guest-starring in  Route 66, Naked CityAlfred Hitchcock Presents, Ben CaseyThe Untouchables, Dr. Kildare, The Virginian, The Outer Limits, Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Rat Patrol, The F. B. I.Mission: Impossible, Ironside, The Wild Wild West, Medical Center, and The Mod Squad. He played Lou Grant on Rhoda, as well. He also appeared in two acclaimed mini-series:  Roots and Rich Man / Poor Man. Asner co-starred in well received films, Kid Galahad, El Dorado, JFK, ElfThey Call Me Mr Tibbs, Fort Apache The Bronx; and his voice was prominent in Up.

“`Among the many activist causes he championed, Asner was on the Board of Directors for The Survivor Mitzvah Project, and claimed membership in the Rosenberg fund For Children, Humane Borders, Defenders of WildlifeExceptional Minds, and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The Ed Asner Family Center founded by his son and daughter-in-law, to help children with special needs and their families. In 2001, Asner was a recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

“`The spunky Ed Asner (above right) was ninety-one.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 21st Century 50 Fav Films (#18, #17)…

August 24th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Fifty crème de la crème productions created over the last two decades,  the countdown continues. This entry will feature the first of three motion pictures produced just last year. The other is the second of four movies made in black-and-white (Cold War checked in at #35). Both are edgy and intelligent.

====================

~ #18 – NEBRASKA (2013)

“`Road pictures are vastly popular as they usually bring together two or more individuals who have little in common; Midnight Run comes to mind.  Nebraska follows an elderly Montana resident and his son as they travel through  Middle America on their way to claim a supposed million-dollar sweepstakes prize. Directed at a leisurely pace by Alexander Payne, the journey also takes us through South Dakota and Wyoming. The choice was to use the power of black-and-white in combination with midwestern landscapes and it plays a dynamic role in the tale. The film’s lighting was designed to accommodate a conversion from color to black-and-white, later in post-production.

“`Paramount Pictures wanted a strong lead and considered Gene Hackman, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Jack Nicholson, and Robert Forster.  Payne chose Bruce Dern, a character actor who has played ornery for years. Paul Rudd, Casey Affleck, and Matthew Modine were among the candidates to play the son. Payne eventually decided upon Will Forte. Bob Odenkirk, June Squibb, and Stacy Keach provided indelible support. Six Oscar nominations followed; for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematographyand acting accolades for Dern and Squibb.

“`Elegant in its simplicity and poetic in its message, Nebraska is a great companion piece to last year’s Nomadland. The lineage of filmmaking, down to its black-and-white presentation, is undeniable.

   

~ #17 – PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (2020)

“`Watching movies last year through the streaming process was an absolute shame, and I am wanting to see a few of these entries on the big screen in the near future. Promising Young Woman is sneaky good, anchored by a phenomenal performance by Carey Mulligan (the star of An Education).  Emerald Fennell channeled her inner MeToo as she wrote, produced, and directed this gem. For her part, Fennell had an amazing 2020 as she garnered a plum role on The Crown, playing the wily Camilla Parker Bowles, the love interest of Prince Charles.

“`The movie earned the Best Original Screenplay at last year’s Oscars, with additional nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, and consideration for Mulligan as Best Actress. Plenty of interest in the production inadvertently occurred when a critic implied that Mulligan was not pretty enough for the role. Her response was informed and appropriate:

“I think in criticizing or bemoaning a lack of attractiveness on my part in a character, it wasn’t a personal slight. It didn’t wound my ego, but it made me concerned that in such a big publication, an actress’s appearance could be criticized and it could be accepted as completely reasonable criticism… I think it’s important that we are looking at the right things when it comes to work, and we’re looking at the art and we’re looking at the performance.”

“`The production crew deliberately chose male actors who previously played characters known as good-guys or wholesome to reinforce the idea that sexual predators can be anyone. Several references to The Night of the Hunter and Reverend Harry Powell (the role made famous by Robert Mitchum) seals the deal with regards to the predatory underpinnings spelled out within the plot. And not since Casablanca have I marveled at such a perfect ending to a movie. That is saying a lot!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Well…!

August 22nd, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`The films of Jack Benny are discussed during my latest visit to Celebrating Act 2. Art Kirsch and John Coleman are fascinated by the scant amount of cinematic celluloid that has the Jack Benny stamp; he was better known for his work in vaudeville and on the radio.

