Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Directors Guild Of America Does The Expected, Nominates Fincher, Boyle, Nolan, Howard and Van Sant!

Is it real? by Wants Vaders Executor	Jan 8th, 2009 12:42:57 PM
Am I first?
Holy cow! by Wants Vaders Executor	Jan 8th, 2009 12:43:21 PM
Let's get drunk and celebrate this!
I think you are looking at your five Oscar Best Pic/Dir by Sequitur	Jan 8th, 2009 12:43:42 PM
Seems about right...though I was hoping for Wall-E
First first first for the very first time by Wants Vaders Executor	Jan 8th, 2009 12:44:44 PM
Hooray!
The Dark Knight for Producers and now DGA? by skimn	Jan 8th, 2009 12:45:38 PM
If that doesn't lock it in for a best pic nom, I don't know what will.
Van Sandt - Ugh by Mr. Winston	Jan 8th, 2009 12:52:56 PM
I appreciate filmmakers who are willing to try something different with their work, but Gus Van Sandt just sucks. He just sucks. He made MILK in the most boring possible way you could make MILK, and it was his most exciting movie in years. LAST DAYS was akin to watching paint dry in a tropical climate and GERRY is flat-out one of the worst excuses for a "movie" ever. To pretend as though he helped MILK as opposed to hindering it just baffles me.
It's a hard choice to pick one by MontyPigeon	Jan 8th, 2009 12:53:26 PM
I think they will go for Howard or Fincher but I would give it to Boyle. I can't see The Dark Knight getting either Best Picture or Director but it was still one of the best films of the year. Just not the best, in my opinion.
They're all great directors! by pokadoo	Jan 8th, 2009 12:54:59 PM
Except for Ron Howard. Swap him for Aronofsky.
A shame that Button has the marketing muscle behind it by Karl Hungus	Jan 8th, 2009 12:55:38 PM
I sincerely think Fincher is an amazing director. But he deserved an Oscar/Golden Globe/DGA Award/Whatever for Zodiac, not for the mediocre Button. I hope he wins one day but for now, I'm rooting for almost anyone else in this pack.
Is It Really Van SANT? by Mr. Winston	Jan 8th, 2009 12:55:48 PM
I've been spelling it wrong for years. Hmmmmmmmmm. Really? Somehow that makes me like him even less, and that was my fault.
These awards by ArcadianDS	Jan 8th, 2009 01:01:23 PM
are only a few tiers more important than those 'website of the day' awards that were so cool in the early 90s so every tool with a Geocities web page made one.
What by marcomc2	Jan 8th, 2009 01:04:06 PM
about Aronofsky? what the fuck?
nice by Toe Jam	Jan 8th, 2009 01:04:32 PM
seldom do i see a list of nominees in which all five match my own personal picks. this one does.
For me it's Nolan this by zed261	Jan 8th, 2009 01:11:47 PM
year, Quentin next year. Shit, imdb has 3 new pics of INGLORIOUS BASTERDS and they did not even put it on the front page.
Absolutely the best directors... by Fah-Cue	Jan 8th, 2009 01:20:07 PM
... this year. And the last few years. It should absolutely go to Nolan. He did what NO OTHER director could do -- pull off an adult-oriented, action-packed, as realistic as possible version of a great comic book. He actually SHOT some of his film in Imax (not just presenting it in Imax) -- going against the tide of shooting in HD and utilizing the finest resolution on the planet. He worked with the best actors (including Heath -- which originally pissed off a lot of fanboys in here [that's why 99% of the posters in here are NOT filmmakers]). His film was both extremely entertaining and thought-provoking. All you whiners in here can stfu and go play World of Warcraft in yo' momma's basement.
Zodiac is Fincher's best by m_reporter	Jan 8th, 2009 01:22:07 PM
He, and the movie, should have gotten way more recognition last year. I loved Button also, but it cant scrape the dog poo off Zodiac's shoe. Also very glad that TDK is getting all this (deserved) love from the audiences, critics and industry people. Can't believe we got a potential Oscar winner in a superhero movie.
