With Christian Bale celebrating his 36th birthday on the 30th, and with Mel Gibson’s new movie Edge of Darkness coming out on the 29th, it’s time to name Hollywood’s biggest a-holes. A list made entirely of douchebags. 10 people we could all do without. Try to imagine the cinematic scenery without these real life villains, wouldn’t it be much nicer?
Almost the most annoying person alive. During the entire movie Into the Wild, I was hoping he would just stay there, live in the desert and stop acting. Sadly for me, the opposite happened and the movie’s success earned him bigger movie roles. His next movie due in 2011 is Hamlet. When the phrase “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” is heard, they will be speaking about Emile Hirsch.
He can take his romantic comedies and shove them up his dimples. When my sister developed a crush on him, she was banned from the family until she sobered up and understood that he is the male equivalent of Sarah Jessica Parker.
Nepotism is “favoritism granted to relatives or friends, without regard to their merit.” Is there one person in the world who thinks Tori Spelling got her acting roles because of her talent and not her last name? She also released an autobiography. If you’re Winston Churchill, that’s okay; if you’re Tori Spelling, it’s not.
So his hair went grey at a very young age. It’s no reason to keep giving him movie roles just out of pity. Also, as someone who cares about animal rights, I don’t particularly approve of his fondness for gerbils.
He never made me laugh. Not once. In Frasier he might have came remotely close, but in Back To You and Hank he just made me sad. Looks like an accountant, and it’s a shame he isn’t one.
In 1987’s Empire of the Sun, when he was only 12, we could already see that he was a spoiled, annoying little diva. And in recent years we read about him getting arrested after attacking his own mother! And that he screamed, shouted and just freaked out on the set of Terminator 4. A real American Psycho. I think it’s the extreme changes in his outward appearance (in the Machinist he was skinny as Andy Dick, than he gained weight for Batman and lost it again for Rescue Dawn) that cause that kind of behavior.
With each passing year we grow to like Mel Gisbson less and less. First we learned he was “just” an alcoholic, then an anti-Semitic alcoholic, and then a homophobic, anti-Semitic alcoholic. What are we going to find out about him next? Maybe that he also hates babies…
Have you heard of the Sundance Toxic Buzz Syndrome? Maybe not, since I made it up – but in my experience, it’s a real phenomenon.
There’s no arguing that Sundance has contributed a lot to independent cinema. Still, the festival tends to overhype its line-up and winners. Winners at every festival sometimes fail to deliver on their promise. Yet Sundance seems to have perfected the art of the misleading buzz. This serves producers who cut dreamy distribution deals for low-cost titles. But viewers, and mostly buyers, should beware.
The after-Sundance-reality is that only a few buzzed titles, and even festival winners, nab a domestic distribution. Some live up to their buzz until the subsequent Berlin Film Festival, where they might sell internationally. After a long festival run, it can take a year or more for their domestic and international releases. Only a handful will ever top a few million at the box office.
By way of example, here is the harvest of just 8 titles from 2004, when I was a buyer.
Click to enlarge:
The big winner of 2004, Primer was a great deal for the producer. However, the box office (B/O) figure is very small; buyers and viewers expected more.
Another aspect of the Syndrome: the movie was a one-time success. Its director, Shane Carruth, hasn’t made any films since.
The documentary Tarnation cost a ridiculous $213K to edit (although its images and videos are the result of 20 years work). Its director completed another documentary in 2009, which didn’t gain a commercial distribution.
Napoleon Dynamite’s hyper-buzz was followed by a fierce bidding war between Fox Searchlight and WB Independent. Fox won, paying almost 8 times the movie’s budget for domestic rights. The movie succeeded mainly in the U.S. Considered crazy by many industry professionals, Fox’ deal eventually proved worthwhile.
In a rare cooperation, Garden State was sold to Fox Searchlight and Miramax for double its budget. Unlike Napoleon, the wisdom of this deal is arguable. Garden State was better received in the US than internationally, probably enjoying the star-power of its director, Scrubs’ lead Zach Braff – who hasn’t yet directed another feature.
First presented at the Hamptons International Film Festival, Open Water was bought for 20 times its budget only after screening at Sundance. Interesting, distribution rights were bought by a non-studio, Lionsgate. (A buyer at the time, I acquired rights for my territory.) Its international performance wasn’t bad for a horror flick, but probably didn’t justify the prices paid for rights. And the director was a one-time success.
