Author: Bill

I'm just the idiot in the back row of the theatre, hopefully enjoying things just as much as you. If so (and even if not), let's talk about it

Busting Ghosts by Shooting them in the Goddamned Face – Winchester

Dear readers, I regret to inform you all that the beloved Helen Mirren has become the latest victim of the studio-dump-horror-film-for-a-quick-paycheck abyss, starring in the newly-released Winchester, which, I shit you not, revolves around the ghosts of gunshot victims being "saved" by being shot... again. Strap yourselves in. The Aussie-American project features Mirren as Sarah Winchester, … Continue reading Busting Ghosts by Shooting them in the Goddamned Face – Winchester →

Oscar Gold 2018 – Sound Editing

First things first, a lesson in category distinctions. Today we're focusing on Sound Editing, which previously had the more clear name of Sound Effects (Editing). What this means is that this category awards the artificial sounds, particularly the sound effects done in post-production, recorded by a foley artist. This is different from the other sound category, … Continue reading Oscar Gold 2018 – Sound Editing →

Oscar Gold 2018 – Adapted Screenplay

The screenwriting categories are among my favorites, y'know, being a writer and all. And there's an interesting dichotomy in results between the Original and Adapted Screenplay awards. Since 2000, half of the Adapted Screenplay winners have gone on to win Best Picture. Conversely, only five Original Screenplay winners have won the top prize in that … Continue reading Oscar Gold 2018 – Adapted Screenplay →

Oscar Gold 2018 – Best Supporting Actor

The Supporting Actor category is always one of the more fun ones. It's one of the few "major" Oscars that really takes all comers. At times I've honestly wondered if they should change the name to Best Character Actor, because it truly allows for great performances and character development, because the supporting roles are by … Continue reading Oscar Gold 2018 – Best Supporting Actor →

Watching People Walk Many, Many Miles in Each Others’ Shoes – Hostiles

After its debut at the Telluride Film Festival in September, Scott Cooper's western odyssey, Hostiles, earned critical praise and got a limited release in late December, just before the deadline for Oscar eligibility. Unfortunately, after a month-long marketing campaign, the film was released nationwide today after being shut out of the nominations. After spending the afternoon … Continue reading Watching People Walk Many, Many Miles in Each Others’ Shoes – Hostiles →

Daniel Day-Lewis Reaps What He Sews – Phantom Thread

With just a few days to go before Oscar nominations come out, it's fitting to take a look at a film that is likely to pick up a few nods come Tuesday. The eighth film from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson, Phantom Thread has been available in "select cities" (i.e. Los Angeles and New York) for a … Continue reading Daniel Day-Lewis Reaps What He Sews – Phantom Thread →