Shit, forgot that it was 2009 already... by m_reporter	Jan 8th, 2009 01:22:56 PM

N . . .o . . . l . . . a . . . n by Nice Marmot	Jan 8th, 2009 01:26:52 PM
Hey, that's not how you spell Aranofsky!
man by theBigWasted	Jan 8th, 2009 01:31:29 PM
can i just say that i really miss moriarity. what happened here? where was harry's sendoff after all these years? this site took a serious blow. on a different note, is it just me or was 2008 one of the worst years for film in recent memory? nothing even comes close to the slate of 07 end of year releases like assasination of jj, there will be blood, no country, michael clayton.
what does Taylor Hackford know about directing? by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Jan 8th, 2009 01:37:02 PM
All he knows is how to slam fine ass old bitches. Helen Mirren.....mmmmmm mmmmmm. You spread those legs and its like opening the fucking briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
TDK is ruining every single superhero from this point on. by Darth_Kaos	Jan 8th, 2009 01:39:07 PM
Everything now has to be like 'TDK'. WB is already in that mode, comparing all productions to it, which I think is a mistake. They pretty much put the hold on all their superhero movies for now. It's a double edge sword. It shows that you can actually make a real super hero movie. (even though TDK had it's flaws) It was still well made. Personally, I think Ironman was better paced and was a bit better than TDK. But now, all things superhero will be compared to it. Even when Nolan's 3rd batman movie comes out it will be compared, and won't match up. If he's smart, he won't direct the next one. The pressure is going to kill him.
So...no one's picking the Wrestler for anything besides actor? by heavenlykid	Jan 8th, 2009 01:40:55 PM
My prediction, The Wrestler will get seven nominations including best picture. B. Button gets more nods but no best picture one. No Guts No Glory.
I agree with m_reporter by AdrianVeidt	Jan 8th, 2009 01:41:05 PM
I think Zodiac is the finest bit of directing out of Fincher. I loved Benjamin Button, but the mood and tone that was set with Zodiac was absolutely perfect, and pretty amazing to pull off the way he did.
Seriously strong line up by thinboyslim.	Jan 8th, 2009 01:45:07 PM
but would of liked to have seen Aronofsky in there probably in place of Van Sant.
Why no furrners? by Boxcutter	Jan 8th, 2009 01:46:41 PM
Really? No non-English speaker made anything worth a damn? Desplechin, Rohmer, Hsiao Hsien, Alfredson, Mungiu, Wong Kar Wai. Loved the opening of Wall-E was 45 minutes of sheer magic and then it was just a message-heavy cartoon, so no Stanton. Nolan's technical achievement and vision were impressive, but the film overall is over-rated. Same with Fincher and Gump Redux - this is a Scorsese-type mistake, great director, wrong work to be nominate. But Aronofsky really should have received a nod for some lovely, subtle, stuff. Redeemed himself as a craftsman after the I LOVE RACHEL debacle. Howard is a by the numbers bore, whatever he does. Yes, he's had some great stories to work with, but can you imagine what a braver, more audacious helmer might have done with them? Moreover, Frost/Nixon is bloated with import and "significance" and self-conscious performances. Boyle: yep, pretty irresistible. Swipe the City of God playbook and a great DP and we sit back and enjoy the ride. Ought to win.
Maybe this will end the WALL-E for Best Picture by Pennsy	Jan 8th, 2009 01:47:25 PM
drumbeat.
3 out of 4 guilds, lookin good by waggy	Jan 8th, 2009 01:49:05 PM
i think i speak for most superhero fans out there when i say a nomination is a win in this case. 10 years ago who would've thought that we'd be in this position today? fingers crossed until they make the announcements.
