Field of Desire

Author(s): Bryce M.
Location: CA

"Field of Desire"

Directed by: Marc Forster
Written by: Tom Stoppard and Menno Meyjes
Produced by: Frank Marshall, Paul Webster, and Eric Fellner
Cinematography by: Roger Deakins
Film Editing: Dylan Tichenor and Michael Kahn

Main Cast

Viggo Mortensen as Monty Charles
Kerry Washington as Mardea
Elizabeth Reaser as Jessica Charles
Timothy Olyphant as Robert Charles

Tagline: "When power meets love, chaos is the result"

Synopsis: In the early 1700s there was no one more powerful than Monty Charles. Along with his brother Robert Charles, he has become the wealthiest man in Kentucky. As Monty looks upon his plantation with his wife Jessica Charles, and thinks about all the success that has come his way, he can't help but feel that something in his life is missing.

Unlike Robert, Monty has never been the type of person to treat his slaves badly, although he doesn't care for them either. But that all changes when his eyes are set on Mardea, one of his field slaves. As Monty gazes into Mardea's eyes, his heart realizes he has never seen a more beautiful woman.

Monty slowly becomes obsess with Mardea, eventually treating her better than his own wife. However, much sadness is in Mardea, and trying to achieve a compassionate relationship with Mardea is proving to be difficult for Monty. Regardless, the two eventually fall in love, and makes sure to keep their relationship hidden from the town.

Meanwhile, rumors start to spread throughout the town hinting that someone is in an affair with a slave. Robert begins a town search party that will find and punish the "slave lover" and the slave.

As Monty and Mardea's relationship grows, Jessica becomes more and more suspicious of an affair, and the town becomes more and more close to finding the "slave lover". Monty will have to choose between his two loves; his wealth or his love of his life Mardea, before both are lost.

What the Press would say:

Field of Desire will easily be labeled as not only the year's most engaging film, but also the year's most controversial. The subject of the film deals with interracial relationship, slavery, rape, and adultery, all subjects that have a history of being shied away from in the movie industry, and in society. Marc Forster takes on the directing chair of this controversial piece, and this is truly his best work to date. Forster's vision of the film is one that you usually don't expect for a film set in it's era. Usually films set in the slavery era tends to be much more tense and gritty. Forster brings a sort of low brow epic sense to the film, combined with a loose dark tone in some scenes. The concluding result is a film that is very beautiful to watch.

Where the movie really shines is it's performances. Viggo Mortensen glows as the confused and lonely Monty Charles.Monty is a man torn apart from his two loves, and his confusion becomes the ultimate reason for his inner destruction. Although Mortensen's performance is pitch perfect, the real show stealer here is Kerry Washington, with a career defining performance. As Mardea, Washington doesn't have much dialogue. Instead, she uses a lot of eye movement and body language to not only reach to Mortensen's character but also make audiences understand her character more. With much pain, and much resilience, Washington is able to outshine Mortensen.

The supporting performances offer just as much of a delight as the leading ones. Elizabeth Reaser suspicious wife character adds a new layer to the story, and offers a different kind of emotion to the main story's emotion that could have audiences relating to her character a lot more than Mortensen's character. While Reaser's character could be called the antagonist of the story, Timothy Olyphant's is just down right evil. His character leads the town in a hunt for the resident who is having a relationship with their slave, which leads to Olyphant performing many horrible acts against the slaves, including rape, murder, and mutilation. Olyphant's performance is haunting, daring, and sure to launch his career into new heights.

There is no other movie out there that is like Field of Desire. It is gripping, and once you are hooked in, it never lets you go. The drama is tense, and the scenery is beautiful, with many Oscar caliber performances. Expect it to do good come award season, but for now I highly recommend everyone to go see Field of Desire in a theater near you.