“`Early on in the interview, I accidently reference To Be or Not to Be as To Have and Have Not. I correct the mistake made during the course of the discussion. We would not want Ernst Lubitsch to roll over in his grave.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 21st Century 50 Fav Films (#20, #19)…

August 18th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`For several months, Forgotten Hollywood has delivered my fifty comfort films of the century. I finally arrived at the Top 20. The previous thirty selections have been thought-provoking and complex examples of what I like to watch during my private time. Here is a recap:

   

#50 Gosford Park – #49 The Reader – #48 I Tonya – #47 Molly’s Game – #46 The Post

#45 Woman In Gold – #44 Midnight In Paris – #43 The Grand Budapest Hotel

#42 Jojo Rabbit – #41 The Green Book – #40 Hidden Figures – #39 Truth

#38 Dark Water – #37 Chicago – #36 Darkest Hour – #35 Cold War

#34 The Producers – #33 Brooklyn – #32 The King’s Speech – #31 Nightcrawler

#30 Motherless Brooklyn – #29 Charlie Wilson’s War  – #28 Richard Jewell

#27 The Ides of March – #26 Argo – #25 Thirteen Days – #24 An Education

#23 The Queen – #22 Hell or High Water – #21 The Ladykillers

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~ #20 – FROST / NIXON (2008)

“`Based on the 2006 play of the same name by Peter Morgan, the story unfolds behind the Frost / Nixon interviews of 1977. The film was directed by Ron Howard. The screen version reunites its original two stars from the West End and Broadway productions: Michael Sheen portraying the frothy British television personality David Frost and Frank Langella as former President Richard Nixon.

“`Co-starring in this slick effort: Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall, Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell (his third of four appearances on my list). As with all of his productions,  Ron casted his kid brother, Clint Howard. It earned five Oscar nominations (none for Clint):  Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and a Best Actor nod for Langella.

“`To prepare for his performance as the former chief executive, Langella visited the  Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, and interviewed people who had known the former president. On set, the cast and crew addressed Langella as Mr. President.

“`By most accounts, Frost / Nixon does an excellent job of dramatizing the negotiations and preparation that led up to the interviews. It does take dramatic license, especially with the on-air and behind-the-scene details of the Nixon interviews. The film implies that Nixon and Frost were meeting for the first time in 1977, but in fact, Frost interviewed Nixon in 1968 as part of a series on leading candidates in the Presidential election of that year.

“`On a personal note, I saw the play with Sheen and Langella in their familiar roles during a Southern California run. It was a great evening of riveting dialogue and offered me a chance to re-visit my young-adult years as a political science major at UCLA. The subsequent movie did not disappoint either.

     

~ #19 – AMERICAN HUSTLE (2013)

“`Often after viewing a flick, I say meh.  Every once in a while, I re-visit the film and I change my mind. In the rare case of American Hustle, I did a total one-eighty degree turnaround. It does not hurt that I am a huge Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Christian Bale fan.  A reliable cameo by Robert De Niro and I was sold.

“`A highly fictionalized account of the Abscam scandal of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the movie is a celebrated trilogy by director David O. Russell (Silver Lining Playbook and Joy). American Hustle also makes fun of the Disco Era, with catchy music, period clothing styles, and really funky hair-do’s. It garnered ten Oscar nominations (winning ZERO):  Best Picture, Best DirectorBest Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Production Design, and acting nods for Adams, Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper.

“`Abscam was an FBI sting in the late 1970s and early 1980s that led to convictions of seven members of congress. The two-year investigation evolved into a public corruption probe. The FBI was aided by the Justice Department  and a convicted con-man in videotaping politicians accepting bribes from a fictitious Arabian company in return for various political favors.

“`Russell clearly draws influence from the filmmaking of Martin Scorsese. Nothing like a light-hearted look at a criminal sting of corruption in the body politic to brighten your day!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Other Museum Opening…

August 16th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`The Museum of Broadway, the first permanent museum dedicated to the history and legacy of New York’s theater industry, will open next summer in Times Square following a delay caused by the Covid shutdown. Located at 145 West 45th Street in Manhattan, the museum is designed as an interactive and immersive experience.

