Lee Daniels, "The Butler" A riveting historical examination of the US treatment of their own

A must-see for 2013,  presenting a verisimilitude display of the horrors of discrimination during the 1950's  and 1960's United States. Certain to earn Oscar nods, are Forest Whitaker for his portrayal of a long-serving White House butler,  Cecil Gaines, and Oprah Winfrey,  stellar in the role of his wife Gloria. A consistent soul in the film,  is the supporting actor performance of the butler's son, Louis, delivered by upcoming actor David Oyelowo.

The Butler....Serving up a disturbing look into historical injustice

Lee Daniels, The Butler

Synopsis: Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) works under eight presidents at the White House, enduring stomach-turning acts of the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and ongoing family controversies. His life exemplifies the historical rawness of white domination, while quietly yearning for acceptance, and equality.  

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Mariah Carey, Cuba Gooding Jr.,  Robin Williams, Liev Schreiber,  Jane Fonda, and David Oyelowo

Directed by; Lee Daniels

Written by: Danny Strong, Will Haygood (news article)
Released: August 2013
Genre: Biography, Drama



Trailer

The Butler evolves into an educational overview, opening with a violent episode in the cotton fields where Cecil is working as a child slave, alongside his mother and father.

 

 He is moved sypathetically from the fields by the matriarch landowner, (Vanessa Redgrave) into the main house and is trained to be a servant.

 

The unexpected celebrity cameos are highlights of the film, in addition to some refreshing comedic elements, each adding spice to what could have been an otherwise bland historical account.  For example, what a surprise to see Mariah Carey in the role of Cecil's mother displaying one of the numerous ugly sides of society during that period. As a teenager, he leaves that home,  to discover a  new life for himself landing a job at a distinguished hotel in Washington, D.C.

Injustices are portrayed within the movie's vivid, disturbing, scenes. From spitting at, pouring hot coffee on and beating up black teenagers—there definately are no attempts fo conceal  the gruesome realities here.  

Although Cecil is the central character of the film, his son, Louis (David Oyelowo) triumphs the true meaning of hands-on committment to change, and the hurtful pitfalls that go along with it. Louis, to the dismay of his parents, decides to join forces with the Freedom Riders, a radical group actively protesting the blatant discrimination of coloured citizens.  Soon afterwards he assists with the establishment of the Black Panthers, also a  rebel group.  He steadfastly follows the agendas, violence pending in the wings.

The fascinating plot highlights the contrast beween Cecil's ability to be remain complacent, gracious and humble in his prized butler position, while as a father, internally struggling to cope with his own son's visible involvement in the events of the civil rights conflicts.

Forest Whitaker is emotionally skilled, in his passionate delivery of Cecil, most likely delivering the role of a lifetime for him. His performance is worthy of a Oscar nomination, as is also warranted for Oprah.  The horror displayed in this film is successfully capped by the heroism, reaffirming the United States as the interesting, conflicting, appalling yet glorious land that we have come to know.

Brenda's Oscar Bets for Academy Awards 2013

  Brenda’s 2013 Oscar Bets for Best film and Leading Actor...

Seth MacFarlane Oscar Host 2013

With the arrival of the 85^th Academy Awards today, Sunday February 24, 2013, a tight race is imminent, with no one film positioned as front runner to gather all the hardware.  This makes for an unpredictable, enjoyable evening, with surprises in the wings. A heavy political emphasis sets the stage this year fostered with the content highlighting political clashes, uprising, conflict, battle, and triumph.

BEST MOTION PICTURE-FILM 

Nominees: "Amour” “Argo”“Beasts of the Southern Wild” “Django Unchained” “Les Misérables” “Life of Pi”“Lincoln” “Silver Linings Playbook”

I see a four-way toss up between Lincoln, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, and Silver Linings Playbook.  Such a close call between these films, however may surmise the quandry is the Academy's preference for historical depiction, and  an overall  more serious presentation, (Lincoln, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty) versus a more fun cinematic experience raising attention to challenges faced with mental illness, in Silver Linings Playbook.”