Best Picture
Best Director- Marc Forster
Best Actor- Viggo Mortensen
Best Actress- Kerry Washington
Best Supporting Actor- Timothy Olyphant
Best Supporting Actress- Elizabeth Reaser
Best Original Screenplay- Tom Stoppard and Menno Meyjes
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Costumes

For Pay

Author(s): Alfredo
Location: NY

"For Pay"

Written and Directed by Gus Van Sant
Produced by Dany Wolf
Cinematography by Harris Savides
Original Music by Michael Penn
Original Song by Panic! At The Disco

Main Cast

Macaulay Culkin as Danny Roberts
Richard Chamberlain as Richard Sommerfield
Dominique Swain as Kate Williams
Michael Pitt as Trevor Green
Elle Fanning as Kimmy Roberts
Timothy Olyphant as Patrick

Tagline: "N/A"

Synopsis: Danny (Culkin) and Kate (Swain) are high school sweethearts with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. They move from their small northern California town to Hollywood after graduation. Eight years later Danny is working over 40 hours a week to support his out of work wife and their eight year old daughter, Kimmy (Fanning). Danny loves his daughter and will do anything for her. He also still loves his wife despite the fact that he feels she's no longer in love with him. She appears to grow more miserable with each passing day. Living in a small one bedroom apartment is not what they had planned. Still, Danny had high hopes. That is until Danny was fired from his job.

Danny tried hard to get a job but there seemed to be nothing out there. Danny didn't know what to do. Weeks have passed and his savings were running out. He went to his friend and former co-worker, Patrick (Olyphant) for advice since he was older than he was. While talking and drinking some beers, Patrick made a move on Danny. He stopped him and told him he wasn't gay. Patrick offered to pay him and told him that plenty of straight men have sex with men for money. It's called being "Gay for Pay". Danny still said no and left. That night Danny sat in his kitchen and looked at his daughter drawing at the kitchen table. She looked up at him and said she was hungry. There was no food in the house and no money. Danny knew what he had to do. The next night he returned to Patrick's house. That's where it all began. Soon Danny was out there turning tricks just to make enought to feed his family and pay some bills. Danny lied to Kate. He told her he had a night job. Every night he came home he would take a long shower. Sometimes he would cry. Others he just felt numb.

Kate eventually found out what he was doing and left him. Danny wanted to stop but it was easy money. He met all sorts of interesting people. None of them made much of an impact on his life. His life would take another turn though the night he met Richard Sommerfield (Chamberlain). Sommerfield is a millionaire producer of adult films for gay men. Sommerfield is infatuated with Danny. He puts him in a movie. Danny quickly becomes a star in the world of gay porn. He makes a lot of money. So much in fact that Kate decides to get back with him. She doesn't seem to mind what he does as long as he has enough to buy her and Kimmy nice things.

Danny's fame and wealth increases when he teams up with Trevor (Pitt), another "gay for pay" actor. They're dubbed "The Twins" for their uncanny resemblance. Soon Kate's riding high on Danny's fame and fortune. Danny, Kate and Trevor become inseparable. Going to parties, getting drunk and high. Mr. Sommerfield becomes invested in Danny's life. Sommerfield's infatuation grows to love for Danny. He showers Danny with gifts. He constantly offers to take Danny to far away countries. Danny always declines politely but that doesn't stop Sommerfield from loving Danny. He is Determined to make Danny his.

Yes, Danny is living the great life. He has fame. He has fortune. All is going well except that he's certain that Kate and Trevor have become lovers; Mr. Sommerfield's advancements have become increasingly physical and violent. Worst of all Kimmy does not run and hug him the way she used to. She barely even looks at him when he arrives home. Danny now sits alone at his kitchen table.

What the Press would say:

Director Gus Van Sant's (Good Will Hunting, Elephant) latest film starring Macaulay Culkin, Dominique Swain and Richard Chamberlain is a revelatory one. Not just for the magnificent acting by it's principal cast but for everything from the wrting to the music, including an original song by pop-rock band Panic! At The Disco.