I'm a big fan of Fincher's eye... by JDanielP	Jan 8th, 2009 01:50:16 PM
...and the wife and I would love to (go) see Fincher's BUTTON, but we've decided to hold off and just purchase it on Blu-ray. But who knows? Maybe we'll go if the opportunity presents itself, if we can find a sitter for date-night. And I think it's fantastic that Nolan is up for this. With THE DARK KNIGHT, he raised the bar. And it's about damn time SOMEONE did. (Now bring on Superman for the follow-up...and continue to prove possible what people can't imagine!)
Sorry, forgot... by Boxcutter	Jan 8th, 2009 01:51:19 PM
Agree with talkbacker who dissed Van Sant: a colorless, unimaginative director, by and large. This is a nom for the subject matter of the movie. Where are Mike Leigh, Jonathan Demme?
Aranofsky!!!! by IAmMrMonkey!	Jan 8th, 2009 01:52:06 PM
Today agree with you Mr. Winston. Get Van Sant the hell out of that list and replace him with someone who actually does have vision, and it would be the perfect list.
of those? Howard or Van andt by j2talk	Jan 8th, 2009 01:53:17 PM

Wall E belongs where it belongs by skimn	Jan 8th, 2009 01:54:19 PM
In the best animated film category. Just like docs go in Best Documentary category. The creation of a fully animated feature is so different from a live action feature, its not talking apples and oranges, its talking apples and screwdrivers.
I'll still never understand how Chicago won by Jor-El23	Jan 8th, 2009 01:54:50 PM
all those awards. Was Hollywood just so enamored with the fact that the movie musical was making a comeback that they heaped all this praise on what was a so-so movie?
tdk by robamenta	Jan 8th, 2009 02:02:11 PM
never have i seen a duller more bloated unimaginative film as TDK
The Wrestler by cineninja	Jan 8th, 2009 02:02:58 PM
is a better movie then all of those listed. Grand Torino is also a better movie. I dont think 'small pictures; get the credit they should. I also think TDK is WAY over rated.
Dannygloversdickblood by ledbowman	Jan 8th, 2009 02:03:28 PM
You shamelessly stole that Pulp Fiction briefcase line from today's idontlikeyouinthatway.com Pitt/Jolie spot, where it was funny. You fucking poser.
Did Youtube go down? by Kirbymanly	Jan 8th, 2009 02:09:37 PM
I can't get on that site. Anyone else notice this?
What about Clint? by SebastianHaff	Jan 8th, 2009 02:20:11 PM
Yeah, Changeling wasn't amazing, but it wasn't any worse than Benjamin Gump. Gran Torino however.... GET OFF MY LAWN. Classic. Acknowledge the man, dammit. That's all I ask.
TDK Oscar chances by m_reporter	Jan 8th, 2009 02:21:31 PM
I think it's safe to say that TDK will get nominated for best director and best picture oscars, the chances to win are rather slim though. So I wondered how the re-release will affect TDK's win chances, if at all?
Gus Vant Sant by kwisatzhaderach	Jan 8th, 2009 02:21:42 PM
will get Best Director. I can't see the Academy giving the Oscar to Fincher, Boyle or Nolan. And Howard has won already.
Shut up now trendy-haters... by MrFloppy	Jan 8th, 2009 02:27:54 PM
Producers, Writers and now Directors... and now you say this awards doesn't count XD XD So funny.
Wall·E > Milk by cifra	Jan 8th, 2009 02:29:36 PM
That's it, I said it. Awards are a game of politics, not of quality.
TDK by ranma627	Jan 8th, 2009 02:32:38 PM
Very glad TDK is getting all this love. It may not be the best of the year but it's definitely my favorite. I would go apeshit if it won the Best Picutre Oscar. I don't want Benjamin Button to win because that one disappointed me. 2008 has been a pretty horrible year for film. All the movies I wanted to love especially The Wrestler and Button were disappointing. Doubt came up short for me, Milk wasn't that great, neither was Frost Nixon, Changeling was too long, Gran Torino had a decent lead performance by Eastwood but absolutely dreadful acting by the supporting cast and horrible direction. Just all across the board a lot of letdowns. My top 5 films so far are: Man On Wire, Boy A, Slumdog Millionaire, The Dark Knight and Walle. I know this was pretty unfocused but that's my take on 2008.
