My obsession with Philip Seymour Hoffman knows no depths. Not only is he one of the greatest actors ever, he’s also stone-cold sexy. That strawberry-blond hair. Those searching, blazing eyes. The fact that he frequently appears in his underwear…
Okay, wait. I’ll get back to the point in a second. Hold on.
The POINT is that when I first saw ads for the upcoming film “Doubt,” I was all over it. A morally complex movie with religious overtones that may or may not have a gay subtext starring Meryl Streep and the sexiest man on the planet? I’m there!
Except then it was Christmas Day, and I realized (quite rationally, I think), that maybe “Doubt” wasn’t the best kind of film for that particular day off. We all remember last year’s “Sweeny Todd” debacle and how depressing that was. No, for this holiday, I would leave the choosing of the film up to my friend Mark, upon whom I forced the throat-slicing barber last Christmas. I knew he wouldn’t want to sit through a depressing period film that dealt, at least in part, with gay persecution.
He called me Christmas Day: “Let’s go see ‘Milk’!” So much for my theory.
Mark, his boyfriend Ben, and I all settled down in the back row of the theater to take in the story of Harvey Milk, the true story of California’s first openly gay elected official. I knew three things about the movie going into it: 1. I knew Harvey Milk was assassinated. 2. His killer used something called The Twinkie Defense – blaming his violent tendencies on junk food – to try to get off, and 3. That Sean Penn was likely to irritate me. I have liked Penn in the past, but my bafflement as to why people enjoyed “Mystic River” in general, and Penn’s hammy overacting in particular, has left a stain on my moviegoing psyche.
As such, I really had no interest in seeing this movie. It struck me as Important, and Necessary, and I usually delve into those waters when it’s Oscar season. As the credits began to roll, I wished for the relatively simple year when I went to go see the “King Kong” remake on Christmas.
And then … something changed. I was unprepared for the movie to explicate right at the beginning that Milk was shot. Having that information right up front should have bogged the film down, but instead it renders Milk’s assassination as a fact that we understand and absorb, so that we can better focus on the story.
It’s a terrific story, too, one with which I have only had a passing familiarity. I’ve never been a particularly political fellow, and growing up in the 90s with Barney Frank in Congress, it never really sunk in to me how important and revolutionary Harvey Milk was to gay rights. There’s a point early in the film when a gay man is killed and the cops, who seem to care, refer to the dead man’s companion as his “trick.” (Because cops know the lingo, see.) Milk explains that no, that was his lover of many years, not a trick. And the cops sort of shrug that off.
That resonated with me, as did the way Harvey Milk sort of stumbled into politics. He did it because to not do it was intolerable. Sometimes I forget what a damn struggle it has been – even in my lifetime – to simply be who you are if you happen to be gay. The movie takes on these issues but never gets lost in them. The story remains about the man more than the message, and as such never gets the chance to be preachy. Sean Penn, to my amazement and delight, disappears into his role. He’s so effective that at points it’s easy to forget his tragic end; the film is so oddly uplifting that the assassination seems almost beside the point. (The fact that it’s not comes crashing down in the final violent minutes of the movie, and by that point, you’re conditioned enough to be actually shocked.)
My friend Alonso has commanded that I now see the documentary, “The Life and Times of Harvey Milk,” which is now on my forefront of Things To Watch. I’ve never been all that into gay politics, but given the current state of political homophobia, maybe I should be.
Along the same lines of things you’re not supposed to discuss at dinner parties, we move from politics to religion. The Saturday after Christmas, I journeyed downtown, bought popcorn and a sodapop, and treated myself to “Doubt.” Based on the trailers, I was expecting a movie entirely centered around Philip Seymour Hoffman’s priest character and his inappropriate dealings with an altar boy under his tutelage. Instead, what I got was a morally complex story that may or may not have to do with the priest and the boy at all.
At the heart of the movie is Meryl Streep as the Mother Superior of a school she rules with an uncompromising hand. She is used to being right, or at least she is used to being considered right. Her students and the teachers under her watch follow her rule unquestioningly, which she likes just fine. She might never admit that – she would explain that she is simply following her faith – but being right is at the core of her character. She is unused to being wrong, and unfamiliar with changing her stance once she takes one.
This proves dangerous for Philip Seymour Hoffman’s priest character, whose entire being represents change. She doesn’t like him from the start, and as the film progresses, we wonder more and more whether Streep’s character is actually holding true to her convictions, or whether she simply cannot stand to be wrong.