The story is about a young couple who move to Hollywood with dreams of making it big but instead end up with a daughter and struggling to survive. In order to provide for his family after being fired Culkin's character becomes a male prostitute which leads him to become a gay porn star after a chance encounter with Richard Sommerfield played by the magnificent Richard Chamberlain.

This fim marks the return of Macaulay Culkin as a real actor. It's a daring role that calls for a brief nude scene by Culkin. Culkin does a wonderful job as a father who is willing to do what it takes to provide for his daughter and along the way loses sight of what he truly holds dear. Only when he does realize it its too late. Dominique Swain is pitch perfect as a young housewife who grows increasingly discontent with her husband and child. Michael Pitt's Trevor is there to provide her an escape from the life that she does not want. Pitt is amazing as another "gay for pay" actor. He represents everything that Danny seems not to be anymore to Swain's character. This film also marks the return of Richard Chamberlain. He is sweet and loving in the film but at the same time gives a vibe that makes you uneasy. His character sees Danny as a object to lust after while Culkin's Danny sees him as a father figure. The entire cast and crew deserve Oscar recognition but none so much as Chamberlain. This is one performance that is sure to be talked about come Oscar time.

Best Picture
Best Director - Gus Van Sant
Best Original Screenplay - Gus Van Sant
Best Actor - Macaulay Culkin
Best Supporting Actress - Dominique Swain
Best Supporting Actor - Richard Chamberlain
Best Supporting Actor - Michael Pitt
Best Cinematography
Best Original Song - "No Love Lost for the Lost Love" by Panic! At The Disco

The Gold of Cajamarca

Author(s): Conrado Falco
Location: Peru

"The Gold of Cajamarca"

Directed by Terrence Mallick
Written by Terrence Mallick adapted from the book of the same name
Music by Gustavo Sanataolalla & James Newton Howard
Cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki

Main Cast

Daniel Day Lewis... Francisco Pizarro (the spanish conqueror)
Jeremy Irons........ Father Vicente de Valverde (catholic priest)
Gerard Butler........ Hernando de Soto (general)
Gary Oldman......... Diego de Almagro (the other conqueror, who supplied Pizarro with arms)
Adam Beach.......... Atahualpa (Inca Emperor)

Tagline: "An empire of gold that will wake the greed of thousands"

Synopsis: Adapted of the book of the same name. The film directed by Terrence Mallick ("The Thin Red Line") tells the story of the conquest of the Inca Empire in South America. Francisco Pizarro (Day Lewis), an ex pig-watcher becomes a conqueror and travels to Peru to conquest what he has heard is a country full of gold. In the city of Cajamarca, what was supposed to be a friendly meeting becomes a long bloody battle where he and the spanish troops murdered thousands of people. After Atahualpa refuses to join the Cathlic Church he is captured by the spaniards.

The film is told from Atahualpa's point of view. It begins with Atahualpa captured by Pizarro, remembering everything what happened in flashbacks. While trapped we see how he starts learning spanish and to play chess to a point where he is able to beat Pizarro.

Pizarro offers Atahualpa his salvation if he gives the spaniards a room of gold and two rooms full of silver. Atahualpa, desperate, does this without knowing will be later betrayed by the spanish conquerors. They make up a fake trial to condene Atahualpa and then he agrees tu turn into Christianity so he hasn't have to be burned alive.

The last scene shows us Atahualpa having his last dinner with the mummies of the past emperors right before he is strangled by the spaniards at the center of the city.

What the Press would say:

The newest film by Terrence Mallick is just amazing. It's an epic journey to a story not many of us knew. After a long time learning about the Inca empire, he gives a fresh look at a historical event revealing stuff not the Peruvian people knew about. The wonderful sets are amazing and Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is flawless like always.

