10 Reasons to Love Patricia Clarkson

Today is Patricia Clarkson’s birthday. This list is in honour of that. For some reason, she is incredibly underrated and lesser known, so hopefully this list showcases to the world why she is deserving of much more recognition. Happy Birthday! 

1. She is long time friends with Stanley Tucci. And anyone who is friends with Stanley Tucci is a-okay in my books. 

                               

2. The “Motherlover” SNL short, which can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0DeIqJm4vM&ob=av3e

3. It is impossible to take your eyes off of her in the beautiful film, Cairo Time. Her charisma and ability to light up a scene is breathtaking, especially for someone who isn’t typically a leading lady. 

                                  

4. She plays the coolest mom in one of the best movies of 2010, Easy A. 

5. Her versatility. Whether she is playing an eccentric hippie in Six Feet Under, a cancer patient in Pieces of April, or a shrink in Lars and the Real Girl, she always creates full, interesting characters. 

6. Her signature golden locks. If this isn’t a mane to be jealous of, I’m not sure what would be. 

                              

7. She certainly ascribes to the Stanislavsky philosophy of, “there are no small parts, only small actors.” She often plays small parts, but makes the most of each one. It keeps her current and in high demand. 

8.  She was inspired to become an actress because of Ingrid Bergman, who is equally as lovely, talented, and feminine. 

9. Most of her films are independent ones. She is a big supporter of indie films and filmmakers. 

10. She has an old Hollywood glam style that she perfects with ease and grace. Her beauty is natural. 

                                      

My Take on My Week With Marilyn

My Week With Marilyn follows a young hopeful, Colin Clark, as he falls in love with Marilyn Monroe while working on the set of her film “The Prince and the Showgirl.” He, like the rest of the world, becomes enchanted with her. The film is pitch-perfect as a period piece, capturing the late 1950s. The clothes were alluring, the hair and make-up were spot on, and the set design was encapsulating. 

The film is based on a diary account written by Clark during his time spent with Marilyn. This gives way to many private moments between the two of them. The director, Simon Curtis, uses this to its full potential. During many a scene, I felt like I was witnessing something that no one was meant to witness. It was all very seductive, just like Marilyn herself. The seductiveness was only interrupted once another character interrupted it. For me, these moments were the ones that made the film special. To add to this, the direction and cinematography were skillfully done.  A lot of soft light and appealing colours made the film very delicious eye candy. It is a true ode to the beauty that was Marilyn. 

There is a lot of Oscar buzz surrounding Michelle Williams’ performance. Albeit, it was good, but there was something missing. At times, I was completely absorbed, and other times, she missed the mark. It seemed wooden. On the other hand, this film had a strong supporting cast. First of all, WHERE did this Eddie Redmayne come from? He is the cutest thing. Wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, he was wonderfully cast as Colin. When he was excited, I was excited. When he was heartbroken, so was I. Perhaps he fell into his role more easily than Michelle Williams because he wasn’t the one playing Monroe, but at the same time, he deserves a lot of praise for his performance. Judi Dench and Emma Watson also give lovely performances. Their onscreen time is short, but memorable, which is often a hard feat to accomplish. 

For me, this film was less about Marilyn Monroe, and more about the questions the film left me with. Was Marilyn forced into her persona, or did she choose it? Did she do anything to stop it, or did she perpetuate it? Or maybe a bit of both? She wished to be thought of as a real actress, and not just a pretty face. This was something she never truly accomplished. Now, here we are more than fifty years later, and actresses still face these same challenges.  It is sad to think that not much has changed. 

homage to my hips by Lucille Clifton

these hips are big hips. they need space to move around in. they don't fit into little petty places. these hips are free hips. they don't like to be held back. these hips have never been enslaved, they go where they want to go they do what they want to do. these hips are mighty hips. these hips are magic hips. i have known them to put a spell on a man and spin him like a top