My pick: ARGO 

This is the film that moved me the most this year. The final half hour sequence was so spell-binding, that you had to remember to breathe, the tension was so thick. Accolades for Ben Affleck  who accomplished superb work both directing, and taking on the lead role in this film.
 
LEADING  ACTOR
Nominees:
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln, Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables, Joaquin Pheonix,The Master
Christopher Waltz, Flight

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis is exceptional in his characterization of Abraham Lincoln.

From his physical depiction, to the voice, to the magnitude of his uncanny  resemblance of Lincoln, Day-Lewis  is captivating. The lengthy verbal sectors he delivers are poignant, soft-spoken, yet conveyed with a passion for change, unwavering thoughout the drama.

Hugh Jackman

 Hugh Jackman, as Jean Valjean, sings  brilliantly throughout his role, in the classic lead for the film, Les Misérables. Jackman's conviction and emotion were outstanding.  He drastically transformed himself, in order to garner realism for his part, losing significant body weight, looking  the emanciated, strained the long time prisoner was portraying. His committment to live, eat, and breathe this role was obvious, and was rewarded with a career-high performance. Go Hugh Go!

My pick:
Daniel Day-Lewis
 Ahhhh! I am struggling with this one...totally admired them both in their extremely different and challenging roles and they each performed with precision. My sentimental pick is Hugh Jackman and I hope he wins the Oscar, however, I feel  the Academy will select Daniel Day-Lewis.

Speech City and a US History Lesson... Lincoln to a Tee!

Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, is a somewhat dry, but an exceptional film nonethless, depicting a detailed history lesson for Canadians,  and successfully exhibits the uprising, political conflict evident during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. The drama is comprised mainly of complex, lengthy dialogue, set in the politcal arena, however, is displayed by a master of his craft and a perfect choice for the lead role; Daniel-Day Lewis and directed by the long-time talent;  Spielberg.

Lincoln...a Political Masterpiece

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn
Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Written by:Tony Kushner (screenplay), Doris Kearns Goodwin (book)
Genre: Biography, Historical Drama
Released: November 2012

Synopsis:

A riveting historical disclosure, detailing the latter months in office of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The country is grappling with great political unrest, divided by war and is fiercely reluctant to embrace change. The fate of slavery is cupped in Lincoln's hands, and he strives to unite the country in the direction of  human equality.

Trailer:

 

The drama is centred on Abraham Lincoln's second term, and highlights the prevalence of the white upper class in stark contrast to lingering slavery. The setting is  largely inside the doors of the senate, creating the stoic, dry, frames typical for conducting the business of managing the country. Removed from the gore of the battlefield, Spielberg choses to emphasize Lincoln's lengthy cerebral dialogues, charm, humour, and  the authoritarian giant of a man the president was, both in presence and leadership skills. Danel Day-Lewis presents an uncanny resemblance of the historical figure, voice, stature, and mannerisms, and easily captivates the audience with his soft-spoken, yet firm words. He has been recognized with winning best actor

prizes in almost every opportunity possible this year, and hopes to top  his achievements with the  at the Oscars 2013.

As the civil war presses stubbornly forward with all its travesty and hardship,  Lincoln strives to woo his cabinet to cooperatively support and pass the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.  However a difficult political dance is required collecting majority support, including the tricky convincing of radical Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones). Stevens darts in an around the senate, displaying intricate networking with his collegues, all the while keeping the audience guessing how the vote on the amendment will result. A key player, Lincoln is desperate for Stevens  to support him, while conversely,  Lincoln's wife Mary Todd Lincoln, (Sally Field) detests him. Mary is comforting, but steadfastly strong in her role, and maintains a close view of her husband's political process. Field portrays a far less submissve role than may have been expected, and has also achieved an Academy award nomination for her work in this film.                    

The film contains some stunning acting, and directing at its finest, therefore Spielberg's Lincoln prowess does not disappoint, as it successfully highlights a truly significant, pivotal period in US history.  It is both ironic and coincidental how well this drama envelopes the parallels between the Lincoln and the current Obama administrations; policital divide; diversity;  and  championing change.
Lincoln has received numerous accolades since its release, including 12 nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards.
           