The greatest performances of the movie are given by the two leads: Daniel Day Lewis as Francisco Pizarro is a ruthless human being whose only purpose is to enrich himself, while Adam Beach's turn as Atahualpa shows us a complete odyssey of a man who turns from Emperor of the most powerful empire to a man without a future who knows his end is coming.

Possible nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director- Terrence Mallick
Best Actor- Daniel Day Lewis
Best Actor- Adam Beach
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Cinematography- Emmanuel Lubezki
Best Original Score- Gustavo Santaolalla & James Newton Howard
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Sound Editing

The Good Guy

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"The Good Guy"

Directed by Richard Attenborough
Written by Grant Heslov
Produced by Cathy Konrad
Music by Randy Newman
Costume Design by Colleen Atwood
Cinematography by Gordon Willis
Makeup by Keith VanderLaan

Main Cast

Cillian Murphy as Jimmy Stewart
Eion Bailey as Henry Fonda
Linda Cardellini as Gloria Stewart
Timothy Spall as Alfred Hitchcock
Josh Brolin as Frank Capra
Brent Spiner as Anthony Mann
Jennifer Morrison as Kim Novak
Keri Russell as Grace Kelly
Noah Taylor as Hoagy Carmichael
John Patrick Amedori as Ronald Stewart
Steve Coogan as Tom Slick
Adam Nelson as Don Loomis

Tagline: "Aww shucks, t-t-they made a movie about me"

Synopsis: In the town of Indiana, Pennsylvaia, on May 20th, 1908, a baby was born. Once his eyes were capable of opening he glanced at the world in front of him with a look that would capture the smile of all his peers around him, not knowing that one day this special person would become one of films most recognizable icons ever to grace it. James Maitland Stewart was born on this day.

His legacy started at Princeton where he got into Broadway. His first major Broadway show was the comedy Goodbye Again, where he played a chauffeur that said two lines. He shared an apartment with another rising actor, Henry Fonda. Although the two were best friends, their political views were vastly different, Jimmy being a supporter of the Republican Party. Their political differences even led to a fist fight between the two, afterwards politics were never mentioned again. Stewart then continued to land bigger roles, having a friendship with director Frank Capra, the notable work being Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. After winning his Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, a change was needed. He decided to take on screwball comedy, which seemed unfitting for him, being the shy and humble man he was.

His comedy led to the next best thing, war, actual war. After 300 hours of flying time Stewart was in line to become a military flyer. He and other celebrity Hoady Carmichael teamed up to become war pilots and created a flying school in Arizona. They trained over 200,000 pilots during the war. Though in 1940 he was rejected into the Army Air Corps due to weight issues. He was five pounds under the limit but thanks to help from Don Loomis, a muscle specialist, he earned his spot. A movie star in a military uniform, Jimmy felt he could do anything.

1945 marked the return back to the screen, his first film in five years Stewart appeared in the heart stealing masterpiece, "It's a Wonderful Life". He wanted a change from comedy though, so he seeked a friendship with suspense master Alfred Hitchcock and western veteran Anthony Mann. Around this time he met the love of his life, Gloria, and he adopted her sons, Michael and Ronald. Along his journey Jimmy got to work with incredible talent, such as Kim Novak in Vertigo and Grace Kelly in Rear Window, earning the trust and hearts of each and every one of his crew. A risk taker he was as well, while coming back from his trip to India Stewart smuggled the remains of a yeti as a favor for his friend Tom Slick. While Stewart lived on Cloud 9, he was brought back down after the death of his son Ronald who died in Vietnam.

The film concludes with his several health problems throughout the 80's which includes heart disease, skin cancer, deafness, and senile dementia. However, Jimmy was able to grace us with one more performance, a voice performance as Wylie Burp in "Feivel Goes West", which would fulfill his legacy. A drug and alcohol free life he led, having the good life, ultimately becoming the good guy.