I spent a good part of the week writing an essay about this poem, comparing it to another. One of two things happen when writing an essay - you either end up hating what you're writing about, or you end up loving it. This time, it is the latter. There is something about this poem that is so simple, but it says so much. She doesn't skirt around the fact that she has big hips - she announces it in the first line of the poem and it is empowering. She is not ashamed of them, because there is nothing to be ashamed of. That is what more girls should realize.  Yes, she is talking about her hips, but she is also talking about being a woman. She will no longer conform to patriarchal society's ideas ("little petty places") about how she should look or act ("these hips are free hips"). I really can't help but smile by the end of this poem. It sends a great message and was written with so much precision and power. Good on ya, Lucille Clifton. 

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

I sit here writing this blog basking in my post-Wizard of Oz glow. Last night was the first screening of TIFF Bell Lightbox's program TIFF in the Park. The summer-long program consists of free outdoor screenings at David Pecault Square beside Roy Thompson Hall. This summer, the chosen theme is musicals, which is of course, my absolute favourite theme! Last night, filmies and families alike gathered around to watch the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. You know, Toronto gets a bad rap sometimes - we are often called a dirty, rude, and dangerous city. But the fact of the matter is, I love that we can screen The Wizard of Oz outside in the very heart of downtown, steps away from King Street. It doesn't get much more wholesome and delightful than that.

For me, The Wizard of Oz is one of those movies I always forget how much I love watching. I am a huge Judy Garland fan (not surprising, I know) and I love seeing her baby-faced and innocent in her break out role as Dorothy. She is almost sickeningly sweet, but that is the appeal. Garland pulls it off because she is so bright eyed and believable. She really does just want to get home to Kansas and we are pulling for her every step of the way.

My obsession with Judy Garland aside, it is a film that has aged very well. I was amazed at how beautiful the Technicolor looked on the big screen. It was delectable. Munchkinland and Oz come to life through saturated greens, yellows, blues, and reds. Seventy years later, The Wizard of Oz is still a visual masterpiece. The Wicked Witch's puffs of smoke, the horse that changes colours in Oz, the Yellow Brick Road, and even as small a detail as the red sand in the Wicked Witch's hourglass, all jump off the screen and add to the fantasy and whimsy of the film.

Nearing 11:30 last night, the film finally came to a close. The ending is my favourite part. Dorothy is tearful as she bids farewell to her new friends, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. With his recently gained heart, the Tin Man exclaims "Now I know I've got a heart, 'cause it's breaking." For the record, that line caused the entire audience to utter a collective "awww!" - so who says Torontonians are cold? All in all, it was a fabulous evening spent with fabulous people and I can't wait for next week's screening of the French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Catherine Deneueve at her best!). See everyone there!

Odd Couples

Friends are awesome. So are movies about them. However, not all pals go together like peanut butter and jelly, or Thelma and Louise. Some movies are about how opposites attract when two completely different people develop a most unlikely bond. These are my ten favourites of this unsung sub-genre!

Up
No one does the odd couple flick like Pixar. Whether it's Buzz and Woody, or Dory and Marlin, Pixar has it down pat. My favourite, though, is Carl and Russell in the lovable Up - a crotchety old man who has lost his beloved wife and an adventurous young boy who needs a friend. Together they soar through the sky in a house lifted by balloons, coming across adventures along the way. The reason Up works so well is that Carl is everyone's grandfather and Russell is everyone's little brother. Both characters are so tangible; we all know people just like them. It is a pairing we'd all like to imagine happening in real life. Is there anything more endearing than watching an old person and a little kid enjoying each other's company? I doubt it.

About a Boy
This is Hugh Grant doing what Hugh Grant does best. He plays Will, a curmudeonly, rich Brit who thinks "every man is an island." On the other end of the spectrum is Marcus, played by Nicholas Hoult. He is a nerdy, sensitive kid who gets teased at school. Long story short, Will joins a single parents support group (despite not even being a parent, let alone a single one) to meet damaged, attractive women. Karma decides to have a sense of humour and Will ends up meeting Marcus, who is the son of one of the women in the group. At first Will is reluctant, but soon begins to warm up to Marcus and they develop a relationship that seems genuine and mutual. This is a movie about what we can learn from each other. Sounds cheesy, but coming from an adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, it has all the wit and charm one could want in a movie.