“`The museum will share a visual history of Broadway from its birth to the present time, highlighting theater’s pioneers, landmark moments of social change, and many of the most beloved plays and musicals of all time. Key points along a timeline focuses on iconic shows that altered the landscape of Broadway, through immersive exhibits created by leading contemporary visual artists and acclaimed Broadway designers. Patrons can also venture backstage to experience  The Making of a Broadway Show with an exhibit honoring the professionals (both onstage and off) behind Broadway plays and musicals.

“`The museum is founded in collaboration with Playbill, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Billy Rose Theatre Division at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, The Al Hirschfeld FoundationConcord Theatricals, Goodspeed Musicals, plus, additional partners to be announced soon.

“`Tickets for the museum are expected to go on sale later this year.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- The Good Life…

August 13th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Tony Bennett is stepping back from performing in concerts due to his age (he is ninety-five) and doctor recommendations. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, he canceled a run of concerts planned for later this year and will not be returning to touring.

“`Bennett made his two last live performances last week at Radio City Music Hall in New York with Lady Gaga in a show called One Last Time. The duo recorded classic duets between 2018 and 2020 that will be released as an album in October. A video showing them recording the single I Get a Kick Out of You was unveiled last week and framed the eighteen-time Grammy Award winner as a healthy senior. Tony’s ability to retain lyrics remains in tact.

“`Bennett was discovered by Bob Hope in the 1950s. His all-times standards include I Left My Heart in San Francisco, The Good Life, The Shadow of Your SmileFly Me to the Moon, The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, and A Taste of Honey. He enjoys canvas painting, so his retirement appears bright!                TONY BENNETT —>

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Iowa Dreamin…

August 12th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Just steps from where the original Field of Dreams movie took place, a baseball diamond has been constructed (in front of a cornfield) by Major League Baseball, and a ballgame is being played there, tonight. In the hamlet of Dyersville Iowa, the Chicago White Sox and the vaunted New York Yankees will meet up. An expected attendance of eight-thousand fans will come (because they built it) and enjoy the festivities. The average ticket price is $1,400.

 

“`To enter the field, players will walk through a removable section of outfield fence hidden in the corn — just like in the movie. Kevin Costner and Dwier Brown, who played Costner’s ball playin’ father, will be in attendance. Other cast members may attend, as well. The 1989 film, adapted from W. P. Kinsella’s 1982 book Shoeless Joe. Field of Dreams is widely considered the most beloved baseball film ever produced. It was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2017.

“`Construction began in 2019 for the planned (and later postponed) August 2020 game, with the ballpark connected to the original movie site by a corn maze in the shape of MLB’s logo. To enter the field, players walked through a removable section of outfield fence hidden in the corn — just like in the movie.

“`Am I alone in thinking that James Earl Jones should call the game?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 21st Century 50 Fav Films (#22, #21)…

August 11th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`It became inevitable that cinematic selections that landed on the list of my fifty favorite motion pictures over the past two decades might be considered underrated. My picks of the last few weeks that fall into the category include:  Molly’s Game, Woman in Gold, Truth, Cold War, Nightcrawler, Charlie Wilson’s War and Thirteen Days. My next two cherished movies under the critical analysis microscope are by any definition… underrated.

====================

~ #22 – HELL OR HIGHT WATER (2016)

“`Hell or High Water is a neo-Western crime film that is part Tales of the Texas Rangers (a radio drama of the 1950s starring Joel McCrea) and part Bonnie and Clyde. Add in a little The Adventures of Robin Hood, as well.

“`Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan created a trilogy of the modern-day American frontier. Hell or High Water is the second installment. Jeff Bridges and Chris Pine provide the feel of Midwest authenticity and the production was rewarded with four Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Bridges), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

“`Hell or High Water  provides a complex narrative that dabbles with retail political uprisings of small-town America that is relevant today. Banks are the real villain and homeowners, small businesses, and law enforcement are forced to confront the struggle against the disintegration of rural communities. In other words, audiences root for perceived bad guys; lesser characters become collateral damage; and the flick bares re-watching for its cinematography, geographic poetry, and its innovative way to tell a well-worn story. Not bad for a simple heist thriller!

   

~ #21 – THE LADYKILLERS (2004)

“`Fargo, No Country For Old Men, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou?… All celebrated films made by Joel and Ethan Coen. The Ladykillers is the underrated production for several reasons.  Their screenplay was based on the celebrated 1955 British Ealing screen comedy of the same name that starred Sir Alec Guinness. The Coen Brothers admittedly draw their humor from a strain of lineage that stretches to the work of the iconic Preston Sturges.