Argo Delivers a Political Nail-Biter

"Argo", Ben Affleck's reinactment of the 1980 Hostage Crisis in Iran, leaves you breathless,
and moved with his presentation of an enduring drama thriller,  and a race against time for six US embassy workers housed under the protection of the Canadian Ambassador. Ben's work is compelling and creative, easily one of the best directed films of 2012; so much so, an Academy-miss that he has been surprisingly passed by for a best director nod. However, Argo is deservedly poised for the Academy Award for best picture, among additional categories, and is a very strong contender for the win, against with this years' impressive best film nominees.

Argo...A Winning Film Script to the Rescue

Argo 
 

Starring: Ben Affleck
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Produced by: George Clooney
Written by: Chris Terrio (screenplay), Tony Mendez (book)
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Released: August 2012




Synopsis:

The actual account during the 1980 revolutionary period in Iran, when a top-secret cooperative CIA-Canadian plot unfolds. Enter  Agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), who is confident he can orchestrate the return of six fugitive American diplomats who have been sheltered by Canadians out of the public eye and political chaos.  But he needs a plan-  one that involves a clever, creative twist of the film industry.                     

Trailer

The movie begins with a riveting opening sequence, detailing the US embassy in Tehran under seige. As protestors gain increasing strength with their violent attacks, the staff inside the US embassy are frantic, trying to destroy computer hard-drives, and the piles of  sensitive CIA material, and are in panic mode to vacate the building. Six Americans are able to sneak out, and seek refuge at the Canadian Ambassador's residence. The house guests'  safety is at risk with sporadic door to door searches conducted by Iranian police, and everyone knows  they can't stay hidden forever.

Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez, the CIA's designate for exporting personnel, is handpicked to somehow devise a plan to bring the US embassy hostages back to their homeland. There are a few far-fetched schemes proposed to yank the hiders, but no CIA proposals seem sensible and safe. That is until  Mendez  creatively suggests forming a Canadian production company who requires Iran as a filming location  for a movie. He is confident this is the plan, and presents the scheme that he can convince the Americans to adopt Canadian identifies as a film crew.

After flying to the West Coast, Tony meets with CIA-connected makeup artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and a quirky producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) who decide the script should be a Star Wars type story; a sci-fi entitled "Argo."  

Affleck does not disappoint with his very serious lives-at-stake portrayal, and yet all the while trying to be both a new identities-coach with a life mission master plan to complete.

Adrenaline takes over in the latter film sequences, and easily sets you at the edge of your seat. The chaotic atmosphere of Tehran during this hostage crisis include the formidable, manic police who successfully instill a fear that envelopes the audience in a unrelenting tension, extremely tight,  exuding only tufts of hope for the hostages.

Ben Affleck has received an impressive collection of awards to date for both his direction of this drama, and for the film itself. They include; BAFTA awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Drama, and Best Director among other nominations yet to be announced in 2013. Although he has been snubbed for his directorial work for a nomination in the Best Director category in the upcoming 2013 Oscars,  the film has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Ben has an excellent opportunity to win the top prize against frontrunners Lincoln,  Zero Dark Thirty, and Silver Linings Playbook.
                        

A Masterpiece, Dramatic Thriller- Zero Dark Thirty

The tension is real, and the actors frustration overwhelming. The drama experienced in Zero Dark Thirty is a marvelously blunt build towards the conclusion of a tedious, decade long man-hunt for Osama bin Laden.  Jessica Chastain is stellar in her portrayal of CIA agent Maya, as is director Kathryn Bigelow for her directing prowess, each receving Oscar nominations.

Zero Dark Thirty...The Fugitive's Final Hour

Zero Dark Thirty
 
Starring:Jessica Chastain, Kyle Chandler, and Jason Clarke
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Written by:Mark Boal
Genre: Drama
Released: December 2012

Synopsis:

Maya is a CIA agent, whose career was singularly focused to uncover the whereabouts of Al Qaeda's leader, Osama Bin Laden.in response to the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Finally, in 2011, it seems that her work will finally come to fruition, as a U.S. Navy SEAL team is sent out to kill or capture Bin Laden. But only Maya is confident Bin Laden is where she says he is. Will he be there?