If Gus Vant Sant will win by zed261	Jan 8th, 2009 02:37:36 PM
he should move on with his intended trilogy and finally shoot remake of Psycho 2.
I'd be happy to see any one of these win. by uberman	Jan 8th, 2009 02:45:15 PM
All are good films and good directors and none is a clear favorite. Pretty well balanced list if you ask me.
Why is Van Sant getting so much praise? by iamnicksaicnsn	Jan 8th, 2009 02:45:55 PM
I saw Milk over a week ago, and was not impressed. It wasn't a bad film per say, but I felt it needed a lot more. It was paced too quickly, and everything seemed very easy for Milk. The hardest thing he ever had to overcome was his (Spoiler?) little hispanic boy-toy killing himself. (End spoiler). The movie was way too much tell and not enough show. I also felt like Dan White's story wasn't made clear. Was he an alcoholic? Was he a repressed homosexual? (no one knows now I guess, but they just decided to shoe-horn in that theory for what reason?) Why was his life so bad? And if Van Sant has the gall to bring up the Twinkie Defense (which was never brought up during the trial, but was simply a journalist catch-phrase), why did he only mention it in passing in the epilogue? I did like the underlying political message though, that if you have a cause, and are passionate enough, it doesn't matter if you don't win every election, it's almost better that you don't, so that people get energized and want to back you even more later.
And what's up with Benjamin Button? by iamnicksaicnsn	Jan 8th, 2009 02:55:46 PM
I mean, I love David Fincher as much as the next guy (The Game, Fight Club, Zodiac, Panic Room, Se7en), but this movie didn't feel focused enough. I liked the first half a lot, but the last half meandered somewhat, and had a lot of absurd plot points. If he really loved Cate Blanchett's character, he would have stayed and tried to make the best of it. Why did he become homeless and not have any friends who knew of his condition? It couldn't have just been the dementia. Where did he go after he left her? Did he ever enroll in high school like Twilight? Even those awesome lightning jokes seemed awkwardly placed after the 4th time. But maybe I just saw it with a bad crowd or something.
Slumdog, Frost/Nixon, or Milk? by rhcp2sweet	Jan 8th, 2009 02:55:47 PM
I've seen the other two (loved TDK to death, was extremely disappointed by Button) but which one should I see tonight? Anyone on here seen all three and help me out?
I love Fincher but Brad Pitt sleptwalked through this film. by Stuntcock Mike	Jan 8th, 2009 03:03:19 PM
Cate Blanchett's character was unbearable. Don't get me wrong, they're two of my favorite actors, and Fincher's in my top three favorite directors. I just don't get the hype for this film.
rhcp2sweet.Milk is pretty good. Slumdog is REALLY good. by Stuntcock Mike	Jan 8th, 2009 03:05:03 PM

rhcp2sweet by ranma627	Jan 8th, 2009 03:07:10 PM
Slumdog is the easy choice there. Watch that film and come back here tonight and comment on it. I can guarantee you will love that film.
Button is a shame too by ranma627	Jan 8th, 2009 03:08:28 PM
I adore Fimcher, I think he's the best director working today but it was such a let down after Zodiac, which was easily the best of 07'.
Helen Mirren is a ten on the finger scale. by Stuntcock Mike	Jan 8th, 2009 03:22:35 PM

Jeez, what's with all the Button hate? by JackBauer24	Jan 8th, 2009 03:24:03 PM
and Zodiac love?! I haven't seen BB yet so I can't comment but Zodiac was definitely NOT Fincher's best movie. I mean, it was a lot better than Alien 3 or Panic Room, I'll give you that, but it isn't fit to lick the boots of Seven or Fight Club. I'd put it somewhere near The Game in the ranking of his movies.