If there were movie sales-and-marketing schools, The Woodsman (starring real-life couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick) would be a great study case. Following a bidding war among six companies, the producers closed a deal with Newmarket, a hot distribution outfit back then after the successful release of Monster, another indie with a tough subject (as well as Memento, Donnie Darko, Whale Rider, and others). While domestic rights were acquired for less than the movie’s budget, it still seemed astonishing to pay such a sum for a movie about a pedophile. At the Berlin Film Festival, the buzz continued with packed screenings and an international bidding war. As a buyer, I found myself competing rights with almost all my competitors. How did it all end? The movie failed everywhere. Moreover, director Nicole Kassell only now, nearly 7 years later, starts shooting her next feature, Earthbound.
With Maria Full of Grace, domestic distribution wasn’t negotiable. The buzz affected international sales – and considering the box office results, didn’t justify the mayhem. The director, Joshua Marston, has since directed a few TV episodes and a chapter in N.Y. I Love You.
Why is Sundance home to Toxic Buzz? Festivals like Cannes and Berlin showcase more titles, so perhaps the flops are less prominent. As well, moviegoers and critics are mostly uninvolved in the big markets that are held alongside those festivals. And unlike Cannes or Venice, which usually feature titles from established directors and actors, at Sundance the buzzed titles are the works of little-known directors. So if a film fails, it flops completely; no star power to minimize the damage. Then there are the interests involved: For indie filmmakers, domestic and international sales represent profit regardless of box office performance. And for festivals and studios, discovering the next hot indie – successful or not – brings prestige.
Having said all that, the search for the next promising work will never cease to excite and thrill. Adding to the anticipation, the festival has an intriguing new initiative this year, Sundance Film Festival USA: On January 28, the festival is sending eight filmmakers to eight cities across the U.S. to screen and discuss direct-from-festival films with audiences.
Just a few days away from the ceremony, the nominees are finally published so we can make our bets. Here’s who we think should win vs. who will probably win, since the judges aren’t as wise as we are. In light of the many differences, we can only ask the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA): Please surprise us!
Best Motion Picture, Drama
Should Win:Inglourious Basterds Will Win:Avatar
The one movie that really “got to me” this year was Inglourious Basterds. It’s captivating, intellectual, funny and horrifying all at once. However, the HFPA tends to go with current hype, which in this case is Avatar. Its incredible commercial success, along with constant discussion among critics and viewers alike, makes it likely to be the big winner at the 2010 Golden Globes.
Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Should Win:(500) Days of Summer Will Win:Nine
A couple months ago I would have chosen Nine as the definite winner in this category. It’s a stylish musical full of big names and lavish costumes - a kind of movie the HFPA really loves. But then the movie was released to very mediocre reviews and a disappointing box office, and the race reopened.
Should Win:Quentin Tarantino Will Win:Kathryn Bigelow
The real fight here is between ex-husband-and-wife James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow. On one side the huge-budget, high-grossing, eye-popping IMAX visuals of Avatar. On the other side the indie Hurt Locker, which was released over a year ago at the 2008 Venice Film Festival and has gained critical recognition ever since. I believe in this case the smaller film will win, though personally I would choose Quentin Tarantino over any of them.
Her performance in An Education gained her attention many actresses do not achieve in years. Critics have wondered whether she is the new Audrey Hepburn or the new Kate Winslet. Now she has the chance to prove she’s not just another star that will fade as fast as it appeared.
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy
Should Win:Robert Downey Jr. Will Win:Daniel Day-Lewis
It’s true: Sherlock Holmes wasn’t the really great movie it could have been. But it was still fun and entertaining, and the character of Sherlock himself, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., was hilarious, proving once again that Downey Jr. is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. Will it help him get the Golden Globe (especially after no awarding recognition for his previous hilarious comic effort in Tropic Thunder)? I believe not. The HFPA would probably announce the more popular vote of Daniel Day-Lewis as the winner.
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy
Should win:Sandra Bullock Will Win:Meryl Streep
Okay, okay, I know I’m in the minority here. And I don’t really think Sandra Bullock is a better actress than Meryl Streep. But come on - Bullock has pulled off an amazing comeback. She starred in two of the most successful films of the year: the surprisingly successful rom-com The Proposal and the tearjerkerker The Blind Side. Besides, Meryl Streep already has enough Golden Globes (six, to be exact) and I’m sure she would gladly give this one up in favor of finally grabbing the Oscar after twenty-eight years…
Best Animated Feature Film
Should Win:Coraline Will Win:Up
Pixar, Pixar, Pixar, bla bla bla. It’s pointless to even talk about this award. In the few years this award has existed (from 2006) Pixar has always won - even with mediocre films like Cars. So there’s no reason to think Up will be any different - it’s highly acclaimed and loved worldwide.
For a while there was talk of The Princess and the Frog winning, in some sort of tribute to good-old 2D animation, but so far the reviews aren’t glowing enough and the box office is slightly disappointing.
Of course the real winner in my opinion should have been Coraline - amazing animation combined with a compelling story that is more suitable for adults than for small children.
Best Foreign Language Film
Should Win:The White Ribbon Will Win:The White Ribbon
This film won the big prize at the last Cannes Film Festival, and it will probably win both the Golden Globe and the Oscar. Its controversial director, Michael Haneke, returns with a stylish black-and-white film depicting the strange events in a small German village before WWI. Haneke’s famous penchant for violence is somewhat restrained here, but the atmosphere is intense, chilling and eerie just the same.
Best Television Series - Drama
Should Win:House M.D. Will Win:True Blood
The last three picks for best drama series makes me want to confiscate the Golden Globes - Mad Men two years in a row, and Grey’s Anatomy the year before that! It’s nothing less than shameful that House M.D. - a true masterpiece - has never won an Emmy or a Golden Globe for best drama series. Now, already in its sixth season, it’s time for the voters to redeem themselves from their past sins (and follow Jinni’s People’s Choice Awards results) and give the award for best drama series to House.
P.S. If not House, then Dexter.
P.S.S. If not Dexter, then True Blood.
P.S.S.S. But it really should be House.
Best Television Series, Comedy Or Musical
Should Win:The Office Will Win:30 Rock
The last two picks for best comedy series gave me hope for this year. In 2009, 30 Rock won, and in 2008 the excellent Extras. If the positive direction continues, it should be The Office this year. The British original won in 2003, and it’s time to honor the equally great American version. What scares me is that Ugly Betty won in 2007, and Desperate Housewives won in both 2005 and 2006, so the HFPA don’t always make the best decisions on this score. Modern Family is a good series, but describing it as one of the best of the decade (as many did) is over-praise. Glee is great for teen girls, but it’s not on the caliber of 30 Rock and The Office.
Do you think our predictions are completely off? Do you think (or wish…?) for Avatar to be the biggest loser in this ceremony? Comment and let us know!
A couple weeks ago we asked you to rate your top 10 movies or TV shows of the passing decade, and name its worst title, as well as best actor or actress and director. Some of the results were big surprises, some predictable. Here they are, with observations afterward.
6 TV shows! Only one major Oscar winner; # 7 is one of the most overlooked, underrated movies of the decade. And Six Feet Under deserves the credit (and we wish all shows would end so gracefully at their peak).
This certainly was his decade. Eastwood directs with the energy of someone half his age, and his powerful, captivating works just get better and better.
We can’t suppress a smile. As popular as it is (the show and now the movie franchise), the reactions it provokes are always extreme – love or hate.
Some interesting observations…
1.TV shows rule! They were very dominant this decade – it seems we identify more with shows than with movies. We can also note (gladly) that despite the flurry of reality shows, none made the list.
2.Affirmative action for women? People, were there no actresses this decade? No women directors? Their absence is very noticeable. Here’s a reminder of their existence:
3. Oscars guarantee… nothing
Big Oscar winners didn’t make top 10 – Slumdog Millionaire, The Departed, Gladiator and more.
So what will be the talk of 2010? We spot several trends in this year’s upcoming releases:
The 80s Revival: It crept back into fashion, it crept back into music and now it returns to the movies – you will not be able to escape 80s remakes or sequels this year. We’ve got the movie based on the TV show The A-Team, the remakes of Karate Kid, Footloose and Nightmare on Elm Street, and the sequels to Tron, Wall Street and Predator. What is it about that infamous decade…?
Unusual Superheroes and Super-Villains: 2010 takes the trend of flawed superheroes one step further with movies like The Green Hornet, which features Seth Rogen as the superhero, and Kick-Ass, a black comedy about a teen without any special powers who decides to become a superhero. Also coming up are super-villain films like Despicable Me and Megamind.