 Trailer

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Jessica Chastain's Maya, is at the centre of the CIA assignment to locate bin Laden. The 10-year manhunt that involved numerous setbacks, and CIA deaths, is reinacted with a meticulous attention to detail. Zero Dark Thirty adheres closely to the CIA's official version of events, as received by screenwriter Mark Boal from his anonymous sources.

                                

Much of the film hovers around deskbound research and the labourous follow up of leads. However, the intensity of the Maya's conviction to leave no stone unturned, is impressive. She is thorough and unrelenting. Be forewarned that the opening sequences are quite difficult to watch, as there are openly violent, cruel interrogations of detainees, displaying suspects being waterboarded, beaten and humiliated. Maya dutifully appears as an employee just following her orders but is strained, and anguished while watching her colleague Dan (Jason Clarke) torture the prisoner. She also encounters internal battling between the CIA suits and onging frustration with a prolonged lack of progress. She becomes convinced that bin Laden's location has been pinpointed. Was anyone listening? So much so, that she scribbles a large number counting each day on her boss' wall for everyone to be aware of subsequent days the CIA does not  act on her hunch.

                            

The genre for this film can also be classifed as a thriller, if the final scene is taken into account, in its blood display, and compelling tension.  Every scene chosen impacts on the unfolding, and building of events towards the enthralling conclusion.

The director Kathryn Bigelow tackles the complex story with the same intenstiy, intuition and intelligence that won her an Oscar for The Hurt Locker.  As disturbing as it often is to watch, it offers dynamic cinematic material warranting many viewings. You sit on the edge of your seat as she delivers a truthful chain of events, gritty, fascinating, and informational, set with a vengeful flavour, that matches the quest in this intelligent drama. She  certainly warrants her best director nomimation at this year's Academy awards, as does Jessican Chastain for best actress.  Bigelow and Boal are not in the business of providing easy answers with this film, rather they strive to present the tense, memorable sequences in the CIA's search for the man behind the 9/11 New York City attacks

A Marvelous Musical film- Les Misérables

The pain and suffering presented by the actors in the film , Les Misérables is only surpassed by
the realistic passion, delivered by all the actors singing live during filming. Anne Hathaway, and
Hugh Jackman rise to performances of their careers in this lengthy classic story produced entirely with song,  and should not be missed!

Les Misérables... An Epic Saga, and a Tempest of the Heart

Les Misérables




Starring: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathway, Russell Crowe, 
and Amanda Seyfried

Directed By: Tom Hooper 

Written By:Claude-Michel Schonbergm and Alain Boubil
Genre: Adapted Drama, Musical/Performing Arts
Released: December 2012
 

 Synopsis:

Les Misérables is a memorizing tale of shattered dreams, unequitable love, sacrifice, and truly demonstrates the endurance of the human spirit. Jackman is ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, pursued for decades by brutal policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. Valjean gallantly agrees to watch over a poverty-sticken factory worker, Fantine's (Anne Hathaway) young daughter Cosette, which transforms their lives forevermore. 

 Trailer

 The plot emerges as a story embracing humanity, love and loss, while describing the political uprising in France during the French Revolution.  Directed by Tom Hooper, who triumphed with the Oscar-winning film of 2012, The King’s Speech,  this musical film enthralls you. The physical strength of this movie is impressive presenting an awe-inspiring and colossal effort, just like Valjean's as he heaves the flagpole at the beginning of the film. You can almost feel the movie's muscles flexing and see veins popping.

Jean is an emaciated convict, labelled as prisoner No. 24601, for stealing a loaf of bread. Jackman's lean and hungry look was no accident, as the actor certainly must have starved for months preparing for his role.  He is nearly unrecognizable. His passion, and voice combine to deliver the most impressive role of his career thus far, and an Oscar nod for the best actor category was not a surprise.

The diamond in the rough of the film belongs to Anne Hathaway, surpisingly only on screen for a total of 15 minutes as Fantine. Hathaway's hair  gets chopped, and her teeth yanked, positioned in a part that is a far-from-glamourous assignment. She gloriously reinvents her character`s paramount song (in the trailer attached)  amidst sobs during her vocals,  “I Dreamed a Dream.” (Remember Susan Boyle`s rendition?) She conveys a desolate plea from the heart –filmed in a single spectacular take. Her Oscar  nomination for best actress in a supporting role is well-deserved; Oscar-winning, we shall see!