Nolan wins it. by SomaShine	Jan 8th, 2009 03:33:31 PM

Regarding Doubt... by Crimson King	Jan 8th, 2009 03:53:50 PM
I've seen most of the films thrown about for Best Picture, I don't know if this one should be inluded in the discussion. I mean, it was a good film, to be sure, but I don't feel it's the best of the year. I feel this picture is more of a showcase for the performances. And yeah, John Patrick Shanley's direction was nothing to write home about. I'd nominate Sam Mendes for Revolutionary Road over Shanley...
the oscar picks are becoming clear by bluetunehead	Jan 8th, 2009 03:57:42 PM
now that SAG, the WGA, the PGA, and the DGA have all announced their picks, i think it's safe to say that the five best picture/director nominees will include slumdog milk benjamin button frost/nixon and either dark knight or doubt the other 4 were picked by all of the above. Doubt was picked by SAG, who are the largest chunk of the academy, while Dark Knight was picked by the WGA, PGA, and DGA. I wouldn't be surprised to see Doubt and Dark Knight be split over the director and picture categories, with Doubt getting a Best Picture nod and Nolan getting a Best Director nod.
also by bluetunehead	Jan 8th, 2009 04:02:09 PM
Doubt was nominated by the WGA as well, but they nominated 10 movies over two categories, so they don't have to be as selective.
Show Darren Aronofsky some love! by Jordo	Jan 8th, 2009 04:03:19 PM
His work with The Wrestler was captivating. I'd sub him in instead of Howard or Van Sant. The rest are solid picks, though.
This is a great list. by tmanero	Jan 8th, 2009 04:06:24 PM
I have not yet seen Benjamin Button, but I loved all of the rest of the other films. What I like about the pack, this year, is that it seems like a true changing of the guard - sure, Ron Howard has been aroun forever and will get his typical recogition (not a huge fan, but I have to say Frost/Nixon is probably his best film, seriously), but guys like Nolan, Aronofsky, Fincher, and Boyle - these are some of the best newer filmmakers to rise up in the past 15 years. It almost seems surreal that there could be a huge Oscar between Fincher and Nolan, for christ sakes - true top notch filmmakers who have made their share of mainstream entertainment, but really have never compromised their visions. It's fantastic. But I'm kind of pulling for Boyle - Slumdog Millinaire is the best film of the past several years and the guy has just built up such a distinctive resume. 28 Days Later and Millions are really among the best in their respective genres. I have seen Slumdog twice and just got the soundtrack - the guy deserves his props!
Of course Doubt was picked by SAG... by Crimson King	Jan 8th, 2009 04:10:27 PM
It's a total actor's movie. I'm not saying it was bad otherwise, but that's obviously why it was a hit with the SAG folks...
4 way tie but van sant can suck it by logicalnoise01	Jan 8th, 2009 04:30:43 PM
he's too busy counting his money anyways.
rhcp2sweet: I also say go with Slumdog. by a goonie	Jan 8th, 2009 06:47:30 PM
But Milk is great, too. They're both among my favourites of the year. Sean Penn is absolutely amazing in Milk. One of his best performances ever, if not the very best. But in the end, Slumdog would be my top recommendation among the three flicks you mentioned. The approach to the narrative is so interesting and the kid actors are so engaging. It's a very special movie with real dramatic weight. I'd love to hear what you have to say about whatever you end up seeing!
Milk and VanSant noms are political correctness by catlettuce4	Jan 8th, 2009 07:01:52 PM
...nothing less, nothing more. The whole "proposition 8" thing means that all the "good progressives" in Hollywood think they they need to heap praise on this underserving film to show they don't hate gay people.
I just don't understand the TDK hype. by sonic3305	Jan 8th, 2009 07:13:22 PM
I must be the only person who thought it was only "pretty good." Everything with the Joker was amazing, the rest was alright at best. I can't BELIEVE the fever everyone has whipped themselves into over the movie.
