Like I thought yesterday, that piece came from someone that... well had a bone to pick with James Gray, and sure enough the truth came out today. Ya see folks, when you're dealing with film there are always a couple of sides to a story. I've heard that Robert Rodriguez screams on his film sets. I was there some 20+ days and always saw him directing and relaxing playing his guitar. A complete 180. But perhaps there was a single incident, or perhaps someone didn't get hired and carried that grudge, but the good that came from yesterday's report are these two reports which seems to indicate that there is something worthwhile in turning our attention towards THE YARDS.... So let's take a look....
You're exactly right about this 'netherworld' fella having a bone to pick against James Gray. He knows not of what he speaks. Perhaps he's unaware of a process known as EDITING. I've seen many different cuts of THE YARDS, and each one has been better than the last. It is on its way to becoming a masterpiece. James is a perfectionist. Heaven forbid that anyone should attempt to be a "serious filmmaker." Heaven forbid a director look up to The Godfather. Maybe everybody should try to make the Waterboy. (If netherworld knew anything about the Yards, he'd realize it bares very little narrative or even aesthetic similarity to the Godfather...except maybe its beautiful, moody lighting.) The movie is a serious work of art, attempting -- and achieving -- emotional levels rarely seem in films, especially American films. The acting will blow you away. (Charlize Theron, almost unrecognizable in black hair and heavy eyeliner, is the biggest revelation.) Caan, Dunaway, and Burstyn haven't been this strong since the 70's, and Wahlberg and Phoenix give by far their strongest performances. Maybe netherworld would rather see Dunaway doing a sequel to Dunsten Checks In. Thanks. EKG.
And this person, is someone that has worked on some Academy nominated films with some other genius-y directors... He does seem to have a problem determining who wrote what last time out though....
I am working with James Gray. He hasn't displayed any "tyrannical screaming", I think he probably does consider himself a "serious filmmaker" (whatever the hell that means ) - And this so called serious movie has some of the best filmmaking I've worked on in twenty years. And - as films go - who wouldn't want to make The Godfather? And no, I don't think James thinks he's making that movie. Of course, you might ask him him just exactly what his thoughts are - but then you seem to know that already. Furthermore, the man is 29 years old, this is his second film, he's a genius and I hate him for that - but he's nothing like you describe.