Midnight Cowboy 
For all you youngsters, this one's a classic. It stars Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, as two outcasts trying to make it in New York City. It's a heartbreaking story, but one worth watching. It goes to show that you can find a friend when and where you least expect it. Both actors are extraordinary in their roles. Not to mention, it is a blessing to see Dustin Hoffman pre- Meet the Fockers. Equipped with a killer theme song sung by Harry Nilsson, famous lines, and an ahead of its time perspective, Midnight Cowboy is a total must-see.

Ghost World 
Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi form the odd couple in Ghost World. Thora Birch plays Enid, the clichéd indie girl with a chip on her shoulder. Just graduated from high school, she is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Steve Buscemi plays Seymour, a social outcast who collects records. They cross paths through a practical joke and begin an uncomfortable, co-dependent friendship. This movie is definitely the least warm and fuzzy of the bunch, but it is not without its charm. In the end, there are no life lessons, no everlasting bonds, and no real conclusions. Instead, there is a string of quirky characters, hilarious social commentary, and a true to life script.


Harold and Maude
This is my personal favourite of the group and a movie I hold very near and dear. It is about Harold, played by Bud Cort, who is a young adult struggling to find a reason to live. He goes to funerals as a hobby. Maude, played by the wonderful Ruth Gordon, is an 80-year-old eccentric. She goes to funerals to celebrate life. As fate would have it, they come together and share a short, only-in-the movies kind of romance. In essence, Maude teaches Harold how to live and appreciate each day. While it carries a sentimental message, the film also has a dark humoured edge. Beautifully directed by the wildly underrated Hal Ashby, Harold and Maude is the perfect rainy day, life affirming movie that should be in everyone's DVD collection. Not to mention, the killer soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

Half Nelson
It is no secret that I love Ryan Gosling. My sixteen year old self got him to sign my copy of The Notebook at TIFF and it is now a prized possession. Half Nelson is his Oscar-nominated role as a lonely, rough around the edges teacher in an inner city high school. One of the girls he teaches, played by newcomer Shareeka Epps, catches him in a sticky situation. With their shared secrets, they find a much needed friend and confidante in one other. I like that this film doesn't go into the creepy, affair with a teacher territory - it is simply about two people helping each other through difficult times. This is probably the least known, smallest film on the list, but it is a quiet gem worth seeking out.

Driving Miss Daisy
Who doesn't love Morgan Freeman? Let's be honest, he is the human equivalent to sunshine. For those of you who haven't seen it, Driving Miss Daisy is the story about an old Jewish woman, Daisy, (Jessica Tandy) and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke, (Morgan Freeman) in the old time American South. At first, Daisy is weary of Hoke and racial tensions run rampant, but over the years, Daisy leans on Hoke more than she would have ever expected. Their friendship ascends race, gender, and class, which makes this film such a special one. We've all seen the themes before, but Driving Miss Daisy does it with more heart than any of them. It is probably your grandma's favourite movie, but that isn't always a bad thing!

Hearts in Atlantis
With the novel written by Stephen King, one can expect this film to be a bit odd and spooky. While not a horror, it certainly has a subtle eeriness throughout. It takes place over a summer in the 1950s, when a strange man moves into the apartment above a boy and his mother. Anthony Hopkins is perfectly cast as the mysterious Ted Brautigan who speaks of yellow men and being watched. Bobby, the young boy, spends a lot of time with Mr. Brautigan over the course of the summer and in between does a lot of growing up. With the help of his new friend, Bobby becomes aware of the dangers of the world, but also the beauty of it. For me, this film sums up the nostalgia of childhood summers and coming of age.

Knocked Up
Plain and simple, this movie makes me laugh so hard I almost pee. Also plain and simple, Knocked Up is about what happens when a one night stand ends up in pregnancy as written by Judd Apatow. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl play as the odd couple who are brought together by the miracle of life. If nothing else, Knocked Up gives all the Seth Rogens of the world hope that they, too, can have sex with the Katherine Heigls of the world. That being said, the two of them have an amazing amount of chemistry and you can't help but want them to live happily ever after. With a hilarious supporting cast and a clever script, Knocked Up is the one to grab if you need a good laugh.

Big Business
Everyone who knows me knows exactly why I picked this one so I won't even try to lie about it. I picked Big Business because of Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler. These two funny ladies play identical twins switched at birth. Before Lindsay Lohan did it in Parent Trap, Lily and Bette play their own twins. One twin of each pair was switched at birth and given to the wrong parents. It is too confusing to explain further so you'll just have to watch it for yourself. I will admit, Big Business has no artistic merit and it is as cheesy as any other 80s movie, but it is a fun romp through New York City with two of the greatest comediennes of all time. What could be bad about that?

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With my list completed, I can safely say that for me, the appeal of these movies are their ability to make us believe that true friends do exist. They are positive examples of the important roles we play in each other's lives. Whether it is through comedy or melodrama, each of these movies make us wish we had friends like the characters we are watching. And if you're lucky, you do have friends like Maude, Hoke, Russell, and all of the others I've mentioned.

Guilty Pleasures

As soon as anyone discovers I'm a film nerd, they instantly ask "What's your favourite movie?" This is a near impossible question for me to answer. I usually go into a long-winded response about why it is such a difficult decision for me. I have heaps of favourite movies, but more importantly, I have heaps of categories to classify all of these movies. I have my favourite comedy films, horror films, classic films, chick flicks, tearjerkers. Then there are the films I like for whatever personal, biased reason, and films I like because I am a film student.

Last night I went and saw the latest romcom (get over it - I use terms like romcom) No Strings Attached. It has instantly gone onto my guilty pleasure list. The films on this list are movies I'm embarrassed to admit to loving; movies that can't really be classified as serious art. They are the films I can't resist when I see them on television even though I've seen them a million times. They are the films that pick me up after a rough day. These films are like old pals. A very good friend once told me, "don't be afraid of the things you like" - and this post is about that sentiment. I am no longer living in fear. I am ready to tell the world about the awful movies that I think are just plain awesome. 

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) 

For some reason, this movie cracks me up. After a slew of pathetic Kate Hudson movies (Fool's Gold, My Best Friend's Girl, Bride Wars, Raising Helen) - this movie reminds me of everything I loved about her in Almost Famous. She is charming, cute, bubbly, and lights up a scene. As for Matthew McConaughey - he is a little less obnoxious and sweaty than usual, and I'm okay with that. The two leads have believable chemistry, and by the end, I'm really just rooting for them to live happily ever after already. 

Look Who's Talking (1989)

For me, this is the quintessential lazy Sunday movie. It is probably lingering in my mind because I just re-watched this a few weekends ago. It is one of those movies that I've watched a million times on TV since I was a little kid. When I was a kid, the novelty of a talking baby was hilarious to me. Since then, my comedic tastes have matured, but I still get a kick out of it. I love the camp, cheap gags, and 80s hair. And just for the record, Kirstie Alley was such a bombshell! 

Beaches (1988)

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I absolutely adore Bette Midler. And by adore, I mean I am obsessed with her. I've always loved her, but when I saw this movie at thirteen, it really kick started my love affair with the Divine Miss M. Let's be honest, it is the ultimate chick flick. I have seen this movie probably more times than any other movie. There are just days in life when I really need a Beaches fix. I make all of my friends watch it - of course none of them understand, but that is why this movie is on such a list! Also, Beaches has my favourite terrible movie line: "Hilary, what's yodeling got to do with it?!" If that isn't guilty pleasure gold, I'm not sure what is. 

Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

This is one of those movies that I end up watching every time I catch it on TV. I love the crazy characters Elisabeth Shue and company encounter throughout their pilgrimage. As implausible and outrageous and silly as the entire premise is, I can't help but get sucked into the awkward teen years it personifies. I laugh every time Cris's friend loses her glasses and calls panicked from a pay phone - and ends up mistaking a rat for a kitten. Hilarious!

Uptown Girls (2003)

Who doesn't love a precocious little kid? There's been tons of them in movies, from Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon to McCauley Culkin in everything. One of my favourites, though, is Dakota Fanning. She took everyone by storm in her debut in I Am Sam.. and since then, she's been winning over my heart as a quick witted, jaded tween. Of course, those days have past, but I like to fondly remember them once in awhile by watching this cutesy flick. By the way, I am totally down with any movie that has a cheesy diegetic music video about Sheets of Egyptian Cotton. 

Serendipity (2001)

Plain and simple, John Cusack has been the perfect guy since Lloyd Dobbler in Say Anything. Why are there not more John Cusack characters in the world? Honourable mention goes to Molly Shannon for being hilarious, as always. 

The Craft (1996)

During the mid 90s, teen witches were all the rage. This movie revels in its awfulness and I love every second of it. I have watched this movie on TBS many an evening and I still enjoy it to no end. How many of you legitimately tried "light as a feather, stiff as a board" after watching this? Everyone? Totally. 

Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999)

Who hasn't fantasized about getting revenge on that one mean, jerk of a teacher? Teaching Mrs. Tingle is about exactly that. It is great to see Helen Mirren letting loose and playing such a lousy role, but bringing tons of gusto into it. She plays cunning and manipulative so damn well! I can't help but watch this movie a few times a year. It is just an unadulterated, ridiculous good time. 

Honourable mentions: White Oleander, Crossroads, Elizabethtown, Stir of Echoes, Hearts in Atlantis, Now and Then, Death Becomes Her, Meet the Fockers, Jawbreaker. 

This category will probably call for another blog post in the near future, but for now, I am satisfied with my list. All of this being said, I hope I have inspired you guys to pull out those dusty DVDs, grab your nonjudgmental friends and watch a few of your own guilty pleasures. 

The Golden Globes 2011

Today is Blue Monday - apparently the saddest day of the year. I can attest to this only because I am suffering from a Post-Globes low. The Golden Globes being over is just a realization that I still have over a month to wait for the Oscars. That being said, I can nurse my depression by reliving last night's festivities through a blog post.

I am sick of hearing everyone complain that The Golden Globes are a joke. Of course they are a joke. Everyone knows they are a joke. You don't watch The Globes for acknowledgment of serious art. And I'm okay with that. The Globes are a night for awkward presenters, drunken speeches, and ridiculous nominations. It isn't as legit as the SAGs, as artsy as the ISAs, or as serious as the Oscars, but that's why The Globes are so much fun!

After a year without red carpet action, I am celeb-hungry and love every second of the fashion hits and misses. These are my picks for best and worst dressed.

Best:

Angelina Jolie

The colour is amazing on her! She looks so old Hollywood glam and I love every inch of it. She doesn't need to show off tons of skin to be oh-so-sexy.

Anne Hathaway

This is more glamorous than I have ever seen Anne Hathaway look! I love the glitz of this dress. She seems to be loving life and that makes me happy. 

Eva Longoria

She is perfect. This is so elegant. Putting anatomy and likeliness aside, I want to have her babies. 

Worst: 

Michelle Williams

You are so cute and talented. Why would you do this to yourself? WHY?

Christina Aguilera

Albeit I hate her and am extremely biased.. but what was she thinking? This has zero class. I am super grossed out by this entire look. 

Halle Berry

This is a nightie, not a dress you wear to an award show! An ugly nightie at that. We know you have a hot bod, you don't have to show us every inch of it. And those shoes? So cheesy. 