Dark Knight by fassbinder79	Jan 8th, 2009 07:46:56 PM
Dark Knight Dark Knight
Fever whipped... by kaspianwithak	Jan 8th, 2009 07:54:58 PM
I'm not going to try and argue that the dark knight is flawless. Or say that all the other films are undeserving. But I'll say how I feel about it. To me, the Dark Knight was something I had never seen before. It was a combination of smart, deep story telling with a nearly relentless pace. And it was a Batman movie. Not just a superhero movie because that has been done smart before, a Batman movie. Whose predecessors are all camp (even Burton's original two). What I saw when I first saw the Dark Knight was something that I'd never seen before, had consumed every bit of material produced by the hype machine, and the movie held up. For me nothing I've seen comes close to being comparable. Slumdog Millionaire is the next best thing I've seen and it really is very similar to City of God. Dark Knight blew everything else out of the water. I'm sorry, but I've seen politically correct gay guy movie before(I'm sorry, the movie winks at me way too much to be taken seriously). Benjamin Button was a letdown. And Frost/Nixon was directed by Ron Howard.
So.... by kaspianwithak	Jan 8th, 2009 07:58:16 PM
I'm totally in favor of the Dark Knight winning. For me the movie wasn't overhyped. Now if they had nominated Rambo...
"And Frost/Nixon was directed by Ron Howard." by a goonie	Jan 8th, 2009 08:20:15 PM
Haha, kaspianwithak! I'm totally on board with you there. I think that comment pretty much sums it up. The more Ron Howard movies I see, the less I like him (and I never liked him all that much to begin with).
a goonie by Sgt.Steiner	Jan 8th, 2009 09:29:30 PM
I take it you haven't see "Frost/Nixon", or "Splash", or "Night Shift", or "Apollo 13". Oh, and "The Dark Knight", due to the bs backlash, has become slightly underrated, versus, say, that steaming pile known as "Slumdog Millionaire". Resist, I say, do not be hoodwinked, hornswoggled, or let it turn your brains into tapioca! MIA plus fantastical idiocy, sentimental shit for dialogue, stick figure characters, and obnoxious end credits, does not a great film make.
awwww.... by kaspianwithak	Jan 8th, 2009 09:32:17 PM
Let's ease off the slumdog hate, I've seen all of those movies (you should have mentioned the missing as well). And yes, they are good. But like one guy said earlier, imagine they were directed by someone with vision, instead of just passion for the story.
Sgt.Steiner by a goonie	Jan 8th, 2009 09:42:15 PM
I have seen Frost/Nixon and did not like it at all. Langella was very good, but I found Howard's treatment of the material to be very bland and obvious. The same goes for Peter Morgan's script. A big problem I have with Howard is that he so often paints his conflicts in sharp black and white. This isn't a terrible approach for certain stories, but I often feel that he is telling me what and how to feel, as opposed to allowing me do so on my own terms. With Frost/Nixon, I thought Frost was a bit of a douchebag. I didn't care about him, whereas Nixon was at least entertaining. But Howard kept bashing me over the head, reminding me that Frost is the underdog HERO and that Nixon is the VILLAIN. I have also seen Apollo 13 and Splash and agree that those are very good Ron Howard movies. I certainly do not think he is a terrible director in every way, just a very flawed one. But yes, Apollo 13 and Splash are the two best movies of his that I have seen. When I made my comment that the more Ron Howard movies I see, the less I like him, I was thinking of stuff like Ransom, Cinderella Man, The Missing, and especially The Da Vinci Code. And Frost/Nixon, too. I'm sure all of these movies have their fans (and The Missing does feature a brilliant performance by Cate Blanchett), but I do not consider them solid directorial achievements. I must admit that I have not seen Night Shift, though. So I better go and rent that. Thank you for the recommendation. And finally, I am a huge fan of Slumdog Millionaire, so we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. I love the idea of tying the character development and backstory to the main narrative thread. Plus, I thought all the kid actors were fantastic.
