spy thriller. At times love-story and at times a dramatic tale of World War II Chinese resistance fighters, she anchors the story and it is at the moments when she sinks into the background and plays the emotion of the time and culture that Tang is at her best. She is my pick for a nomination, and the film should not be ignored.
Also strong is Laura Linney in “The Savages.” Despite two previous Oscar nominations, she is still remarkably under-rated and perhaps she will cement her place in Hollywood with a win. Not likely this year, yet in this film she stars opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman in a family drama about their father convalescing. Sometimes the Academy is drawn to a strong actress in strong material.
Also deserving attention are Julie Christie for “Away From Her,” the best film from the first half of 2007, and perhaps the whole year. The aforementioned Keri Russell in “Waitress” will hopefully be ignored. The film was trite and her performance one-note. And she was apparently out shopping for a nod, attending a screening for her film six months after its release. Note to stars, if you’re gonna promote a film, make sure it is not schlock.
KEN TARR is a student at Santa Monica College, an actor and writer and is also taller than 99 percent of the population. He telepathically or at
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.