The device that the novel “War Horse” and its subsequent theatrical and film adaptations uses to give that bird’s-eye (via a horse) view of WWI is unique, clever and effective. It makes it palpable for an expansive audience and allows the viewer to touch on multiple aspects of the event. So why hasn’t someone done the same for these, our modern wars?
Where is Iraq and Afghanistan’s 'War Horse?'
Posted by Roth Cornet · 8:55 pm · November 30th, 2011
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Are you there, Fox? It's me, 'Margaret'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 3:38 pm · November 30th, 2011
Kenneth Lonergan’s long-delayed sophomore “Margaret” has emerged from nightmarish post-production difficulties to emerge as one of the year’s very best films, but distributor Fox Searchlight isn’t even sending out awards screeners for the little-seen title. A critic-led online petition is hoping to change that.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Corey Stoll to read Hemingway's letters, primed for a Best Supporting Actor surge
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 1:13 pm · November 30th, 2011
“Midnight in Paris” star Corey Stoll has always been a lurking possibility for Best Supporting Actor recognition this year. But as of late, things seem to be heating up for him. After nailing down an Indie Spirit nomination Monday, it has been announced that he’ll be reading from Ernest Hemingway’s letters at a Kennedy Library event in Boston.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Streep defends subjective politics of 'Iron Lady'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 12:33 pm · November 30th, 2011
Meryl Streep’s turn as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” is already winning awards, but as the film’s politics come into question, the actress claims it is, to some extent, a work of fiction.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Santa Barbara fest to honor Viola Davis as 'Outstanding Performer of the Year'
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 11:29 am · November 30th, 2011
Viola Davis gets a nice feather in her cap on her march to an Oscar nomination for her work in “The Help.”
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
The Lists: Top 10 films about the movie business
Posted by Guy Lodge · 8:39 am · November 30th, 2011
With “The Artist,” “Hugo” and “My Week With Marilyn” all released this month, nostalgia for the old-fashioned nuts and bolts of moviemaking would appear to be one of the season’s dominant themes. We join in with 10 of the best films about the business, including the likes of “A Star is Born,” “Mulholland Drive” and “8½.”
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Oscarweb Round-up: Oswalt stealin' spotlights
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 7:55 am · November 30th, 2011
In today’s round-up, Patton Oswalt steals another spotlight at the Gotham Awards, Lou Lumenick explains how the NYFCC vote broke down and Jesse Eisenberg sues a tiny movie.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Seth Rogen weighs in on James Franco’s Oscar hosting stint
Posted by Roth Cornet · 6:03 pm · November 29th, 2011
Seth Rogen assesses some of the Academy’s missteps and raises some salient points about his “Pineapple Express” co-star’s stab at emceeing the ceremony.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Film Independent spotlights the right stuff in Independent Spirit Award nominations
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 9:57 am · November 29th, 2011
The Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced this morning, and they showcased some of the absolute best in cinema this year.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
'The Artist' wins Best Picture, Best Director from NYFCC
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 9:14 am · November 29th, 2011
The New York Film Critics Circle has completed voting on this year’s list of film superlatives, and given the profiles of films like “Moneyball” and “The Tree of Life” a boost in the process. But it was “The Artist” that walked away with the goods.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Oscarweb Round-up: Paging 'Moneyball'
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 5:41 am · November 29th, 2011
In today’s round-up, Sony brings the “Moneyball” train back around with an LA Q&A, “Hugo” looks to be in it for the box office long haul and Harvey Weinstein starts making the press rounds.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Martin Scorsese embraces 3D beyond the realm of 'Hugo' and fantasy
Posted by Roth Cornet · 10:26 pm · November 28th, 2011
Martin Scorsese once again paves the way for the future even as he honors the past with “Hugo” and his embrace of 3D technology.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Remembering the madness of Ken Russell
Posted by Guy Lodge · 7:40 pm · November 28th, 2011
Back in July, I had the rare privilege of seeing Ken Russell’s grandly insane 1971 film “The Devils” in all its restored glory on the big screen — little knowing the director soon would be returning to the conversation for sadder reasons.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Focus Features has a big night at the Gothams
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 6:16 pm · November 28th, 2011
The Gotham Awards were held this evening in New York and… it’s a tie for Best Feature!
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
'Tree of Life' easily tops Sight & Sound's Best of 2011 poll
Posted by Guy Lodge · 1:45 pm · November 28th, 2011
Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” was named the year’s best film by a comfortable majority in Sight & Sound magazine’s poll of 100 international critics. Does this bode well for upcoming critics’ awards?
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
The unexpected legacy of 'V for Vendetta'
Posted by Guy Lodge · 12:54 pm · November 28th, 2011
The sinister Guy Fawkes mask from “V for Vendetta” — both the graphic novel and the film — has recently been re-appropriated as a symbol of protest by political and environmental demonstrators, and its creator, Alan Moore, is pleased with that.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Off the Carpet: Critical condition
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 12:29 pm · November 28th, 2011
The Gotham Awards this evening and the NYFCC vote tomorrow signal the start of the precursor awards season. What needs a boost?
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
Oscarweb Round-up: Sneaking 'Zoo'
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 7:03 am · November 28th, 2011
In today’s round-up, Cameron Crowe’s “We Bought a Zoo” screened for the public, Ralph Fiennes talks his directorial debut, “Coriolanus” and THR rounds up this year’s actress hopefuls.
Filed in: HitFix · In Contention
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