I take something back by ranma627	Jan 8th, 2009 11:57:29 PM
I rewatched the Wrestler earlier tonight and I love that film. So I take back what i said about it earlier. I think seeing Beyond the Mat, for the first time, then seeing the Wrestler a week later has made me discover a newfound appreciation for that film.
a goonie by Sgt.Steiner	Jan 9th, 2009 12:24:53 AM
I did get carried away with the hyberbole concerning "Slumdog Millionaire". Your response and critique was thoughtful and a nice change from the "I disagree, fuck you" type of comments.
Aronofsky got jobbed out~! by Super Rabbi	Jan 9th, 2009 12:31:58 AM
How sad. F4W~!
My thoughts on Slumdog by rhcp2sweet	Jan 9th, 2009 12:42:32 AM
Terrific film, and definitely Boyle's best from the one's I've seen (Trainspotting, Millions, 28 Days, and Sunshine) A truly heartfelt piece of work that puts Benjamin Button to shame in terms of character development and emotional depth. Fuck, I haven't truly felt for character in a film like that in some time. Next up I'll probably see Frost/Nixon tomorrow. Three cheers for being a college student on winter break!
Can they all win please? by spectrebeeyatch	Jan 9th, 2009 01:48:14 AM
I like them all but Aronofsky did make one of the better movies this year. So he should be there.
Oh btw stop with the bashing of Milk... by spectrebeeyatch	Jan 9th, 2009 01:51:09 AM
The movie is very strong! Great acting and a solid film. I understand some of you guys are scared of gays or whatever but chill out the movie is one of the best this year, it's just a long list this year so chill out.
Nolan or Fincher would be nice. by Motoko Kusanagi	Jan 9th, 2009 02:03:49 AM
Both are extremely talented visionaries.
Thanks for the friendly words, Sgt.Steiner! by a goonie	Jan 9th, 2009 02:41:13 AM
It is very nice to engage in a bit of back-and-forth discussion on AICN and not have it devolve into an immature screaming match. I love coming here to discuss movies and read what people have to say about them, but the "I disagree, fuck you" comments get pretty tiring. I look forward to swapping more opinions with you in the future.
I don't understand all the hate... by Crimson King	Jan 9th, 2009 04:39:06 AM
I mean, people here always bash guys like Michael Bay and Brett Ratner for trying to make a buck with every picture, but here comes Van Sant who tries to do something different with his films. Sure, he's made commercial fare with Good Will Hunting and Finding Forrester (and, shudder, the Psycho remake)...but regardless of whether or not you liked Gerry, Elephant or Last Days, you have to respect the guy for making films his own way and having the balls to pursue his own artistic goals. It's very hypocritical to suddenly hate on him just because you don't like the end results. And I saw Milk, and I thought it was a very very good movie, among the year's best. Do I think he should win for Best Director? I won't necessarily go that far, but I won't argue with his work being recognized this year. I'm not a big fan of Ron Howard's films. I like the guy. As far as I can tell, he seems like a cool guy. He says his way of approaching a film is to find what best serves the story, not necessarily imposing a specific style on it. I don't really have much of a desire to see Cinderella Man or The DaVinci Code (or Angels and Demons for that matter) or A Beautiful Mind...but I did see Frost/Nixon. And I gotta tell you, I truly enjoyed it. I can see how a goonie felt bashed over the head, but I'm pretty sure that Howard (and the writer) did a good job showing us that while Frost was the HERO...well, he was also kind of a douchebag. And while Nixon was supposed to be the VILLAIN...hell, he was pretty likeable in this movie. Frankly, though, the same argument made against Howard can be made against Christopher Nolan. As far as I can tell, his films don't have a distinct visual flair to them. I guess about the only thing I can tell is that he's kind of minimalistic in his approach to sets and surroundings. I know, The Dark Knight is this big, sprawling, epic tale...but still, I think you know what I mean. I know this may sound sacrilegious (sp?) to some of you, but this is coming from someone who absolutely LOVES The Dark Knight and has seen it many times. I'm not saying that Christopher Nolan isn't