Shutter Island

I just saw Shutter Island and LOVED it! I was really surprised. I went into the film not really sure whether Scorsese would be able to pull-off this type of psychological thriller, but he did an amazing job! The film is based on a novel by Dennis Lehane (author of Gone Baby Gone and Mystic River). It was adapted by Laeta Kalogridis and directed by Martin Scorsese. Every aspect of this film seemed to come together seamlessly. Everyone really did an amazing job. It is sure to get many nominations at the 2011 Academy Awards. I especially liked the art direction. I have not actually read the book, but my roommate has. She told me that watching this film was one of those truly rare and amazing experiences. Everything happened just as she pictured it in her head as she read it.

The casting in this film is absolutely amazing. I do not want to give too much away by commenting on specific characters, but I feel like there were extremely powerful performances even for the smallest of roles. I felt like Patricia Clarkson especially did a really wonderful job, but the most surprising and most phenomenal performance came from Leonardo DiCaprio. As time has gone by, he has really just gotten better and better. Something seems to happen when he and Martin Scorsese work together. Every film (Gangs of New York, the Aviator, the Departed, Shutter Island) seems to create a completely new and better performance.

I would definitely recommend this film, and I would definitely recommend to see it on the big screen if you can. It is definitely a must-see!

Dream Cast Thursday! Romeo and Juliet

This week's Dream Cast Thursday is Romeo and Juliet. There have been many adaptations on film. My two favorite adaptations are Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet (1968) and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet (1996). While recasting, I tried to not just choose English actors. I feel like this has happened a lot in the past (after all, Shakespeare was English). I feel like it is really important to remember that the story takes place in Verona.

In the 1968 adaptation, Romeo was played by Leonard Whiting. In the 1996 adaptation, Romeo was played by Leonardo DiCaprio. For my remake, I chose an actor of Spanish and German descent. I chose Daniel Bruhl.

In the 1968 adaptation, Juliet was played by Olivia Hussey. In the 1996 adaptation, Juliet was played by Claire Danes. In my remake, I chose an English actress. I chose Gemma Arterton.

In the 1968 adaptation, Tybalt was played by Michael York. In the 1996 adaptation, Tybalt was played by John Leguizamo. For my remake, I chose an Italian actor. I chose Filippo Nigro.

In the 1968 adaptation, Mercutio was played by John McEnery. In the 1996 adaptation, Mercutio was played by Harold Perrineau. For my remake, I chose an Italian actor. I chose Riccardo Scamarcio.

So what do you all think of my cast? Who would you cast in your own adaptation?

Revolutionary Road

I just saw Revolutionary Road and absolutely LOVED it! I was a little disappointed. As some of you may know, when the movie was first announced two years ago I was extremely excited about the Kate and Leo reunion. I found out that the film would be an adaptation of the novel of the same name and went online trying to find out something about what the film would be about. I accidentally happened upon a full synopsis of the book and read it before I realized that it would give the full plot. This was a major disappointment. Those of you that know me know that I hate it when endings are ruined for me.

This, I soon realized upon actually seeing the film, was a minor setback. Although the story and plot were amazing, the power and depth that the entire cast (but especially Kate and Leo) brought to their characters and to every scene is something that could not be ruined by a synopsis. This was definitely a character-driven film.

I encourage everyone to see this film and all films nominated for Oscars. I always have much more fun watching if I fill out a ballot first. I recently made a list of all the films that I still have to see before the Oscars and will be reviewing them here. Also, if anyone has any films recommendations that were left off of the nominations list, please put them in the comments.

The Golden Globes 2009

The other night I watched the Golden Globes with my roommate, Brittany. I couldn't help but notice several things...

1. Seeing Mickey Rourke now makes me sad.

2. Kate and Leo are no doubt having an affair.

3. Drew Barrymore is back on the sauce.

4. No matter what Colin Farrell does, he will always be adorable.

Let me explain. I am a huge Mickey Rourke fan. I must admit that I was originally drawn to him because of his undeniable hotness is some of his early works. He is of course undeniably a wonderful actor. I don't mean to take say that he isn't, but let's face it. He was gorgeous. What happened. There was something so sad about his acceptance speech (watch in high definition if you can) last night. Am I the only one that felt this way? Parts were so moving, but so sad at the same time.



Okay, the second thing that I noticed isn't exactly as serious at the first. And perhaps I am exaggerating the facts because I am way too much of a fan of Titanic. I can't help it. Ever since it came out, it has been one of my favorite films. I am also a huge Kate Winslet. I am so happy that she might finally win an Oscar. I must say that her acceptance speech (watch in high definition if you can) for her role in Revolutionary Road was my absolute favorite part of the entire night.

I don't really think that my third comment is really news to anyone. I couldn't find any clip of her and Jessica Lange. I am pretty sure that someone gave her tons of coffee and told her to sit still and smile so that she could then shown every couple of seconds during Steven Spielberg's speech in the hopes of cleaning up her image.

Lastly, as always, Colin Farrell is absolutely adorable no matter what he does. At one point while presenting an award he had a little sniffle and then adorably said that he just had a cold and wasn't sniffling for the reason that he used to. I love when people can get their act together and are able to laugh about themselves. This wasn't his most adorable moment. I would have to say that his acceptance speech absolutely clinches his adorable status.

I of course could go on and on about the golden globes, but am sure that no one seriously would want to read it. Does anyone else have and thoughts on these four observations? Does anyone have anything else that they wanted to add? Any Oscar guesses?

Currently Reading for Pleasure:
Suite Scarlet by Maureen Johnson

Currently Reading for Class:
The Professor's House by Willa Cather
and
Oedipus Rex

Currently Watching:
Rome Season Two

Currently Listening to:
Anything Goes by John Barrowman