“`The remake stars Tom Hanks (his third appearance on my list), J. K. Simmons (he has three spots on my countdown) and Marlon Wayans. Gospel music and a fragrance of life in the South is sprinkled throughout. Critics were not impressed and the work was bypassed during awards season.

“`A casino heist goes awry and the shenanigans that ensues leads to the tragic demise of all involved in the robbery.  Each of the characters are quirky in that Coen Brothers way, and be prepared for a satisfyingly weird conclusion. The only thing missing from this film is a cameo appearance by Joel Coen’s wife, Frances McDormand. I mean… Why not?

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Straight to the Point…

August 10th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Celebrating Act 2 takes a warm look at the value of straight men in comedy. John Coleman and Art Kirsch joins me in a lively discussion on the synchronicity of setting up comedy.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Good Evening and Godspeed…

August 9th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Pat Hitchcock was an actress and the only child of Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville. She had small roles in several of his films. Her guest-starring appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents were legendary.

“`As a child, Pat realized she wanted to be an actress. In the early 1940s, she began acting on the stage and doing summer stock. Her dad helped her gain a role in the Broadway production of Solitaire.  Pat also played the title role in the Broadway play, Violet. After graduating from Marymount High School in Los Angeles, she attended Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and also appeared on the British stage.

“`In 1949, her folks arrived in London to make Stage Fright,  Hitchcock’s first English-made feature since emigrating to Hollywood. Because she resembled Jane Wyman, her father asked if she would double for the actress. Pat jumped at the opportunity. She was assigned a part in the production, as well.

PAT HITCHCOCK

“`Other Hitch films she was featured in… Strangers on a Train and Psycho. She also had parts in The Mudlark and The Ten Commandments. On her daddy’s television anthology program, she made ten appearances. Pat worked on a few others, including Playhouse 90, which was live, directed by John Frankenheimer. Acting for her pop, however, remained the high point of her acting career.

“`For several decades, Pat became the family representative on the staff of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. She supplied family photos and wrote the foreword of the book, Footsteps in the Fog:  Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco by Jeff Kraft and Aaron Leventhal.  In 2003, she published Alma Hitchcock:  The Woman Behind the Man, co-written with Laurent Bouzereau.

“`The adorable Pat Hitchcock was ninety-three.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Child Star Deluxe…

August 8th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Jane Withers was one of the most popular child stars in Hollywood in the 1930s and early 1940s,  with her films ranking in the top ten list for box-office tickets in 1937 and 1938. Withers’ breakthrough role was co-starring with Shirley Temple in the 1934 movie, Bright Eyes. Her parents would license her name and image for product lines. Paper dolls and books adorned her likeness.    JANE WITHERS –>

“`Jane launched her entertainment career at the age of three after winning a local amateur contest. She was cast on Aunt Sally’s Kiddie Revue, a Saturday-morning children’s program broadcast on WGST radio in Atlanta. She also had her own radio show called Dixie’s Dainty Dewdrop, where she interviewed celebrities who were visiting Atlanta. She moved with her mom to Los Angeles and performed on children’s shows on KFWB radio, did cartoon voice-overs, and also modeled.

        SHIRLEY TEMPLE     JANE WITHERS         

“`After success in It’s a Gift with W. C. Fields, and Bright Eyes, Jane signed a seven-year contract with Fox Film Corporation. She worked with Henry Fonda in his debut film,  The Farmer Takes a Wife. At age eight, she co-starred with sixteen-year old Rita Hayworth in Patty O’Day. In 1987, Withers would deliver Hayworth’s eulogy at her Beverly Hills funeral. After her time at Twentieth Century Fox, Withers signed with Republic Pictures.

“`Jane Withers memorable roles include  Cavalcade, Kid Millions, My Best GalPack Up Your Troubles, and after an eight-year retirement, Giant and Captain Newman M. D. She also did voiceover work for Disney productions. On television, she guest-starred on Bachelor Father, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Munsters, The Love Boat, and Murder She Wrote. From 1963 to 1974, she gained popularity with her portrayal of Josephine the Plumber -> in a series of television commercials for Comet cleanser.

“`Withers was active in dozens of charities.  During World War II, she participated in over a hundred war bond drives and military tours in the United States. She also sent her personal doll collection on a two-year touring exhibition that raised $2.5 million in funds for the Allied war effort. She served as a board member of a local branch of the American Cancer Society and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in the development of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She taught Sunday school at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church together with actress Eleanor Powell and Gloria Stewart, wife of actor James Stewart.

“`On a personal note, I met Withers on two occasions. The first was at the 75th anniversary celebration of Republic Pictures; and the other time was at a Pacific Pioneers Broadcasters luncheon honoring Michael Feinstein. Withers was a proud owner of an autographed copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History.

“`Jane Withers was ninety-five.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 2021 Virtual Event…

August 7th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`Please join me at the Mark Twain Library in Los Angeles for a Forgotten HollywoodZoom oral presentation! I will share wonderful stories from my Forgotten Hollywood book series.

“`I will feature Golden Age of Hollywood’s character actors and their films, such as Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet (Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon), Frank Morgan (The Wizard of Oz), and Lionel Barrymore (It’s a Wonderful Life). The virtual event is FREE to attend!

When:  Wednesday, August 11th from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

To register, email: wbermeo@lapl.org (cut and past the email link)

Here is the Zoom link: https://lapl.zoom.us/j/87963214017  (cut and past the Zoom link)

“`The entire Forgotten Hollywood book series is available on Amazon. At the event, you may also arrange to purchase autographed copies of the books.

“`We will see you at the event!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- 21st Century 50 Fav Films (#24, #23)…

August 5th, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`The Brits take center stage in this entry of my favorite fifty movies of the last two decades. BBC Films have churned out solid work since its inception in 1990. Most of the productions are high quality films that just missed sitting on my list, such as  Slumdog MillionairePhilomenaSaving Mr. Banks, Quartet, Eastern Promises and The Mauritanian. Several BBC Films have made my cut including Woman in Gold and Brooklyn. Two others are coming up in later weeks. Today, I offer one of their stellar works.

“`The other entry has a feel of BBC Films, but was actually made by a pioneering production company, Pathé. In 1907, Pathé acquired the Lumière brothers patents. They also designed an improved studio camera and created their own celluloid stock.  Pathé became the globe’s largest cinematic equipment and production company. They additionally developed newsreels that were shown in cinemas before a feature.

====================

~ #24 – AN EDUCATION (2009)

“`An Education is a coming-of-age drama that stars  Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson, Rosamund Pike and Alfred Molina. Nick Hornby created the screenplay based on an autobiographical essay by  British journalist Lynn Barber about her schoolgirl crush of an older man. Hornby was the boyfriend of Amanda Posey, the film’s producer, whom he later married. Posey also produced Quartet and Brooklyn.

“`The film garnered attention from the Oscars, with three nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.  It was the production that made Mulligan a star. She has also remained closed friends with her screen dad, Molina.

“`This smart 1960s drama explores normal teenage issues of virginity, class, and preparing for adulthood through higher education. There is mature sexual content and era-accurate drinking and smoking. With the heady world of jazz, high art, fashion, passion and Paris…  How can the world of books compete?

   

~ #23 – THE QUEEN (2006)

“`Recent biographical productions have smartly concentrated on moments in the life of famous people  (Lincoln and Stan and Ollie). The Queen reveals a candid snapshot into the current British monarchy just after the untimely death of Lady Diana Spencer. The Royal Family regard Diana’s death as a private affair.  This is in contrast with the views of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Diana’s ex-husband, Prince Charles, who favor the public’s desire for an official expression of grief. Matters are further complicated by the media, royal protocol regarding Diana’s official status, and wider issues about republicanism.

“`The Queen was directed by Stephen Frears, written by Peter Morgan, and features Helen Mirren in the title role of Queen Elizabeth II. Stellar support is provided by James Cromwell, Michael Sheen, and archival footage of Lady Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles.  The Queen got six Oscar nominations with Mirren earning a statuette for Best Actress. Other accolades include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score.

“`Mirren transformed herself into the Queen since she shares a default facial expression  —  a slightly downturned mouth. She also undertook extensive voice training, faithfully reproducing the Queen’s delivery of her televised speech to the world. After its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Mirren received a five-minute standing ovation. Mirren was praised by the Queen and was invited to dinner at Buckingham Palace. She blithely declined the invite.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

“Forgotten Hollywood”- Celebrating the Academy Museum…

August 2nd, 2021

Manny P. here…

“`We have reported that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is opening their official museum in September. Art Kirsch, John Coleman, and I discuss the details on Celebrating Act 2

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”