The Film Fatales' Post-Oscar WrapUp

elizabeth: So now that all the Oscars have been given out and Advils have been popped all over Hollywood, let us take a look at how the Film Fatales did with their predictions. Considering that we have been authorities for only one month, I must say we did as well as some guy sitting in his baralounger with beer in hand. But we have better shoes and come with attitude.

Here is my Oscar high and low: Host Billy Crystal – he was marvelous and set the mood. I am dying to ask him if George Clooney is a good kisser (if you missed the beginning of the broadcast…). Jennifer Lopez’s nipple coming out at the Oscars to say, “You’re going to Hollywood.” I think the networks left out the world news today so they could concentrate on a nipple gone bad last night.

And I think it is safe to say that France will never invade the U.S. after The Artist won so many Oscars. I mean, they might try, but it won’t be really heartfelt.

Nicole: Well, like every Oscar broadcast that preceded it, it was excruciatingly long. I always have felt that since there are two Oscar ceremonies (the Technical ceremony falls just before the one that airs worldwide) they should throw a few more categories into that one and cut it all short by an hour.

I did like Billy – at some points. Not all the way through. The filmed portion at the beginning is always something to look forward to and didn’t disappoint this time around. But that song and dance routine – ugh, I could have done without it.

As for Angelina’s boney protrusion, ahem, leg and JLo’s potential nip-slip – we saw entirely too much skin last night.

Best Picture: “The Artist”

elizabeth: Got it right. High five. I look forward to all movies being filmed in black and white. And car chases without sound will never catch on. Merci beaucoup France.

Nicole: I hedged, being very noncommittal. But I’m not at all surprised it won. 

Best Actor: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"

elizabeth: I was a little surprised because I thought George was going to win. Surprised but not disappointed. The way I look at it is that both men said so much without saying a word and that just shows how talented they both are.

Nicole: Hedged again, and again not surprised. Halfway through the award season, it became less about George and all about Jean. (George, you had me at ugly Hawaiian shirt. We’ll always have Maui.)

 

Best Actres: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"

elizabeth: I adore Meryl Streep and she can do no wrong (Okay, there is Mama Mia, but she did sleep with Colin Firth based on the storyline so I can forgive her for that movie). I really wanted Viola Davis to win because her Aibileen taught us about courage and getting out of your comfort zone in order to right some wrongs in our world. Call me an old flower child (no, don’t), but we need those reminders and Viola was just brilliant in her portrayal of a maid in this country in the 1960s.

Nicole:  Gotta love Colin Firth – one of my favorite moments from last night’s broadcast. Love, love, love a cheeky British man. (Don’t worry, Cassidy – I won’t fight you for him.) I have to say, I’m really glad Streep won. Having seen both performances, I gotta say Streep’s was so much more nuanced and demanding. As great as Viola was, Streep was better.

Best Supporting Actor:  Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"

elizabeth: We called it. This has got to stop.

Nicole: ‘cause we’re that good. 

Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

elizabeth: Two rights don’t make a wrong. But for us to agree on the winners for both supporting actors just seems so wrong. Why don’t you come over for some pie. I’m baking.

Nicole: I will not be having any pie at your house – ever. But kudos to Octavia. Well deserved!

Best Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"

elizabeth:  Oh, Marty, Marty, Marty. I really wanted you to win so I could show you that you can make movies without excessive killing and violence. Now it only means that you will go back to shooting up the screen with DeNiro and Pesci. Send them my love. I don’t want to start any family feuds right now. And kudos to Michel Hazanavicius for being so damn clever and making a B&W silent film. Now how do you say your last name?

Nicole: I was hoping for Marty, too. But last night was tres viva la France and you know what they say: Cest la vie!

Live Blogging the 2012 Oscars Red Carpet

It’s finally here – Hollywood’s biggest night. In other words, our Superbowl. Join us as we live blog the 84^th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet. Remember, KEEP REFRESHING! ‘Cause we’ll be adding more content to the post during the entire Oscar pre-show. 

Berenice Bejo. The Artist.

Nicole: I’m a sucker for a sequined gown, and while this is very pretty – there’s something about the neckline/sleeve detail that’s just not doing it for me. I do like the vaguely greenish hue, but the hair and styling is allllll wrong.

elizabeth: I happen to like this gown because I don’t expect to see this on anyone else. The close-up detail is beautiful and the color is soothing. I think the hair should have been down and loose and she shouldn’t come to the Oscars looking like Carrot Top’s sister.