a talented director. I'm saying that a director's talent isn't necessarily measured by any kind of style that person possesses. Instead, I think, a director's talent should be measured by his or her ability to bring their vision to the screen. By their ability to bring all the elements together in order to tell us a story, to get us invested in that story. This is where Christopher Nolan excels. Ron Howard also possesses this talent, although to me it seems as though he's more interested in the accolades than his vision. I know Howard is capable of great filmmaking if it's something he's passionate about. Frost/Nixon is proof of this. I believe he made this film because he truly wanted to, and he told the studio he wouldn't make it without the actors that were in the original stage play. That says to me that this film was important to him, that it wasn't just about winning awards or making lots of money. That is why it is such a good film. I do agree with something someone else said, I believe it was boxcutter...Howard's gotta grow some balls. I do believe he's got the talent... Of course, that's all speculation, but that's how I feel about it. The other thing is that, well, shit, it's completely obvious, but no one takes this into consideration when stating their arguments...this is a completely subjective medium. Just 'cause you didn't like something, doesn't mean it's bad. And just 'cause you loved it, doesn't mean it's good. Sometimes you have to look past your own personal enjoyment to recognize what someone has achieved. No one here likes The Dark Knight just because they're supposed to. I don't watch it over and over and over again simply because I feel I have to. I'm drawn to it...it just so happens that there are many others it appeals to as well. And just because the masses like something, doesn't mean it's devoid of merit. David Fincher is one of my favorite directors working today. I guess I'm a little biased, but I've always enjoyed his work. He's one of those directors that knows how to tell us a story, but also has a sort of visual style that is present. In Benjamin Button he uses his talents to tell us a heartfelt tale about life and love and death. It's sad, it's happy, it's inspirational. It's quite unlike most of his other work. And it's interesting to see how his sensibilities actually work in favor of the material. I was moved almost to tears a couple times because some of it actually spoke to me. Ironically, I think the part that was supposed to be the most emotional is the part that kind of pushed me away. It didn't resonate with me like other part of the film did. I gotta tell ya...I LOVED Slumdog Millionaire. I absolutely loved it. I thought it was a wonderful movie. I bought into it hook, line and sinker. The story was great and Danny Boyle's choices as a filmmaker, I thought, were brilliant. They worked extremely well. The casting was spot-on. Yeah, it's a total feel-good movie, but I think it completely earns it.
Damn...sorry for the long-ass post... by Crimson King	Jan 9th, 2009 04:42:46 AM
It was supposed to be broken up into paragraphs. So much for that.
TDK by The Alienist	Jan 9th, 2009 08:50:18 AM
Even A.O.Scott in the New York Times, after giving it a rave, came back to comment..."hey, its just a very very good superhero movie." He went on to indicate how these films have intricate flaws within their very structure that keep them from becoming great films. I totally agree.
What are those intricate flaws? by Crimson King	Jan 9th, 2009 09:08:05 AM
Explain...
As far as acting awards go this year.... by Desk of Steel	Jan 9th, 2009 12:15:29 PM
I think Benicio Del Toro is getting the shaft this year. He should be nominated for "Che". Is it the fact that it's not in 2500 theaters?
Don't understand Ron Howard's nom... by JimCurry	Jan 9th, 2009 12:48:54 PM
Those two actors carried the movie, in roles they've played about 800 times before. Howard pointed the camera and shot. Aronofsky not getting a nod is ridiculous.
HELL YES by purplepurple	Jan 10th, 2009 09:59:22 AM
TDK is gonna be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Its happening.

Talkbacks

Directors Guild Of America Does The Expected, Nominates Fincher, Boyle, Nolan, Howard and Van Sant!

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks