Comments on: Rebels Artists Superstars

by: cinebeats

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:24:01 +0000

Rick - I haven’t seen There Will Be Blood, but I’m afraid that I’m not a huge fan of Daniel Day-Lewis’ acting, but I’m looking forward to seeing There Will Be Blood sooner or later. I thought Clooney was being Clooney in Michael Clayton and since I’m not a big fan of his, I guess I wasn’t that effected by his performance. Overall, I’m afraid the film didn’t really do a lot for me even though I liked the way the story was told and some of the photography was beautiful.

Bob - Thanks for the additions! I haven’t had the chance to see those Asano films yet myself so that’s why they weren’t mentioned. How many films does he manage to make a year? 3 or 4? Amazing! And they’re usually all worth a look too. And yes, you need a region-free DVD player! Import DVDs cost a lot though so I don’t buy them often myself but occassionly have to splurge!

Vanwell - I highly recommend the unusual films he made with Philip Ridley (The Reflecting Skin and The Passion of Darkly Noon). I think you’d be surprised by them! I don’t know what was up with Daniel Day-Lewis. He looked like he hadn’t washed his hair in a few days and his suit was fugly. He usually seems better put together, but lately he’s going for that unkept look. I did like his earrings though!

by: Vanwall

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:54:47 +0000

Kimberly -
I haven’t caught all of those above, some, yes, but not enough - that’s why I need to see some more of his work. He’s very good at using his intensity to reinforce his roles, that’s for sure - he’s prolly the most quietly menacing screen presence right now, but I’ll still dig into his oeuvre some more. Both he and Mr. Asano looked great, agreed, and Mr. Day-Lewis should’ve rented his tux from their sources - loved the bow-tie, btw.

by: Bob Turnbull

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:26:04 +0000

I love Asano’s work…Kimberly I’d add “The Taste Of Tea”, “Funky Forest” (where he did some great deadpan work as one of the Guitar Brothers) and “Sad Vacation” to his list of fine roles. I guess you have to cut it off somewhere though.

“Survive Style 5+” was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had at a theatre in along time (our local Japanese Film society ran it at the NFB theatre recently). Since it’ll likely never come out on R1 (music rights), it’ll be the major reason for me to go region-free (I know, I know…why haven’t I done it yet…).

by: Rick

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:42:37 +0000

I too thought Mortensen’s perf in Eastern Promises was fabulous. I got caught up in the pre-Oscar debate (e.g., at Scanners) about big acting vs subtlety, though I’m not sure Mortensen’s performance was subtle, but it sure was intense, it positively thrummed with tension and life.

In the end, I couldn’t decide which performance deserved the Oscar more, Mortensen’s or Day-Lewis’ (or Clooney’s?). It’s a tribute to this year’s acting riches, I guess.

by: cinebeats

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:43:43 +0000

I did like Eastern Promises a lot (obviously, Ed!) and I thought one of the best aspects of the film was Viggo Mortensen’s performance.

I really do think Viggo was the best actor nominated for a “Best Actor” Oscar this year. Of course as I mentioned above I haven’t seen all the nominated films, but based on the previous films of the nominees and their abilities, I’ll stick with my vote for Viggo. He’s far and away the most interesting actor that was up for an award last night in my opinion. I just wish he was given better roles. He’s often wasted in crappy films.

by: Ed Hardy, Jr.

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:17:33 +0000

Yay for SHARK SKIN MAN AND PEACH HIP GIRL! It was the one that got me hooked on Japanese film, and I haven’t thought about it in years.

You really liked EASTERN PROMISES that much, huh? Can’t say I was sold on it…

by: cinebeats

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:15:02 +0000

Vanwell - Have you seen all the Mortensen films I mentioned above? I really think his films with Philip Ridley are some of the best English language movies made in the past 18 years. I wish they would work together again, but I hope he continues to work with Cronenberg as well. Asano is truly amazing and probably the best actor (for my money anyway) making movies today. He looked fantastic last night and seemed damn happy and excited about attending the awards!

Keith - I’m happy to hear that someone else was rooting for Viggo as well! I’m also glad you enjoyed Eastern Promises as much as I did. He’s terrific in that and really did a fantastic job of capturing the mannerisms, accent and attitude of a Russian mobster. I think I mentioned it before, but my husbands family is from Latvia and even he was impressed.

by: Keith

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:18:20 +0000

I do like Asano. Not had a chance to see Mongol, but I would like to. I did see Eastern Promises this weekend. I loved it. Viggo was amazing in it. I’m really enjoying the work he’s doing with Cronenberg. I had hoped that Viggo would win the Oscar, even though I was pretty sure he wouldn’t. I’m interested to see what he does next.

by: Vanwall

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:54:37 +0000

I’m still undecided about Mortensen - I’d like to see him in a few more quality efforts, but he has screen presence, that’s for sure. Asano, however, has the real goods - Ichi the Killer and Zatoichi were cooler than cool in a lot of ways, and Asano was the big reason. I’ll have to see Mongol - from what I’ve seen and heard, it’s an old-fashioned cast of thousands lookin’ thingie - I have confidence Asano can rise above the effects and dust. ;-)