Shailene Wooley. The Descendants.

Nicole: I love this dress, mainly because of how reminiscent it is of the ‘30s and ‘40s. But, since she’s so young – it’s aging her. She probably should have gone with a younger silhouette.

elizabeth: For a 20-year-old this is just perfect. She is too young to be laden down in sequins or plunging necklines. I think she is channeling the 1960s and I miss that decade.

Melissa McCarthy. Bridesmaids.

Nicole: Ok, Cassidy – simmer down. We all know how you feel about THE BRIDESMAIDS. I’m not completely sold on this red carpet look for Melissa. It’s not the style of the dress, it’s the color. It washes her out a bit.

elizabeth: Now, I thought she was quite funny in a movie that otherwise was offensive, but now I have something else to hate – this gown. The color and style make her look like she shops in Plus Sized Girls Are Not Allowed to be Sexy and she deserves better. The sleeves should be ripped off. That would be a good start.

Jessica Chastain. The Help.

Nicole: The second I saw this, I said: McQueen. As much as I love Alexander McQueen, he’s hard to wear (unless you’re Charlize Theron – that broad can wear anything and look like a million bucks). This dress really overpowers Chastain’s tiny frame. And the color is also overwhelming against her complexion.

elizabeth:  It looks like she is channeling her inner goth and I love it. It was a delight to see her walk in the gown. I didn’t know Steve McQueen dabbled in fashion.

George Clooney. The Descendants.

Nicole: George "My Heart Just Skipped a Beat" Clooney looking fab, as always, in Armani. And his living statuette Stacey Kiebler in Marchesa. (Every time I type her name, I want a friggin' cookie. Dammit!)

Glenn Close. Albert Nobbs.

Nicole: Eh. I've seen this look a million times -- especially on her. *Yawn*

Michelle Williams. My Week with Marilyn. 

Nicole: She's wearing Louis Vuitton. He should stick to bags. Again, I've seen this look on her before. I'm tired of it. The reddish color, the bold red lip, and enough with that pixie cut already. Do something new already! Sheesh.

Octavia Spencer. The Help.

Nicole: Octavia went to her go-to designer, Tadashi Soji, and again we have a fab look. That label really knows how to dress and flatter her figure. Just gorgeous. Definitely on the Best Dressed list.

Rooney Mara. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Nicole: Finally, she's not wearing something harshly black. But this white Givenchy ain't no better. She just can't get it right. Yeah, I said it, billionairess or not. She needs to fire her stylist -- STAT!

 Viola Davis. The Help.

Nicole: I wish she'd picked any one of her other award show looks for the Oscars instead of this. While really daring in Vera Wang, I'm just not loving the color or styling on her.

Emma Stone. The Help.

Nicole: This might be my favorite look of the evening. Emma rarely does anything wrong on the red carpet, which is pretty amazing -- considering how young she is. Her style is so well defined. This red Giambattista Valli dress is reminiscent of one Nicole Kidman wore some years back, but Emma's workin' it.

The Film Fatales Oscar Picks: 2012

The 84th Annual Academy Awards
Live, Sunday February 26th, on ABC

Nicole: It’s almost Oscar time. Before we don our flowing Marchesa gowns and strap on our 6-inch Manolos, we thought we’d weigh in on the list of nominees. Here are our thoughts, comments and rants regarding this Sunday night’s 2012 Academy Awards. (Buckle up – it’s going to be a bumpy ride ;)

elizabeth: While Nicole is dazzling us all with her big designer names (and spelling does count), I will be sitting around with my favorite accessory – a box of the finest red wine I can find for under $8.00.

Nicole: Never let it go unsaid – you are one classy broad.