I had two major fashion surprises last night. The first being Emma Stone: 

I love the dress - simple and classic. The colour is peach perfect on her. And who knew she was such a bombshell? I love when the smart, funny girls clean up to look like this! She gives me hope. 

My other surprise was Helen Mirren: 

Usually, she is such a GILF. Can I use that term? Either way, she is a stunning woman - charismatic and glowing. However this look does not do it for me! The dress fits strangely and the neckline is awful. And the hair and make-up just don't do her beauty justice. I was disappointed. 

Now onto the awards.

I know there is a lot of backlash for Glee and cast winning a lot of the major awards, but I am happy for them. The thing with Glee is they are all so happy for the success of the show. There isn't an ounce of jaded Hollywood-ness to them and that is extremely endearing. Was there a better moment last night than Chris Colfer winning his first award? It was darling! I loved Lea Michele crying in the audience during his speech. It melted my little black heart. Jane Lynch winning makes me ecstatic because I have been a fan of hers for years. I am so glad she is finally being recognized for her comedic genius. It is long overdue. I was, of course, rooting for Modern Family to win Best Comedy Series because overall it is a much better show, but if Glee is the alternative, I can't complain. 

I was happy with all of the major acting awards. I didn't have much investment in the Best Supporting Actor/Actress categories. However, I love Melissa Leo being recognized because she is phenomenal in everything she does. I'm glad we got to see a crazy Christian Bale speech. For the record, I am so relieved and thrilled and elated that Natalie Portman won Best Actress. I knew it was coming, but there's always that second of doubt before the winner is announced. I have loved her since her early days in movies like Anywhere But Here with Susan Sarandon. She is so adorable and oozes with talent. I was thrilled at Colin Firth's win. It is making up for his loss to Jeff Bridges last year (don't get me wrong, Bridges deserved it). His speech was cute, mentioning how his wife can get him through any age as long as they are together. Awwww, Colin! I like to dream that is speaking to me.. no big deal. 

While I don't necessarily enjoy The Big Bang Theory.. (I KNOW, leave me alone already), it was fun to see Jim Parsons, the nerd of all nerds win. It was even more fun to see Kaley Cuoco's reaction. That made me warm and fuzzy inside. She was possibly more excited than he was. I actually like seeing how co-stars react more than the actual winners. Those moments are some of the only genuine moments in Hollywood. Another genuine moment of the night was the audience giving Michael Douglas a standing ovation. I liked his quick witted "There must be an easier way to get a standing ovation!" - it was a really good moment for me. 

I truly think Darren Aronofsky got robbed last night. Was The Social Network really that great? I think it deserved Best Screenplay.. but beyond that? Eh. I want a movie that makes me feel something; a movie that makes me think. The Social Network was just a solid, straightforward film. I'll be interested to see how it fares at the Oscars. It is a really tight race right now. That being said, I think Aronofsky 100% deserved Best Director. And where were the Coen Brothers in that list? What a sham. I know I said the Globes are a joke and I am okay with that... but there were people and films left out that I can't ignore. Why was Easy A not nominated instead of The Tourist, Burlesque, Alice in Wonderland, or Red? I also think The Town and True Grit were worthy of nominations somewhere. 

I loved Ricky Gervais last night. He goes too far and I love every line crossing, shameless joke. It is Ricky Gervais - people must know what they are getting by now. So everyone should just relax about it. I loved his jokes about The Tourist - "3D was big this year.. everything except for the characters in The Tourist" - I mean, come on, that's clever! I liked his jab at Tim Allen - even if it was an easy shot. I liked the "Sex and the City 2 didn't get nominated.. not even for special effects for the airbrushing of that poster!" "Ashton Kutcher's dad - Bruce Willis!" I'll be honest, a lot of it really cracked me up. 

All in all, I thought it was a pretty good evening. Nothing too outrageous, but it wasn't a snooze fest either. The evening was a little more calm for me because Meryl Streep wasn't presenting or nominated. That means I could kick back and relax more than I usually do. It was a nice break for the both of us, I'm sure! 

Until the Oscars 2011!