So I was reading IMDB today and I came across an article stating that Jared Leto (Requiem For a Dream, My So Called Life, Panic Room) had gained 50 pounds. The article didn't say whether it was muscle or fat. Though I would have been more surprised had it been 50 pounds of muscle (that's a lot of muscle folks...and I mean A LOT), I was still rather shocked to discover that it was 50 pounds of fat. Why are actors doing this to themselves? Is it really worth the risk to their health? George Clooney did it and now he is having health problems because of it (well, and an Oscar) and Matt Damon did it for Courage Under Fire and he's still suffering the health problems (of course he LOST weight for that role). There is nothing wrong with putting on a little weight...but to put it on and drop it off at the rate these actors have to do it is detrimental to their health. Apparently Leto is doing it for Chapter 27 where he plays John Lennon's assassin, Mark David Chapman. Here are a couple of websites where you can check out the pictures:
JaredPix
JaredPix2
*Note: I don't necessarily agree with the Jared Leto is "FAT" comments because I think it's kind of rude and he's not really that big...but I thought people would just want to see the pictures.
P.S. There are talks of him playing a "hunk" role on Desperate Housewives. Apparently another fling for Eva Longoria. Keep your eyes peeled.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
Top 10 Films of 2005
Granted, I didn't see EVERY film last year. Who did? But I saw most of them. As for Oscar nominated films, I still haven't seen Squid and the Whale, Memoirs of a Geisha, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Howls Moving Castle (animated film), The New World (Cinematography), all of the Short films, the documentary features (except March of the Penguins, of course) and all the foreign language films. Everything else nominated, I've seen. I now present you with my list of the top films of 2005:
10. *TIE* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. I was so invigorated watching both of these films. Many feel that Sith did not live up to expectations but I was thoroughly impressed and satisfied. The political parallels that the whole Star Wars franchise, especially recent installments, presents us with are fascinating. Take the Emperor for example. It's interesting to note that his rise to power was very similar to that of Adolph Hitler and his establishment of the Third Reich. Not to mention the performance by Ian McDiarmid as Darth Sidious (the emperor) was astounding. He made me want to join the dark side! This is all coming from someone who ISN'T a Star Wars geek, by the way. I just simply enjoyed this film. Harry Potter was just fun and exciting. I never wanted it to end. That's the sign of an entertaining film!
9. Walk the Line There is only one Johnny Cash. Well, there was until I saw Joaquin Phoenix play him. I liked Ray last year. It wasn't one of my favorites. But it was good. Jamie Foxx was good in the film. A little overrated, but good. Joaquin Phoenix is great. As is his little spice in life, Reese Witherspoon, as June Carter (Cash). I was tentative going into this film, not very familiar with Johnny Cash and not very interested either. When I walked out of the film I was still uninterested in Johnny Cash, but I had just seen some amazing performances and a very good story to boot. The performances, however, are what put this film above the rest.
8. Batman Begins Loved this movie! The whole package here is impressive. Great directing, cinematography, acting (nix Katie Holmes), screenplay, EVERYTHING! Had this not been a blockbuster action film about a super hero it would be up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. It's a shame they never honor films like this. As for the films success, Roger Ebert says it best when he explains that action heros are people with problems and issues just like everyone else. When those problems and issues are exploited and analyzed, it makes the film a success. Just like Spiderman and X-men, this is a film that lives up to that success.
7. Brokeback Mountain Good film. Do I understand all the hype surrounding it? No, not really. It's an interesting film and it moves at the pace of a snail who hasn't slept in a week, but it's a good film. After saying all of that, I do have to admit that there is something "haunting" about the film. Not sad really, or tragic, but haunting. There's something about it that just won't go away. I guess that is what makes it such a good film. It has this enigmatic effect on people. You walk out thinking, "what the hell was that all about and why can't I stop thinking about it?" There are many films out there about love denied, and many films out there about gay people. There are even many films out there about gay people whose love is denied. But I think this is the first one I have ever seen that does it on such a profound and epic level. Beautiful cinematography.
6. Crash I have had two people in the last week tell me they didn't like this movie because they had to think. I don't really understand this because this film seemed pretty straight forward to me. Go see Syriana if you really want to know what it's like to think in the movie theatre. Actually, I take that back, don't see Syriana...it's horrible. The racial struggles and parallels in this film (back to Crash) were clever and intriguing. It wasn't quite satire, but might it be considered a reality satire? Sorta like reality TV meets satirical prose? Crash was intelligent and compelling. Flawed? Perhaps a little. But you can find flaws in every film on this list.
5. Capote Like Walk the Line this is a film that thrives on its performances, especially that of Phillip Seymour Hoffman. We've all heard the well deserved hype that says how phenomenal he is as Truman Capote, the flamboyant writer of "In Cold Blood". Watch the scene wear he talks about how he is made fun of because of the way he talks. Notice his eyes in the scene. That is brilliant acting. Watch the scene wear he has to witness the execution of his "friend". Notice his eyes in the scene. That is brilliant acting. This is also a good script. It is one that takes Capote's novel and flips it on it's end and analyzes it from a whole different view point. That's clever writing. I have never been a fan of Phillip Seymour Hoffman but he deserves all the praise he receives for this role...plus more.
4. History Of Violence. I'm a sucker for violence. I love horror movies and the stimulant it provides me when I see a dumb blonde chased down with a chainsaw. That may sound sick, but I'm not alone...if I were, Hollywood wouldn't consider horror movies a "sure bet", meaning there is not a risk in making them because they will turn a profit because people love them and the stimulant they provide. History of Violence is NOT a horror movie...not in a literal sense anyways. It is, however, horrifying. Watch the film and take the time to analyze the opening sequence where two criminals are leaving a hotel. Hear the music and watch the careful direction and say to yourself...this is what makes a great film. Do that 20 times and then you will understand my concept of a "great film". Perhaps we are on the same page. If not, then maybe doing this will enlighten you. This movie takes risks and exposes our darker fears as mere tips of the iceberg. It makes us ask whether we really know someone or not. Is it possible that my best friend is a serial killer. This film seems to think so.
3. Munich This movie was pure entertainment at it's best. A person once asked me if films have to entertain you to be successful. My response was of course they do. All of the films on this list were entertaining to me on some level. Some of them may have been a little more cerebral than others. I wouldn't put "Brokeback Mountain" and "Harry Potter", for instance, in the same basket as being equally intellectually fulfilling. But if a film doesn't entertain me on some level then I can't enjoy it. I think many people confuse entertainment with education. They CAN be one in the same, believe it or not. You can have fun learning. It IS possible. That is the magic of Steven Spielberg. He can entertain you with his unique and amazing direction but then the next minute you realize that you just learned something. Steven Spielberg has mastered the technique of teaching and entertaining without anyone even noticing. Munich is full proof of that. This was one of the most underrated films of the year. It deserved more praise for it's acting also.
2. King Kong Epic Peter Jackson. You fall in love with a monkey you're meant to hate. I watched the 1933 version recently and it is revelatory. You realize how much has changed in our society and in film since the original film was released. It is sort of like comparing something by Bach in the Baroque period to something by Brahms in the Romantic period. The piece by both Bach and Brahms were entertaining, especially during their time, but the piece by Bach is more technical and concrete, somewhat cold and experimental; where as the piece by Brahms is perfected, passionate and free spirited (yet it is also an extension of the influence by the Bach piece). That may be a flawed analogy but it helps to illustrate my point. King Kong is 100% passion.
And the number one film of the year...drum roll please:
1. Match Point Talk about intellectually stimulating. Not once did this film underestimate me as a filmgoer. I was entertained, aroused, and completely immersed into this film. There are twists and turns you can never foresee. What makes this the best film of the year is it's script by Woody Allen. Just see this movie and you'll know why it's number one. It is, quite simply, phenomenal.
Honorable Mentions: Junebug, Hustle and Flow, Wallace and Gromit, War of the Worlds
Worst Films of the Year:
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
1. Syriana
10. *TIE* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. I was so invigorated watching both of these films. Many feel that Sith did not live up to expectations but I was thoroughly impressed and satisfied. The political parallels that the whole Star Wars franchise, especially recent installments, presents us with are fascinating. Take the Emperor for example. It's interesting to note that his rise to power was very similar to that of Adolph Hitler and his establishment of the Third Reich. Not to mention the performance by Ian McDiarmid as Darth Sidious (the emperor) was astounding. He made me want to join the dark side! This is all coming from someone who ISN'T a Star Wars geek, by the way. I just simply enjoyed this film. Harry Potter was just fun and exciting. I never wanted it to end. That's the sign of an entertaining film!
9. Walk the Line There is only one Johnny Cash. Well, there was until I saw Joaquin Phoenix play him. I liked Ray last year. It wasn't one of my favorites. But it was good. Jamie Foxx was good in the film. A little overrated, but good. Joaquin Phoenix is great. As is his little spice in life, Reese Witherspoon, as June Carter (Cash). I was tentative going into this film, not very familiar with Johnny Cash and not very interested either. When I walked out of the film I was still uninterested in Johnny Cash, but I had just seen some amazing performances and a very good story to boot. The performances, however, are what put this film above the rest.
8. Batman Begins Loved this movie! The whole package here is impressive. Great directing, cinematography, acting (nix Katie Holmes), screenplay, EVERYTHING! Had this not been a blockbuster action film about a super hero it would be up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. It's a shame they never honor films like this. As for the films success, Roger Ebert says it best when he explains that action heros are people with problems and issues just like everyone else. When those problems and issues are exploited and analyzed, it makes the film a success. Just like Spiderman and X-men, this is a film that lives up to that success.