Best Picture:

"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse" 

Nicole: I can’t say for certain here, mostly because you stole my crystal ball. (I want that back, Cassidy. And the Fendi purse I lent you.) Am thinking this category could go to any one of these three films: THE ARTIST, THE DESCENDANTS and THE HELP. Right this moment, I’m leaning toward THE ARTIST. Ask me tomorrow…

elizabeth: Fendi purse? I don’t recall them doing a SpongeBob line. This is a tough call for me because I have not seen them all. And I call myself a Film Fatale? Yes, I do. For about three weeks. Okay, here goes. I am thinking the Academy voters might fool us all and go for something out of the ordinary this year. So I am going to say THE ARTIST. And you know if it wins, all movies coming out in 2013 will be silent and filmed in black and white. 2013 could be the year without one car chase or alien invasion. YES!!

Best Actor:

Demian Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Gary Oldman, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

Nicole: See, again – if you’d asked me before the SAGs and BAFTAs, I would have conclusively said Clooney, but now I’m going with Jean Dujardin (mainly because I just love saying Jean Dujardin).

elizabeth: I am going to say Colin Firth for his role in TINKER,TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY. I don’t give a damn that he wasn’t nominated. I got to stay on his good side.

Nicole: I’m surprised you didn’t say Javier Bardem. Well, I’m all good – ‘cause Clooney got the nod. Man sure does look fine in a tux.

Best Actress:

Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week with Marilyn"

Nicole: And, yet again, I would have said Meryl Streep – but Viola Davis is a strong contender here. The preceding award shows have virtually been split between these actresses, so there’s no real predictor here. Frankly, I’d be pleased with either actress. Streep’s portrayal of Thatcher was in-friggin’-credible in an otherwise problematic biopic. And Davis was genius as Aibileen – the scene when she describes her son’s passing alone warrants an Oscar.

elizabeth: I think Viola Davis deserves the Oscar. Her character, Aibileen, told a story about a despicable time in America while she kept her dignity intact and taught us a lesson about ourselves.

Best Supporting Actor:

Kenneth Branagh, "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Max von Sydow, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Nicole: Though I’ve yet to see his performance, the favorite and obvious choice here is Christopher Plummer – I’m guessing mainly for his body of work and not this particular role. I would have like to see Branagh win a trophy, but his time will come.

elizabeth: I am feeling a little nauseous. I agree with you. Let’s keep this between us.

Nicole: I hate it when we agree.

Best Supporting Actress:

Berenice Bejo, "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

Nicole: Do we even have to argue here: OCTAVIA! No doubt about it. And she deserves it every which way but loose. Incredible performance by a really talented actress.

elizabeth: I know a lot of people would like to see a comedic actress like Melissa McCarthy win, but BRIDEMAIDS made me want to shower over and over again. So maybe we have to wait until they do a funny movie about women that does not have to depend on men’s bathroom humor. I can’t see anyone but Octavia Spencer winning. She richly deserves it.

Nicole: Oooh, our first argument! I loved BRIDESMAIDS and regardless of the fact that McCarthy took a dump in a sink – her performance was heeeee-larious. So there. The Academy rarely nominates comedies (which is crap, btw). They should have a separate category for comedies, like the Globes do.

Best Directing:

Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

Nicole: While MIDNIGHT IN PARIS was easily my favorite movie of 2012, there’s no way Woody’s love letter to the city of light stands a chance at winning the Oscar this year. This is a three-way tie in my estimation: Hazanavicius, Payne and Scorcese. From what I can tell, HUGO was a feat of epic proportions and Scorcese outdid himself, so I’m kind of pulling for him. But this can go anyway between THE ARTIST, THE DESCENDANTS and HUGO.

elizabeth: Nicole, could you please make up your mind? Number One – Woody is from the east coast, so they won’t give the Oscar to him again. So I am going to go with another short man, Martin Scorsese. HUGO is a visual masterpiece and Joe Pesci did not have to bury anyone. In fact, he is not even in the movie. I also like the idea that Marty took a chance and moved far out of his comfort zone and made a movie for the family and I don’t mean the Gottis or Gambinos. (FYI- I am writing this review from a safe house.)

Nicole: Hmm, all valid points. I hate it when you make sense. Luckily, it only happens on rare occasions. ;) Just kidding. Sorta. See you Sunday, FF.

THE HELP

(2011) Rated PG-13. 146 minutes. Starring: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain, Cicely Tyson. Directed by Tate Taylor.