What the Press would say:

You know the feeling you get when you hear your favorite song? You have these sensational vibes running through your body, your heart sounds to the beat, a smile is created and it doesn't go away until the last second of that song. When you watch "The Good Guy" the feeling overwhelms that. Hardly do you see an Oscar worthy film like this anymore. You see films of violent nature, continuous vulgarity, drugs, sex, profanity, all of which are well and good, but it's nice to escape it every now and then. Very few films have had the distinct ability to move and inspire someone to the point where the effect is almost life-altering, this is one of them, a first rate biopic on James Stewart. Richard Attenborough has made another crowning achievement in his career, assembling the perfect crew and cast for this overall wonderful piece of film making. Credit the superb makeup artist Keith VanderLaan for giving our characters a unique aging look as the film progresses. Although much can be said about this cast, it all starts at the top, the cherry, Mr. Cillian Murphy. This is by far Cillians most challenging role to date. I mean if your agent gave you a call and said there's a role opened for you, you are going to play Jimmy Stewart, how would you react? Murphy acted like a professional and took it, there was no turning back. He captures it all, the motions and gestures, the expressions that leave you dazzled, and the voice that triggers all the reflexes in your body. Nothing but kindness and warmth came from Jimmys talk, Cillian does us proud. Eion Bailey plays the ever tenacious Henry Fonda. Bailey tackles the role to perfection, creating a comic atmosphere between him and Jimmy, each scene with Bailey can be accounted for as the show stealer. The fist fight between the two is actually one of the more humorous scenes in the film, that's because of the dead on chemistry between Bailey and our leading man. Of course there has to be discussion on Linda Cardellini who plays Jimmys wife, when shes on screen you'll have just as much trouble whiping the smile from your face as she does in this film. She has the look and dedication to become a wife of the 50's, and the personality that begs for an Academy nod. Last in line, Timothy Spall, who plays the Hitch. We all know that while Hitch was the king of suspense he was also known for his comedy, while he had your nerves tense he was able to relieve you with laughter, Spall doesn't forget this. His impression is untouchable.

In the end this is a film that's like one big happy dream. We all dream of films like this, a film that makes you have no worries in the world, with a few gripping and emotional scenes due to the death of his son, this film is generally a reminder on why we loved Jimmy Stewart so much. It couldn't have been done without a single person involved in making this film. A film like this will test other films out there and make them step it up a notch, because when it comes to complete and admirable film making it's hard to beat.

FYC:

Best Picture - Grant Heslov, Richard Attenborough
Best Director - Richard Attenborough
Best Actor - Cillian Murphy
Best Supporting Actor - Eion Bailey
Best Supporting Actor - Timothy Spall
Best Supporting Actress - Linda Cardellini
Best Original Screenplay - Grant Heslov
Best Costume Design - Colleen Atwood
Best Cinematography - Gordon Willis
Best Makeup - Keith VanderLaan

Greensleeves

Author(s): Kwame
Location: FL

"Greensleeves"

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Written by:Paul Thomas Anderson
Music by:Jon Brion

Main Cast

Common as Dearrick Alari
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Ruben Sarris
Corbin Bleu as Esteban "Stebi" McAvery
Brian Cox as Paul McAvery

Tagline: "Inspiring Alligator Aficionados Everywhere"

Synopsis: Dearrick Alari and Ruben Sarris were the best of friends at a South Florida Prep School in the Mid-1980's. The two enthusiastic teens, both interested in alligators at the time, were the co-founders of "Greensleeves Magazine", a wildly popular bi-monthly that increased alligator awareness, and was a strong force in the boys' acceptance into the School of Journalism at Columbia University.20 years later, both men, still bachelors, are fully committed to the production of their magazine and to the "Feed the Homeless Society" at their church.

One morning, Dearrick confronts Ruben over an issue regarding the future of their magazine. He had been receiving numerous e-mails from Stebi McAvery, a so-called "flamboyantly gay" 18-year old and adopted son of a regular yet ill-regarded parishioner Paul McAvery.The young man had been suggesting numerous changes that the magazine could make;one being the additition of a feature called "Alligator Mode", which would result in a partnership with some major international fashion designers. More importantly, Stebi mentions that his adopted-father, currently dying of cancer, would donate 45% of his fortune to the establishment.