7. Brokeback Mountain Good film. Do I understand all the hype surrounding it? No, not really. It's an interesting film and it moves at the pace of a snail who hasn't slept in a week, but it's a good film. After saying all of that, I do have to admit that there is something "haunting" about the film. Not sad really, or tragic, but haunting. There's something about it that just won't go away. I guess that is what makes it such a good film. It has this enigmatic effect on people. You walk out thinking, "what the hell was that all about and why can't I stop thinking about it?" There are many films out there about love denied, and many films out there about gay people. There are even many films out there about gay people whose love is denied. But I think this is the first one I have ever seen that does it on such a profound and epic level. Beautiful cinematography.
6. Crash I have had two people in the last week tell me they didn't like this movie because they had to think. I don't really understand this because this film seemed pretty straight forward to me. Go see Syriana if you really want to know what it's like to think in the movie theatre. Actually, I take that back, don't see Syriana...it's horrible. The racial struggles and parallels in this film (back to Crash) were clever and intriguing. It wasn't quite satire, but might it be considered a reality satire? Sorta like reality TV meets satirical prose? Crash was intelligent and compelling. Flawed? Perhaps a little. But you can find flaws in every film on this list.
5. Capote Like Walk the Line this is a film that thrives on its performances, especially that of Phillip Seymour Hoffman. We've all heard the well deserved hype that says how phenomenal he is as Truman Capote, the flamboyant writer of "In Cold Blood". Watch the scene wear he talks about how he is made fun of because of the way he talks. Notice his eyes in the scene. That is brilliant acting. Watch the scene wear he has to witness the execution of his "friend". Notice his eyes in the scene. That is brilliant acting. This is also a good script. It is one that takes Capote's novel and flips it on it's end and analyzes it from a whole different view point. That's clever writing. I have never been a fan of Phillip Seymour Hoffman but he deserves all the praise he receives for this role...plus more.
4. History Of Violence. I'm a sucker for violence. I love horror movies and the stimulant it provides me when I see a dumb blonde chased down with a chainsaw. That may sound sick, but I'm not alone...if I were, Hollywood wouldn't consider horror movies a "sure bet", meaning there is not a risk in making them because they will turn a profit because people love them and the stimulant they provide. History of Violence is NOT a horror movie...not in a literal sense anyways. It is, however, horrifying. Watch the film and take the time to analyze the opening sequence where two criminals are leaving a hotel. Hear the music and watch the careful direction and say to yourself...this is what makes a great film. Do that 20 times and then you will understand my concept of a "great film". Perhaps we are on the same page. If not, then maybe doing this will enlighten you. This movie takes risks and exposes our darker fears as mere tips of the iceberg. It makes us ask whether we really know someone or not. Is it possible that my best friend is a serial killer. This film seems to think so.
3. Munich This movie was pure entertainment at it's best. A person once asked me if films have to entertain you to be successful. My response was of course they do. All of the films on this list were entertaining to me on some level. Some of them may have been a little more cerebral than others. I wouldn't put "Brokeback Mountain" and "Harry Potter", for instance, in the same basket as being equally intellectually fulfilling. But if a film doesn't entertain me on some level then I can't enjoy it. I think many people confuse entertainment with education. They CAN be one in the same, believe it or not. You can have fun learning. It IS possible. That is the magic of Steven Spielberg. He can entertain you with his unique and amazing direction but then the next minute you realize that you just learned something. Steven Spielberg has mastered the technique of teaching and entertaining without anyone even noticing. Munich is full proof of that. This was one of the most underrated films of the year. It deserved more praise for it's acting also.
2. King Kong Epic Peter Jackson. You fall in love with a monkey you're meant to hate. I watched the 1933 version recently and it is revelatory. You realize how much has changed in our society and in film since the original film was released. It is sort of like comparing something by Bach in the Baroque period to something by Brahms in the Romantic period. The piece by both Bach and Brahms were entertaining, especially during their time, but the piece by Bach is more technical and concrete, somewhat cold and experimental; where as the piece by Brahms is perfected, passionate and free spirited (yet it is also an extension of the influence by the Bach piece). That may be a flawed analogy but it helps to illustrate my point. King Kong is 100% passion.
And the number one film of the year...drum roll please:
1. Match Point Talk about intellectually stimulating. Not once did this film underestimate me as a filmgoer. I was entertained, aroused, and completely immersed into this film. There are twists and turns you can never foresee. What makes this the best film of the year is it's script by Woody Allen. Just see this movie and you'll know why it's number one. It is, quite simply, phenomenal.
Honorable Mentions: Junebug, Hustle and Flow, Wallace and Gromit, War of the Worlds
Worst Films of the Year:
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
1. Syriana
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