Academy Award® Nominee

Best Picture, Best Actress (Viola Davis), Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Chastain & Octavia Spencer)

In 1960s Mississippi, a young journalist (Emma Stone) decides to write a book about the black maids who have spent their lives taking care of white children. As the best friend of one of the employers (Bryce Dallas Howard), she faces the risk of being shunned by her society friends--all of whom have servants—when she gathers the courage to participate in a secret literary project. (Adapted from the Kathryn Stockett novel.) 


elizabeth: As a child of the ‘60s, I remember watching on a grainy B&W TV men and women being refused service at a diner, men marching and carrying signs that said: “I am a Man.” I learned that all of these hard working men and women were forced to use separate bathrooms from the white people who made up the laws to suit their bigoted brains. Up north I don’t remember seeing this first hand, but it made such an impression on me and shamed me as a white child living in this country.

I read Kathryn Sockett’s THE HELP a few weeks before the movie came out. I am always curious to see if a film can live up to the book or surpass it. Ms. Stockett’s novel is such a compelling read about America’s unjust and immoral treatment toward a lot of its citizens. We need to revisit it and feel our shame boil up again. THE HELP needed to be written and needed to be made into a movie. 

Nicole: I agree wholeheartedly that this is a movie that needed to be made – a story that needed to be told. It’s pretty certain that many people, especially younger ones, were not even aware that things like this happened. But the harsh reality is – relatively not long ago – America was a very different place.

In school, I learned about segregation and the civil rights movement, but that education only covered so much. What THE HELP does is provide a very telling inside look at a shameful period in our history – unveiling the bitter truths of our culture and politics. Books and movies like this needs to be produced to ensure that we remember and not doom ourselves to repeat history.  

elizabeth: The women in THE HELP are part of one of the finest ensemble of actresses I have ever seen in film. So much of the emotional pull in this movie comes from Minny (Octavia Spencer), who I would never, ever cross, to Aibileen (Viola Davis), whose quiet wisdom  and courage started to change things in that small town in Mississippi. And then there is Skeeter (Emma Stone), a 22-year-old woman who decided that the stories of the maids must be told even if it meant that she would be ostracized by her family and friends. (There are a lot of heroines in this movie. And there are some recipes I would advise against trying.)

I wish I didn’t feel this way, but I don’t think the movie is as strong as the book. Overall, I felt that there were parts that were slow and I know I read the book as if my pants were on fire.

I applaud director Taylor for putting a brilliant cast together and I know this is a very important movie. But I don’t think it is going to go win the Best Movie Oscar. But that is okay. The story stays with you and makes you think and rethink your feelings on a number of topics. So it does win my respect.

I do think Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer could take the gilded guy home. Their performances are unforgettable. 

Nicole: I so need Minny’s recipe for Chocolate Cream Pie – there’s quite a few people I’d love to serve a slice or two to. 

For me, Octavia Spencer steals the whole movie. As great as Emma, Viola, Jessica and Bryce (the woman you love to hate and hate some more) were – no one can match Octavia’s charisma. From the second she appears on screen, you know you’re going to witness a very special performance. And that’s why she’s been winning every award and will take home the Oscar.


You’re not alone, Cassidy. I’ve heard from many other people who read the book and they too were disappointed in this adaptation. I haven’t read the book, so I don’t have that frame of reference. I do remember thinking it had its slow moments, but the resolution was extremely satisfying and the roles so well acted that it made up for any lags in time.


As for Best Picture – it’s a strong contender simply because of the ensemble work – and that’s likely why it took home the SAG award, edging THE DESCENDANTS out of the competition. But come Oscar night, it’s going to be a tough standoff between THE HELP, THE ARTIST and THE DESCENDANTS. Just maybe, these ladies will be going home with their golden guy. 

 THE FILM FATALES give The Help

 

THE DESCENDANTS

(2011) Rated R. 115 minutes. Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Matthew Lillard, Judy Greer. Directed by Alexander Payne.

The family patriarch struggles to keep his life together after his wife’s life-threatening accident. Suddenly, the “back-up” parent needs to shift gears to become the father – and man – he never thought he could be.

Nicole: Cassidy and I thought: Hey – we like movies, let’s go see one. Simple enough, right? After I stupidly got us lost on the way to not one, but three movie theaters (thanks for the splendid directions Fandango!), we ultimately did make it to see THE DESCENDANTS.