The two business associates knew it would be foolish to ignore such an opportunity-after all, the magazine had been out of the spotlight for over 5 years, and this would boost it's reputation with the younger generation. However, associating themselves with the eccentrics Stebi and Paul could completely damage their own reputation with the church crowd.The two lifelong friends suddenly find themselves reexamining their morals and beliefs.

What the Press would say:

“Greensleeves" is as unpretentious as any other Paul Thomas Anderson masterpiece.With only his 6th full-length feature in over 10 years, this film, in the words of Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum "solidifys PTA's status as an American filmmaking institution. It's just that brilliant". Of course, the movie benefits greatly from the small yet very strong cast. David Ansen from Newsweek raves"Common is just insane.He's a complete revelation.In a just world...Common and Philip Seymour Hoffman would get a Best Actor nomination each.But if there is anything that this movie teaches...is that the world is not farm from being just." Brian Cox has also garnered career-best raves and Ken Turan from the L.A. Times warns us to "watch out for Corbin Bleu. He stole scenes in High School Musical...likewise, he steals scenes here...A refreshing talent,to be sure".Roger Ebert says it best "Like all of PTA's films..."Greensleeves" knows what it is. It can never be fully examined...it begs you to form your opinion, but it is what it is....I think it's divine"

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director-Paul Thomas Anderson
Best Actor-Common, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actor:Corbin Bleu, Brian Cox
Best Original Screenplay

Harvey Black.

Author(s): Al
Location: NY

"Harvey Black."

Directed by David Lynch
Written by Charlie Kaufman

Main Cast

Harvey Black: Christopher Walken
Selma Del Var: Virginia Madsen
Eddie 'O Connor: Mark Wahlberg
Donovan: Michael Clarke Duncan
Syms: Joel Grey
Murphy: James Caan
Alma: Rosario Dawson
The Alleyway Dame: Marley Shelton
with
Tommy Slattery: Alec Baldwin
and
Sgt. Spade: Gene Hackman

Tagline: "Harvey Black is a detective. Like in the movies"

Synopsis: Harvey Black was a nice guy. People always told Harvey Black that. And he believed it. He enjoyed his little rut. At least, that's what he told himself.

But he was lying. Sometimes he'd peek over his cubicle wall just to see if there was something new out there. Because he was bored. Oh-so bored.

And what every bored guy needs is a hobby, right? So Harvey Black got into detectives in a big way. He'd rent old noir movies and stay up all night watching them. And he'd sigh. The click-click-clicking of his keyboard always seemed like a lullaby in contrast to the gunshots and footsteps he'd hear in the movies. And the fluorescent lighting and off-white walls of his office always sharply contrasted the deep blacks, soft grays, and striking crimsons of blood that he began to see in his dreams. More than anything, Harvey wanted to be a detective.

So imagine his surprise when one day, walking to the bus, he saw a woman being attacked in a dark alley. His heroic instincts take over, and he rushes in, only to be knocked out immediately by the butt of a gun.

When Harvey Black wakes up in that alley that smelled of the sleazy dealings of years past, all he sees are deep blacks, soft grays, and a striking crimson pool of blood a couple feet away.

And he realizes that in this world, he ain't plain old Harvey Black…He's Harvey Black, Private Eye.

Right away, he begins nosing around about the dame he saw bein' sent to serenade St. Peter by those three mooks, but ends up with nada. Downer than a sick puppy, he sees another case – a routine stolen-jewels deal, with a sultry blonde who is anything but. Looking for her to take a shine to him, he gives it a shot, only to find that there's a lot more to the case than it seems at first glance. There's a history behind the blonde's stolen jewels, and it leaves a trail of blood right back to that poor dame in the alleyway.