The movie is full of strong performances. Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman are at the top of their game – I would be stunned if both didn’t garner Oscar nominations. But maybe it’s because the movie is based on a play that they seem to KNOW they’re at the top of their game. The performances are never over the top or Oscar-grubbing, but it often seemed to me that these were Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman delivering knockout performances. Whereas Amy Adams (in the role of a young nun who looks up to Streep’s character) and Viola Davis (playing the mother of the young boy in question, whose role is contained in a single, brilliant scene) never seem to be performing. They steal the movie with acting that never seems like acting, raising the movie up from An Oscar-Worthy Triumph to a watchable, engaging film that is still lingering with me. There’s some obvious stuff in it – light bulbs break and winds gust in at important moments, and the film’s final line seems awkward and too Broadway for a movie – but on a whole, “Doubt” impressed me almost as much as “Milk.”
If you’re a fan of quality films – or just seeing stuff before the Oscars are nominated so you can brag about being a Serious Film Buff – go see both of these movies. You won’t regret it.
Now, when’s that new “Wolverine” movie coming out?
This is hilarious (not). This is one of the Cheetah Girls? Adrienne Bailon has cracked the short nude sex photo scandal silence.
Adrienne allegedly snapped these photos for her boyfriend, Robert Kardashian, and they were allegedly stolen from her laptop when her computer went missing for a few hours at a New York City airport. It was later returned.
I found it funny at the post at perezhilton.com saying that this was Vanessa Hudgens all over again and that Kim Kardashin Probably took these photos hereself! Visit that link to read Perez Hilton’s opinion on it. You can also see the unscensored photos at that link.
Meanwhile, on his 47th birthday, Sen. Obama talked of his father with Men’s Health editor Dave Zinczenko.”I would like to think that most of the issues related to my father have been resolved,” he said.
“Somebody once said that every man is either trying to live up to his dad’s expectations or make up for his dad’s mistakes. And I’m sure I was doing a little bit of both,” the candidate said. “But I feel that somewhere in my late 20s or early 30s I sort of figured out what his absence had meant.
“It is part of what I think has made me a pretty good dad. … There’s no doubt that it has contributed to my drive. I might not be here had it not been for that absent father prodding me early in life.”
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Definitely can relate to Obama’s stance on having an absent father.
I wish I could ask Obama what he would of done if he were me?
Loosing a father at the near age of 13, being told by your dad his identity wasnt real, describes the family to you as a kid but doesnt say the name, then Boom your Dad Dies.. Then your told that your dad was a Capone, and that he didnt want any part of his fathers legacy… Then.. You Grow up and want to know more.. To understand it All.. Its all really hard to digest.. and has affected my sis and I very much so.. What would you do?
Obama would you do as much soul searching as I have done? Would you tell the world your families secret?
Serious… Curious.. Hope I can ask you someday in person.
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Here is something interesting on Michelle, Obama’s Wife..
Michelle Obama is invited to visit the grave of slave kin in South Carolina
Tuesday, October 14th 2008, 8:44 AM
Lassig/AP
Michelle Obama has been invited to visit the grave of one of her ancestors on Friendfield plantation, formerly owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt.
One of Tower’s great-great-grandfathers was ferry and railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and one of Michelle Robinson Obama’s great-great-grandfathers was Jim Robinson, who was born a slave in 1850 at Friendfield in Georgetown, S.C.
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) – An adorable talking dog remained just the sort of escapist movie hero audiences wanted after a week of awful economic news.
Disney’s family comedy “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” with Drew Barrymore providing the voice of the pooch, was the No. 1 flick for the second-straight weekend with $17.5 million, raising its 10-day total to $52.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is the only light comedy in a market heavy on drama. Chuck Viane, Disney’s head of distribution, said movie-goers may be turning to the perky pooch to help forget the market free-fall on Wall Street.
“This is only word-of-mouth coming back to us from theaters. I don’t have any statistical proof. But they’re telling us we’re getting more unaccompanied-by-children adults coming on their own. They’re looking for a little entertainment,” Viane said. “The axiom we’ve always lived by is funny is money. People come out for comedy. They love to sit back and let someone give them a couple of hours of escapism.”
The weekend’s No. 2 flick — the fright film “Quarantine,” which debuted with $14.2 million — filled the escapism needs for the horror crowd. The Sony Screen Gems release centers on a contagion that turns an apartment building’s tenants into flesh-hungry monsters.
BOX OFFICE TOP 10
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
“It’s probably the perfect kind of movie for today’s climate,” said Rory Bruer, Sony head of distribution. “Let’s just get away from the news, from all that’s going on, and go someplace else, and this is something that’ll take you someplace else.”
The marquee trio of Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott had to settle for third-place with their terrorism thriller “Body of Lies,” which had a $13.1 million debut. The Warner Bros. film centers on a CIA operative hunting the terrorist responsible for bombings around the world.