 

Overall, my view about THE DESCENDANTS is that it’s a quiet movie. There are no car chases, no pyrotechnics – it’s a drama that relies on character analysis to hook you in. At its core, it’s an examination of one man’s character as he goes through a major life-changing event: his becoming head of the household, in all respects, after his wife is injured during a boating accident. I won’t ruin the very subtle revelations that take place during his journey, because it’s these life-shattering realizations that drive the movie forward to its tidy, if bittersweet conclusion. Suffice to say, Matt King (Clooney) goes through an emotional hell that affects every aspect of his now-very-complicated life – marriage, fatherhood, career – and he just has to be ready for it, like it or not. How many of us would be able to stand up to his challenges? Few, I’d think. And come out sane afterward, anyway.

elizabeth: Before I start with my two cents, Nicole, can you please fork up the $7.38 I wasted on gas that day? You’re right as always – we can work this out with our lawyers present.

I personally could not fathom anyone ever cheating on George Clooney. But when I saw him in those dad jeans, all bets were off. Then I realized that this actor had left all his charm and likability in the dressing room and became Matt King who suffered much by not being present in his own life. So it would make sense that everything around him would start to implode. And it does. Director Alexander Payne’s selection of actors was brilliant, and I think he waited until each one showed up to auction.

THE DESCENDANTS is about a family in crisis who lives down the block from us. We know them. We could be them. Just so you don’t think that this is as heavy as a Bergman movie, let me assure you that there is humor interlaced throughout. Humor sometimes is a life saver and it was placed perfectly in this story. I can’t say that George ran away with the whole movie because director Payne generously allowed the other actors to shine and in the end this powerful ensemble gave us hope that redemption can sometimes be just a heart wrenching apology away.

And I know this is shallow, but Mr. Clooney showed off some looking great feet in this movie. But see the movie for the fabulous performances.

Nicole: What? You didn’t enjoy the scenic tour of Westbury? Sheesh. Some people are so hard to please.  Annnnnnnnnnnyway, I agree: Who cheats on George Clooney – even if he owns the hugest selection of button-down Hawaiian shirts?

And, you’re right (as much as I hate to admit it): humor thankfully came to the rescue at just the right moments – much like how you turned to me while I was crying during a pivotal scene and said: “Oh, you big baby.” To which, I let out a belly laugh that surely made me look like the most heartless person in the movie theater. And, it’s not just during the heartbreaking moments where Payne delivers comic relief, but during the WTF? moments that occur each time a layer is peeled off the onion revealing just how screwed up Matt’s life has become. And Clooney delivers the performance with Job-like disbelief and endurance. That’s truly what Payne is great at, as he did in Sideways: presenting characters in situations that are at once believable, yet unbelievable – in the sense that: all this cannot be happening to one person. But, sometimes life is just like that, ain’t it? “Troubles come not as single spies, but in battalions.”

Does THE DESCENDANTS deserve all the critical adulation and award nominations it’s been garnering? In some ways I think Payne is a critics’ darling. Let’s face it, he hasn’t made a single flop. So, does that give him an upper hand? Sure. But I do think he coaxed out of Clooney a deservedly award-winning performance. Not so much in the lines he spoke, but in his silent reactions to his unraveling life.

Cassidy, what do you think? Do we have ourselves a Best Picture at the 2012 Oscars, or will The Help steal its thunder, like it did at the SAG Awards? 

elizabeth: I would have loved to have seen Octavia Spencer’s Minny from THE HELP in this movie. She would have slapped some sense back into Matt King (without leaving a mark on dear George’s face). Or baked him one of her infamous cakes.

And you did mention the silent reactions of George’s character that spoke volumes. So Payne ended up doing his version of THE ARTIST? So what move that begins with the word “The” deserves the Oscar? The Way We Were. My bad. Wrong decade. I am going with THE DESCENDANTS. Pssst…George. Call me.

Nicole: You know how difficult it is for me to argue with you, so I will. If THE HELP hadn’t pulled out a win for best ensemble at the SAGs, I’d have said the Oscars would follow suit and keep THE DESCENDANTS’ momentum going. Now, I’m not so sure anymore. I think we have a 50/50 tossup come award night – and the winner will be MONEYBALL, just kidding. Only time will tell.

THE FILM FATALES give The Descendants