WHILE WAITING FOR “LUST, CAUTION” TO START A couple nights ago at the Pico Landmark Theater, I was trying to mind my own business by reading a magazine. I looked up to realize that Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Keri Russell (“Waitress”) were talking amidst a sea of handlers and assistants.
A pair of Russell’s would-be bailiffs asked me for my seat at the bench I was ever so casually reading my magazine at and I politely refused. Who the heck is Keri Russell anyway? Both women seemed to be talking just loudly enough to be overheard going on and on about their “upcoming projects” and musing over their little ones. I realized then what many have already realized: Celebrities are annoying.
Becoming one makes you aloof, it makes you feel the need to pretend to be normal and makes you reliant on weirdo assistants who really would do anything for you but be genuine. That kind of lifestyle is abhorrent to me. Employing someone so willing to please that they would be subservient to a B-lister for the sake of being able to say they work for a Blister seems pretty sad. These “celebrity” women seemed so painfully aware that the theater staff was at their beck and call and that passersby were intrigued by their mere presence. It also occurred to me that unless you are hugely famous and recognizable that it is remarkably self-indulgent to have handlers and assistants. Being an assistant or a handler also seems so “All About Eve.” It reeks of false-idol worship to boot. I welcome any assistants or handlers who would like to comment on their job and role in the entertainment business to drop me a line.
TOLD YOU SO As I predicted, “Fred Claus” came in at a disappointing $19 million last weekend. The film should stay around for a while, and should eke its way to a minor profit. It will be interesting to see if people go to “Mr. Magorium’s,” “Enchanted” or “Fred Claus,” the only true Christmas film of the season. The next two weeks will need close monitoring. “Beowulf” should take home over $40 million this weekend. “Hitman” is also slated to be released nation-wide along with the Coen Brother’s “No Country For Old Men.” These movies might just hit the mark that “Claus” so obviously missed.
Is it me or is this Thanksgiving/Holiday season extremely lacking a sure-fire box-office hit or crowd pleaser of any kind? There may not be a film that crosses the $200 million mark this Holiday season. If only one reaches $200 million, that would be the first time since 2004.
AND NOW SOMETHING SERIOUS I am preparing my reading audience for a relevant Iraq War picture. Brian DePalma, one of my favorite directors, has just completed a film dubbed “Redacted.” The film is based on actual embedded journalists’ accounts of the Iraq War. Rather than coming off as disconnected and exploitative as many recent Iraq films have been, the film is supposedly very realistic and part of the reality rather than a separate skewed version of it. The film will be very controversial and may be the one that gets people’s attention, critical acclaim and awards consideration. It is already riling up many conservatives and war-veterans for its “nontruths” and “non-reality.” Maybe they didn’t see the previous war films, but it’s about time someone tries to make a statement about the war rather than white-washing it.
LADIES IN THE LEAD Let’s talk about the best actress race shall we. Marion Cotillard whose portrayal of Edith Piaf in “La Vie En Rose” is the only guaranteed nomination. Though “Elizabeth” was a train-wreck, Academy favorite Cate Blanchett should still be receiving her mandatory nomination. Thanks to the film’s failure, Blanchett should definitely not win. Ellen Page, the pregnant teen that everyone roots for in this season’s presumed little engine that could, “Juno,” will also receive a nomination.
Previous winner Halle Berry will be shut-out for “Things We Lost In The Fire.” However, previous winner and three time nominee Nicole Kidman deserves to get one of the two remaining golden tickets. In “Margot at the Wedding,” she exhibits dry humor and plays a dark and complex role. It is a good turn for her and should break her out of her protracted film funk.
So now, I the Film Scoundrel will point out myriad contenders and tell you who I am rooting for. Wei Tang, the awesome actress that stars in “Lust, Caution” is unforgettable. Despite her simple, girlish looks, she brings an all-knowing presence and craftiness to this three-hour
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.