“Body of Lies” may have dealt with too sober a topic after all the disastrous financial news, said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros.
“I think we ran into really difficult timing. The nation suffered such an economic loss this week that the mood of our audience was such that they were probably looking for a little more escapism than to see a movie on terrorism,” Fellman said.
The weekend’s other new wide releases, Universal’s football drama “The Express” and 20th Century Fox’s family fantasy “City of Ember,” opened weakly.
“The Express” — starring Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid in the story of Ernie Davis, the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy — came in at No. 6 with $4.7 million.
“City of Ember,” with Tim Robbins and Bill Murray in a post-apocalyptic adventure set in an underground realm, took in $3.2 million to finish at No. 10.
Keira Knightley’s historical saga “The Duchess” climbed into the top 10 as it expanded nationwide after three weekends in limited release. The Paramount Vantage drama, which stars Knightley as an 18th century aristocrat stuck in a loveless marriage, pulled in $3.32 million to place No. 9.
Two British movies started well in limited release. Guy Ritchie’s London crime romp “RocknRolla” opened with $141,000 in seven theaters. The Warner Bros. release features Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton and Tom Wilkinson heading an ensemble cast.
Mike Leigh’s “Happy-Go-Lucky,” a Miramax release starring Sally Hawkins as a woman whose eternal optimism is continually challenged, premiered with $80,000 in four theaters.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
LOVE ELLEN… Whatever happened?? I thought you guys where thinking of having me on your show? I would love to have the chance to share my story with the world on your show !! SERIOUS… xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
September 19, 2008 | Posted at 5:53 PM
My Political Point… And I Do Have One
You know how usually I talk about cell phones or kitty cats or cheese pizza… well, this is sorta like that… without the cell phones, the cats, or the pizza.
There’s a California Proposition on the ballot that’s a little confusing. It’s Proposition 8. It’s called, “The California Marriage Protection Act” — but don’t let the name fool you. It’s not protecting anyone’s marriage. Not yours. Not mine.
The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It’s like if someone asked you, “You don’t want dessert, right?” But you do want dessert so you say, “Yes,” which really means you don’t want dessert. And if you say, “No,” which means you do want dessert — it sounds like you don’t. Either way, you don’t get what you want. See — confusing. Just like Prop. 8.
So, in case I haven’t made myself clear, I’m FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right — please VOTE NO on Proposition 8. And now that you’re informed, spread the word. I’m begging you. I can’t return the wedding gifts — I love my new toaster.
It has been one month since I have launched my memoir Son of Scarface, at my grandfather’s past home in Miami Florida. I have put some pictures up on http://www.sonfofscarface.com/ a few of the event. The event was small, close friends and family; my world class genealogist was present and gave a short presentation on her search of my father’s assumed identity. Close friends of my father were able to make it. And most importantly my sister and I were able to go to a place that has been an important part of our lineage, this experience allowed us to become closer to our father’s memory. We viewed this experience as more of a memorial for our father then a party. It was quiet, peaceful and a closing experience. Would like to say Thank you to the owner Hank for allowing my sister and I to use his home.
Over this past month I have received quite a few responses from my readers. I would like to say Thank you for your support and interest in my story. Also I would like to say Thank you to the people who have shared with me your childhood traumatic life experiences. A few I will mention here, one young man recently shared with me his experience of witnessing his father’s brain’s being blown out right in front of him as a young boy. Another individual recently shared with me her experience of being continuously beaten for no reason at all by her father who was under the influence of alcohol for the majority of her childhood. Another individual shared with me his experience about searching for his biological father after learning late in life after the death of his mother, that the father he had known his entire life was not his biological father. Another individual confided in me that his father sexually abused him as a child and the effects it has had on his life. In hearing these stories from my reader’s I have realized that in sharing my story with people I have opened a door for people to talk with me about their experiences. I am very pleased to feel that people are getting the message I am trying to send in my memoir, and that is it is ok to talk and share your experiences. I have found that many human beings have bottled up their experiences, thus becoming programmed in a way where their life decisions, level of self esteem and or ambition definitely has been altered. I hope that more people continue to share their experiences with me; I find comfort in listening, sharing and supporting another human being through their traumatic memories. I definitely believe that life is about reprogramming yourself to live your life differently with a new outlook.
With regard to the Capone side of my story, I would like to say thank you to those who have contacted me who are of the lineage. Some of the conversations have been pleasant, accepting, affirming experiences for me. Some have left more questions, and some have caused some unpleasant emotions for me. I have learned some very interesting and untold bits of information that I am sure in time will be revealed.