He's also got a rival on his trail, namely one Eddie 'O Connor, a sleazeball of a police detective with more on his mind than the case. The corrupt police chief is lookin' to take him out clean and fast. He's also got three goons who're literally the definition of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" there around every corner gunning for him. And the guy who sent them has a history of shady dealings that connect directly to the case.

Now Harvey Black has to make it up as he goes along, learning that there's a lot more to being a detective than he reckoned, right smack-dab in the middle of an Eagle Scout knot of a case.

Just like in the movies.

What the Press would say:

The noir has always been an admired form of art, whether in book, movie, or anything else form. But it has staggered in recent years and lost popularity. "Harvey Black." (yes, with the period), the new film from surrealistic director David Lynch and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, hopes to revive it by simultaneously spoofing and revering the format. Did they do a good job? Well…yes.

The first 20 minutes of the movie set up the story of a boring man named Harvey Black who dreams of being a noir detective. These scenes are starkly directed, the scenes dominated by off-white sand soft hums that are the very surroundings driving Harvey mad. The real story starts when poor Harvey is knocked cold while trying to save a pretty woman (played fleetlingly by a tragic Marley Shelton) and wakes up in a world of noir. This is where Lynch's signature surrealism comes in. Shadows stick out more than their actual human projectors: blood paints the streets a sickly red, and the entire world is rendered in a foreboding black-and-gray, simplistic style that calls to mind both classics like "Casablanca" and recent fare like "Sin City". It's simply beautiful, and suits the film well.

The film's priority seems not so much to spoof a noir, but to replicate it. Kaufman's dialogue is classic noir; rough-and-tumble, sharp-witted lines oozing out of the characters' mouths like drool. The actors themselves play a huge part in recreating the film noir. Virginia Madsen plays Selma Del Var, a dame who seems stereotypical at first but slowly reveals to the audience inner secrets and feelings. She's simply mind-blowing. Christopher Walken, as the titular character, is simply amazing. His famous voice is perfect for the noir, and yet he has never gotten the chance to be in one. He inhabits the role of the detective perfectly, but he really shines when he is given the chance to act like a real human; an earnest, slightly dumb man who is thrust into a world he is not suited for. I'd definitely expect him to get a lot of attention for such an archetypical role.

The supporting players are also given a chance to shine. Rosario Dawson as a hooker-with-a-heart of gold plays her role to a T, simultaneously being sleazy and sympathetic. Gene Hackman plays a gruff police sergeant directly at odds with Harvey very well, this role serving as sort of a comeback for him after a string of movies where he played against type. As 3 goons who are literally blind, deaf, and mute, Joel Grey, Michael Clarke Duncan, and James Caan respectively add an interesting twist to the story and a bit of comedic relief. Mark Wahlberg's role as Harvey's sleazy rival seems to be tailor made for him, as he slinks throughout the film cigarette-in-mouth, waxing philosophical in a wolflike growl. The real high point of the ensemble, though, is Alec Baldwin, as Slattery, a slimeball crime boss out to get Harvey. At first we only see cigar smoke emanating from a faint shadow of a man, but as we progress through the film, we get even closer to his gravelly voice. His words slipping out of the corner of his mouth lazily as he orders murders and robberies like Chinese food, we love to hate him and hate to love him. Baldwin is quite possibly one of the best movie villains in recent memory.