The movie's cinematography was designed with elaborate, gargantuan set pieces, highlighted with detailed costumes  exuding misery and filth. The make-up caked actors displayed  a cast of sickly pale images, highlighted with dark under-eye circles and malnourished bodies.  The decision by Hooper to film all the singing live, assured an elevated athenticity to the production, and was consistently observed throughout the drama.

Russell Crowe was a major surprise, presenting himself as an unrelenting, cruel officer of the law.  His singing with all of it`s raw expression added a unique toughness from both his actions and song. 

For comic relief,  (a welcomed diversion from the serious tone) Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter  (Oscar nominated  for her portrayal of Queen  Elizabeth I  in The King’s Speech, Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland as well as Harry Potter films) are superb,  as the dodgy innkeepers Mr. and Mme. Thénardiers. They appear from time to time displaying their slapstick humour with ease. Helena, 46, plays the tarty and eccentric pick-pockets' wife, as  they scheme to keep the child Cosette for themselves.

The film lags somewhat in the middle, and remember, its length is close to three hours of singing –however,  like the play and the 1200-page book there’s plenty to keep the audience entertained.

The  many close-ups are unrelenting,  but  successfully highlight the squalor of the times and the deep emotion of the characters.  The messages are clear...  love is  both sacred, and unjust; we possess an innate desire to battle for social justice and finally, we grapple with an unforgiving hope that a better life is worth fighting for.  Interestingly,  Hooper  also dangles a  common theme evident from his last film, The King’s Speech,  with man striving to be the best he can be.

 

Silver Linings Playbook a play by play of mental fun!

Bradley Cooper ( Hangover 1, 11), Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games, Winter's Bone) and Robert DeNiro deliver a delightful romantic comedy, that is both dramatic, and uplifting. A light peek into a dark illness,  Silver Linings offers a tale of an unlikely duo's attempts to march, errr dance that is... towards happiness and sanity.

Silver Linings...definately one for the Playbooks!

Silver Linings Playbook

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro
Directed by: David O. Russell
Written by: David O. Russell, (screenplay) and Matthew Quick (Novel)Vanessa
Released: December 2012 
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis:

A teacher, Pat (Bradley Cooper)  who is recently diagnosd as bipolar, is back home living with his parents having lost everything, following an eight-month stint in a mental hospital. He is determined to rekindle his relationship with his wife who has since left him, yet she has issued a retraining order against him. He develops an unlikely love/hate friendship complete with goals, disappointments, and surprises with his wife's widowed sister Tiffany, (Jennifer Lawrence) who is struggling with her own depression demons, after her husband recently died.

Trailer

Pat's goals include returning to work, and getting his wife back, after a major weight loss while in therapy. His homelife, however,  is far-removed from calm and soothing with his Philadelphia Eagles obsessed OCD father, (Robert De Niro) whose emotions regarding his team are expressed to the extreme, and has his own over the top mood swings.

 A stray from the more glamorous roles for Cooper, he accurately portrays a crumpled man, still grappling with anger issues and frustration that impact on all his relationships. 

 

Jennifer Lawrence shines in her portrayal immersed in conviction, and  is unpredictably blunt.  She is boisterous and irritating,  certainly not tolerating an ounce of crap from Pat, as she strives to include him in her life.  However, there is a warm and fuzzy lining to be discovered among their kooky situations. Though Lawrence has been memorable in films as diverse as "Winter's Bone" and "The Hunger Games,"  she emerges in this story displaying both a seasoned  humour, and  smooth charisma not yet observed from this actress.

Robert De Niro displays his manic personality with precision. His rants  minimize the severity of Pat's challenges, and cause the audience to ponder who has the worst psyche problems... father, son, or son's new friend. Silver Linings' two main characters explore a magical spirit in the other, goofy,  funny, yet heartwarming. Russell's writing and direction resides firmly in the way he delivers a comedy to his audience,  without misplacing with the sensitivity of mental illness and its challenges.