So here are our 10 most anticipated films of the upcoming year (by release date):
1. Shutter Island (Feb 19 2010) Scorsese’s new film was pushed from the awards season of 2009 to the beginning of 2010, but that hasn’t lowered fans’ expectations – on the contrary. Scorsese reunites with his favorite actor Leonardo DiCaprio, this time for a period thriller set in the 50s. The trailer shows horror and supernatural themes - somewhat new to Scorsese’s work - in what looks like a combination of Changeling and The Shining…
2. Alice in Wonderland (Mar 5 2010) Every new Burton film is a celebration for cinema lovers, and this take on Lewis Carroll’s classic is no different. It seems like Carroll’s crazy, nonsensical world will fit perfectly with Burton’s vision of twisted, fantastic images, full of magnificent colors and quirky characters. The usual Burton cast of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter is rounded out here with names like Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman and Christopher Lee.
This is also Burton’s first attempt with 3D, which is supposed to enhance the vivid eccentricity of the wonderland. Perhaps this will be 2010’s take on the trend in movies expressing a preference for living in virtual reality or dream, as Slashfilm recently considered.
A US army officer (Damon) is sent to search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq but instead reveals an elaborate US cover up. Some say the movie is too “Jason Bourne in Iraq.” But I say – what’s wrong with that? There’s no need to fix what isn’t broken, as Bourne fans will surely agree, and the trailer definitely shows the action sequences and realistic filmmaking that characterize Greengrass’s other works.
On one hand, it’s alarming that a supposedly original and daring director tries a sequel (and most sequels do not outdo their predecessors). On the other hand, the topic is timely.
Stone managed to recruit Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen from the original film, and added rising stars like Shia LeBeouf, Carey Mulligan and Josh Brolin. Will Stone get a fresh start in 2010? As a trailer was not yet released, we can only hope for the best.
5. Iron Man 2 (May 7 2010)
The first Iron Man was one of the most successful films of 2008, both financially and critically, second only to The Dark Knight. A fresh superhero take in terms of plot and casting, it was fun, light and fast-paced, yet with a well-delivered contemporary message.
The question now is whether the sequel will succeed in keeping this “feel” or will become more like other superhero films: too serious, too full of clichés. The trailer looks as fun as the first. Strengthening these prospects are the new additions to the already stellar cast: say welcome to Mickey Rourke and Scarlett Johansson - in a tight black suite (let’s hope she won’t follow in the footsteps of Halle Berry and Michelle Pfeiffer).
6. Robin Hood (May 14 2010) Gladiator’s effect hasn’t worn off for Ridley Scott, and despite the failure of his latest medieval epic (Kingdom of Heaven) he’s yet again trying his luck - with no other than the classic and extensively adapted vigilante tale.
However, this time it seems lessons were learned: The script was re-written several times, and Russell Crowe, Scott’s collaborator from Gladiator, is in the lead role. With actors like Cate Blanchett and William Hurt at his side, it’s no wonder this film is highly anticipated.
The recently released trailer reveals what will hopefully be an action-packed, thrilling film. More like Gladiator, less like Kingdom of Heaven. But will it outdo the successful Kevin Costner – Morgan Freemanadaptation?
7. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (May 28 2010)
Sword fights, evil wizards, breathtaking special effects – all these and more await us in adaptation of the beloved video game Prince of Persia. This is the movie Disney Studios hopes will become the next Pirates of the Caribbean. Aimed at teen audiences, stuffed with thrills and action, starring good-looking actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton, the movies still stays within the safe borders of PG-13.
Director Mike Newell formerly directed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is considered one of the best Harry Potter films, and his vision of a fantastic world of magic and mystery looks very promising in the trailer.
8. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30 2010) New Moon made an astonishing $664 million despite its (relatively) medium-sized budget of $50 million. Its opening day gross was the highest ever recorded, even higher than The Dark Knight.
All eyes are now on director David Slade, who will replace New Moon’s director Chris Weitz. Will he be able to recreate those amazing box office results, or was it a one-time trick? Remaining in the leading roles are every-teenage-girl-fantasy Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
9. Inception (July 16 2010)
With the success of The Dark Knight, many expected Chris Nolan to “catch the wave” and continue for a third batman-franchise film. But Nolan, who is known for being a filmmaker always in search of new challenges, chose to do Inception instead.
Inception is probably the most mysterious project of the year - which of course heightens the anticipation. No real plot details are known, and the trailers are intriguing without being revealing. But with such a crew (same cinematographer, composer, editor and of course director as The Dark Knight) and cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Caine) this film promises to be worth watching, at least.
Does the plot really matter? My guess is that it’ll include violence, fighting, shooting and explosions.
If any of you is anticipating – heaven forfend – a lesser-known indie or foreign film, or if you have any additions to, or criticism of, the list above, comment and let us know! And as a complement, you might check out Get the Big Picture on the worst movie of 2010.