With a pitch-perfect replication of a classic noir, a unique art style, great performances, and a twist ending that will leave you breathless, "Harvey Black." is quite simply amazing. No, it's not the best film ever, and it's not even the best noir ever. But it's a thought-provoking, well-put-together, and entertaining film. And really, that's all we could ask. Sure, it's "different". But even the Academy might go for something new this February. Don't be surprised. I certainly wouldn't.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture – AMPAS
Best Picture (Drama) – HFPA
Best Ensemble – SAG
Best Director – David Lynch
Best Actor – Christopher Walken
Best Actress – Virginia Madsen
Best Supporting Actor – Alec Baldwin
Best Supporting Actor – Mark Wahlberg
Best Supporting Actress – Rosario Dawson
Best Original Screenplay – Charlie Kaufman

The Haunting

Author(s): Josh P.
Location: IL

"The Haunting"

Produced and Directed by Jonathan Demme
Screenplay by David Koepp
Art Direction by Kristi Zea and Leslie E. Rollins
Cinematography by Tak Fujimoto
Music by Elliot Goldenthal
Edited by Craig McKay

Main Cast

Jodie Foster (Eleanor Vance)
Jeff Daniels (Dr. Markway)
Amy Adams (Theo Normansen)
Neil Patrick Harris (Will Anderson)
Charles S. Dutton (Mr. Dudley)
Alfre Woodard (Mrs. Dudley)
Laura Linney (Joanne)

Tagline: "The history of this house will haunt you forever"

Synopsis: Eleanor Vance (Foster) has lived, what she believes is, a full life. Although others might not see it that way. She is in her early fifties, works at a local television station, and shares an apartment with her sister (Linney). However, Eleanor can’t help but feel that something else is out there for her to experience. This feeling all but goes away when she sees an ad in the paper about an upcoming experiment about the nature of fear being performed at a countryside mansion called Hill House. She feels a sort of attraction to the idea, almost as if it was calling to her. She decides to explore this new opportunity.

Upon her arrival at Hill House, she meets the mysterious caretakers (Dutton, Woodard) and the doctor who is in charge of the experiment (Daniels). She also meets the other participant (Adams) and a relative of the owner (Harris) who is there to see what he might inherit. Eleanor has an interesting relationship between all these people. She reacts to Will as a childish adult whose playful attitude masks him ignorance of the world; to Dr. Markway, she has a subtle attraction to him. She never acts on her impulses, but a slight glance or brush of his fingers against her shoulder sends her heart racing. Eleanor has the closest bond with Theo, a proclaimed lesbian whose relationship with Eleanor starts to grow stronger. Any physical relationship is never explored, but she does have a sense that they are becoming something even more than just friends.

All of this is tested by the goings on at the house. Eleanor has mixed feelings about her temporary home. Whenever she glances at the windows, there is a sensation that they are eyes watching her, voices call to her in the night and faces are shaped in the wall. Is she going mad, or is it possible that the house is trying to communicate to her? Slowly, she finds out the attraction to this project that has been there from the beginning, and the terrifying secret she eventually reveals.

What the Press would say:

In any other hands, this would be an average horror flick with minimal weight to it. However, thanks to director Jonathan Demme, it evolves into something even more special. Demme takes a commercial suspense thriller and adds a great mysterious aura to it by enhancing it with a rich story and directing commanding performances and artistic styles. Much could be said about his previous Oscar-winning “The Silence of the Lambs.” On that note, Demme’s actress for that film, Jodie Foster, also delivers an amazing performance. She portrays Eleanor with more of a subtle power. She never says or does much, but that is where the genius lies. In the beginning, she does a great job as a lonely woman desperately wanting to break free from her ordinary life, and then is outstanding as her slow descent into possible madness is revealed. Amy Adams is also marvelous as a woman who helps Eleanor come out (no pun intended) of her shell and experience the world a new, as well as someone who displays great fear as the house begins to wreak havoc on their relationship. David Koepp’s screenplay, adapted from both the Shirley Jackson short story and Robert Wise’s 1963 film, focuses more on the characters in the plot and exposes their relationships in great detail and wonderful descriptions. The eerie set design of Hill House, the shadowy cinematography and the eerie, operatic score from Elliot Goldenthal add to the tension this movie brings, as well as enhance its brilliance. The campaign consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director: Jonathan Demme
Best Actress: Jodie Foster
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams
Best Adapted Screenplay: David Koepp
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score